Customer Reviews

Angel Down

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

As the lead singer of Skid Row, Sebastian Bach was one of the last true stars of the pre-Nirvana hard-rock era. His natural good looks, showmanship, charisma and pipes were perfectly suited for MTV in the late 80s/early 90s. But with the onset of grunge and alternative rock, overnight, Bach found himself suddenly obsolete. Skid Row gave it another try with their underappreciated third outing "Subhuman Race," (1995) but it unfortunately underperformed. In the late 90s, Bach's career really hit the skids when he was fired from Skid Row.

But Bach has kept himself busy over the years. He's dabbled in theatre, TV shows and of course music. First there was The Last Hard Men, the mid-90s project he did with Kelly Deal and Jimmy Chamberlin (released in 2001) as well as a live album with a couple new songs, and an album with Frameshift. Now Bach is back with a new studio album, the Roy Z produced "Angel Down" (2007)

Imagine crossing "Slave to the Grind" (1991) with "Subhuman Race" and that's pretty much the sound and style of Bach's new album. It has the hooks and catchiness of "Slave", yet the Pantera-esque aggressiveness of "Subhuman Race." "Angel Down" manages to strike a good balance--sounding heavy and melodic like Skid Row, yet fresh, as it avoids sounding too retro.

The opening title-track," Angel Down" starts off with an epic, old-school metal, "Shout at the Devil" like intro, before going into an all-out assault mode and is a great way to fire up the album. "You Don't Understand" is a bit of a throwback, with a real 80s melodic feel; not that that's a bad thing, as the song rocks.

Guns N' Roses reclusive singer Axl Rose joins Bach for the next three songs, the first being a cover of Aersosmith's "Back in the Saddle." Bach and Rose's cover has less of a groove than the original but has more of an edge, is more metallic. Bach and Rose sound fantastic together, switching off lead vocals. Rose's presence is felt less in the melodic, up-tempo "Love is a Bitchslap," which sounds a bit like an updated "Piece of Me" (from Skid Row's self-titled '89 debut). The forceful "Stuck Inside" (co-written by Rose) is a little darker and wouldn't have sounded out-of-place on "Subhuman Race." Again, the vocal interplay between Rose and Bach works beautifully.

"American Metalhead" is another fast-paced rocker. While not really a stand-out track it's effective and keeps up the momentum. "Negative Light" goes full-fledged into Pantera territory, and is very heavy and aggressive. "Live and Die" is another heavy yet melodic rocker.

By this time you should know that a power-balled is coming up, and it does with the excellent "By Your Side," a melancholy, semi acoustic track that sounds like a cross between "I Remember You" and "Wasted Time."

The mid-tempo, snooty "Our Love is a Lie" gets the album moving along nicely, but "Angel Down" drags a bit with "Take you down with me," "Stabbin' Daggers" and "You Bring me Down." While those tracks don't really suck and are effective, they're also slightly generic and are the albums least memorable songs. Fortunately, "Angel Down" ends on a high note with the outstanding "Falling into you," a balled somewhat reminiscent of "Wasted Time," the closing song from "Slave to the Grind."

Despite losing a little momentum towards the last quarter, "Angel Down" is overall, a very strong album. It's certainly way, way, way better than the super lame albums that Skid Row released without Bach. If you're looking for an old-school sounding metal album, "Angel Down" is highly recommended.

After nearly 20 years of being on the map, Bach still sounds awesome; the dude hasn't lost a thing. He's like a nineteen-year-old trapped in a thirty-nine year-olds body--eternally youthful and adolescent. His band, (Metal" Mike Chlasciak-lead guitars, Johnny Chromatic - rhythm guitars, Steve DiGiorgio - bass guitars and Bobby Jarzombek - drums) sounds great and is probably a cut above Skid Row in their prime.

Wow! This CD is unbelievable! I wish I could give it 10 stars. Every song is fantastic, and Sebastian Bach's voice is better than ever. Axl Rose's contributions on three of the songs are great, too. This CD is much heavier than anything Sebastian did with Skid Row, and he has truly outdone himself on this one. Sebastian may single-handedly bring back real rock music! Thanks, Sebastian, and keep on rockin'!

