Chicago,"XXX" (Rhino)
I was supposed to review this disc, but another reviewer beat me to the punch. Since my opinion of this disc run diametrically opposite to last month's review, I felt I must have my say. First, let me state that I have respect for Chicago, you can't argue with the quality of their hits. But, you are only as good as your last hit record, the saying goes. Back in the early ‘80s, Chicago got their second wind. Unfortunately, I don’t think the third times a charm. This is the prime example of not knowing when to throw in the towel.

I was almost tempted to just put two words as a review: "total shit". But that is too close to Spinal Tap's fictional review for Shark Sandwich and would be an insult to Spinal Tap.

Whatever way you look at it, this disc is a total piece of shit and a supreme disappointment! A better use of the petroleum used to make this plastic dog turd would be gas for your car. That way it has at least one use. Of course there will probably be a Chicago XXI, with their assinine Roman numerals. But, like the Roman empire, Chicago is crumbling.
www.rhino.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Arctic Monkeys,"Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" (Domino)
The Arctic Monkeys are being pushed as THE NEXT BIG THING by the British music press. Hype aside, the Artic Monkeys are neither The NEXT BIG THING or repulsive bandwagon jumpers. What the Monkeys do reasonably well is combine flavor of the week (weak) artsy new wave (Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand…..) with decent pop hooks (Futureheads). The highlight of the this cd is “Riot Van” a great song about a teenage aged drinker trying to talk his way out of being arrested. While today’s flavor of the week won’t get you enough money to buy a six pack of Busch at the used CD store next week, the Arctic Monkeys do what they do well enough to possibly survive next big thing stigma.
www.arcticmonkeys.com
Rating:

Review by DJ Ivan

The Shocker,"Up Your Ass Tray" (GoKart Records)
I reviewed the ep version of “Up Your Ass Tray” quite a while back and what I said at that time still holds up on this eleven song full length cd. It’s nice to hear songs live up to their titles. I hate bands that have “the” look, “the” name and an album full of really clever song titles that never seem to live up to one’s expectations. “Smoke Rings (Up Your Ass Tray)”, “My Life As A Plumber” and “Bad Brain Good Head” are three of those creative titles I was referring to but these songs do live up to their respective titles. The five new songs are strong and even better than some of the tracks on the original ep although, I have to admit, I do miss their cover of “Angel Of The Morning” on this one. You can still file this one somewhere between the Plasmatics and Ramones and near the Foo Fighters and the Donnas.
www.shockersite.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Spencer Bates,"Goodnight Rosebud" (Indie Release)
This sounds a lot like Elton John during his Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy period , especially on tracks like “Geometries”, “The Time Must Come” and “Waves”. I mean, Bates sounds so much like Elton that at times I would forget that I wasn’t listening to an old Elton John album. Although, he does break out of the mold on “What’s So Bad”, an upbeat ditty with a fifties feel. Spencer makes his living as a piano man in a piano bar which is how Billy Joel as well as Elton John started out so he’s already in pretty good company.
www.spencerbates.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

The Corrs,"Home" (Rhino)
Although I love Celtic music, I wasn't familiar with the music of The Corrs (although I was familiar with the name and knew they were a band consisting of family members). My expertise in Celtic music only applies to a handful of bands, of course starting with The Chieftains. But, when I heard "Home", I was truly blown away. The Corrs manage to do what few Celtic acts can do, which is perfectly blending traditional Celtic music with pop. Whether it is traditional jigs, Gaelic ballads or pure pop songs, The Corrs deliver pure Celtic bliss! Speaking of their pop tunes, "Old Town" is just too damn catchy for its own good, with its "Penny Lane" trumpet sounds and infectious melody.

Not only is this a great album, but also I've just found THE sexiest voice in music (just listen to "Black Is the Colour"), and that is lead singer Andrea Corr.

Intoxicatingly good!
www.thecorrswebsite.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

The Chieftains,"The Essential Chieftains" (RCA)
The Chieftains need no introduction, as they are the epitome of Celtic "World Music". They are the standard by which just about every Celtic band is measured. And, you would think that a 2-disc set entitled "The Essential Chieftains" would contain "essential" songs representing their long career. But, what you get is one outstanding disc and one disposable one.

Disc one contains a great selection of Chieftains songs, showing why they are at the top of the heap as far as Celtic bands are concerned. Then there is disc two consisting of collaborations with different artists such as: The Corrs, Sinéad O'Connor, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Sting, Alison Krauss, Anúna, Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithfull, Jackson Browne, and many others. Unfortunately, the second disc doesn't really work, as too many varied styles represented. Some of these collaborations work, but the majority don't. The second disc is far from "essential", and would have been better utilized as some sort of "bonus disc" for a Chieftains' box set.

While disc one is superb and would have made a perfect single disc, the flawed disc two prevents a better rating.
www.thechieftains.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Scott H. Platt

Shofar,"Turn" (Indie Release)
Classic rock music with a Christian message. The music is a mix of styles from all the great classic rock bands like Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin, Kansas, Styx, The Who, Rush, U2, etc… This is a very polished band with a very polished sound. I’m sure that Shofar is a force to be reckoned with in the Christian rock realm. I would love to hear them play a little heavier but there’s really nothing wrong with the way they sound now. My personal favorite tracks were “Faithful” and “One Flesh”.
www.shofarmusicgroup.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Cherubs,"Uncovered By Hearbeat" (Cargo Records)
This sounds like Iggy Pop meets the Violent Femmes or Gang Of Four meets the Talking Heads or maybe even the Tom Tom Club. I’m leaning more to the Gang Of Four the more I listen. I would definitely recommend this to any Gang Of Four fans. This is a really good album that will get quite a few listens at my house. Especially tracks like “Adult Video / Chinese Food”, “BoTox Bop” and “Room With A View”.
www.cherubs-hq.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Burr Settles,"Sketches" (Indie Release)
An ecclectic set of blues, folk, electric rock, rap, bluegrass, psychedelic, and alt-country. Usually when an artist tries to cover so much territory they fail - but this disc is fascinating in its diversity. Each song is like a little ecclectic symphony, amazing in their simplicity. Standout track is "Each Day is Better Than the Next", trully entertaining! "Sketches" is proof that sometimes less is more.
www.burrsettles.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Thumpermonkey Lives!,"Chap With The Wings, Five Round Rapid" (Indie Release)
What can one say about a band that has a song titled “When This Record Is Played On Mars, Mankind Will Have Ascended To The Godhead”. I mean, if you can write a song with a title like that and name your band Thumpermonkey Lives then I don’t think your really all that concerned with what other people think and that’s usually when you get the most interesting music. I’m not saying that this is my cup of tea but it was interesting enough to keep my attention from beginning to end. File somewhere between Pink Floyd and Motorhead.
www.thumpermonkey.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Adrianne Lenker,"Stages of the Sun" (Lucid Tunes)
Andrianne Lenker's songs are polished, with just the right amount of musical backing. Too often an artist goes overboard with arrangements, but not Lenker - the ultimate product is perfect to the ears. Of course the first thing you will notice is Lenker's amazing voice, which draws you into the song, whether it is her seductive voice or her rock voice. Just contrast "Dig Down" (a damn catchy rocker) with the haunting beauty of "Imperfections". Not only can she rock, but also she can deliver a soft ballad without the embarrassing saccharin quotient.

