Orianthi: Heaven In This Hell Album Review

I've been deliberating for the past little while on what album I should choose to write my first ever review on. Eventually, inspiration struck and I finally decided upon reviewing one of Orianthi Panagaris' albums, Heaven in This Hell. Both her music and incredible talent has played a huge part in my life by inspiring me to learn guitar and more recently bass. Seeing Orianthi play on Michael Jackson's This Is It film for the first time back in 2009 really blew me; I was in awe and immediately wanted to play guitar just like her. Last year one of my dreams came true and I actually got to meet with Orianthi before one of her shows with former Bon Jovi member, Richie Sambora! Perhaps I might write about meeting them both sometime in the not so distant future.



Orianthi & I last year

As a solo artist I'd love to see Orianthi recieve more recognition, particularly here in the UK. With that in mind I decided to write my first review on her latest album named Heaven in This Hell which was released back in 2013.  

Orianthi's previous album titled Believe which was released in 2010 featured a more mainstream pop/rock sound. Believe had some really catchy songs including "According To You" which (I think!) was really popular in the US and Australia. The album also included a guitar instrumental track; a duet with Stevie Via named "Highly Strung".

Heaven in This Hell on the other hand has a more heavy rock/blues sound flowing through the album. Each track showcases Orianthi's amazing guitar playing which of course, I just can't get enough of!

My favourite tracks from Heaven in This Hell consists of songs such as You Don't Wanna Know, which I heard Ori perform live on tour with Richie Sambora last year, Frozen and Better With You.
The album starts off with it's title track Heaven in This Hell, a heavy rock song with one of those outstanding guitar solos as it approaches the last two minutes or so. You Don't Wanna Know then follows as the second track in the playlist. Like I said above this is one of my favourite tracks on the album. I love that this particular track has a strong acoustic sound throughout it. Previously, I'd never actually heard any of Ori's solo material live so hearing it performed on tour last year was absolutely brilliant!
Next on the album is "Fire" which just so happened to be one of the first songs from Heaven in This Hell that I ever heard. "Fire" is another heavy rock track filled with some awesome riffs and guitar solos. It was released on an EP a good few months in advance of the album's release date featuring four new tracks from what was at the time soon to be released album.
If You Think You Know Me is another great song from this fantastic album. I read an interview from around the time "Heaven In This Hell" was released and Orianthi mentioned that the track was one that she wanted to be able to play live. Believe it or not, the very first time I listened to that specific song, that was one of the first thoughts that came to my mind. I could completely imagine it being performed live. There are just some songs out there that you hear and know would sound great in concert.

As the album goes on How Do You Sleep?, a blues inspired track begins to play. As someone who plays bass guitar, I'd say that blues is definitely one of my favourite styles to play. Blues in my opinion is one of the most relaxing genres to play, it really gives the musician the opportunity to portray emotion in their music.
One of my favourite songs in the album, Frozen just so happens to come next. Frozen is a great rock song, which I love to sing along to (as you do!). If you love to listen to Orianthi's amazing guitar solos, then you'll definitely love this song!
Following the loud, heavy rock sound featured in "Frozen" we have the opportunity to wind down after the rush of adrenaline and excitement from the pervious tracks. "Rock" is a relaxed, country number that reminds me of warm summer days. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of country music but this track is most definitely an exception. I really love how songs/music such as "Rock" can take you to another place and help you forget the craziness of the world around you for a little while.
The album continues with a ballad "Another You" which features a powerful guitar solo approaching the end of the song. I love listening to guitar solos, particularly solos performed by Orianthi. So as you can imagine; I just can't get enough of her music!
"Heaven in This Hell" draws to a close with the final three tracks which are named "How Does That Feel?", "Filthy Blues" and "If You Were Here With Me". However, a Deluxe Edition of the album was also released on iTunes which had a couple of bonus tracks. The bonus songs include the brilliant rock track "Sex E Bizarre" a duet with rock legend and lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler. Then of course there is one of my favourites "Better With You" a pop song which I just can't help but love! "Better With You" is another of those catchy songs that you find yourself singing along without thinking. Finally, there is also a radio mix of "Another You" included.
Overall, "Heaven In This Hell" in my opinion is a great album featuring some brilliant songs. The album includes a wide variety of genres and style so there's something in there that'll appeal to almost everyone! I'm pretty sure her music and guitar playing has and will continue to inspire young girls out there to pick up a guitar and rock out!
 

