"Mike's Reviews, Part 2"
by MikeSOS
Sponsored In Part By
Black Label Society • 1919 Eternal
Spitfire Records
Upon opening the new disc from Zakk Wylde’s Black
Label Society, you see a picture of his pops, decked out in military garb
and when peeling the CD from its precarious position, it leads you to a
harbinging picture of the statuesque six stringer, as if he took the lead
role of Jack London’s Call of the Wild and made it his own.
The album, much like these photos, echoes the sentiments of honor, patriotism
(check out Zakk’s stirring rendition of "America The Beautiful"), loyalty
and commitment, only it’s Wylde’s job to preserve hard rock this time around.
And he does so unabashedly, with little fanfare and with jackhammer-like
alacrity. From punishing guitar chuggers ("Bleed For Me," "Genocide
Junkies," "Demise Of Sanity") to softer Southern tinged acoustic tunes
("Bridge To Cross"), BLS covers a lot of ground on this 14 track salute
to heavy music. Zakk handled most of the musical duties himself,
with a little help from BLS Chapter members across the US. His style,
falling somewhere in between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Pantera, holds up throughout
the entire disc, as the crushing "Battering Ram" and the prolific "Lost
Heaven" being immediate standouts. Yet, every track on BLS’s latest
can be considered a rip roaring success, as they showcase Zakk’s passionate
performance as well as his deep and powerful songwriting abilities.
Black Label Society bring it heavy, brutal and most importantly, honest,
a trait you’ll seldom see in the music industry these days. For a
hard rocking trip you’ll enjoy taking again and again, check out Black
Label Society’s newest release and feel the intense pride that Zakk exudes
for yourself. (www.spitfirerecords.com)
Orquesta Del Desierto • Orquesta Del Desierto
Meteor City
Another Kyuss alumnus comes out with a solo effort
that showcases the diversity and musicality of the desert. This time
it’s drummer Alfredo Hernandez, who, along with notable longtime collaborators
Mario Lalli and Pete Stahl, have created the sounds known as Orquesta Del
Desierto. Surprisingly enough, this outing isn’t a heavy one at all;
instead, these eclectic 10 tracks encompass acoustic guitars, mariachi
horns ("Shadow Stealing") and a folksy overlay ("Mary Strange") that sounds
as if it were concocted in Seattle and not Death Valley. If you’re
familiar with the clique of musicians that comprise the infamous Desert
Sessions, then this CD is definitely right in your ballpark. It’s
quite the stark contrast to what you’d be accustomed to hearing when these
guys get together. Rest assured, even the most ardent Kyuss fan may
be thrown for a loop at first, but once you soak in the melodics of "Scorned
Liver" or the solemn acoustic beauty of "Waiting For That Star To Fall",
you’ll see that it’s merely an unplugged, stripped down version of the
sonic sounds we know and love. (www.meteorcity.com)
Uphill Battle • Uphill Battle
Relapse Records
Like any good Relapse outfit, Uphill Battle has the
uncanny knack to knock you out cold with their precision power punch.
Packed with one part grind core and one part hardcore, this California
quintet is loud, jarring and definitely does not typify the California
band stereotype. Insanity reigns over these guys ("Climate Control"),
as blast beat drumming and guitars, which flip flop between grind and groove,
pervade the entire nine track collection ("Old"). Add a murky outlook,
complete with lyrics like "shot me to the ground, then skin me alive" from
"Playing Dead" and you can see that Uphill Battle isn’t exactly a feel
good kind of band. For a harsh lesson in life and how it can break
your spirit and leave you cold ("Bleeding Morals"), allow Uphill Battle
to provide the music to your gloomy pensiveness. (www.relapse.com)
In Extremo • Sunder Ohne Zugel
Metal Blade Records
In Extremo is a German metal band whose musical offerings
are radically different than what you may be accustomed to. Implementing
a vast array of wood and stringed instruments into their Rammstein-esque
metal attack, and adorned in enough fur and loincloth to make Manowar blush,
this seven piece outfit mix renaissance flare with slabs of heaping metal.
The end result? Imagine a suped up version of Jethro Tull that, oh
yeah, sings in German. Weird? Well, it’s not as unaccessible,
surprisingly enough, as you’d expect. Hell, if AC/DC and Korn can
use a bagpipe in a few songs, why can’t these guys rock out with them for
an entire 13 track disc, right? Bring the 16th century on home with
a metallic twist with these guys. (www.metalblade.com)
Che Zuro and Tisa Adamson • Soak
Youghiogehny River
Che Zuro and Tisa Adamson make a formidable folk
rock tandem on their 16 track disc, taken mostly from an intimate live
show. It’s that kind of intimacy that also seeps through the disc
and makes the listener feel as if they’re front row, thanks largely to
Che’s and Tisa’s ability to connect with their audience through song ("There
You Go," "River Of Life"). These ladies aren’t your run-of-the-mill,
whiny female tortured artists. Instead, they are both adept songwriters
("Taken"), as well as excellent guitarists, reminiscent of old school Heart
("Jailed"). For a rocking, folksy trip with a female perspective,
look no further than this duo’s latest disc. (www.checheche.com)
Oxymoron • Best Before 2000
Victory/GMM
Oxymoron is a punk rock band from Germany whose history
is documented on this 18 track disc, complete with rare tracks, a CD-Rom
video and an in depth and informative timeline of the trials and tribulations
of this punk rock outfit. You may not have heard of them, but they’ve
toured with Dropkick Murphys and Cocksparrer and have been around for over
a decade. If you dig the sounds of Rancid mixed with some good old
fashioned oi, then Oxymoron is a band you need to check out, because they
definitely deliver a swift musical boot to the head, which no doubt translates
well at their live shows. (www.victoryrecords.com)
Trephination • With War Comes Atrocities
Fleshfold
As if their name isn’t menacing enough, the band
picture contains four roguish looking gentlemen flocking a man pointing
a gun at the camera. Scary, but what’s scarier is their sound.
Solid slabs of old school death metal a la Obituary ("Threading The Twine")
meshed with their morbid lyrical visions of war, death, hate, you know,
all the good stuff. Hard to believe that this quintet hails from
the city of brotherly love, but they work hard to denounce their city’s
reputation and by doing so, make one badass rep of all their own.
You’ve been warned, folks. (trephine666@aol.com)
Go Mower Go
Riding Mower Records
The Big Apple’s very own Riding Mower Records have
brought us 13 tracks of their artist’s best for their compilation CD, and
the results are not only indicative of the vast talent this label carries,
but it also shows the depth the NYC scene has to offer. Starting
off with R&B flavored funksters PIC, who get their groove on and set
the tone, it’s hard to stop your ass from shaking after this juggernaut
has their way with your ears, but there’s more to be heralded. Like
the curiously clever pop rock of Convertible Jennifers, whose lyrical output
easily wins the tongue in cheek award ("you’re the best e thing that
I’ve had since/ you’re the cheapest thing I’ve done since" from "Sugar
Cubes"). From there, the mixture of intense alternative rock with
an angelic voice leading the charge, belonging to Shiva Copal, invades
your speakers and makes you stand to attention and listen intently.
Rounded out by some other left of center acts (Lovetester, RickBartow),
Riding Mower have built up quite a stable of bands and artists and hopefully
are in the works for their next compilation. Keep that mower gassed
up and ready to go, baby! (www.ridingmowerecords.com)
Brant Bjork and the Operators • Brant Bjork and
the Operators
The Music Cartel
Once upon a time, there was a mighty band by the
name of Kyuss, and even though they never received the mass audience acclaim
that they richly deserved, many of the ex-members of this landmark outfit
have gone on to push the envelope of the heavy music scene for years.
Bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, Unida and now Brant Bjork and The Operators
have risen from the ashes of the kings of the desert rock scene.
