ALBUM REVIEW: Molder – Catastrophic Reconfiguration


The third album from Joliet, Illinois-based Molder, Catastrophic Reconfiguration (Prosthetic Records), is a collection of sonic brutality

Presented here are ten cuts where each stands on its own, each vying to be the song that kicks the most ass. 

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Kirk Hammett Dives Into His Personal Guitar Collection on Gibson TV Show “The Collection”


Metallica guitar legend, Kirk Hammett, has joined Gibson TV host, Mark Agnesi, for a special episode of The Collection show. The Gibson TV series takes viewers on a deep dive into the personal guitar collections of music’s biggest artists. Check out Kirk’s episode below.
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ALBUM REVIEW: Candlemass – Sweet Evil Sun


 

The Chernobyl disaster rocked the then-Soviet Union in 1986. Ronald Reagan was the president. Gas was just over a dollar a gallon (Editor’s note, gas was $2.14 per gallon nationwide in 1984). Times were much different so many decades ago, which makes it all the more remarkable that epic doom metal pioneers Candlemass – who formed in 1984 – continue to wield the torch of the scene, guiding the masses and collecting newcomers along the way. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Revocation – Netherheaven


 

To say that Revocation has another banger on deck seems a bit obvious, right? 

Speaking only from this author’s perspective this Boston unit has never fumbled the ball on a studio album. Dispute that amongst yourselves in the comment section, just don’t tag me along in your spirited debates. Last thing I need are more notifications via my phone. So, the point is Netherheaven (Metal Blade) may as well be subtitled “Revocation continues to be awesome and David Davidson is more talented than you, will never run out of riffs and can make out with your special lady friend whenever they like”.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Spill Your Guts – The Wrath It Takes


The new offering from Spill Your Guts, The Wrath It Takes (Trepanation Records) is quite the ass-kicker. I like their hardcore, in-your-face approach, blending many different genres and the band has a steel grip on their style. Yet, you get this crazy feel that the train could come off the tracks at any moment. Their no let-up vibe drives the groove and keeps this pissed off attitude going through out. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: A Deer A Horse – Grind


From the very first second of the new cut from A Deer A Horse, I was instantly transported. I was instantly back in high school riding a skateboard and skipping school to check out records with my bros. The tracks presented here are so reminiscent of the good old days of grunge and punk. The angst-driven lyrics; the minimalistic approach. I really got into the tones of the guitar. They are very cool and melodic which gives them their own awesome presence.  

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ALBUM REVIEW: Born of Osiris – Angel or Alien


I don’t know if inconsistent is too harsh of a term to describe Born of Osiris’ recorded output, but truth be told with each subsequent release no one can be absolutely sure of what to expect next. The raw and exhilarating The New Reign EP kicked in the doors only to be followed up by the forgettable A Higher Place. Who would’ve thought that band that gave us the technically dazzling The Discovery also had the electronics heavy Tomorrow We Die Alive in their back pocket? S what’s the gameplan for Angel or Alien (Sumerian Records)?

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ALBUM REVIEW: Vacant Eyes – A Somber Preclusion of Being 


So, this album is called A Somber Preclusion of Being (Independent), huh? Cool, I’ll give this Vacant Eyes band a try. They’re from Massachusetts too? Great, I like supporting artists from my neck of the woods. What’s the worst that can happen? About seventy-five minutes have gone by and I think I may need a nap. The brain can only take so much.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Korn -The Nothing


I’m not sure what things look like over at Korn HQ, but I like to imagine that in a year with well-received releases from contemporaries like Tool and Slipknot, someone stood up and called for the bagpipes to come out of mothballs. Am I saying that Korn’s The Nothing (Roadrunner Records) is up to par with Fear Inoculum? Nah, man. Is it up to par with Slipknot’s We Are Not Your Kind? Well, that depends on you, true believers. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue


Let’s take a minute and give a proper shout out to the lovely state of Kentucky because despite not being typically known for its extreme music scene it is somehow home to the bruisers in Knocked Loose. Not familiar with Knocked Loose? Well, just know that in the span of two LPs and a handful of splits and EPs they’ve secured themselves a plum spot in the modern Hardcore pecking order. Let’s skip the formalities, A Different Shade of Blue (Pure Noise) is only going to further entrench these gentlemen into the hearts of slam dancers and tough guys alike.Continue reading