Album Review- Bloody Hammers: Under Satan's Sun

Under Satan's Sun is the third album released by Gothic/Stoner/Doom metallers Bloody Hammers and was released on June 10th, 2014. These guys i heard about when i was searching through some of the new metal releases of the month June. I was interested because of the vinyl looking cover noting that these guys could be one of those "retro" bands in the wave of the 70s revival bands popping up today Which i love. These guys are a bit of a different breed than alot of bands such as Orchid or Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats though and this album definitely shows it.

Track Rundown

1.The Town That Dreaded Sundown- Beginning with an eerie sound clip, this song begins with a groove that soaks of Sabbath. I really like how all the instruments sound on this track and for how dirty it sounds. Anders Manga's vocals sound really smooth and have that Southern Gothic  undertone that makes it sound even heavier. I really like where the track speeds up as well to a more head banging tempo. The subtle piano in the back adds just another layer to this great song. one of the best openers of the year and i would love to see this in the remake of the film of the same name.

2.Spearfinger- I really like the riff to this song it is very fuzzy and heavy. It seems like a track that would sound great live as well with a stronger than hell chorus. The bass has a really strong presence as well adding a hell of alot more low end. Devallia has a real cool organ effect sound here as well. another great track.

3.Death Does Us Part- This track is a bit quieter but packs a very dark atmosphere and is almost like a ballad but it isn't. It has a bit of that southern rock tinge to it and is a nice change of pace for the album. It also has a more modern rock kind of sound to it as well with alot of the Doom and Stoner aspects kind of drawn back. The chorus is very good and creepy as well It's not the best but it's interesting to say the least.

4.Moon-Eyed People- This track goes back to that heavy style but i would have like the riff to be a bit slower it feels like they are going a bit too fast on this one. I do like it however it still retains that really heavy fuzzed out guitar that sounds like it is played through an Ampeg bass head. It doesn't necessarily have the charm of the first three tracks but is not bad in the least.

5.Second Coming- The sound clip at the beginning i like (even though i don't know where it's from) but the song has a more psychedelic approach with Anders' bass getting a weird effect put on it. The riff is not amazing to me with this being one of the more weak tracks. The vocals are the strongest aspect as well are the drums with the marching band like approach in some segments.

6.Welcome To The Horror Show- The keys really get to shine more here beginning beautifully leading into an all out gothic rock tune that Peter Steele would surely be proud of. I like the crooning vocals and the pre-chorus is actually really catchy. It's a song that reminds of a graveyard at 3 am with fog rolling over the tombstones. A really dark and uncomfortable yet beautiful atmosphere is accomplished by this song and it still remains a standout i like the solo too. However the solo's on this record seem to be dug back too far to be fully appreciated. Stellar song for any Halloween party.

7.Under Satan's Sun- I like that the bass gets to open this song and the guitar comes in with a cool riff and solo then comes back at second verse and through the chorus. I like songs that structured like this it's more enjoyable to listen to. The chorus is another really strong one that would sound great live. Another standout track for me.

8.Dead Man's Shadow On The Wall- A faster track that retains its heaviness= I like alot. This is probably the most metal song on the record and almost has a Godsmack sound in the guitar structures. The vocals are my favorite part of this song and sound just so heavy and evil. Heaviest track easily on the record.

9.The Last Alarm- This track starts almost sounding like a weird demented 60's psychedelic pop song. They did a bit more experimentation on this track which i wouldn't recommend to the casual listener unless you were looking for that total right turn into a demented forest. It's not bad at all but it is a sound that is alot more bizarre when paired with the other songs on this album.

10.Necromancer- The creepiness at the beginning is very real and then a real heavy riff hits you as if satan's house band was jamming right in your face. They really made this closer count with the stoner metal vibes very present and the guitar riffs just oozing out. Indeed this is a good closer and leaves me wanting more of this gothic horror tinged stoner rock or metal whichever you prefer.

Overall, i give this album about a 7.5 to an 8. It really is an enjoyable record and is similar yet very different from their past two releases with more of a gothic and other experimental tones explored here. These guys to me are like America's answer to Ghost B.C yet pull back the more pop elements. The vocals are the best thing about this record and i give Anders' the unofficial nickname as "The Heavy Metal  Svengoolie". Seriously though check this record out and this band as a whole as this a great release to get you in the mood for October.

Album Review-Accept: Blind Rage

Blind Rage is the 14th studio album released in August 2014 by German speed metal band Accept. This is the third album with new vocalist Mark Tornillo. Before the review, lets rewind a bit. back in around 2009 when i was still a bit of a wee lad to Heavy Metal, I already knew who Accept was because i had seen the video for Balls To The Wall. However, when 2010 rolled around all of a sudden there was a new Accept record entitled Blood Of The Nations. I knew they hadn't released anything in years so i was like huh? i must listen to this. Needless to say, the album ruled and a comeback that good after so long is a hard thing to accomplish. New vocalist Tornillo really proved to be worthy of stepping into Udo's shoes. Then they released Stalingrad which was another home run. i finally got to see these guys on that tour and they really blew me away. Now here we are with the third record entitled Blind Rage and we'll really see if they can keep the charm going.

Track Rundown

1.Stampede- Starting out with the echoing guitars like they are on a mountain, the opening has that just epic feel and BOOM! the band come in just full force. I swear every record gets louder as well. Tornilllo sounds just like he did on the last two records which isn't a bad thing at all. It just means he knows where he fits perfectly. the solo is just full on shredding as well. It is a total trademark Accept opener.

2.Dying Breed- Lyrically, this may be my favorite Accept song. It's about the classic metal scene and they drop tons of references (Denim and Leather, Ace Of Spades, Diamonds and Rust) and i love when any band does that. Its not so much as a speed metal tune but really a fist pumping metal tune especially with the strong chorus. A cool track indeed.

3.Dark Side Of My Heart- The riff feels alot like a Priest kind of kind off one of their 80s albums. Actually this sounds like 80s Accept! it's shocking to hear that they kind of revisited the Restless and Wild era kind of sound. The chorus goes a bit quick at times I love the verses though with everything slowly becoming more amplified. This is a really unique song and sticks out as a high point on this record as well.

4.Fall Of The Empire- This one starts with a slower heavy riff with the weird harmonizing vocals in the back and goes into that quiet guitar and quiet vocal structured verse. Its a more tame tune but still pretty powerful. It really has that german stamp on it with the chorus from Wolf and Pete's backround vocals. Its a good track to sit this far into the album.

5.Trail Of Tears- Another more fast track it just screams speed metal. I love the harmonizing guitars in the rhythm sections and sounds like it could have been on either of the last two records. The drums are very powerful throughout this record as well especially in the double bass parts it really gives that heavy feel. The solo is absolutely fantastic here as well. Fantastic track with an epic chorus.

6.Wanna Be Free-With a nice opening acoustic guitar, this song shows the bit more hard rock side of Accept. It has a really strong chorus to it as well. It is definitely more tame than the past few tracks but its still really good and shows a bit more of Accept capabilities.

7.200 Years-  This song sounds alot like Restless and Wild at the beginning and is another throwback feeling track to their 80s heydays. Its just pure classic heavy metal right in your face with chugging guitars and Marks vocals by this point feel like hes been in this bands for years and years. Another good heavy song.

8.BloodBath Mastermind- Opening up with chorus lade guitars, this song dives right back into that speed metal sound that is Accepts trademark. This sounds like another one they could have easily wrote in their sleep. It almost kind of blends with some of the other tracks on this album.

9.From The Ashes We Rise- Almost sounds a bit ACDC like at the beginning here. It quickly goes into that fist pumping mood with the heavy bass and wolfs harmonic guitar licks. It has a be=it more melodic chorus as well.  It's a good effort nonetheless.

10.The Curse- This opens how alot of the tracks seemed to open, with that quiet less distorted guitar but slowly builds up and crashes into a mood eerily like how "Shadow Soldiers" did in the past. Mark has a cleaner sound to his voice on this track which shows hes not always raspy. I like this track quite a bit the riffs are catchy.

11.Final Journey- Ending this album, this track could be the heaviest on the record. It is definitely mosh worthy and shows what Accept are really about. Just pure speed riffs and thrashy drumming it is amazing how a band this far in their career can still play this good and sound this tight. it really is a good closer to an album worthy of Accepts catalog.

