BRUCE KULICK – BK3 was released on February 2, 2010. I bought BK3 on it’s release date at Walmart for $10… not a shabby price at all, especially since this is an extremely likable album of eleven songs. Bruce Kulick has presented to the world, a menagerie of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs. No, there are no Folk songs on BK3, just solid musicianship all, with Bruce Kulick as the main attraction and in the guitar spotlight. Bruce plays bass guitar on five of the eleven songs as well. I have always enjoyed the guitar tone of Bruce Kulick, he doesn’t disappoint me again with his skills and sound on BK3. As the lead KISS guitarist on their studio albums from 1985 to 1992 aside, there has been so much more to an impressive and storied career behind Bruce Kulick and his guitar. BK3 is not about looking back on the past, it’s better described as building on the future while cementing a legitimate and thoroughly enjoyable third solo album.
Any hints of trying to conjure up the Hair Metal version of 1980’s KISS are not found in the music of BK3. I applaud Bruce Kulick for being creative on this album, while reaching out to some of his vocal friends for melodic and harmonious diversity. Other musical guests abound on BK3, each contributing their own signature to this album of spontaneity. A Guitar legend in his very own right, Steve Lukather, jams his way through the instrumental – Between The Lines. The combination of Bruce Kulick and Steve Lukather on one song is a Hard Rockin’ treat to my ears.
I’m The Animal exhibits the vocal talent of Edguy’s Tobias Sammet and drumming/KISS legend – Eric Singer, a Heavy Metal all-star cast. Bruce Kulick fires away delectable licks on I’m The Animal, making this song an instant favorite of mine. Final Mile is an entwining glow of Rock meets Hard Rock – up tempo ballad. Final Mile is also a convincing nod to the never aging Classic Rock genre. To compare Bruce Kulick vocally to someone else, without this sounding too much of a Metal stretch, my pick would be none other than Ace Frehley. Yes, both are unique vocalists, still, making a comparison is all this really is.
I’ll Survive features Bruce Kulick on vocals as well, (he sings lead vocals on five songs in all), a dramatic Rock song, lyrically tapping into the human spirit, while reflecting on being thankful for being alive and having one’s life spared from the grasp of uncertain death. Hand Of The King is a Heavy Metal surprise that features Nick Simmons on lead vocals. (In my Metal opinion, Nick does sound a bunch like his dad Gene Simmons). If comparisons to his dad Gene Simmons, proves to be of any detriment to Nick Simmons and his music career… well then, Metal be damned for his vocals sound terrific to me. Metal kudos to you, Nick.
No Friend Of Mine is without question, another favorite song on BK3 for me. John Corabi is the lead vocalist on this fast paced and semi-ballad. No Friend Of Mine has enough Hard Rock edges, encircling its Heavy Metal core, to tempt me into hitting the repeat button for this song multiple times. John Corabi vocally sounds excellent, a real standout on BK3, in my Metal opinion, once again. Doug Fieger is yet another fantastic surprise to hear on Dirty Girl, this song captures the essence of Rock relevancy through the decades, a good time, Hard Rockin’ song that reminds me of the Summer months… (yes, it really does).
KISS icon – Gene Simmons impresses with lending his lead vocals on Ain’t Gonna Die… yes, this song illuminates Heavy Metal… Old School too. Life ends BK3 in straight forward Rock style, with Bruce Kulick giving his lyrics added sincerity through his own vocals. To sum up the heartening reality of this songs lyrics, two lines say it best: Love is a gift in life, Be careful of what you choose. Bruce Kulick definitely has a mellow side, then again, I guess I do too… Bruce Kulick has reminded me of that.
* Catch up on more Bruce Kulick news and info by clicking here: BRUCE KULICK – Official Website
* BK3 was released on Twenty 4 Records/Rocket Science.
Track Listing For BK3:
Fate
Ain’t Gonna Die
No Friend Of Mine
Hand Of The King
I’ll Survive
Dirty Girl
Final Mile
I’m The Animal
And I Know
Between The Lines
Life
Seether is a Hard Rock band that does not need any plastic Hollywood music awards to be told they are damn great. The fans know. The music of Seether tells the whole story… of just how sensational Hard Rock songs are written. “Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces” is an album that should be a required musical manual for any up and coming Hard Rock band. Seether has proven to me, that lyrics are very, very, important in Heavy Music. Shaun Morgan, in my Metal opinion, encompasses many musical gifts… his vocals, guitar skills and the song writing that leaves me in awe. Lyrically, this is one of the best albums I have ever listened to in my lifetime. Couple these tremendously inspiring lyrics with Hard Rock music that is maximized by it’s hardness and mesmerizing grooves, well, you have yourself an instant classic. Shaun Morgan for me, is a vocalist that I listen to so intently, that the music at times becomes a backdrop. (This is by no means, an insult, it is just that Shaun Morgan’s vocals are so searing, they take hold of my attention and leave me zoned out on his voice and lyrics). I have to listen to Seether and say to myself, o.k., I am going to pay more attention to the music this time around, when I do it is like a double dose of Hard Rock music and Hard Rock vocal exhilaration. 
Duff McKagan, you know, the very famous and former bass player for the legendary Guns N’ Roses and current bass wizard for Velvet Revolver? Yeah, that guy. Well, let me tell you, Duff McKagan has his brand new solo, (if you will), album out right now and it is in my Metal opinion, sensational. Really, these tunes that Duff McKagan provides with Loaded are just that – loaded. Loaded with quality Hard Rock driven tunes. These songs have catchy hooks and an almost unmistakable Punk Rock vibe happening throughout the entire album. Loaded is groove laden and if I am not mistaken, not over-produced! I can honestly say, that I hear a bit of overall polish missing and I love that!!
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