ALESANA
A Place Where the Sun Is Silent
[Epitaph Records]
Verdict: 8.5/10
With every passing release, ALESANA become a little more ambitious with their sound. Not too surprisingly, A Place Where the Sun Is Silent is their most unique and interesting record yet. The opener, “The Dark Wood of Error”, is a simple, yet eloquent sounding piano intro featuring Shawn and a female vocalist often singing simultaneously. The next track, “A Forbidden Dance”, is the first to introduce more instruments; A Place Where the Sun Is Silent actually features multiple appearances of brass instruments, including horn arrangements (which, surprisingly, sound right at home here). The album also has throws in children’s choirs, guest appearances, and genre molds, beefing up the already large structure of ALESANA. It’s in this complicated formula that some people will find faults. For starters, the screams don’t feel as good on this album due to the more melodic and ambitious nature of the tracks. The voices themselves have improved, but the singing is much preferred. Also, the length of this album is difficult. Featuring sixteen tracks and over an hour of music, A Place Where the Sun Is Silent is a bit of a trek to play from start to finish in one sitting. With these complaints aside, ALESANA have truly outdone themselves on this record. This bad boy is BIG and has a lot to offer fans. Whether you love the simpler moments like “Vestige”, the catchier beats like those during “The Temptress”, or the heavy assaults found with “The Fiend”, there will be something attracting you for replay visits. Of course, the band is at their best when they combine all these sounds into one large track (take the final track, “And Now For the Final Illusion”, for reference), but it’s great having the variety of “emotions” to explore depending on your mood. A Place Where the Sun Is Silent will probably go down as the band’s best work yet, and it deserves to be recognized. ALESNA have taken their music to another new level. – By Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: “The Dark Wood of Error”, “A Forbidden Dance”, “The Temptress”, “Wanderer”
>Release Date: October 18, 2011
>Bottom Line: ALESANA have gone out of their way to make this record giant in size, and have succeeded. It’s quite the long adventure, but it’s full of great moments you’ll want to replay again and again. The musicianship found here is quite impressive, even if the heavier stuff seems to get in the way this time around.
Category Archives: Music
Music Review – RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA: Lawless
RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA
Lawless
[Red Cord Records]
Verdict: 8/10
Luckily, Red Cord has stepped back up from the Broken Mirrors release (MERCY SCREAMS) with Lawless, by RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA. The obvious difference between both albums is that Lawless actually has fun energy fueling it. The band keeps things interesting by switching vocal types frequently, and the instrumental work is furious. As a result, the album plays out quite entertainingly (despite having a fairly similar sound throughout). The occasional singing sounds pretty sharp, while the screaming variants feel passionate. This equals to good vocal work from all angles. The song structures themselves are mostly “straight forward” in the sense they don’t experiment much (though “Prelude to Destruction” does feature a nice mid-section), but it’s not really a concern since it all gets you moving. The main thing to keep in mind here is that Lawless reels you in and keeps you interested from start to finish. RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA have a metalcore formula that not only works well, it manages to do enough to keep their heads above the crowd of artists flooding the scene. They may not be the best at it, and Lawless may not be an excellent album, but this is a release worth picking up. – By Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: “Prelude to Destruction”, “Signs”, “The Chosen Ones”
>Release Date: November 8, 2011
>Bottom Line: RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA have appeared from nowhere and impressed me with this release. Lawless has a lot of great energy to it that listeners will easily fall over. These guys could Red Cord’s next star band to push.
