Review: Sepsis- Personas EP (2011)

Band: Sepsis

Release: Personas EP

Genre: Grindcore/Deathcore

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sepsis/162279137167911

Tracklist:

1. Fallacy

2. Philotic Connections

3. Festival Of The Hunt

4. Rapedown

Review: 7.8/10

Sepsis is a grindcore/deathcore band that is aimed at taking out the posers in the Sacramento scene. Seriously good stuff here, full of technical guitar lovemaking and stop-on-a-dime breakdowns coupled with aggressive and brutal screaming.

On “Fallacy,” they start things off to a fast start with a brutal scream and a thunderstorm of drums with some sweet riffs, then gives the listener a furious delivery of screeching vocals that sound like a demonic banshee. I can only imagine how a live showing of them playing this track would look like. Think about this as grindcore vocals over a deathcore song structure with some excellent metal riffs and death metal drums.

Staying on the same type of delivery, “Philotic Connections” gives you the same sort of music as “Fallacy,” but slightly slower paced and a different kind of vocals that almost remind me of a black metal style (sans the echoes and overtones). This goes more into the deathcore field with the lengthy breakdowns replacing the verse lines and slightly metalcore-ish bridging the gap between the sections.

A really promising EP to be had from the Sacramento scene, I cannot wait till they release their upcoming album. It will be a doozy, that is a promise.

Review: Elysian- Wires Of Creation

Band: Elysian

Release: Wires Of Creation

Genre: Melodic Progressive Metal

Label: Self-Released

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElysianMetal

Tracklist:

1. Man's Design

2. Sigma

3. The Climb From Fear

4. Eternal Breath

5. Sense Offender

6. The Gate

7. Play The Hand

8. Calming The Storm

9. Conquest

10. Machine

11. A Cry From The Helpless

Review: 7/10

Elysian is an Australian band that draws influence from bands like Periphery, and SiKth, with a spaced out instrumental likeness in the spirit of Pink Floyd to deliver spaced out, experimental songs. Wires Of Creation is a amalgamation of virtuosic guitars riffs and solos, menacing vocals courtesy of Ben, and ambience that creates something entirely new in the metal world… sort of.

When the first signs of music pops out with the first track “Mans Design,” right away you hear the Periphery influence in the guitars that reminisce of their song “The Walk.” Far from being a blatant rip-off however, Ben’s evil vocals kick in over the calmness of the music. It’s much like a contrast between light and dark, at least one gets that type of vibe. The music is, for a lack of a better word, more “earthly,” and the vocals sound like they belong on a brutal deathcore release.

Changing it up a bit on “Sigma,” the music goes on a melodic metalcore sort of groove and even the vocals are toned down a little bit. The riffs shown in the song are wholly unique and catchy. It eventually slips off into ambient territory with the drums providing an ethereal soundscape and the guitars expanding upon it. Chunky, djent-y riffs are abound on “Sense Offender” as well, which really pushes them further into the melodic side of music.

They don’t deviate much at all from this formula, but “The Gate” is a good try. While it’s full of faster paced guitars instead of the jumpy djent they’ve been playing so far, the drums still follow the formula. Definitely more metalcore in nature, the vocalist keeps it brutal with his shredding vocal skills. Before long, they bring back the chunky riffs unfortunately.

It’s a really good release, but it follows a little too closely in Periphery’s footsteps. While there are a few differences, the guitars is where the similarities are found. Not to sound too critical of it, it is an album worth checking out. If you’re a fan of Periphery, then this album has a chance at becoming a regular spin in your CD player.

Review: Emulsified Flesh- The Art Of Suicide (2012)

Band: Emulsified Flesh

Release: The Art Of Suicide

Genre: Goregrind/Slam Metal/Brutal Death Metal

Label: Sevared Records

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmulsifiedFleshOfficial

Tracklist:

1. Eternal Suicide

2. Abyss Of Cataclysm

3. Dead

4. Bereaved Mutilation

5. In Decay

6. Misanthropic Carnage

7. Consuming Vile Thoughts

8. Absolute Hate

9. The Art Of Suicide

10. Infected Cerebellum (Bonus Track)

11. Hack, Slaughter, Maim, Impale (Bonus Track)

12. Purgatory Suicide (Bonus Track)

Review: 8.5/10

After three very long years, Emulsified Flesh has finally unleashed the concept album The Art Of Suicide onto the world. When the last album Pathological Induced Gore was released, it was met with a positive acclaim, which led to three sold out pressings and distribution through three different labels. It was strictly goregrind, while rarely delving out of that realm of music. The Art Of Suicide is a whole different album, despite having three re-recorded tracks from Pathological Induced Gore. While this album was written right after Pathological Induced Gore in 2009, multiple problems with recording plagued the release of this album. Luckily, it finally sees the light of day.

Right away, you hear a clear difference between this album and everything else that’s been done in the past. Aside from the obvious production difference, the musicianship is also much better. As evidenced from the upscaled vocals and improved guitar slams in “Eternal Suicide.” The whole song just blends together without a single moment to breathe. Lots of different progression is heard throughout the song and only follows certain melodies for a short amount of time.

One can only imagine if real drums took over instead of a drum machine on the song “Abyss Of Cataclysm.” It starts off with an insanely rapid drum section that progresses to some more brutal guitar heavy slams that is sure to appease any slam metal enthusiast. One thing that really got my attention about this album was how each track blends into each other, much like how “Abyss Of Cataclysm” goes directly into “Dead,” which has some sludgy guitar riffs about halfway into the song before heading into another fast riff and drum fest.

