Music Reviews of Metal, Grindcore, Death, Prog-Rock
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Metal, Grindcore, Death, Black, Thrash, Progressive Rock
The Nemesis Theory — Hypnopaedia Buy it at Amazon
Progressive metal that up-arms itself with technical prowess and a desire to write loud abrasive insane songs. “Hypnopaedia” makes no sense, it jumps from funky bass prog-rock to spazz to alternative rock. It’s like Mike Patton in a bottle or something. Imagine a Mr. Bungle, Primus, and Dillinger Escape Plan with a vocalist who likes to sing and talk crazy. Loud, feverish, and mind-blowing, the Nemesis Theory may have escaped from a mental ward.
- J-Sin
Drottnar — Welterwerk Buy it at Amazon
Someone called the new mania from Drottnar “bunker-blasting strobo-metal”. Really, no lenghty review could better describe the absolutely unmatched insanity of Welterwerk. After the fairly boring Spiritual Battle record, Drottnar released the future-focused, progressive black metal, head-scratcher EP Anamorphosis. Even the groundbreaking nature of that EP does not prepare us for what the new record holds. Surging lightyears beyond where they left off, Drottnar assault the mind, body, and spirit with a scathing combination of grim attitude, technical wizardry, earth-shattering fuzz bass, and surgically precise execution. On Welterwerk, Drottnar manage to combine disparate sounds reminiscent of Mayhem and Dillinger Escape Plan at once into a strangely cohesive and utterly satisfying package. The captivating structures and riffs are even more mind-mangling with production values that span the entire range of human hearing. Welterwerk is dark, extreme metal art that will confuse, challenge, and ultimately energize metal minds to new levels of perception.
- Jeremy
Manowar — The Sons of Odin Buy it at Amazon
The loudest band on Earth just got louder. To quiet the screams of ravenous fans worldwide, Manowar have blessed metalheads with The Sons of Odion, an EP intended to preview the forthcoming Gods of War full-length and give the fans something special to rage on. In epic Manowar style, blazing heavy metal is juxtaposed with majestic orchestral arrangements. Live versions of “The Ascension” and “King of Kings” kick the EP into action before a stunning, symphonic performance of the new song “Odin” asserts the band's mastery of metal theatrics. “Gods of War” is an imposing composition, but the real gem is the title track. Destined to be a classic in the band's arsenal, this song starts with an infectious, dirty metal riff almost ripped from the glorious past before settling into a steady, fist-pumping charge that explodes into uncontrolled heavy metal fury with Eric Adams' unrestrained wail then concludes with an enthralling warrior narration of victory under the command of Odin. The Sons of Odin is exhilarating proof that Manowar are still the soundtrack to honor, battle, and victory.
- Jeremy
Tortured Conscience — Every Knee Shall Bow Buy it at Amazon
Every Knee Shall Bow is one of the most pulverizingly brutal records possible. Tortured Conscience pin the listener within seconds and mercilessly assault with a lethal combination of adrenaline and aggression for 38 minutes — including a juiced-up Bloodgood cover. This record has been in the death metal grinder for a long time, but the result is worth the extended wait. Speedy ideas bookend Suffocation-esque death metal breakdown riffs while maniacal drum-work struggles to contain the fury erupting like a dormant volcano that has a vendetta against the villages on its slopes. Berto Salas' throat vomits disgusting pools of blood-drenched vocal violence upon unprepared ears with sickeness ranging from growls to screams while sounding surprisingly unique. By making expert use of both complexity and simplicity, Tortured Conscience are satisfyingly relentless without slipping into the overbearing boredom that plagues so many death metal bands. The record's production is clear enough to sound excellent when cranked to maximum volumes while still retaining plenty of volatility like a nuclear warhead. As lyrically shocking as it is musically devastating, Every Knee Shall Bow is a death metal blitzkrieg of the highest order.
- Jeremy
Amon Amarth — With Oden on Our Side Buy it at Amazon
The mightiest of Vikings return for another glorious victory upon the battlefield of metal and this time their mastery is undeniable. Amon Amarth's previous work is among the best and manliest of the genre with unparalleled heart and vision, but the explosive energy and visceral passion of With Oden on Our Side elevate the band to a new level of death metal dominance. Brilliantly layered riffs stampede relentlessly under Johan Hegg's harrowing growl; majestic melodies fly like eagles miles above the tales of battle and bravery and trumpet the inevitable victory of those who fight with honor; and flawless song constructions drive the record forward like a relentless march through ethereal fields where ghosts of wars long past still ride into the fray. With Oden at Our Side is not only Amon Amarth's heaviest and most intense work, it's also their most varied — sometimes blissfully thick and other times savagely minimalistic. While some bands embrace a shallow interest Norse mythology and mundane melodies, Amon Amarth are as close to battle and valor as music can get. The only way to get closer to the action is to ride with a sword extended into the enemy's front lines. With Oden at your side ride fearlessly into the swarming chaos of war, attack with honor and conviction, and emerge victorious from battle whether alive or dead.
