Comments Off on Review: ENTOMBED A.D. – ‘Bowels of Earth’ [Video Stream]
Entombed A.D. – the band who rose from the ashes of Swedish death metal legends, Entombed, in 2014 – return with their third studio album, ‘Bowels of Earth.’ Set to release on August 30th, 2019 via CenturyMediaRecords, ‘Bowels of Earth’ continues the tradition of groove-laden death metal that defined the Swedish scene back in the 90s. With buzzsaw guitars chugging out string tension-defying, ultra-downtuned riffage, and the monstrous growls of vocal veteran LG Petrov – along with Victor Brandt (bass), Nico Elgstrand (guitar), and Olle Dahlstedt (drums) – EntombedA.D. are keeping the spirit of death n’ roll alive and devastating in 2019. Continue reading →
Comments Off on Review: Mammoth Storm – ‘Alruna’ [Album Stream]
Mammoth Storm was formed in Sweden at the end of 2012 for the sole purpose of “delivering some heavy riffs in the name of doom”. With the release of their 2015 debut ‘Fornjot’ the Swedish Doom Metal band exploded onto the scene! With thick grooves and gargantuan riffs they are by far one of the most exciting bands in the metal scene. On their newest album ‘Alruna’ (which is released via Argonauta Records) the band have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with! Continue reading →
Comments Off on Review: SKILLET – ‘Victorious’ [Track Stream]
Skillet is a Christian rock band that has been around ever since I can remember. They formed in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. For members, the current lineup consists of John Cooper (Frontman and Bassist), Korey Cooper (Rhythm Guitar, Keyboard, and Backing Vocals), Jen Ledger (Drums, Vocals), and Seth Morrison (Lead Guitar). Together, they have a chemistry unmatched by anyone. Continue reading →
Comments Off on Review: WOLVES AT THE GATE – ‘Eclipse’ [Album Stream]
Cedarville, Ohio is the birthplace of Wolves At The Gate. The five piece post-hardcore band have been known to balance the beauty of melody with the barbaric bite of riffs so heavy they make gravity seems weak. ‘Eclipse’ is their fourth full length outing and is a thoughtful slice of melodic Metalcore. I must confess, I had never heard any of their catalogue before ‘Eclipse’, but was pleasantly surprised by quality of musicianship, the strength of the songs and the production.
Vocalist/guitarist Stephen Cobucci says of the album: “We named the record ‘Eclipse’ because of how well it encapsulated the relationship the light and the dark can have. An eclipse tells you that it’s dark,but it takes truth and faith to know that the sun is still shining. All of this revolves around my walk of faith in believing the truths of the gospel message, seeking to help others find hope and peace in the love of God, as well as how to come to grips with various social/political/personal issues.“
Alongside Cobucci is Ben Summers(bass), Abishai Collingsworth(drums), Nick Detty(vocals), and the band’s newest member Joey Alarcon(who co-produced with Cobucci).
The album ‘Eclipse’ follows the development path of other metalcore bands, with more clean singing and a studious dedication to melody. This is none better demonstrated than by final song “Blessings & Curses.” This pushes toward pop music, but with more power.
The music washes over you in waves of adrenaline and (weirdly) stillness. It pushes you into a widescreen version of reality, where everything is epic but slowed down. The sound makes you reflect and there is a sombre mood to the art. Peaceful waters are moved to areas of sonic perfection, only to be brought back to life by banging songs such as my favorite, “Counterfeit” – there is nothing counterfeit about this band! They know how to bring emotion to the boil and let it simmer on a flame of pure metal.
Epic songs? There are more than a few on this banger. The title track demonstrates this perfectly. Cobucci sings like some angel and the tune is filled out with keyboards and harmonies.
Kicking songs? “Evil Are The Kings” is a great stomper, with a more old-school metalcore vibe and nice use of growling vocals.
The whole record brims with intent to be tuneful, thoughtful and emotional whilst retaining some brutal riffing. Check it out.
Comments Off on Review: DRIVETRAIN – ‘Muscles Big’ [Album Stream]
The 70s and 80s were both staple decades in the evolution of rock that most consider as the “classic” era for rock bands. Killer riffs and heavy drums are what made the music, and Portland, Maine’s Drivetrain are continuing those great characteristics that made the 70s and 80s rock. Since forming the group in 2012, Drivetrain has decided to unleash their killer debut album, ‘Muscles Big.’ Taking inspiration on the traditional aspects of loud cars and even louder rock, this debut is one of my favorite first albums from a band. With Kevin Beling handling vocals and rhythm guitar, Alex Fabish beating the hell out of the drums, Butch Fabish tackling lead guitar duties, and Ben Philbrick on the thunderous bass, they have released this mayhem on January 21, 2019. Continue reading →
Comments Off on Review: SUM 41 – ‘Order In Decline’ [Official Video]
Sum 41 found its way into my musical playground back in 2001. The album was ‘All Killer No Filler’ and the single that got cemented into my head was “Fat Lip.” Although I was deeply entrenched within the metal genre, that song was so catchy that it tattooed itself into my brain and I couldn’t stop listening to it. The band was labeled pop punk and by all accounts, based on that album, it seemed to fit but if you listened closely, and peeked through the cracks, there was more than met the eye. They found their sound on the brilliant ‘Does This Look Infected?’ record in 2002 and its follow up, ‘Chuck’, in 2004. That’s where my passion for this band reached its peak. They found a way to put punk, pop, hard rock, alternative, and metal together to create a sound that was unique. The next decade and a half saw the band losing members and dealing with health issues. They put out three records in that period and although there were some solid songs, none of them could capture that magical formula that made them such a force until now. The band is set to release their seventh studio album called ‘Order In Decline’ via Hopeless Records on July 19thand it burns a path back to those iconic albums. The songs are heavy, angry, emotional, and most of all, catchy, and those ingredients are the blueprint Sum 41 built itself on. Continue reading →
Comments Off on Review: CROWN THE EMPIRE – ‘Sudden Sky’ [Official Music Videos]
With only 3 albums and 1 full EP on their name Crown The Empire quickly managed to claim theirselves a spot in the metalcore scene among bands like Memphis May Fire, Of Mice And Men and many more. And now after almost exactly 3 years since the release of ‘Retrograte’ they are ready to blow you away yet again with upcoming record ‘Sudden Sky’!