Brant, ex drummer for Kyuss, on his debut solo effort, plays mostly everything
on his 10 track offering, and it’s to no one’s surprise that this self
titled record contains many of the same elements of his previous band,
though the overall sound is way less menacing and a lot more laid back.
It’s so laconic in fact, that it even could be considered soft rock to
a degree, if not for the racy lyrics and hallucinogenic rhythms ("Smarty
Pants," "Captain Lovestar"). Bjork’s solo effort could’ve been the
soundtrack to any Southern California’s 1976 high school video yearbook,
if they existed then, complete with muscle cars and Farrah Fawcett hairdos
("Electric Lalli Land") in tow. Once again, one of the forefathers
of modern heavy music tune in and change the questions when you thought
you had all the answers, as Brant Bjork’s latest will give you that sunshine
feeling that’ll warm you up all over. (www.music-cartel.com)
The Mushroom River Band • Simsalabim
Meteor City
The Mushroom River Band shows the world that they
have the balls plus the groove to go along with it by playing relentlessly
raucous rock and roll on their latest 10 track collection. With a
low end that rivals fellow Swedes Entombed when it boils down to getting
down and dirty ("Change It"), and a massive understanding of groove, which
they turn on at full blast and which shows no end in sight ("Proud Of Being
Cool"), this quartet have made a gem of a rock record, and quite possibly
one of the most enticing stoner rock releases in quite some time.
Not only does TMRB take you for a hellacious joyride that is one part metal
and one part garage, but they do it with an anthemic sense of melody ("Bugs")
and a strong sense of songwriting dynamics ("Simsalabim"), which adds to
their high octane aural assault. Put this CD in your stereo and watch
the chaos ensue. (www.meteorcity.com)
Engorged • Engorged
Death Vomit
Ok, right of the bat, judging by the record label’s
name and the band’s name, we know what this CD is all about, right?
Kind of, because if you wrote these guys off for being a mere gore-induced
run-of-the-mill metal outfit, guess again. Matter of fact, these
maulers from the Pacific Northwest are gore monging maniacs, but there’s
so much more to them that that. Like a penchant for late '80s East
Coast thrash metal, like SOD and Anthrax, whose guitar sound and style
is all over this 14 track collection ("Cobra Rage," "March Of The Engorged").
And yes, metal purists, there are blood curdling screams and breakneck
rhythms a plenty, enough to satisfy the most insatiable headbanger.
So, if you’ve been bitten with the bug for some hybrid death metal that
will surely rip your face off, check out Engorged’s latest offering, chock
full of B-Movie dialogues which spurns lyrical yarn with tongue firmly
bestowed in cheek ("Death Metal Attack 3") and pummeling death metal poundings
that will behead you from there. (www.engorged.net)
The Business • Hell To Pay
TKO
What can we expect from British hardcore punk legends
The Business on their three-song endeavor? Well, knowing these long
running leaders of the pit, it’s a safe bet to assume we’re going to get
some good time, old school, fist pumping and boot stomping rock and roll
that probably feels better after a few pints have been imbibed. And
that’s exactly what they deliver, as usual, as The Business truly give
us the business, even after all these years. (www.tkorecords.com)
Infamy • The Blood Shall Flow
World War III
Imagine Testament getting a little heavier a la Bolt
Thrower and you’ve got East L.A. metal troupe Infamy. With a firm
grasp on the death metal pulse, these guys kind of do it all by numbers,
but it doesn’t make them any less powerful or brutal, just a bit less interesting
than other bands in their genre that push the envelope more. Yet,
Infamy’s sheer sonic attack, thanks much to the outstanding vocal grind
and growl ("Putrid Infestation") may be enough for the ardent metal militia
member to see past their tired lyrical tirades and standard thrashing guitars
and rhythms. (www.ww3music.com)
Home Town Hero • Home Town Hero
Maverick Records
What kind of band do you get from the quirk of Weezer
meshed with the rocktitude of Our Lady Peace? California’s very own
Hometown Hero, folks. This quartet walk the line between power pop
and hard rock with a pristine sense of precision and an excellent sense
of when to bowl the audience over with a catchy chorus. Remember
the bands The Flys and Marcy’s Playground? Yea, they each had one
hit apiece, but it seems that the boys in Home Town Hero are picking up
their slack by taking both band’s mixes and adopting them for their own.
Hook happy and able to reach large demographics with a simple melody ("Eighteen"),
these guys are blessed with the powers of restraint, knowing exactly not
only when, but what to give to the listener to make them happy and feel
good inside, in under three minutes to boot ("Who’s To Say"). No
surprise that there’s a bit of STP’s rock star swagger in their mix too
("Questions"), as HTH hails from the same neck of the woods as Weiland
and company. For a slickly produced rock album that will strike chords
and whose melodies are so familiar that they’ll resonate in your head all
through your errand running sessions, check out Home Town Hero’s alt rock
stylings. (www.hometownheromusic.com)
Throes of Dawn • Binding of the Spirit
World War III
Throes of Dawn is yet another band in the long line
of black metal outfits whose majestic overtones and sweeping melodies intertwine
with gurgling vocals and a heavy back beat. This Finnish outfit’s
eight tracks of audio assault aren’t without its dynamics ("The Last Rainbow
Warrior’s Dead"), and it’s this that makes Throes of Dawn such an enjoyably
morbid experience. Keyboard overlays and acoustic guitars coupled
with the trademark Cradle/Dimmu sound helps Throes Of Dawn maintain a constant
level of Goth rock pleasantries and death metal gloss that should appease
anyone with a wardrobe that consists of predominantly black clothing.
(www.ww3music.com)
Crank It Up
MCA Records
Fox Sports capitalizes on a rock and racing connection
as they release this compilation CD of hard rock and metal acts paying
homage to the need for speed. This 18 track collection contains some
heavy hitters with some interesting contributions, such as Type O Negative’s
odd tempo version of Deep Purple’s "Highway Star" and Slayer’s full tilt
metal homage to Steppenwolf’s "Born To Be Wild". Other honorable
mentions go to hed PE for their updated rap rock version of Hendrix’s "Crosstown
Traffic" and an unreleased Staind song way before their breakthrough success
("See Through"). There are some misses here, though, like Darwin’s
Waiting Room’s clumsily composed cover of Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car" and
Fenix Tx’s bubblegum version of Billy Ocean’s "Get Outta My Dreams, Get
Into My Car," but on the whole, Crank It Up is a high octane joyride
on a hot summer day. (www.mcarecords.com)
A House Divided
Break Even Records
Break Even Records put out a five way split of
indie rock gems on A House Divided. Sounding just as good
as anything we’ve heard on alternative and college radio, Pop Unknown start
up with a laconically Weezer-esque approach ("...this is now"). From
there, Long Island’s The Cotton Weary take up issues with Dashboard Confessional
to see whose really more sensitive ("Post Script"), while the Northwestern
sounds of Slackjaw mix the garage senses of Tad with the under bellied
intensity of Screaming Trees ("Darkest Hour"). The lighter side of
the street is where The December Drive starts off, but they tend to turn
down some pretty heavy corners and wind up in some very dark places along
the way ("The Will Of Good Men"). Rounding up the quintet is A Dim
Halo’s drug induced, Sonic Youth inspired trip rock ("A Heart Sick With
Hope"), whose dreamy guitars and hypnotic rhythms beg for another hit,
please. Pushing the envelope without pushing it down our throats,
Break Even once again go out of their way to showcase some stellar bands
making waves. (www.breakeven.org)
Damsel • Spirit
Dourakis
Damsel is an all girl rock outfit, in case the name
didn’t indicate it. But, they aren’t one of those frilly, star gazing
female rock bands. Not by a longshot, as this Queens, NY quartet
have cut their teeth on hard rock, and it shows on their 11 track disc.
>From the passionate and catchy choruses to the wah pedaled guitar solos
("Down," "Broken"), Damsel have got the rock and dole it out accordingly.