Music Review – MERCY SCREAMS: Broken Mirrors
MERCY SCREAMS
Broken Mirrors
[Red Cord Records]
Verdict: 4/10
This summer, Red Cord hit gold with several bands (including A PAST UNKNOWN and PHINEHAS), but they then followed those releases up with some less-than-stellar groups. MERCY SCREAMS would be one of those bands that just doesn’t quite cut it. The best thing about Broken Mirrors is the guest vocals (members of THE COLOR MORALE, THE GREAT COMMISSION, and BEFORE THERE WAS ROSALYN make appearances). Otherwise, this album falls flat along the way. Instrumentally, MERCY SCREAMS do very little to stand out. Rarely did the arrangements strike me as entertaining. The screaming is also on the mediocre side, lacking true ferocity and energy to keep me interested. The overall formula heard during Broken Mirrors has been beaten to death over the years. I’m not one to normally bash a record, but there isn’t much I can say about this band that fans will appreciate probably (except that “White Flag” was actually pretty cool). So, in conclusion, I would only recommend this album to fans that already exist. – By Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: “Most Dangerous Game”, “White Flag”
>Release Date: October 25, 2011
>Bottom Line: This one is for the fans. If you don’t already know the band, you probably should keep it that way. You aren’t missing much.
Music Review – MAYDAY PARADE: Mayday Parade
MAYDAY PARADE
Mayday Parade
[Fearless Records]
Verdict: 7.5/10
The first time I played through this record, I found myself disappointed. The last MAYDAY PARADE album was just so damn good, that I was expecting much more from this self-titled release. That being said, I still enjoyed the album. The second play through was better, I suppose since I already knew it wasn’t going to top Anywhere But Here. The main problem with these songs is that they just didn’t stand out as very memorable. They’re fun to play, and are well performed, but just don’t stick with you as they should. The first couple songs, including “Oh Well, Oh Well” and “No Heroes Allowed”, are some of the better tracks to play multiple times. Once you hit the half way mark, the more mature stuff begins to show, starting with “Stay”. This later section of the album, as a result, is the most appealing. As with their other releases, the vocal work here is top notch, and the instrumentals have only become tighter and more polished over time. MAYDAY PARADE play great rock that an array of ages can enjoy, but for someone who was so impressed by Anywhere But Here, this new record just doesn’t stand up. Probably the best way to describe it is the band kept their formula pretty much level. It seems that they didn’t really try to reach new heights or write truly catchy tunes; this one is more in the middle of it all. Everything is well written, but just doesn’t call for you to return (though the last few tracks are certainly excellent shots). As a result, MAYDAY PARADE have released another good record without actually pulling out all the stops they have inside them. – By Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: “Oh Well, Oh Well”, “No Heroes Allowed”, “Everything’s An Illusion”, “Without Bitter, The Sweet Isn’t As Sweet”
>Release Date: Out Now
>Bottom Line: MAYDAY PARADE are very good at what they do, but Anywhere But Here was definitely a better record. Think of this as their middle level release; it’s impressive without tempting you for many returns.
Music Review: SIMOOM – To See Reason
SIMOOM
To See Reason EP
[Unsigned]
Verdict: 8/10
At first, SIMOOM seem to play more NIRVANA styled rock than metal. However, once passed “Far From the Eyes” (or at least through most of the track), the band start showing their heavier side. After some initial “goofing” around, “Cognitive Clouding” erupts into a furious and crazed sound first time listeners probably wouldn’t have expected after hearing the opener. Of course, the song balances things out a little but keeping up with clean vocals along the way. The singing here has a prog/rock appeal that fits the grind of the metal elements quite well. With the production, it’s a love/hate relationship. On the negative side, the recordings sound pretty close to demo quality in some aspects. On the positive side, this “grunge” coating matches up with the band’s sound well. Still, I’d be curious to hear these guys with a big budget backing their next album. The combination of soothing, solemn melodies and brutal screams/growls is an interesting formula for SIMOOM, and it all helps make the band stand apart. With a fairly unique sound backing them, this EP of six tracks covers a fair amount of ground. As a result, new listeners will be able to get a good idea of the band from hearing this “sampler”. Usually, an EP isn’t worth much to me. However, SIMOOM have done a good job in showing multiple angles to their sound with this small collection. Their debut full length will probably be quite entertaining if To See Reason is any indication of what’s to come. – By Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: “Far From the Eyes”, “Can We Survive”
>Release Date: December 13, 2011
>Bottom Line: SIMOOM show off a pretty unique sounding formula during this EP. With some touching up in arrangements and production quality, the band’s next release could be extraordinary.