Overall,  i give the album and 8 out of 10. Even though Stalingrad felt a bit more fresh to me, there is no denying the excellence shown here. Accept, like Overkill, are one of the highest flying metal bands as they can release solid material over and over again showing that they arent going away for a long time.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Redeemer Of Souls

Redeemer Of Souls is the 17th studio album by British Heavy Metal band Judas Priest and was released on July 8th 2014. Ok.... FINALLY!!!! looking back from last year i am very grateful to have witnessed a Black Sabbath album in my time and now im happy that i get to witness my first Judas Priest album. Granted, Nostradamus came out in 2008 when i was starting freshman year of high school, however, i was not a music freak as i am now. Ever since i heard the title track i knew i had to have more. Now before i get to the actual review of the musical content, i want to go over the packaging. Now i dont normally do this with alot of albums but this one is just unique to me. When i received my deluxe edition in the mail the day it came out, i was shocked to see that the whole album was made holographic which just made me amped to listen to the album. I like the short paragraph that they wrote about the "Redeemer Of Souls" character like they did with albums Screaming For Vengeance and Defenders Of The Faith (which is my favorite Priest album). I could tell that they really captured that classic 80s vibe with this album even with new guitarist Ritchie Faulkner, i was still excited to see what they could bring to the table. However, since it is my most anticipated release for 2014, does it even hold up to their classic albums or even their most recent releases?

Track Rundown

1. Dragonaut- Starting off with what Guitarist Glenn Tipton describes as a " Fucking Clap of Thunder", The track leads into a cool heavy riff with the whole band firing on all cylinders. When Robs vocals come in singing "Welcome to my world of steel/master of my domain" I cant help but head bang my ass off. the pre chorus and chorus are more than worthy of a Priest opener. Ritchie and Glenn really blend with their tones. Ian Hill is really audible on this album as well which i like it adds more bump to it. Near perfect opener and just makes me go crazy for whats up next.

2. Redeemer Of Souls- The first single off the record, and the one that got me pumped for the album. The pure 80s guitar tone is what makes priest i think and this track has plenty of it and Robs epic vocals make the track even more enjoyable. The chorus is really fist pumping and i even hear faint synthesizers in the song which i feel was a bold move. It is a more simple track but i feel it to be really enjoyable.

3.Halls Of Valhalla- Wow just wow. The epic riffs a just ooze out of this one. i absolutely lose my mind at the beginning when Rob screams "VALHALLLLAAAAAA!!!!" and it kicks into a solo. I believe Ritchie solos here and i think its good i cant tell the solos apart because he meshes so well with a band this far into their career. The chorus is really strong as well and anyone that says Rob cant scream anymore. He does it all through this track and the scream before the main solo is just so amazing. This is like the new Sentinel and my favorite track on the album.

4.Sword of Damocles- An equally epic track, this one has more of a prog feel with it and even i think has a tinge of sad wings era Priest to it. I really think this would work as a live track and Scott Travis' drumming really shines here as well. Another home run for me. Robs lyrical content here is nothing short of an epic feel to them. Pure traditional heavy metal here.

5.March Of The Damned- The new Metal Gods. This song is. Like Redeemer Of Souls, a more simple Priest song but nothing short of being Badass. Rob does peel back a bit here but i think it works for this kind of track. It even has the loud marching sounds like Metal Gods did and even though this song is a bit more of a rip off than original, i still find it enjoyable and fits into what Priest was going for with this album.

6.Down In Flames- this track has a bit more of that "pop" flavor from Priest and honestly without changing anything, i would throw this on Defenders along with songs like Rock Hard, Ride Free and JawBreaker. I find the chorus really infectious too this one is definitely one of my favorites.

7.Hell & Back- This song starts with the first acoustic guitars we hear on the album but quickly turns into another 80s sounding Priest track. I think they really captured their British Steel-Turbo era brilliantly on this record. This is a more mid paced song and not one of my favorites but its still pretty good.

8.Cold Blooded- This sounds like a song that could be on Turbo (an album that i actually didn't mind) or even an album like British Steel with the end being heavy but not too heavy. This song has a more ballad tone to it but its a nice change up but keeps it consistent with some nice riffs and a pretty good solo.

9.Metalizer- Now stepping into Painkiller-esque territory, this song is really reminiscent with Metal Meltdown off that album in which rob sings in a robotic way during the chorus. I really like is kind of laid back scream in the mix in the beginning. It s a pretty good track definitely the most thrashiest so far.

10.Crossfire- This track is very unique as it centers around the blues with more groovy riffs than heaavy riffing. Its another one of my favorites and the beginning reminds me of the intro riff to Black Sabbaths I off of Dehumanizer. It even sounds like it has a Hendrix feel to it. Robs vocals are awesome too and its cool to hear him sing to a more bluesy hard rock song ever since Rocka Rolla came out. I feel they were channeling that album more here. Definitely a stand out track.

11.Secrets of the Dead- I like how this one opens with the echoing guitars it really sets the mood. This one harkens a bit back with Halls of Valhalla with more epic riffs on it however its got more chugging going on than a full blast metal song. It reminds me of something off of Ram It Down like a Blood Red Skies kind of song with less synths laid over it. It's still pretty good. there are some interesting guitar synthesizers over the solo which i thing adds another layer of character to this track.


12.Battle Cry- While its still a good song, It sounds like the most traditional priest song you can get which is never a bad thing. I really like, the intro to this song and it fits the mood very perfectly and the fast riffing is really catchy and the chorus is actually quite strong with Robs vocals escalating to a steady wail at the end. This song would work very well live and is just an anthemic tune for hard rock and heavy metal fans.

13.Beginning of the End- This is a very 70s Priest sounding acoustic song at least to me. It really ends the album on a really beautiful yet very depressing note. Rob voice still is just as powerful as ever especially during the chorus. Its also possibly a telling of the future of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. well...lets hope not.

Normally, i would end here, but im going to include the bonus tracks. why? cause i can!

Bonus Tracks

1.SnakeBite- Right away, this track just sounds like pure 80s Judas Priest. I could throw this on Screaming For Vengeance and couldnt tell that it was from an album 30 years later. I would throw this on the original record because its one of my favorite songs in both discs. I even like the backround vocals which reminds me of Devils Child alot. Also, i shouldve mentioned this before but i can hardly tell that KK is missing even though Ritchie has a more somber guitar tone in his solos he still works very well.

2. Tears Of Blood- Another song you could throw on one their old records and it reminds me alot of the Sentinel again but also with a style all its own. Another pure classic sounding Priest track.

3.Creatures-I like the riff here but it is a bit less developed than their other tracks. it sounds more like a jam they were working on. Its not bad but but again its not the greatest.

4.Bring It On- This starts out really fist pumping and with a pretty good riff and sounds like a more radio friendly song off Defenders which i could do with. I feel alot of Defenders Of The Faith on alot of the songs on these to discs which is a very good thing for me at least

5.Never Forget- This song reminds me alot of a more rare Priest song which is Last Rose Of Summer off of Sin After Sin (Check out that review) and its another beautiful song that i really admire to end both discs. The guitars sound really beautiful here too.

Overall, I give this album a 9.5 of a 10. Hands down this record is my top of the year. Alot of people will probably give me shit about giving not alot of "negative" comments here but listen i review things i either really like or dont understand why people like it. This album just shows Priest going over their whole discography and writing songs from each era. sure they didnt rewrite anything in Metal but they dont need to since they have multiple times. Im also happy they didnt just stick to the Painkiller sound there is much more to them. id even put this in my top 5 Priest albums as well. However, i do think hands down this is their best release since Painkiller and i may not get to see them this year (damn venues 21 and up) but i will bask in this fresh slab of classic heavy metal over and over again.

new logo update:

Album Review- Tesla: Simplicity

Simplicity is the 7th studio album by Hard Rock band Telsa released in June of 2014. I remember seeing these guys open for the Scorpions back on their Final Sting tour in Chicago. Before that i didn't know much of them besides Eddie Trunk talking about them occasionally. Well they blew my doors off coming from the mid 80s these guys walk the walk than every other band from that hair scene. these guys shouldve toured with ACDC not Poison with such a great no thrills down to earth sound. This is the first brand new album i have gotten to pick up so lets dive right into it.

Track Rundown

1.MP3- A great hard rocking opener about getting back to basics with music( i agree completely). The intro is pretty great and gets you pumped for the rest of the album. i like how just balls out the riff is here as well its a real jam.

2.Ricochet- it starts out with this great acoustic intro with a solo in front of it as well going into another solid guitar riff. I really like Frank Hannon as a guitar player and is extremely underrated. I like how Jeff sings the chorus too and that line (Like uncle Ted said...Its a Free For All!) gets me going everytime i hear it. another homerun for me.

3.Rise And Fall- Opening with a groovy bass line and Jeffs dirty raspy voice really make this a nice foot tapper. The chorus is pretty good here as well. It s a more a mellow rocker but by no means a bad one.

