Boezem (Prophecy Productions) is the debut from the Dutch quintet Vuur & Zijde. It is a moody display of blackened post-Punk, (post-Punk meets Black Metal to you and me), sung mostly in their mother tongue and in the little heard-of language Frisian. Continue reading
A lot can happen in a decade, from breakups and personal growth to illness and death, or even a global pandemic. So when a band releases their first album in ten years, you know it’s going to be one full of substance and genuineness. California alternative rock band Alien Ant Farm accomplishes just that with their sixth full-length album, mAntras (Megaforce Records). The record reintroduces the quartet through eleven tracks that detail everything they have been up to since their last record Always And Forever in 2014. Continue reading
In a post to Instagram, legendary New York City band Orange 9mm has reformed with a new lineup for 2024. Although no firm plans have been announced as yet, we’d expect shows and festival appearances could be plentiful, and hopefully new music. A seperate post touted at least a new song and “maybe some shows!” Originally formed in 1992 by Chaka Malik (Burn, Ghost Decibels), joined by returning guitarist Taylor McLam, along with new additions drummer Chris Enriquez (Spotlights, Total Meltdown, On The Might of Princes, Julie Christmas, Lightower, Burn), and bassist Cory Bonfiglio (Total Meltdown). The posts also shouted out integral past members of the band, such as Chris Traynor (ex-Helmet, Rival Schools, now of Bush fame). Orange 9MM released a demo via Revelation Records and three albums, including top-tier mid-1990s releases Driver Not Included (East-West Records) in 1995 and Tragic (Atlantic Records) in 1996. You can read public posts from the band and Chris below!
Saint Agnes, from the UK, spark the fires of aggression with Alt. Nu-groove album Bloodsuckers (Spinefarm Records). The band fits within the label’s ranks with ease alongside acts that have their own vision,but crossover appeal such as Sleep Token, Atreyu, and Killing Joke. Add in a Mimi Barks cameo (the short and ferocious ‘Body Bag’) and a Sean Bevan production boost on the semi-glossy ‘Follow You’ and this record has the potential to be a Summer ’23 pit starter.
Florida/Atlanta three-piece Moodring has certainly been consistent with their output since they released showmetherealyou (UNFD) in 2021, with a number of singles and last years long-player Stargazer, gaining them some serious recognition.
Black Veil Brides – The Mourning (Sumerian)
There’s an underlying belief that interim releases are merely disappointing cash-ins comprised mostly of filler and cast-off material. A strong title track usually followed by cover versions, demo versions, live cuts or songs simply not worthy to make it onto a full length record. A theory to which Hollywood based five piece Black Veil Brides clearly do not subscribe.
Exploding with lurid technicolour noise and flooding your brain with nightmarish, acid-fuelled cartoon imagery, musician/director/writer/artist/sideshow freak Rob Zombie is back with his latest exercise in restraint and understatement, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy (Nuclear Blast).
New Hampshire prog and alternative metal bands Dust Prophet and Conduit have released a new split EP via Sleeping Village Records, the brainchild of the famous underground blog Sleeping Village Reviews. Each band contributes a single to the split. Stream and download the split here!
If you’re a fan of any music that Caleb Scofield created or played, bring the tissues for this one. Cave In‘s aptly-titled Final Submission (Hydra Head) is a collection of recordings made with the band’s late bassist before his tragic death last year and contains much input from the man himself. It’s a slightly different album than fans might expect, but in many ways, it’s more meaningful for it.Continue reading
Whilst Progressive Metal is an overcrowded scene, it is undeniable that there is a depth and range within its ranks of late, arguably the most it has ever showcased. New soundscapes and directions are being explored and virgin terrains conquered, with even tried and tested ideas being given new shades and colours. With a well-received debut album and resulting tours across USA with the likes of Trapt, where do relative newcomers Source find themselves with album number two?Continue reading