SIMONE SIMONS – Vermillion (Album Review)
To the metal-faring world at large, vocalist Simone Simons is largely synonymous with Epica. Likewise, the symphonic metal band Epica is inextricably intertwined with the…
Author John Kokel
John Kokel
John L. Kokel has lived all over the eastern U.S., and even in Europe. Although he has dabbled in lead guitar wankery for almost 30 years, his real love is the gear itself. He has done plenty of work as a live guitar tech, but spending two years studying guitarcraft under the tutelage of a leading luthier was “instrumental” in taking the game to the next level. John’s lifetime music catalog is a blend of AOR, metal and prog, although 80s pop remains a guilty pleasure. His hobbies include writing, guitars, guns, and motorcycles. His goal is to finish and publish a viable novel someday. He resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his soulmate Jennifer. Both ride motorcycles, and enjoy seeing America and all the live music it has to offer.
MARTY FRIEDMAN – Drama (Album Review)
If one were to ask Marty Friedman’s thoughts on technique, depending upon his mood, one might receive a polite scoff, or an understanding and thoughtful…
WHOM GODS DESTROY – Insanium (Album Review)
We need to get something established upfront. Sonic Perspectives is blessed with an insightful and well-informed readership. Yes, that means you, the best and the…
TEMIC – Terror Management Theory (Album Review)
For those fortunate enough to bear witness to Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress band live, as they performed Dream Theater’s “Twelve-Step Suite” live, it was evident…
JELUSICK – Follow The Blind Man (Album Review)
When placed alongside the juggernauts of rock and metal, multi-instrumentalist singer Dino Jelusick remains the new kid on the block. While he may have yet…
SPIRIT ADRIFT – Ghost At The Gallows (Album Review)
Singing multi-instrumentalist songwriter Nate Garrett has much to say. Or so it would seem, given his industrious nature while evolving his mixed-metal project Spirit Adrift.…
NITA STRAUSS – The Call Of The Void (Album Review)
Since exploding onto the LA rock scene in 2014, and immediately becoming a significant chapter in the Book of Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss (yes, like…
EXTREME – Six (Album Review)
Let’s get one thing straight. Extreme II, aka “Pornograffitti”, is one of the best rock records since 1990, hands-down. “Extreme III (Sides to Every Story)”…
WINGER – Seven (Album Review)
Once upon a time, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull mused lyrically about being “too old to rock and roll, and too young to die.” Don’t…
PAUL GILBERT – The Dio Album (Album Review)
As the world slowly emerges from the weirdness of the last three years, one can recognize that many, if not most, artists found creative ways…