Take notice Sheryl Crow, you've got some stiff competition with Adrianne Lenker.
www.adrianne.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Bi-Level,"The Songbird" (Amp)
Dubbed as “rock for the masses” by the band themselves, this is one of those rare occasions where the music actually lives up to the hype. “The Songbird” may only contains six songs but these boys damn well make sure every single one of them counts. Lots of energy and lots of hooks in a nice little pop punk package. If this isn’t already getting butt loads of airplay then I predict it will in the very near future. My favorite track is “Calling” just because the vocals sound like the Gang Of Four on the verses.
www.bi-level.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Anushka Pop,"Akathena" (Indie Release)
This has all the energy and appeal of the Attractions or Graham Parker and the Rumor. Pop with a bit of an edge. The harmonies are tight, the hooks are there, it’s all good. It reminds me of a lot of the good pop / rock ‘n’ roll from the eighties like Joe Jackson, the Romantics, Blondie and the bands previously mentioned. There’s only seven songs here but every track is as good as the last. There’s not any filler on this disc.
www.anushkapop.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

The Bank Robbers,"Tomorrow Belongs To Me" (No Milk Records)
This band has a way of melding power pop and hardcore to create a powerful form of rock ‘n’ roll that’s perfect for today’s radio. “Making Promises” sounds like an instant hit. If they didn’t have that little bit of hardcore edge I would have probably lumped them in with bands like Good Charlotte, Third Eye Blind and Blink-182 but that little bit of hardcore puts them in a group of their own. My favorite tracks are “Defending The Kingdom”, “Making Promises” and “Before The Words Are Spoken”.
www.thebankrobbers.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Tipton, Entwistle & Powell,"Edge of the World" (Rhino)
This is collaboration by three of hard rock’s most memorable players: Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest), John Entwistle (The Who), and Cozy Powell (legendary drummer). It was recorded around the same time as Tipton's strong solo album, "Baptizm of Fire". But the end result does not reek of the usual "supergroup" excess. It is a straightforward conglomeration of metal and hard rock that, while not bad is not outstanding either. A clue should have been the inclusion of John Entwistle because, other than his work with The Who, all his side-projects were lackluster. Still, this is an interesting disc, with at least two memorable songs. "Friendly Fire" is the best track on the album and, ironically, sounds the least like Judas Priest. "Give Blood" is also good, a catchy tune that borders on pop-metal. And it is better than anything Judas Priest has given us since the '80s.
www.rhino.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Krescent 4,"Rock EP" (Indie Release)
You get a lot of bang for your buck with this six song cd EP. It may only have six songs but there’s a lot of punch in those six songs. Take the leadoff track “Cling” for example. The big U2 flavored guitars and urgent backbeat will immediately suck you in and if that’s not enough the hook of the chorus will seal the deal. “Perfect Picture” is even more in your face and has a heavier feel. They make the most of every song on the cd. For fans of Nickelback and Creed as well as fans of STP, Alice In Chains, The Cult and Soundgarden.
www.krescent4.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Lane Steinberg,"The Return Of Noel Coward’s Ghost" (Cheft Records)
“The Return Of Noel Cowards Ghost” is full of funky little pop songs sometimes interrupted by skips from vintage radio and television shows. Most of the time I have no idea what the hell he’s singing about but I find myself singing along anyway. It’s fun for fun’s sake. It goes from sixties style sickly sweet pop to Indian music to Beatles inspired nonsense to Bob Dylan on some kind of gospel, folk acid trip and I’m not even halfway through this thing. Let’s just put it this way, you’re guaranteed not to be bored in any way, shape or form when listening to this disc.
www.tansleeve.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

The Stock Market Crash,"Geology" (Indie Release)
Think the Strokes with a little more of a darker moody pop slant. These guys are from Oklahoma and I’m sure they’re more than a little tired of the “I would have never guessed” comments. What exactly are you required to sound like if your from Oklahoma anyway? They have the same radio, television and all that don’t they? Anyhow, I hear a bit of Bowie and The Cure in the mix as well. There’s some pretty catchy stuff here. It’s definitely worth checking out.
www.tsmcmusic.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Sophie Barker,"Earthbound" (Indie Release)
Sophie Barker has a voice that will immediately put you at ease. It has a very soothing and intimate feel and the stripped down instrumentation of all eight tracks on “Earthbound” only magnifies the fact even more. After visiting her website and reading up a bit on Miss Barker it seems that there’s a lot more to be found here than one would find from someone like, say, Jewel. Let’s just say the well goes a whole lot deeper here and Miss Barker doesn’t feel the need to tell everyone how good the water tastes.
www.sophiebarker.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Kevin Delaney,"Himalayan Moon" (Indie Release)
Kevin Delaney reminds me of Jackson Browne during his “Running On Empty” heyday. The twelve songs that make up “Himalayan Moon” are of the same variety as the soulful pop that Browne was such a master at. His vocal style is very similar to Browne’s as well. The lyrics are well written and inspiring. So, what does all this boil down to? Well, I guess I’m trying to say that if you dig Mr. Browne then your going to dig Mr. Delaney.
www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevindelaney
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

The Churchills,"The Odds Of Winning" (Near Records)
These guys are everywhere. Their songs have been featured on Scrubs, The Sopranos, The Division, Everwood, E.R., Summerland, Porn ‘n Chicken and Spin City. I really like the smart pop savvy of “I’m A Sucker For A Girl In Uniform” with its garage / Nirvana guitars. The Churchills draw heavily from such melodic power-pop influences as Cheap Trick, Fountains Of Wayne and the Beatles.

In a nutshell, it’s super-smooth to the point of being a bit overproduced, modern power pop for the masses.
www.thechurchills.net
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Women In Docs,"Under A Different Sky" (Baria Records)
This female Australian duo with a knack for writing and performing catchy folk pop songs that you find yourself humming for days and days. I still can’t seem to get the chorus of “Crown St.” out of my head. “Noise Pollution” is one of the best power pop songs I’ve heard in quite a while. This cd will grow on you more and more with every listen. Eleven down to earth songs about love, love lost, opportunities missed, family and being o’kay with who you are. Another standout track on the cd is “Dear James”.
www.womenindocs.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Los Lobos,"Wolf Tracks: The Best of Los Lobos" (Rhino)
I've got to admit that when Los Lobos first garnered attention in the 1980's, I kind of dismissed Los Lobos as "critic's pets". As the "established" music critics are usually wrong, I made it a habit of using their glowing praise as a warning detector of what to avoid.

However in hindsight, this is one time the critic intelligentsia were right on target. Los Lobos' Hispanic take on music has aged very well over the years and is truly a treat for the ears! Whether it is their take on "oldies", traditional Latino, or their originals - Los Lobos rocks! Of course there are the obligatory covers of Ritchie Valens' songs ("Come On, Let's Go" and of course "La Bamba").