One of the best songs on the album is “In Decay.” It is more lenient towards death metal more than anything, mostly shown through the guitars. The guitar riffs and double bass compliments each other, but as predicted, it soon transgresses into more slam metal. “Absolute Hate” also follows this similar formula by providing riffs, slams, and intense drums in a package of hate embodied in the flesh.

While this album clearly isn’t for anyone, anyone who is into goregrind and slam metal will enjoy this for sure. Hopefully this album can also cross over some death metal fans into slam territory as well. Also noteworthy to say that this album includes three re-recorded tracks from his previous album “Pathological Induced Gore.” They are much better quality and are sure to be regular spins on anyone’s iPod or CD player. 

Review: Born To Suffer- The Rambler (2012)

Band: Born To Suffer

Release: The Rambler

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BornToSuffer.RUSSIA

Tracklist:

1. Insolation

2. Dream Follower

3. Nuclear Heart

4. Sagittarius A

5. Dr. Manhattan

6. Arjuna (Feat. Alexej Pechkin)

7. Crusades

8. The Rambler

9. Airborne

10. Recurrence

11. Path

Review: 7.2/10

Starting off with a basic metalcore breakdown to electronic post-hardcore 2-step to a heavier deathcore-ish breakdown in the intro “Insolation,” Born To Suffer kick things off to a fast start with “Dream Follower.” It’s basically a cross between standard metalcore with a combo of deep singing and screaming with heavy post-hardcore influences. It’s a more upbeat track than most metalcore bands these days. Overall it’s very As I Lay Dying-ish.

Gang vocals are always nice, and “Nuclear Heart” kicks it off with some from the start. The singer comes in and it really feels as though he sings from the heart. I like how you can hear him putting himself into the song to give it more meaning. The music, however, isn’t anything you haven’t heard before. Not saying it’s bad at all, but that it’s nothing new. I actually feel that this track should be made into a video, no doubt –core kids will eat this right up.

They really fool the listener into thinking they’re playing a really aggressive track on “Crusades,” with a fast Trivium-esque opening, but it tones down right away when the singing/screaming combo comes in with more breakdowns. It melds together a bit of blast beats a couple times which is pretty cool. It repeatedly leaves off on a high note that almost always leads to yet another breakdown.

This whole album is very reflective of the 2006-2008 era of the metalcore/post-hardcore crossover scene. The one thing that sets this apart from all other releases is the singer’s tone and the way he projects his voice. The music isn’t really anything to write home about, but like stated before, it’s not bad. They use a good mixture of the two main –core genres with a occasional dose of electronics. 

Review: Kurt Travis- Wha Happen? EP (2012)

Band: Kurt Travis

Release: Wha Happen? EP

Genre: Indie/Acoustic

Label: Doghouse Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kurttravismusic

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wha-happen-ep/id489993126

FUCKING CASSETTE: http://kurttravis.merchnow.com/products/136803

Tracklist:

1. 25 New Ways To Regress

2. Time To Make A Plan; Not Getting Any Younger

3. Wha Happen?

4. My Favorite Things

5. Lets Remember Time

6. How Are Things

Review: 7.8/10

It seems you can’t keep a good singer like Kurt Travis down these days. After releasing the epic A Lot Like Bird’s debut Conversation Piece, he comes out of left field with a solo EP entitled Wha Happen? It’s very different from any of his past bands, as it’s a very mellow endeavor that focuses on his vocal talents with minimal instrumentals.

On the first track “25 New Ways To Regress,” Kurt goes for a very easy-going, indie feel that is largely absent from anything he’s done so far. Hand drums, maracas, and acoustic guitar combined with his off-beat personality give this EP a full set of legs to stand on it’s own. Being that he’s been in so many weird bands up to this point (A Lot Like Birds, No Not Constant, Dance Gavin Dance, O! The Joy, Five Minute Ride), no one could imagine him not going for a original and experimental sound. Also, props to the Doug theme song with his “dat-dat-dat’s.”

The title track “Wha Happen?” is the most structured song of them all, depending on your views on what structure is. It’s a fairly easy going acoustic track that is catchy, infectious, and a stand out track among anything he’s done so far. Going way left field, “My Favorite Things” is a really spacey song that (obviously) showcases his vocal talents. There aren’t any real instruments here, but his dual delivery provides all that you need. Speaking of the dual delivery, although it sounds great on record, it will leave something missing from his live shows.

The shining moment on the EP is the time old classic of saving the best for last. “How Are Things” is a softer spoken acoustic track that utilizes his vocals to a level that hasn’t really been seen before. The voice just carries and flows over the track like silk upon another layer of silk. This is the treat for his true fans that delve and take the time into listening to this off beat release.

Fingers crossed for more from Kurt Travis later in the year. Be sure to catch him on tour with Never Shout Never, Koji and Renne and the Translators April 27^th through May 17^th and with his band A Lot Like Birds with I Set My Friends On Fire, Greeley Estates and A Bullet For A Pretty Boy on March 17^th through April 25^th. 

Review: The Shark's Megabyte- Lame Life EP (2012)

Band: The Shark's Megabyte

Release: Lame Life EP

Genre: Nintendocore

Label: Swimming With Sharks Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesharksmegabyte

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. F

3. U

4. C

5. K

6. I

7. T

8. Outro

Review: 7/10

Not many people are fans of Nintendo-core (or NEScore for short) and that’s understandable. Using synthesized instruments and different sounds that would come straight out of a video game isn’t most people’s forte. But to the ones out there that do actively look for this genre of music, Lame Life EP is one you don’t want to pass up.

