Category Archives: Reviews

Abrams – Lust. Love. Loss.

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Abrams Lust Love Loss album cover 2015

Abrams is a three piece band out of Denver, Colorado who use their relative newness to the heavy music world as an advantage. The group lists a mix of sludge metal and hardcore bands as their influences and it shows in their music, but not to the extent that they come off as a cover band. With their latest album, Lust. Love. Loss. they have the unique aspect of having a novice sound that is also developed.

The two opening tracks ‘Manic’ and ‘Sea Salt Lines’ sound a little too similar to each other which leaves the listener wondering if the entire album is that way, but then ‘Sunshine’ bursts through. The group finds more of their footing with the track and also finds the balance between the aforementioned subgenres.

Guitarist Zach Amster’s playing begins to sharpen on ‘Far From Home’. Here one can start to pick up on the influence Brann Dailor of Mastodon has had on Amster. He delivers sound fully on standout track ‘Mr. Pink Always Wins’ as does his twin, drummer Michael Amster. The guitar and drum parts work great not only with each other, but with the vocals as well. Each instrument has its opportunity to shine.

‘The Moat’ is less than a minute which is plenty of time for the band to create an interesting piece. ‘The Light’ is much the same way but longer. Both of the tracks prove that Abrams can hit the nail on the head when it comes to paying homage to bands they draw influence from while making their own sound.

In terms of vocals, the singing style is hardcore but the sound is heavy metal. That being said, one would not refer to Abrams as being a metalcore outfit. They sound like A Day to Remember if they had more heaviness and less pop to them. Abrams is a good band for people who enjoy a lot of yelling. Lust. Love. Loss. shows just how great the combination of two subgenres can be when a group as inspired as Abrams comes around.

7.5/10

MELISSA CAMPBELL

 


Antigama – The Insolent

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antigama the insolent

In an instant, I knew The Insolent (Selfmadegod) from Warsaw, Poland’s Antigama was a stellar pursuit—the seventh full-length installment from the avant-garde Grind act cracks open new dimensionality in their already complex and angular brutality.

The ten tracks comprising The Insolent play as the culmination of Antigama’s aural evolution, where their Napalm Death-style intoning is augmented by ambient qualities, which synthesize into an aura of hauntingly ominous hues.

Opening track ‘Reward or Punishment’ splays with righteous indignation, as vocalist Lukasz Myszkowski’s high throat barks and sneers grate atop guitarist Sebastian Rokicki’s asymmetrical chord progressions, materializing into a din of riffs and unpredictability.

Antigama cozies up to instrumental interludes on tracks like ‘Out and Beyond,’ which resonate with meditative impulses, while maintaining momentum and push via Paweł “Paul” Jaroszewicz’s consistent, atomic-tight percussive timing.

Focused and capable, The Insolent also proves Antigama has mastered the art of maintaining decipherability, which speaks to a maturity heard rarely in Grind: tracks like ‘The Land of Monotony’ impress breathing room between the impulses of Antigama’s cacophony, rendering the requisite sound all the more impactful, impressive, and harrowing.

Recorded in February 2015 at JNS Studio in Warsaw, The Insolent was engineered by Pawel Grabowski, mixed by Pawel Grabowski and Antigama. Mastered by the venerable Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed) at Visceral Sound in Bethesda, Maryland, the album also features a guest appearance from Władysław “Gudonis” Komendarek, and cover art from Bartek Rogalewicz.

8.0/10

Antigama on Facebook

LINDSAY O’CONNOR


Metal Alliance Tour Officially Canceled, Decide Headline Tour Starts Tonight

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decide tour poster

As previously reported, The 2015 Metal Alliance Tour has been canceled due to “unforeseen financial issues.” The remaining dates of the tour will continue as a headline tour for Deicide. Entombed A.D. has returned to Sweden and is off the tour, but the other bands Hate Eternal, Black Crown Initiate, Lorna Shore and Svart Crown continue as support bands for Deicide.

Deicide headline tour dates with Hate Eternal, Black Crown Initiate, Lorna Shore and Svart Crown.


