Review: VICIOUS RUMORS “Concussion Protocol”

Review: VICIOUS RUMORS “Concussion Protocol”

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Vicious Rumors_Concussion Protocol_1500x1500pxVICIOUS RUMORS “Concussion Protocol”
Steamhammer / SPV

The rumors are true: Vicious Rumors will release new, 12th studio album, “Concussion Protocol”, on  August 26th, 2016.

The fact, not the rumor, for ones who still have no idea who VR are: the band was formed in 1979, San Francisco, Bay Area, US. As pioneers of power metal, VR released legendary “Soldiers Of The Night” in 1985 (Shrapnel Records/Roadrunner). Along with “Digital Dictator” (Shrapnell, 1988), “Soldiers Of The Night” is highly respected in world of metal fans.

During 37 years, 31 musicians passed through band. Among them legendary Carl Albert,  to whom band dedicated album “A Tribute to Carl Albert” (GTM/SPV, 1995). This live album is compilation of recordings which were done in 1994 during VR European Tour. Carl Albert released 5 studio albums with VR, till the day he tragically lost his life. Geoff Thorpe decided not to replace Albert, and he sings at next album “Something Burning” (Massacre Records, 1996). Next album, “Cyberchrist” (Massacre Records, 1998) brings Brian O’Connor in band. From 1998, band released 4 studio albums, in inrregular intervals:  Sadistic Symphony  (Perris Records, 2001), “Warball (Mascot Records, 2006), “Razorback Killers (2011), “Electric Punishment (2013) and “Concussion Protocol” (2016). Since they signed for Steamhammer/SPV, band released 3 studio and 2 live albums: already mentioned “Razorback Killers, “Electric Punishment, “Concussion Protocol” and “Live You To Death” (2012) and “Live You To Death 2″ (2014).

Long expected, 12th studio album brought new line up. Band was refreshed with European blood: Nick Holleman (Netherlands) on vocals and Tilen Hudrap (Slovenia) on bass. Alongside with veteran Geoff Thorpe (guitars), Thaen Rasmussen (guitars) and Larry Howe (drums), this crew proved that after 37 years you can still be fresh, creative, interesting.

Concussion Protocol brings 11 songs:

Concussion Protocol 4:56
Chemical Slaves 05:50
Victims Of A Digital World 04:13
Chasing The Priest 04:13
Last Of Our Kind 03:56
1000 Years 03:39
Circle Of Secrets 05:04
Take It Or Leave It 03:23
Bastards 04:40

Every Blessing Is A Curse 04:14
Life For A Life 06:11

The heart and sould of a a band, Geoff Thorpe (guitarist) and  Larry Howe (drummer), with bandmates deliver us album which can not stand face to face with old school (read classic) VR sound, but 80’s are over and this album is really a great one. Perfectly balanced song order, for example fort two songs “Concussion Protocol” and “Chemical Slaves” bring chaos and next one “Victims Of A Digital World” is total opposite. Than comes extremely fast “Chasing The Priest” with profound lyrics and strong attitude. The song is fallowed by lyrics video. I can not resist to write that everything I think of church and organized religion is told in this song. To understand the meaning of lyrics you need to have a little bit sense of sarcasm.

I could elaborate this album, but I will let you hear it and make your own interpretation of first VR concept album. Just to tease you, I will say this album bring a story of Armageddon caused by global killing asteroid.

Although I thought I could never get over Brian Allen’s departure, I am reasonable enough to say Nick kicks ass.

By now band released two videos, already mentioned “Chasing The Priest” and “Take It Or Leave It”. More than enough to infect you till CD will be released.

vicrum

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