This is exactly what a "best of" album should be - an instant classic for a unique and interesting group.
www.rhino.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

The Broadcast Debut,"A Means for Social Commentary" (Indie Release)
While "A Means for Social Commentary" only contains 5 songs, it gives a great overview of The Broadcast Debut. Their sound hints at their influences without wearing them on their sleeves. The Broadcast Debut have the sonic texture of Travis mixed with Pink Floyd and Supertramp. Theirs is a case of influences "helping" a band's sound, NOT directing and controlling it, as The Broadcast Debut has their own unique sound. On the few piano dominant songs, they sound like a Ben Folds Five that actually rocks! My favorite moment of the disc is the introductory piano/vocal harmonies on "Pen & Ink" - elegantly moody and eventually leading the song to build up to a rock tempo.

And special kudos for having the balls to include a song with the band name in the title! Now, give me a full-length album, you've raised my expectations.
www.broadcastdebut.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Scott H. Platt

World Party,"Dumbing Up" (Seaview Records)
While once showing promise, in a retro-rock sort of way, World Party is now just a retro parody of their former glory. Only "Another Thousand Years" even hints at their former talent, even though it borrows heavily on the "how does it feel to be one of the beautiful people" line of "Baby You're a Rich Man". If you want to hear World Party in their prime, pick up GOODBYE JUMBO instead.
www.worldparty.net
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Various Artists,"From U.S. to I" (Ballbearings Pinatas)
This is a 16 track compilation cd from the Ballbearings Pinatas label that includes songs by Ariel Pink, Spencer Owen, Beyondo, R.Stevie Moore, John Wood, Calibungai Sgts, Jonathan Marmor, Fireworks, John Acquadro, Devin McNulty, Jeff Eliassen, Cody Brown, Chris Xiques, and Ing. Most all of the songs featured here feature a piano or synthesizer of some kind, have a somewhat cheesy feel and are based in pop. “The Coils” by Chris Xiques, “The Warning, Despite Meredith” by Spencer Owen and “My Molly” by Ariel Pink being the only exceptions. These songs have a haunting groove based sound that brings to mind bands like Love & Rockets or the Tourists.
www.ballbearingspinatas.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti,"Lover Boy" (Ballbearings Pinatas)
Ariel Pink plays underground pop that he records on an eight track at home. “Lover Boy” contains nineteen of these tracks. They have a club / dance / rave feel with a twisted mix that falls about halfway between Syd Barrett and the Pet Shop Boys. At times he sounds like Beck fronting the B-52’s. Pretty damn impressive for a one man band deal. My favorite track is the instant sing-a-long classic “She’s My Girl”.
www.ballbearingspinatas.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Crashbox,"Crashbox" (Core Records)
Crashbox is a cut above most indie rock acts. Their songs are catchy, inspired and entertaining. A lot of the songs are like updated Elvis Costello stylings, such as "Radio" (which almost sounds like a rewrite of "Radio Radio"). In fact "Radio" is screaming out for "hit"! These guys are definetely on to something.
www.crashboxnyc.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Scott H. Platt

Model One,"Rooms EP" (Indie Release)
What happens when you mix U2 with the Goo Goo Dolls? You get Model One. While they have decent songs and can play, they are totally unoriginal. Why "model" yourselves so closely to established artists? You'll get more attention if you stand out from the assembly line mode.
www.modelonemusic.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

The Itch,"The Courage To Be Hated" (Wee Rock Records)
D. Boon would have loved these guys. They remind me of everything I personally loved about the Minutemen. Eighteen slices of fast, in your face, punk / jazz outburst with fun and somewhat provocative lyrics. The songs are short and sweet, never boring or repetitive and they stick with you like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. This is a keeper and I think I’ll file it next to the Minutemen just as a reference and to give Boon some worthy company. Very highly recommended.
www.weerockrecords.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Spencer Owen,"E.T.R. (Electric 3rd R-Word)" (Ballbearings Pinatas)
Trippy, mellow pop songs recorded in Owen’s apartment over a three month period in the fall of 2005. The combination of a cheesy organ synthesizer and a melodica gives these songs an almost dreamlike quality at times. As far as influences go I would have to guess that there’s a bit of McCartney, Moby, Elvis Costello and maybe a little Pink Floyd as well. If these are not his influences they’re what I hear when I listen to him for whatever that may be worth. For fans of mellow pop songs.
www.ballbearingspinatas.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

John Sonntag,"Chasing Stars" (Thunder Pumpkin Records)
This has the vibe of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album. Although the lyrics might not be as filled with startling imagery and clever wordplay it does stand well on its own. At times songs like “Waitin On Time”, “One Whole Day”, “Full Moon In Her Eyes” and “Buster In The Back Yard” will make you think your listening to Simon himself. This is well crafted pop songs about normal people in their normal everyday lives.
www.johnsonntag.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Bill Bryant,"Drawn From Memory" (Indie Release)
If its hard to describe Bill Bryant, its because he wears many musical hats on "Drawn From Memory". Bryant gives you folk, country, rock, jazz and blues - but with his warm, soothing vocals he ties this disc into a coherent whole. Just listen to the chord changes/melody on "Only Man On Earth" - you would swear it was an old, familiar hit. When a song sounds that familiar, you've got a winner. I just wish I knew how to describe his music with one genre catchphrase - you really cant. What matters is that it is GOOD.
www.billbryantmusic.com
Rating:
and 3/4
Review by Scott H. Platt

Ben Vaughn,"Ben Vaughn Presents Designs In Music" (Soundstage 15 Records)
This is like some ultra-cool sixties soundtrack to a good time. Most everyone will remember Vaughn from his days with the Ben Vaughn Combo during the eighties. If that doesn’t ring any bells then maybe the theme song from the hit TV show “Third Rock From The Sun” will. Vaughn was responsible for the incredibly catchy theme song as well as scoring music for “That 70’s Show”. The instrumentals that make up “Designs In Music” offer up more musical colors than a box of Crayolas. You know, the big boxes with the built in sharpener. If your looking for something a little different for you collection then look no further.
www.soundstage15.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Gillis,"If It Wasn’t For Gravity (EP)" (Indie Release)
Born in Ohio, grew up in Kentucky, moved to Nashville, wound up in a band, got a major label deal, toured the States, quit the band, moved to Louisville, started a band, started another band, toured the States again, gave up on chasing commercial success, wrote some songs about some women that messed him up, wrote some more songs, made this EP. That should get you up to date for the most part except for maybe listening to the EP, which is quite good by the way. He plays all the instruments himself. For fans of Dave Matthews and/or John Mayer.
www.thisisgillis.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

The Hawk,"Tied With Tiny Strings" (Indie Release)
This is a bit trippy and a little quirky and at times it makes you feel like your trapped in some sort of musical number from an obscure late sixties / early seventies artsy movie. Don’t get me wrong, the band is dead on, the songs are tight, the lyrics are good but for some reason I just can’t seem to get into it. I think it’s too much of a production for my simple tastes but that’s just me. “Tied With Tiny Strings” is a mix of alt-country, rock, soul and who knows what else. Do me a favor and check them out for yourself. This one’s too hard for me to call.
www.thehawklovesyou.com
Rating:

Review by J.R. Oliver

Kris Miller,"Alive and Well" (Indie Release)
While I admire Kris Miller's interjection of spiritual themes into her songs, "Alive and Well" is marred by one simply fact: she can't sing, pure and simple. Miller's voice often strays off-key, and it painfully distracts from what sounds like a competent backup band.

