Voices Of Extreme
Break The Silence

I do realize that this album came out almost a year ago, but it just recently found its way to me.

Given the bands name, I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are so many terms that are used in metal, like say “extreme” that are used in a plethora a ways, and usually overused to describe things. How extreme was this actually going to be? If you couldn’t tell this is the first time I’ve listened to anything by the band, and I’m sure what I’ve mentioned above has already been brought up a million times.

The album starts off really strong, with four solid AOR/hard rock tracks. The highlight of the entire album is lead singer Don Chaffin. Although not original, these first four tracks are very catchy in their own regard. From the Chris Cornell influenced Damned, to the mid-tempo Tell Me What it Takes, to the nu-metalish Apocalypse, to the title track Break The Silence. After that however, the album falls into a generic lull. The final track Sorry is alright, but the rest in between is lacking the catchiness the first four tracks bring to the table.

Chaffin has a very strong voice; he channels everyone from the aforementioned Cornell, to Fastway era Dave King. It’s a shame that his voice is relatively unknown, even with Dan Spitz and Nicko McBrain attaching their names to the band at different points in time. I would definitely recommend checking out the first half of the album, and deciding for yourself.

Rated: B-

During this episode we interview Rane and Jason from Kings of Modesty, as well as Cory Proctor from Free Reign and the Dallas Cowboys. These interviews were conducted roughly a month ago, and originally were going to air on Mars Attacks Radio. But around that time, we made a conscious decision to listen to the feedback we were receiving, and switch the format so that the radio show is more of a music oriented show, and the podcast (which was launched around that time) became an outlet for the interviews that are conducted for the show. Sans the odd live show, like last week, we will adhere to this format for the foreseeable future. In any event thanks to all of you that listen on a weekly basis to the radio show, and to those of you that have been making the podcast very successful!

That said, let’s get back on track here, Kings of Modesty discuss the making of their full length album, the recording of their previous EP with Emppu Vuorinen from Nightwish, what it was like to tour with Tarja Turunen and Michael Schenker, as well as their desire to bring Kings of Modesty to North America among other things. On the Free Reign side of things, Cory discusses the differences with playing on stage as opposed to on the field, the process behind recording the band’s first full length album and their EP Tragedy, what it was like to take part in the Golden Gods ceremony a few weeks back, and how difficult it is at times to balance life, football, and music.

Other items discussed:

Samuel Hjelt, Raino Simoinen, Henrik Tuura, Mikael Hjelt, Jason Flinck, Faces of Modesty, Kings Of Modesty, Nightwish, Emppu Vuorinen, Hell or Highwater, Jere Putkisaari, Tarja Turunen, Michael Schenker, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, John Petrucci, Nicko McBrain, Scott Rockenfield, Chipster PR, MSG, Impelliteri, Rainbow, Dream Theater, Amazon, iTunes, CD.com, Free Reign, Dallas Cowboys, Cory Proctor, Super Bowl Shuffle, Mark Colombo, Leonard Davis, Justin Chapman, Alex Gerst, Indian Trails Recording Studios, Vinnie Paul, Dave Lombardo, Joey Jordinson, Taylor Hawkins, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth, Mercedes Lander, Kittie, Steel Panther, Carrot Top, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Gretch, Pearl, Sabian Cymbals, Granada Theater, Orange County Chopper, Dave Mustaine, Lemmy, Pantera, Creed, P.O.D., Golden Gods, Tony Romo, Tragedy, Taylor Hawkins, Bullet For My Valintine, Nub Graphix, Heavier Than Metal.com, Goldengodsawards.com, Journey, House Of Blues, Byron Davis, Doc Coyle, God Forbid, Bill Meis, Chip Ruggieri, Jen Farhood

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