Voodoo Six - First Hit For Free
Cracking 2nd Debut!
Sat Mar 1 00:20:02 2008
Rated 11 out of 13 [details]
by Paul Chesworth
Voodoo Six are one of those ‘Classic Rock’ sounding bands who truly deserve to make it big. Bassist Tony Newton and Drummer Gave Cavill have been around the block and toured in support of some of the greats - Dio m/, UFO and the mighty Maiden. Voodoo Six played Download in 2006 and Bloodstock in 2007, and they seemed to have gone off the radar slightly
Their first album ‘Feed My Soul’ did make a very brief appearance in late 2006, but as is typical of this music business, Voodoo Six fell out with their label, stopping the release well and truly dead in its tracks. Fast forward to late 2007 and Voodoo Six are ready to hit the ground running. They are revitalised and with the help of some venture capitalists and new management team, the album has been re-titled and has been remixed by Mike Fraser who has quite a list of bands to his name (Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, Thunder and more!) Voodoo Six have added one song to the original release called ‘Faith’ and this has been chosen as the opening single
This is where there rock seeds are planted. Classic Rock sounding songs in the vein of Chris Cornell and the Grunge movement, with some Alice In Chains, and even Aerosmith and Led Zep thrown in for good measure. So not a bad set of credentials, opener and new single ‘Faith’ is a mixture of Soundgarden and Living Colour, with singer Henry Rundell belting out some classic vocal sounds. Faith is heavy/slightly funky sounding with a wah-wah guitar wail throughout, combined with brain mushing bass and drums. I like it!
The album continues in the same vein. Crunchy guitar riffs a plenty, searing vocal work, dextrous and widdly solos, this band has the lot. The album is chock full of classic sounding ‘’in your face, head banging, foot tapping, searing soloing lip-smacking metal!’’
‘One More day’s opening riff is a ringer for Audioslave’s Cochise, its so similar I half expect Cornell to come wailing in. One of my fave’s is the song ‘Sun’ and took me back to seeing the once AOR god fronted Freak Of Nature and is typical of their first great album. Hopefully that is what Voodoo Six will have - a great debut albeit the second time around.
2008 continues with some old and new bands offering up some great sounding rock music. Add Voodoo Six to your ‘bands to seek out’ list and enjoy, you’ll not be disappointed. The future of British rock music is in good hands
Voodoo Six - First Hit For Free (Release Year - 2008)
First Hit For Free is the second debut of sorts for Voodoo Six.
In 2006, the band put out their debut CD, Feed My Soul. Their label didn’t promote the record, and rolling into 2007, the band was still virtually unknown.
Voodoo Six brought in new management, and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, Van Halen) who remixed the album. Voodoo Six didn’t stop there. They also added the killer new tune, Faith, to their album, First Hit For Free.
So how is the new disc? If you missed their debut, Feed My Soul, then First Hit For Free is an excellent new way to check out Voodoo Six. Voodoo Six has a cool classic rock sound that is listening to Led Zeppelin with a blend of Soundgarden.
Henry Rundell has a solid rock voice that could push Voodoo Six to the next level. This album is chock full of great vocals, killer guitar work (yes, their are solos,) and a solid rhythm section. Voodoo Six will join the likes of bands like Airbourne, Z02, and The Answer, that will bring real rock back to the mainstream. Hard rock fans have a brand new classic rock record to check out.
My favorite cuts are Faith, Feed My Soul, Crawl and I Am the Sun.
You can download this album via ITunes or buy a copy from Voodoo Six today. Don’t miss this disc!
For more information on Voodoo Six, check out their website!
Rating: Out of 10
Voodoo Six - The First Hit Is For Free
Release date 24th March 2008
Published by Rock3 23-03-2008
4
Sound
5
Replay value
5
Value
5
Average 95%
Voodoo Six - The First Hit Is For Free
Opening the album with peels of thunder the lashing of rain and the murmuring of a prayer 'Faith' sets the tone for Rundell with the rock soul vocals of an incarnated Rogers while the twin guitars of Pearce and Jones via for Page'esque accolades this perhaps give you a taste of what we are going to experience with this opening track and first single from Voodoo Six.
The second track 'No friend Of Mine' continues along with the same theme of blues soul lyrics but Rundell shows in flashes that he could compete with a Coverdale if pushed while the R+B section nail the rhythm down tight, the guitars are kept leashed at the beginning of the song before giving some slack to produce some string bending squeals that bring on
a most satisfying feel to the song from the halfway point onwards, 'Feed My Soul' the third track burbles along on a nice bass line before erupting with both guitars burning the boards, the forth song 'Walking On Nails' has similarities with so many other classic songs it’s almost a melody of memories but again Rundell's articulation is spot on while a most satisfying guitar solo raises the glass to the lips for another toast.
The fifth song 'Crawl' ups the ante with a driving number that displays the bands capabilities is rather broader then so far has been insinuated. When we came to the halfway point the sixth song 'I am the Sun' hardens the hard rock feel and with a good head nodding riff. We get the bands slow track with 'Saint And Sinners' full of uplifting crescendos and Rundell's pleading vocals supported by what sounds like backing 'guitar harmonies' leaving the guitars to squeal muted in the background before they put a gleam on at the end.