They also know how to diversify their mix, sometimes going tropical ("One")
and at others taking it down a notch and letting their hearts sing out
loud ("Sometimes"), all without yielding their hard rock premises.
For a shot of rock that rivals what the boys can do ("Can’t Stop"), let
Damsel show you a thing or two. (www.damselmusic.com)
Codeseven • The Rescue
The Music Cartel
Is this the same band that made such a splash with
the Don Henley "Boys Of Summer" cover? Well, if it is, they’ve definitely
toned it down a lot, as this North Carolina band of brothers plus a few
took note of Radiohead, undoubtedly, when they made this eight track disc.
Ethereal and almost jazzy at times ("Southie"), Codeseven haven’t lost
their hardness, they just know now when to use it ("The Rescue").
If you’re looking for it here, though, be warned that they use it very
sparingly on The Rescue, and instead let their softer side shine
through, complete with Pink Floyd-esque kaleidoscope melodies ("Smell Of
Yellow And Black"). (www.music-cartel.com)
Bloodlet • Three Humid Nights in the Cypress Trees
Victory Records
As jarring and disjointed as ever, Florida’s antithesis
to Disney World and retirement homes have returned to throw a wrench in
the world of hardcore, as Bloodlet’s latest, their first in four years,
has invaded the album stores. This 12 track album, done in 9 days
with indie king Steve Albini, once again proves why this band can get under
your skin and reawaken your sensibilities like a bad nightmare ("Three
Humid Nights In The Cypress Trees") . With its imminence and brutality
combined, Bloodlet makes an album that is hard to listen to (imagine Sabbath
on even harder drugs) and which is even harder to ignore. The grooves
are here ("I Have Such A Hard Time Making New Friends," "Vision Quest")
but they’re subdued by such immense angst and intensity, that you need
to really focus on Bloodlet’s formula of part swampy grind, part tough
guy hardcore to be able to look effective in the pit. Notwithstanding,
Bloodlet’s return should shake shit up for a while, because this album,
unless you’re a brainless drone, will work every nerve you’ve got.
(www.victoryrecords.com)
The Kudabins • Kudashudawuda
Plan Z
The Kudabins are the type of band that lurks in every
suburban garage across America. Not exactly the most pristine of
outfits (no Coldplay musical interludes here), their brand of dirty rock
and roll ("Duck And Cover") is actually a breath of fresh air in the sanitized
music scene these days. Taking the low fi road, this quartet utilizes
late 70’s punk rock charm ("In This World," "Wake Up") just as well as
any band that played CB’s back in the day ("Gatekeeper"). Armed a
jazzy overtone ("Lazy Guy") that pervades the entire 16 track collection,
these seasoned players showcase their chops with their tongues firmly in
cheek. The Kudabin’s mix of rock and roll may not be suitable for all ages,
thanks to the lyrical roughness and subject matter, but it’s sure to lift
the spirits of those that can remember when rock and roll was 90% attitude
and 10% image. (www.kudabins.com)
Spaceboy • Searching the Stone Library For the
Green Page of Illusion
Southern Lord
If Dream Theater did an overabundance of halloucigenics
like Monster Magnet ("The Monsoon") and dropped some of their progressive
pretenses ("The Melting World"), this is what they’d probably churn out.
Spaceboy is a space cadet’s dream outfit, complete with swirling vocals,
trippy melodies and a smashingly heavy underbelly ("Spaceship"), which
really helps Spaceboy’s musical meanderings from falling off the deep end.
Consider this outfit math rock for the death metal crowd, if there’s could
be such an existing group. Containing ex-members of The F*cking Champs
and Bl’ast, the sonic assault found from both bands is very much apparent
here, only this time it’s wrapped with a cosmic coating that is both hypnotic
and enchanting. Sci fi metalheads rejoice, your band has arrived.
(www.southernlord.com)
Out to Win • Persist and Destroy
Triple Crown
Voted least likely to appear in their town’s benevolence
association, the group formerly known as Mushmouth (quite possibly the
coolest Fat Albert reference in the hardcore scene) returns with a new
name and the attitude to coincide with their new moniker. Out To
Win’s six song EP is short in length, but long in aggression. Just
check out the lyrics in "Suffer," a happy hardcore anthem whose final words
say, "I’ll crush you, I’ll kill you, you’ll never see another day."
If that’s not Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood material, then where is this
world going? In all seriousness, Out To Win rage through metalcore
riffs and rip out some of the fiercest musical firepower seen thus far
this year. Perfect music to beat people down to, Out To Win’s latest
complements the new Hatebreed album very nicely. (www.outtowin.net)
Alabama Thunderpussy • Staring at the Divine
Relapse Records
Richmond, Virginia’s pride Alabama Thunderpussy return
on a new label and some new members, and while their comeback is welcomed,
it isn’t as grand as expected. While they’ve managed to pound out
10 tracks of Southern fried heavy metal soul ("SSDD"), the songs meander
a bit and are less cohesive from the band’s prior outing. Their immense
guitar firepower is very much apparent though, and ATP really lets your
ears have it this time around ("Motor-Ready," "Esteem Fiend"). While
the album is solid and will rock you, it seems a bit laconic. Maybe
it’s too much weed intake for the boys or the new members need to gel more,
but it seems as if ATP is full of sound and fury and need that one piece
of the puzzle to get them over the hump. Nonetheless, if you dig
metal boogie, these guys are the real deal. (www.relapserecords.com)
Break Even Definition
Break Even
An ambitious label out of Philadelphia, Break Even
puts out indie rock from across the world on this 18 track compilation.
Some standout tracks include Germany’s Casanova Action ("Bonzaismcreamaffair"),
whose German spoken word interlude will throw you for a loop, the Nirvana
flavored track from Mezzanine-c14 ("Gasoline Faith"), the blistering metallicism
of As We Grow ("Kiss Of Cold Asphalt") and the STP-inspired jam of Soul
Cracker ("Bones In The Ground"). All of the tracks are passable,
and the collection is well done overall, showcasing a vast array of what
Break Even wants to bring to the music world. For those that crave
the new sounds from the unsigned realm, check out this label’s offerings.
(www.breakeven.org)
Five Pointe O • Untitled
Roadrunner Records
Five Pointe O is a new outfit from Joilet, IL whose
11 track debut is a surprising potpourri of techno and technical metal
("Art Of Cope"). Overlays of keyboards pervade the chugging riffs
and solid rhythms underneath, almost sounding very similar to some of the
more recent Fear Factory outings ("Double X Minus"). But, these guys
aren’t just another run-of-the-mill metal band. With a pensive set
of lyrics that dig deeper than one’s personal pain, Five Pointe O almost
take a scientific tip and go so far as to question life and its meaning
("Aspire/ Inspire," "Purity 01"). Not bad for a band of twenty-somethings.
They also successfully mix the melodics of Linkin Park ("King Of The Hill")
with the simmering anger of System Of A Down ("Untitled") and create a
nu metal sound that may not be the most original on the block, but should
far and away appease the ears of the disenchanted nu metal militia.
While they may be a bit headstrong for some, those that appreciate anger
served with intelligence will totally dig Five Pointe O’s assault on your
ears and your beliefs. (www.roadrunnerrecords.com)
Diamond Rexx • Diamond Rexx
Crash
Chicago heavies Diamond Rexx take their urban blight
and dress it up with metal riffs and kicks to the gut on their four song
release. Definitely not out to cheer you up, Diamond Rexx’s music
is a harsh look at the underbelly of society, and through using a metal
backdrop for their platform, they evoke memories of Alice Cooper and Marilyn
Manson, though not as grim or foreboding. They even have a Bic lighter
moment for all the lovers in the room. While their style is a bit
antiquated, Diamond Rexx know when to keep it serious and when to let loose,
amply shown on their Grand Funk Railroad cover of "American Band."