4.So Divine...- This is the first single i heard of the album and really reminds me of something off of Mechanical Resonance it would fit really well there. Its one of my favorites off the album actually and the build up to the chorus is just amazing and the chorus makes you just want to sing along to it. this definitely makes for a good song to play live.

5.Crossfire- This song has a kind of country feel to it and even the piano gives it kind of a Skynyrd and Black Crows feel to it. This is a good track and an interesting change of pace not one of my favorites but its not bad.

6.Honestly-Starting out with another nice acoustic guitar this song is more of a total ballad and its not terrible but almost every album has to have a ballad like track right?

7.Flip Side!- THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT! I adore the riffs in this song and its got such a dirty groove with the acoustic guitars in it and again Jeffs voice works best with this kind of stuff. The chorus is another one of those extremely catchy ones that get stuck in your head.

8.Other Than Me- This is another softer song but like i said these guys do it very well it s a nice driving song i think. The chorus is just really good as well i cant say anything other than its really freaking good.

9.Break Of Dawn- That freaking riff. They really just went for their inner headbanging selves for this one and its probably the dirtiest song on the album probably my favorite as well. Its really catchy and melodic at parts but also leads just right back into that awesome riff. Definitely a classic.

10.Burnout To Fade- The acoustics are a bit different here they sound more like they have a modern rock
sound to them. It s a nice song and im surprised they went with another softer acoustically driven song but i expect this from the guys who made the five man acoustical jam album.

11.Life Is A River- Another acoustically driven song but i like this more than the previous cause the piano added makes for a better atmosphere. Jeffs voice actually sounds cleaned up here as well which is impressive as well so its a pretty good song to me.

12.Sympathy- The bass in the beginning gets me pumped up for this song  and it really explodes into another dirty rock n roll song and actually is a refreshing track from the previous two.

13.Time Bomb- The guitars are really loud on this track (maybe its my stereo but they are REALLY pronounced here) a pure jack daniels drinking head banging track the bridge is a bit weak but nonetheless this is a great track.

14.'Til That Day- The drums started out softly with another nice yet slightly different sounding acoustic drive. Jeffs voice with an echoish reverb really gives this track a nice atmosphere and ends this great album on a positive note.

Overall, i give this album a solid 8.5 out of 10. Being my first new Tesla album, i was really impressed how these guys could balance out soft with hard rock and it keeps you entranced in the album til the end. its one of their best albums personally and it will be listened to again in my collection.

DVD Review: Rob Zombie- The Zombie Horror Picture Show

Rob Zombies first official concert film is finally out. Released on May 19th, "The Zombie Horror Picture Show" was released in 2014 and honestly it is a long time coming. for years fans have waited for the shock rocker to release a show since it is one that you have to see to believe. Now my review on this will be unlike my album reviews where instead of doing a track rundown, i will just do an overall on my experience on it. Now onto my review!

This show was filmed on the Mayhem Festival tour last year (got to meet John 5 on the Chicago date) in texas while Rob was promoting his new album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor which i feel is his best yet (ill get to that one day).so this was a real treat for me. The opening of this show is just epic and i give Rob props for the more bootleg shots he gets here. If youre expecting an iron maiden shotlike show here you are in the wrong place. The song choices are really good as well with some of my favorites including Teenage Nosferatu Pussy and House of 1000 Corpses among others. The crowd really knows how to party as well haha and are just as interesting to watch as the band (; lol and I think rob did an outstanding job here catching his amazing theatrics as well as a really tight sound from his whole band. actually Robs vocals couldve been a bit louder at some parts so this one gets a solid 9.5 for me and it will definitely be rewatched again and again.

EP Review- Electric Revolution: Electric Revolution

Electric Revolution is the self titled EP by the Wisconsin Hard Rock band Electric Revolution and was released in February 2014. Now this review is something interesting because one of the band members (you know who you are!) actually asked me to review this piece and i couldn't turn it down because 1. im a nice guy and 2. these guys rock. However, lets see what really sparks on this EP.

Track Rundown

1.Helpless- The Diamond Head song? Haha no but what a great opener! The slide guitar is really groovy and i love the distortion its that perfect 70s tone with the wah pedal added for effect. The thing i really like about power trios is how full they can keep their sound and the bass here does a wonderful job and is very audible but not too much(just how i like it). The vocals remind me of Biff Byford from Saxon a little bit even a bit of Dio as well i really like it.

2.The Love I Have- The intro i really like here and not to mention wow the bluesy rockabilly riffing is pretty awesome and i even hear a bit of Robert Plant in the vocals. The drums are really infectious here as well. very Zeppelin inspired track.

3.A slower track that reminds me of something Rainbow might have released and the vocals are really strong here too. Pretty good track nothing mind blowing but its still got that groove that these guys seem to have down to a science. The solo kicks alot of ass though.

4.I'm Just Like You- Now i hear some UFO influences these guy tap into so many different bands which is really cool. The chorus sounds pretty infectious here as well.

5.Brand New Day- It might just be me but i hear some southern rock in this track i like it its oozing 70s rock n roll.

6.Gonna Make You Sweat- I like the riffing here alot and the drums are very jazzy feeling as well. I keep going back to a Saxon like voice and now i get a very Van Halen feeling here as well a pretty good closer to a good EP.

Overall, i give this ep an 8 out of 10. I find a piece like this one unique by todays standards because noone plays like this anymore and im glad to see a band like Electric Revolution pumping out some 70s blues rock.


Check em out at http://electricrevolution1.bandcamp.com/

Tribute Album Review: Ronnie James Dio: This Is Your Life

This Is Your Life is a tribute album dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and was released on April first 2014. Now what first caught my eye when i heard this album was going to be released was the artwork. Damn is it epic with every musician on here being represented as a warrior it surely got me excited how good this album would sound. Now its gonna be exausting to say every artist on here but all the classic 80s metal legends are here such as Anthrax, Scorpions Doro and Metallica with relatively newer ones like Halestorm and Corey Taylor having almost all of Stone Sour behind him. Now lets dig into this album

Track Rundown

1.Anthrax-Neon Knights: Upon hearing this i was blown away by how close Joeys voice sounds to Ronnies. The production is rock solid as well the guitar solo is absolutely awesome. awesome track to open the album

2.Tenacious D-The Last In Line: Tenacious D has never sounded as serious as they do on this track and that shows that they really care. The flute solo was interesting to put in and compliments the song very nicely.

3.Adrenaline Mob-The Mob Rules: I swear these guys sound EXACTLY like Sabbath like they got it down to a point an older cover but nevertheless its amazing and certainly does the song justice.

4.Corey Taylor, Jason Christopher, Christian Martucci, Roy Mayorga, Satchel-Rainbow In the Dark: Corey Taylor i will give credit to because im not the biggest Slipknot or Stone Sour fans out there but his voice suits the song nicely sure its nowhere near Dios epic vocals pipes but its a fitting tribute. Satchel from Steel Panther makes an appearance for the solo but it kind of lacks at the end a bit. still a good cover

5.Halestorm-Straight Through the Heart: This is my least favorite track on the album because well it just seems too subtle even for Halestorm who make some wild covers this one should have been one of them.

6.Motorhead with Biff Byford-Starstruck:  This is just good old dirty rock n roll alright. i like biffs(vocalist of Saxon) voice because hes like Dios counterpart in a way his voice is just a bit more dirty i like this cover alot and its awesome to hear Lemmy in good condition here.

7.Scorpions-The Temple Of the King: With the Scorps being legends themselves, they managed to take this epic classic and make it sound their own. Another killer track.

8.Doro-Egypt(the Chains are On): The queen of metal did a very good cover of this classic off the Last In Line LP. Her voice fits it and even gave it a big stadium feel.

9.Killswitch Engage-Holy Diver: This cover has been shoved down my throat ever since it came out. Its an OK cover it really sticks out like a sore thumb here among all the other bands here.

10.Glenn Hughes, Craig Goldy, Rudy Sarzo, Scott Warren, Simon Wright-Catch The Rainbow: Another fantasic cover Glenn really shines in this Dio all star band and it has much emotion just as the original did in 1975.

11. Oni Logan, Jimmy Bain, Rowan Robertson, Brian Tichy-I: This is a pretty good cover of a quite underrated song i had never heard of Oni Logan before this so he impressed me alot for a first time listen.

12.Rob Halford, Doug Aldrich, Vinnie Appice, Jeff Pilson, Scott Warren-The Man on the Silver Mountain: This cover is good instrumental wise but Halford really holds back most of the time it took a few listens to get used to it but its ok not mind blowing but ok.

13.Metallica-Ronnie Rising Medley: This cover features the songs A Light in the Black, Tarot Woman, Stargazer and Kill the King. well let me just say this: THIS IS FREAKING EPIC! as a fan of all things Metallica has done, this cover is surely a highlight of the year and is an amazing tribute to Ronnie. the shift from stargazer to kill the king just makes me go crazy everytime.

