The guitar riffs that open up “Ol’ Blood N’ Guts” are absolutely intense, with hints of timeless acts like KISS placed alongside progressive metal shredders. When the vocals start up, a similarly-catchy side of Brown’s music is shown. Where production largely goes ignored now, it is the skilled production on this album that allows Brown’s solos and vocals to shine without either sounding too tinny or being forgotten in the mix. Brown challenges listeners by placing “I’ll Wait Here (For Your Love)” as the opening track, as it very nearly tops the album in terms of sheer length.

However, it is Brown’s extreme talent with the axe, as well as the narrative present in the vocals, that will firmly seat listeners for the entirety of “Ol’ Blood N’ Guts”’s wild ride. Where there is a timeless sound to the opening salvo on the album, “Hit The Road” has a decidedly more classic feel to it. Whether it is the blues-laden riffs or the early Van Halen approach taken to the vocals, there will be something for everyone to appreciate here. “Black and White” may just be the most poignant track on “Ol’ Blood N’ Guts”; starting off slow, the guitars burst out into open defiance as the piano continues to tinkle on. As is the case with every cut on this disc, Brown is able to create a track that is as hard rock as one can get, while still having something for pop fans to chew on.

Topping off the tank with the release’s final cut, “Still Alive”, Brown is able to break the stereotype that weaker tracks are placed at the backside of a title. Rather, there is a slower track that closes things up nicely – as the guitar steps back for a few moments, Brown’s vocal chops are put to the ultimate track. When the vocals rest, listeners are left with a stunningly-arranged song that will stick with them for weeks to come. If you are a fan of any sort of rock or even metal, find out a way to pick up “Ol’ Blood N’ Guts”.

Top Tracks: Black and White, I’ll Wait Here (For Your Love)

- James McQuiston-NeuFutur.com

Greg Brown, Ol’ Blood N’ Guts

Are you ready for some good, old-fashioned Blood N’ Guts brought to you by Greg Brown? The Boston-based singer/songwriter/guitarist lays it all out on the table for you with nothing left to hide. Ol’ Blood N’ Guts is actually named after World War II U.S. General George S. Patton’s nickname and the title couldn’t have been more fitting for this album.

Besides Brown spillin’ his guts, two other members of the band also will get your blood pumping and they are Eric Klaastad on bass and Bobby Torello aka Bobby T on drums. Klaastad is a former member of the hair metal band Trouble Tribe and other credits include Billy Joel, Debbie Harry and Peter Frampton. Bobby T recorded and toured with Johnny Winter back in the 80s and he has also played with Michael Bolton, Grace Slick, Black Oak Arkansas and Thunderhead. Greg Brown, himself, has been a staple in the NYC club scene as well as his home state of Connecticut since the early 2000s. All three members are very talented obviously and now they join forces to create an energy-loaded rock record.

The mix of songs includes styles of mainly hard rock combined with a classic rock feel. The group seems to have a vintage sound but they keep it fresh & grounded for today. Their classic element is further enhanced by the old-school 1970s Marshall amps that were used during the making of this record. There are tinges of rhythm & blues in certain songs, but on the whole this is a rock ‘n’ roll record full of feeling & edge. Throughout this 9-song set, Greg Brown & company are performing with absolute authority. The energy level is at an all-time high here with an unrestricted sound evident. The band is bringin’ their A game on this new project and as stated on track five, they’re “goin’ postal baby!” I was so impressed with the sharp-shooter singing, out-of-this-world guitar playing, thunderous drumming and solid bass lines. It was a total team effort by three musicians who simply just came to PLAY and PLAY HARD! There were some awesome guitar solos & riffs by Greg throughout this recording that would make anyone smile. Greg Brown brought to you some stand-out vocals that were both piercing & powerful. Bobby and Eric are the rhythm & beat to which the rest is history. It is also worth mentioning that there were was some fine background singing that really added a terrific dimension/flavor toward the whole picture.

Greg Brown and his band bring it home with the closing number “Still Alive” where Greg says “He is still alive’ made it out alive!” This line is an appropriate way to close the show because in the end when all the smoke & dust is cleared, Greg Brown & team are still standing tall. Ol’ Blood N’ Guts is what they have for you; nothing more…nothing less.

- Jimmy Rae-SkopeMag.com

CD Review: Ol' Blood N' Guts - 'Rock Blitzkrieg'

Boston's Greg Brown leaves nothing to guess throughout nine tracks of sweaty, gritty blues rock. This is a yes for die hard rock fans.

Greg Brown and his band Ol' Blood N' Guts create a wicked powerhouse rock arsenal in the CD Ol' Blood N'Guts. Taking its name from General George S. Patton's nickname, this well-tuned rock machine powers its way through blues rock sounds and highly accurate arrangements. Sounding fuller and more robust than the trio it is, Ol' Blood N' Guts is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Brown, bassist Eric Klaastad and drummer Bobby Torello. The percussion and integration of this three-piece begs the question, "What would this band sound like as a six piece?" Imagine that power.

Taunting The Listener
The first track, "I'll Wait Here (For Your Love)" maliciously taunts the listener with a trembling guitar riff and momentous introduction. It is like listening to something from the hair metal band Europe; a bit of a reminder of what The Darkness tried to do a few years back. The difference is Greg Brown power spikes a thunderous rock blitzkreig. His vocals immediately draw comparison to Stevie Ray Vaughn or Motorhead's Lemmy. In the second track "Hit The Road" the rotation and spriraling guitar miffed alongside the confident bass and percussion. What this writer found refreshing is the subtle lyrics and sweaty, ballsy command. Truly, Greg Brown's lyrics are not trying to make a grand statement. He is Beantown's workhorse.

Artistic Appreciation
The third track, "In This Life," might fall into the ballad category. But, wait, nope. The acoustic flavor just makes a short appearance. With a quick change up and Lynard Skynard-type of riffs, this song has double pump action. Killer guitar riffs and a catchy pace. Fans of Scooter Jennings will like this one - and radio should too. Brown's voice is everyman and gritty, still commanding an artistic appreciation. Tracks four and five, "Change" and "Postal" continue the assault. In "Cry" the pace is slowed to a dim moment; it is as if Brown is alone on the stage, playing before a crowd of truckers and beer drinkers. Then, the lights explode and the band emerges. It is like lightning.

Tells a Soldier's Story
The closing song "Still Alive" begins with a shooting spree of sounds, before it begins to wind into an acoustic (almost Spanish sounding) journey. Lyrics run through telling a soldiers story. Missing the commercialism that a band like 3 Doors Down has, this song will find its way to American servicemen and women. The tempo change and impact during the bridge explodes halfway through the song. The listener feels like they are on patrol with this nameless soldier. Ol' Blood N' Guts is a must have CD for soldiers of music. This writer found it difficult to find one song of the nine not capturing the grit and guts rock music represents. Fans of hair metal, modern rock and semi-thrash metal will appreciate these works.

- Melissa Kucirek-Suite101.com