Jun 11: LVCS – Las Vegas, NV
Jun 12: Club Red – Mesa, AZ
Jun 13: Mesa Music Hall – El Paso, TX
Jun 14: Depot “O” Bar Live – Lubbock, TX
Jun 15: Empire Garage – Austin, TX
Jun 16: Gas Monkey Live! – Dallas, TX
Jun 18: Gramercy Theater – New York, NY
Jun 19: Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
Jun 20: Tremont Music Hall – Charlotte, NC


No Consequence – Vimana

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In their brief history so far, UK tech metallers No Consequence haven’t quite reached they heady heights of some of their djent peers. Despite some decent critical acclaim – especially for previous release IO (Basick) – they have been far from the top of the pile alongside the likes of TesseracT and Monuments; perhaps in part due to their lack of a genuinely formidable release that stands up to some of the genre’s greats. With their latest effort, Vimana (also Basick), it feels they are beginning to live up to their true potential.

Always managing to combine both the atmospheric, drifting sides and the sheer heaviness of the tech metal genre with great fluidity, Vimana is the realization of these two sides and the chemistry being honed. In fact, at their most visceral they are perhaps the most convincing and ferocious under the djent banner, bringing to mind the recent Murdock release when it comes to their dissident nature. Perhaps their more melodic moments are used more sparingly, and often as introductory passages; and as seductive as they prove it is a drawback that they aren’t explored further here. When they are married together more overtly, such as on the glorious “Disconnect” it really shows how they have evolved, with Kaan Tasan really showcasing his vocal talents in both arenas.

Whether or not this album will see No Consequence reach the equal footing with their peers remains to be seen, but for the first time they genuinely seem deserving to be put into that bracket. With a great reliance on their heavier side for the most part, it would be desirable to seem them explore further into their softer elements that have been done so sumptuously here. A career best for them so far and one that should bump up their profile, and it still feels that there is a whole lot more to come.

 

7.0/10

No Consequence on Facebook

 

CHRIS TIPPELL


Marco Minnemann – Celebration

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marco minnemann celebration album sm

Celebration is a word that conjures a lot to your mind when you hear it or read it. On Marco Minnemann’s (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson, LMR) new solo album Celebration (Lazy Bones Recordings), it is Marco clearly doing the celebrating. Not only are these 17 tracks (plus one bonus cut) a great example of Marco’s world-class drumming talents, he plays all of the instruments, provides vocals, co-produced the album, and even mixed and mastered some of it too. The music is also a great reason to get amped, as it displays the many shades of his taste in music, and has something for fans of his entire body of work from his career.

Thirty seconds into the lead track ‘Miami’, and immediately you can tell this album is going to be a next level effort. Crushing guitar riffs, spastic drums, soaring melodies, this is not too far from his work with Levin/Minnemann/Rudess. There is also some funky, odd free Jazz moments that sneak in here and there; be it an odd horn vamp or dramatic Rhodes piano flourish. The title-track is next and is a straight up heavy rock song, with tripped out lyrics and a vocals from Marco. He has sung lead before, but really finds his voice on this album. Continuing the heaviness, ‘It Always Seems’ at least has DNA essence in the monster riffs in common with a few early Helmet songs, before veering into a breezy alt-rock chorus. Marco has no issues going chameleon from one movement to the next, picking up whatever mood inspires him.

Tracks such as ‘How Can I Help You’ and ‘Print Club’ are more of the angular, frenetic prog rock one expects from Marco, but there are some astounding departures stylistically too. ‘The Greatest Gift in Life’ is a lovely pure pop song that would be a big radio hit if given the chance. ‘Everyone Loves A Rainbow’ is a somber piano piece that comes two versions, each with English or Spanish spoken word piece over it. Meanwhile ‘Amina’s Birthday’ is another Jazzy, epic track. ‘Better Place’ puts the exclamation point on the release with more heavy licks and smashing beats.

Turning in the heaviest, yet most diverse album of his career, it’s great to hear what one of the hardest working guys in music will come up with next.

