Rough Edge: Epitaph CD Reviews

EPITAPH

"A Night at the Old Station" (MIG Music; 2017 )

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I know it's all on me, but every time an Epitaph CD crosses my desk, I think it's going to be some raging death metal. I'm sure it's the band's name that causes that misconception. But I'm also always pleasantly surprised when I plug in the CD and re-discover that Epiitaph falls more into the hard rock category, rather than heavy metal. And that's especially the case with the band's new live CD/DVD "One Night at the Old Station."

And that's especially true with this release. "A Night at the Old Station" is both new and old songs performed by the band "predominantly with acoustic instruments." What does that mean? Well, this isn't Epitaph Unplugged but it's Epitaph Mostly Unplugged.

Regular readers may know that I'm not a big fan of the Unplugged idea. I mean, one or two songs is okay, but I'm kind of tired of the full releases. But "A Night at the Old Station" is different in that, not only is it only partially "unplugged," it's performed with such energy and zest that you almost forget it's a "predominantly acoustic" album. The band's talent and love of the music pushes the CD to another, more enjoyable listenable live album.

A quick caveat here: I haven't seen the DVD or listened to the entire CD of this release. We received a six track sampler and this review is based on those. That being said, what's here is pretty damn good and I'm sure that extends to the entire end product.

For more information, check out http://epitaph-band.de.

"Fire From the Soul" (MIG Music; 2016 )

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Epitaph's "Fire from the Soul" is a solid progressive rock album, somewhat in the same vein as ELO with more heaviness, not only in music style but lyrical content as well.

This veteran band continues to impress with stylish musicianship, high production values and consistently effective songwriting. There are a couple of tracks when things slow down just a little too much for my taste, but not enough to derail the entire CD.

Fans of progressive rock, as opposed to progressive metal, will no doubt find plenty to their liking on "Fire From the Soul."

Very well done albu, high production, I'm thinking fans of progressive rock, as opposed to progressive metal will like this album.

For more information, check out http://epitaph-band.de.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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