Entertainment

Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: Michael Romeo – War of the Worlds Pt. 2 (2022)

Little prog metal and sci fi storytelling? Don’t mind if I do! Dive in the JAR and see how Michael Romeo’s new album fared!

Published

3 years ago

July 31, 2022

Andrew Balaz

Whenever there isn’t an album that really captures my interest I start digging around in the previous releases for the year. This led me to Michael Romeo’s solo project. Romeo is better known as being the guitarist and ,one of only 2 static original members, of Jersey power/prog metal band Symphony X. Given the title of the album and how many guitarists don’t drastically change their style just for solo projects, I think staying in the vein of power/prog is probably to be expected.

This is a mostly blind shot, but I don’t dislike Symphony X and even saw them during the Gigantour Tour in 2005. So – that at least sets a personal expectation. I even grabbed the bonus edition to give the chance for more joy, or hatred, depending on how the cookie crumbles.

Michael Romeo lineup is: Michael Romeo (Guitars), Dino Jelusick (Vocals), John DeServio (Bass) & John Macaluso (Drums)

Artist: Michael Romeo
Album: War of the World Pt. 2 (2022)
Label: Inside Out Music
Total Track Time: 66:24

Introduction, Pt.2 starts off with the sinister movie score feeling, and given the War of the Worlds inspiration, it definitely works. It sounds haunting, epic, foreboding and does a decent job setting the atmosphere. The fact it’s an all instrumental introduction really doesn’t lend a lot to write about, but it definitely feels right. Divide & Conquer punches you pretty hard in the face with that Prog Metal, fast arpeggios and great percussive structure to add more power behind each line. The bridge moves into the chorus nicely and the really punctuates each passage as part of a fight where each stanza takes its own color and shape in the story:” Ooh, unearthly silence dressed in black, Ooh, the damage is done, now there’s no turning back// Denying, defying – the dread’s intensifying, It’s all for one and one for all
Defiling, die trying – a storm electrifying, Divided we stand, united we fall” , also it’s not crazy clever, but works with the subject material on the flip of the usual united/divided saying. Destroyer keeps a little lower and crunchy tone as it opens, not nearly the epic battle music the last one was. They do a echoed gang vocal for the chorus, and its very reminiscent of Helloween, which sounds pretty cool and doesn’t take away from the darker tone of the song. “There is no Devil, there is no God, Imposters marching in their faithless promenade”, good use of promenade. Weird lyrical choices like that always amuse me especially when rhyming with the previous bridge of facade. Not sure if that’s considered Alternate Rhyme scheme or Terza Rima, I just appreciated it.

Metamorphosis is heavy in the progressive vein, guitar tone, keyboard tone, all of it screams ‘spaceship’. Which honestly, fits well given the inspiration, so it’s not as much of an eye roll as usual from me. Perspective is very cool, where it seems to focus on the perception of visitors, be it the aliens or other Earth forces, and the betrayal that is felt. “Rising-up from the fire, A darkness comes over me, Look into the blackest mirror, Time’s the one enemy” – is an interesting choice because it applies metaphorically about time being undefeated, but also in the situation, time is of the essence. The final verse before the little run into double chorus finish changes to a much more angry and aggressive tone. “Change the rules, dancing fools, Howling at the moon, Isolate, take the bait, Accept impending doom, Vile, corrupt, self-destruct
Nothing you can do, Wicked birth of Hell on Earth, Becoming something new” the concept of adapt or die essentially, and it helps to really punctuate the song and where we’re at in the album. Mothership is an instrumental that plays the introduction pieces into something more, to symbolize the mothership approaching/landing. It ties the musical threads together to make it feel like a seamless score, and still breathes its own life into a Star Wars vibe at times.