[MUSIC] Volumes – VIA [REVIEW]
VOLUMES
VIA
[Mediaskare Records]
Verdict: 7/10
With all the hype surrounding VOLUMES, one would expect a huge record with VIA. Not so much. However (!), VIA is a pretty solid album of progressive, rhythmic metal. They take the sound made popular by the legendary MESHUGGAH, mix it up with the ‘hardcore sensibilities’ of bands like AFTER THE BURIAL and VEIL OF MAYA and make a racket like no ones business. ‘Wormholes’ is a perfect example as it’s MESHUGGAH worship is evident throughout but by adding the dual vocal attack to it adds a more ‘core’ vibe. The talent continues throughout as tracks like ‘Reversion’ show a melodic side to the bands usual method of ‘ground and pound’. That melody carries well into ‘Serenity’, a track that actually show VOLUMES using their talents to their fullest. The song is amazing as it rides through the underlying aggression but always keeping it dialed down until it’s needed, like at the halfway mark where it turns into a full on beast. A beast that flexes it’s metal muscle impressively. They even try to add in the, unnecessary, clean vocals in the otherwise bruising track ‘The Columbian Faction’. The cleans actually take away from whatever power the song had built up but the musicianship saves it thankfully. ‘Behind The Curtain’ is yet another track, a lot like ‘Serenity’, that shows the band at their strongest. Tight musicianship and excellent songwriting all presented in a nasty little package. Perfect. ‘Edge Of The Earth’ is another example of clean vocals being used unnecessarily, and they almost ruin another song. Ending the record with the title track is an almost perfect send off as the song flows and pulses along beautifully. Overall, VIA is not a terrible record and worthy of the praise it will ultimately get. To call VOLUMES groundbreaking and leaders of a certain movement is unwarranted…for now. VIA is only a stepping stone for a talented young band like VOLUMES. Keep your eyes and ears peeled as these boys will be turning heads…soon. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: ‘Wormholes’, ‘Reversion’ & ‘Serenity’ (together for the full effect) and ‘Behind The Curtain’
Production credits: All songs were written, recorded, mixed, and produced by the band itself.
Release date: September 27, 2011 (Digital) & October 11, 2011 (Physical)
In conclusion…VIA is an amazing start for a band that has as much talent as one could want in this genre.
[MUSIC] Fit For A King – Descendants [UNSIGNED REVIEW]
FIT FOR A KING
Descendants
[Independant]
Verdict: 7.5/10
Trying to be relevant in this over saturated musical climate is a very important task for any band these days. Especially when you’re an unsigned act, not only is the musicianship and songwriting important, but so is the production. Tyler, TX band FIT FOR A KING seem to get this and have released a record with flowing melodies. Crisp production and gnarly breakdowns. Descendants is a record that encompasses every good trait bands like MISS MAY I, THE PLOT IN YOU and THE AIR I BREATHE have and rolled them into one. Groove heavy and dance worthy, Descendants opens with intro ‘Il Diluvio’, a creepy horror movie movie style track and quickly chugs along into ‘Ancient Waters’. Not only is this song a real pit mover, it sets the stage for the rest of the record as it all thunders along at this pace. The clean vocals used throughout aren’t placed in the typical clean/heavy/clean pattern and somehow don’t annoy, a lot like FROM ATLANTIS. The use of electronics is constant and not over used so they actually serve the purpose of enhancing the music and adding that extra flare. And it helps that the guitarists know how to play more than just a ‘chug’, as they do hypnotic harmonics and little solos here and there. ‘Descendants’ comes in and begins to kill the floor and everything around it, almost sounding like an even more pissed off THE PLOT IN YOU, and as quickly as it’s full on attack starts, it ends. Sick. The fun doesn’t end there as FFAK flex their instrumental muscle with ‘The Faint, The Desolate’, a very well executed track that sets a mood and a vibe that leaves the listener interested to see where it’ll end up as it fades into ‘Messenger, Messenger’, another TPIY style track that is sure to keep any pit moving. ‘A Love That Transcends Understanding’ is almost a complete 180degree turn as it keeps the mood mellow and almost melancholy, but it’s a beautiful song, almost a shinning star amidst the chaos and destruction. FIT FOR A KING are fit for so much more if givin’ the chance. Descendants is a record sure to make waves. -by Jon Hole
Recommended Listening: ‘Il Diluvio’ & ‘Ancient Waters’ (listen as one like the video), ‘Descendants’ and ‘A Love That Transcends Understanding’
Production credits: Self produced. Mixed and mastered by Cameron Mizell (I See Stars, Sleeping with Sirens)
Guest vocals: Matt Mullins of Memphis May Fire on ‘The Architect’ and Jeremy Gray of Ivoryline on ‘Parallels’
Release date: September 23, 2011
In conclusion…Fit For A King, with the release of ‘Descendants’ have managed to capture the ferocity of bands like The Plot In You and added almost ambient, soothing and refreshing harmonies to make a volatile record. Don’t be late, get with the program now!