However, there is a curiosity factor - if you have ever wondered what Yoko Ono would sound like singing Christian-rock, give this a listen.
www.krismillermusic.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Chris Bryan,"The Sum Of My Habits" (KM)
Bryan has worked hard on these ten singer / songwriter style songs and it seems to have paid off. They are in much the same style as songs by artists such as John Mayer, Dave Matthews and David Gray. Bryan has the uncanny gift of being able to paint a detailed picture with his lyrics and it’s completely evident on songs like “Learning To Fly”, “Thousand Times Goodbye”, “Language Of Hands”, “Gotta Get Thru This” and “Seasons”. Well worth a listen.
www.chrisbryanmusic.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

The Trust,"The Trust" (Indie Release)
The Trust is a trio made up of one Jon Beazlie on his amazingly funky guitar, one Joe Wheeler bringing the equally funky bottom end and one Jeremy Smith laying down a huge fatback beat on the drums. If the Counting Crows and Mothers Finest had a baby they would name it The Trust. I really found Beazlie’s guitar work enjoyable. He has a real funky vibe but he can channel Stevie Ray Vaughn as well as Slowhand himself at times. My favorite tracks are “All The Same”, “Telemarketing Song” and the down and dirty blues of “Mid City Life”.
www.thetrustmusic.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Stutter,"Stutter" (Thunderbox Records)
This is a Heinz 57 blend of premium pop and new wave bands like The Go-Gos, The Cars, Devo, The Bangles, Toni Basil, The B-52’s… Well, you get the point. This is definitely a band custom made for the video world we live in. There’s even a bonus video on the cd of their song “Twenty One” that further proves they’re a very worthy video band. Dressed in nothing but black, white and red kind of like an eighties new wave version of the White Stripes. Stutter is made up of two very attractive women and three guys who, for some reason, I can’t remember what they look like. Anyway, let’s just say you get a healthy dose of eye candy as well as ear candy from this band.
www.stuttermusic.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Suit Of Lights,"Suit Of Lights" (Visiting Hours Records)
Hey, this one starts off good. I really like the reggae flavored verses of “Waking Up Is Good” and it really helps to launch the crunchy punk pop choruses. It even has a Beatles style bridge. This may be their debut release but it’s pretty obvious that somebody has paid his dues. Especially in the pop songwriting department. I can hear a lot of the Beatles sprinkled throughout this cd as well as some Elvis Costello, a bit of the Clash and even the Beach Boys. It pays to listen to all kinds of music and that’s what has put these guys a notch above the rest.
www.suitoflights.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Jeffrey Harrison,"Jeffrey Harrison" (Shattered Records)
With a Roger McGuinn-like voice and hot guitar playing, Jeffrey Harrison has the makings of an interesting act. "In the Nude" is my favorite track on this self-titled disc, but not for the reasons you might think. I know it is mean to be serious, but "In The Nude" would have been a perfect Spinal Tap tune! I just burst out laughing when I hear the chorus. While the songs are "average", they aren't quite memorable; the production of the disc could have been a little better. It just doesn't sound properly mixed. I look forward to hearing more from Harrison, as he definitely has potential.
www.jeffreyharrison.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Katrina Parker,"Only Dreaming" (Indie Release)
The six songs "Only Dreaming" sounds like a "piano prodigy" trying to be taken seriously. Too many of the songs sound exactly alike, not only with the same-sounding piano intros, but the same tempo, similar melodies, etc. Sure, Parker has talent - just maybe not in recording. May I suggest perhaps teaching piano lessons? You'll ultimately make more money.

I'll end this review with a question: Does the world really need another Tory Amos clone?
www.katrinaparker.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Jeff Eaton,"Wish You Were Here" (Indie Release)
This is singer / songwriter material with a little more of a mature slant. It isn’t really alt-country but the music has a real roots feel. This is an album about getting your life together and the struggles that go along with it. Seven songs that were created with the sole purpose of connecting with other people working through the same struggles. Eaton has achieved exactly what he set out to do. Do yourself a favor and give him a listen.
www.jeffeaton-music.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Son Of The Soil,"Born Free" (Bright Light Records)
This was probably the most interesting and infectious release in the mailbag this month. These guys are like hit radio sponges. I mean, I hear influences like The Ramones, Cheap Trick, The Police, The Clash, Devo, The Sex Pistols and more throughout the whole disc. This three piece band consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Zafar Amin, bassist Bill Steppe and drummer Greg Riggs. They have a knack for writing songs that are almost immediately familiar to the listener. If you like punk pop you’ll like this.
www.sonofthesoil.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by J.R. Oliver

Carolyn Justice,"Out of the Fast Lane" (Indie Release)
Old-style country delivered in a karaoke style. Unfortunately Carolyn's voice isn't strong enough to make the songs memorable. You feel like you are sitting in a Holiday Inn bar listening to a boring band on a Wednesday night.
www.carolynjusticemusic.com
Rating:

Review by Scott H. Platt

Pharoah,"The Longest Night" (Cruz Del Sur)
Pharaoh is a quartet whose traditional metal stance carries the band across 10-tracks of well-versed, carefully constructed Americanized power metal. Armed with airtight rhythms, slick yet forceful guitar work, and a commanding vocal presence, tracks like “Sunrise” and “In the Violet Fire” displays this band’s penchant for unfurling some of the most glorious metallic firepower smack dab in the middle of the progressive and classic metal templates. Everything from Dio to Kamelot is referenced here, from the cascading melodies found on the galloping “Fighting” to the mid-tempo march that yields to a delectable guitar solo on “Endlessly”. If you thought this type of metal was antiquated, Pharaoh seems up to task to make you rethink those notions, especially as the unleashing of the ultra-harmonic closing instrumental “Never Run” hits you for the first time. Horns up, folks, this one is packed with hair-raising heavy metal triumph through and through.
www.cruzdelsuremusic.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Maegashira,"The Inner Workings of Block Time" (Indie Release)
New Jersey quartet Maegarshira demonstrates its sludgy side on its debut four-track doom and gloom metal frolic. From the oppressively massive opener “Planet Smasher”, this band’s intent to blend The Melvins’ plodding fury, Black Sabbath’s incarnate evil, and Venom cheeky chaos through songs like the disgustingly engaging “When the Sewers are Full the Streets Will Run with Shit” is quite evident. What’s not so apparent is how much carnage that Maegashira’s borrowed Crowbar-esque twin guitar slayings and lumbering melodies left behind by Sleep actually hauls in its wake. Diabolically domineering, THE INNER WORKINGS OF BLOCK TIME goes down as smooth as broken glass caked in mud, furthering its slow churning stoner rock aesthetic.
www.myspace.com/maegashira
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