The Shark’s Megabyte is a band by Rob, AKA Whatthekatdraggedin. Having recently been signed to Swimming With Sharks Records, this is deemed to be the “last solo release,” as Rob is hiring a full band after this. With an intro, outro, and six single letter songs that spell fuck it, it’s a short but sweet release.

Chock full of synth guitar breakdowns with chiptune sounds to give that NES feel, “Intro” is a good way to tell what the EP is all about. I think that if extended to a full legitimate song, it has boss battle theme music capabilities. “F” doesn’t deviate too much from what the intro shows you. It has plenty of breakdowns that are tied together by loosely related bridges.

One thing is that NEScore isn’t designed to be fancy and technical. It’s a form of minimalistic music that appeals to only a very few people. “U” is a stand out track though. It’s got a bit of a groove that falls into heavy breakdowns that I can really see being played live and watching people in the pit go nuts. The tone of the song lightens with the soft edged chip sounds over the heavy and fast drums that just don’t stop.

This pretty much sums up the EP. There isn’t too much deviation from the heavy breakdowns, softer chiptune sounds, and the absence of vocals. If you are open-minded, then give NEScore a shot by downloading the entire album for free: http://www.mediafire.com/?ibtbm3jbmc03bwy

Review: Cody B. Ware- Welcome Home (2011)

Band: Cody B. Ware

Release: Welcome Home

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/codybware

Tracklist:

1. Welcome Home

2. #33 Forever

3. Eyes Closed (Everything Is Alright)

4. Trix [Feat. Natty Monstaaa & Prince SAMO]

5. Breaking Night

6. Gangsta Party [Feat. Ninjasonik & Bad Rabbits]

7. Ladybug

8. Fear My Name [Feat. Irepress]

9. What I Came Home For [Feat. Jeff Donna]

10. Run To The Sun [Feat. Dua Boakye & Jesse Korman]

Review: 9.4/10

This is an album that has very clear strengths and one key weakness and Cody B. Ware’s latest album Welcome Home. First I shall list the strengths. First off is his very impressive vocal delivery between catchy choruses and rapping. On the opening track “Welcome Home,” there is a drum and female vocal intro saying “Welcome Home” over and over, then Cody comes in with a beat matching rap over a synth filled beat. There is a little bit of subtle piano, but as evidenced throughout the CD he uses a lot of synth compared to the radio friendly sounds you hear these days.

Perhaps the one and only weakness on every song except “#33 Forever” is that his verses are way too short. Although he spits out an awesome rap on the single, it’s overall length is still a little short. I think this would have caught on to people much more if it was extended to a four to five minute long song. I would definitely suggest re-recording and extending this song on a future release as the beat and his vocal style has a huge club potential.

“Trix” has a catchy and minimal beat that uses a different style of bass instead of going with the usual bass sound. Again, I love his perfect blend of rap, hip-hop and synth sounds that all blend perfectly together. His delivery is unrelenting and doesn’t sound the least bit lacking in any way at all, other than the length of it of course. From a short verse, chorus, then another very short verse by Natty Monstaaa just doesn’t give this song justice.

Other than the single “#33 Forever,” the song “Breaking Night” is the other shining song on the album. It has a very catchy chorus line (I’m breaking night/ I’m breaking night/ until I see the sun/ I won’t stop having fun), an infectious verse beat that the ladies can grind with and a chorus beat to really boost the energy of people dancing too.

This album is a stand out among other hip-hop albums of 2011, it doesn’t hit a top 10 for me because of the verses just being too short. It has awesome and original beats that, alone, make this album definitely apart from the rest. His rapping style is also really good and I can see him spitting among the greats in the future. 

Review: Eyeresist- Between The Line EP (2011)

Band: Eyeresist

Release: Between The Line EP

Genre: Metalcore/Deathcore

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Eyeresist

Tracklist:

1. Raise The Curtain

2. Between The Lines

3. Systematic Vessel

4. Walls

5. Cold Chamber

6. Apocalyptic

7. Utopia

Review: 8.5/10

On the debut EP by Kuwait’s Eyeresist, they give people a peak into one of the best blends of metalcore and deathcore I’ve seen so far. Most bands try to mix it up but rarely does it ever turn out good. Let me explain this a little better for you.

On the first track “Between The Lines,” they open up with a well done metalcore verse that has catchy guitar lines. Not too complicated, but not that simple either, these guys have the ability to keep people who are on both sides of the fence occupied. The drums and guitars play off of each other for the verse lines, then the guitar takes center stage with a chunky riff (yeah I just said chunky) before going into a metalcore bridge that is sub-par at best. The deathcore elements kick in with the next breakdown, which is much heavier than the rest of the song and have deeper, growling vocals for part of it and higher pitched vocals the other part.

An instant metalcore classic when I first heard it, “Systematic Vessel” is my pick of the EP. I can see that this track being played live will really get the people moving. It’s at a slower pace than the previous song, but the breakdowns are more catchier and heavier, grabbing your attention at once. The bridges aren’t really all that great and are a little on the generic side, but the rest of the song holds it’s own.

Overall it’s a pretty sweet debut. Over time, don’t be surprised if these guys make it big. There is a lot of promise to be heard here. The only things holding this album back are the issues that only bands with more experience can fix. Give it 3 years, these guys will be on the front cover for a legitimate magazine.