Just like phencyclidine (PCP), the primary psychoactive effects of hearing Sebastian Bach and Axl Rose last only minutes, but total elimination from the mind is prolonged, typically extending over weeks. I suggest listening to this CD daily for an extended high.

Wow, The long wait was well worth it. I have been lucky enough to see Baz 3 times in the last 2 years live.Angel Down is a true piece of art, you can hear the true effort that was put forth when creating this album. This album has something for everyone from the 80's Ballads to a hard riff that sounds like it came from an 80's thrash band. Baz has not lost much in the way of vocal range or his signature scream, he has been a favorite of mine since way back and throw in Axl and you get a dangerous cocktail of riveting vocal ranges and melody. This is a great album and I am Thankful that Bach still keeps real Rock alive.As for his band, anyone that knows their past, knows of their talent. The guitar work done by Mike is excellent and the Hard hitting drums make this album a true Rock album that relives a great past of metal in the 80's and early nineties. I usually download music, but I went out and purchased the album to support Baz and I was suprised when I only paid $8 Bucks. I would of spent $20 if need be, so this was a pleasant surprise as well....I wish Baz all th luck and I really hope his sales outweigh everyones expectations, because this album truly deserves it. Baz- Thanks for keeping it real!!!

Fresh off a 2006/2007 tour, during which he opened for a revitalized Guns N' Roses, Sebastian Bach releases a new album, which seems to be garnering much more attention than his former Skid Row bandmates' recent efforts. And the reasons are fairly obvious. While he may not have been a founding member of Skid Row, he was the face of the band, and his vocal prowess was truly impressive. As any Skid Row fan will tell you, efforts like Slave to the Grind and Subhuman Race are far from the generic "hair metal" label that thrown around far too nonchalantly, during the 1980s, and Bach has some true metal credentials that have allowed for much of his former band's material to stand the test of time.

Surrounded, now, by a different lineup, a few things are clear. First, Bach can still attract some great musicians. The music on this album has great riffs and killer grooves. Second, guest vocals from Axl Rose indicate that this isn't an album to be taken lightly. After all, Axl rarely guests on others' albums, and his own penchant for perfection is fairly well documented. It is highly dubious to suggest that he would associate himself with sub-par song writing or production.

To be honest, Bach's vocals have slipped a bit, with time, and he can't quite hit those high notes like he used to. But, his vocals have taken on a harsher, more gravelly quality, which suits the album's metallic tendencies.

A winner, for certain!

I bought this cd knowing Sebastian could sing but wondering whether he still had the goods years after his hey day in Skid Row.His voice had always struck me as one of my favourites because he could straddle the line between metal and rock effortlessly and I was not disappointed on this cd. Mr Bach leaves his spleen on the studio floor with the opening track,Angel Down.I wondered if he was possessed,but the cd could'nt have kicked off in better style.
I know there was more to Skid Row that just Sebastian,most of the songwriting credits go to Rachael Bolan and Snake but Sebastian was the one to deliver it with such conviction.I'd hoped for a continuation of heavy riffing and screaming vocals in the vein of Slave to the Grind and am pleasantly surprised to say he's not far off the mark.
The thing that made Skid Row special was the collaboration of the three of them and with Sebastian on his own,would the guitar riffing still be there.Fortunately he's recruited some great talent including Metal Mike from Halford who adds some serious groove/crunch to the heavier songs.I always knew Sebastian was more comfortable with the heavier stuff,you just got that feeling with who he hung out with,Pantera etc,and who his influences were,Rob Halford etc.
This cd covers all the bases with songs of a heavier feel than you may expect while Sebastian uses the many vocal styles that he's capable of and thats what really impresses me.You know when you've got a killer cd when after the first listen you have to go back and play that first song again.Thats what happened with this cd. Worth checking out.