14.Dio- This is Your Life: Well a song by the man himself is a more than perfect way to end this album. it almost makes you cry how it emotional the song is with just his amazing voice and a piano nothing else.

Overall, this album gets a 9 out of 10. for a tribute album, this surely is a rare site to see one that gets so much attention and it has reasons. a collection of amazing tributes with a few that couldve been executed a bit better, this is a fitting way to send off our man on the silver mountain rest in peace Ronnie \m/

Album Review- Dan Burnette: Before We Began III

This is the 3rd album in my friend Dan Burnettes Before We Began series and was released independently in 2013. Now some may wonder why am i reviewing something that is so far under the radar. Me and Dan are both musicians who collaborate with each other frequently. Recently, i released my four song Country Western/ Blues ep simply titled  JS a few weeks ago. For my birthday he has decided to review it so i thought i would review one of his as well. I chose this one because ive listened to it more thoroughly. Now lest get into the review

Track Rundown

1.Dick Chaney Hates Ghosts- Starting with some folky sounding riffs and i know the lyrics may seem pretty obscure but its an inside joke of a song basically about something i said my sophomore year of highschool. But anyway, this song was improvised mainly if you were in my shoes you would understand the concept about it more. Really obscure opener but like i said, you have to know more to get it.

2.Kraut-stjil -This is a pretty cool instrumental it sounds like something from any strange art film it really reminds me of Nosferatu for some reason it has some kind of eeriness to it. Some cool piano runs that go on and on that actually make for an interesting listen.

3.(farewell to) My Delicate, Lovely Woman-I like the chords played on this song and it has more of a serious approach to it dealing with more personal themes about my friends personal life. Its the first song that really a more broad audience could listen to and would be an interesting live track. I like the fade out too.

4.(Everyday) I've Learned to Pray- I also like this song and that it touches more personal feelings and with more matured lyrics. Chords are again folky sounding as well.

5.Fly Towards The Wall-the fade in is really peaceful on this track and so are the guitars. there are some really cool backround echos i really like it shows the progression from his earlier work. The end is amazing in my opinion just the spacey feel gives off a really cool vibe.

6.Falling Into You- this kind of reminds me of something like bob dylan would write it is really well put together its a nice track.

7.J-Note Theory- I like this track which has a deep feeling. The lyrics are very nice with the calm sounding chords another mature and good solid sounding song.

8.Greatest Hits(Best Shots)-Very spanish sounding at the beginning with the sitar sounding guitar and goes into a more experimental phase which is what he is more into. the lyrics are more spoken than sang here as well with many different tempo changes gives a good atmosphere.

9.Laced/lapsed/lost-The very echoish beginning is awesome i really like it sounds like a helicopter flying overhead and is kind of droning sounding which segways nicely into some pleasnat acoustics. It really sounds like hes playing in a big abandoned warehouse i like it.

10.ça-My favorite track because of the story. Most wont get it unless they were told it. It basically goes about a kid that took over my spot in one of my old bands and he bragged to me constantly how they won some contest. It just makes me laugh everyone i hear it but thats my personal opinion again most wont get it unless they know the whole story.

11.Shock-I like that my friend gets a really 12 string sound here even though hes using a standard 6 string but the effect is quite beautiful. The in and out vocals are cool too sounds kind repetitive at parts but still pretty original.

12.Ravage The Village-Some elctric guitar but again a tad repetitive but i think he was going for a more kind of feel like that with this song.

13.The Spanish Man from the Banter-Pleasant acoustics again the beginning kinf of reminds me of acdcs overdose with the pause. The vocals really shine here to me with the effects layered over them.

14.Acronymous- the wah wah guitar i really like and is unexpected at this point to have something like that in the album. this, however is another more experimental track that might not appeal to everyone.

15.He Who is Supreme- I like the single string progressions at the beginning reminds of something around a campfire.  The whole track does actually its a nice calm instrumental and even though i dont smoke weed sounds like something someone would smoke to its that calming.

16.State of Fair-Sounds like something i would write in fact and is another"deeper feeling" feeling tracks within the lyrical content i like it.

17.This Must Be It?-My favorite track it just has a more dark tone to me than everything else. It seems so serious as well and is a great dramatic closer to me as well.

Overall, I give this album on scale as an independent release a 8ish out of 10. My friend Dan really matured with this piece and wrote some solid tracks on here that would sound good at a live show which he has played two and honestly some time in the future i would like us to do a double bill kind of thing since he taught me more about other scopes of music. Its up for a free download at http://www.last.fm/music/Dan+Burnette/Before+we+Began+III and if your feeling a bit more adventurous, check out his other pieces as well.

Album Review- Toxic Holocaust: Chemistry Of Conciousness

Chemistry Of Conciousness is 5th album by blackened thrash metal band Toxic Holocaust and was released in 2013.I have been a big fan of this band since they dropped An Overdose Of Death in 2008. Even though each album is basically the same speed metal album after another, however they are consistent. This album i find is really unique to their discography and shows the band getting more broad even if its not that much. Now, onto the review.

Track Rundown

1.Awaken The Serpent- As every Toxic album this one starts out with a bang and to see that it is now a full band on the record and not just Joel Grind recording all the instruments even though he did it very well on the first few records. This song has a really fuzzy punk feel to it which i really like.

2.Silence- this song is full on thrash metal and even features an awesome guitar solo which there are many on this record and there is even a bass solo. i really like the classic thrash riffs here.

3.Rat Eater- Starting out very doomy sounding, this track is intensely heavy and when it speeds up it really makes you wanna mosh. This track is really unique to their discography as it has a slower pace in it which most of their songs are full on speed.

4.Salvation Is Waiting- Arguably the fastest and most brutal track on the album the band sounds really tight here with some fast spitting by Grind. I really like the drums here they sound really tight and the cymbals are very pronounced. they even get some Slayer sounding riffs in here too i like it.

5.Out Of The Fire- The riffs have just so much fuzz to them and the middle of this song makes me wanna go crazy even in a crowd of people it just has such a groove to it. This track is probably the catchiest to me at least.

6.Acid Fuzz- Before i review this song, take a word of advice, listen to it with the music video it makes it just that much cooler the riffs just pour out on this track and features my favorite Toxic Holocaust solo it even has a rock n roll feel to it.

7.Deny The Truth- A slower but just as devastating song on the album which is aimed at the church and government and whatever thrash metal bands talk about. A good track with some good catchy rhythms but probably the weakest track to me.

8.MKultra-This song starts out really cool it really would get any mosh pit kicking and his vocals are very strong sounding oozing of his love for old Black metal like Bathory and Venom.

9.I Serve- I love when Joel Grind does his trademark yell in any song especially at the beginning it really gets me pumped. this is not hugely a standout track but its a good one.

10.Government Conspiracy-Some cool grooves in the beginning and how he sings with just the drums is really cool. i like the palm muting too in some of the riffs good track.

11.Chemistry Of Conciousness- Ah the title track, it is not amazing but its a fantastic end really squeezes all of your adrenaline out of you and how it ends in just feedback is just awesome.

Overall, i give this album a solid 9 out of 10. I really like this over Conjure and Command that they released back in 2011. Its nothing inventive but anyone in the thrash community would appreciate this album and suprisingly the band is able to  make themselves sound fresh every record and i give them major props for that.

Album Review- Black Tide: Post Mortem

Post Mortem is the 2nd album by Heavy Metal/Metalcore band Black Tide and was released in 2011. Oh god where do i start here. Hmm well my history with this band goes back to 2010 when my friend showed me their first record Light From Above. It was like hearing an undiscovered 80s metal record but with good modern sounds within it not to mention a killer cover of Hit The Lights by Metallica. I finally found a newer band that i could get into...and then they released this. Well it was definitely metalcore when i heard it and im not bashing metalcore their are some really amazing bands like Trivium who manage to write masterpiece after masterpiece. However, this was just a punch in the face i'll let the review speak for itself.

Track Rundown
1.Ashes- well there is metalcore riffing here but it just sounds kind generic to me. On their first album when they played good heavy and catchy riffs they sounded awesome and you could really bang your head to them but this is...just i keep hearing all these bands i can't stand here it sounds like a low budget Avenged Sevenfold.

2.Bury Me- This sounds like they are trying to be heavy and melodic but it just sounds very generic to me thats word im going to use alot in this review. I am slowly losing faith in this album but lets move on.

3.Let It Out-Very mainstream sound riffs and then that voice god that voice i just cant take it it has no heaviness to it like their first album did..