(www.crash-music.com)
Low Twelve • Sampler
Heavycore
Low Twelve is the kind of band that scares small
children and house pets with their bottom ended attack. Metal to
the bone, Low Twelve will rip your face off with their growling battle
cries and chugging guitars and thumping rhythms ("Heavycore"). For
an avalanche of metal, look no further than the Low Twelve sampler.
(www.heavycore.org)
Tearabyte • Embrace Oblivion
Screaming Ferret
Terrabyte is a metal trio whose old school concepts
and delivery may be just what the outcasted headbanger that remembers the
glory days of metal is looking for these days. Easy on the brain
but hard on the body, their 13 track release sounds like it’s the 1987
thrash scene all over again, with snippets of Anthrax, Slayer and Overkill,
all in one foul swoop ("Embrace Oblivion"). Tearabyte basically throw
the burners on and create some straight ahead, no bullshit metal ("One
More Day," "It’s All A Lie"). Sans any deviation from what they believe,
their metal anthems and stalwart stance set this band from all the trendy
outfits who claim metal as their own. For a taste of tight, heavy
music at its most primitive, this Dallas, TX trio will keep your head banging
and the fists pumped in the air. (www.tearabyte.com)
Superjoint Ritual • Use Once and Destroy
Sanctuary Records
Superjoint Ritual is a nasty, smoke filled, seething
beast ready to strike without repent or regard. This metal supergroup
features members of Hank Williams III, Down and Pantera, and their 16 tracks
of breakneck metal and hardcore punk with a Southern twist is just what
those people that have lost faith in today’s metal scene need. As
angry as anything Pantera has ever recorded, and just as powerful musically,
Superjoint Ritual’s CD may be the soundtrack for the misunderstood.
Mixing Black Flag, Black Sabbath and swamp metal, the merciless display
of aggression Superjoint Ritual wields is very scary and should be handled
with the utmost care. Quite possibly the best metal album this year,
this CD is essential for anyone that likes metal. (www.superjointritual.com)
Red Harvest • Sick Transit Gloria Mundi
Relapse Records
Norwegian industrial metallers Red Harvest make Rammstein
and KMFDM look like technofied Raffi on their 14 track mechanical opus.
Produced by Neil Kernon, the bloodlust this band contains has been captured
in aural format and is ready to be released to the masses. But are
the masses ready for such a harbinging and overall overpowering experience
that meshes the volatility of death metal with the hypnotic grind of industrial?
Doubtful, but Red Harvest comes in all guns blazing and ready to take control.
Sounding like Ministry at their hungriest ("Dead") and Godflesh at their
most trance inducing ("Dead Men Don’t Rape"), Red Harvest have definitively
raised the bar for all cyber metal to match. (www.relapse.com)
Disarray • In the Face of the Enemy
Eclipse Records
Disarray is a heavy handed trio from Tennessee whose
metal credo is as welcomed as their savage work ethic. With a twist
of Southern inhospitality in their molten metal concoction, this power
trio mix the groove of Pro-Pain and the old school Wrathchild America ("Open
Wounds," "Powers That Be") with the snarl of COC ("To This Day") and the
unabashed metal power of Pantera to create a really heavy and tight sound
that goes the distance throughout the entire 11 track disc. Produced
by GWAR’s Odeus Urungus, Disarray’s type of straight ahead, in your face
metal is a dying breed, sadly, but it’s nice to see that some bands still
know how to get their point across and kick your ass simultaneously.
Disarray’s debut full length disc would be a welcomed addition to any metalhead’s
CD collection, not only for it’s sheer sonic assault, but also for the
cool cover art. (www.disarrayonline.com)
Death Threat • For God and Government
Triple Crown Records
Old school style hardcore from the East Coast, complete
with short, fast arrangements, group chorus screaming ("Bombs Will Fly")
and a slew of breakdowns is what the rapidly rising Death Threat deliver
on their second full length release. With a real grasp on the fundamentals
of punk and hardcore under their belts, Connecticut’s Death Threat’s 14
track album is short, sweet and to the point. No gratuitous musical
moments here, just a bevy of pit styled madness that is bound to keep the
crowd dancing ("Watch Your Mouth"). If you dig stuff like Youth Of
Today, Gorilla Biscuits and other forefather NYHC bands, Death Threat do
a stellar job in carrying the torch and taking the genre back to the streets
and the people ("Live In The Moment"). The press release quotes this
quartet’s style as "hardcore for the hardcore", and that just may be the
truest statement said in a press release thus far this year. If you
dig hardcore, Death Threat’s latest is an album you need to hear.
(www.triplecrownrecords.com)
Places to Park • Places to Park
Volcom Records
Florida quartet Places To Park have a style that
lends itself to melodic punk anthems with depth, unlike the MTV debris
that’s force fed to the unsuspecting. Somewhere in between the Foo
Fighters, Samiam and Strung Out ("Too Soon"), Places To Park display great
guitar work ("So Different") and some heartfelt lyrics on their debut 11
track disc. Harmonious and upbeat, yet containing a serious demeanor,
PTP’s brand of punk rock isn’t one of rebellion, sarcasm or chicanery.
Instead, it borders the emo route a la Grade sans the undecipherable singing
("Ascension") and displays a tenacious intensity ("Turncoat") that a lot
of punk bands today fail to showcase ("Greatest Story"). Despite
these guys being all over the genre map, what is undeniable is their stellar
songwriting and immense energy level. Catch them on the Warped Tour
this year and soak in their Section 1 Row A Rock and Roll. (www.volcomrecords.com)
Motorhead • Hammered
Sanctuary Records
OK, so there’s a new Motorhead album on the shelves.
Why buy it? Aren’t all Motorhead albums sound alikes? Well,
yeah, they are, but this legendary outfit, like AC/DC and Ozzy, aren’t
treading new ground but instead are maintaining the groove that they’ve
helped to incorporate ("Brave New World"). 13 tracks, complete with
the classic Lemmy snarl, the driving rhythms ("Kill The World") and above
all, the bluesy, ballsy and black and blue delivery ("The Game") that has
made Motorhead the iconoclast outfit that metalheads, punks and rock fans
across the world can’t deny. So, represent for Lemmy and the boys,
as their new album, while it isn’t groundbreaking, is by far more neck
snapping than a lot of the other stuff that’s passed as heavy these days.
(www.imotorhead.com)
Heavycore: Core Til Death
Heavycore
Heavycore is an Illinois based organization whose
objective is clear -- to stand up for the love of metal and to make those
who pose, primp and falsify metal’s good name feel eternal damnation.
Or something like that. In any event, Heavycore’s first compilation
CD contains 23 hard hitting, bone chilling and headbanging tracks.
Too much metal for one disc? Damn straight, as bands such as Pro-Pain,
Low Twelve, Hate Plow and Dirtnapp wheel out the warhorse and do their
best to sever your head. This CD is so loud, nasty and overall metal.
This compilation is so metal, it should come with earplugs. It’s
almost as if the ground opened up and Hell came right up from Earth and
gave us this 76:20 offering. Support the indie metal scene and get
to know about Heavycore and all of its good work. (www.heavycore.org)
Mastodon • Remission
Relapse Records
Mastodon is a beautifully jaded beast whose meaty
yet unique metal sound hits every hard music genre as it spirals into complete
heavy bliss. Featuring former members of Today Is The Day and Social
Infestation, this Atlanta by way of Rochester, NY outfit have the innate
aptitude to obliterate the masses with their utterly jawdropping cohesion
("Where Strides The Behemoth," "Trampled Under Hoof"). But there’s
so much more to this band than being another formidable power metal quartet.
Disjointed melodies a la Will Haven morph into Rush-esque instrumental
breaks ("Workhorse") in some instances, while trance like guitars give
way to a free form, percussive led Euro metal tinged number ("Ol’e Nessie").
Consummate musicianship gives these guys the wherewithal to go all over
the place and create 11 tracks of landmark metal. This is an album
that should be feared and respected. Get it and understand why.
