The Ultimate Tribute
Immortal Randy Rhoads
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March 18, 2015

Randy Rhoads: it's a magical name and the one and only that will forever stay the guitarist of Ozzy Osbourne in our hearts (no disrespect for Brad/Jake/Zakk/Gus or the very underrated Joe Holmes), Randy was the one who performed in the famous first couple of albums "Blizzard Of Oz" (1980) & 1981's "Diary of A Madman" (1981) that set the legend of the former BLACK SABBATH singer... Randy Rhoads, the man, the myth who revolutionized the Heavy Metal guitar and influenced generations of shred guitarists with his chops.
Disappeared March 19, 1982 in a tragic plane crash in the middle of touring with THE BLIZZARD OF OZZ; Randy Rhoads was only 25 years old... He formed his first band QUIET RIOT with Kevin DuBrow (RIP) at the age of 16, then with the Madman, this exceptional musician set the standards and the foundations of modern Lead Guitar with as only serious contender the mighty Eddie Van Halen.
Today, produced by guitarist Bob Kulick (BALANCE/SKULL/BLACKTHORNE) and approved by Kelle Rhoads, Randy's brother, here is "The Ultimate Tribute", this eleven classic tracks manifesto of six strings grandeur was integrally composed by Randy Rhoads and now played by the who's who of the Modern Metal scene, but also by some veterans such as original members of QUIET RIOT his friends and partners, Rudy Sarzo (ex WHITESNAKE/ex DIO) and Frankie Banali (WASP)!
Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL/ex BLACK SABBATH/ ex DIO) Tim Ripper Owens (ex JUDAS PRIEST/ex ICED EARTH/ex YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN), Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), George Lynch (LYNCH MOB/KXM/ex DOKKEN), Gus G. (FIREWIND/OZZY), Bernie Torme (ex GILLAN/ who replaced Randy briefly in the touring group of Ozzy), Bruce Kulick (ex KISS/UNION), Doug Aldrich (ex LION/ex BMR/ ex DIO/ex WHITESNAKE/BURNING RAIN/REVOLUTION SAINTS), Dweezil Zappa, Serj Tankiann (SYSTEM OF A DOWN), Tom Morello (R.A.T.M.)... Are among the recording musicians!
Note that this album is available with a bonus DVD featuring interviews and a presentation of the Musonia School of Music, based in North Hollywood, founded by the mother of Randy and directed by his brother Kelle .
Most of the renditions are faithful to the original songs, with Mr Ripper Owens giving his absolute best, this guy is unbelievable... Excellent work Tim!!!
Only low point, the first track, the iconic "Crazy Train" strangely is the most inaccurate version, butchered by both Morello and Serj Tankian, I can't see the point of such heresy!
In comparison, the cool "Mr Crowley" Thrashy version by Chuck Billy and Alexis Laiho is respectful... Of course, the guitar players are shining in the most brightest way, notably the actual OZZY shredder Gus G. who provide some superb licks in the updated "Goodbye To Romance" cover... "Believer" originally published in "Diary Of a Madman" embellished by the fret-board frenzy of Doug Aldrich or "Over The Mountain" with Jon Donais (ANTHRAX/SHADOWS FALL) are also particularly recommended!
At the end of January, under the guidance of Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE/S.U.N./LYNCH MOB) another similar project called "Randy Rhoads Remembered-Volume 1" had saw the light of the day, the line up is also stellar and the focus is more tagged on the respect of the original compositions...A good alternative addition to this magnificent "Ultimate Tribute", a good way to remember how his guitar talent was untouchable and how immense Randy Rhoads was!!!
10 / 10
Masterpiece

"The Ultimate Tribute" Track-listing:
1. Crazy Train
2. Over the Mountain
3. Mr Crowley
4. Suicide Solution
5. I Don't Know
6. Flying High Again
7. Goodbye to Romance
8. Back To The Coast
9. Killer Girl
10. Believer
11. S.A.T.O.
Immortal Randy Rhoads Lineup:
Various Artists
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