Queen & Adam Lambert: The SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow 2015

 

Ever since I was little I have enjoyed listening to the music of the legendary, world famous rock band Queen. Their music is extremely influential to me alongside so many others out there. I mean who doesn't know their catalogue of hit songs such as We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody to Love?

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I'd see them in concert! From experience I've discovered that dreams do in fact come true. Last Wednesday one of my dreams actually came true; I finally had the opportunity to see Queen in concert!

A couple of months ago Queen announced that they'd be touring the UK, one of the shows happened to be at Glasgow's newest concert venue The SSE Hydro Arena. Of course I had to buy tickets, I could not have missed the opportunity to see them live!

The entire show was absolutely amazing from start to finish; up until now Fleetwood Mac had topped my list as my all-time favourite concert. Queen however, may have just knocked them off the top, I seriously thought I'd never see another band put on a show at such a high standard!

 

Adam Lambert, a former contest from the popular TV show American Idol is currently touring with Queen as their lead singer. I was already familiar with some of Adam's work but decided to do a little more research by checking out footage of his performances on YouTube. After watching a few videos I knew I was in for a real treat-I was extremely impressed! Seeing Adam perform in person was even better than I had initially expected. His vocals are phenomenal! There are very few people out there who can sing Queen songs and pull it off like Adam did.

 

From around twenty minutes before the show started the sounds of instruments could be heard, there were blasts of smoke which were also used at points during the show. Bizarrely, even the noise of what sounded like a helicopter filled the room. I still haven't quite worked out where it came from but nevertheless it definitely hyped the audience up.

Unlike a lot of bands I've seen they arrived on stage as scheduled at exactly quarter past eight. The arenas lights dimmed and the music began. There was a large curtain covering the stage where a large silhouette of Brian May playing guitar appeared. Moments later the curtains parted revealing the band that we all braved such a cold winter's night to see. As you can imagine by this point the room had erupted in cheers as they performed the opening number One Vision. I sat there and found myself remembering watching one of Queen's concerts on television when I was younger. There was all the lights and smoke that had made it look so spectacular on television and seeing it right in front of me gave me a rush of adrenaline.

 

Before long the famous bass line of my favourite Queen song Another One Bites the dust filled the room. I have been learning to play bass myself and this is one of the songs that have really inspired me as a bass player. It is such catchy song that I am so pleased to have been able to hear performed live.



Adam Lambert

Killer Queen was an absolutely brilliant way of showcasing just how much of a showman Adam Lambert is. The performance that he brought to the Glasgow audience whilst singing Killer Queen for me, was definitely one of the highlights of the entire concert. If you're having a bad day it's definitely worth checking out Killer Queen videos on YouTube as its sure to put a smile on your face.

 

 

Following a few of Queen's other electrical hits we were treated to an acoustic set on the B stage. The B stage shaped like a circle sits out amongst the audience connected by a walkway leading to the main stage. By having a secondary stage it allows the audience to have an up close and personal experience with the band.

Speaking from the view point of a wheelchair user; I've never had the opportunity to see any of my favourite bands up close due to where the accessible seating is situated. The Hydro is definitely one of the better venues I've visited when it comes to accessible seating however the stage is still a fair distance away. On this occasion it was great to see a performance in more detail from the disabled area. I would love to see more bands provide this sort of experience for their fans.

Brian May

 

Brian May treated the audience to a beautiful and heartfelt acoustic performance of Love Of My Life in tribute to their legendary frontman Freddie Mercury. It was one of the moments where the audience sing along and the atmosphere feels simply magical. The miniature acoustic set continued with Brian singing  a song named '39. I really love acoustic performances during a show as you really get to hear the power and emotion in someone's voice.

 

On opening night of the UK tour in Newcastle, Brian used his selfie stick to take a selfie or two with the audience in the background. In Glasgow he decided to change things a little and this time took a panoramic photograph of the entire audience which was posted to his social media accounts and website. It's pretty cool to be in the photograph despite the fact I'm struggling to actually find myself amongst the crowd!

 

Roger Taylor and his son Rufus, took to stage and had a drum battle. A set of drums was set up on the B stage and the actual drum kit on the main stage was used too. Although at this exact minute I cannot remember who played on which stage. 