It has been years since I gave anything from Sebastian Bach a good listen. Simply put, he has done nothing over the last few years that interested me. I do however have fond memories of how well the man could belt it out from his Skid Row days. Songs like Slave To The Grid and Monkey Business were awesome tunes that showed just how well he could let it rip.

Well this time out he has put together a great band. Mike Chlasciak, Johnny Chromatic, Steve DiGiorgio and Bobby Jarzombek. Anytime you can grab Metal Mike and Bobby Jarzombek is a plus as they were great with Halford. Add Steve and his bass splaying prowess and you've got a top notch band to work with. Johnny Chromatic, whom I'm not familiar with, does a great job filling up the rhythm section with a massive wall of sound. Overall the band is tight and full sounding with a great production job from none other than Roy Z!

Let me be the first to tell you that Sebastian Bach has not lost anything at all in his vocal ability. The man can still deliver the goods and is one of my favorite metal singers, when he sticks to what he does best. His powerful delivery is simply amazing at times and really does give all the tunes, which are great to begin with, a good kick in the pats. Seriously, this is a top quality release by the man and deserve much more props than it will probably get!

Axl Rose, yes that's right, Axl Rose (yes he still is alive!!) steps in on a few tunes to add his own unique vocal style to these recordings.
Although it's cool to see Axl actually doing something these days other than being a dick!, I must admit that I'm not really sure he brings much to the table here. Yes he does a good job here and does have his own style, however even though I'm glad to see him doing something again, I'm not sure Sebastian needed his help on this one as it's rocks all on it's own!

This effort is rock solid and everyone who ebjoys metal should check it out!!

Angel Down

WHEW!!! How do I begin this Review???? This CD-"Angel Down"...is a Work of Art. From Begining to end...it touches you everywhere. To begin you have the first song-and Title song from the Album.- "Angel Down"...It starts out with a quiet kind of, deep rumble...then it crescendos to a loud thumping balls-out MetalFest!!!! :) I can just see it now...I actually pictured this song-opening up a Concert...WOW...THE LIGHTS ARE OUT...YOU START TO HEAR THE RUMBLE.....AND THEN AN ANGEL COMES FLYING DOWN FROM THE CEILING TO A FOG-FILLED STAGE....AND SO THE CONCERT BEGINS....;)

WOW!!!! ;) I first listened to this in my car...then in my House...and all I- can say-(and I am still quite speechless)both have good speaker systems in it...and well at less then 1/2 volume...the whole car was shaking!!!!! Not to mention my House!!! It was incredible!!! The sound on this album...is so PERFECT...it is almost to good to be true. From the Wailing Guitars...(Thanks Metal Mike) To the Screaming Vocals...(Love you Baz)...It is just spine chilling!!!! I was jumping up and down inside my car-(If you can imagine that!!!!) And being a Banshee in my house!!!!!! IT SO TOTALLY ROCKS!!!!! A COMPLETE AND UTTER- B L A S T ....!!!! :)

Words REALLY can not explain this album. YOU HAVE TO GET IT....IT IS THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR-NEXT YEAR-AND WILL BE A LEGEND IN THE YEARS TO COME!!!

In this Album, you can really feel and even see this Music. Sebastian really put his heart and soul into this, and you can tell. There is Pleasure, Pain, Sorrow, you name it in here...and it is like someone trying to reach out of the smoke-filled world we live in- to reach the light-and to seek what is true. Sebastian really bared a lot of his feelings into this album. The two Ballads on here.."By Your Side" and "Falling into You"...are so emotional so-pure..it will bring you to tears. His voice...his harmonies...are Ethereal...Just like..."An Angel..." So Yes...you will be on an emotional rollercoaster..but most of it is just Rip-rockin METAL at its best!!!:) It is WELL WORTH the "RIDE" You can see alot of the Musical tastes and loves Sebastian has in Music in this work. From Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, even Led Zeppelin!...You can hear and feel the influences...Its like ALL the Bands you LOVE...rolled up into a PERFECT package!!!!....;)

Axl's contribution is a real kick too...for sure! ;) The song-"Stuck Inside"...is MINDBLOWING to me....The harmonies between Sebastian and Axl are surreal....You HAVE to hear this song...Axl lets out a scream-(In harmony) that is Otherworldly!!! I LOVE THIS SONG!!! "Love is a Bitchslap" is a real show-stopper too-very tight-very Musically sound. Its a fun, happy song...a real classic! Of course-"Back in the saddle" is awesome with these two...(But you had to know that would happen)...;) It is great he contributed to this wonderful album!!!

