WAR & PEACE - "The Walls Have Eyes" - Z-Records

War & Peace is basically a name for Jeff Pilson's solo projects where in the past he used as an outlet for left-overs and demos. This time there's more of an effort to create a true album, which Pilson easily manages to do. It's not quite as strong as the Lynch/Pilson project from 2003, but since the songs were written around that same time, it has a very similar vibe to it. Pilson's talents were overshadowed in Dokken, but when you hear this album and realize he did everything except the drumming and a couple guitar solos, you realize he was a cornerstone of Dokken. This also explains the missing punch and magic Dokken's latest albums have been missing without him. If you miss the heart and sould of Dokken, find this album if you can and the Lynch/Pilson release. Yes, it's more modern and old-school Dokken fans may not get it, but the music has grown up along with the artist.

CLICK HERE to listen to our interview with Jeff Pilson from the War & Peace sessions
CLICK HERE to listen to our interview with Jeff Pilson from the Lynch/Pilson sessions

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CLICK HERE to listen to our interview with George Lynch

LYNCH/PILSON- "Wicked Underground" - Spitfire Records

Part of me wants to say that the former Dokken players are trying to hard to fit into the modern music world. Another part of me thinks these guys have adapted very well to changes in the music landscape. The more I listen, the more I lean towards the latter. First of all, this is NOT Dokken, it's only half of Dokken. Secondly, if you look back in history almost every band has changed their styles only to have critics rip on them.

This is not a drastic departure for the most part. In fact, there's some very "Dokkenesque" elements to the music. Jeff Pilson wasn't picked for Dokken years ago for his good looks, he and Don Dokken actually sound VERY similar in style. Pilson knows his limits and is a bit grittier, but on tracks like "Zero The End", I dare you to tell the difference.

Overall, the album is melodic in nature, and Lynch plays his usual soulful style. Yes, his lack of shredding is noticable, but he's also doing some things you've never heard him do before. "The Evil That You Are", even if it's a slower paced song really highlights his versatile style. He makes the chorus with his choice of chords and trademark solos. This song in particular wouldn't sound too out of place on "Back For The Attack".

Overall, it's a very good record, with a lot more substance than the latest Dokken album. Since we'll probably never see the Dokken lineup again anytime soon, it's a nice piece of work to fill the void.