UDR is constantly breaking new ground with older artists and serves as a monumental label capable of delivering the classic metal goods. My first approach to the music on the eve of Randy's passing was one of trepidation. The cold New England wind howling outside my window reminds me of the frailty of life. At first listen, the one thing that stood out for me was that, this is a celebration of a musical genius. A life of work cut short and taken from us too soon. So let's take this track by track
1. Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny AppiceOk at first listen to all the hype in the press this was supposed to be something amazing. It is not. Serj places vocals in this song which make it seem almost comical. His vocal style just doesn't transfer well to this type of metal. Tom Morello is a phenomenal guitarist. He doesn't go for the typical let's copy Randy's style and I appreciate that but overall his contribution here is not that impressive. This remake I could do without. There is no passion or energy here just gimmicks.
2. Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie BanaliJon Donais has a feel for what Randy was doing. You feelthe excitement on this one. The energy and passion is there. Ripper does an amazing job on the vocals.
3. Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appiceum....keyboard intro was spot on but those vocals....no..no..no...and I love testament but here in this context. next.
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny AppiceAgain Here is the passion. Doug Aldrich you are on fire. Randy would be impressed.
5. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banaliinteresting. Makes me think more about how Quiet Riot went from this crappy song to metal health? But it does show off some of Randy's pre-metal riffs.
6. I Don't Know
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett ChassenAgain....passion = energy. George Lynch you are shining. Not overplaying. Paying homage to the master. And that outro solo...awesome
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appiceok. thanks Ripper for the vocals here,
8. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett ChassenA better pre metal health song style. Cool
9. Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen....A very good remake. Gus G is an amazing guitarist
10. Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen....hands down my favorite track. Brad Gillis just kills this one. Awesome.
11. Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen.....Very well done. Energetic. Powerful
Overall a fantastic tribute to Randy Rhoads. His genius and legacy live on. A few missteps here and there but this is a great album filled with some of metals finest players.