(Stoner hard rock) Red Aim - Niagara - 2003, MP3, 256 kbps

Although pioneers of the German stoner scene, their previous release found RED AIM deviating from stoner rock paths. Their new sixth album “Niagara” follows in the same direction, with the band extending further its range of influences. The press release describes the music of RED AIM as “Fun, action and a lot of metal n’ roll songs combined with the band’s very own humoristic touch” and it’s one of the rare cases that a press release is spot-on in describing a band’s sound. Yet, although the desert/stoner influences are reduced they are still present, especially in the guitars. Guitarist B.B. Foxworth is definitely a great fan of KYUSS as his sound reminds a lot that of Josh Homme’s (at points disturbingly). This, however, does not also apply to the compositions, as the style of most songs is completely different to KYUSS. An exception to the aforementioned is the instrumental “They Invisible Ray”, which is a KYUSS rip-off, very similar in sound and structure to the instrumentals that KYUSS used to include in their albums (e.g. “Apothecaries’ Weight”, “Asteroids” and so on). The addition of Hammond player Ray Volva to the band’s line-up generates a retro URIAH HEEP-ish touch to the compositions. This often creates an interesting antithesis when combined with more modern sounds. Vocalist Dr. Don Rogers is an asset for the band, his voice adding a lot of character to the songs. The band is not afraid to experiment using a children’s choir in 3 of the album’s compositions (does this bring in mind Alice Cooper and songs like “Black Widow” or what?). The result is very successful, in my opinion, as the choir is very well implemented in the songs. “Niagara” left me with contradictory feelings as it is an uneven album. Although it includes some really great songs like the album’s title track, “Salamander” and “Almost Night Train” it also includes many indifferent ones. Consequently, despite the inclusion of a few very good and addictive songs, the album as a whole is just above average.

Dr. Rogers - Vocals (Powerwolf)
B.B. Foxworth (Benjamin Buss) - Lead & Rythm Guitar (Powerwolf, Flowing Tears)
El Davide (David Vogt) - Bass (Powerwolf, Flowing Tears)
Mitch Buchanan (Stefan Gemballa) - Drums (Powerwolf, Flowing Tears, Mercury Tide)
Ray Volva - Organ (Powerwolf)