The Venda,"The Venda" (Indie Release)
Hard to believe that this edgy Queens, NY trio are barely college-aged chaps, as The Venda’s six-track sojourn reveals a much more sophisticated musical influence pool than many of their contemporaries. While the obvious The Police, The Clash, and The Cure references spring up on “The Pale White Light” and “Strike Again”, ‘60s Mod-era rock a la The Who and The Kinks is very much alive and well in this fold, aptly shown on tracks such as “I Am the Gun”. There’s even an underscore of So Cal punk a la NOFX, Lagwagon, and the like juxtaposed with some ‘70s British glam on “The Dive”, making this disc one of the most unlikely surprises to come from the Queens scene in a long time. The Venda’s astonishingly deep musical versatility, which when appearing in most cases is usually misdirected and ultimately detrimental, has been meticulously fine-tuned here, making this eponymous release a tantalizing listening experience.
www.myspace.com/thevenda
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

The Unfolding,"Heroes" (Future Destination)
The Unfolding’s blistering metalcore assault and sermonic approach is a bit jarring at first, but once HEROES is halfway through, this sextet’s mission is clear. Adding synths for ambient nuances over its heavy handed guitar chug and serpentine screams and belligerent bellows, songs like “Way to Go Champ” and “Friends Forever…Dave Thomas Forever” are reminiscent of both Zao and Still Remains, while “Welcome to Stuckyville” blends Every Time I Die’s chaos and As I Lay Dying’s savage stance. The 10-track offering by this Indiana-based outfit has more than ample weaponry in its arsenal to unflinchingly stand alongside the likes of Norma Jean and Stretch Armstrong.
www.fdrecords.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Bleeding Through,"The Truth" (Trustkill)
Orange County, CA misanthropes Bleeding Through come back with another punk metal hybrid on THE TRUTH. This 12 track offering finds the sextet hitting its stride, juxtaposing atmospheric keyboards with snippets of Swedish metal, East Coast beatdown hardcore, and West Coast metalcore, whipping up a furious frenzy tailor made for moshpits. Tracks like the near black metal gallop of “Confession” showcase a vicious side to the band, while “Kill to Believe” combines the outfit’s aggro side with a melodic chorus, providing the perfect middle ground for headbangers and punk rockers. With the keyboards receiving a discernibly increased role and a strong emphasis on songwriting (noticeably on the jaw dropping instrumental title track and the darkly vitriolic “For Love and Failing”), Bleeding Through breaks away from the rest of the Orange County contingent as the melancholic black sheep on THE TRUTH, broadening its horizons and creating a new angst ridden template for other to follow.
www.trustkill.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

The Deviant,"Ravenous Deathworhip" (Candlelight)
Bludgeoning Norwegian clan The Deviant’s nine-track debut is yet another blood-soaked triumph in the realm of extreme metal, as this band’s grim outlook, rapid-fire delivery, and scathing black meets death metal stance are all pristinely presented. An excessive sonic wall of sound is what these metal mavens are best at producing, as tracks like “Genocide” aptly displays unearthly rhythms working in synch with blazing guitars and croaking vocals. The attitude and performance levels are both set to slay, and that metallic buzz often heard on so much of this style’s musical endeavors is at the forefront on RAVENOUS DEATHWORSHIP, giving fans of Dark Funeral, Marduk, and the like yet another band to clamor over.
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Waterdown,"All Riot" (Victory)
Waterdown’s latest offering is an 11-track adrenaline rush from start to finish, as this German sextet return after a three-year hiatus with ALL RIOT. Meshing Refused’s experimental screamo with the new breed of American hardcore’s devastating discord, tracks like “Sleep Well” and “Repeater” rip through the speakers with unbridled fury, while “Chewing on Lies” merges the scream/sing aesthetic without a hitch. Giving obvious props to bands like Grade and Snapcase (especially guitar-wise throughout the disc and who the band go out of their way to posthumously thank), Waterdown’s left of center hardcore approach, tasteful breakdowns (check out “Parasite” for proof), and well measured abrasiveness make ALL RIOT an album that mixes old school sounds and new school thought for one raucous listening experience.
www.victoryrecords.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Xasthur/ Leviathan,"Split CD" (Battle Kommand)
Two of the main perpetrators of the current black metal movement team up for a split CD, as Xasthur and Leviathan share their bleak musical visions here. First up is Xasthur, the one-man band spearheaded by Malefic, whose contributed seven tracks are cold, distant, and bone chilling, except on the cover of Katatonia’s “Palace of Frost”, where the guitars are uncharacteristically pushed up front in the mix to emit a ray of light into the usual black hole of despair Xasthur’s music usually entails. Leviathan, fronted by Wrest, is up next, and his three tracks, clocking in at over 30 minutes, utilizes ambient keyboards way more prominently than Xasthur, allowing songs like “The Remotest Cipher” to exemplify a false sense of comfort over the pummeling death rattle underneath. There’s good reason why these two men are at the top of the black metal movement, and this split succinctly showcases each artist’s strengths in black metal’s darkened realm.
www.battlekommand.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Dryline,"Reach For the Surface" (Zero-Sum)
Texas metalcore troupe Dryline’s 12-track endeavor isn’t original in the least, yet it fervently rocks the hell out of most things out today. Sounding like the hybrid of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, and Haste the Day, this quintet’s passionate penchant for death metal rips on tracks like “Cast For Your Heart” and guitar heroism shines on tracks like “Screaming Because He’s On Fire”. Stellar dynamics also steer the songwriting in the right direction, as this quintet’s solid breakdowns, stop on a dime tempo changes, and twin guitar runs are placed perfectly throughout the entire disc. Add in a Shadows Fall-esque acoustic number “Needless to Say” smack dab in the middle of the chaotic crossfire, and you’ve got one Texas-sized ass kicking album on your hands. Despite the confinements Dryline chooses to follow, REACH FOR THE SURFACE is an explosive album that will keep the moshpit moving.
www.zerosumrecordings.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Dixie Witch,"Smoke and Mirrors" (Small Stone)
The Southern fried stoner rock of Texas trio Dixie Witch packs quite a punch as shown on the band’s 11-track fierce foray. Laden with huge rock hooks that sound as if they came from a 1977 Ted Nugent tour with a plethora of guitar trickery, deep bass grooving, and scathing skin bashing abound, songs like the supercharged “S.O.L.” and the wailing guitar stomp of “What You Want” contain just as much rock shuffle as they do country twang and metallic doom. “Bridges” sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd jamming with Wino while the album’s closer, called “Last Call” appropriately enough, merge all of the band’s eclectic styles into a potent potpourri of psychedelic blues and jam rock brilliance. Laying down the finest stoner rock with a side order of Southern blues, SMOKE AND MIRRORS satisfies the ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughn cravings in addition to picking up where Nebula leaves off.
www.smallstone.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Brunt of it,"Certain Uncertainty" (Brikhaus)
Billing their music as “non-fruity” ska, this kinetic troupe play with NOFX’s virtue and Rancid’s bite, making Brunt of It’s 14-track offering a punk rocker’s wonderland. Heavy guitars, bouncy rhythms, gang choruses galore, and catchy hooks are what come out of this ska/punk/hardcore juggernaut that have as much in common with Reel Big Fish and Sublime as they do Pennywise and Lagwagon. Songs like “All That Money” combine a driving beat, skanking guitar riffs, and an anthemic chorus that all your friends can join in on, while the fast-paced drums on “Lithium Overdose” leads the charge through a jazzy interlude that swings back hard towards the end of the track. With a discernible nod to old school punk rock and a penchant for whipping up punk rock singalongs like “Those Were the Days” and the politically-slanted “Daddy’s Little Boy”, CERTAIN UNCERTAINTY is a fine companion for a drunken night on the town or a raucous house party on the verge of total mania.
www.bruntofit.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Madrepore,"Overblown" (Lukay)
Los Angeles alternative rockers Maderpore (translated from Latin to mean “mother stone”) have a distinct sound running throughout the quartet’s 14-track disc. From the hard rocking exuberance of “Put a Hole Through Me” and “Picture” to the mellower college rock tinge of “The Part of Me You’ve Thrown Away”, this band, comprised from both Mexican and Asian heritage (and who lapse into Spanish rock territory on tracks like “Dejame Ser”), have effortlessly combined sugary hooks and jagged riffs like a blend of Seether and Fenix TX. Showcasing an aggressive edge while retaining arena-shaking refrains and atmospheric rock verses, OVERBLOWN takes snippets of The Clash, The Cure, 10 Years, AFI, and Deftones and makes a captivatingly catchy crossover endeavor that fans of Warped Tour punk and radio-friendly rock alike will undoubtedly agree on.
www.madrepore.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Truckfighters,"Gravity X" (Meteorcity)
Swedish stoner rock troupe Truckfighters kick out the jams something fierce on the quartet’s 13-track, near 70-minute explosively enthralling excursion. Meshing the desert rock wares of Kyuss, the spacey blues nuances of Nebula, the haunting melodies of Queens of the Stone Age, and the bombastic might of Cathedral, Truckfighters entangle the listener into its fuzzed-out world laden with hypnotic grooves on tracks like “Superfunk”, the delightfully titled “Gweedo-Weedo”, and “Momentum”. The inside of the CD suggests achieving GRAVITY X’s maximum enjoyment via avoiding distraction by listening in a comfortable environment while guaranteeing playing the record sans interruption. Throw in a few choice substances and some black light and you’ve got yourself an instant party liable to wake the neighbors and alert the proper officials. Give yourself some time to love this album, and it will love you back tenfold. A must have for stoner rock fans worldwide.
www.meteorcity.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Wolves in the Throne Room,"Diadem of 12 Stars" (Vendlus)
Black metal with a more pronounced than usual ethereal twist, Wolves in the Throne Room pay homage to Mother Nature more than Lucifer on the outfit’s four-track release. This Washington-based trio takes the Northwestern naturalist aesthetic and translates it into the realm of foreboding screams, cacophonous guitars, and lo-fi ambience. Featuring guest vocal appearances by the singers of Hammers of Misfortune and Asunder and produced by The Fucking Champs mainman Tim Green, DIADEM OF 12 STARS transcends the genre’s usual trappings and whips up a masterful blend of symphonic yet diabolical odes perfect for the corpse paint crew and forest dwellers alike.
www.vendlus.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Dio,"Holy Diver Live" (Eagle)
The diminutive Ronnie James Dio is a legend no matter how you slice it (take that, Sharon Osbourne), and this two-disc collection is just another showcase as to why. HOLY DIVER LIVE is just that, plus a handful of Dio’s greatest hits during the years with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his illustrious solo career. But the real treat here is the nine-track live rendition of Dio’s 1983 classic disc, taken from a live gig in London, where audience and band gel into one massive heavy metal monster, cutting through global hits like “Rainbow in the Dark” and “Stand Up and Shout” with the passion and emotion like it was released yesterday. A timeless classic done by a true metal icon, Dio’s legacy is further solidified thanks to this live offering.
www.eaglerockent.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

