Review Wrap-Up: April 2013, the hard rock edition

In today's Review Wrap-Up we are looking at the latest releases from three well-respected rock acts of different eras. First is Rob Zombie, the lord and master of many a teenage party in the 90s. He is back with album number five that he has decided should be called Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor for some ungodly reason. Second we have Melvins who have been freaking people out across the world for 30 years now. Everybody Loves Sausages is their very first full covers album and it is in a celebratory mood. And finally is Black Star Riders, the band formed from the ashes of 70s icons Thin Lizzy. With new vocalist Ricky Warwick in toe All Hell Breaks Loose is their official debut which hopes to survive on the former band's good will. Read on music lovers. - Prof Ric.

#1: Rob Zombie - Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor

There once was a time when Rob Zombie, along with Marilyn Manson, was the reigning king of shock rock. Nowadays he seems to be focusing more on his film career while being a musician sits on the back burners. While that is not a bad thing (some of those movies are really good) it may be starting effect his musical output. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 was fairly by-the-numbers but still contained moments of brilliance. Is anybody going to say the same for Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor and its quite frankly ludicrous title? Speaking of stupid names, 'Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga' does its darnedest to recall to caustic rasp of Butthole Surfers. Speaking of Mister Manson, two of his former collaborators are now backing the Zombie: drummer Ginger Fish and longtime guitarist John 5, who manages a couple of standout moments on this record. These two are old hands at this type of anti-pop and are well up to the task. If only the songs were more memorable. We have all heard Rob bark about sexy demons and vampires and we have all heard him say “yeah!” more times than is absolutely necessary. It might be aiming at big dumb fun but that road is feeling a little too familiar.

Rating: C+

Recommended tracks: Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga (which also takes the medal for 'Song title you least want to mention in conversation in 2013')

#2: Melvins - Everybody Loves Sausages

For nearly 30 years Melvins have been having their wicked way with their fans. With the creation of a new album you never honestly know what to expect. It could just as easily be an hour of painful feedback as it could be a muscular rock and roll workout. What we have in Everybody Loves Sausages is an old-school, honest-to-goodness covers album. This is not entirely unfamiliar territory given 2000's collection of covers and collaboration entitled The Crybaby. Cover albums are usually a way for die-hard fans to peek behind the mask and see what their favourite band's favourite bands are. With Melvins though, the eternal pranksters that they are, you do really have to wonder. These tracks range from the sludgy (Venom's 'Warhead'), to the raucous (The Kink's 'Attitude'), to the unexpected (a cutesy rendition of Queen's 'You're My Best Friend'). Punk to pop to thrash to glam: its all here. Along for the ride you can find Jello Biafra, JG Thurwell, and Mudhoney's Mark Arm among others. With all of these different musical genres and writing styles represented, Melvin's ramshackle approach to making albums really pays dividends. Everybody Loves Sausages may not have the acclaim of a full-blown new Melvins record but there are plenty of good times to be had.

Rating: B

Recommended tracks: Black Betty, Female Trouble

#3: Black Star Riders - All Hell Breaks Loose

First and foremost Black Star Riders must be commended for going under a new name as opposed to relying on the Thin Lizzy moniker to move units. The band consists of various members of the legendary band throughout the year. It is that sort of integrity that many other bands could have used when trying to continue after the death of a key member of their personnel. That being said Black Star Riders bring very little new to the table of All Hell Breaks Loose. Every song is wall-to-wall twin guitar riffs and endless bravado from new vocalist Ricky Warwick. The whole affair is exhausting and you really appreciate the few songs that aim to break the mold. 'Kingdom of the Lost' taps back into the Celt-rock vein that made 'Whiskey in the Jar' such a bit hit for the Lizzy. If you like your rock blunt and unambitious then have I got an album for you! Everyone else should just keep listening to your copies of Jailbreak and remember the good old times.

Rating: C-

Recommended tracks: Kingdom of the Lost