The Almighty Riff
Sundays at 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
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Tune in, crank it up and throw the horns! Join Brennan "Zombieboy" Richer You can also check out The Almighty Riff's Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/thealmightyriff Contact the show at: zombieboy1983@yahoo.ca |
The Almighty Riff: News - Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 |
 Out Of Commission For Awhile Alright metal maniacs, God's seen fit to pull a nasty practical joke on me that's left me in traction. Turns out I'm not going to be able to do my show for the next few weeks. Keep an eye out on this page for a post heralding my triumphant return, and you better believe it'll be extra sacrilegious... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, March 8th, 2008 |
 Cover Me Deadly I've always had mixed feelings about bands covering other artist's songs. Most of the time, the "tribute" versions add nothing to the originals and beg the question "Why would I listen to this version if I can listen to the original, better song"? Still, some have succeeded and have been able to cover songs and put their own personal stylistic twist on things. Join me this weekend as I showcase some of my favourite cover tunes. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, February 8th, 2008 |
 You Can't Spell Valentine's Day Without V.D. Well, it's that time of the year again where cheap chocolates and half assed dollar-store cards are exchanged en masse to forgive a year's worth of neglect and indifference. If you're looking for a change of pace, join me this week on THE ALMIGHTY RIFF for the 3rd annual Valentine's Day special. This year, though, I'm throwing anything remotely heartfelt or classy to the side. What you'll hear is the sleaziest that metal has to offer and it'll be sure to either put a smile on your face or chase off your significant other so you can enjoy the show in peace. It all happens this Sunday from 6-8pm here on CJLO! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, January 26th, 2008 |
 Violating The Vault Since my personal CD library is stashed away in boxes for an upcoming move, I'll be relying on CJLO's massive CD vault to get me through the next few weeks in a series of shows I'm calling "Violating The Vault". Tune in this Sunday from 6-8pm for what should be an unpredictable showcase of some of the vault's hidden gems and forgotten treasures. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, January 6th, 2008 |
 Forever Live One of the many strengths of metal is how it translates so well in a live setting. While you really do have to be in the pit to get the full effect, any self-respecting band has tried to capture the magic on tape with varying degrees of success. Tune into The Almighty Riff tonight to hear some of my favourite live tracks culled from some of the best concert albums ever recorded. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Thursday, December 27th, 2007 |
 Another Year, Another End of Year Special So another year has come and passed. Before you get all depressed at the thought of another year's worth of missed dreams and opportunities, come join me this Sunday, December 30 from 6-8pm to wrap-up 2007 in style. I'll be counting down my top 10 albums of the past 12 months that made the year a little more bearable. There'll be some surprises, some good stories and a whole lotta' metal. It all happens this week on THE ALMIGHTY RIFF! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, December 14th, 2007 |
 The Glory Of Guitar This week, The Almighty Riff does something a little special. I'm taking a look at some of the best instrumentals in the metal world from the genre's guitar heavyweights. Blackmore, Iommi, Malmsteen, Roeser, Van Halen, Lynch and many more will be showing off their chops and shoving the vocalists to the side of the stage. It all happens this Sunday, December 16 from 6-8 PM here on CJLO. EDIT: Ok, so Mother Nature's being a bitch and has seen fit to dump about 6 feet of snow on us today. The Instrumental Special will now be next week, December 23rd, so I'll be sure to make your Christmas damn merry. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Monday, November 26th, 2007 |
.jpg) R.I.P. Kevin DuBrow I'm sad to report that lead singer from the legendary Quiet Riot, Kevin DuBrow, passed away this weekend. Join me this coming Sunday, December 2nd from 6-8pm as I play QR's seminal debut in its entirety as tribute to a band and a man that forever changed the face of popular metal. While their follow ups did little to excite the masses, their 1983 self-titled album took the world by storm and was the first metal release to hit #1 on the Billboard charts and with the help of MTV, helped mold the image of the huge glam-metal movement that was to come. Tune into THE ALMIGHTY RIFF this week for a royal sendoff of one of metal's most memorable frontmen. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, October 6th, 2007 |
 Armageddon Rising One of the most anticipated releases of 2007 has finally arrived, and the wait appears to have been worth it. Iced Earth's latest epic Framing Armageddon expands on Jon Schaffer's long running "Something Wicked" saga and the result seems to be worth every ounce of hype it's received. Tune in this weekend as I play the album in its entirety for you to give you the full effect of Armageddon! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, September 21st, 2007 |
 The Almighty Suck Alright boys and ghouls, I'll be out of town this weekend so instead of subjecting you guys to a repeat from 2005, I've asked my fellow defender of metal Johnny Suck from Turn Down The Suck to cover for me and regale you with heavy goodness. CJLO Crossover Craziness happens this Sunday, September 23 at 6 pm! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, June 24th, 2007 |