(www.relapse.com)
The Ribeye Brothers • If I Had a Horse
Meteor City
Leave it to a member of acid rock kings Monster Magnet
to produce 14 tracks of country fried stoner rock. Taking slabs of
blues, rock and drunken country, The Ribeye Brothers consist of Tim Cronin
and Jon Kleiman and this duo do their part to give a psychedelic edge to
their picking and grinning ("Mr. Ray Charles"). You’ve heard of garage
rock, but are you ready for barnyard rock? The Ribeye Brothers hope
so, as they’ve armed themselves with enough two steppin’ melodies that
tie in to everyone’s prevalent country music stereotypes ("DWI," "Drinkin’
and Stinkin’") to fill up a knee slapping, hooting and hollering good time
of an album. Cowboy hat and whiskey bottle not included. (www.meteorcity.com)
The Cotton Weary • Cinematic Overtones
Break Even
The Cotton Weary are a Long Island quintet whose
four songs give the listener a multi layered, emotionally charged insight
on what the sensitive side of the street sounds like ("Said Enough").
Intense yet not overpowering, The Cotton Weary’s twin guitar attack is
reminiscent of softer Pearl Jam tunes ("Opposite Of Acension"), while the
vocals denote a sense of devoted anguish and a longing for true romance,
like most good emo bands often do. Not exactly a party band, The
Cotton Weary instead is a genuine outfit whose musical output is food for
thought and fodder for introspection. (www.breakeven.org)
Off By One • Off By One
LMC
Yea, California is full of them. Those omnipresent,
pre-pubescent whiny pop punk bands that provide the soundtrack for television
commercials, trips to the mall and probably every 15 year old’s summer
this year. Off By One are no different than the Sum 41s and Blinks
of the world; matter of fact, they fit right in the middle of both aforementioned
bands, with their light and airy delivery having a lot more substance than
you’d expect from four guys under 21 ("On My Way," "Punk Rock Girl").
They cover Natalie Imbruglia’s "Torn" for color, and the rest of the album
contains those Brady Bunch, sunshine days choruses and anthemic pop punk
hooks that we all have come to be plagued by. Dependent on the cuteness
factor of these lads, they may be a big MTV splash or may fall into the
vacuous abyss known as the "where are they now" file. C’mon Carson
and crew, make these guys stars! (www.lmcrecords.com)
Poundhound • Pineappleskunk
Metal Blade Records
Ask who the busiest man in metal is these days and
a few names come to mind. You've got your Dursts and your Maynards pushing
endeavor after endeavor out for your consumption. However, there's
an unlikely candidate who's not only catching up to the Jones', but is
putting out stellar material along the way. Doug Pinnick is the man
behind the music, and he's been a busy little beaver as of late, not only
playing and recording with King's X, but also putting together a supergroup
(Supershine), as well as his own vehicle, Poundhound. Now on the
second release, Poundhound returns with 16 tracks that carry the Pinnick
staple sound of heavy harmonies and moshable melodies ("Jumpin'," "Atlanta").
However, with most solo projects, there are some differences which make
Poundhound familiar yet unique, such as the multi-textured percussion that
grace the disc ("Smearing"). Pinnick also plays everything here but
drums, which adds to the complete crushingly heavy vibe on this disc ("Rain").
In fact, Poundhound rivals Korn in riffage here, with enough filling rattling
rhythms to give the California quintet a run for their money. In
short, as usual, Pinnick works with his usual fervor, adds a few nuances
here and there, and does not disappoint. If your a fan, or even if
you want to hear some kick ass rock and roll, check this CD out. (www.metalblade.com)
Stereomud • Perfect Self
Columbia Records
Rising from the ashes of Life Of Agony and Stuck
Mojo, Stereomud is a five piece hard rock outfit whose 13 track debut disc
treads the same old nu metal waters. While the songs are hard hitting
and do show signs of radio success ("Pain," "Steppin' Away"), it's basically
one of those disappointingly ordinary, metal by numbers discs that seem
to be a dime a dozen these days. Liberally borrowing from Sevendust
and the rest of those that carry the aggro banner, as well as rehashed
Life Of Agony riffs ("How We Stand"), Stereomud isn't anything to gush
over, but they are a competent act who are sure to be given a lot of attention
due to the member's past band histories. (www.columbiarecords.com)
No Innocent Victim • Tipping the Scales
Victory Records
No Innocent Victim is a blistering hardcore quartet
whose latest release is an 11 track melee that is bound to leave a permanent
blemish. Heavy as all hell, NIV's guitars chug more than a frat house
keg party, and seemingly gets heavier as the disc progresses ("Calm Before
The Storm," "Deadweight"). Throw in a good old Oi song for good measure
("Reunion"), and you've got a monster on your hands. Not for the
weak of heart, NIV hits hard and doesn't compromise. If you like
it heavy, you'll love these guys with their neck snapping snappy riffs
and overall brutal presentation. (www.victoryrecords.com)
One Perfect Crime • Angst For the Memories
Poopskin
One Perfect Crime blends power pop with tinges of
hardcore and punk on their four song disc. Not exactly anything radically
new and exciting here, but OPC do have a keen sense of song movement ("Decisions")
and are probably a jumping band to see live. This Pennsylvania quartet
are capable of getting a pit to sing along judging by their catchy refrains
and high spirited playing ("19 Long Years"). OPC is smarter than
your average band, too, which gives them an edge over the mundane punk
rock outfits. Try 'em on if you dig bouncy rock. (www.oneperfectcrime.com)
Long Winter's Stare • The Tears of Odin's Fallen
Dark Symphonies
Long Winter's Stare creates an eclectic mix of music
that melds Renaissance instruments with Gothic rock to create a surreal
atmosphere where witches, warlocks and elves seemingly dwell ("The Unknown
God"). A bit on the cheesy side (especially the guttural growls that
make it sound like Cookie Monster is part of this ethereal trio), LWS nonetheless
trudge through their seven track offering, showcasing many different techniques
which, despite some of their shortcomings, do earn them credit for being
adventurous ("In Arms"). If you like to walk a little left of center
every now and then, check out this hybrid for a taste of what weirdness
is really out there. (www.darksymphonies.com)
King Django • Reason
Hellcat
Ok, so who's one of the most prolific ska masters
in the rock scene these days? Not Nick Hexum and you'd be wrong if
you said Dickie from the Bosstones, too. It's King Django, whose
resume reads like a who's who of the genre bending ska-rock mix.
And now the time has come for the leader of the Stubborn All-Stars to bust
out with his solo album, and it is a hard hitting funky 12 track disc,
indeed. From supercharged ska punk ("Kick It Out") to traditional
flavored ska ("LKO," "Precipice"), King Django does it all and defies you
to not shake your ass while listening. Master of the dub ("Hustle
The Mac") as well as the groove ("Never Try"), King Django has got everything
to soothe your soul. Spark one up and sink into this disc. (www.kingdjango.com)
Buried Alive • Last Rites
Victory Records
Buried Alive's latest decibel breaking disc contains
nine tracks that will surely pound you into submission. This quartet
pull no punches as they deliver their crushing attack ("Burning Holes Through
Myself"). Taking the basic rudiments of hardcore and twisting a metallic
edge in between tight breakdowns and introspective lyrics, Buried Alive
aren't reinventing the wheel here. But they are leaving a discernible
trail of dismemberment and disarray along the way ("Cleanse Yourself,"
"A Coward's Eyes"). And what more can you ask from a metalcore outfit?
They keep it heavy all the way through, and even add live tracks for your
moshing pleasure. Solid stuff here, folks. (www.victoryrecords.com)
Marduk • La Grande Danse Macabre
Century Media
Black metal pioneers Marduk return with their latest
batch of blasphemous tunes sure to please the religion hater in your clan.
