The Lizards
Reptilicus Maximus
Hyperspace Records
2015
In a time when the “classic” has become a trend and everyone tries to take advantage of it somehow, there are some “old values”, which have stayed true to their classic rock roots for over 15 years. The Lizards are back ladies & gents… and, personally, I’m truly content about it. I believed that they had called it a day cuz I hadn’t heard from them in a while, but when I received their new album “Reptilicus Maximus”, I felt a relief knowing that they are still around. Moreover, I was pretty sure that this album was gonna be a killer and so it is! Way to go dudes!
But let’s take things from the start. The main reason why The Lizards stayed away from the lights for some years (over 7 if I’m not wrong) was the terrible car accident that Randy, the band’s songwriter & bassist, had. Thankfully, Randy fully recovered and started dealing with music so The Lizards are here again. Honestly, it would have been unfair for The Lizards to end suddenly cuz not only are they a first rate classic rock band but they also have a lot more to give the fans.
“Reptilicus Maximus” does keep its 70s classic rock character but it has bits of 80s, 90s and even 00s rock music as well… it sounds quite fresh and not “retro” (in the bad term of the word) in any way. The addition of keys has given the album a melodic variety which is essential. Scott “The Doctor” Treibitz played the keys on all the tracks. The production is full, powerful and rockin’. The album was again recorded and mixed at Randy’s personal studio or if you prefer at the “Electric Randyland” studio by Pat Klein (the band’s guitarist), who also did the mastering.
While I was listening to the album I was wondering how effortlessly & naturally The Lizards have that classic rock touch the 70s bands used to have and how deliberately some of the new bands try to sound like that. This is the very essence of music quality. Some are naturally doing what they feel and others are trying hard to be “clones”!
Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, BOC) plays the drums like there’s no tomorrow, Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot, ex-Masterplan) sings his heart out, bass player Randy Pratt (Cactus) brings the house down and guitarist Patrick Klein rocks like crazy. This line-up can set the majority of the “wannabe 70 classic rock bands” of our time out of competition. Just don’t listen to the fake ones… always support the genuine rockers like The Lizards.
The album also features guest appearances by Glenn “The Voice of Rock” Hughes (Deep Purple) on “Miracle Man” (the track was written by Glenn himself for The Lizards), Vinnie Moore (UFO) on “Crash”, Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) on “Evil Eyes” and David Lanik (Sharks) on “Ton on the One”.
Concluding, The Lizards have hit the spot with “Reptilicus Maximus”. If you’re looking for a classic rock album that features those vital & stimulating elements of the 70s & 80s, then “Reptilicus Maximus” is the ideal choice for you. The Lizards are here mighty & dominant as always… so join them before it’s too late!
But let’s take things from the start. The main reason why The Lizards stayed away from the lights for some years (over 7 if I’m not wrong) was the terrible car accident that Randy, the band’s songwriter & bassist, had. Thankfully, Randy fully recovered and started dealing with music so The Lizards are here again. Honestly, it would have been unfair for The Lizards to end suddenly cuz not only are they a first rate classic rock band but they also have a lot more to give the fans.
“Reptilicus Maximus” does keep its 70s classic rock character but it has bits of 80s, 90s and even 00s rock music as well… it sounds quite fresh and not “retro” (in the bad term of the word) in any way. The addition of keys has given the album a melodic variety which is essential. Scott “The Doctor” Treibitz played the keys on all the tracks. The production is full, powerful and rockin’. The album was again recorded and mixed at Randy’s personal studio or if you prefer at the “Electric Randyland” studio by Pat Klein (the band’s guitarist), who also did the mastering.
While I was listening to the album I was wondering how effortlessly & naturally The Lizards have that classic rock touch the 70s bands used to have and how deliberately some of the new bands try to sound like that. This is the very essence of music quality. Some are naturally doing what they feel and others are trying hard to be “clones”!
Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, BOC) plays the drums like there’s no tomorrow, Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot, ex-Masterplan) sings his heart out, bass player Randy Pratt (Cactus) brings the house down and guitarist Patrick Klein rocks like crazy. This line-up can set the majority of the “wannabe 70 classic rock bands” of our time out of competition. Just don’t listen to the fake ones… always support the genuine rockers like The Lizards.
The album also features guest appearances by Glenn “The Voice of Rock” Hughes (Deep Purple) on “Miracle Man” (the track was written by Glenn himself for The Lizards), Vinnie Moore (UFO) on “Crash”, Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) on “Evil Eyes” and David Lanik (Sharks) on “Ton on the One”.
Concluding, The Lizards have hit the spot with “Reptilicus Maximus”. If you’re looking for a classic rock album that features those vital & stimulating elements of the 70s & 80s, then “Reptilicus Maximus” is the ideal choice for you. The Lizards are here mighty & dominant as always… so join them before it’s too late!