So we get finally get all those sweet vinyl only &
compilation releases on one cd. As a fan of the band, and a person who
doesn’t own a record player, this is like a gift that keeps on giving.
This is no ordinary, cheap throwaway “extra” songs, just to expand a
cd. If you’re not familiar with Stone Axe, I’m not sure where
you’ve been. The have released two great “retro” sounding hard rock
albums. A superb s/t album. They actually bettered that one, with
their second one, II. It picks up where the s/t left off, but adds some
much more, in terms of growth. Everything is so vibrant and so much
bigger on II. We now get an extra special gift with a reissue of
album II, with an expanded second disc.
It starts off with a tight version of Creams Swlabr. You
actually get the feeling that you’re hearing a really really great outtake from
Cream themselves. The next gem is Black Widow (a song off of their
s/t debut). A bit shorter than the album version, it is still hard
hitting and a riff master’s dream (recorded with their MK1 line-up).
Shine on is a great studio version of a song that was recorded live for their
Extended Play E.P. Rhinoceros is up next, again another song off
the debut, however this is the original version which includes an extra minute
or so of this smokin’ instrumental with a short but sweet drum solo
added. One has to wonder why this was not the version included on their
s/t album. King of Everything shows their love of AC/DC, and is
another cut that appeared on the Extended Play E.P.
In 2009, Stone Axe released a limited edition 7” with 4 songs
(Until There Was Rock You Only Had God). All 4 songs appear on
here, in order as they appear on the 7” single. Again, I must add
how lucky for those of us that does not have a record player, have to feel.
I’m sure, as I have been, that others have been waiting to get their hands on
these songs. They do not disappoint. When I Came Down is a tireless
hard rocker that keeps you on your toes. They follow with a scorching
live version of a song called Taking Me Home. I definitely get the
feeling that Stone Axe is a band that you need to see live to really appreciate
all they bring. This song is just a barn burner. Stonin’ is
like a runaway train, a short super-fast instrumental, the guitar playing is
pure genius on this number. Last but not least from the 7” we get the
Devil’s Hand. It is more of a slow burner, not quite the blues, but very
soul filling, with simple yet elegant guitar musicianship.
Metal Damage is exactly as the title suggests. This could
easily fit onto a hard rock record from the 80’s (no, not the hair metal,
make-up wearing bands). It says something to me, when a band can channel
so many influences and take them all, and turn them into something of their
own. Paying respect to these influences, yet at the same time, making the
music their own. For All That Fly is a beautiful slow rocker, a song that
would not look out of place on an Allman Brothers, Skynyrd or MTB
record. We quickly get back into a punchier number, Nightwolf,
which leads us into a nice slow blues, The Last Setting Son. Both these
songs, have a David Coverdale feel to them, which is to say, a great vocal
recording. I have to admit, the Last Setting Son really explodes
for a slow blues, the rippin’ guitar work is astonishing, and really bring out
the pure quality of Tony Reeds musicianship. The man knows his
music. We are coming to the end here (too bad as I could go on listening
to another 5 – 10 songs). Time, unfortunately to bring the album to a
close, the second last song is Slice of Darkness, a feedback drenched loud
guitar mash up, with nice silent spoken word play from the band. Finally
to end the album off, we get a fuckin’ killer instrumental. Like rolling
thunder, this is how one must feel when they are struck with lightning.
Another feedback drenched guitar slaying dream killer. At almost seven
minutes, it just feels too short to me. I could listen to this for
another 7 minutes. Pure bliss to my ears.
Stone Axe II (Expanded Edition) is a hard rock fans dream.
Not only is the original album a classic, the second disc could easily hold its
own as Stone Axe – III. Tony Reed if not the best, has to be
considered one of the best musicians of our time. It just keeps getting
better for him and his band. You would ultimately have to be out of
your mind to not want to pick this album up. If you wanna hear some Thin
Lizzy, Deep Purple, Skynyrd etc…. it’s all wrapped up in here with Tony Reeds
take on these wonderful bands and the influences that they have played in his
songwriting and music playing. I guarantee any fan of hard rock
will come away thinking this band could be the next big thing, and that isn’t a
bad place to be.
~William Bissonette