[MUSIC] Suffokate – Return To Despair [REVIEW]
SUFFOKATE
Return To Despair
[Mediaskare Records]
Verdict: 8/10
SUFFOKATE are one of those bands that come out the box swinging and swing hard as fuck. Hailing from Oakland, CA may have something to do with this as Oakland is known for it’s tough as nails Raiders fans and genre changing bands like MACHINE HEAD and SKINLAB. Why should heavy music be different? With the release of Return To Despair SUFFOKATE have taken their death-core sound to newer, even heavier depths than on 2010′s No Mercy, No Forgiveness. They kept the groove heavy beatdown firmly in tact, but have managed to add more aggressive tones and swagger without losing any of their brutality. All this is apparent as soon as first track, ‘My Darkened Eyes’ rears it’s ugly head and decimates everything in it’s path, firmly establishing the fact that SUFFOKATE are not your average death-core band. They keep this momentum by churning out 11 tracks of quality aggressive music meant to beat your head into a wall to. It’s on tracks like ‘Distant Words’ that the maturity and comfortability SUFFOKATE have gone through with their sound becomes evident as it not only crushes and swings but adds some sick rhythm and backing harmonies, which alsmost put them in league with the 90′s resurgence of death metal bands like OBITUARY. To further the bands new found ability to keep this genre fresh they unleash ‘Let The Waters Rise’. It’s menacing riff saturates the air and brings the pain quickly and easily. It grinds along and swathes a path of destruction like a tornado shredding a trailer park. All out aggression and groove. Closing out this monster of an album is the track ‘Dissolving’, a high energy, groove laden spoken word track that leaves the listener longing for more. SUFFOKATE have not only managed to keep themselves fresh and relevant in their chosen genre but with Return To Despair, have set the bar high for future leaders as well. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: ‘Let The Waters Rise’, ‘Dissolving’ and ‘My Darkened Eyes’
Release date: September 27, 2011
In conclusion…If the battering of in your face death-core is what your soul desires, then Suffokate’s ‘Return To Despair’ is the abuse you have been craving.