Review: Comity- The Journey Is Over Now EP (2011)

Band: Comity

Release: The Journey Is Over Now EP

Genre: Hardcore

Label: Throatruiner Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comity/351656149310

Tracklist:

1. Part I

2. Part II

3. Part III

4. Part IV

Review: 8.3/10

Comity is a band that took me by surprise. When I received their latest EP The Journey Is Over Now, I noticed that the four tracks are insanely long (clocking in between eight and eleven minutes). My first expectations was that it will be a long and droning hardcore EP with rare moments of energy. However, all of that was quenched when I started playing the first track called “Part I.”

It all begins with a chaos filled spiral of spazztic hardcore that follows a small part of linear structure, they know how to keep someone’s attention for almost twelve minutes. It’s a very raw and aggressive song, as is the entire EP.

They occasionally fall into different grooves repeatedly throughout the song. This could have been easily split up into five or more different shorter songs as every two minutes something new happens. At the 3:54 mark of “Part I”, it goes over the edge into a very calm guitar part that really throws the listener for a loop. Then back into chaos we go, albeit at a very different pace than the previous section.

“Part II” is a more raw look into the EP. Lots of unconditioned guitar playing and drumming actually sounds better than most polished tracks of this genre. This track secures this band as one of the sleeper hits of the year in my eyes. Granted, the song length will throw some people off, but to those who look beyond that, your time will be well rewarded.

Review: In Dying Arms - "The Core Of My Existence" Single

Band: In Dying Arms

Release: "The Core Of My Existence" Single

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Metalcore

Label: Matchless Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/indyingarms

Tracklist:

1. The Core Of My Existence

Review: 8.1/10

In Dying Arms just released a brand new single entitled “The Core Of My Existence,” and it’s a lot different from their self titled album.

First and foremost, they switched vocalists. Instead of Toby, they now have Orion on vocals, and it’s better than before. The first impression on the track is that it’s a lot more of a cleaner, slightly more metalcore style than the deathcore infused album.

The chorus is more of a post-hardcore influence and has a lot of singing. The bridge after the first chorus is a good note, while going into a heavy yet atmospheric realm that is shown through the guitars, and the music really builds off of this bridge before then heading into a basic melodic hardcore breakdown. Not too heavy, not too soft, just basic meat and potatoes. Not really a bad thing though.

I like the growls and screaming much better, but I liked the old singing style used in the chorus’ on the self-titled to be honest. The music, however, is more experimental and seems to stretch out more into different music styles than the limitations that were shown in the album.

My main thing with this song is that I really feel Orion can sing more outward with his voice and that he’s really holding himself back. Other than that, this is a great song and I hope to see more of this in the future.

Review: Micawber- Viral (2011)

Band: Micawber

Release: Viral

Genre: 2011

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/micawbermetal

Tracklist:

1. The Colonization

2. Viral

3. Beyond The Throne

4. A Timid Existence

5. Systematic Manipulation

6. The Calamity

7. Victim Of Persuasion

8. Mechanized Enslavement

9. Incorp(s)orated

Review: 10/10

Coming off strong after their last release Hell On Earth, the ever brutal Micawber have just released their latest album Viral onto the world.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

I was very unsure that they could top Hell On Earth, but I am so wrong. This album is exactly what the world of death metal/deathcore is missing. Like the last album, Viral kicks off with a sick intro on “The Colonization,” a haunting and eerie intro that throws you in the middle of apocalyptic drumming like the signaling of the end of times.

With a demonic growl that is meant to make you want to punch babies, “Viral” is a thundering track that is no doubt an excellent crowd pleaser. Awesome ,old school death metal brought into the new age that will surely convert more people to the dark side of metal. The vocals are much more refined and menacing than ever before, the guitar playing is much cleaner, and the drumming has gotten a hell of a lot faster.

Probably my favorite track on the whole album (and that’s a maybe cause it’s hard to pick a favorite), “Beyond The Throne” is full of the kind of metal that puts a Pabst Blue Ribbon in your hand and hair on your chest. The vocals are straight phenomenal. Phil Bozeman, watch out cause Jeff Plewa is on the fast track to sitting on that throne. Full of intense riffs and pummeling, ultra fast drumming make this track a stand out on the album. The different transitions keep this track fresh all the way through, not a single dull second.

“The Calamity” is pure old school throughout. Not too much unlike Massacre, they keep it fast and heavy for the average deathhead, and enough awesome instrument work to impress more seasoned listeners. The solo alone is worth it, but this track overall is just plain badass. It’s the equivalent of having a train made of death metal and shoving that into your ears.

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of listening to a pre production track called “Ridin’ The Night Train” that I couldn’t stop raving about. Well it’s been renamed and given a slight musical makeover, but the track “Victim Of Persuasion” is a force to be reckoned with. In my opinion, this should have been right behind the intro track, but that’s just me. It’s a tad slower than the fast playing of the rest of the album, but not by much. It’s a welcome change of pace and helps break the formula a little bit.

You’re not a real man if you haven’t heard this album yet. Seriously one of the best releases of the year, this is a must have for any music collection. Go cop it now!

Review: As You Drown- Rat King (2011)

Band: As You Drown

Release: Rat King

Genre: Deathcore/Death Metal

Label: Metal Blade Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asyoudrown

Tracklist:

1. Conqueror

2. Slaves To The Kingdom Of Fear

3. You Should Be Paranoid

4. Rabid Wolves In Sheep's Clothing

5. Your Loyal Betrayer

6. The Coming

7. The Nothing

8. Bleeding Structure

9. Cleansing Hands

Review: 5.3/10

Meat and potatoes deathcore is what As You Drown’s latest album Rat King can be best described as. Although they use more death metal elements than most –core bands, they still have breakdowns as a base. Does that make this a bad album? Yes.

