ALBUM  REVIEW: The Barbarians of California – And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth


The sound of what was once considered West Coast Hard Core is changing.  The Barbarians of California‘s new album And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth (oneRPM) carries more of a metallic stomp aligned with modern Hardcore. Right from the first song you can hear the band’s more experimental edge. Once into the meat of the album, they bridge hardcore with a Nu-Metal sound, which is not unlike what System of a Down does. They attack with a more spastic jerk. It’s hard not to appreciate the sense of adventure that runs through these songs. The new generation of nu-metal kids who attend festivals like Sick New World will dig it. Hardcore purists might have some questions. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Saint Agnes – Bloodsuckers


 

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. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Elyose – Déviante


 

It has been five years since the last full length from French Industrialists Elyose, a period of time that has seen significant change for them. Following on from their previous full-length Reconnexion, much of the band departed leaving vocalist Justine Daaé to keep moving forward. Now returned as either a band or essentially a solo venture (guitarist/producer Anthony Chogard is certainly in the ranks but it certainly seems like Daaé is the centre piece), the first full length of this incarnation Déviante (self) isn’t quite the statement of intent could have been hoped for.

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