 I See A Rainbow Rising... The "metal opera" series here at The Almighty Riff wraps up tonight with a showcase of a few of my all time favourite epics including Rainbow's "Stargazer", Iron Maiden's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" plus a few extra surprises. It all happens tonight from 6-8 PM. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Monday, June 11th, 2007 |
 And The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth... Rolling right along with the "metal opera" series here on The Almighty Riff, join me this coming Sunday, June 17th to experience one of the first true progressive hard rock songs ever recorded. In 1976, Rush released their breakthrough 2112 album, and while the whole effort is top-notch, it's the record's namestake that steals the show. As always, I'll be playing this opus uninterrupted and in its entirety, so don't miss this tribute to prog-power at its finest. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 |
 Zeus The Thunderer Control My Destiny The "metal opera" series continues here on The Almighty Riff this coming Sunday with Manowar's epic tale of battle and bloodshed "Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy" showcased in its entirety and uninterrupted! Tune in June 10th from 6-8pm to hear this mammoth masterpiece of power metal in all its gory glory! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 |
 Something Wicked This Way Comes... Join me over the coming weeks to hear some of the best 'metal operas' ever penned, uninterrupted and in their entirety. This week, I kick things off with the recently re-tooled version of Iced Earth's epic "Something Wicked" trilogy. Originally done in 1998, this monster saga of an ancient evil has been recently re-recorded with latest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens for the "Overture Of The Wicked" EP, a teaser for their upcoming full length album due later this year. Tune in this Sunday, June 3rd at 6 pm to bask in a refreshing take on a modern classic of metal. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, March 18th, 2007 |
 I See Green... Come celebrate the joys of Saint Patrick's day with me tonight as I play some of my favourite hidden gems from the greatest Irish rock act to ever hit the stage, Thin Lizzy. So soothe your booze-induced headaches with The Almighty Riff and one of the true architects of classic hard rock. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, February 10th, 2007 |
 Valentine's Day Massacre If you're suffering from the Valentine's Day blues, look no further than The Almighty Riff to cheer you up. This Sunday, I'll be playing the sleaziest of the sleaze to brighten up the spirit of all those in need, so be sure to join me to hear for all your favourite heartfelt, romantic serenades. Who am I kidding-- it just gives me an excuse to play lots of offensive trash. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, January 14th, 2007 |
 Taking Over Reggie's! This coming Wednesday (January 17), be sure to drop by Reggie's in the Hall building at Concordia to partake in CJLO's "Rock Night". I'll be there with fellow defenders of rock K-Man (Beyond That Graveyard), Angelica (BVST) and Johnny Suck (Turn Down The Suck) so come have some beers with us and find out how cool we really are... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Monday, January 1st, 2007 |
 Hail To 2007! Another year has come and gone, but have no fear, as The Almighty Riff plans on staying on top of all things metal for the next 12 months. And while the station's been locked up the past few weeks due to the holidays, I'll be back Sunday, January 7th with my 2006 year in review spectacular! In the meantime, head on over to the feature in the magazine to check out my picks for 2006, as well as check out those from all the other CJLO DJ's.
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The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, December 3rd, 2006 |
 No New Show Tonight Due to circumstances beyond my control, there'll be no new show tonight. I'll be back next week though with what you've come to expect from CJLO's double-hour of unstoppable heavy metal power. In the meantime, head on over to the magazine section and check out the latest issue of Hell Bent For Metal for a look at some of the best and worst this year's had to offer. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, November 4th, 2006 |
 Hail To England! This week, the artist spotlight continues here on The Almighty Riff, but instead of highlighting a band in particular, I'll be taking an in-depth look at the "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal". From 1980-1985, an incredible number of talented metal groups from the United Kingdom took the world by storm and changed the scene forever. While Black Sabbath may have invented the genre, it was New Wavers like Iron Maiden, Saxon, Motorhead, Def Leppard and Diamond Head that helped solidfy the various styles that make up the metal landscape of today. Join me tomorrow, November 5th from 6-8 pm as I take a glance at the leaders of the movement, as well as some of the underappreciated workhorses of the day. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, September 29th, 2006 |