4.Honest Eyes-Kind of heavy riffs in the beginning i kind of like it until the voice comes in just makes it sound too pop to me i just cant get into it there is just no real feeling to me with this album at all it sounds again generic and alienating.

5.That Fire- i see they are trying to have some variety but i just i dont get why they thought they had to write the same feeling songs over and over the vocals sound the same over and over and just too pop.

6.Fight Till the bitter end-youd think it would be a gritty heavy song in the beginning until it goes into the same stuff again soft riffs trying to be heavy with an overly soft voice trying to be cool it just is crummy sounding to me the beginning was just false hope to me.

7.Take It Easy- what is this Pierce The Veil?! they have basically by now conformed to sounding like the same with all those bands i just ugh...

8.Lost In The Sound-Again trying to be heavy here is just failing the riffs are just not very powerful and the voice just ruins it for me everytime.

9.Walking Dead Man- Still just sounds like a band trying to hard at least it kinda sounds heavy in the solo in the beginning not a good track but a slight improvement with better composure.


10.Into The Sky- Honesty by this song i thought i had the wrong album. unfortunately being the last track, this song is the weakest. they are trying to make a ballad that everyone can relate to i just cant get into it and left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Overall, i give this album an ear bleeding 2 out of 10. I did not enjoy this album at all it really alienated me and im sure a ton of other pre post mortem fans but this just is an album for 15 year old girls who dont have their act together and really there is almost no metal aspect to it and i kind of blame their vanishing on this mistake.

Album Review- Iron Maiden: SomeWhere In Time

Somewhere In Time is the 6th studio album by Iron Maiden and was released in 1986. Now I, like so many metalheads, worship Iron Maiden they are undeniably one of the greatest live metal acts to see and their discography especially their 80s albums are all just one home run after another. However, the album that stands out as the black sheep would be Somewhere in Time. This album, likes Judas Priests Turbo released the same year, marks the bands first use of guitar synthesizers giving it more of a mainstream feel. But the question is whether or not the album is underrated or is it just a weak album full of forgettable songs.

Track Rundown

1.Caught Somewhere in Time- Right off the bat you are hit with a super spacey feel with the heavy synths and epic twin guitars and then the drums and bass kick in it really gets you going and then BOOM everything just blows up and the band sounds as fast as ever here. Bruce Dickinsons soaring vocals during the chorus just makes you go crazy they really need to play this song live again it would get such a good reaction.One of the best Maiden solos i have heard as well.

2.Wasted Years- Still a classic to hear live today it has a very strong chorus Just Bruces vocals sound their most powerful here to me than any album before. the whole song makes for a good live track i really like the bass especially here and how it is sang another amazing song.

3.Sea Of Sadness- I love Mcbrains drumming here how he manages to play a single bass pedal like its a double bass pedal it amazes me all the time. This track isn't totally up to par with the past two but it is amazing nonetheless it all blends together very well.

4.Heaven Can Wait- I love the quiet opener on this track another bigger song for the band which was on their setlist a few years ago and should be again and Bruce singing with the fast guitar riffing makes it even more catchy. There is a very power metal feeling here as well and the chorus sounds like it could be in any Sonic The Hedgehog game it just has that charm to it. Another standout track to me with powerful instrumentals and catchy vocals.

5.The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner- This track starts with some very cool picking in the beginning. Adrian Smith and Dave Murrays playing on the whole album is just flawless The chorus is just i cant even find words to describe it. Dickinson really is giving everything hes got to get out those lines and makes this track 10x more epic than it already is which is why he is one of the greatest metal vocalists alive. The guitar harmonies are amazing as well. Another faster track and another i wish they would play live.

6.Stranger In A Strange Land- I love the space guitar feel here i don't know how they get it but it just captures everything about Maiden in the 80s. the vocals are awesome and just so out in space and futuristic which the whole album gives off. another cool chorus. Harris's bass sounds really tight on this track as well and seems a bit more audible. The solo is freakin epic as hell on this one too. Another song THEY NEED TO PLAY LIVE AGAIN!!!!

7.Deja Vu- This track i honestly never heard much it starts very majestically and shoots into a very melodic power metal part the guitar riffs are really catchy Bruces double track vocals sound awesome here too. This track is seriously underrated it is certainly not  a throw away track.

8.Alexander The Great- The closer of the album and it starts pretty cool with the wind and the instruments in the backround setting a nice tone. The song is very melodic but not fast and to me is probably the most forgettable one on this album. It would work well with Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son which is my all time favorite Iron Maiden album i would think if it were like a bonus track. Still a solid track just not an amazing closer it really does show the progressive side of Iron Maiden though.

Overall, this album gets 9.5 out of 10. I really enjoy this album it is just an awesome record from the 80s and to me just sounds like that decade as well. i love the sound they got as well it is such a strong piece of music i just wish they would play more songs off of it live.

Album Review- Slayer: Hell Awaits

Hell Awaits is the 2nd full length album from Thrash Metal band Slayer and was released in 1985. To me this Slayer at their best. Sure most argue that their crowning achievement is Reign In Blood and while it is a more solid album i just feel this one has more complexity. But why do i freakin love this album so much? Lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Hell Awaits- The "Join Us" backwards in the beginning is just so evil sounding and shows that Slayer are and always will be the most evil band alive. The intro is just so pounding with all the instruments and really lets the band make their presence known. Tom Arayas lead vocals are the most extreme sounding here and almost make this song sound like something a black metal band might conjure up. Amazing opener possibly my favorite Slayer song.

2.Kill Again- just a killer thrash song it is full of awesome thrash riffs. the bass is probably more audible here than any other album in their catalog  which gives off a more raw sound. All the reverb in all the instruments and the voice during the chorus parts just make for a really ripping song as well almost sounds like a song off Scream Bloody Gore by Death if it had more death metal vocals.

3.At Dawn They Sleep: This song definitely encompasses more progressive elements and is really catchy and honestly the lyrical content is awesome singing about Vampires. I really like the solos by King and Hanneman (may god rest his soul) on this album it really shows how much they have improved since Show No Mercy. the vocals with the evil sounding backrounds in the middle is so awesome and when it starts to gradually get faster with Araya repeating Kill Kill KILL!!!! it just makes you want to mosh your room to pieces and Lombardos drums are as tight as ever here too. a real highlight on this surprisingly short album.

4.Praise Of Death-  Another brutal fast song staying within the traditional Slayer sound not as many twists and turns as the previous track but still awesome nonetheless.

5.Necrophiliac- A real dirty thrasher and another big highlight at least for me on this album fusing the brutal fast parts with the slower rhythmic sections really shines through and the echo of the word Hell from Araya just sends shivers down my spine everytime i listen to it. The riffs you can really catch onto here as well.

6.Crypts Of Eternity-  This track sounds alittle quiet at first but then explodes with the solo in the beginning and then rips into pure thrash about a minute in its a good build up it sounds like it couldve been on Show No Mercy or any Venom record honestly the chorus is very reminiscent of them. I also love the blood curdling scream Araya sprays out here as well. Not the best track but not a bad one by any means and even has more of that progressive feel i like.

7.Hardening Of The Arteries- Sounds like a Death Metal band name, song name, or album title either way its pretty badass just to see that name and think "that track must rip" and it does it is really mosh friendly the drums are really fast here to even might be the fastest on the record. It then closes out with a reprise of the instumental beginning of the title track and closes out what is possibly the most vicious Slayer album bordering on death metal and black metal.

Overall, This album gets a 9 out of 10. If the album was on Def Jam Records, it would be perfect with the higher production but this to me is still the heaviest and most evil piece in Slayers discography.

Album Review- Danzig: Danzig

This is the Self Titled Debut from former Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig and was released in 1988. As a huge Misfits fan this album is quite a surprise to hear since its more of a bluesy kind of metal album which is interesting but does it really hold up to Danzigs name? Lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Twist Of Cain- i really like the main riff in this song its got a cool groove to it i just wish there was more of a backbone here it sounds flat behind the guitar. I also see where Glenn gets his moniker Evil Elvis since he sounds like the king drenched in Gothic tones.

2.Not Of This World- This song sounds very ACDC-ish but again sounds darker i wish the production was a tad better the power could be much greater but it kind of falls flat still has some good rhythm to it. I do really like the solo even though its quick but its got a dirty tone to it which i like.

3.She Rides- This song just has the Blues riffs oozing out of it i like the rhythm again just has a great groove with Danzigs vocals in it to again very reminiscent of ACDC.

4.Soul On Fire- The song starts out very slow with Danzigs crooning voice then into a nice basic but effective Hard Rock riff the chorus has a weird southern twang in the backround which goes by very quick but is pretty cool and an interesting take.