[MUSIC] 3 – The Ghost You Gave To Me [REVIEW]
3
The Ghost You Gave To Me
[Metal Blade Records]
Verdict: 9/10
RIYL: COHEED AND CAMBRIA, FAIR TO MIDLAND
While progressive rock has undergone somewhat of a renaissance of late (see MUSE for example), 3 is still a relatively unknown band for some reason. Well, that should change very quickly once the band’s new release, The Ghost You Gave To Me, is heard by anyone. The band features a wide array of influences from progressive metal, 80′s hard rock, alternative, and flamenco. As the lead vocalist and guitarist, it’s easy to simplify The Ghost You Gave To Me as the Joey Eppard show, and if that’s the case, well it’s one hell of a compelling show. His vocals are stellar at almost all points in the record, and his ability to switch from acoustic passages to driving riffs is not only distinctive but impressive. When the man truly lets his pipes go, as shown in the soaring choruses of “Afterglow” and “Numbers”, he is at his best. When Eppard employs his whispery falsetto, the results showcase the issue with tenor vocalists in rock bands: his lows aren’t as powerful as his high notes. Make no mistake, the vocals are fantastic throughout, as the weaker moments are overshadowed by the many great melodies. Featured early and often throughout the record is Eppard’s fantastic acoustic guitar work, which gives the band a unique identifier in a genre known more for being technically sound than individualized. The only unattractive part of the album is, ironically, the song “Pretty”. Featuring a dance, rock-like chorus, the song feels misplaced compared to the rest of the album, but even the only subpar track on the album is not skip-worthy material, as it is catchy enough to save itself from mediocrity. Where 3 truly shines is when they embrace their metal influences. The end of “Numbers” is pure gold for metal heads, and the haunting, heavy riff in “It’s Alive” is one of the album’s highlights. The bread and butter for 3 is in the vocal melodies of Joey Eppard who absolutely shines throughout. Overall, The Ghost You Gave To Me is a must for any fan of modern progressive rock. Highly recommended. – by Nick Senior
Most Recommended Track: “Numbers”
Produced by: Mike Birnbaum and Chris Bittner
Release Date: October 11, 2011
In Conclusion: Featuring a unique take on modern progressive rock, The Ghost You Gave to Me is a must for fans of the genre and may even win over a few more fans.
[MUSIC] Molotov Solution – Insurrection [REVIEW]
MOLOTOV SOLUTION
Insurrection
[BLKHeart Group]
Verdict: 8/10
Injecting new blood via new song writers into a band is and can be a tricky thing. It can severely impact the songs and make them stronger or it can cause a full collapse and make that band ‘fail’. When MOLOTOV SOLUTION added a new drummer and a guitarist to their ranks, the outcome was Insurrection. It takes the band, known for their violently heavy ‘death core’ vibe, and adds new elements like stronger grooves, structure and THE FACELESS like tech metal leads. This destructive newer sound is evident throughout Insurrection‘s 11 tracks. Tracks like ‘Injustice For All’, musically, prove the point that MOLOTOV SOLUTION are out for blood. Lyrically though, is where this band stands tall and differentiates themselves from the rest as they convey a decidedly political stance as opposed to death metal’s stories of blood, violence and gore. The first song released from Insurrection, ‘The Final Hour’ featuring OCEANO frontman Adam Warren, should have been warning of where these guys are headed as the main message “People Should Not Fear Their Government/The Government Should Fear Their People” is gutted out with a thick nasty groove/breakdown behind it for emphasis. Not only is Insurrection obscenely destructive and brutal, it’s the messages in the lyrics that will catapult MOLOTOV SOLUTION to the status they deserve. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: ‘The Final Hour’, ‘Divide & Conquer’ & ‘Cruor Viaticus’
Guest appearances: Adam Warren of Oceano on ‘The Final Hour’
Release date: October 25, 2011
In conclusion…Rejoice as Moltov Solution have brought the heavy with no shame and a message of ‘Educate and Act’ when it comes to politics. Definately a game changer of an album.
[MUSIC] Opeth – Heritage [REVIEW]
OPETH
Heritage
[Roadrunner Records]
Verdict: 10/10
RIYL: KING CRIMSON, LONG DISTANCE CALLING, DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPLIN, CAMEL, FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION, BLACK SABBATH
Wow. That’s really all I can start out saying here. Wow.