There was also the most spectacular guitar solo performed by Brian May. I was in awe watching and listening to such a breath-taking performance. The guitar solo has a sort of sci-fi type feel to it, I could picture the images of space ships, planets and stars that fill our solar system. That's what I like about music, it can take you to a completely different world and really provoke your thoughts and emotions.

 

As the solo drew to close they blasted into back to back hit after hit consisting of Tie Your Mother Down, I Want It All, Radio GaGa and then of course everyone's favourite Bohemian Rhapsody!



Bohemian Rhapsody



Adam started by singing Bohemian Rhapsody before the stage lights faded and a video of Freddie singing appeared on screen much to the crowd's approval. They even had footage from the music video for those famous operatic parts-it was so cool! Of course to top it off Brian came on and preformed that amazing guitar solo! 



 I don't know about you but have you ever seen one of those pictures on social media where it mentions that familiar moment where you find yourself singing all of the different parts during Bohemian Rhapsody? Well I put my hand up and admit that I do-I suppose it's just too hard not to!

When Bohemian Rhapsody sadly came to an end Queen vanished off the stage leaving the room to fade into darkness. Minutes later a piper appeared on stage playing Scotland's iconic instrument (the bagpipes) as an introduction to We Will Rock You. By this point the entire audience were chanting the lyrics to We Will Rock You. The atmosphere was incredible with the crowd singing and clapping along, I don't think it's possible to listen to that song and not join in. 

 

The entire band entered on to the stage once again welcomed by the crowds seal of approval towards the Scottish themed intro. Adam was dressed in a leopard print suit, gold coloured shoes and a crown encrusted with sparkly gems. His gold toned attire perfectly matched golden confetti that fell from the ceiling as they brought the show to a close singing We Are The Champions. I even managed to catch a couple pieces of confetti to keep as small reminder of the gig.

Overall, the show was absolutely amazing! I knew it would be good but didn't expect it to be that good! I really hope that I'll have the chance to see them in concert again one day. If any of you get the opportunity to see them live; don't think twice! It's worth every single penny! You won't be disappointed-promise!

 

 

 

Here We Go....

Hello everyone out there!

Just over two months ago I created my first blog http://thehathippie.blogspot.co.uk/ about my life as a teenager with a physical disability and suffering chronic pain. It has been in mind for a while to create a second blog about one of my passions which happens to be music. So here I am writing my first post on my second blog and I do hope you'll join me for the ride!
During the past couple of years I would say that my taste in music has expanded and I find myself dipping in and out of different genres. I particularly like music from decades such as the 70s and 80s, I think some of the best music was made back then. There has been the odd song in the charts over the past couple of years that I really like but overall I like old music. Some of my favourite artists included The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Alice Cooper Orianthi Panagaris and Queen; to name but a few.
I absolutely love going to concerts and have been extremely fortunate to have seen some of the biggest bands in the music industry live. At thirteen years old I went to my first major concert which happened to be Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, we travelled from home here in Scotland all the way to Manchester in the torrential rain (it was definitely worth the long drive in such terrible weather!). Since then I have been lucky enough to have seen artists such as The Who, Fleetwood Mac, Prince and many more.
I am extremely fanatical about supporting music stores as unfortunately the past few years have seen closures of hundreds of music stores. There was a moment a couple years ago that the only music store in town was under threat of being closed. Fortunately, it pulled through and it happened to be one of the few stores in the large franchise it once was that remained open.
Although I own an iPod I must admit I'm not particularly a big fan of digital downloads, there are of course people out there who love it and I completely respect that. However, if I want a particular album I choose not download it but instead purchase a copy from a music store. I feel that it helps support the music industry and of course contributes to keeping music stores open. Another reason that I personally like to purchase a physical copy of  an album is for the booklets that come with the CD. I enjoy flicking through the pages, looking at the pictures and reading the lyrics.
In coming months I plan to write posts for this blog with accounts of concert experiences, album reviews, I may even write about some of the musicals I've seen from time to time and of course I'm sure other subject ideas will pop up as time goes on.
On that note this is probably a good time to bring this first post to an end. I hope that those of you who stumble across this blog enjoy it and may even pop back again soon to read my latest post.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog, it really is appreciated!

Best Wishes,
Robyn