The eighth track 'One More Day' opens with a Zep style riff riding on a bubbling drum and bass stomp that has hard rock burned deep into it, the ninth song shows that the band can write with and articulate feelings and that perhaps someone knows how to spell 'philosophy' which bodes well for the bands future material. The final three songs on the album are more of the same head nodding British Classic hard rock formula which by now you should be sold on.
Playing a classy style of swaggering rock that says 'bollocks' to the trend setters this band are out to re-capture the middle ground that was so long ago trampled on by the punk movement and stolen by the indie bands, on this showing they have got a good chance of doing so, if you like Classic rock you will love this and they will probably be your new Gods if you have never heard Classic rock then listen to this!
VOODOO SIX First Hit For Free White Knuckle Records (2008)
You can imagine it, can't you? Witnessing the arrogance and attitude of a nascent Guns 'N Roses first hand - when a lowly support act - guitarist Matt's former band felt compelled to let the tyres down on their tour bus.
Not put off, Voodoo Six's debut album briefly surfaced in the summer of 2006 but label difficulties complicated its promotion. A year later with a new management team, and with the album remixed by Mike Fraser (Van Halen, Aerosmith), the band set out again. They're now being touted as hot tips for 2008 and rightly so.
From the bone-crunching riff of opener 'Faith' this is a wonderful riff-fest from the off, with the twin-guitar of Matt Pearce and Chris Jones particularly impressive.
The album has all the swagger - but without the overblown pomp - of Axl and his men. Stylistically it spans three decades of guitar-based heavy rock, effortlessly. The band have enough light and shade between the incessant riffing to make this debut totally compulsive.
The band show they are capable of a standout mid-tempo ballad like 'Saints and Sinners' - a single if ever there was one. 'Mistaken' has a semi-classical motif and - cripes - is that a mellotron? Henry Rundell's vocals are yet another highlight and a perfect foil for the pile-driving guitar work that's never far away.
Relentless and uncompromising in its execution with a distinct lack of filler, this is - in short - a simply class and classic debut.
*****
Review by David Randall
The tunes of Voodoo Six actually sound pretty much as you would expect them to from the name of the band, funky, heavy, sexy blends of music which have a multitude of similarities with the work of American metal acts including Down, Corrosion Of Conformity, Black Label Society and Monster Magnet, a cool combination of chugging guitar, drum and bass licks overlaid with more bluesy solos and vocals in the musical vein of bands such as Led Zeppelin and indeed older groups for example Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath are obvious influences. The vocals too are incredibly strong, with singer Henry Rundell sounding like an uncanny blend of Bruce Dickinson, Robert Plant, Dave Mustaine and Michael Matijevic (of Steelheart). Personally I loved this album; although it had strong influences, it was original enough to be able to carry them off, the only thing I thought needed some additional attention was the mixing work done on the vocals, at some points in the CD, Rundell's voice seemed to disappear beneath the music and it really shouldn't! Hopefully 2008 should see the band become more well known, they've already performed alongside Iron Maiden, Soulfly, Metallica and Rammstein to extremely good reviews, but they certainly deserve the success if their musical talent is anything to go by.
Advantages: The album is excellent from start to finish, packed full of hard hitting rock music.
Disadvantages: This release reaches its end all too quickly.
London band Voodoo Six certainly has a passion for producing hard hitting rock music. The guitar riffs are powerful, the vocals come crusading through at all all times and never does this music ever fail to ignite. This album originally surfaced in late 2006, the band did not like what their then record label had done to the album though and therefore had a huge falling out with the record label of the time. The album was originally released under the name of 'Feed My Soul', this time around things are being done differently however and the album comes complete with the new title of 'First Hit For Free' and a brand new track included entitled 'Faith'.
'Faith' was the lead single chosen here, released one week before the release of this album an impressive classic rock sound is evident here as all five members of the band smash their way through the five and a half minutes of this track with a great deal of energy and passion. It's the perfect start for the album, and the fun certainly doesn't stop here. Not once do Voodoo Six ever sound anything short of enthralling on this album, the music is full on and truly thrilling to listen to. Fans of the hard rock genre should absolutely love Voodoo Six, the guitar riffs are epic and every element of the music just seems to come together perfectly on this album. There are few bands that express such ability with their music, Voodoo Six are definitely one band that do however and I for one do not have a bad word to say about this fiery début album.
With every track on this album Voodoo Six puts forth an epic rock sound, a passion ridden display of love and adoration for the genre. These five band members clearly have a love for the sound that is being produced here, with each and every passing guitar riff you can feel the force of the band members passion surging through. The guitars are excellent on every single track, always the riffs progress forcefully and furiously as Voodoo Six slam through this truly invigorating album. Such proficient musicians are present within this band, each members experience shines through at every moment on this album and not once do you ever feel that the band members hearts and souls have not gone into the recording of this album. 'First Hit For Free' is an album of pure passion, belief in and love for the music that is here being created.