Each song is hard to really tell apart and that’s the main fail point. It’s laden with tons of breakdowns, but they sound like they should be used as shorter bridges instead of an entire song. Hardly any deviation is noted in the first song “Conqueror.” This is a song by a band that would make a great filler for any given tour. Even the vocals aren’t anything you haven’t heard already. Just basic deep growls that sound like they were gurgled from the stomach.

“Slaves To The Kingdom Of Fear” is the previous song all over again, but a little faster. The vocals just sound like mud against the instruments, barely having any sort of unique tone or feel at all. Also it really feels like he’s holding back from really belting out some brutal line’s but, alas, he just sounds like a better version of Pathology’s vocalist.

The vocals get even more painful to listen to on “You Should Be Paranoid.” There is no telling what he is saying, but it’s in a tone that is like rubbing a cheese grater against my eardrums. The music really isn’t all that great either. It just sounds like a bunch of thrown together riffs and blast beats that don’t have much relation to each other.

Ditch the current vocalist and get a new guy. Even if they still stay as a basic deathcore band musically, at least they would have a lot more attention than they do now. 

Review: Uneven Structure- Februus (2011)

Band: Uneven Structure

Release: Februus

Genre: Progressive Metal/Ambient/Mathcore

Label: Basick Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unevenstructure

Tracklist:

1. Awaken

2. Frost

3. Hail

4. Exmersion

5. Buds

6. Awe

7. Quittance

8. Limbo

9. Plenitude

10. Finale

Review: 10/10

Going up on my list as not only one of the best albums of the year, but as one of the best I’ve ever heard, Uneven Structure have unleashed the demon that is Februus. Although this review is long overdue, I wasn’t going to let it slide past me. With a perfect blend of progressive metal, mathcore, atmospheric elements, and the energy that is on par with the almighty Meshuggah, Februus will take the music world by storm.

Beginning with a soft, atmospheric intro in “Awaken” that steadily gets heavier and heavier, you can really feel the energy that set to come, then it slaps you across the face with uncompromising brutality that is partly lead by palm muting guitars and partly led by the bass. You can easily be overwhelmed (in a very good way) by the barrage of complex guitar arrangements, snare shots that blast outward whenever they’re hit, and the one-two punch of energy demanding screaming and the harmonic, male-siren-if-sirens-were-males singing really left me in awe at this band. AND IT’S ONLY THE FIRST SONG!

Menacing and heavy guitar hits start off the next song “Frost.” The atmospheric elements of the band are shown more in this song, with sultry, inviting singing that is wholly unique and awesome. The overall atmospheric element is held throughout the entire song, even when it gets heavy. This is one of those songs that can put anyone out of a bad mood and really make a person feel positive.

Chaos descends in “Hail.” Precise guitar slams and crazy drumming keep your attention on edge by coming off slightly Dillinger-esque, allowing your mind to wander off as it pleases as the music envelops you. So many bands attempt to cross metal and ambient, but few can actually pull it off for six minutes at a time and actually have it captivate someone as much as this band accomplishes.

This band truly has technical poly-rhythms down to a fine art. I will say that this band should NOT, I repeat NOT, be pigeon holed as a fucking djent band. I love bands that people consider djent, but that word is thrown around way too much and the value is diminished. Getting high while listening to this also gives a whole new perspective on the album. This album is best described as a roller coaster, with the ups of meat tenderizing brutality, the lows being the ambience soundscape, all brought together with awesome middle ground that covers the bases well.

This is a must have album for any metal head’s collection. To experience this among all other types of metal should be placed on your bucket list.

Review: Alighieri- Moths EP (2011)

Band: Alighieri

Release: Moths EP

Genre: Deathcore

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alighierimetal

Tracklist:

1. The Atmosphere Between

2. Nights

3. Isolating The Moth

4. Atlas Mourned

5. Transparent and White

6. Cessation Of Parallels

Review: 7.8/10

Alighieri is a band I’ve been following closely ever since I saw their excellent live performance opening for Arsonists Get All The Girls and Attila years ago. Very heavy, unrelenting deathcore shines forth, but the Moths EP is not near as good as Serving The Recession EP. They had a faster and original edge that is almost completely lost here.

The initial track “The Atmosphere Between” has a doomy, end of the world feeling intro to start off, then heads into double bass pedal driven deathcore with the occasional blast beats and brutal low vocals that hold their own in the deathcore community. The screams, however, kind of kills the song for me. They opted instead for a slower feel that really makes me miss the old Alighieri.

The re-recorded of “Atlas Mourned” (bringing that total to three versions since the first version and demo are both on Serving The Recession) is admittedly better than the original. Being the only track that I thought had no hope on their previous EP, I’m very surprised that they would put the time and effort into re-recording this. The guitars have much more life in the song as compared to the underlying guitars on the original version. It also shows the vocalist being more adventurous than before with his vocals, making this 50/50.

The lat track, “Cessation of Parallels,” is a good ending for the average listener. I can only see people getting into this band if it was the first thing it thought of after a coma. I only wish the singer was much more projective with his voice instead of having it blend with the music. The screams really grate on a person’s nerves after a while, I would rather hear him sing the entire song in a deeper tone instead of hearing those screams. Not too bad of an album, I would suggest this.