I had to listen to this at least six times all the way through before I could tear myself away to write about it. OPETH is a band that has consistently topped everything they have done with each record. Of course, there are some that prefer the death metal version of the Swedish masters, while others are more inclined to swim deep into the waves and be carried away on the current of the ocean that is OPETH’s more progressive and mellow material. Whatever your personal favorite record, or whatever, may be, OPETH fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans you will find in this modern age of trends and false intentions. The material on Heritage is from the latter of the two forms of OPETH, but it is all the same band, with the same outstanding musicianship as always. A haunting and beautiful piano introduction sets a morbid tone as the instrumental title and lead track almost leads one into thinking this is going to be another Damnation style acoustic record, but as no two OPETH albums sound too close to one another, “The Devil’s Orchard” barrels in with a KING CRIMSON-esque riff and melody that lets you know that you are in for a rollercoaster of an album. Mikael Åkerfeldt has a vision for this band, and that vision is a hallucination, both dark and terrifying, yet beautiful and magnificent. Whether heavy or low, OPETH are never lacking in their ability to play at the highest level and make the instruments do as much speaking as Åkerfeldt’s lyrics. The levels and changes throughout carry the listener through dark tunnels and down winding corridors of dementia that taps into the cerebellum and releases a euphoric feeling that puts you in a transcendental state. If a song can tell a story, then Heritage is filled with spooky tales like “I Feel the Dark” to lull you into madness. “Slither” is certainly the rocker on this one, and what a rocker it is. The early DEEP PURPLE influence is felt strongly on this cut, as the steely electric guitar rhythm blend with a classic Hammond organ sound to take you on a trip back in time, when bands like JETHRO TULL, CACTUS and RAINBOW took us beyond the great unknown and influenced generations of musicians to come. Definitely more of a rock band here, OPETH don’t try to confuse anyone with what they do from record to record. They are just doing what they feel is best for that particular album, and I’ll be damned if they didn’t do absolutely everything right to make another instant classis with Heritage. This band just does not know how to disappoint. I can just as easily listen to Morningrise or Orchid as I can this one, and derive the same amount of pleasure from what I hear. Heritage is highly recommended to fans of music. Not metal or any other certain genre, just music.
- by Bubbs Harris
Most Recommended Track: “Slither” – This track is the rocker of the bunch and really has that early 70’s rock vibe that almost makes you wish you had grown up in that time, when rock music was just starting to branch out in all directions. What an exciting time that must have been for music lovers.
Guest Appearances: Joakim Svalberg – grand piano on “Heritage”
Studio Note: Recorded in February of 2011 at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, Sweden
Release date: September 14, 2011
In Conclusion: OPETH are a band that has yet to disappoint. Open minded music fans will revel in the glory of this album. Everything doesn’t have to be “broo-tal” all the time. Jam this if you love music that has been perfectly crafted like a nice dark beer.
Music Review – I AM THE AVALANCHE: Avalanche United
I AM THE AVALANCHE
Avalanche United
[I Surrender Records]
Verdict: 9.5/10
Finally, the sophomore full length from I AM THE AVALANCHE has arrived. Obviously, this band gets most of its attention due to the fact it is fronted by Vinnie from THE MOVIELIFE, but the fact is that IATA are just fuckin’ good at what they do. Vocally, Vinnie’s voice seems to have become gruffer over the years, which suits the music fine. Despite having a harsher sound to his voice, the music still can get surprisingly melodic. While there’s a lot to love about Avalanche United, the best thing you could note is probably that each song sounds like an anthem. This means you’ll find a lot of energy throughout this catchy record. Playing favorites is a bit difficult with this disc, but “Holy Fuck” and “Amsterdam” are definitely at the top. Of course, you also have the previously released “Brooklyn Dodgers” song that has been floating around for a while now. Basically, every song here offers something definitely worth hearing again and again. As Avalanche United plays through, you can expect plenty of gang chants, crunchy guitar work, and memorable lyrics. I AM THE AVALANCHE know punk rock better than most, despite having a small discography. Their knowledge of what makes a good song is very evident here, as you can expect. And if you’d like a special side nugget, then chomp on this: Anthony Raneri of BAYSIDE can be heard during “The Gravedigger’s Argument”. – by Nathaniel Lay
>Recommended Tracks: The whole fuckin’ album is highly recommended.
>Bottom Line: Punk rock fans need to pick this one as soon as it is available. Fans of I AM THE AVALANCHE and/or THE MOVIELIFE will not be disappointed. This is the best work to come from these guys yet.