I do not want to give TOO much away in this Review...You REALLY need to hear it!!!! And again, putting this into words is SOOOO HARD...My mind is still reeling from it...and I feel it will continue to!!! :)

I truly LOVE ALL the song on this Album...From-1-14.... (1)"Angel Down"-is a Heavy, hard rocking song...with awesome depth and background. (2)"You Don't Understand"....is another INCREDIBLE song...It has amazing guitar riffs...and Sebastian's voice is truly on the mark! (3) "Back In The Saddle"...(Self explanatory...it rocks!) ;) (4)"(Love is)a Bitchslap" is an incredible-made to rock song...(5)"Stuck Inside"...A Masterpiece-cannot describe it-you have to hear it...-(6) "American Metalhead"...I have LOVED this song since he first sang it Live in his Tampa concert...This song is an ANTHEM...It is-"Balls to the Wall"-x1000!!!!
I JUST LOVE IT!!!! :) (7)-"Negative Light"...WOW...what a song...really deep lyrics...and an awesome unique sound. (8)-"Live & Die"-This is another one of my favorites...(But then again the WHOLE album is...LOL) This is a BEAUTIFUL song...even though it is heavy...it has meaning...and you have to listen to how Sebastian sings the last bar of the song...WOW...-(9) "By Your Side"...This is an EPIC SONG...This is a song for anybody who has lost someone dear to them...it is so pure, so true, so beautiful...it will bring you to tears...His voice, his harmonies, and even the instruments used make you feel like you are in a Church or something...it is a VERY SPIRITUAL SONG...BREATHTAKING.... (10)"Our Love is a Lie"...Very Dark song...and I dont mean bad...it is very raw-and cuts to the quick...HEAVY... (11)"Take You Down With Me"-Heavy Metal Goodness- :)(12)"Stabbin Daggers"...WOW...what a song...the Guitarwork is awesome-really all the music on here-dare I repeat -is INCREDIBLE!!!! IT ROCKS!!!
(13)"You Bring Me Down" Great song...Heavy Lyrics...(14)"Falling Into You "....Holy Macaroni!!!! The Piano, the Lyrics, Sebastian...What more can you ask for?!...It is a Beautiful Ballad...sung like no one else can!

Of course, As you can guess...I DO reccomend you run to the store and buy the CD....TODAY!!!!! It also has a real cool poster inside-with a "Collage" of pictures on one side-and the other side is an AMAZING pic of Baz looking REAL HOT!!!! (Im sorry guys...but it has to be said!;) In addition, after you can pry your eyes from the Centerfold picture...(lol) Are all the words to the songs....very cool...;) A MUST HAVE FOR ALL...

THANKS BAZ!!!! AND EVERYONE IN THE BAND!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!! :)

P.S....This might be my Second review-as My first did not post-( I think I made a boo-boo...);) I did not see it..so if you see two...There ya go!!!! Its worth a BILLION reviews anyway!!!!! JUST SO TOTALLY COOL...TOTALLY AWESOME...& EXCITING!!!!! ;) GO AND GET IT NOW!!!! :)

Sebastian is STILL the powerhouse he always was...this is what talent sounds like! This recording is a true REVIVAL and inspiration for all the bands that were shelved due to the Nirvana turnover. The call has been sounded...STAND UP AND SHOUT, MF'S!!!

I didn't even know that Sebastian Bach from Skid Row made this new CD, and was even more shocked when I learned that Axl and Sebastian sing together on a couple of songs, but man I was pleastantly surprised. This CD is awesome, although Axl's voice isn't as strong as it used to be. This CD is definitely worth buying!!!