Vocalist Henry Rundell has such power to his voice, during every track his vocal excellence is very much at the fore of this bands sound. A true titan of the genre, Voodoo Six come across easily as one of the most exciting British rock bands that there is right now. Not one of this bands members fail to contribute on this album. 'Mistaken' is one of the lighter offerings on this release, the vocals are not as big and bold as they always are and the guitarists of the band are here given their chance to shine. They certainly take the opportunity that they are given here, and with every passing track in fact every musician of the band provides further evidence as to why they are a key component of this well oiled rock machine.
The music of Voodoo Six is always fuelled by a supreme love for the genre of rock, the passion can be felt at every moment on this album. Right from the offset when Voodoo Six cruises into this release with 'Faith' to the point where the album reaches its climax with supreme closing track 'Slip Inside'; always a huge energy is here present. My opinion is that this band shall go far, so many poor bands do well for themselves and its only right that every once in a while a genuinely talented group of musicians attain commercial success also. Given the brand of hard rock that Voodoo Six produce, it mat well be the case that true success never does come for this fine specimen of a rock band; fans of the genre that hear the bands music however should absolutely love the explosive, truly impressive guitar riffs that Voodoo Six fires out on all occasions. Music is always at its most effective I feel when a genuine underlying current of passion can be sensed, this is most definitely the case here and with this 'First Hit For Free' album never does the music of Voodoo Six disappoint even once. Combining a true talent of guitar playing excellence, fine vocal style, and domineering drum beats; the sound that Voodoo Six produces is one that I feel should be listened to by all.
If British hard rock outfit Voodoo Six had even half the hype and attention devoted to ‘super group-ers’ like Velvet Revolver, they’d probably be a household name everywhere and sitting on top of the rock heap as we speak. The difference is that these cocky, young up and comers actually back up their hype on their debut release First Hit For Free, by throwing down twelve, straight ahead, kick ass jams that celebrate the glory days of hard rock, without sounding the least bit retro or dated. The twin guitar assault of Matt Pierce and Chris Jones is absolutely relentless, as they whip off an arsenal of impressive, beefy riffs, which play a large part in shaping these tailor made for arena rock anthems. Vocalist Henry Rundell possesses the leather lunged pipes that many a young belter would simply die for, while bassist Tony Newton and drummer Dave Cavill make the backline a position worth talking about again, providing the solid foundations for these muscular gems. If you thought well produced, balls to the wall hard rock has taken a serious nosedive in recent years, then do yourself a favor, pick up First Hit For Free because Voodoo Six will gladly restore your faith in the genre.
-Ryan Sparks
Great Britain's Voodoo Six have everything you want from a rock band. A vocalist with amazing range and style, dual guitars that can rip your face off and a rock-solid rhythm section. Call them "Classic Rock" if you'd like, if you need a description imagine a cross between Tesla and Audioslave. They groove, they jam, they bleed rock n' roll from every pore. I havn't heard a band with more potential to reach a mass audience in a long time. If you like rock music you'll like this band, it's that simple. They avoid cliche's and they write smart music and lyrics.
From the first release "Faith" to the last cut, number 12, "Slip Inside" the band slither's and grinds their way through sexual charged rockers. They slow it down a couple times with great results on "Saint's And Sinners" and "Mistaken". I'm stealing this observation, but what separates a good band from a great one is the ability to write a good ballad, and they do that. Their strengths do lie in their abilty to make some of the tastiest rock songs I've heard in a while. Fans of Zeppelin, Whitesnake and Audioslave may not always agree on everything, but when they hear this band they can't argue that Voodoo Six have it going on.
Review:
I must admit that I'm not really a fan of either the classic metal or the hard rock music genres, and I'm not interested at all in anything Satan or gothic related. So when I first laid eyes on Voodoo Six and their album 'First Hit for Free' I pulled a bit of a face. Despite my prejudging I decided I'd sit down and give it a listen and see what these 12 tracks had to offer. As soon as the first track 'Faith' had started I felt a little more intrigued and my attitude instantly went from negative to positive. It's clear right from this track that Voodoo Six aren't any run of the mill UK metal band and really have talent and skill in what they are achieving.
Voodoo Six's sound can only be described as Iron Maiden cross Guns and Roses with vocals thrown in from Chris Cornell. They produce hard hitting melodies, intricate beats, and a vocalist who ties everything together and punches it all into submission. I am in fact fairly surprised that I have not heard of Voodoo Six until now, purely for the fact that their music is so well written and sounds so professional. Even though I don't think Voodoo Six will be winning anyway awards for this album it still boasts a great track list; with powerful, chest thumping songs such as 'No Friend of Mine', 'I Am the Sun', and 'Slip Inside' as well as slower more heartfelt tracks such as 'Saints and Sinners' and 'Mistaken'. With a great variety in their music and all songs overflowing with energy and charisma Voodoo Six are one band I am pleased to have taken the time to listen to. Not only because they have produced an album that they should be proud of, but because they have helped me see the classic metal genre in a whole new light.