 An Evening With 'Deth The artist spotlight series continues this week on The Almighty Riff with an indepth look at one of the most influential metal bands to hit the stage. Megadeth made their triumphant return to Montreal this week with the Gigantour, an annual celebration of all things metal, while band leader Dave Mustaine has proven to the genre that he's still a force to be reckoned with. Things weren't always so rosy for the the 'Deth boys though-- join me as I dissect every album of their back catalogue and play for you the best of the best and the best of the rest. From the raw power of their debut Killing is my Business..., to the godlike riffery of Rust In Peace, to the sonic shitstain that was Risk, this will be a true glimpse of the good, the bad and the downright ugly that Megadeth has to offer. Tune in this Sunday, October 1 from 6-8 pm and rattle your goddamned head! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, September 1st, 2006 |
 Up The Irons! On September 5th, Iron Maiden will unleash their newest creation, A Matter Of Life And Death, onto the world. To celebrate this highly anticipated release, join me this Sunday as I take a step back and take a look at the hidden gems of Iron Maiden's back catalogue. Sure, everyone knows Run To The Hills, Number Of The Beast and Fear Of The Dark, but what about No Prayer For The Dying, Stranger In A Strange Land and Purgatory? So tune in Sunday, September 3rd from 6-8pm and bask in the glory of all that is Maiden! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, August 6th, 2006 |
 One Year Of Almighty Riffage! That's right folks--The Almighty Riff is now officially entering its second year here on CJLO. To celebrate this momentous event, join me tonight as I put the spotlight on a group that's no stranger to the show: Black Sabbath. I'll be taking an indepth look at the band's activity from 1980-1995, a confusing yet widely underappreciated era for the band that saw guitarist Tony Iommi soldier on with some of the best vocalists to ever take the stage- Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes and Tony "The Cat" Martin. It all happens tonight from 6-8pm. And be sure to keep your ears and eyes alert as I'll be having a different band spotlight every month. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, June 24th, 2006 |
 2 Week Absence I'll be taking a few weeks off, but don't worry. I'll be back on July 9 to continue defending the faith! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, May 26th, 2006 |
 Got A Hankering For Some Old-School Metal? On May 6th, I had the opportunity to sit with Pascal Cliche of Hanker for a discussion of all things metal before he and his bandmates took the stage of the Medley by storm. Tune in this weekend to hear Pascal's musings on German fans and their beer, viking metalheads, the follow up to 2004's Web Of Faith, as well as tons of stories from one of the most respected metal acts from Quebec. It all happens this Sunday, May 28 from 6-8 PM on The Almighty Riff! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, May 20th, 2006 |
 Join Me At The Four Winds Bar... The concept album series here at The Almighty Riff concludes this weekend with a look at Blue Oyster Cult's magnificent Lovecraftian tale Imaginos. Released in 1988, the disc marked an end to not only the original BOC lineup, but also proved to be the final chapter in a career-long story arch revolving around a man used as a pawn by extraterrestrial beings to toy with human history. Out of print and unavailable for years, tune in this Sunday, May 21 to bask in this lost gem of hard rock and find out what exactly a Blue Oyster Cult really is... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, May 13th, 2006 |
 Nightfall In Almighty Riff- Earth The concept album series continues this weekend with the spotlight on Blind Guardian's masterpiece Nightfall In Middle-Earth. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, this 22 track epic from 1998 almost single handedly reinvented the sound and feel of European power metal. Join me this coming Sunday evening from 6-8pm to hear this symphonic opus in its entirety! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, April 30th, 2006 |
 The Almighty Burden I hope you enjoyed last week's show devoted to Iron Maiden's masterpiece Seventh Son of a Seventh Son because the concept album series continues here at The Almighty Riff tonight with Iced Earth's The Glorious Burden. Released in 2004 with new singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, The Glorious Burden chronicles the passage of war and conflict through the ages and while the entire disc is top-notch, it's album closer "The Gettysburg Trilogy" that truly steals the show. Join me tonight to hear this modern classic in its entirety and uninterrupted. And don't forget to tune in next week as King Diamond's horrifying tale of demonic possession, Abigail, gets the full Almighty Riff treatment. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, April 14th, 2006 |
 An Almighty Riff- Free Easter I'll be taking this coming Sunday off (April 16) so there'll be no new Almighty Riff, but tune in on April 23 as I'll be continuing my look at the best concept albums ever recorded! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Wednesday, April 5th, 2006 |
 Operation: Almighty Riffcrime II In 1988, Queensryche released what many consider one of the finest concept albums ever penned. A biting commentary of the increasing superficiality of American culture, Operation: Mindcrime helped bring rock ‘n’ roll storytelling to a new level. Now, almost 20 years later, the Seattle legends have crafted a fitting sequel to their original saga and to celebrate one of 2006’s most anticipated releases, tune into The Almighty Riff this weekend to hear Operation: Mindcrime II in its entirety. Also, be sure to keep your ears open in the weeks to come as each episode I’ll be showcasing some of the best concept albums ever done, unabridged and uninterrupted.
