After a long wait, Lagwagon is back, reinventing their sound yet again; and this is definitely their best yet. I was getting so tired with the poppy punk sound that has been polluting radio stations and even MTV as of late (ie... simple plan, good charlotte, and new found glory), so something new, that is still in the punk genre is definitely welcome.

The lead singer's voice may not at first be appealing to you because it sounds different, but it grows on you. It reminds me of what Tom DeLonge used to sound like on blink-182's first two albums(before they got popular with Enema of the State). Also, Lagwagon combines a good mixture of fast-paced riffs and beats with slower, more emotional melodies, to get a sound that u rarely, if ever hear.

Bottom line is that this CD is really good. Nearly every song is good, so its definitely worth the money...I reccomend it to anyone that has a taste for quality punk music.


Impressed once again   April 20, 2003
jonathan (Fenton, MI USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

After 5 years, Lagwagon comes back better than ever. I realized the talent each memeber of the band has. Every song has at least 8 different parts in it, switching back and forth, and really nice guitar solos. Suprisingly the sound isn't changed that much, you can tell right away it is lagwagon. Joey's voice is even better than ever, i think it evolved after doing the bad astronaut cds. This cd gets a 5 from me, one of the best cds i have heard. Pork pie represent.


Worth the wait and the change is good.   July 23, 2003
Paul Taylor (UK)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Blaze is a return to form for Lagwagon having been absent from the punk scene for a short period of time (their last release was 98). This is an amazing cd but you cant help but wonder why it took such a long time to make the album has a subtle change to it compared with all the other lagwagon albums but then every album is different by this band hence the fact they are one of the best punk bands to ever peform. With blaze there are more trademark lagwagon solos and even a couple of songs that would fit in with plaidinum. Stand out tracks on this album are i must be hateful, dancing the collapse, baggage and max says but even with those tracks edging been the best on the cd every other track is just as good in it's own way.

Blaze comes across as more punky than melodicly punk like a few of Lagwagons previous albums but it still manages to combine the two genres it's good to seem them still releasing quality punk rock and they still are withoutdoubt in my top 10 favourite punk bands which is saying alot really. The lyrics still maintain been insightfull and empathic as with all of Joey Capes material and blaze in my eyes is one of the few pio-neering releases this year. The first track burn is the prelude to what is a great punk rock album even if you arent into punk because of what you heard in the mainstream chances are you will love this band.

A few tracks even have a slighty metal on the solos which is a sighn of them heading back to their roots of metal a little the solo on baggage reminds me off something you would hear on a rush album only it's a short punky solo which blends in really well. With their been such a heavily populated punk scene in california or at least that area at the moment it's hard to find a band that really does stand out Lagwagon are really part of the minority, NOFX are to a certain extent but i dont particulary like NOFX even though it has to be said there are at times vague NOFX influences on blaze which go well with the music (that is not to say Lagwagon are imitating NOFX like many people assume).

Lagwagon are quality musicians and have have been around for a bit in the punk scene ie (Rich kids on LSD) etc so you know that the experiance can help in a band and it turns out it does with this release, i cant really recommened blaze enough, discover the lagwagon genre and you'll see what i mean.


Enough Complaining   July 20, 2003
Mark
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am a lagwagon fan and have been since they released trashed. One thing I hate about the reviews this band gets is how people always talk about how Lagwagon keeps changing after every release. Reality Check my friends. Change is enivitable. I play in a band that releases music and I hate the cynical reviewers who try and compare or complain that we havent stayed the same since the last album.

Lagwagon has come a long way since Duh. The band has matured and definately made their sound known throughout the entire world of punk rock. Blaze is an excellent album. Those who say it is radio friendly are not in the right state of mind. Even though the album doesnt sound the same as their previous releases doesnt mean to say it is a let down.

This is one of my favourite albums. I think that if you are a true fan of lagwagon you will appreciate it and not complain that it doesnt sound the same as trashed or hoss.

There are no let downs on this album and if it is to be the last from the band its a good album to end their long musical careers with.