The Chuck Norris Experiment,"The Chuck Norris Experiment" (Devil Doll)
Emblazoned with a semi-clever name, this Swedish rawk quintet whose names oddly all start with Chuck (how Ramones of them) play straight from the gutter and have seamlessly lifted all of the wares of Hanoi Rocks and The Hellacopters to comprise this 10-track melee. From sleaze rock refrains that light up songs like “Reason for My Bad” and “Caped Crusader” to tell-all titles like “Ugly Motherfucker Looking Just Like You”, The Chuck Norris Experiment remains a vital, vibrant, and virile crew, much like the man from where they take its moniker from. High strung music for the lowest common denominator, this self-titled sojourn is all hand claps, cheap beer, and attitude cranked to the max.
www.devildollrecords.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Ultralord,"We Hate You and Hope You Die" (This Dark Reign)
Don’t look for Ultralord to start endorsing Hallmark anytime soon, as this wickedly scornful quartet and its abrasively anguished eight-track offering is not only fueled by an incensed view of the world, but also some of the finest sludge-ridden metal heard in a long time. Hailing from Ohio and boasting members of Rue, Fistula, and Rune amongst others in its ranks, from the opening din of “Wizard Pimp”, your best bet is to cling on to whatever is near and pray that the maelstrom of metallic might leaves you unscathed. Unfortunately, with songs containing serpentine vocal deliveries and seething rhythms found on the over the top titled “Pussy Witch” and the bombastically hypnotic approaches of the deliberately measured “Negative D” and “Roach Detector”, there’s nary a chance of you ever being the same after playing WE HATE YOU AND HOPE YOU DIE.
www.thisdarkreign.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Katatonia,"The Great Cold Distance" (Peaceville)
On its seventh studio album, Swedish doomsayers Katatonia’s melancholic metal stance is very much intact throughout the 12-track THE GREAT COLD DISTANCE. With an air of sadness and a flare for creating depression-filled metal dirges like “Increase” and “Leaders”, these mope metal veterans meticulously pile on the pain for a maximizing downtrodden feel. And while this darker-edged quintet may not be as ornate as Opeth, as oppressive as November’s Doom or as Gothic as Paradise Lost, but name another act that could convincingly pull off a melodically moody tirade laden with desperation and call it “July”? Juxtaposing the fragility of life and inevitability of death with Tool-esque crescendos (check out “In the White”) and atmospheric rhythms that radiate a cold, bleak vibe (try “The Itch” on for size), this CD should unquestionably be kept away from sharp objects and unstable mindsets.
www.peaceville.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Movies with Heroes,"Nothing Here Is Perfect" (CI)
Movies with Heroes is a PA-based quintet who has risen through the ranks of independent musicianship, finally ascending to the national ranks after a languishing five-year indie run. With a sound that is reminiscent of bands such as Thursday, The Cure, and the innumerable stream of emo bands that you’ve probably at this point grown weary of, this outfit manages to soar beyond the laymen-given emo moniker, injecting staggering amounts of soul into songs like “Nothing”, making these songs heartfelt journeys you’re glad to be a part of rather than predictably whiny soliloquies. Emblazoned with intriguing compositions, an irresistible vocal delivery that lures you in like a stranger with candy, and a musical cohesion that is downright frightening, songs like the contagiously melodic “Warmer” and the shimmering, synth-driven opener “Wake Up”, this is one that fans of everything from Cursive to Coheed and Cambria should wholeheartedly agree on.
www.cirecords.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Hevein,"Sound Over Matter" (Candlelight)
Finnish metal troupe Hevein’s radically mature sound combines the metal attack of bands like Trivium with the ethereal effects of bands like Moonspell, truly whipping up its own hybrid version of today’s top metal band’s output. From the relentless assault of “Bleed the Day” to the blistering Children of Bodom-esque “Break Out the Hammers”, when it boils down to heavy, this band can run with the big dogs. Adding cellos and violins (Apocalyptica’s Max Lilja is a welcomed addition to the fold) only increases the group’s unique smattering of symphonic savagery and complex chaos, making the staccato In Flames-esque outpouring of “Beg to Differ” quite the enriching entity while allowing “Only Human” to relish in an ambient aesthetic that melds the wares of the likes of Opeth. SOUND OVER MATTER is a triumphant debut from a band that sturdily built its foundations from nuances that other bands often utilize, but often fail in ultimately hitting its mark. No flubs or awkwardness here, folks, just a tried and true solid all around effort that fans of all shades of metal should warmly embrace.
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Kingdust,"Full Denim Jacket" (Magadee)
It’s rare that a band encapsulates that evil rock swagger that has fanned the flames of so many rock greats, yet Kingdust is a band that must be placed on that list. Imagine the diabolic hard rock stomp of Danzig crossing over with the mystically tinged wares of The Cult and the volatile rock ‘n roll spirit of Motorhead joining in for one for the road for an idea to what this quartet delivers. Brawny barrages of uncompromising guitars, muscle car engine rhythms, and vocals that capture Satan’s soulful side might as well be trademarked by this act, as they execute these nuances with an abundance of Southern metal’s boogie and mid-‘90s hard rock bite. Making that menacing rock sound that entrances the creatures of the night isn’t easy, but with songs like the stripper on a pole anthem “My Sweet Satan” and the chugging goodness and soaring melody of “Aces & Eights” in its arsenal, Kingdust sure as hell makes it look that way.
www.myspace.com/kingdust
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Buckcherry,"15" (10th Street)
Buckcherry was one of those bands whose timing was less than stellar, as their brand of liquor-swigging, arena shaking rock was introduced a little before the most recent hard rock explosion was underway. Reconvening after vocalist Josh Todd’s solo efforts, the band’s latest disc, the first in four years, takes the decadent rock sound championed by Guns ‘N Roses, The Black Crowes, and pre-corporate Aerosmith and modernizes it for today’s rock fan. While the AC/DC guitar groove and Stones-y swagger of tracks like “So Far” and the profanely worded “Crazy Bitch” attempt to jumpstart the heavy blues-rock revival, it’s songs like the slide guitar infused “Brooklyn” and the shameless power ballad “Sorry” that sticks in your craw long after the drugs and booze have exited your system. Buckcherry is back, hopefully this time with an audience that’s ready for their deliberate rock ‘n roll excesses and shimmy on full blast.
www.10thst.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Ligeia,"Your Ghost is a Gift" (Ferret)
Hailing from Western Massachusetts and proclaiming its album as an emotional rollercoaster, the five-piece outfit Ligeia straddles the line between tough guy hardcore, pensive post-hardcore, and bonecrushing metal on its 11-track debut. Switching between Bury Your Dead breakdowns and Poison the Well signature shifts, songs like “I’m Sorry Your Ugly” and “Wishing Wells” dually showcases moshpit-inducing mayhem and well-measured aggression. Crunchily captured by Unearth’s Ken Susi, Ligeia has found the perfect medium between unsettling hardcore and melodic metalcore on tracks like “Heart Attack”, furthering the notion that there’s definitely something in the Northeastern water supply that produces this brand of versatile yet extremely volatile heavy music.
www.ferretstyle.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Lair of the Minotaur,"The Ultimate Destroyer" (Southern Lord)
Rejoice, heavy metal subjects, as the second installment of Chicago’s finest mythological metal trio has arrived for all to bow to. Lair of the Minotaur returns with a seething vengeance, unfurling an obliterating nine-track offering whose sheer metallic fury is second to none. From the vicious grooves that supercharge tracks like “Horror” to the manic pace of “Lord of Butchery”, to slow churned death gallop of “Engorged with Unborn Gore” to the meticulously diabolic “Cannibal Massacre” (with vocals from Cattle Decapitation’s Trevor Ryan), every track here is brazen with a headbangingly heinous array of thrash, black, death, groove, and classic metal, making THE ULTIMATE DESTROYER the perfect album to unleash the demons from within to. The liner notes denote that this album is dedicated to metal, and no truer words could have been spoken.
www.southernlord.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Bullet for My Valentine,"The Poison" (Ferret)
Already rock darlings in the UK, the Welsh bred Bullet for My Valentine aim to make waves in the US with its debut full length release THE POISON. The 13-track endeavor is laden with twin guitar wailings that share as much in common with Iron Maiden as they do Trivium, and also boast some of the finest dynamic verse-chorus shifts in today’s metal realm. Just check out the contagious “Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow” as proof on just how well this quartet mixes clean vocals with death growls, all while an incessant double bass drumming clinic goes on underneath. While the band loses steam with ballads perfect for 15 year old girls like “All These Things I Hate”, the utter despondence unleashed in tracks like “Her Voice Resides” coupled with the melodic metal meandering found on “Hit the Floor” and “Spit You Out” will appease every nu-metal My Space subscriber in spades.
www.trustkill.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

