Album Review: Thrillkiller, San Francisco Moto

Emotion Overload

The man who's in control

We'll never stop the show

Clever words will rule the world...

...You're the king of 1984!

The Baltimore funk and progressive rock masters are back with their second release, San Francisco Moto. I honestly wasn't sure if they could top their first incredible EP, but they not only topped it, they ascended to a higher plane of existence. And, I'm not even exaggerating. This EP is a true work of art. Its a perfect blend of 80's feeling funk and fusion, while being modern. Its mostly a completely different style from their debut album.

The EP starts off with a synth and guitar instrumental called Theme of Rex Razor that would fit in a scene of Stranger Things. It then slams into King of 1984, an upbeat and catchy tune that is full of stellar vocal performances, pounding drum and bass, and shredding guitar. It then goes into the title track, San Francisco Moto which is also upbeat, but more of a bass oriented tune to starts, but slams into a heavy groove, with brilliant vocal harmony. Last Horizon is the heaviest song on the EP, and it has kind of a 'chase scene in a movie' feel to it. Its absolutely brutal, in terms of guitar. Wicked Rhythm is a nod to their debut, as its funk and groove with a big chorus, and incredible harmony guitar solo.

This band is gifted, and they have probably raised the bar for local Baltimore bands extremely high. Singer, Rob Bradley is not only a great singer, he's a freaking rock star in every sense of the word. But, if you watch their videos, every band member has great stage presence and are rock stars in their own respect. Guitar duo, Maxim Sobchenko and Derrin Ruschell are virtuosos. Bassist, Sebastian Ochoa is a beast, and drummer, Daniel Tipton is extremely tight and skillful. This rhythm section is as solid as a brick wall.

This EP is great. Not only in the songs and musicianship, but also in production. This album is radio ready, and if Thrillkiller were to get signed (and it would be a crime if they don't) they wouldn't have to record a new debut album. 

You also want to check out their videos. They were not cheap to make, and the production on them is amazing. The two videos tell the story of Timecop, Rex Razor, and his adventures in time with his time machine that just happened to be installed in a Delorean. 

King of 1984 video

San Francisco Moto Video

Album Review: Thrillkiller, Showdown

Its a Showdown 

In the Prime time! 

Rob Bradley is a freaking ROCK STAR! Rob, the singer of Thrillkiller has one of the best voices I've heard, and the musical arrangement on the band's first full length album are nothing short of mind boggling. Thrillkiller is a blend of rock, metal, jass, funk, fusion, and pop. A perfect blend, combined with the musicianship of the top maestros. 

The band released a 4 song EP featuring 4 of the tunes on this album, as a teaser. I reviewed it at the time, and the accolades I gave the band in that review still apply, just moreso. This band is one that will appeal to musicians and non musicians alike. Translation: RADIO! Somebody sign these guys!

The album starts off with my favorite song by them, Passion Killer. A hard driving groove with a chorus that will stick in your head. In fact several of the songs have that, like In Too Deep, The Fever, and Time. Another thing that record companies look for. Once again, Somebody sign these guys! This is a band that I won't get sick of, and its a band that once signed, some snotty producer won't be able to change the vision that the band has in order to make it more 'commercial.' Meaning, Thrillkiller is perfect as is, and radio ready.

Showing the band's incredible diversity, track 6, A Reason starts off almost like a boy band harmony song, but with real music behind it. It then builds into a slow driving jam, with stunning vocal harmony, and mind blowing guitar by Maxim Sobchenko. But you can honestly say that about EVERY song. Want to hear a song that sounds like a mix of vintage Iron Maiden, Rush? Track 10, Social Disease. Bass player, Sebastian Ochoa puts on a performance worthy of Geddy Lee and Steve Harris, with the flare of Billy Sheehan, and drummer, Matt Bittman is there lock step with him. Boma Jack joined the band as the drummer after the album was recorded. Speaking of Geddy Lee, Rob Bradley's vocals reach the stratosphere in a vintage Geddy vibe. This song will melt your brain. 

Boma Jack, Rob Bradley, Sebastian Ochoa, Maxim Sobchenko

Thrillkiller has their own style, resembling no other. They come from an area known for producing incredible prog metal bands, and they have set the bar extremely high. But, we the fans are better for it. Hopefully, Thrillkiller gets signed, makes it big, and has multi platinum albums, with sold out stadium tours. Maybe that would reignite the fire in musicians to be the absolute best they can be, and for that to reflect in their music. 

You will like this album. Buy it! Here's how:

The band's website where you can buy the album

Facebook

 

New Band/ Album Review: Thrillkiller, Time

"There's Something About You

I'm In Too Deep!"

I've said before that the Washington DC and Baltimore areas is a breeding ground for amazing progressive metal. And, it is. But what do you get when you combine the musical talent of a band like Toto with the energy and soul of a band like Extreme? You get the Baltimore heavyweight, Thrillkiller! Although, don't think for a second that I'm saying they sound like anyone. They have their own unique style. They have a great name too, but Thrillkiller may not be the right name for this band. They don't kill ANY thrill. They simply thrill over and over again, never letting up, and you're better for hearing them!

Simply put, this band is incredible. Their four song EP called Time has more energy than a nuclear reactor. And, I'm not exaggerating. You start listening to it, and you'll be hooked. You'll be bobbing your head, and you'll be cheering at the end of each song. And that's just listening to the album! Imagine seeing them live!

All four songs on the EP are loaded with groove, funk, harmony, blistering guitar, earth shaking rhythm section, and great vocals/ vocal harmony. I'm just going to say that right off the bat and apply it to all the songs. However, while nothing sounds the same on the album, Thrillkiller definitely has their own unique style. Track 3  In Too Deep is more of a deep groove with a huge chorus, and a hook that will get stuck in your head in a good way. Track 1, Passion Killer shows us the blues influence on the band, with yet another huge chorus. Track 2, Time is my favorite on the EP. It has more of a metal feel to it than the other tunes, although it is still full of funk influences. The guitar solo is spectacular on this one, with an 80's virtuoso feel to it. And, another huge chorus! Track 4, The Storm is an all out assault on the senses. Its got everything from 80's virtuoso feeling guitar solo to hard and heavy driving power. It would make a great set opener or closer.

Maxim Sobchenko, guitars. Rob Bradley, Vocals

Singer, Rob Bradley is one of the best singers I've had the pleasure of reviewing. He has an amazing vocal range, and can harmonize anything. Its a smooth voice that is powerful in every part of his range. He's also a vocal instructor. Guitarist, Maxim Sobchenko is every bit a guitar god as such funk/rock/metal guitar gods, like Nuno Bettencort. He's amazing. He doesn't play rhythm guitar. Every lick on the EP is a lead of some sort. The two of them are the only permanent members at the moment. They are looking for a bassist and drummer good enough to share the stage with them. However, Matt Bittman  who has worked with bands like Slipknot, Mars Volta, and Imagine Dragons played bass and drums, as well as engineering the album. The band is already playing shows, so keep an eye out for them!

This album is EXTREMELY well done. It sounds every bit as good as; if not better than many of the releases of signed bands. Its probably one of the best sounding indie productions I've ever heard. The music is a clinic on how great music should sound. Rock and metal musicians will love it, but non musicians will love it as well. Its as intricate as progressive rock and metal, but has a commercial feel to it as well. You owe it to yourself to get this one! 

And, here's how to get it:

CD Baby

Bandcamp

Soon to be on Itunes, Amazon, Google, etc.

Social: 

Facebook

Reverbnation

And, we had the band on the Night Time Fiasco as guests a few couple months ago. Click here.
Although the show was called something else at the time.