Review: Silence The Feedback- No Flow EP (2011)

Band: Silence The Feedback

Release: No Flow EP

Genre: Hard Rock

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/silencethefeedback

Tracklist:

1. I Bleed

2. Within These Arms

3. Hole

4. Structures

5. Crash Course

6. Time

Review: 2.3/10

Silence The Feedback is a hard rock band from New York. The lack of originality is astounding here. No Flow EP is one of the most boring albums I’ve heard all year. With the garbage music and the run of the mill lyrics, I can only compare them to a mix of Rage Against The Machine, Seether and [Insert name of one hit wonder early 2000’s metal band here] with all talent squeezed out.

The beginning has a promising industrial-like intro, but it spends to mediocre by the book metal where they re0use the same riffs over and over and over again, trying to get them to be a catchy radio riff. This sounds like one of those small town rock bands that try to make it big by using rehashed material. The guitar solo is decent, but by no means impressive. The rhythm guitar is the lamest thing on this song, having no type of virtuosity whatsoever. “I bleed you / bleed me slow / yeah yeah yeah yeah” is the hook to this song. You see where I’m going with this?

In a weird attempt to emulate earlier CKY with some Seether mixing up the pot, “Hole” delivers. Using a certain fuzzy bass tone that has helped make CKY’s sound instantly recognizable, this song screams rip off all over. Chock full of open chord filler material and trying-to-hard singing, I was really disappointed by this. They shamelessly link random generic bridge 1-chorus-bridge 2-chorus-bridge 1 material and Alice In Chains-ish background wails gives away to a clap build up that not even twelve year olds would be entertained by spell the doom for this EP. The song is about someone losing themselves and becoming their own worst enemy, these are lyrics that had been done all before. There is no sense of originality and personal experience felt through the emotions of the singer.

The song “Crash Course” sounds like a run of the mill Burnout video game soundtrack song that never made it to the game. What I mean by that is, again, the lack of originality, is felt through the singers bland voice and the instruments aimless chugging that almost put me to sleep. Quite possibly the worst track on the album. “Were on a crash course to heaven” suggests the mediocrity.

This is just crap. Not worth your time, unless you’re a cigarillo smoking brainless jock. Have fun committing ear suicide.

Review: Metallica and Lou Reed- Lulu (2011)

Band: Metallica & Lou Reed

Release: Lulu

Genre: Avant Garde Metal

Label: Warner Bros Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LouReedMetallica

Tracklist:

1. Brandenburg Gate

2. The View

3. Pumping Blood

4. Mistress Dread

5. Iced Honey

6. Cheat On Me

7. Frustration

8. Little Dog

9. Dragon

10. Junior Dad

Review: 0/10

Where to even begin with this atrocity that is known as Lulu, the re-burger of Metallica & Lou Reed… Well, we can start with the very first words spoken on the first song “Brandenburg Gate”: “I would cut my legs and tits off when I think of Boris Karloff…” Literally, reading the lyrics for this entire album will speak for itself. If you're one of the chosen few that "don't get" Lou Reed's poetry (as James Hetfield puts it), then you are not reading this from the enclosure of a padded cell or closet.

This is the most god awful album on the planet. This justifies Metallica’s famously horrible St. Anger in every way, to the point that it makes St. Anger sound like Adele. With as much hype as the guys have been giving this album, this by far wins my vote for not only the biggest letdown of the year, but of any hyped up album ever released. If this album doesn’t get worst album of the year, decade, and century, then I’m a one-legged, pissed off Puerto Rican. I can’t begin to express my disgust of the way they fooled their loyal fans looking forward to this turd. I would rather take my $12 to the bank, cash it all in for pennies, go to the nearest sewer grate or manhole cover, and drop one penny at a time, at a rate of 1 penny an hour. I would derive more enjoyment from that then actually listening to this again.

What can be said about “The View” that fellow writer Sammi hasn’t already said? Read that single review Here. To throw in my two cents, it sounds to me that the instruments of “The View” were recorded onto an LP disc format, but instead of using a stylus to read the music, they used Lou Reed’s nut sack.

Is there any actual musicianship at all within this album? I’m afraid there isn’t. “Pumping Blood” sounds like a heavy version of Phish, and yes I use that as an insult because I cannot stand Phish. If you are unfamiliar with them, be glad. They are a crappy jam band, which is what this song sounds like. As a side note, when James Hetfield croons “Why do I cheat on me” along with Lou on the song “Cheat On Me,” it sounds like he stubs his toe every time he says it.

The angst of millionaires is shown in the song “Frustration,” which, musically, is very much like “The View.” Minimal musicianship that is re-hashed and re-burgered, Lou’s babbling old man nonsense talk, and the overall effect that somewhere, at this time, everyone who is not listening to this album is having a good life. In about four months, you will be making about thirty dollars an hour. You take a trip to the thrift store and you see this album for the low price of three dollars. Seeing the name Metallica, you are excited at listening to a Metallica album that you’ve never heard before. You get home and you play this on your computer, which kills you a little on the inside. So you actually get upset, and drive the 45 miles back to the same thrift store just so you can get that three dollars back, never mind the fact that you spent about twenty in gas to get there alone.

Have you ever had that moment where you were halfway out the door, when a old man appears (grandpa or otherwise), and continues to talk to you about his life, but he has Alzheimer’s coupled with deliria, so he ends up talking in droves about complete nonsense and won’t let you leave? So you try to interrupt him so that you may continue about your day, but every time you do, he talks over you like you don’t exist? That’s what putting myself in harm’s way for this website by listening to this album was like. It amazes me that no one quit the band during or after the recording of this album due to creative differences. No matter where life takes these individual musicians, Lulu will remain in their shadows for eternity. Hopefully this, in turn, will diminish Metallica’s widely publicized diva attitudes, because this is proof that their shit does indeed stink.

