F8 by Five Finger Death Punch
In February 2020 Five Finger Death Punch released their 8th studio album, F8
This is one of those acts that I stumbled upon by accident. Someone I know shared one of their music videos on social media and I was hooked. Love the vocals and the guitar oriented sound and wanted to get me some. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed their original compositions as well as a couple of cover versions they have made. This is the first full album I have purchased as I only had a compilation prior to getting hold of this. It was a successful one for the band reaching the top ten in 10 countries and number 2 here in Australia.
Favourite track: “A Little Bit Off”
PWR UP by AC/DC
PWR UP (Power Up) is AC/DC’s 17th studio album and the 3rd produced by Brendan O’Brien
After the death of founding member Malcolm Young, no one was really sure about the future of AC/DC, including the band themselves. However, despite various issues singer Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd all returned to the band for this album. I really like it and admit to being surprised by its quality. I can’t help but wonder how many of these tracks were based on riffs from the late Young brother. Five singles were released and the album went to number one all around the world.
Favourite track: “Through The Mists Of Time” because it sounds different for them
Existential Reckoning by Puscifer
Is the fourth studio album from Puscifer their most accessible to date?
Maynard James Keenan has never been one to rest on his laurels so it is no surprise that another Puscifer album surfaces not long after one from Tool. Existential Reckoning received generally positive reviews from critics, but unfortunately it didn’t reflect in album sales. Sound wise this is fairly easy to digest compared to their earlier work but it is still uniquely Puscifer. Simply put, if you are a fan you will enjoy the album although it is unlikely to win them new ones.
Favourite track: “Bullet Train To Iowa”
Human Design by Birds Of Tokyo
The sixth studio album from Birds Of Tokyo debuted at #1 on the Australian charts
The catchy tunes one has come to expect from Birds Of Tokyo are still here, only this time the lyrics were more personal. The lyrics are largely written about singer Ian Kenny’s marriage breaking down as a coping mechanism for him. They are great songs all the same and 6 of them were released as singles.
Favourite track: “The Greatest Mistakes”
Shapeshifting by Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani released his seventeenth studio album in April 2020
You always know what to expect from a Joe Satriani album and he never disappoints. I own all of his stuff and each album he has released still gets a regular listen. This album made the top 40 in Hungary, Scotland, Poland, Portugal and here in Australia too. Not as successful as his earlier work but still of the same quality in my opinion.
Favourite track: “NIneteen Eighty”
The Slabthrower 