It all starts this Sunday, April 9th from 6-8 pm on The Almighty Riff! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, March 19th, 2006 |
 This Month's Column Is Up! The latest issue of Hell Bent For Metal is up in the CJLO Magazine section. This month, I take a look at the latest releases from Brain Surgeons and Edguy, as well as a star-studded tribute to Ozzy and a few other recent albums that have flown under the radar. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Thursday, February 23rd, 2006 |
 The Almighty Riff is Moving to Sundays! That's right folks. After 8 months of rocking out on Thursday nights, The Almighty Riff is moving to weekends! Starting February 26, I'll be serving up what you've come to expect from CJLO's double-hour-of-power with tons of old school hard rock and heavy metal from the past and present. On your feet or on your knees every Sunday evening from 6-8 pm. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Wednesday, February 15th, 2006 |
 Valentine's Day- Almighty Riff Style!
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The Almighty Riff: News - Wednesday, February 8th, 2006 |
 Come Ride The Hot Rails To Hell! On Saturday, February 11th the Blue Oyster Cult finally returns to Montreal after a 24 year absence. To celebrate the arrival of one of the best hard rock acts to ever hit the stage, join the Zombieboy to take a look back on their storied career with a show devoted entirely to BOC’s best live recordings. It all happens this Thursday, February 9 from 8-10pm. *** Update- The Feb.11th BOC show was cancelled. When I find out the reason, I'll let you guys know.*** |
The Almighty Riff: News - Thursday, January 12th, 2006 |
 CJLO Crossover Craziness! The Almighty Riff is pleased to have Johnny Suck from Monday's Turn Down the Suck join in the booth this week! He'll be co-hosting and sharing some stoner rock goodness, while I look to the past and dredge up some of stoner rock's roots. So what's the accompanying picture have to do with anything? I don't know, but it seems to be the cool thing to post pictures of random cute girls... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, December 31st, 2005 |
 Year End Wrap-Up Well folks, it's the end of another year. I hope you all enjoyed The Almighty Riff, and rest assured that 2006 will get even better. Next Thursday, January 5, I'll be running down the best of the past year in a 3 hour extravaganza! And since everyone loves a list, here are my picks for the best of the best-- and the best of the rest-- of 2005.
Top Albums of 2005-
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The Almighty Riff: News - Thursday, November 3rd, 2005 |
 No New Show This Week No new show this week, but tune in anyway to hear some "classic" Almighty Riff action. I'll be back next week though, hopefully with some new Deep Purple in hand... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, October 7th, 2005 |
 A Week Of Judas Priest On October 12th, Judas Priest makes a triumphant return to Montreal with what should be a night of good old fashioned head-banging metal mayhem. To celebrate the return of the Metal Gods, join me the day after for an entire show devoted to taking an in depth look at their storied career. From their pioneering 70’s metal sound, their rise to superstardom in the early 80’s, their “experimental” years, the “Ripper” albums, and of course the current reunion, no era of Priest will go untouched. Be sure to tune in Thursday, October 13th to hear all the classics and forgotten gems of one of the greatest heavy bands to ever take the stage, as well as hear my thoughts on what should hopefully be a hell of a show. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Monday, September 26th, 2005 |
 Rejoice! New CD Reviews! I've posted 2 CD Reviews of the new Glenn Hughes and Supervillain albums. Check them out in, ironically enough, the CD Reviews section. Both albums are worth your time and should definitely be on your wishlists. Also, be sure to tune in this week for a special show devoted to the best hard rock epics ever done! |
The Almighty Riff: News - Thursday, September 8th, 2005 |
 No New Show This Week Since I'll be banging my head at the Clutch show tonight, there will be no new Almighty Riff this week. Be sure to come back next week though for my thoughts on what will hopefully be a kickass concert as well as hear something from the new Glenn Hughes album. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Sunday, August 28th, 2005 |
 Voivod's Denis "Piggy" D'Amour Passes Away Voivod guitarist Denis "Piggy" Amour passed away this past Friday. I've had the pleasure of seeing him on stage several times, and I always came away with a smile on my face. Best wishes to his family and friends. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Saturday, August 27th, 2005 |
 Coming Up This Week Tune in this coming Thursday (September 1) to hear not only the best in rare 70's hard rock as promised last week, but also my thoughts on Toronto's Festival Of Fear horror convention that took place this weekend featuring none other than Mr.Hellraiser himself, Clive Barker. What do the two have in common? Apart from a keen interest from the host of this show, not a hell of a lot... |
The Almighty Riff: News - Wednesday, August 24th, 2005 |
 Update Due to some technical problems here at the station, last week's edition of The Almigthy Riff (August 18) couldn't be heard. Luckily, I was still able to record the show, so hopefully I'll be able to replay it sometime in the future (or sell it as the "Lost Episode" if I ever get that big). Tune in this Thursday, August 25, as The Almighty Riff will be back on the air, louder than ever. |
The Almighty Riff: News - Friday, August 5th, 2005 |
 Welcome to the site! I've finally got my site up and running. Check out the updated playlist for last night's show, and I've also posted my thoughts on the Judas Priest reunion album, Angel of Retribution (It ain't pretty). Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts on the show, hate mail, or requests. |
