Tag Archives: Melissa Campbell

Vampires Everywhere – Ritual

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Vampires Everywhere - Ritual album cover ghostcultmag

Hardcore metallers Vampires Everywhere recent release Ritual (Self-Released) embodies many of the traits that have led to their continued, if modest, success in the scene. They are currently on the road in support of it on the ‘Make America Hate Again’ tour.

The cover of Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church’ is the first single off the album. It features a guest appearance from scene compatriot Alex Koehler of Chelsea Grin. The track is a nice surprise since it sounds like an original from the band. Lyrically speaking it fits with the band’s image. They are also able to make their vocal style work for a non-metal song. Unfortunately, it is also the most standout song from the album.

For an album titled Ritual from a band called Vampires Everywhere, one expects more of the classic vampire lore and mythology to be channeled. Previous fans of the band will enjoy the new album, but it is nothing particularly new within the genre. Many of the lyrics feel a little generic for bands embracing the neo-vampire image. On the positive side, the songs do flow in a tight and seamless way. It is clear that the band is confident in their style and that is important to a band’s continued success.

 

5.0/10

MELISSA CAMPBELL

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Moon Tooth-Chromaparagon

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Moon_Tooth Chromaparagon album cover ghostcultmag

 

New York natives Moon Tooth started off their new year by self-releasing their first full length album Chromaparagon whether the music world was ready for it or not. From listening to the result, it is clear the band members were ready.

The Keith Haring like album cover conveys exactly the colorful and primal, yet poetic sounds that the band comes up with. It is all off to a driving start with the first track ‘Queen Wolf’. The song was also the first off the album to be released alongside a music video. Although there is trouble understanding the lyrics during a few parts, one can tell that a badass story is being told.

These stories are what make up the entire album. They could also be interpreted as personal revelations or even poetry. One gets the feeling that if Jim Morrison had been born at a later time, this is what he would be doing. The lyrics are the strongest point which is not surprising since the entire band shares the credit of writing them; vocalist John Carbone brings them to life. The music is quality too and the instrumentation is similar to Mastodon.

Moon Tooth primarily describes themselves as being hard rock and progressive, but it is evident from tracks like ‘Little Witch’ that they can channel other influences. As the title suggests, the song is reminiscent of the Misfits horror inspired punk and is a fun jam. ‘Bats in the Attic’ is another thoroughly enjoyable tune. Because it is an instrumental, it breaks up the album well.

The only point at which Chromaparagon falters in the least is ‘White Stag’. After listening to an intense and thought-provoking album, it can be heard to listen to a gentler ten minute track. Overall, it is quite an impressive début album and a great way to start off the musical year.

8.5/10

MELISSA CAMPBELL

 

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Bury Tomorrow – Earthbound

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Bury Tomorrow - Earthbound - ghostcultmag

Bury Tomorrow continue their attempt at finding a top spot in the field of metalcore with their latest release, Earthbound (Nuclear Blast). Contrary to the group’s wishes, one hears the album as them playing it a little too safe. It can be classified as good metalcore but lacks a special and iconic something.

Overall the album is angry sounding. Whether it is frustration or a try at being heavier is open to interpretation. One is thrown right into the action at the start of the first track ‘The Eternal’ and the album is quick to get down to it. There is a slight improvement as the album goes on but the group never seems to find what it is they are lacking with this release.

‘The Burden’ is the first track on the album to contain some traces of the quality songwriting and sound that were found on earlier works. Bury Tomorrow find some footing by bringing on 90s metalcore representative Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed for the track ‘301’. Credit can be given to them for including their elders in an attempt to solidify them as the new masters of the genre. It is the best track on the album.

Although classifiable as a good album, Earthbound is missing the original soul and ambition that the group’s other albums such as The Union of Crowns. Perhaps this is due to the fact that The Union of Crowns marked the crew’s departure from their independent labels and into something more professional whereas Earthbound is their third album with Nuclear Blast. Another acceptable album for fans of the band, but here is hoping they whip up something special with their next release.

5.5/10

MELISSA CAMPBELL

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