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Marco Minnemann, photo courtesy of Lazy Bones Recordings

8.5/10

KEITH CHACHKES


Wolfnote – Wolfnote EP

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When musicians form a new band alongside their current band, it is safe to say that they usually stick to a similar genre, or even the same genre. This cannot be said for Wolfnote, who are comprised of members from Harm’s Way. For those of you who are not familiar with them, Harm’s Way are a popular metallic hardcore band from Chicago, who usually create hardcore music. If you are looking for brutal riffs to headbang to then you have definitely been mistaken, as Wolfnote are an alternative rock group with infectiously catchy riffs.

Although the EP comprises of only three songs, it manages to give you a good indication of what Wolfnote are about: solid riffs, haunting vocals and well-written lyrics. Opening track ‘Luna’ is a passionate and hard-hitting rock anthem, and it is instantly apparent that they have strong influences from Alkaline Trio.

‘Sick’ begins with a more mellow and melancholy riff, not dissimilar from something that The Cure would use. The strong and passionate vocals are able to shine through perfectly, making a powerful impact on the listener.

Final song ‘Prowl’ is upbeat and fast-paced, returning to the style of the first track. The harmonies sound beautiful, and you can instantly tell that every member of Wolfnote is a talented musician. Sounding like a fusion of Alkaline Trio and Bayside, Wolfnote are able to introduce a new wave of music fans to the alternative rock and punk genres.

Although Wolfnote probably will not appeal to fans of Harm’s Way, it is easy to see exactly why so many people have been excited to hear this self-titled EP (Head2Wall). If you are a fan of alternative rock/punk then you should definitely keep an eye on Wolfnote: it won’t be long until the whole world knows about them.

 

8.0/10

Wolfnote on Twitter

 

JULIA CONOPO


Muse – Drones

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Muse drones album cover 2015

Muse didn’t become one of the biggest bands in the world by accident. They put in years cultivating their style of smart arena rock, dreamy synthy pop cadences with a super intellectual, cynical bent. Usually once you become to successful, your art starts to suffer. Muse proves on Drones (Warner Bros.) that they have entered their second decade as a band as hungry as ever.

In typical fashion, the lead track and bona-fide hit single ‘Dead Inside’ is the album’s catchiest ear-worm, yet is highly subversive. I giggle to myself thinking of teenagers bumping this song on the way to school, parents unaware of the lyrical nature of the track. The slick pop rock of the tune aside, you can tell a well written song when you hear one, with clever key changes and great singing from Matthew Bellamy. He shines throughout Drones.

‘Drill Sargeant’ gives way to ‘Psycho’ which could give Marilyn Manson a run for his mascara in the goth-rock swing he perfected so well; right down to Christopher Wolstenholme’s distorted bass rumble. One thing that Muse has done well historically is to infuse their dystopic visions of the future with slivers of hopefulness. ‘Mercy’ is a rousing anthem of pain and possibility. Initially I was put off by ‘Reapers’ weak opening: kind of a slo-mo guitaring ‘Hot For Teacher’, but without the great drumming. But the full track itself is an ass kicker. Punk beats, big riffs and a great delivery from Bellamy again. To say that ‘Handler’ sounds like it could have easily been written by Trent Reznor 10 years ago, is a high compliment. Another giant, ebullient chorus you will be singing for days. The last third of the album is not quite a strong as its opening however, with tracks such as ‘Defector’ and ‘Revolt’ being a little too ELO sounding, even for a nerd like me. This is the part of the album where producer Mutt Lange flexed his muscles, so hard. ‘The Globalist’ saves the day though. Epic in scope, rain drops falling, lonesome Western-themed whistle, despondent protagonist going through an epic transformation emotionally, and all the musical movements reflecting that change. Amazing! The title-track/finale is a gorgeous display of chorale style singing and heart-string tugging words and solid way to put a bow on another release from modern rock’s royalty.

