Greg Minier\u2019s Applehead has released their second album some 30 years after the debut. Entitled \u2018The Light Side of the Apple\u2019 Applehead has delivered a powerful rock statement. Roxx Records is the label which you can find this absolutely stellar piece of hard rock\/metal muscle. In a nutshell Roxx has released one of the greatest albums in their entire discography which goes back nearly 20 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some have described The Light Side of the Apple<\/em> with vibes like \u201creminds me of Alice in Chains\u2026\u201d \u201cSounds like Altar Bridge or Tremonti\u2026\u201d I\u2019ve even read some who thought Greg\u2019s\u00a0vocal reflected a vibe like Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. Whatever it is make no mistake this IS NOT AN 80s album, heck it\u2019s not even a 90s album. There are some fantastic allusions to music of the past but have been carefully packaged updated and delivered like a modern metal\/rock album in 2023 should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Undoubtedly you have seen the music video for the pre-release single \u201cDown\u201d (one of the best rock songs of the year!). Pure groove, melody, power and crunch with a hook that will not quit! A story of redemption and salvation, but it feels incredibly autobiographical. By Greg\u2019s own admission it is. The hooks here is so simple but amazingly effective and MEMORABLE!! Only the best songs remain with you and this one falls into that category. Dynamics and arrangement move this track from average to classic and FRESH! A 10 star knockout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another track that moves into the upper echelon of classic is the song \u201cPretty Creepy.\u201d It\u2019s not what you think, I mean a song about Samson and Delilah!! And it\u2019s from the point of view of Samson, first person! Fresh take!! With a brilliantly executed hook and memorable melody line. Heavy, groovy atmospheric and with such attitude that it demands an immediate replay. And again there are dynamics a plenty with lots of give and take. Lyrically it doesn\u2019t say it\u2019s about Samson and Delilah, but if one is familiar with the story from the Old Testament it\u2019s very evident. Such a fresh take here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first couple of times through the album I thought this album was quite good. However as I played it there were so many twists and turns musically, dynamics within songs I wasn\u2019t expecting. The opening track \u201cRaze Hell\u201d starts with the expected crunchy riff and even adds a melodic keyboard part (harpsichord?) with a great staccato like verse. Yet in the middle of the song it breaks down again with an unexpected acoustic guitar part. Highly memorable with another infectious melody that won\u2019t quit! He even brings out a talk box!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would be remiss if I failed to mention the \u2018epic suite\u2019 entitled \u2018The Destiny\u201d which clocks in at over 13 minutes! Highly surprising but is anything but a snooze fest. A maze of music twists and turns that is not simply overindulgent noodling. The Destiny is literally a complete overview of the story of man presented to us in the Bible. Sometimes presented in the third person sometimes presented in the first person. Musically it\u2019s heavy melodic, fast at times, highly engaging and with different \u201cvoices\u201d of celebration and warning. It\u2019s not preachy but descriptive. Different elements from power to sweeping atmosphere and melancholy \u201cThe Destiny\u201d is a track worth the price of admission alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the songs here really has its tongue firmly planted in cheek, \u201cA Harmonic Minor\u201d has every metal cliche crammed into one track, on purpose. Not campy at all but as you listen to the music and read the lyrics it becomes quite apparent the cliches are there on purpose, poking fun but not in a derogatory way. This bit of musical whimsy is heavy fast and crushing. It feels like the nod to old school euro power metal which just hammers you into submission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n