A Life Once Lost,"Hunter" (Ferret)
Meshuggah plus Lamb of God equals? A Life Once Lost, who once again rises from metal’s underground to bring us HUNTER. This titanic Philadelphia-based troupe’s latest 11-track sojourn, lovingly given the metallic treatment by Scrap 60 Productions, features crushing grooves colliding with pummeling rhythms on brazen tracks such as “A Rush & Seige” and the blistering “Vultures”, which boasts a guest vocal by Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Deliberately bashing riffs that embody machine-like precision and sludge-driven savagery, tracks like “Pain & Panic” will beat you into submission just on the serpentine vocal performance alone. Looking for a clinically brutal release? Look no further than HUNTER, an album whose thrash metal stuck in mud style is the perfect middle ground between Pantera and Zao.
www.ferretstyle.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Nonpoint,"To the Pain" (Bieler Brothers)
Displaying the never say die attitude of true rock warriors, Miami’s Nonpoint have returned with its fourth release, the 14-track TO THE PAIN. Stripping its sound down to the bare essentials and leaning on the heavier side of the fence for this album, this quartet’s angst-ridden nu metal attitude and Latin musical roots are the two most distinguished parts of this disc. The band, who’ve been through its share of music industry nightmares, project all of its aggression on tracks like the title cut, “Bullet With a Name” and “The Wreckoning”, while breaking into some Spanish rock flare on tracks like “Buscandome”, the funky “The Longest Beginning” and the atmospheric instrumental “Rendition”. Much like their buddies in Sevendust, Nonpoint regrouped from the business atrocities, got back on track musically, and put out an album that channels the veritable unit’s unique talents and warranted hostility. If you were disappointed by Ill Nino and bored with POD, Nonpoint is the perfect alternative.
www.nonpoint.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Nachtmystium,"Nachtmystium" (Battle Kommand)
A maelstrom of hatred and loathing is what this reissued six-track disc from 2002 offers, as Nachtmystium’s self-titled diabolic decree is thrust upon your hapless soul. Then functioning as a full-fledged group instead of today’s one-man band output, this collection is slightly more organic than what you’ll hear from today’s version of the group. Eerie wind-tunnel induced distortion, incessantly pounding drums, tortured guttural utterances, rapid-fire guitars, and a savagely raw production are what make this CD not only endearing to the corpse painted contingent, but scary for the rest of the world in general and in turn, a triumphant black metal album through and through.
www.battlekommand.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Place of Skulls,"The Black is Never Far" (Exile on Mainstream)
The latest entry from Place of Skulls demonstrates the trio finding the improbable middle ground between soulful metal and straight-laced doom. THE BLACK IS NEVER FAR is the name of the aforementioned collection, and despite most of the 13-track collection’s dirges and up-tempo numbers alike sprouting message of hope and salvation, Victor Griffin and company musically tend to stay two steps away from total doom metal meltdown, keeping the listener enthralled with superb compositions and intense acoustic guitars on the title cut while thoroughly executing the mighty riffs and glisteningly bluesy jam combo that steers cuts like “Darkest Hour”. Emblazoned with a classic rock feel and laden with hypnotically instrumental firepower, Place of Skulls have merged the ‘70s sunshine rock aesthetic with overbearingly weighty and oppressive guitar and bass tones, allowing widespread appreciation of songs like “Apart from Me” to come from all walks of rock fans digging on Black Label Society, Trouble, Down, and the like. A powerhouse of an album that surpasses all stoner rock in terms of unadulterated and pure musicianship, Place of Skulls has put forth a masterpiece with THE BLACK IS NEVER FAR.
www.southern.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Section 8 Cartel,"Melts in your Brain" (Indie Release)
Melodic metal masters Section 8 Cartel return with a 10-track endeavor that showcases this Queens, NY quartet’s aptitude for laying down some of the most atmospherically heavy music this side of Thrice, Nonpoint, Chevelle, and Deftones. Driving guitar riffs like the ones found on “Same” are commonplace on MELTS IN YOUR BRAIN, as the S8C formula of anguished vocals, air tight rhythms, and chunky guitars shines throughout tracks like “This Life” and the band’s cleverly heavy rendition of Madonna’s “Live to Tell”. Heavy handed hard rock with hooks aplenty, tracks like the palm-muted anthem “Trippin’” and the frenetic “D.catcher” propel Section 8 Cartel to the top of the heap in the NYC rock scene, providing an emotional rollercoaster ride for those ready to rock.
www.section8cartel.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Jack's Cannonball,"Jack's Cannonball" (Indie Release)
Supercharged and sneering is the type of punk rock trio Jack’s Cannonball serves up, complete with Rancid-esque popping bass lines, and spirited gang vocals that leads “I Hate Them” into punk rock bliss. Embracing the rock ‘n roll attitude and wearing its punk rock influence clearly on its sleeve, this French-bred crew’s three-track sampler displays a band bursting with the kind of energy on “Just Not Rock ‘N Roll” that Warped Tour goers and punk rock vets alike can agree on.
www.jackscannonball.com
Rating:

