Album review: JASON BIELER & THE BARON VON BIELSKI ORCHESTRA – Songs For The Apocalypse

Frontiers [Release date 29.01.21]

Jason Bieler scored a winner with hard rockers Saigon Kick (who had a US hit with ‘Love Is On The Way’ in 1991), and since then Jason Bieler has been mixing up styles. Indeed, when asked about the record: “It will NOT be my heaviest record yet, but it will feature a bunch of friends and musicians I love and respect.

It should sound something like if Neurosis got stuck in a blizzard at a Wawa with Supertramp, then Jellyfish showed up and they all decided to do Barry Manilow covers in the style of Meshuggah, but in waltz time with slight country underpinnings, yet accessible for the masses.” So there you go, a veritable potpourri of musical styles to be enjoyed within.

The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra includes many top musicians including Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Devin Townsend, Pat Badger (Extreme), Jeff Scott Soto and Bumblefoot (Sons Of Apollo).

After a haunting intro in the form of ‘Never Ending Circle’, the first vocal song arrives ‘Apology’. With Todd La Torre on drums it has a pop melody and vocals over some serious guitar riffs and soloing, courtesy of Andee Balcksugar.

‘Bring Out Your Dead’, despite its title, is an upbeat melodic rocker with an insanely catchy chorus. Devin Townsend and David Ellefson guest on this one. ‘Anthem For Losers’ follows a similar vein, an instant hit on the ears and the use of layered vocals recalls the one album wonders T-Ride.

Skindred’s Benji Webbe guests on ‘Beyond Hope’, adding a nice bit of rap ‘n’ metal to the vocals. The other notable guest vocalist is Jeff Scott Soto on ‘Alone In The World’, another belting melodic pop rocker. Turn this one up!

One of the best songs on the album ‘Very Fine People’ is tucked away at the end of this fifteen song album. Another strong vocal performance from Jason Bieler.

It is way out there musically, yet never disappears up its own musical arse, and every song is rooted in a strong melody. Impressive and more enjoyable on each subsequent play, go on give it a go… ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)