Comments Off on When WAGE WAR Announces Their Upcoming Album & Tour The Pressure Is On!
Wage War fans couldn’t be happier than right at the moment they realised their favorite core act is back! With their 3th album ‘Pressure’ slowly heading our way and one of the best metalcore tours being announced right after first single ”Who I Am” dropped fans are in for a big treat!
Comments Off on Review: ROADSAW – ‘Tinnitus The Night’ [Album Stream]
The stoner rock trio known as Roadsaw formed in 1995, in my native Boston, Massachusetts. Their style is described as a strange trip through the British electric blues, down into the Southern Rock swamps and West through the heart of California’s psychedelic desert. Roadsaw recently delivered a highly anticipated album after 8 years on an “indefinite hiatus,” ‘Tinnitus The Night,’ was released just last month via Ripple Music. Prior to that the band had released 5 full length albums the most recent of which was their self titled release in 2011. ‘Tinnitus’ was produced by world renowned producer Benny Grotto (Aerosmith, Ben Folds, Dresden Dolls, Weird Al Yankovic) at his co-owned Mad Oak Studios in Allston, Massachusetts. Continue reading →
Comments Off on CORRODED Bring The Heat With “Bitter”- Album Review
Swedish hard rockers Corroded are back with their fifth album, Bitter, out via Despotz Records. Since 2009, Corroded has been the backdrop of many forms of media, having the music featured in Sweden’s 2009 season of Survivor and the video game Battlefield Play4Free. Taking influences from Black Sabbath and Machine Head, Corroded have hard-hitting riffs that memorable and combined with Jen Westlin’s vocals make crowd-pleasing anthems. Since their last release, Defcon Zero, Corroded has played all across Europe, selling out shows with Pain as well as their own headlining tour. Playing massive crowds at Sabaton Open Air, Skogsröjet and Sweden Rock Festival, where they broke records as the largest crowd at the 4 Sound Stage.
Corroded pride themselves as being brothers, a family unit that works together to put music out into the ether. According to Westlin, “It’s what has gotten us where we are today – we never give up – despite setbacks that have hit us like a fist to the face we get up and use that as inspiration to create new music.” says Westlin, “Our background is in the working class which is reflected in our music. The fact that we’ve had to struggle with various setbacks to get where we are today has given us thicker skin and shines through in our music.” This album leans a little more on the heavier side than their previous work. A lot of their influences blend well together, finding a blend of European power metal with Southern American spices spread throughout. The album starts with an intro track, something that is a bit dated now but can be easily hand waived. No harm, no foul. But the second track, “Breathing”, you see the unity this band has through their music. Each bringing their own to this song, especially Guitarist Tomas Andersson. The main riff is very catchy and gets rhythm support by Per Solang (drums) and Bjarne Elvsgard (bass). This album is full of great battle anthems, something they excel at, like “Testament”. Full of chanting vocals, this is sure to become a fan favorite in their setlist. This is paired well with the follow-up track, “Scream”; Catchy choruses seem to be their bread and butter. The fastest track, “Destruction”, is a great biker rock anthem. That ended up becoming my personal favorite, featuring Westlin’s diverse vocal talent.
This is a very accessible band for fans of hard rock who are maybe looking for something a little heavier at the summer festival. With chanty choruses, I can see many beer glasses raised in Corroded’s honor. Bitter is a good track for your summer is available now! Corroded is Jens Westlin(Lead Vocals), Tomas Andersson (Guitars), Bjarne Elvsgard (Bass), Per Solang (Drums). To keep up with them, follow them on Facebook and their website.
Entombed A.D. – the band who rose from the ashes of Swedish death metal legends, Entombed, in 2014 – return with their third studio album, ‘Bowels of Earth.’ Set to release on August 30th, 2019 via Century Media Records, ‘Bowels of Earth’ continues the tradition of groove-laden death metal that defined the Swedish scene back in the 90s. With buzzsaw guitars chugging out string tension-defying, ultra-downtuned riffage, and the monstrous growls of vocal veteran LG Petrov – along with Victor Brandt (bass), Nico Elgstrand (guitar), and Olle Dahlstedt (drums) – Entombed A.D. are keeping the spirit of death n’ roll alive and devastating in 2019. Continue reading 
