Album Review: Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2 (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

For whatever reason, I somewhat dragged my feet when it came to giving the new Marilyn Manson album/follow-up to 2024’s One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 a try. It could’ve had something to do with the initial single, “Exit Wound,” not really striking a chord with me. But as with any good ugly duckling, there’s usually more than what’s on the surface.

As soon as I sat down and really gave this latest effort my full attention though, I suddenly “got it.” Eerie album opener “Unalive” instantly brought me back to the days of listening to earlier Manson albums in my youth, as did the likes of “Don’t Answer the Door,” “You Can’t Die Young,” and “All The Vilest Things” (my personal favorite).

I do kind of miss Marilyn Manson “The Band,” as everything sort of feels like a solo album now rather than a group effort. Longtime collaborator Tyler Bates and drummer Gil Sharone are the only other actual musicians listed here in the credits, which is somewhat disappointing to see, knowing that Tim Skold is now back in the band now as well and hoping for more of an actual “reunion.” (Though I suppose it is possible he re-joined after the album’s completion.)

I can’t say I don’t “get it” though; Manson has been dragged through the mud, and I’m sure his guard is fully up at all times these days (hence the name of these last two albums, which actually allude to character assassination, not the actual thing). At least we’re still getting a Manson somewhat on top of his game though.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Airbourne – Self-Titled (Spinefarm Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

When Airbourne first emerged via Australia in the late 2000’s, I was pretty excited they might properly carry the torch for hard rock music; although it hasn’t quite always gone that way (at least not yet), I’m always happy to hear when they release new material, and their latest self-titled effort (their first album since 2019) is no exception. Seven years is plenty of time to come up with new material though, and these guys from down under indeed used that time to their advantage.

One of the first glimpses fans got of new music here was in the form of “Christmas Bonus,” a bit of silly piece, but fun nonetheless. “Kid In A Candy Store” and “Who Put The Rhythm In You” definitely invoke the band’s inner AC/DC, but it’s huge sing-a-longs/homages like “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out),” “Here She Comes,” and “Sky High” that truly deliver the goods here.

It’s also interesting to note the band recorded the album directly to tape, and on a console that also captured the likes of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo in their prime. While such things may not make or break an album per se, it does add another bit of respect for the band here. A worthy contender for any serious fans of rock music.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: The Rolling Stones: Foreign Tongues (Polydor/Capitol)

By: Jesse Striewski

Granted I gave the previous Rolling Stones effort Hackney Diamonds a so-so review upon its release in 2023, so my initial reaction to hearing they had yet another new full-length coming out was not exactly that of excitement. But not since 1994’s Voodoo Lounge (the first Stones album I ever actually “bought” on my own when it was newly released) has one of their albums made me sit up and pay so much attention.

“Rough and Twisted” kicks the album off with typical Jagger-Richards fare, though merely serves as a marker for better things to come. And indeed it does; “In the Stars” and “Jealous Lover,” the album’s two singles so far, are easily some of the best songs the band has put out in decades, and it’s a damn shame you won’t be hearing them put into rotation alongside any of their classic hits (God forbid radio stations actually support new music anymore from the bands they play. But hey, gotta save room for “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” at least a dozen times a day!)

“Divine Intervention” and “Ringing Hollow” are some more of the memorable tracks here, while “Hit Me in the Head” and bonus track “Bad Luck Hideaway” each feature previously-recorded work from late drummer Charlie Watts for likely the final time ever.

Sure, there may be a filler track or two found on it, or even some songs that perhaps linger on a little longer than they need to – but overall, Foreign Tongues is another solid effort from a band that’s long since been masters of their own craft; give it a spin if you’re as tired of hearing “Start Me Up” as I am, yet still hold an appreciation for the likes of one of rock’s greatest acts ever.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Bolan – Gargoyle of the Garden State (earMUSIC)

By: Jesse Striewski

Often times when a musician attempts to go solo and step out from the main act they’ve always been known for, the results can be a bit of a let down. Such is not the case with Skid Row bassist (and one time Rewind It Magazine interviewee) Rachel Bolan, who has long since possessed the chops to go out on his own. (One needs to look no further than Skid Row’s 1992 cover of the Ramones track “Psycho Therapy” with Bolan on lead for an early example of this.)

I knew the moment I heard the first single “At War with Myself” (featuring Danko Jones) from his debut solo album Gargoyle of the Garden State, that I was hooked, the song reverberating in my head for days after.

From then on its one hard-hitter after another with Bolan enlisting the likes of fellow musicians such as Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt (“Jet Black Universe”), Slipknot’s Corey Taylor (“Big Stick”), and S.R. bandmates Snake Sabo (“See You on the Other Side”) and Scotti Hill. (“Rock and Roll Star.”)

Does it have its weak spot or two? Sure. But those looking for some fast, ’70s style proto-punk should be pleased here. (Not to mention this will likely serve as the closest we’ll get to a new Skid Row album anytime soon.)

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Lockhart – City Pulse (High Roller Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

When Lockhart first emerged on the scene with their debut EP a few years back, I knew they were instantly filling a gap I had no idea I needed prior in the world of melodic AOR hard rock music.

City Pulse expands what they had started on that original release, the opening/title track quickly taking listeners on what feels like a continuous ride through the dark, verboten underbelly of any given major city that includes a music video that fits alongside of it perfectly.