Their 11 track disc is laden with guttural vocalizations and blazon with
savage lyrics ("Death Sex Ejaculation") and standard black metal fare ("Bonds
Of Unholy Matrimony"). Nothing here to get too excited about unless
your a big fan of this Swedish export or aren't shocked by Marilyn Manson
anymore. (www.centurymedia.com)
Bal-Sagoth • Atlantis Ascendant
Nuclear Blast
Do these guys do an album a year or what? The
busiest band in battle metal, Bal-Sagoth bring their barrage of epic metal
to light with their latest 10 track disc. Fans of D&D styled
metal should definitely brace themselves, as this British quintet busts
out the Darth Vader voiceovers and lays the keyboards down just right in
their cosmic metal attack. Imagine Dream Theater meeting Battlestar
Gallactica for an idea of what these guys sound like. For an out
of this world outer space metal opera, look no further than Atlantis
Ascendant. (www.bal-sagoth.co.uk)
Dust For Life • Dust For Life
Wind Up
This Memphis quartet take bits of Creed, Alice In
Chains and Zeppelin and give it the old college try on their debut 11 track
CD. Even though these guys do show signs of being a bit derivative
and contrived as far as rock bands go, Dust For Life do have a good grasp
on the art of writing a good hook ("Step Into The Light," "Bitten").
Lyrically and musically mood driven, DFL strike a bluesy chord from time
to time ("Shadow Pool"), but they mainly keep the mope up ("Lifelike,"
"Dragonfly"). If you like mid tempo mood rock that leans on the heavy
side, check these guys out. (www.dustforlife.com)
Cold As Life • Declination of Independence
CTYC
Cold As Life is a merciless Detroit hardcore quintet
whose 13 track disc rips into you like a meathook and doesn't let up.
Thunderous riffagings and intense rhythms that make Pantera look like Poison
are the name of the Cold As Life game ("I Can't Breath"). Brutal
in their aural assault, they take the pounding of metal ("My Prayer") with
the spirit of hardcore ("Tried And True") to create one of the most stirring
releases this side of Hatebreed. Some bands mimic the reality of
street life to boot sales, but Cold As Life actually are on street level
and act as the ace correspondents of the horrors and agony of everyday
danger. Their bludgeoning broadcasts are the stuff that powerful
music is made of ("What It Was"). This is as real as it gets, straight
from the epicenter of disaster. Brace yourself and prepare for the
maelstrom that is Cold As Life. (www.coldaslife.com)
Blood For Blood • Wasted Youth Brew
Victory Records
Boston bad boys Blood For Blood come back with a
collection of live and rare tracks that maintain the band's usual drink,
fuck, fight vibe quite well. With enough bang for your buck (25 tracks
in all), this is essential for any hardcore punk's drunken collection.
Mixing the punk, hardcore and oi style to perfection, BFB's rarities stand
high and mighty amongst their standard releases, and the live tracks make
it feel as if you've just downed a pitcher and decided to flex those newly
acquired beer muscles. Pick it up and chug it down with your favorite
beverage in check. (www.victoryrecords.com)
Skarhead • NY Thugcore
Triple Crown Records
A truer title for an album couldn't be found than
NY
Thugcore for these Queens kings of crime. Their latest release
is a 19 track collection that spans the trials and tribulation of this
hard living hardcore band. Some bands write about things without
living them, but you can get a sense that Lord Ezec and crew live this
life everyday, if not from the intensity of the songs, than definitely
from the soundbites taken from live shows that are strewn within the disc.
Plus, it contains some hard to find singles and compilation tracks for
your listening pleasure. For an education in the East Coast thug life,
this body of work is essential. (www.triplecrownrecords.com)
Belvedere • Angels Live in My Town
Jump Start
Belvedere is a Canadian punk band whose 13 track
disc takes off where Blink 182 left off and adds about 30 pounds of muscle
on their rotting carcass ("Difference"). Belvedere, besides having
a cool name taken after the infamous butler on an ABC television show,
don't play a brand of punk that leaves puddles on female high school student's
desk chairs. Instead of going the way of MTV, these guys opt to turn
it up and not flake out by playing some solid slabs of punk with meaty
riffs and tight breakdowns that never get that melodic, but walk the line
between breakthrough hit and indie punk anthem ("Male Pattern Impotence").
With a borderline metal sound pervading their attack ("Weekend Warrior"),
Belvedere's guitar assault fits nicely with their breakneck punk rhythms
("Malpractice") and make for a welcomed return of true punk rock that isn't
a meatier version of a boy band. (www.jumpstartrecords.com)
Hangnail • Clouds in the Head
The Music Cartel
Hangnail return with their retro rock fury intact
on their latest 10 track disc that's sure to have your blood pumping and
your head clouded by the time the steamroller riff of "Slowhead" hits your
cerebrum. From there, it's all purple haze and sunshining love, as
this Brit quartet takes downtuned psychedelics back from the '60s and spruces
it up for the year 2K ("Release"). Meaty yet mindful, these guys
play like a triple bill of Sabbath, Purple and Soundgarden would ("Into
The Ether"). If you like to take a down and dirty trip into the recesses
of your subconscious ("The Watcher"), screw renting the Woodstock movie
and pick this CD up. (www.music-cartel.com)
Fist Full Of Dust • The Test
Fist Full Of Dust is a NYHC outfit whose metal tinged
assault is merciless. Their four song scream-athon is a chunky, gritty
reminder that hardcore still lives and breathes in the underground and
below ("Remnants"). Bound to create some fist banging and head bobbing,
these guys keep it real by keeping it really heavy. (www.fistfullofdust.com)
Shadow Keep • Corruption Within
SPV
Trends in metal come and go, but occasionally you
get a handful of bands that attempt to carry on a certain era's sound with
decent success. Add England's Shadow Keep to that list, as they wheel
out the early '80s epic genre that spawned images of demons, dragons and
rainbows, as well as classic bands such as Dio and Queensryche. On
their 11-track disc, these guys and gal pay homage to such fare.
Complete with on the mark falsetto metal shrills ("Meta-Morale"), double
bass drum led interludes ("The Trial Of Your Betrayal"), and a plethora
of guitar wizardry behind some of the toughest, tooth gnashing riffs this
side of Judas Priest ("Altar Of Madness"). So bust out that ruffled
shirt and squeeze into those leather pants, folks, as Shadow Keep take
you back to the glory days of metal yore. (info@spvusa.com)
Heaven and Earth • Windows to the World
Frontiers
'80s metal really didn't go away; it just went overseas.
Just ask the members of Heaven And Earth, whose Howard Leese (Heart member)
produced 11-track disc combines some old school luminaries with some sizzling
songwriting and performances. Ok, so it's a little dated (MTV circa
1986, anyone?), but you can't deny the Coverdale-esque balladeering of
"If Only Love" or the big guitar riffdom that makes up a good part of the
album ("Jade," "Away From Harm"). Yes, this music is sadly associated
with things that are laughable and downright embarrassing, but the melodicism
of Heaven And Earth can't be denied. Imagine a lighter version of
Deep Purple and you get a good idea of what these guys sound like.
Sappy ballads aside ("Through Your Eyes"), this is a pretty darn good band
you may be afraid to admit you like. But hey, everyone has skeletons
in their closet, right? If you yearn for '80s metal, dig around for
this disc. (www.frontiers.it)
Monster Magnet • God Says No
A&M Records
Monster Magnet make a triumphant return to the rock
world with their latest 13 track acid flashback that gets a little more
experimental than previous releases. Dave Wyndorf and company still
knows how to churn out those Cream meets Sabbath choruses and trippy musical
endeavors ("Heads Explode," "Medicine"). But if you dig a little deeper,
you'll hear a lot of Delta blues ("Gravity Well") and even some futuristic
sounds that you'd expect on an Orgy album ("Silver Future," "Queen Of You").