Just Before the Dawn okay, I’ll be honest when it started I immediately got ‘anime opening’ vibes. Once the vocals kick in, the story continues and the lighter instrumentation is to imply grasping at the hope to succeed with everything against them. If this wasn’t a concept album, it could be argued that it’s a detachment from the tone so far, but as a story score, it makes sense. Still not going to be able to unhear ‘anime opening’ but it’s not bad. Hybrids hits like a Kamelot song almost from the first note. Rising rock oriented tempo and even the vocal performance starts more growled before getting clearing and then hitting a clear belt to hammer home the verse. Being the fact that Kamelot is one of those bands that rank higher on my preference list, the fact that this gives me those vibes, yeah, I’m not gonna be mad at this song. Hunted is our third instrumental song, which again, given the premise, I’m fine with this. The album being devised like a movie score to tell his vision of the War of the Worlds story, it’s really cool. Also makes my life easier, since I type less and just listen. Maschinenmensch is an interesting addition, since the concept isn’t War of the Worlds and instead from Metropolis, about a scientist who created a female android to be the new body for his dead wife. So it’s definitely an interesting pull, and I suppose android people would fight against aliens better than humans (Dragon Ball Z explains that to us as well), so it just wasn’t a direction I expected; but it is a cool song. Getting a little distracted in attaching threads, almost lost the plot there. It’s a hell of a song as well, 9 minute epic going through what she is and getting across the time aspect of things coming down to the wire.

Parasite has a nice gallop to the drums and guitar, the symphonic aspect is dark like a Tim Burton Batman film and we look to be aiming for the final fight. One can assume this song is getting across the point of finding out the oxygen is what killed the aliens in the book/movie. “One hate – pulverize, exterminate – titan carnivore, Dark heart – the earthen flesh ripped apart – devil’s at the door, Death storm – a lethal iron locust swarm blotting out the sun, Obscene – an unrelenting fear machine – got nowhere to run// A perfect illusion – so it seems, You always answer when I call// Parasite – I’m your Parasite” – so it would make sense this is the decisive battle that told humanity how to beat them, so the only thing left is a final counterstrike. Brave New World has elements of the battle music epic, but then simmers down into a light acoustic guitar, since the day is effectively won, its just a matter of spreading the word and ridding the planet of the threat. It’s another instrumental, but it has that victorious essence within it, that makes the normal conclusion of the album feel like an epic movie.

The Perfect Weapon is the first of the bonus tracks, and it has that quicker tempo like Parasite or even a Megadeth song. Lyrics are very cool, and I appreciate the word choices; “Light’s out, counterstrike – dead of night, Treacherous, the enemy lines align, Armed with a razor-tongued loaded gun, And decimate the righteous grand design” implying that words are weaponized is interesting since that either means word of mouth will kill the aliens or just what gives humanity the ability to breathe/speak. Alien Death Ray the final instrumental, just is a fun tempo change, polyrhythmic, tune that I’m not really sure what its about. It could be literally discussing a death ray or the metaphorical atmosphere. But generally its a cool song and I’m not going to weigh bonus tracks as heavily against the narrative since, they’re bonus for a reason.

So it’s safe to assume the sound was what I expected being the fact that I came in only really recognizing Romeo’s name and the Symphony X background. Jelusick has a great voice though, he has moments where he reminds me of Ronnie James Dio, Roy Khan and Michael Kiske. While the album isn’t as ear wormy as a few others I’ve covered, the musicianship is amazing. Great arrangements, fantastic tone and color throughout the whole story. I would gladly pay to watch this imagining of War of the Worlds, with or without Tom Cruise.

Fantastic work, this is going to be the highest rating I’ve given all year (yet doesn’t edge out my number 1, I just haven’t done an article for that yet).

Final Judgment: 9.1/10

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Entertainment

Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)

June will be electric!

Published

23 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Prepare for the most electrifying even of the HPW calendar!

While the stage is set for Blood & Thunder 4 and the HPW World Trios Championships, HPW must also address the return of KAGE!

Thundra Plateau is ready.

