Post by rtbuck on Mar 19, 2008 9:38:09 GMT -5
HELLCITY 13
Label: BALE Entertainment
Review by Bucky for Rock n Roll Universe
“Now You’re Playing with Power!” was the slogan Nintendo used back in 1985 when they released their home video game system that crushed the old Atari 2600. Back then while shooting villains at Hogan’s Alley or knocking out King Hippo in Mike Tyson’s Punch Out I was always cranking out the great sounds of the 80’s music with Motley Crue, Hanoi Rocks, Dogs D’Amour, Guns & Roses, Billy Idol, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Sisters Of Mercy, Lords of the New Church…etc. These memories returned immediately after I loaded the debut album by Hellcity 13 into my CD player. There is definitely a cool 80’s influenced sound throughout the entire CD which shows hints of Hanoi Rocks, Billy Idol, & the Sisters of Mercy all blended nicely to give the listener a great new sound that should go over well with the millennium generation. As I said, the 80’s influenced the sound but in no way is this an 80’s retro CD. Hellcity 13’s sound is fresh & is shooting forward taking no prisoners. Keyboardist, Mr. Kess creates a dark orchestrated feeling on songs such as “In Love With Love”, “Dead End”, “Is Anybody Out There”, & “My World has Stopped”. The lead vocals on the CD by Mika are superb & what makes Hellcity 13 special is how well 2nd vocalist Susannah uses her vocal talents to compliment Mika’s voice. The 2 voices blend together nicely especially on the opening track “In Love With Love” which is probably the strongest track on the album & should be a sure fire hit with its dark keyboards, catchy rhythm, stinging guitars, & over the top vocals which ends with a chilling solo vocal by Susannah on the last line. My favorite track is “American Psycho” as it kicks ass both vocally & musically complete with a killer rhythm by bassist JJ Hjelt & drummer Pitka, razor sharp guitars courtesy of LL Stud & Tommi Mikael, & the vocals(especially on the chorus)which kind of revisits the Hanoi Rocks classic “Motorvatin’”. Susannah & Mika have a great exchange of vocals over a heavy melodic rhythm on “Shortcut to Hell” which is another great track.
Overall the CD is great all the way around & the final song “My World has Stopped” is a great ending to the CD as it is a well written song that features Susannah & keyboardist Mr. Kess performing a ballad that would make
Ann Wilson proud.
www.hellcity13.com/
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Bucky
thanks again 