Muse, Photo by Danny Clinch

Muse, Photo by Danny Clinch

8.5/10

KEITH CHACHKES


Of Mice And Men Singer Hospitalized, Tour Postponed

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Austin Carlile, the singer and front man of the band Of Mice And Men has fallen ill, and been hospitalized, forcing the immediate postponement of their current “Full Circle Tour”. The first show canceled was Sunday night’s show at Soma in San Diego, CA, which was highly anticipated and a near sell-out at the time of the notice. The band posted to Facebook with a message about the situation:

 

 of mice and men austin capture

Of Mice & Men regrets to announce that the remaining dates of the ‘Full Circle Tour’ will be cancelled. Therefore,…

Posted by Of Mice & Men on Sunday, June 7, 2015

 

Of Mice and Men were recently seen performing at the sold-out Rocklahoma and will appear later this year at Ozzfest Japan in November.


Matt Skiba And The Sekrets- KUTS

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matt skiba and the sekrets kuts

Matt Skiba is very busy these days. He’s fronted Alkaline Trio for close to two decades and also dabbled in side projects like Heavens and The Hell. In case you didn’t know, he’s also currently filling in for Tom Delonge in Blink 182.

And because apparently the devil makes good use of idle hands Skiba just released KUTS (Superball Music) with The Sekrets. The Sekrets almost being a supergroup for the Alternative Press crowd as it also features AFI bassist Huntar Burgan and My Chemical Romance’s Jarrod Alexander on drums.

Are you still with me? Good, because if you are a fan of any of those aforementioned groups then you are in for a pleasant surprise with KUTS.

The formula here hasn’t drastically changed. It’s simple, yet effective songwriting mated to a bright, but not overbearing mix. And that’s not to say that 2012s Babylon or Haven’t You EP weren’t good, but The Sekrets are starting to stretch their sound a little more as opposed to sticking with traditional pop-punk compositions. While there still are bits pf punk fire from time to time like on opener ‘Lonely and Kold’ and ‘She Said’ it seems that Skiba and his cohorts have been revisiting their The Smiths, The Cure, and Echo & The Bunnymen LPs.

This more post-punk approach really sets in on the second half of KUTS. Songs like ‘Way Bakk When’ and ‘Hemophiliak’ shift The Sekrets’ emphasis to melancholy as opposed to two minutes of aggression. ‘Never Believe’ and ‘Vienna’ close out the album and finds Skiba further channeling Johnny Marr with simple but haunting music to compliment his almost world-weary vocals. 

Skiba finds a way to honor some of his musical heroes without it coming across as just a love letter to the late 70s and early 80s. But then again the man has time for what seems like 400 other musical projects. Not sure how he does it, but hopefully he won’t stop soon.

8.0/10

HANSEL LOPEZ


Helloween – My God-Given Right

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helloween my god given right

German power metal legends, Helloween, have returned with their milestone sixteenth studio album. My God-Given Right is an hour long journey ranging over thirteen songs that aims to get your fist pumping. Personally, I have never been a big fan of power metal throughout the years, but of course I give every album a chance to surprise me. Unfortunately, Helloween did not do much for me on this album outside of a couple tracks. As much as I enjoyed a few of the tracks, I found myself just hitting the dreaded skip button.

The album opener, ‘Heroes’, is actually one of my favorites off of My God-Given Right. Maybe it was the lack of guitar wankery that is present in just about every other song that made this one shine. Yes, I know, power metal thrives off of crazy fretwork. And just to mention, Michael and Sascha are great guitarists so it is not a question of skill, rather it becomes overbearing. ‘Stay Crazy’ is another solid track off the album. The main riff is memorable which I can guarantee will get stuck in your head. The chorus is also very catchy with some chanting thrown in to the mix. Another fun song is ‘The Swing of a Fallen World’, which is a true headbanger. Slow tempo, slowly evolving guitar riffs, and pounding drumming phrases really bring this track to life. The song evolves to faster speeds for the solo and then drops back down to the heavy, slow stomping feel. While the rest of the songs surely feel like power metal from the 80’s and early 90’s, I just could not find anything in them as memorable.

Overall, My God-Given Right is not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination. The production is spot on, which is huge for me, and Helloween only experiments a bit from the sound just enough to supply some variety on the album. Also, each of the musicians on this album still showcase their skills even after thirty years. Outside of the couple of likeable and memorable songs on this album, I just really was not that impressed.

5.0/10

TIM LEDIN