Various Artists - Magic Power All-Star Tribute To Triumph (2025) [FLAC] {Round Hill Records RHR058CD}
Release Info:
RLSDATE: 2025/07/05 RTLDATE: 2025/06/06
GENRE: Rock FORMAT: 534 MB
SOURCE: CD RUNTiME: 1:09:35
RiPPER: EAC 1.8 ENCODER: FLAC 1.5
DRiVE: ASUS SW-16D1X-U ORiGiN: US
RELEASE: Round Hill Records RHR058CD
MATRiX: RHR058CD 6745-CD-6595 24-262-09
with log/cue/nfo/m3u/sfv/300 dpi scans.
KNAC (dot) com adds. . .
Sometime back in the late '90s, there was a batch of "all-star" tribute albums produced and
released by Deadline Music (Cleopatra Records). Those releases featured members of the bands
I grew up listening to in the '80s. Some of the releases were solid, others not so much.
Back then we had to pay for our music, so it was extra infuriating when you bought something
you didn't like.
The idea behind Magic Power: All-Star Tribute To Triumph instantly reminded me of those
other "all-star" compilations I took a chance on, but with a higher profile of musicians
being involved. One question lingered with me though, will it be hit or will it be a miss?
The album kicks off with a back-to-back performance by fellow Canadian Sebastian Bach
(ex-SKID ROW). While I believe the 90 second intro track "24 Hours a Day" could have been
omitted, it does act as a nice lead into "Rock & Roll Machine". Bach has impressed me with
his vocals a lot in recent years, with a stronger focus on melody (and not screaming). His
performance here is top-notch.
I thought Joey Belladonna of ANTHRAX was an interesting addition to this release, but he too
knocks it out of the park with his rendition of "Magic Power". It makes sense to me now that
Belladonna has a JOURNEY tribute band on the side, as he clearly can shift from intense
Thrash Metal to Melodic Rock on the fly.
Mickey Thomas is 75 years old, and has not changed one bit vocally since the height of his
time with JEFFERSON STARSHIP. His version of "Spellbound" is heavy on pulsing keyboards and
vocal energy. Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER) was another surprise participant. Usually Dee is a
bit harder and edgier, but he's done some Broadway, so I guess it's not that surprising.
Snider plays to the original of "Lay It On The Line", rather than twisting it.
"Somebody's Out There" is hands down my favorite TRIUMPH song, so you can imagine that I'd
be extra critical listening to this one. Producer Mike Clink picked the perfect vocalist for
this one, Lawrence Gowan of STYX. Gowan's vocal delivery is on par with Rik Emmett's in the
original. Deen Castronovo (JOURNEY), for those that don't know, is just as impressive as a
vocalist as he is a drummer. His take on "Never Surrender" honors TRIUMPH, but could also
pass for a lost JOURNEY track.
Jeff Keith (TESLA) sounds right at home with his version of "Hold On". His trademark rasp
makes a few appearances along the way. When was the last time you saw Jason Scheff's
(ex-CHICAGO) name on a tribute album? His soulful vocals are perfect for the power ballad
"Just One Night".
I can't say that "I Live For The Weekend" was high on my list of favorite TRIUMPH songs, but
Dorothy Martin (DOROTHY) is high on my list for favorite Rock vocalists. Martin trades vocal
barbs with Tyler Connolly (THEORY OF A DEADMAN) here. The combination of Dorothy and Tyler's
bluesy tones were made for each other. But wait, they're not the only ones dueting here.
SLASH & NITA STRAUSS not only lay down bouncing Blues Rock riffage, but they also trade
fiery guitar licks.
Nancy Wilson (HEART) takes a different approach to "Fight The Good Fight". The groove is
slowed down, the distortion is pulled back, and the vocal angst has been replaced by soft
singer-songwriter vocal stylings. At the album's conclusion, "Fight The Good Fight" returns
with a more traditional version, featuring vocal journeyman Dino Jelusic. Jack Blades of
NIGHT RANGER stays true to the original version of "Follow Your Heart", with little
flourishes here and there.
The heir to TRIUMPH, Phil X (PHIL X & THE DRILLS), delivers an impressive version of "Allied
Forces", proving that he's more than just a guitar player in that band you know. The group
that took the most liberties with their TRIUMPH cover is ENVY OF NONE. Backed by Alex
Lifeson (RUSH) and Andy Curran (CONEY HATCH), and fronted by vocalist Mariah Wynne, they
take "Blinding Light Show" in a unique Prog Rock direction, with impressive results.
I've listened to a lot of "all-star" tribute albums over the years, probably more than the
average person. I can honestly say that Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph is by far
the best I've ever heard. The star power involved in this release, paired with the timeless
catalog of songs by Canadian Rock legends TRIUMPH is sure to have you playing this one more
than just a few times.
Ripper's Notes:
Not a huge fan of Envy Of None's take on "Blinding Light Show" (but, Alex Lifeson is a
legend, so he's forgiven). Other than that, super solid tribute album to hard rock's
unsung heroes Triumph. But, really, $25 bucks for a single CD? This is why we pirate!
If you chose to share this, or any other release, elsewhere, please give the original
ripper/uploader the respect they deserve by leaving it intact and giving credit where credit
is due.
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Enjoy, and SEED!
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