5.Am I Demon- A faster track which is a nice change of pace and shows the more metal aspects in this album even though the guitars seem a bit weak. The production could have really made this album bigger than it already is.

6.Mother- Undeniably their biggest hit, the riff is pretty catchy with the vocals as well and definitely is the most quote "Metal" track on the album and for some strange reason it sounds so apart from this album maybe its because ive heard it so much.

7.Possession-This probably the weakest rack on the album it starts out very creepy but then when the band kicks in it kind just feels there is no direction here the guitars sound really flat its just a really meh track.

8.End Of Time-An acoustic intro which is nice the song overall is an improvement over the previous track i like the riffs in it but again I REALLY WISH THEY HAD MORE POWER!!!!

9.The Hunter- My favorite track on the album i just love the bar blues feel on this track and the subtle double bass drums make the rhythm sound heavier and Danzig sounds best here i think just his lyrics are infectious just a badass track.

10.Evil Thing- Some cool grooves here nothing special though just a nice fun track with a more southern guitar presence.

Overall, i give this album a 6 out of 10. It is a nice listen once in awhile and honestly Danzigs later work has more improvements but this album although having some awesome tracks that are just enough to save it, still kind of comes off boring at some points coming from the guy who fronted the original Misfits but its a fun groovy bluesy rock album just nothing special.

EP Review- Metallica: Beyond Magnetic

Beyond Magnetic is an EP by American Thrash/Heavy Metal band Metallica and was released in 2011. It contained four cuts that did not make Death Magnetic but in my opinion they easily all could have. I like just about everything Metallica has done with Reload being the only record i could not get into i even liked Lulu!!!! But lets talk about this ep.

Track Rundown

1.Hate Train-Right off the bat you will notice that for demos these have damn well production. The title is cheesy yes but the song has amazing riffs especially the one right before the verses kick in. I appreciate Metallica taking more thrash influences back into their sound i really appreciate this song.

2.Just A Bullet Away- I like the palm muting downpick riffing here and James' voice sounds pretty good the whole band sounds pretty tight the slow part is pretty cool very reminiscent of Master Of Puppets to me but this song takes more of a traditional kind of metal sound to it being more of a headbanging song than a mosh and stagedive track but pretty good overall. Also, an interesting fact James played the solos on this song which is pretty cool.

3.Hell And Back- A really groovy riff kicks in here after the cool slow intro. Even with just four songs there are tons of riffs on this ep to go crazy too i really like the chorus on this track as well. There is a weird kind of mainstream sounding feel here but it doesn't make for a bad song. the fast part really gets me going too it pushes out alot of power through James and Kirks guitars.

4.Rebel Of Babylon-This 8 minute epic surely is one to be reckoned with any of the complex tracks featured on ...And Justice For All. This song probably is the thrashiest and even sounds like a Mercyful Fate song after Hetfields wail into the chorus. This is definitely my favorite track on this EP it shows Metallica today giving it all they got and i really wish this made it onto Death Magnetic with a bit higher production on it.

Overall i give this ep a 9.5 out of 10. you would think with a bunch of demos they would be more of throw away tracks but honestly it baffles me how Metallica left these off their 2008 monster. they are insanely heavy and catchy and since the band isdue for a new album in 2015 i hope they pull out something like these tracks.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Sin After Sin

Sin After Sin is the third album by Heavy Metal band Judas Priest ans was released in 1977. What really intrigued me most about this album was how heavy it was for its time and is quite underrated as well. I lately have been on a Priest splurge and after a horrifying day i thought it would be an album i would be interested in reviewing so lets start.

Track Rundown

1.Sinner: This song is very reminiscent with Victim Of Changes with its composure with the slow part in the middle but i really like the guitar sound here too and the solos are pretty memorable and Halfords vocals are as strong as ever and make the chorus really shine here. a great opener and an immediate classic.

2.Diamonds and Rust- This is a pretty good cover of the Joan Baez song but the album version doesn't beat the power of the live version off of Unleashed In the East this one is a bit tamer but still very good.

3.Starbreaker- My all time favorite Priest song just the riffs and vocals on this song are so heavy and the solo tradeoffs are just gold and the harmonizing solo is just enough to make your eardrums explode even Arch Enemy covered it!!!! just perfection right here.

4.The Last Rose of Summer- a much more tame and ballad worthy track Robs vocals are very nice to hear its a nice change of pace but not very memorable.

5.Let Us Prey/Call For the Priest- the song sounds like something off UFOs Obsession but actually sounds heavier after the intro it could be a song on Stained Glass or Hell Bent For Leather it is that heavy very reminiscent of Exciter but has a softer middle spot with some thundering drum beats which is interesting to me i like it alot.

6.Raw Deal- This tracks riff is pretty bluesy sounding and has a good rhythm to it and Rob Halfords vocals get pretty high during the chorus which has an interesting sound with this kind of song an ok track but nothing amazing.

7.Here Comes The Tears- This song sounds like it would be on Rocka Rolla it is very ballady sounding with some piano even thrown in its alot better than the previous one with more composure to it the chorus is pretty heavy it reminds me of Deep Purples Child In Time its pretty good.

8.Dissident Aggressor- arguably one of the heaviest Judas Priest songs ever recorded the riff from KK Downing and Glenn Tipton with the double bass drums is so awesome this song is one to really bang your head to and the fact that Slayer covered it on South Of Heaven is even cooler. A real highlight on this album and a perfect closer to the original album.

9(Bonus Track)Race With the Devil- This song should have been on the original pressing its really infectious its like Priests own Doctor Doctor really solid bonus track.

Overall i give the album a 8.5 out of 10. Its definitely a great album but after the next few albums you could see Priest were still maturing at this point with power escalating to each album but this is still an underrated classic.

Album Review: GHOST: Opus Eponymous

Opus Eponymous is the debut album from Swedish heavy metal band Ghost and was released in 2010. This band is very reminiscent of Mercyful Fate but without Kings screeching vocals. Ever since this album, their sophmore album and their newest ep have been released, this band has grown to a large cult success and are one of the most unique bands you can see today. but is this album worth all the hype from the past few years? lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Deus Culpa- this is one of the eeriest openings to any album i have ever heard and still gives me chills. it sounds like music played at a funeral home and can seem kind of unsettling but it makes you intrigued what the rest of the album sounds like.

2.Con Clavi Con Dio- this song sounds like a straight up doom metal song with the cool bass riff in the beginning and the song just explodes and and the first lyrics about satan and praising him i really like this song it kicks ass still.

3.Ritual- a very poppy sounding riff at first then into a heavy metal riff with Papa Emeritus's crooning vocals and having a kind of poppy sounding chorus its a very interesting track sounds like the Beatles playing metal

4.Elizabeth- starts out with an awesome doom riff and i like the eerie vocals against it as well i do like the take with really soft vocals apposed to heavier harsh vocals and the chorus sounds so creepy to me which is what this band really accomplishes is creating a moody creepy atmosphere and the solo here sounds pretty neat.

5.Stand By Him- the drum beat at the start i like the song kind of does what the previous song did but its a good headbanging song and the chorus isnt too bad. the fast part with harmonizing guitars was awesome though.

6.Satan Prayer- the riff here again is pretty cool this album is full of them but this song is weaker it doesnt have the huge amount of power the as the past few had.

7.Death Knell- reminds me of Black Sabbaths self titled song with the rain in the beginning and has more of a low trudging rhythm with the pop kind of sounding come back in but otherwise not a really memorable track.

8.Prime Mover- a different sounding riff in the beginning played on higher strings but goes back into that more doom sound it has a bigger sound to it but again not as awesome and epic as the first half of the album.

9.Genesis- I really like this instrumental even though it repeats it just feels so epic though like running through a graveyard trying to escape a killer i just ugh i always have to listen to it when this album is on perfect end to this album.

Overall i give this album an 8 out of 10. the first side definitely succeeds over the second but the instrumental at the end makes up for it definitely and i can understand why this album shot them into fame quickly.

Album Review- Skeletonwitch: Serpents Unleashed

 

Serpents Unleashed is the fifth album from Blackened Thrash metal band Skeletonwitch and was released in 2013. Like their past albums (which all kicked ass) they manage to crank out some great ripping songs but here they seem to make it still sound fresh which is what i really like from bands like this, Toxic Holocaust and plenty of others. Now lets unleash the serpents of this album (see what i did there?)

Track Rundown

1.Serpents Unleashed- This song starts out sounding like a Toxic Holocaust song who i also really dig. It then rips into some awesome thrashing riffs and Chance Garnette comes in with his awesome vocals which sound like Johan Hegg singing like Alexi Laiho. great opener really revs up the rest of the album .