Wrestling is Life, but life has its stormy weather. The rain is going to be hot in June, but will the reign continue through the Summer? The Dark Forces may have failed to take the Undisputed Triforce World Championship from Zelda, but they still have the World Trios Championships. Harlequin, Lupay & Glutko will step inside the double ring, double cage to defend their gold. On one side, Arrow Club’s special combination of Fin Balure, Torbevito & Bad Croc Scaly. On the other, a new combination of its own in Cia, Lana & Midna.

Speaking of Cia, Lana & Midna…

The three of them are together, dressed in workout attire, in what appears to be a dance studio. This is a collaboration stream for Midna and Lana as they’re both big presences on the internet, aka “influencers.” Lana and Midna wave and say hi, and they give introductions, including Cia, who is reluctant to be standing there. Cia doesn’t know why they need to do this. Lana says they have to improve their teamwork. They may have won against Los Taros Locos, but it was really sketchy there for a second. Midna adds that doing a dance routine together is great for their timing and coordination.

Cia says she didn’t mean that, she meant having to stream it! Oh, well obviously, combining Midna’s viewing audience with Lana’s, and HPW’s overall, this makes huge numbers! So? And huge money…! Cia raises her eyebrow and says, “Oh really?” The trio sets up, and Lana says obviously they first have to learn the steps. Midna brings up, “Wait, what song are we dancing to?” Oh, good point. Lana was thinking something from Lulu. Cia asks, “Lulu? From the Indigo-Go’s?” Midna says Lulu’s got a great solo album. Lana agrees! That’s so great that they like the same music. Cia isn’t as familiar with her solo stuff, so she’ll rely on them for this.

Lana suggests they go with Energetic Me. For one, it has the most energy, duh. And it still has a dance vibe, which is the whole point. Midna says she might’ve gone with Royal Discotheque or Ten Outta Ten, but she sees Lana’s point. Lana shows them the dance moves she has in mind. Left arm up, bent at the elbow, and the hand up against the side of the chest. Then they switch so the right arm goes up to mirror that position while the left hand goes back to the hip. Maybe add a little hip pop as that happens. Do that a couple times, and then turn to the right. This puts the left hand on the back of the hip, right hand on the back of the neck for a sexy pose.

Then you turn to flip it the other way, then do a 360 with a big neck whipping, hair flipping move. Then finish with feet apart and double V’s up by the eyes, maybe with a wink. Cia says, “Yeah, okay…” while Midna says, “I like it!” Midna says she’ll set up in the middle. Cia asks why Midna is in the middle, and Midna says it’s symmetry. She’s the tallest, Cia and Lana are about the same, it makes sense. Yeah, but it also means Midna is the center of attention. Well, that’s just coincidental. Lana says it doesn’t matter, the point is them doing it all in synch. Cia sighs and says, “Fine.” Midna is in the middle, Cia is on her right, and the music plays.

Left arm, right arm, left arm, right arm, pose to the right, pose to the left, 360 spin and neck whip, then double V. Midna nailed it, but Cia was lagging. Cia defends she was not, but Lana says it’s alright, they’ll just keep trying. They run through it a couple more times, they do tighten it up, and all three feel really good about how that went.

The Dark Forces are watching.

They aren’t impressed by the “little dance party.” Harlequin says the Faces of Evil are way better anyway. Especially with the classics like the Thriller dance and Macarena. Zant says, “The Macarena? Pfft, and people think I’m a dork…” Harlequin says, “Don’t you dare mock the Macarena!” Harlequin changes tabs on the computer and starts playing the song! After the introduction, he lifts his right arm up flat, then his left. Then he turns the right hand up, the left hand up, puts his right hand on his left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder, then moves right hand up behind his head, and then his left.

Now his arms crisscross, right hand on left hip and left hand on right hip, to then switch so right hand on right hip and left hand on left hip. And of course, he swivels his hips in one big circle to go with “HEY~ Macarena! AIGHT!” Zant rolls his eyes while Harlequin keeps going, jumping 90 degrees to his left. Ganon walks in, Ghirahim following behind, and he tells Harlequin to “turn that crap off.” Harlequin pouts but he does as told. Ganon seethes as he takes a seat in his big arm chair. “Needless to say… Wrestling is Life didn’t go how I’d hoped. What was Kage even doing there?! Did either of you have any idea he was going to betray us?!”

