VOODOO CIRCLE – Locked & Loaded

8.4/10

VOODOO CIRCLE - Locked & Loaded - 8.4/10

8.4/10

Summary

AFM Records
Release date: January 15, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

[/spoiler]

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The Backstory

Voodoo Circle is one of the side projects of Primal Fear guitarist Alex Beyrodt. Primal Fear bassist Mat Sinner has been with Beyrodt since their self-titled release in 2008. Vocalist David Readman (Pink Cream 69) departed after the release of their 2015 album Whiskey Fingers. For album number six, Readman is back and so is drummer Markus Kullmann. That album is Locked & Loaded.

Listen to our Alex Beyrodt interview HERE

The Album

The soulful vocals of a returning David Readman stand out on the opening rocker “Flesh & Bone.” The Hammond organ tones in the background give the track a Deep Purple vibe. A long instrumental sets the tone for “Wasting Time.” Readman channels his best David Coverdale impression and it’s quite flattering. Voodoo Circle’s vocal harmonies are on point during the chorus section and the progressive elements give it that last bit of zing. Guitarist Alex Beyrodt and drummer Markus Kullmann duke it out during the break. If this song came out as a single in 1987 it would have been a hit. “Magic Woman Chile” is a tap of the cap to Led Zeppelin. It’s bluesy, gritty, and seductive. Beyrodt nearly sets his ax on fire during his solos.

There’s more Led Zeppelin swagger coming from the voice of Readman on “Devil With an Angel Smile.” The rest of the band is laying down an intoxicating groove while they lament about that one girl we’ve all seemed to have encountered that turns out to be a train wreck. “Eyes Full of Tears” is the power ballad and it’s Voodoo Circle’s version of “Is This Love” by Whitesnake. “Trouble in the Moonlight” has elements of all the great blues-based Rock bands mentioned prior, but stands out as pure Voodoo Circle. “The Song is For You” is straight up blues with emotional guitar bends and runs.

The Verdict

Voodoo Circle will tell you themselves, they are not here to reinvent the wheel. They are here to pay homage to the great rock bands of the 70s & 80. Locked & Loaded is jam packed with the great Blues Rock sound you grew up with. Nothing fancy and no “modern twists.” Neither Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin, nor Deep Purple sound like they did back in the day. Voodoo Circle sounds just like they did, so enjoy it.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Voodoo Circle is

Alex Beyrodt – Guitars
Mat Sinner – Bass
David Readman – Vocals
Markus Kullmann – Drums

About George Dionne 288 Articles

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.