Heavier Than Heaven

Commonly referred to as ‘Led Zeppelin 4’ or ‘Zoso’ or ‘untitled fourth album’, this album depicted Led Zep at its acme. Jimmy Page decided not to name this album as he felt naming an album had no meaning at all. The band felt that the contents of the album would speak for itself. How true they were, this album can be sited as one of the best albums that has shaped a phenomenon called ‘rock’. Jimmy Page incorporates beautiful and sense stimulating guitar solos into a number of songs and Robert Plant leads very well with his mystifying voice. Just 30 seconds shy of the 43 minute mark this album has 8 tracks each of which are beautiful in their own right. The best way to describe the greatness of this album is by saying that the worst song of the album ‘Four sticks’ is itself very good. The album begins with ‘Black Dog’ which is definitely a great opener and is followed by ‘Rock and Roll’. No fan of Bonham must miss the drum solo at the finish of ‘Rock and Roll’. Another great song goes by the name ‘Going to California’. Any one who loves listening to folk rock would love this. However any review of this album is incomplete without mentioning the greatest track on the album (as well as the greatest track ‘Led Zep’ ever came out with) ‘Stairway to Heaven’. This song created a lot of controversies back then. Some claimed that this song had hidden meaning which can be deciphered if the song is played in reverse. All said and done, no one could deny the fact that this song solely defines Led Zeppelin and is the greatest rock song ever written with a heart melting guitar solo and childish, yet beautifully weaved lyrics.

‘NLOTH’ the 12^th studio album of the legendary rock band U2 is good but does not compare to its predecessor ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb’. With a total of 12 tracks the album is rock at its purest. Melodic and theme explorations that the band has made with its lyrical content; this album has been well received. The band quoted that with Bono (the lead vocalist) being in his best form, the album is sure to be a hit. Personally I would say two songs on the album are very well written. One is ‘Get on Your Boots’ and the other is the ‘No Line on the Horizon’. The former is a typical U2 track with breath-taking vocals. This album as stated by the lead man Bono has trance influences. The integral part of each of their albums is the great operatic voice of Bono and this album is no exception. This album also incorporates the lead guitarist Edge’s signature delay and rhythmic melodies. However one sad thing to note is that U2 are experimenting again, it definitely did not pay off as well as it used to. The continuity on the album is completely lost and the fact that it took the band nearly 1.5 years to compile this album is clearly evident. However you can take heart as there are few soothing riffs. Otherwise its more a havoc than an album.

Children of Bodom, the power-metal band from Finland released ‘Blooddrunk’ as their 6^th studio album. This album is a mix of old ‘Bodom’ and new ‘Bodom’, in terms of the music they make. This album has a tinge of industrial metal feel to it while maintaining the trademark classic style. The music in this album is ‘simple metal’ which is a deviation from their complex song writing style. Alexi Laiho is the savior of the day. He still has those menacing growls inside him and with this album ‘COB’ pushes power metal to its limits. The first single from the album ‘Banned from Heaven’ is similar to ‘Angels don’t kill’ from the album Hate Crew Death roll. This track has a metallic ballad feel to it. Talking about guitar riffs, you will find this best in the song ‘Done with Everything, Die for Nothing’. The whole album features Janne Warman at his best. He has incorporated great and blazing keyboard solos into most of the songs. What carries tha album is the pace. The album sounds great for ears which are used to fast shredding solos. Laiho and Latvala must be given the due credit for what they have contributed to this album. If anyone wants to point a single blemish it would be the lyrics. The lyrics aren’t that great, in fact it is not even acceptable. All said and done, at the end of the day ‘COB’ has managed to give a classic in terms of power metal and screaming vocals.