Still the purveyors of all that is weird and organic, Wyndorf really gets
down and dirty on the vocals here, taking smidgens of Morrison, Hendrix
and Lou Reed to create that cool, yet creepy neighbor vibe ("Take It,"
"Kiss Of The Scorpion"). While Monster Magnet has gone out and done
some exploring on God Says No, their basic credo of kick ass first
and never asks why still remains very much intact ("My Little Friend").
If other bands could grow up and be rock stars like Monster Magnet, the
world would be such a crap free music place. If you're a fan, or
want to hop on the bandwagon, this is the album to pick up. (www.monstermagnet.net)
Abigor • Satanized
Napalm
Abigor is one of those scary black metal outfits
that use keyboards for ambiance and screaming vocals for emphasis on their
blast beated eight-track cacophony of an album. While this band has
had a career that has spanned over 10 years, one may ask how? Well,
being that they are one of black metal's forefounding groups ("Battlestar
Abigor"), churning out music suitable for a Viking funeral, could be how.
Perhaps it is because underneath all the chaos, there are some pretty heavy
riffs ("Nocturnal Stardust"). Or maybe it's because they have song
titles like "Satan's Galaxy." Take your pick, folks, but if you like
black metal, chances are you'll dig this black metal trio. (830 Pacific
Ave., Suite #200, Bremerton, WA 98337; promo@napalmusa.com)
War Dance
Relapse Records
From the gruesome folks at Relapse comes an imprint
label whose about to turn up the heat to an already overboiled kettle.
War Records, in junction with the Upper Darby musical massacarists, have
compiled a 10 band, 14-song collection bound to satisfy the underground
metal fan in us all. From the evil metal offerings of Naglfar to
the filling rattling rants of Cryptopsy to the pristine precision of In
Flames, this one has got it all, and you can too! Here's how to order.....only
kidding. A good scoop if you like all types of metal and are on the
hunt for some unreleased and rare stuff by some of the underground's biggest
names. (P.O. Box 251, Millersville, PA 17651; www.relapse.com)
From the Desk of Sally • Everything and Nothing
Shark Bite
From The Desk Of Sally is not your average girl with
acoustic guitar act. Instead, this female led music collaborative is less
Lillith Fair fare and more of a rock outfit whose 18 tracks would sound
at home on the Josie and the Pussycats soundtrack ("Stupid").
Light and catchy, FTDOS hits the mark when it comes to being clever and
cute ("The Girl U Want"). However, when the lights are dimmed, this
outfit can produce some fervorous mood pieces ("Hollow"). On the
attitude scale, think in between Courtney Love ("All The Pain") and Pat
Benetar, but on the musical scale, it runs the across the board, hitting
on everything from Sheryl Crow to Jewel ("Taken"). For some smartly
crafted rock songs with a strong female voice, From The Desk Of Sally delivers
the goods. (P.O. Box 4118, River Edge, NJ 07661; www.fromthedeskofsally.com)
Oratory • Illusion Dimensions
SPV
Oratory are a Portuguese sextet whose metal style
is pretty much in the same vein of the technical hair metal bands that
came to prominence in the mid to late '80s (Europe, anyone?) Their
12-track disc shows stellar musicianship ("Kingdom's Legacy"), and the
male/female lead vocal switch help to keep the situation interesting, but
it is sadly a tad outdated. With songs like "Metal Messenger," they
could easily be placed on the Manowar Hopelessly Metal heap, but their
epic songwriting flare help them to rise above the rest ("Rising Land").
(info@spvusa.com)
BRMC • Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Virgin Records
BRMC is a hazy West Coast trio whose Haight-Ashbury
meets early '90s English rock roots shine throughout their 11-track debut.
As psychedelic, but not as heavy as Monster Magnet ("Red Eyes And Tears"),
these guys produce subliminally subversive songs that are sure to get your
mojo working. Creating an imminent, less poppy version of bands like
Blur & The Stone Roses with tons more depth, BRMC takes us back into
the 1960s by capturing the spirit of free form rock and roll ("White Palms").
Armed with musical questions ("Whatever Happened To My Rock And Roll?")
and stark realizations ("As Sure As The Sun," "Spread Your Love"), BRMC
is a band to check out if the artsy rock is too artsy and the heavy rock
is too heavy for your finicky musical tastebuds. Want freedom rock,
man? Well, here it is, man! (www.virginrecords.com)
Miserable Existence • Miserable Existence
Miserable Existence is a straight up metal band from
NYC whose five-track disc shows their love of the metal. From the
note for note Slayer cover ("South Of Heaven"), to their crunchy guitar
riff nod to bands like Exodus and Mercyful Fate ("Dialogues In Dementia"),
these guys wear their influences on their sleeve with pride. And
while the vocals are a bit on the skater punk whine side, it's still a
spirit packed trip.
Engine Orange • Phase II
Sky High Records
The NY based boys from Engine Orange come back out
swinging with another four-song sampler that will wet your appetite if
you like your hard rock laden with urban sensibilities ("I Break You").
These guys aren't playing candy coated, forced funkified metal; instead
they morph the sampling ability of Rob Zombie with the musical cohesion
of Korn with true NYC flavored lyrics ("My October"). It's an adventurous
ride, but one that you're sure to latch on to very soon. (www.skyhighrecords.com)
Rhapsody • Power of the Dragon Flame
SPV
Is this the soundtrack to Lord of the Rings 2?
Nope, but it's pretty damn close, as Italian metal troupe Rhapsody bring
the orchestra and choir out for their 10 track masterpiece of an album.
These guys make Maiden look like a punk band, as each track not only has
the bite of a buzzsaw, but is lushly orchestrated and masterfully composed,
too. This isn't a garden variety, let's add a string section for ambience
type of album. It's the real deal, so real that you're music professor
and neighbors may even turn an appreciative ear to the musicality that
Rhapsody contains. Pavorotti meets Pantera ("Steelgods of the Last Apocalypse")
? Amadeus meets Amorphsis? You decide. www.limb-music.de
Zao • Parade of Chaos
Solid State
The new sound of metal comes to us from the Pennsylvania
trio known as Zao. This long-standing underground band is gaining momentum,
and on their latest 10-track release, it's easy to see why they've crossed
over to such a wide audience. Unrelenting and uncompromising, Zao doesn't
work under the same guises that most bands do. With an air of volatility
always looming, their style is destructive in a thrash metal kind of way,
without the silly metal imagery ("Parade Of Chaos"). In fact, they manage
to incorporate a lot of the metal genres (Euro, thrash, metalcore, ambiance)
into one giant grab bag without choosing a predominant one to wreak havoc
in with great success. They get as tender as a serious metal band can get
at times ("Angel Without Wings", "Man In The Womb"), yet have no problem
turning it up full throttle and ripping your head clean from your neck
without remorse ("Free The Three"). Zao has a sense of adventure, shown
through the now three piece throwing curveballs out to the listener. Take
the techno tune that sounds like it just got spun at the local rave for
example ("The Ballad Of Buddy Bigsby"), no doubt a device of keeping both
Zao themselves and their audience on their toes and musically appeased.
For those that like to take an emotional roller coaster ride when listening
to an album, or just for those that want a little more than what the masses
offer, Zao should fit into your musical collection rather well. www.solidstaterecords.com
Electrasic • Electrasic
Long Island has been a beacon for hard rock for a
long time, and Electrasic is the latest act to take the reigns. Their four
song sampler is laden with attitude and energy from the get go ("Everybody
Come On"), meshing some tight hardcore breakdowns with tried and true hard
rock pretenses guaranteed to get the dance floor moving. Imagine the old
school power of Biohazard mixing it up with the intelligent belligerence
of Boy Sets Fire ("The Great Big Burn"), and you can get where this band
is coming from. If you dig bands like Papa Roach and POD, Electrasic will
blow you away. electrasic@aol.com
Safety in Numbers • Build and Structure
Triple Crown
The Alabama trio known as Safety In Numbers isn’t
strangers to the indie rock world, as it contains members of Hot Rod Circuit
and The New Amsterdams. On their debut 10 track release, Safety In Numbers
show a wide array of influences, from the poppy punk that pervades the
Warped Tour every year ("Alone") to some NYC post hardcore sound honed
by such bands as Shift and Quicksand ("Petrafied"). It's rare to find such
a cohesive unit that happens to be a side project, but these guys have
known each other for a long time and have played off and on in between
their main projects. Despite their other endeavors, they manage to sound
rejuvenated and in turn, produce some high powered and emotionally charged
music in the process ("Potential State"). www.triplecrownrecords.com
Iron Savior • Condition Red
Noise
With a name like Iron Savior, you can basically gather
this isn't going to be a sensitive folk band. Instead, it is as the name
suggests, a power metal quintet whose anthemic swagger, gigantic riffs
and sing-along choruses cry out for the death of false metal everywhere.
