White Trash Cowboys - White Trash Cowboys, self-released
Good god. I know the idea behind this type of music is to have fun, but even the fact that Ratt’s Bobby Blotzer produced this album doesn’t help. It sucks. Seriously, it’s almost unbearable. It’s like they’re going for a mix of Kid Rock’s heavy rap-rock moments and, believe it or not, the Chicago Bears during their “Super Bowl Shuffle” debacle. Tracks like “No Better,” “Dumb White Kracker” and “Hey Numbnuts!” just make me want to hit the eject button, so I think I will. Ridiculous. (Dale Lammers)

Alex Beyrodt’s Voodoo Circle - Self Titled, Blistering Records
It’s only February, but THE guitar album of the year may already be here. Voodoo Circle is a new side project from Silent Force guitarist Alex Beyrodt. He’s put together an amazing band that includes the stellar talents of vocalist David Readman (Pink Cream 69), bassist Matt Sinner (Primal Fear/Sinner), drummer Mel Gaynor (Gary Moore) and keyboardist Jimmy Kresic. Throughout the album, Beyrodt proves he can shred with the best and, at times, his playing will remind you of the first three Yngwie Malmsteen albums. As for the vocals, Readman shows once again why he’s one of the world’s best melodic hard rock/metal singers. Highlights include “Spewing Lies,” “Desperate Hearts,” “Kingdom of the Blind,” “Dream of Eden” (featuring special guest vocalist Doogie White - Cornerstone/Rainbow/Yngwie) and the killer instrumental “White Lady Requiem.” Highly recommended for fans of Yngwie, Rainbow and Whitesnake.
(Andy Laudano)

Burn Halo - Burn Halo, Rawkhead Rekords
Former Eighteen Visions frontman James Hart has emerged with his new offering, Burn Halo. With a little help from guitarist Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold) the opening track “Dirty Little Girl” starts off promising with a sleazy groove followed by the bumpin’ tune “Save Me.” From there it gets a little off track with pop-hit hopefuls “Here With Me” and “Gasoline.” The ballads like “Too Late To Tell You Now” and “Back To the Start” just go nowhere with cheesy lyrics and bad vocals. Synyster Gates does add some more flair on “Anejo,” but there really isn’t much else to Burn Halo. Hart should stick with hard-driving songs and quit trying to write hits.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Janus - Red Right Return, Glass Bottom Boat Records
This disc begins in a promising fashion with “Six Letters Sent,” a Chevelle-style radio ready rocker with punch, but it quickly meanders into repetition. It sounds as those these guys are trying desperately to have a Clear Channel hit with every track. Janus ignores what any other mega-successful bands posses - at least a dash of originality. These guys from Chicago seem intent on getting that elusive major label deal that will land them an opening slot on the next corporate-sponsored PapaBenjaminMudd tour - only to fade quickly to obscurity. From a production and visual standpoint, Red Right Return is an impressive package that I am sure they paid handsomely for. But retailers should save some time and just merchandise this one in the bargain bin with the Trust Company and Adema CDs.
(D.J. Ivie)

Sylosis - Conclusion Of An Age, Nuclear Blast
Conclusion of An Age begins as a promising metal thrasher album with “After Lifeless Years,” but it soon falls off to become a rehashed Metallica speed-metal wanna-be. The same can be said with most others such as “The Blackest Skyline” and “Teras.” Sylosis is unpredictable. Since they don’t conform to the usual expected breakdowns and their creativity lacks, knowing what comes next would be beneficial. Halfway through the CD you think it’s on repeat, and that bears a heavy weight on your memory - not something a band should be remembered for.
(Misty Johnson)

God Forbid - Earthsblood, Century Media
Earthsblood is a definitive statement delivered by New Jersey’s metal titans God Forbid. They continue to crush with heavy hitters like “Bat The Angels” and “The Rain.” Guitarists Doc and Dallas Coyle up the riffage on “Walk Alone” and enlist ex-Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris to blister the fretboard on “Earthsblood.” Byron Davis (vocals) continues to deliver his vicious scowl, while Dallas compliments with the harmony throughout. The underrated, yet extremely talented, rhythm section of John Outcalt (bass) and Corey Pierce (drums) shine on the low-end domination of “War Of Attrition.” God Forbid has stepped up their game by pushing new boundaries, while still maintaining their identity. Just check out the slow grind of “Gaia (The Vultures)” which mixes GF’s brutality with orchestration provided by Michael Romeo of Symphony X. Don’t worry, this disc will kick your ass!
(Travis Tutwiler)

Scotty McCurry & the Mercenaries — Self Released
This new release from Scott McCurry & the Mercenaries has so many different styles and tastes, it will nicely satisfy any diverse musical palate. It spirals through sounds of funk, indie, soul, R&B, Reggae, and good ole’ rock-n-roll. Top songs are “Arizona,” “Go On and Do Your Thing,” “Mercenary,” “Millions of Tracks,” “Wanna Maybe,” and “Between Your Eyes (The Sun Don’t Shine).” Once again, standout bass player “Q” proves he knows how to bring the funk into rock-n-roll. Drew North is a mad scientist on keyboard and guitar while Keisha Herndon puts the sweet sounds of soul in the backing vocals, Scott McCurry is the brilliant songwriter, guitarist and lead vocalist of this funk, rock-n-soul band with a brilliant variety of talent. Their CD Release party is at HOB’s Pontiac Garage, March 14. (Scotty Mankoff)