Review by Mike SOS

Mode,"The Deafening Moment of Truth" (Indie Release)
Mode is an Oklahoma trio whose punk meets metal delivery sounds like DRI jamming with Venom, as the crossover vocals found throughout this 10-track endeavor are gleefully off center and fit the chaotic motif that songs like “Stallin’ 4 Time” and “E.O.A.” quite well (not to mention that the drummer is the lead singer, a cumbersome task to say the least). Songs like the point-blank “It’s A Lie” and the rebellious “Anti” embody the group’s anarchistic tendencies, while the upbeat “Pig Stomp” takes pages from Gwar musically while retaining a hard political stance lyrically. These guys are bursting with attitude and brimming over with early hardcore and punk’s revolutionary spirit, a nuance that all but overrides the outfit’s monochromatic minimalist metal approach and gives them the leeway to growl off key, drill bludgeoningly redundant riffs in your head, and ultimately come off way more cheesy than intended.
www.modetheband.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Wicked Wisdom,"Wicked Wisdom" (Suburban Noize)
An all-star album of sorts, Wicked Wisdom pairs the unlikely duo of Fishbone’s drummer with Will Smith’s wife to form a metal band. And while this sounds like a subplot to a VH-1 reality show, the self-titled 10-track affair is in fact a full-fledged metal act, having cut its teeth on last year’s Ozzfest. Taking pages from female aggro bands like Kittie, Otep, and My Ruin, Jada Pinkett Smith holds her own vocally as the nu-metal swirl of tracks like “Forgiven” and “Bleed All Over Me” resonates through the speakers. Getting hard and lacing the tracks with profanity on songs like “Yesterday Don’t Mean” and “Something Inside of Me” seems a bit forced, but the music underneath seethes with unadulterated rage, even when Ms. Smith’s anger isn’t up to snuff. While Wicked Wisdom may be viewed as somewhat of a novelty, it definitely beats out Dogstar and comes close to 30 Seconds to Mars in terms of credible actors playing semi-credible music.
www.suburbannoize.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Bleeding Kansas,"Dead Before Decor" (Abacus)
Burbank, CA crew Bleeding Kansas’s second release the kind of challenging hardcore music that usually emanates from the East Coast, usually under the tutelage of Kurt Ballou, who (surprise!) again produces this act’s 14-track ode to unparalleled aggression. From the opening strains of “Retract the Altitude” to the slow-churned grit of the appropriately titled “Drowning in a Sea of Shit”, this unit showcases an expansive sound that transcends standard hardcore fare and aims for both the head and the gut on such cuts as the spastically-composed “Right By Your Side” and the downtrodden “Feel the Sting From the First Bite” (complete with props to the band Kansas included). Abrasive and caustic, DEAD BEFORE DÉCOR’s grimy misgivings and tumultuous tirades puts post-hardcore, noise-metal, and crusty punk in the crockpot for a stew that the most adventurous of extreme music will wholeheartedly enjoy.
www.abacusrecordings.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

Loudness,"Rockshocks" (Crash)
Japanese rock pioneers Loudness return to American soil with ROCKSHOCKS, an album containing 13 re-recorded tracks from its first five releases and three bonus cuts from the band’s most recent studio endeavor. Thrust upon a rock realm who probably never heard of these guys or guitarist Akira Takasaki’s brilliant virtuoso playing, they face somewhat of an uphill battle. No matter, because this disc manages to cram in all of the band’s greatest hits within the timeframe allotted while updating the band’s ‘80s metal sound with harsher, grittier production values matching today’s musical landscape (and to undoubtedly avoid costly royalty fees as well). Just check out the shredding going down on tracks like “In The Mirror” and “Esper” for a small taste of what these guys can do. If you’re fortunate (or unfortunate, take your pick) enough to know someone that remembers these guys open for Motley Crue in the ‘80s, do yourself a favor and mention this disc and this band to them and see the reaction, then give them this disc and let them bask in their heavy metal glory.
www.crashmusicinc.com
Rating:
and 1/2
Review by Mike SOS

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