Holdovers from the first EP such as “Just Can’t Wait” and “No Chance in Heaven” sound newly polished here, while the album’s second single “Can’t Shake It” is a catchy pop anthem that gets stuck in your head for days, featuring bassist Jason Junop’s Cauldron bandmate Ian Kilpatrick on lead guitar.

In short, what Lockhart are doing is nothing short of phenomenal; it’s the type of music that makes one want to scream from a mountain top to all those wasting their time on so many other substance-less acts out there to just stop. Indeed, there’s something better out there for all of us, you just have to seek it out and find it – in this case I only wish there was more of it.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Exodus – Goliath (Napalm Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

I’ll be perfectly honest, I never really gave the Rob Dukes-era Exodus too much time of the day until I finally caught this version of the band live at last year’s Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona. (Needless to say, I was pretty much won over.)

On their first effort with Dukes at the helm since 2010’s Exhibit B: The Human Condition, the band brings on the standard thrash, fast and strong just like they’ve always been known for. From album opener “3111” to closer “The Dirtiest of the Dozen,” Goliath is filled with (mostly) bangers, sans a few uber tough-guy moments that tend to lose some interest. (See, “Hostis Humani Generis.”)

That’s not to say it doesn’t field some of its own epic moments, namely “The Changing Me” (featuring Hypocrisy’s Peter Tagtgren), and the seven-and-a-half-minute epic “Summon of the God Unknown.” Definitely material for a very specific audience here.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Album Review: Rave In Fire – Square One (High Roller Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

Truth be told, I’m always on the lookout for more talented, up-and-coming metal bands that check all the right boxes. Madrid’s Rave In Fire certainly get the job done (despite the fairly cheesy cover of their second full-length effort here), delivering solid tracks often in the same vein as Dio, Scorpions, or early Iron Maiden.

The instrumental “Prologue of a Delirium” sets things up nicely before “Dark Poison” and “Crown of Stars” each take respective command of their listeners. Other highlights such as “Untiring Eagles” and “Knightwalker” set a perfect tone in their own right as well.

In a genre with such a vast, already-established history such as heavy metals,’ it’s not always easy to stick out from the rest of the crowd. But when you’re authentic and paying tribute to what’s come before without completely ripping it off or becoming just another cliche/parody (plus when each of your two female members have the ability to turn a head or two – sorry, but ultimately I’m still just a guy!), it’s hard not to take some notice. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store in the near future for this act indeed.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Album Review: Megadeth – Self Titled (BLKIIBLK/Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

By: Jesse Striewski

To be perfectly honest, several recent personal factors have made the writing process just a tad on the difficult side for me as of late, to say the least (call it what the old-timers used to if you like – writer’s block). But I had hoped that a showing of the limited-release film Megadeth: Behind The Mask, in which the band’s history is chronicled in full and their seventeenth and final studio album, simply titled Megadeth, is revealed, would be enough to snap me out of it, if only for a short time. Thankfully I was right.

I had been following the singles leading up to the release of their historic last magnus opus as best as I could. “Tipping Point” and “Let There Be Shred” were likable enough, while “I Don’t Care” felt a little too juvenile and forced (though the video is on the fun side).

But once you dive in, there’s way more to discover and like, albeit still the occasional filler track or two. Highlights include “Obey The Call,” the extremely relatable “Another Bad Day,”and possibly my favorite of the bunch, “I Am War,” which reaches anthem-like epic proportions. “The Last Note” makes for a fitting grand finale, while a bonus track cover of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” is frontman Dave Mustaine’s ode to his own past.

I could feel a wave of sadness coming over me as I knew the end was approaching though; not only at the thought of saying goodbye to a band that has been there throughout so many fond memories during my lifetime, but at the thought of an old friend and fellow fan of mine, whose recent passing not even two weeks ago hit me like a ton of bricks (remember those “personal factors” I had alluded to earlier?) Still, I’ll forever be grateful for the time I’ve had with both. Thanks for everything Dave, and see you on the other side, Daniel.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Stryper – The Greatest Gift Of All (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

By: Jesse Striewski

With Christmas just days away, it felt like as good of a time as ever to finally sit down and give the all-new Stryper album dedicated to the season, which came out roughly one month ago now, a fair try.

The Greatest Gift of All gives longtime fans of The Yellow and Black Attack what they’ve always wanted; a full album of traditional and original Christmas numbers with a rocking edge at a time when the world can surely use them.

While I’ve never been too big of a “Little Drummer Boy” fan, tracks like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Joy to the World” still hold up well, and the likes of “Still The Light” and “On This Holy Night” are hard not to like here.

Admittedly I may not be the prime example of a practicing Christian by any means, but I’m trying to do better in my older years now. And with all the evil lurking out there in the world these days, it’s not such a bad thing to get a little holy now and then.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Album Review: Testament – Para Bellum (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

I didn’t expect a new Testament album on my list for “Best of 2025,” but Para Bellum – the band’s first release with new drummer Chris Dovas – is easily within the top five.

From start to finish, Para Bellum is a relentless assault on the senses that never lets up. “For the Love of Pain” introduces the world to the band’s said latest member appropriately, while “Infanticide A.I.,” “Shadow People,” and “Witch Hunt” all keep the momentum going.

But there’s a couple stand outs here that need to be mentioned; “Havana Syndrome” is pure metal greatness, while “Meant to Be” is epic in all of its seven-plus minute glory. Metal fans rejoice, Testament are keeping the flames lit here indeed.

Rating: 4/5 Stars