Rushfan4's New CD Thread 7- Black Bonzo Guillotine

In continuation of my meager attempt to divert some PA forum discussion time away from Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater and the other usual suspects, here is my 7th installment of Rushfan4's New CD Discussion Thread.   This month's album that I think that others would enjoy and like to discuss is Black Bonzo's Guillotine Drama.  I believe that Black Bonzo is mildly known around these parts as a result of the release of their previous album The Sound of the Apocalypse.  I really haven't seen any discussions regarding their latest release however, so here it is.

Edited by rushfan4 - January 15 2010 at 10:23

It was good news when I heard that Black Bonzo would release their third around September - I'm still not dissapointed by anything this band has made - and I can't name too many great heavy/hard rock retro bands, other than this... I like this one more than The Sound Of Apocalypse. Supersonic Man would be the best, most attractive piece, I suppose, but my favourite is Zephyr. 

Sad thing is that last.fm radio is for free just for USA and UK I believe. Or some other country, but not more than 4 countries. Not that I don't want to pay it, it's great source of new bands and I used it before I entered here, PA ranks, but still, (please don't take any offense), people in US&UK are considerable more wealthy than for example we, rest of Europe (most of it) and we don't get it for free. Little offtopic, but it bugged me for a while.

However, I acquired this album and it's surprising, that I'm still only one who reviewed it. Rather short review, but still, I can improve and make it longer. Which I'll do right now (After Genesis - Invisible Touch review, oh my god, sixth bad album in a row)

rushfan4 wrote: I think that the song Sound of the Apocalypse can be ranked amongst the modern "masterpieces" in my opinion; the rest of that album is decent, but not at the level of the title song.  This new album seems to be more solid from start to finish.

We bought Sound of the Apocalypse at NEARfest last year, and since then it has been a regular presence in our CD player. Retro-prog it may be, but exceptionally well-made, and luckily devoid of that contrived feel that plagues the sound of many bands that go the same route. Anyway, I agree with you that the title-track on that album stands head and shoulders over the rest. I first heard it on one of those free sampler CDs that come with Classic Rock magazine, and it made me want to hear more - hence my purchase of the album. I would very much like to hear Guillotine, but have had no opportunity so far - hopefully I'll get it to review some time in the next few months.

Raff wrote: rushfan4 wrote: I think that the song Sound of the Apocalypse can be ranked amongst the modern "masterpieces" in my opinion; the rest of that album is decent, but not at the level of the title song.  This new album seems to be more solid from start to finish.  We bought Sound of the Apocalypse at NEARfest last year, and since then it has been a regular presence in our CD player. Retro-prog it may be, but exceptionally well-made, and luckily devoid of that contrived feel that plagues the sound of many bands that go the same route. Anyway, I agree with you that the title-track on that album stands head and shoulders over the rest. I first heard it on one of those free sampler CDs that come with Classic Rock magazine, and it made me want to hear more - hence my purchase of the album. I would very much like to hear Guillotine, but have had no opportunity so far - hopefully I'll get it to review some time in the next few months.

With your new connections, you probably just need to nudge the right tree to get the album to fall your way.  

Easier for me to just download the albums then if I like I can keep them or just delete if I don't, its no additional cost unless I want to buy the album and own the DRM's But I usually will buy the hard CD or vinyl if available......Thanks for the suggestion. BB takes me back a few years...I like it ok.

In my opinion, the song Sound of the Apocalypse is a modern day masterpiece.  The rest of the album is a good listen, but to a lesser degree to the title song.  I've only listened to Lady of the Light a couple of times and I would say it is similar in nature to the rest of Sound of the Apocalypse.  I think that it is a worthwhile listen within the same Deep Purple and Rainbow vein.  There is probably nothing there to make anyone say "I am going to quit my job, drop my life, and go and follow Black Bonzo on the road wherever they may go..."  but then again there are very few bands that have that type of ability.   If you can listen to them within your Zune package without any additional cost it would certainly be worth it, if nothing else so you can come back and let us know what you think.   [/QUOTE]

Edited by Catcher10 - January 08 2010 at 17:46

If you happen to be fortunate enough to live in or near Sweden, the band will be playing 3 shows next week:

Oh yes.  I am really enjoying my listening to this CD today.  It must be really clicking with my mood or something.  I'm loving all of the hammond organ playing. 

That list of what to listen to definitely keeps growings and growing.