I also admire journalist Chuck Klosterman's review of this, saying "If Red Hot Chili Peppers were to acoustically cover the twelve worst Primus songs for Starbucks, it will still sound better than this." 

Oh, and to every single reviewer who had the audacity to give this album a positive review and saying that this album is "important" because of it's sheer lack of commercialism, you are the biggest hipsters I have ever seen. I demand reparations Andy Maroon. Where’s my shirt?

Review: The Nick Johnston Band- Public Display Of Infection (2011)

Band: The Nick Johnston Band

Release: Public Display Of Infection

Genre: Instrumental Rock

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nick-Johnston-Band/120261011353887

Tracklist:

1. The Uncomfortable Relationship Of Gawker And Gawkee

2. Blackeye

3. Public Display Of Infection

4. Bulletproof

5. Wander (Feat. Zack Ordway)

6. Night Of The Living Dance

7. Devil's Dancing Shoes

8. Blue Blood

9. Moon Waltz

10. Drive It Like It's Stolen

Review: 8.3/10

Sometimes, I really need a change of pace. All of this metal and –core music has my ears ringing of breakdowns and blast beats. Luckily, Zack Ordway forwarded this guy to me by the name of Nick Johnston and quickly sent out a copy of his brand new rock instrumental album Public Display Of Infection. It’s been a while since I heard some good rock music, and this filled that void for me.

The first track that caught my attention was “Blackeye.” Starting out with steady light drumming (drums on this whole record brought to you by Travis Orbin, Of Legends and ex-Periphery), the guitars soon kick in and provide a catchy electric guitar noodling coupled with acoustic rhythm guitar. If there would be one track on this entire album to have added vocals, this would be the one. It’s full of guitar chords that could stand out to the test of time and have some possibility of becoming a rock radio hit.

It’s a damn shame that the vast majority of people who like instrumental rock tend to be around the 40 to 60 years old range, cause if more younger people my age were to get back into it, we could see a drastic change in the way music is made. The track “Public Display Of Infection” is a really laid back kind of track with some surf influence thrown in. There’s nothing too flashy here, and that keeps the charm of being a fun and simple rock track. Although by no means should you interpret that as guitars that aren’t worth checking out.

In a throwback to the 1980’s, “Bulletproof” helps bring that vibe. With the kind of fuzzy tone not too much unlike ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man,” Nick gives the listener yet another track to be remembered by those who actually hear it. He keeps a steady melody along with rocking drums that also incorporate that era’s drumming as well. “Wander” is yet another switch of musical virtuosity. The guitars on this one sound like a by-product of hours of experimentation to recorded acoustic rhythm guitar and drums. This one starts off awesome, and only gets better when Zack Ordway provides a bad-ass guest solo.

Soon to be a Halloween dance staple: “Night Of The Living Dance.” It’s a great song to open that FUCKING PIT… of others who want to dance on the floor and have a good time.

For a more epic instrumental along the lines of Eric Johnson status, start with “Blue Blood.” It’s much like the song “Wander,” but with a more stadium rock feel to it.

If you are a fan of rock instrumentalists like Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Jeff Beck, then this is for you. Full of catchy guitar riffs, Travis Orbin, and plenty of different musical influences that vary from track to track help keep this album as the only rock instrumental mainstay on my iPod for years to come. Add him on Facebook Here, where news of where to buy this excellent album will be coming soon.

Review: Various Artists- A Tribute To Alkaline Trio (2011)

Band: Various Artists

Release: A Tribute To Alkaline Trio

Genre: Pop Punk/Rock

Label: Pacific Ridge Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pacificridgerecords

Tracklist:

1. Spontaneo – Clavicle
2. Bright and Early – Stupid Kid
3. Punchline – Madam Me
4. Allister – My Little Needle
5. And Then There Were None – If You Had A Bad Time
6. The Lion Faced Boy – You’re Dead
7. The Material – Bleeder
8. Joe Wilson – Goodbye Forever
9. I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business – Southern Rock
10. The Promise Hero – Sorry About That
11. The SpacePimps – Jaked On Green Beers
12. Jonah Matranga – I’m Dying Tomorrow
13. Rob Huddleston (of Ann Beretta) – Help Me
14. Into It. Over It. – Message From Kathlene
15. My Arcadia – Maybe I’ll Catch Fire
16. When We Team Up – WarBrain
17. Hold For Swank – My Standard Break From Life
18. Weatherstar – Radio
19. Barely Blind – Nose Over Tail
20. The Catastrophe – Tuck Me In
21. Floral Terrace – This Could Be Love
22. August Premier – Sun Dials
23. Jesse Ponnock – All On Black
24. United Federation of Planets – Exploding Boy
25. Rattlesnake Gunfight – Another Innocent Girl
26. Promise of Redemption – Take Lots With Alcohol
27. Ramona – You’ve Got So Far To Go
28. Koji – She Took Him To The Lake
29. The Story Changes – San Francisco
30. The Icarus Account – 97
31. Still Rings True – My Friend Peter
32. The Composure – Sleepyhead
33. Time & Distance – I Lied My Face Off
34. Future Idiots – Sadie
35. In Bloom – Keep em Coming
36. Straight Outta Junior High – Fuck You Aurora
37. Washington Square Park – Cop

Review: 8.7/10

Most tribute albums that are put together like this: Make it of a well known artist, toss on a few really well known and current bands, and toss on some bands no one has ever heard of before in hopes that they get more attention. The good thing about this two disc extensive tribute is that I don’t get that sort of marketing vibe at all. This is definitely the epitome of all Alkaline Trio tributes, with bands such as The Wonder Years, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Into It. Over It., and The Lion Faced Boy, along with a whopping thirty five other bands all contributing to preserving the legacy that is Alkaline Trio. It covers all periods of the band’s career, except for the latest studio album This Addiction.

