CD REVIEW: SMASH INTO PIECES – The Apocalypse DJ

Label: RED Distribution / Sony Music

Release Date: February 24, 2015

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Once again – my pal Steve strikes gold.  The new disc from Smash Into Pieces hasn’t left my disc player at work since I received it over a week ago.   Disc opener “Stronger” has a weird vibe that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until you have been pummeled by the catchy, hook-filled track.  The vocals, guitars, and keyboards all work together to create a cool sound.  “My Cocaine” follows the opening madness with a track that is just as strong, but made better by the addition of Amaranthe’s Elize Ryd.  The cool modern and industrial feel of the track is intensified by the duetting vocals from Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye and Ryd.  “Checkmate” is a mellower track that builds on a beautiful acoustic guitar and ethereal keyboard that come together and open the song.  “Another Day On The Battlefield” has a solid rock vibe that is intensified by the shift between heavy rhythm section and guitar work that moves from mellow to hard rock and back again.  “Color Of Your Eyes” is a great song that takes a ballad-like sentiment and lyrics and puts a cool modern rock spin to the musical accompaniment.  “Burn” leans heavier to the industrial side, while mixing in a cool riff that blends nicely against the heavy keyboards and bass.

“Disaster Highway” has a cool guitar riff that opens the song and the rhythm section adds depth to the sound and track, just before the vocals kick in and add punch to the groove before the first verse is over.  “Don’t Wake Me Up” has a different feel to it, due to the keyboard opening and the pounding bass and drums that join in before the verse hits.  The vocals instantly remind me of Myles Kennedy – not a bad thing at all.  This track keeps the flow of the disc moving nicely.  “Reaching Out” has modern rock radio written all over it.  This track, if given the chance, would rule satellite radios airwaves.  The solid vocals, paired with the guitar-keyboard duo, take this song to new heights.  “Bullets” features a great vocal that soars when allowed, yet tempered and mellow when needed to drive home the spirit of the lyrics.  The bass and drums anchor this track.  Disc closer “Rock ‘N’ Roll (The Apocalypse Tribute)” has cool tempo changes and mood swings that are accentuated by the killer guitar solo dropped near the end of the track, but also by the anthemic vocals and lyric.  Check these guys out if you like your rock hard and varied.

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Category: CD Reviews