In all seriousness, Iron Savior mixes the old school sensibilities of Maiden,
Priest and the ilk ("Protector") with a shot of Manowar's melodic metal
assault ("Warrior"). This German troupe put out 13 songs of unabashed heavy
metal and just for that, they should be lauded. So, get your spiked wristbands
out and bust out the denim jacket and be prepared to rock. www.iron-savior.com
Rancid Vat • The Cheesesteak Years
Steel Cage Records
Rancid Vat is one of the more prolific underground
rock and roll bands around, and like most hard living rock bands, their
two-decade plus career has seen its ups and downs. Their latest collection
chronicles this nomadic outfit's years spent in "Hostile City", known by
Rand-McNally as Philadelphia, Pa, and the 16-track disc covers a lot of
ground and kicks up a lot of dust. With the aggression meter reading off
the chart and the attitude at a fever pitch ("Old People"), Rancid Vat's
latest contains some rare tracks, b-sides, covers (check out their dirty
boogied version of the Black Oak Arkansas gem "Hot And Nasty") and truly
encompasses what this band is all about, which is total rock and roll debauchery.
Pour the bourbon and prepare for the slaughter, as these rock and roll
rebels are ready to destroy first and get drunk later. www.steelcagerecords.com
Punishment • Where Love Is Dead and Hope Never
Lived
Too Damn Hype
Why are hardcore album titles so damn long? Punishment's
latest ode to despair contains 10 tracks of the kind of hardcore that mesh
personal pain with a grim outlook. Take the lyrics of "Prisoner" as an
example: "I choose death and its black abyss". Not exactly something you'd
take lightly, and Punishment shows, through their actions and their words
that this band doesn't play. If the backdrop of brutal drumming, powerhouse
guitars and their tortured lyrics aren't indicative enough, the arsenal
of East Coast hardcore throats that lent their voices (including Josh from
Misura and Enrique from NJ Bloodline) should more than convince you that
this Philly quintet's mission of bringing their harsh realities has been
successfully accomplished. www.punishmenthxc.com
Minority • The Eyes That Saw Tomorrow
Minority is a punk metal band whose political stance
and powder keg delivery stand out among what we've come to know crossover
music today. With nods to Suicidal Tendencies, DRI, Rage Against The Machine
and Black Flag, this West Coast group keep the song tempos in line with
their socially conscience lyrics, fast and furious ("Greed," "Delusion").
But then, the outfit opts to show off their metal chops with "Tomorrow",
a pseudo Metallica-esque instrumental, giving the listener a break from
the anarchy and a chance to rock out. Very clever, indeed. www.minorwalk.net
Origin • Informas Infinitas Inhumanitas
Relapse Records
Yes, Dorothy we are in Kansas. It has been renamed
Hell, with much of the thanks going to the quintet known as Origin and
their blistering nine tracks of death metal insanity. Nothing can prepare
you for the onslaught that these midwestern metal mongers have got in store
for you. They slice and dice riffs faster than a Quisinart, implement as
many blast beats as the law allows and will by far pound the ever living
hell out of you. Brutal and dangerous, you need a bouncing ball to follow
the lyrics, which are just as morbid as the guttural vocals, by the way,
and a neckbrace when you're through to rest up from the whiplash that the
twin guitar attack bequeaths upon you. American death metal hasn't sounded
this extreme in a very long time, so brace yourself for the maelstrom that
is Origin. www.relapse.com
Misura • The Subtle Kiss of a Sledgehammer
Too Damn Hype
The title says it all, folks. Virginia is a state
that's supposed to be for lovers; apparently no one let Misura in on the
movement, as this ferocious quintet take their home state's slogan and
leave it in the dust. The latest 11 tracks from these barons of brutality
find the band hitting as hard as Hatebreed ("Empty Footprints," "Finally")
but at the same time, finding a melodic stride in a very metal kind of
way. Don't worry, hardcore kids, they can still grind it out with the best
of them ("Targeting My Greatest Weakness"). For a potent shot of East Coast
hardcore, check out the no frills audio destruction that Misura causes.
www.misura1.com
The F*cking Champs • V
Drag City
The F*cking Champs continue their silent reign over
the rock world with another brilliant instrumental masterpiece. This 14-track
gem picks up right where IV left off, in the true majestic fashion that
bands who can name albums simply by Roman numerals can only offer. Armed
with more instruments and equipment than NASA, this powerful trio takes
the guitar riffs and the subtle nuances of hard rock that we've all grown
up on and twist them into instrumental gold. An arduous task? You bet your
ass it is, but these guys make it sound so easy, combining the Hetfieldian
crunch with the '70s arena rock swagger of Boston and a slew of guitar
hero antics to produce yet another essential album for all serious rock
fans to own and adore. Yanni, Zamfir and those post hippie Windham Hill
artists ain't got nothing on the baddest band without vocals in the land.
Spiritu • Spiritu
Meteor City
Spiritu amply displays the sounds of the desert on
their debut six-track disc. Picking up where Sabbath and Kyuss left off,
with a smattering of Tool's progressive edge and Clutch's creative flow
("Slump") in for good measure, this New Mexico quartet's got their gameface
on from the onset. Mainly, it's all about the jam for these guys, as half
of the disc's tunes clock in at over 6 minutes, without losing any of your
already short attention span. And they know how to fire up the burners
and smack out some stoned out, riding free, whiskey soaked guitar riffs
("Fat Man In Thailand"). If you dig the sounds that accompany bong hits
and black lights, Spiritu will do you just fine. www.meteorcity.com
Herod • Execution Protocol
Too Damn Hype
Fear and loathing in Philadelphia? Not quite, but
the hardcore quintet known as Herod do seem a few steps away from total
despair based on their latest nine track jackhammer of an album. With the
chaos of their music eliciting moshpits and broken bones, their lyrics
reflect a soul that has lost in love and is at the end of their rope. Take
the title track for some lessons in heartbreak; "he wrote her a song- 'my
heart was yours', he said, and now his heart rested in broken pieces in
her hand". Heavy stuff, and the backdrop of Slayer-esque guitar runs ("When
Halos Burn") and hardcore's most pounding moments ("She Ain't Talkin' To
Me") compliments the feelings of the words that are screamed at the top
of their lungs. If you're feeling a bit betrayed, check out Herod and be
reassured that you're not as alone as you think. www.toodamnhype.com
Serberus • Descension
Crash
Serberus is a straight up metal band from Colorado
whose seven-track disc sizzles with rapid-fire guitars, thunderous rhythms
and deep growling vocals that are intelligible to the trained metalhead
ear. No costumes, no crazy DJ scratching, and no gimmicks needed for this
outfit, as they show that they can say their peace by steamrolling over
you with their metal assault ("In Eternity"). Mixing old school sentiments
of Priest and Maiden with some of the hottest metal newcomer's sounds like
In Flames, this quartet may not have their own unique sound, but they kick
serious ass meshing all of the epic metal sounds together ("Our Dying Grace").
Who says that American metal has gone to pot? After listening to the stirring
sounds of Serberus, you'll be quick to forget about all of those bands
passed over as metal. www.serberus.com