Zant and Ghirahim are a bit flustered. Zant isn’t even sure Kage was part of The Dark Forces at the time Ganon took ownership. He’d kinda gone rogue at some point, didn’t he? Ghirahim agrees, it didn’t seem like he was even aligned with Cia and the others. All the more reason for Kage to keep his nose out of Ganon’s business! If Kage cared about the Dark Forces, then he would’ve helped them fight back at HyruleMania, or any time since. Kage clearly just wants the title, same as Ganon, so he’s a dead man walking. Speaking of that… Where’s Kevin? He came back in April, why isn’t he here?

Somewhere dark and spooky…

Heavy footsteps can be heard echoing as Kevin Gibdo moves down the hallway. He speaks with a low, airy voice, “Majora… Your madness… spread like wildfire… You thought by setting me ablaze… I would crumble into ash… You were wrong! Instead, I have been purified…! Purged of flaws and weaknesses… I now come forth… as gold!” There’s a light at the end of the hall, and Kevin enters a grand hall, with treasure gleaming in the light. At the center is the sarcophagus. Kevin walks up to it, opens it, and then his burnt and tattered bandages fall away before he steps inside. The sarcophagus closes, then the eyes on it begin to glow… Then the entire thing glows!

The glowing becomes a shining light, and that shining becomes so bright that nothing can be seen. It is clear things between Kevin and Majora are not over. Will the Masked Monster even stand a chance once the Gibdo of All Gibdos is restored to full strength?

Back to the Dark Forces…

Shabonne says, “I’m sure Kevin is just fine doing whatever Gibdos do on their time off.” Tali says, “What matters is what I’m about to do to that tiny little weasel with the Goddess Championship. If The Dark Forces is gonna have all the gold, then I need to squash her like a bug and take that title off of whatever’s left!” Ganon nods and says he likes the initiative. Tali will start on her own Triple Crown as the Dark Forces will make Hyrule Pro-Wrestling their kingdom! The group cheers while raising a toast! And then Harlequin gets Glutko and Lupay to join in on the Macarena, to which Ganon groans and facepalms.

And so, the ThunderStruck card is set!

The double ring, double cage will rattle with Blood & Thunder as the HPW World Trios Championships are on the line! The Gerudo Ace looks to settle a grudge with the Hero’s Shadow! And now, the Million Rupee Championship and HPW Goddess Championships will also be on the line! Will the Dark Forces absolutely dominate the Summer? Be ready to endure the heat on Friday, June 20th!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Bandwagon Nerds

Bandwagon Nerds #287: Filling A Void

The Nerds review Thunderbolts*, check out the latest trailers, and celebrate Star Wars Day as only they can!

Published

5 days ago

May 5, 2025

PC Tunney

The Bandwagon is stripped down this week as Dave and PC Tunney helm the ship for a big week in the Nerdosphere. Naturally, we are covering Thunderbolts as Dave, Tunney (and the rest of the Bandwagon, for that matter) all saw the latest entry into the MCU. What was the consensus, and did the longest post-credit scene in MCU history push the Universe in the right direction? In other MCU News, we discovered why Hawkeye had no second season. From there, the guys head into the Trailer Park to look at the latest, including a sizzle reel for Netflix’s TUDUM event, Dwayne “The Rock ” Johnson’s latest movie, The Smashing Machine, and a very creepy look at Weapons. GTA 6 got delayed, again….but could that be a blessing in disguise? But this Episode was recorded on Star Wars Day, and to commemorate the event, Dave tries his best to convince Tunney to watch Andor, while Tunney tells Dave what he likes most about one of the most successful franchises of all time. All that, plus Dave tells you why The Last of Us is the best show anywhere on TV. Dave & Tunney cover a lot of ground in an action-packed episode of BWN, so make sure you tune in!

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PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot – Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!

About Bandwagon Nerds

Join Patrick O’Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It’s the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!