Tag Archives: Derek Rix

The Sixxis – Hollow Shrine

Posted on by

the sixxis hollow shrine
The Sixxis have been gaining attention for some time, and now we finally see what they are capable of with their debut LP Hollow Shrine (Glassview Records). Produced by David Botrill (Tool, Muse) Hollow Shrine presents a core sound of progressive rock, yet it seems the band’s multiple influences have blended into one. Preventing their music from being just a one trick pony. It’s an album that many people may enjoy regardless of what their usual cup of tea is when it comes to rock and metal.

Hollow Shrine has many facets to it. Songs like ‘Waste of Time’ is pure prog rock with a soaring violin solo performed by front man Vladdy Iskhakov. Then we have ‘Long Ago’. The prog rock feel is there, but they’ve also incorporated a southern rock groove for an interesting combination. The final track ‘Weeping Willow Tree’ with the southern prog sound but is slowed down giving the track a real southern comfort feel. ‘Out Alive’ has more of a prog metal feel. The whole song is just one buildup to the final minute where it really kicks in a finishes with a great guitar solo.

The track that caught my interest the most was ‘Coke Can Steve’. An instrumental track that really showcases all the intrsuments that have managed to remain a presence throughout the entire album. A great prog metal track with each instrument taking center stage at times with drum fills and solos performed by guitars, bass, and violin. Hollow Shrine is finally topped off with Vladdy Iskhakov’s vocal range and ability. At times it may remind you of the late Layne Staley, and other times he hits extended higher or more lower emotional pitches to really get across the emotion or intensity of the music.

I was overall surprised by Hollow Shrine, especially after not being aware of this group. This again feels like an album that many people regardless of their preferred brutality or emotions in music, may enjoy.

7.5/10

DEREK RIX


Morbid Evils – In Hate With the Burning World

Posted on by

morbid evils in hate with a burning world album cover 2015

 

 

Keijo Niinimaa, the vocalist behind Finland’s grindcore group Rotten Sound, has taken his talents to a new sludge/doom metal project. Morbid Evils have released their debut album In Hate With the Burning World and it is an absolute juggernaut. This is a pure heavyweight that demands your attention.

From beginning to end the album drags the listener through pure destruction and never lets up. With the opening track ‘Cruel’ you’re treated to a steady build-up that leads into a crushing riff that could be paired with the stomping of elephants marching. About halfway through the track, the drone aspect picks up a bit of a groove making it very difficult to keep your head from moving in pace.

The next track ‘Crippled’ has more of a haunting groove to it, yet the brutality remains. This groove showcases the freshness of this album, keeping it from becoming just another boring and uninteresting doom album laden with just a simple chugging riff. My favorite track, and unfortunately the shortest of the album, would be ‘South of Hell’. Named rightly so this album will drag you down to the bowels and even further than where the sinners dwell.

In Hate With the Burning World is one hell of a debut release. Dare I say even better than all material Niinimaa created with Rotten Sound? I feel unfortunate that they ended up with the name Morbid Evils, as their sound to me really represents a creature such as a Mastodon or Behemoth. Recently it feels that doom metal has been gaining more of a following, and this album will just strengthen that interest and lust for the sound of dismemberment.

8.0/10

DEREK RIX

 


Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute

Posted on by

immortal randy rhoads the ultimate tribute

Just over thirty-three years ago we lost easily one of the most legendary guitarists to grace the Heavy Metal genre. Recording only two albums each with Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads had created guitar riffs and solos that would stand the test of time. Unless they’ve been living under a rock I’m sure the average person could easily recall how the song ‘Crazy Train’ goes. With this much fame still held to his name, it’s not too surprising to see a tribute album. I am speaking of the Immortal Randy Rhoads The Ultimate Tribute (UDR) album.

Right from the start, I began to assume I was in for a nightmare. ‘Crazy Train’ is the first track. Featuring Serj Tankian of System of a Down, it’s about as awkward of a fit as you would expect. It’s not necessarily horrible, but he feels more like a guy at your local karaoke bar. It could be that I was just distracted by the very unfortunate choice for lead guitar. To me one of the most overrated guitar players out there, it’s none other than Tom Morello. He fills the classic with his usual incorporation of feedback and picking/tapping. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you finally get to the solo just to hear he completely overwhelmed it with his own unique playing. Sounding more like your Atari is skipping beats rather than slightly resembling what may be considered Rhoads most classic guitar solo.

It’s only improvement from this point on right? Couldn’t possibly get any worse? Of the ten remaining tracks, Tim “Ripper” Owens handled vocals. Not a bad choice as his vocal ability is a good fit. But they settled on him for eight of the eleven tracks? Why not try and spice things up? Especially if you’re going to go with the disappointing choice of Serj. The main issue that I have with Owens is that the guitar players that he was paired with played their role note for note, tempo, and tuning just as in the originals. It’s a collection of covers that make you feel compelled to just return to the classic tracks instead.

As with most people I’m sure, I can be rather shallow when it comes to a cover song. Played note for note with the same pace and similar tuning, why bother? When you rework the song into your “signature” sound to the point that it doesn’t in any way resemble the original, why bother? Just a slight change can make the cover that much more enjoyable, which leads me to the one track that stands out. The only track that grabbed my attention and held it tight was ‘Mr. Crowley’ featuring Chuck Billy (Testament) on vocals. That unique, strong, and easily recognizable voice make this the lone track that is a stand out.

Immortal Randy Rhoads: The Ultimate Tribute is not a terrible album, but I would remove ultimate from the title. You finish the album with a feeling that this was a significant loss of great potential. Want to really pay the ultimate tribute to Randy Rhoads? Continue to enjoy the classics that he himself recorded.

6.0/10

DEREK RIX