- Jeremy
Mortification — Erasing the Goblin Buy it at Amazon
One of the most eccentric bands ever to perform metal, Mortification have been keeping listeners guessing for years. After starting as a deathy thrash band in the early 90's, they transitioned briefly into brutal death metal before reaching into other styles for inspiration. Always focused on creating high-octane metal that makes the heart pump faster, they were never afraid to try something new; however, the desire to return to the thrashy early sound has been growing more among the band and the fans through recent records. Mortification fans have been told many times that the new record would mark the return to those good old days, but each new record, while oozing with adrenaline and creativity, failed to live up to that promise — until Erasing the Goblin. It's not exactly Scrolls of the Megilloth II, but it really shouldn't be. Why revisit and rehash a sound you've already mastered? Erasing the Goblin is a relentlessly thrashing onslaught of metal that certifies Mortification's enduring strength. Opening with the speedy “Razorback”, the rush is solid for ten blistering tracks of headbanging glory. Re-invigorated with a new line-up and new fire, Steve Rowe and his mates from down under offer up the best Mortification record since 1993's Post Momentary Affliction. Steve's unique bass style is still intact and his growl is flowing with the severity of a man with the most dire message; Mick Jelinic has truly come into his full power as a lead guitarist and new drummer Damien Percy drives the songs like a drumming locomotive. Erasing the Goblin will not disappoint longtime Mortification fans who have been hungering for the old-school aggression, but it's also forward-looking and modern enough to be much more than a collection of wistful thrash memories. Whether you've been into Mortification since Lightforce or you're only now discovering one of heavy metal's most interesting anomalies, Erasing the Goblin will electrify your synapses.
- Jeremy
Black Elk — Black Elk Buy it at Amazon
Loud dudes from Oregon who have probably been desperate enough for a high after a good drug binge as to drink the bong water. The thing is, no one knows if they were just thirsty or really trying to catch a buzz from resin or anything else left over. Rabid, frenzied peaks, valleys, what-the-fuck-ever—this is the second coming of the Melvins but this time they’re louder, more abrasive, chaos is their middle name, and yet somehow deep down they manage to write some rather infectious heavy tunes. Destruction is left in the wake of everything Black Elf, that much is for sure. Whether it’s an amp speaker, a drum head, a beer aisle, or the bartender’s girlfriend—it’s all been destroyed, used and abused beyond repair. Pummeling percussion, propulsive bass grooves with psychedelic rock overtures, charred throaty vocals, hardcore noise-punk abrasiveness, and smoldering loud obnoxious distorted guitars, all combine to form the ugly yet addictive Black Elf sound. Guys drunk and high on crystal meth and dirty Ketamine shouldn’t be allowed to own instruments.
- J-Sin
Microwaves — Contagion Heuristic Buy it at Amazon
Neural heavy metal that juxtaposes thrash, spazz, crust, and math rock into some filthy sewer creature that even the homeless punk kids haven’t fully come to grips with yet, Microwaves are light-years ahead of the heavy scene. Progressive rock fans that might own a Melvins album or at least appreciate what Dillinger Escape Plan does may be the first converts. But soon these Pittsburgh natives with lead an army of extremely devoted fans with their whirlwind sound and nausea-inducing time signature changes. Caustic guitars that are ladled with thick effects pedals are but one piece to the jigsaw puzzle. Pour in the molasses of vocals and the insanity of hyper-kinetic drumming and bass playing and you have a recipe for the disaster of the known universe. And who can go wrong with a splintered dual vocal attack? Be sure to check these cats out immediately.
- J-Sin
Lupara — Lupara Buy it at Amazon
Ex-members of death metal group Broken Hope, Lupara just recently inked a deal with Crash Music, Inc. Intense metal that rears its head like a laughing hyena on speed and acid. Thrash-worthy guitars and churning rhythms stoke the flames of deathcore throughout this self-titled album. An interesting marriage of hardcore, death metal, and metalcore, Lupara is as violently brutal as it gets.
- J-Sin
Tia Carrera — Untitled Buy it at Amazon
Rolling percussion and wailing guitars can get you pretty far in the stoner metal world. Tia Carrera (the band) perform instrumental metal music with plenty of improvs to impress the crowd. On record they’re just as tight and obtuse, often launching into a nuanced approach to improv metal with stoner rock abrasiveness and slowed down verses. Black Sabbath would be proud.
- J-Sin
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