I had just learned of The Lion Faced Boy two days before I started this review, and this is a band I’m very impressed with. They covered the song “You’re Dead” and they play it true to the original, without changing the arrangement of the song at all, which is something that I can’t stand to hear. This is one of shining points on this whole tribute, as Rob’s vocals just sound… so right for this.

I was surprised to see The Material on this tribute. If there are other female covers of AT I don’t know about them, but this is the first I’ve heard. On their cover of “Bleeder,” Colleen’s voice draws your complete attention into the song over subtle bass before it heads straight into crisp and clear pop punk territory with basic drumming and guitars that stay true throughout the song. Colleen’s voice has improved a hundred fold since the last time I listened to this band (which was on their ep back 2007, though I could be wrong about the year).

Spontaneo’s opening cover of “Clavicle” is quaint at best. The vocalist really rings into my ears and is set too sharp (though that was probably at fault of the mixer) and the guitars sound a tad messy, though it’s not a really bad cover. The best part is at the end when the vocalist projects his voice more outward and leaves off on a real powerful impression.

I had the pleasure in reviewing The Story Changes latest EP This Is Your Moment (which you can read on my site Here) and it really made me a big fan. So when I heard they were going to be on this tribute, it gave me more of an insight that this was going to be a tribute album to remember. Although this is certainly not the best song on the tribute, it is another excellent example of the band staying true to the original. The tempo is set slightly higher and the guitars are deeper, but other than that I was pleased at how well it turned out.

Definitely goes down in my list as the best tribute album of the year. Now for my confession: I never was a huge fan of Alkaline Trio. I don’t own any of their albums on my iPod, but I don’t dislike them either. They just never stuck out for me. This tribute had me re-thinking that however, and I plan on buying “Goddamnit” very soon.

Stream and download the full 39 track album here through Pacific Ridge Records: http://pacificridgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-tribute-to-alkaline-trio

Review: Fury Never Fades- Demo (2011)

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Band: Fury Never Fades

Release: Demo

Genre: Heavy Metal/Death Metal

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/furyneverfades

Tracklist:

1. This Declining Hour

2. Immolate

3. Shades Of Grey

4. Perpetual Black

Review: 8.3/10

When I heard the name Fury Never Fades, I was thinking they were going to be yet another generic hardcore band. Well I sure as hell was wrong. “This Declining Hour” has a epic guitar and drum intro until they bring it down a notch and give you brutal low vocals and chugging guitars that would make any metal head proud. Though it’s not really stand out, they still do a great job. Double bass drums and guitar solo combo was also a win for me.

I would love to see “Immolate” played live. Heavy metal song writing with old school death metal influences are always welcome on my iPod. MOAR BLAST BEETS!!!! Seriously, this song is full of them. I love the song structure they stick to throughout the song and the awesome vocals. “Shades Of Grey” isn’t as impressive as the other 2 songs, but it still holds it’s own. The instruments don’t branch out as much and the vocals are slightly down tuned it seems, but it also follows a more linear song structure as compared to the other 2 tracks.

I can’t wait to hear more from this band, and I know for a fact that if the right opportunities come their way, they will garner much more attention in the metal community. Give them a listen and comment this post on what you think. Regardless of what their Facebook says, I consider them a perfect mix of heavy metal and death metal.

Review: As We Draw, Euglena and Hexis - 3 Way Split (2009)

Band: As We Draw, Hexis & Euglena

Release: 3-Way Split

Genre: Hardcore/Noisecore/Black Metal

Label: Throatruiner Records

Facebook: As We Draw: http://www.facebook.com/pages/As-We-Draw/145404309655

Hexis: http://www.facebook.com/Hexisband

Euglena: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EUGLENA/197199300353603

Tracklist:

1. As We Draw- Fingers To Point

2. As We Draw- Fingers To Stab

3. Euglena- Before After

4. Euglena- After The Before

5. Euglena- Renaissance

6. Hexis- Crux

7. Hexis- Nex

Review: 2.3/10

As We Draw starts off this 3 Way Split with passive aggressive music and semi-screaming vocals in “Fingers To Point.” Right away, the vocals really lost my interest as the presence is severely lacking and the out of tune hardcore style, though some artists can pull it off, this one really can’t in my opinion. The music is sludgy and heavy, with occasional bits of fast playing to keep the pace from being driven into the ground. I really didn’t enjoy this portion of the split.

Euglena begin their portion with an obnoxiously long intro “Before After.” Slow and heavy instruments with only a few notes actually played was boring, but about 1 minute into the song the vocals kick in and grate the fuck out of my nerves. “After The Before” is slightly better, but the mixing on the vocals screech and really throw me off. Throwing in guitars that purposely play out of sync caused me to switch directly to the next song. Thankfully, “Renaissance” is much better. It actually follows some sort of song structure and is the first good song on the split. The vocals kill it for me however.

Hexis is just straight black metal/noise metal. Nothing at all to add, so if that genre catches your fancy then go for it. I’m not into that at all. I listened to both songs and I could have really cared less. The lack of musicianship on this album is garbage and I wouldn’t bother with listening to it.