2.Beneath Dead Leaves- this song has kind of the more melodic sound coming through with the power metal kind of riffs from Nate and Scott. This is the type of song that would sound amazing live with an audience almost sounds like it could be an Amon Amarth song and the drumming is pretty tight too. More epic sounding track which is pretty cool.

3.I Am of Death(Hell Has Arrived)- the second song goes right into this and this goes right back into those thrash riffs very in vein to bands like Testament and tons more of that double beat drumming which seems to never stop on this album. I really like the chorus on this song its got a good hook to it.

4.From A Cloudless Sky- another more epic sounding song which works well with SkeletonWitch's brutal sound. Its kind of repetitive but there are some different good headbanging rhythms here too and a guitar solo two in fact which sounds really fresh and pumps more life into this album.

5.Burned From Bone- awesome and very frantic song with an awesome scream from from Chance its pretty badass. this song features some really awesome fast chugging rhythms and guitar harmonizing. The solo isnt anything epic but its really cool with the riff in the backround and the bass from Evan in the backround is awesome. Favorite track on this album.

6.Unending, Everliving- Starts out a bit slower and has a cool kind of hard rock rhythm at the beginning and goes right into that fast blackened thrash playing which if i could describe my experience of this album so far its like being in a battlefield of a mosh pit which is what this album is made for. The musicianship is very superb here as well.

7.Blade On the Flesh, Blood One My Hands- some cool drum fills in the beginning with a fast doomy riff and then back into the fast playing but kind of lacking the power metal feel that the songs before had more of which is a bit of a nice change of pace. The bass with just the drums was cool to hear as well when the guitars slowly came back in which gave it that chanting hey hey kind of feel.

8.This Evil Embrace- Starts out with this interesting riff in the beginning and into this fast higher scaled riffing kind of a weaker song i felt it was kind of a filler track but its still listenable it has some good verses to sing to.

9.Unwept-  the bass again sounds really tight and thick in the beginning i like when songs begin with the bass more up front. another more epic black/ thrash kind of chorus which is where the meat of this song really is its so powerful yet emotional.

10.Born Of the Light That Does Not Shine- a cool intro where all the instruments come in a kind of seperate way and then a really cool harmonizing part in to beginning even the verse riffs harmonize which is pretty impressive.

11.More Cruel Than Weak- the beginning has a very Metallica Nothing Else Matters or Call Of Cthulhu feel to it but oddly heavier awesome opener definitely a good change of pace and how ever instrument fades in is so badass this song ends the album pretty strong for what these guys are going for.

Overall i give this album an 8 out of 10. these guys still suprisingly make their brand of thrash sound fresh while combining a kind of European power metal undertone into it. this album is not groundbreaking by any means but still an awesome listen and something to bang your head to until the next release comes along.

Album Review- Dillinger Escape Plan: One of Us Is the Killer

This is the fifth album from Mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan and it was released in 2013. Now, i am not hugely familiar with all of Dillingers work but they are one hell of a band and very unique as well. This review is also at the suggestion of my friend and i thought it would be interesting to dissect so lets get into it.

Track Rundown

1.Prancer- This track has a very cool unique Hardcore sound especially in the vocals and goes into some interesting rhythm sections which are common throughout this album the playing altogether is very tight which i like. It goes into this progressive kind of feel around the two minute mark which is only one of the twists and turns that make this band so interesting.

2.When I Lost my Bet: some really nice jazz drumbeats in the beginning which i find really cool kind of an extreme Jazz Fusion if you will the bass playing with the distorted vocals sounds so cool with the tight drums as well. Really energetic and technical which is really submersing me into this record more.

3.One of Us Is the Killer- Talk about feeling wow the intro has more of a presence of that breezy jazz feel and honestly sounds like it could be a pop song but i find it so awesome when it goes into the big distorted riffs then back to the soft parts it really blends together well creating an atmosphere that surrounds you as you listen to this album more the chorus is freaking fantastic. This song is pretty much a perfect composure and is my favorite on the album.

4.Hero of the Soviet Union- More of that tight Hardcore style playing with some really cool technical guitar parts it blows my mind how Ben Weinman can play so frantic like that and still keep a fluent smooth ryhthm pattern and Greg Puciato sounds like hes belting out as much as he can in his voice this is a pretty good track.

5.Nothing's Funny- Some cool chugging with a cool punchy bass line its got a cool groove in it for a band as frantic as this the really high back up vocals get me to its very cool just adds more layering to this song. I really like the really fast running on the guitar neck in the middle it weirdly reminds me of Megadeths Take No Prisoners and then goes back into the chorus which reminds me of some thing System Of A Down would write. its a good song.

6.Understanding Decay- pure frantic playing in this song really viscous but sticking with the progressive aspects Dillinger is known for. Its not an amazing song but by Dillingers standards its up to par.

7.Paranoia Shields- I like the bass and higher guitar notes in the beginning and what i really like by this point in the album is that every song has a unique sound whether its more pop or hardcore or mainstream rock but it always sounds good still a very enjoying album seven songs in.

8.CH 375 268 277 ARS- It fades in pretty interestingly with all the static noises and the slow droning and a riff i really like its very heavy and the electronic sounds in the backround i was afraid would hurt this bands sound but in fact adds another layer which i apprecitate. unfortunately this could be the weakest track here theres no real direction for it

9.Magic That I Held You Prisoner- this song sounds a tad repetitive in the beginning but still listenable but goes into some cool harmonics with the guitar i still like the little touches they have put in the song.

10.Crossburner- the heavy bass sounds really cool at the intro and then gets so frantic sounding but very heavy like a progressive Doom sludge metal song its pretty awesome.

11.The Threat Posed by Nuclear Weapons- the subtle then frantic beginning is pretty cool then it actually gets kind of a crossover sound to it the sound is very notable to Megadeths Rust In Peace record to me and its not an amazing end but it definitely ends very well.

Overall this album gets a 9 out of 10. i was very pleased after listening to this and now im interested to go back into Dillingers catalog and catch up to this mammoth of an album

Album Review- DOYLE: Abominator

Abominator is the debut album from former Misfits guitarist Doyle Von Wolfgang Frankensteins new Horror Metal band/supergroup DOYLE and was released in 2013. This to me was one of my most anticipated albums of last year since i am such a Misfits fanatic and Doyle is my all time favorite Punk guitarist but when i found out he would again be doing more metal material as he did with Gorgeous Frankenstein i got really excited. However, does it hold up for one of horror punks founding fathers? lets find out.

Track Rundown

1. Abominator- This song starts out with a blood curdling scream from Alex Story from the the notorious CancerSlug and Doyle comes in with an awesome Doom riff thats very Black Sabbath worthy. The drums sound extremely heavy as well with Graves era Misfit Dr. CHUD back behind the kit. the fast riff then picks up and is very infectious but to me the verses are the best part of the track with Doyle doing some chugging and palm muting while Story sounds as badass as ever singing here. This is definitely a standout track.

2.Learn To Bleed- The beginning riff has so much groove i try so hard to resist going crazy. i really love the chorus how it goes into a hardcore punk kind of rhythm which gives this record a kind of crossover sound as well. this is a really infectious song.

3.DreamingDeadGirls- CHUDs drumming really stands out to me the most here with his very fast double pedal hitting showing that his abilities have broadened. Alex Storys lyrical content really is really funny here singing about what else? necrophilia! and Doyles riffs are very doom sounding with a ballad kind of rhythm during the chorus parts. i really like his squealing solo which reminds me of Panteras Suicide Note part 2. another very cool song very fun to sing to.

4.HeadHunter- a very thrashy sounding song that would get any mosh pit riled up. its a very fun and fast track.

5.Valley Of  Shadows- this song sounds like the combination of Pantera with horror movies. It s a very strong song that again has a very strong element of groove in it. the fast punky part in the middle is a left turn that you totally dont expect on first listen.

6.Land of the Dead- another very sludgy sounding riff in the beginning with Doyles now signature squeal harmonics but then picks up into a riff that sounds like it would be on Black Sabbaths Master of Reality. Alexs vocals sound very sludgy here as well which i really like. not one of the best tracks but a good one.

7.CemeterySexx- finally the bass gets a chance to shine that Doyle actually recorded on the album(Left Hand Graham plays with them live) and is very groovy with guitar as well and Story singing with a caress in his voice gives this song a very Alice In Chains kind of vibe to me. another song with great riffs.

8.Love Like Murder- this song has a very southern metal/ DOWN feel to it but its nothing amazing like a couple songs before it. its still pretty good but not great.

9.Mark of the Beast- This song sounds like it could be off of Rob Zombies Educated Horses for some reason to me i don't know why but it has that more industrial feel to it the chorus is very vicious its pretty good.

