Wicked Underground

Jeff Pilson, George Lynch, Lynch Pilson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Spitfire
• ASIN: B00008V5Z0
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #273,763 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #91 in Music > Rock > Rock Guitarists > Shred

Track Listings

1. Breath & A Scream

2. Beast In The Box

3. When You Bleed

4. Vaccine

5. Ever Higher

6. Zero The End

7. The Evil That You Are

8. Awaken

9. Cromanic

10. Goodbye Utopia

11. Inner View

12. Closer To None

Editorial Reviews

The simple genius in naming this project underscores the dynamite music created here, this is not ''Dokken''. The two singles going to radio do not even scratch the surface of this vibrant collaboration between the former axe-men of the infamous '80s band - this is an excellent CD! The Japanese edition of this 2003 album features 13 tracks. Victor. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rockin Without Dokken, May 4, 2003

By 

Pablo Roybal (Albuquerque, New Mexico United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicked Underground (Audio CD)

With "Wicked Underground," ex-Dokken bandmates George Lynch and Jeff Pilson are back together again to deliver a new, yet familiar, breed of guitar rock on another generation of music fans. As part of the popular 80's rock band Dokken, Jeff and George worked together to propel the band to stardom thanks in part to George's highly influential guitar work and their great chemistry together as songwritters. After they both eventually left Dokken (Lynch in 1997 and Pilson in 2001), they have decided to join forces once again and pick up where they left off.

Although it's been four years, this album shows that Jeff and George still have a good creative chemistry between them. Instead of a throwback to the eighties, Jeff and George have decided to take a more modern approach to the record. But before some of you fellow Dokken fans are discouraged, let me reassure you that this is not a complete departure from what we have come to expect from Jeff and George. No, there is no rapping here like there was on the last Lynch Mob CD "Smoke This." Actually, it is similar in sound to Dokken's 1995 album "Dysfunctional," which was a generally well-received album by both fans and critics alike. There are the occasional vocal screams and computer programed effects (check out the track "Breath & A Scream" for an example), but believe me this does not take anything away from the album. For those of you that may have questioned George's musical direction after his rap-rock Lynch Mob album, you will be glad to know that George is in great form again. In addition to playing Bass, Jeff Pilson is also covering lead vocals on the album. And for those of you who don't already know, this guy can sing. Check out the clip for "Ever Higher" and I think that you will find it hard to disagree.

Most of the album keeps a steady rock pace without ever getting too heavy or too mellow. The album's opening track "Breath & A Scream" is the heaviest track on the album. "Ever Higher" and "Closer To None" are the albums more mellow songs, while the tracks "Vaccine" and "Zero The End" are slightly more upbeat than the rest. The album even features an instrumental track, "Cromanic," which is naturally a great idea for Jeff and George given that they were the masterminds behind "Mr. Scary" on Dokken's 1987 album "Back for the Attack." Here we are 16 years later, and George Lynch and Jeff Pilson haven't lost their touch.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lynch and Pilson are much better without Don Dokken, January 7, 2004

By 

John Wright (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wicked Underground (Audio CD)

As a long-time Dokken fan (and especially George Lynch fan), I was thrilled to hear that Lynch and Pilson were working on a cd. I've always liked Pilson, and anyone who knows anything about guitar would be insane if they said Lynch was anything less than amazing. Thankfully, the resulting cd is very cool.

In some ways, it's a bit of a throwback to the old Dokken days as far as the whole melodic hard rock vibe goes... but that's is a good thing. Also, George's playing is fantastic, if a bit tamer overall than I'd like (favorite solo is "Zero the End"). George has always had a lot of character and feel in his playing... you know it's him when you hear a snippet... and the performances here don't disappoint. Pilson is a solid vocalist, and he gets better with each listening. It's really good stuff.

Basically, take Don Dokken out of Dokken (I grew tired of him long ago), add some maturity to the musicianship, and you've got Wicked Underground. In other words, you've got a great cd.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Surprise..., June 20, 2004

By 

Michael Pope (Clinton, MS United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wicked Underground (Audio CD)

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I bought this album. Of course, I wouldn't have been surprised if this combo sounded much like Dokken, but it didn't - at all. I truly cannot find much comparison between Dokken & Lynch/Pilson.

George Lynch (of Lynch Mob) & Jeff Pilson (one-time Dio bassist) have really created an interesting piece of work. It is obvious that "nu-metal" has had a bit of influence on this album, but it's really not a detriment in this case. Lynch's chops are still tight & clean on almost every track. Pilson's voice is in fine shape, showing some diversity & range. Also, the songwriting is quite good: interesting & intelligent lyrical subject with solid, organized arrangements. Overall, I would say the album is quite dark, with most of the songs in a minor key, some dissonance thrown in at the perfect time, and ominous-sounding titles like "When you Bleed", "The Evil that you Are", & "Goodbye Utopia". The CD packaging is an eyecatcher, too. I wish the song lyrics were printed, though.

My personal favorite cuts are opener "Breath & a Scream", the quasi-acoustic "Ever Higher", & the eerie "Awaken".

DO NOT buy this album expecting a Dokken minus Don; it is something totally different, and stands on its own as a solid contemporary metal album.