10.Drawing Down the Moon- this oddly has a more upbeat riff to it but i think this is the weakest track here its not really special or groundbreaking.

11.Bloodstains- this song returns to the heavy riff squeal heavy riff style of past songs and is pretty headbangable(is this a word?) its very Godsmack sounding too which i really appreciate.

12. Hope Hell Is Warm- the album really goes out swinging with a track as ferocious as this one. the chorus is one of my favorites on here its awesome to sing along to as the album ends with a bang.

Overall this album receives a 9 out of 10. This album really is a trip through a graveyard of hell and i was extremely pleased it didnt sound like The Misfits at all but more like a Pantera/Godsmack/Alice In Chains mashup thrown into the middle of a haunted house and i hope Doyle pulls more of this stuff out in the future.

EP Review- Skull Fist: Heavier Than Metal

This is the first official recording from Canadian Power Metal band Skull Fist released in 2010. I am doing this review at the request of one of my fellow tumblr bloggers and i really like this style of metal so i was pleased that they asked me to. I heard a few songs off of their full length Head Of The Pack and thought they were pretty good. But lets look before that with this EP.

Track Rundown

1.Sign of the Warrior- i really like the fast double bass drums at the beginning and the voice of Jackie Slaughter is very very strong and strangely reminds me of James Hetfield during the Kill Em All days but with an even higher voice. this is a very cool song.

2.Heavier Than Metal- I really like the riff for this song and the shout at the beginning is really cool. It really reminds me of JawBreaker from Judas Priests Defenders Of The Faith. the solo is pretty awesome as well. This is my favorite song off the EP

3.Blackout- The acoustic intro is really cool and power metal worthy and the main full structure of the song has a thrashy kind of undertone with the chugging riffs but is pretty well done.

4.Ride The Beast- this reminds me alot of Anthraxs Metal Thrashing Mad off of Fistful Of Metal not amazing but still pretty fun.

5.No False Metal- i really like the name of this song it sounds a bit different than all the other tracks in ways of guitar playing with a more frantic strumming. Not a bad closer.

Overall i would give this EP 7.5 out of 10. The band take it is what it is and that is kick ass Power Metal and while this record is nothing new it is pretty nostalgic to all the 80s metal bands and i like that its not as over the top as dragon force. I do think this is a neat band and i wouldnt mind seeing them live one day.

Album Review- Megadeth: Super Collider

Super Collider is the fourteenth album by American Thrash metal and my all time favorite metal band Megadeth. It was released in the middle of the boom of 2013(we got a lot of freaking albums last year). Now originally i wanted to review So Far So Good...So What? because it is quite possibly my favorite Metal album of all time but for some reason this one was calling my name. When it came out, i was so shocked of how Megadeth changed but in a good way. However, this album it seems has fell to a low slowly becoming Risk two. I for one was a fan of Risk when i first heard it because i thought it was interesting for a thrash metal band. I thought i should speak about this album more in depth since i know most of my friends won't hear about it. Lets begin.

Track Rundown

1.KingMaker- I always believe that a strong opener is crucial for an at least decent album and wow does Super Collider have one. I really appreciate the James Bond sounding bass doodle from David Jr.Ellefson in the beginning and then a really thrashy riff blows in. I really like Dave Mustaines voice here with his signature growl but more up front. Chris Brodericks guitar tone also kicks ass with all the squeals he does during the verses. The song has  a very Children Of The Grave sound to it but sounding original as well. This an amazing opener even with the really quiet acoustic part at the end.

2.Super Collider- Ahh the infamous title track. Most people i know or people i have seen hate this album because of this one song. I will agree that it sounds very mainstream and extremely upbeat but its still a decent track. Its definitely not a real big standout but it is enjoyable after a few listens and even has a ripping solo in it which is always a plus.

3.Burn!- This song sounds really cool and the chorus i really like it is pretty original. This song definitely has some more thrash elements to it but also steps into a traditional metal sound as well. It sounds like it could have been on Th1rt3en.

4.Built For War- I really like the riffing in this song it has a nice groove to it and the vocals are pretty mean sounding which is what i like from Dave. This track could have easily been on United Abominations with the aptly titled Gears Of War.

5.Off The Edge- a much more simple metal song it has the riffs with the voice going along with them but not a real standout track i do like the solo though.

6.Dance In The Rain- By far my favorite track on the album. i love the dark depressing drone effect on the instruments in the beginning. the song reminds me of a more mature Peace Sells with the lyrical content and structure of this song. i really like the fast scale running riffs as well. However, the best part of this song is by far the end which breaks into some crushing thrashy riffs with David Draiman doing guest vocals which sound really cool up with Mustaines voice this ending is very mosh worthy i freaking love it.

7.Beginning Of Sorrow: Another mainstream sounding tune but still sounds pretty badass with a grungy feel to it. I could see Korn writing a song like this, Jonathan Davis's voice would fit very well with it. I love the hammer on solo in the middle too.

8.The Blackest Crow: Megadeth doing country? hell yeah! The beginning reminds me of Rob Zombies House Of 1000 Corpses off of The Sinister Urge. They do a very good job of blending their unique sound with a dark country sound it blends very well.

9.Forget To Remember- Even though it sounds upbeat the lyrics are very depressing about someone losing their memory. The song has alot of feel to it and i think that is why i love it so much and the riffs have a poppy feel that i oddly enjoy. Definitely my second favorite track on this record.

10.Don't Turn Your Back On A Friend- The beginning sounds like 1920's Lounge music which i thought was an interesting twist but then turns into probably the heaviest sounding riff on the album and i give credit to Shawn Drovers drumming sounding probably the heaviest yet here. The lyrics are still kind of cheesy but the musical structure definitely makes up for it.

11.Cold Sweat: My favorite Thin Lizzy song covered by my favorite Metal band equals pure awesomness. this is the first album to feature a cover on it since 1988's So Far So Good...So What? and it has been a long time coming. a great closer to a not perfect but great album.

Overall, this album gets an 8.5 out of 10. Megadeth are still original and i give them props to writing an album like this and i appreciate them not trying to create another Rust In Peace or Endgame and i hope to get more left turns in the future.

Album Review- Anthrax: Worship Music

To kick off my blog of reviews i thought i would start with an album i have adored since the day it came out. Worship Music is the tenth album by american Thrash Metal band Anthrax and what an album it is. When i heard this album was to be released i was excited for it since i knew Joey Belladonna had returned permanently and for me is the true singer of Anthrax. I have nothing against John Bush as a singer but i never felt like he was right for this particular band. But anyways, lets rip into this album.

Track rundown

1.Worship Music- this intro is still pretty cool it really reminds me of Gridlock off Persistence Of Time with the spacey feel to it. It really does get you pumped with what Anthrax has in store for the rest of the trip.

2.Earth On Hell- WHAM! this song really hits hard and is a very catchy straight up thrash song. to hear Joey singing really feels refreshing oddly but i think the real star here is the rhythm section of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante and Frankie Bello who sound the tightest ever on this record.

3.The Devil You Know- This song is very headbang friendly and the chorus sounds very much like something out of a Bush era song but the blending is very likable. It also reminds me alot of AC/DC's Rocker with its jitteriness i suppose.

4.Fight Em Til' You Can't:- This song is undeniably the live favorite. It is already an Anthrax classic very in vein to Caught In a Mosh off Among The Living. Its not quite as famous but with time it will be high in their catalog.

5.I.'m Alive- Another very hard rock sounding song but still keeping within its metal roots. the chorus is pretty damn catchy as well.

6. In The End- The truly epic piece on this album dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and Dimebag Darrell god rest their souls. the beginning with the low tuned string instruments and church bells create a very dark atmosphere and BOOM! an awesome riff from Mr. Ian. the chorus is also very atmospheric here as well which i like and i like when they break and you hear a live crowd in the backround.

7.The Giant- another catchy hard rock song with joey singing from speaker to speaker. not a perfect piece but a fun piece nonetheless.

8.Judas Priest- I find it funny but awesome that Anthrax combine their thrashy sound with a Judas Priestlike heavy metal sound on a song aptly titled Judas Priest.

9.Crawl: Honestly the weakest song on the album and for this song being weak is saying how well this album was written because the song is still pretty good and brings kind of a Sabbathy sound which i really do admire.

10. The Constant: Oh yeah some Pantera sounding riffs here. This is also probably the most experimental track on the album with them playing around with some different riffing.

11.Revolution Screams: For the final song it's pretty good and very upbeat nothing special but it gets into some really good drum fills with some mute palm picking that makes you rock your head alittle.

Overall, i give this album a 9.5 out of 10. I was very impressed with Anthrax that they pulled this one off and this year they are due for a release and after the cool Anthems EP i am very excited to see what more original material they can pull out.