Album Review: Solicitor- Spectral Devastation

Oh man have I been waiting to listen to this album. To put this in perspective, I was a huge fan of lead vocalist Amy Lee Carlson's previous band Substratum, who had some of the best modern metal anthems from a lot of new groups out of the last decade. However, with that band going south, Solicitor was born out of the ashes with a fierce demo that had me craving more. While Substratum had more hard rock and almost prog elements to some songs, Solicitor is pure speed metal with influences like Exciter, early Slayer and pretty much anything from the early to mid 1980's and it makes for a glorious time. This album in short  manages to expand on that demo and even more. 

The album starts of extremely strong with "Blood Revelations" absolutely ripping you apart with blistering leads and riffs at breakneck speed. The production is raw as hell but for this it works very well. Carlson's vocals are absolutely full of lethality with her unique high register and pure take no prisoners approach. Up next is "Betrayal" with a lot of melody in the vocals and some of my favorite riffing on the album. Track three, "The Red Queen" has a good build into some awesome melodic double guitar attack. This is definitely one of the most ambitious songs on the album with a bit of an early power metal feel that is built to be played live. This song especially shows the chops Solicitor has and they are firing on all cylinders. Up next is "Leather Streets" which has some strong NWOBHM influences with a heavy early Dianno era Maiden feel in the guitars. "Night Vision" opens with some nice extended acoustics going into full bore speed metal glory with again stellar songwriting. "Terminal Force" has a nice groove to it that continues the really good balance the band has with pure dirty speed and melodic hooks throughout. "Spectres of War" is another great tune that keeps things pretty straight forward but with the same energy the album has presented thus far. Finally, we end the album with "Grip of the Fist" fitting as much brutality in as possible with some nice blast beat rhythms bordering on early thrash, this is easily the heaviest tune on the album and a perfect bang to go out on.

For Solicitors debut, I expected nothing less than sure excellence. This album is Metal for metals sake pretty much and hits you from the first second and really never lets up. The songwriting abilities here are top notch as well. While the sound of the band may seem like familiar territory, they make it their own with a lot of nice twists especially in the middle of the album. The production also hits the mark with the raw feel but multi layered vocals and fluid instrumentation. You can tell a lot of care went into the album sonically. This is also pure riff heaven with a lot of shining examples. For sure Solicitor have come out swinging with another early contender for album of the year!

9/10

TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2016

What a year for Heavy Metal and Rock in general. As much new and very talented bands have sprouted up over the year, we have seen some bands that have been gone for years and putting out some of the best albums of their careers. With this list, because I could not narrow it down to ten albums, I had to make this a top twenty because I wanted to mention all these albums. Also, yes some of these I was not able to review this year but they get their chance to shine now. Just too many good albums this year and I will first begin this list with the top 20 sort of "runner up" albums of the year.

20-11


20.Artillery-Penalty by Perception

A terrific thrash album by a band that never quite got their due. This album really shows their true abilities to craft very well done songs.

19.High Spirits-Motivator



A very catchy NWOBHM influenced album with probably some of the most positive messages from metal in recent years. Definitely recommend it because you'll be humming these songs for weeks.

18.Wo Fat- Midnight Cometh



A great stoner metal release with some big riffs and very drawn out songs. Definitely recommend it because it is an absolute jam.

17.Sumerlands- Sumerlands



I always think of Witchfinder General with this album because it has the doom metal aspects but also has hints of early 80s metal like early Ozzy material. A very well written album that i keep coming back to and a heck of a debut.

16. Savage Master- With Whips And Chains



Part of the New Wave of Traditional Metal from the recent years, Savage Master have a minimalist yet catchy approach to their songs. Where the solos and rhythm may be simplified, Stacey Savages raw as hell voice is what really keeps you holding on til the last note.

15.Davie Allan/Joel Grind E.P



Cheating a bit with an EP but these four songs represent the awesome fuzzed out garage surf rock that practically inspired what heavy rock would become. Definitely one that has made constant trips to my record player in the recent months.

14.Testament-Brotherhood Of The Snake



A triumphant return for thew thrash legends with a good amount of catchy songs to it.

13.Hellfire- Metal Masses



The album cover says it all, catchy, raw speed metal from the early 80s and these guys pull it off well with the early Metallica influences shining all throughout. However, the musicianship is very tight and I still await for this sucker to be on vinyl.

12. Airbourne-Breakin Outta Hell


The fourth album from the aussie rockers and bringing more of their no holds barred rock n roll with possibly some of the sharpest production to date. I really love this album and has slowly become my favorite of theirs since I saw them live and wow, easily the best live band I've ever seen.

11.Seven Sisters-S/T



These guys are another traditional Heavy Metal band that came out this year and are one of my favorite new bands to debut this year. This album is epic in all sorts of ways, with amazing hooks, solo's and riff after riff, this album delivers a style of heavy metal that is almost long forgotten.


TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2016

10.Duel-Fears Of The Dead



What a great 70s rock revival album. Just some of the best riffs off any album this year. Basically if you mix a bit of Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and a dash of early KISS, you get this monster of a rock album.

9.Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper- Walking In The Shadows

An amazing return of one of the most epic vocalists out of the NWOBHM-era. Steve Grimmett returns with an all new band and delivers a traditional 80s heavy metal record and I think this one deserves to be called the comeback album because it easily can stand against Grim Reapers past three albums.

8.Blood Ceremony- Lord Of Misrule

An awesome album from the cult rockers with some heavy psychedelic thrown in the mix. I like the different directions some tracks take where it isn't all about being all doom but has more emphasis on the organ. A killer, haunting album from start to finish.

7.Demon Bitch- Hellfriends



Cult 80s US Power Metal done right in 2016. From the muddy bassy production tothe incredible falsettos, this album has some of the best crafted epic speed metal I have heard in a long time.

6.Tygers Of Pan Tang-S/T

A great comeback even if the band is a lot of new musicians. I think this added to Tygers viability because they sound as lively as ever on this album with a lot of great very big hooks as well.

5.Metallica- Hardwired...To Self Destruct



I know some people will get pissy for me putting this album so high on my list but I genuinely really like the album. I like the mix of basically all era's of Metallica and even though the second half gets bogged down a bit by too many slow numbers. the last track really makes up for it with one of the best songs they have written in thirty years.

4.Quartz-Fear No Evil



A band that has comeback at a perfect time and with undoubtedly one of their most solid albums. With a raw production and some awesome arrangements, Quartz are back roaring to life and I hope they have at least one more album in them because they definitely still have the chops and their new singer definitely holds his own as well.

3.Blues Funeral- The Search


One of the most creative releases of the year and for good reason. This album has 70s heavy rock mixed with jazz and slight hints of classical music as well  making for some amazing crafted songs. This band should be more well known especially for releasing such an amazing debut because this is what a creative band should sound like in the public eye to me.

2.Anthrax- For All Kings

Anthrax hit it out of the park again with an extremely focused, solid, well written thrash metal album. Their are some great melodies peppered throughout the album as well and I find it very rare for a lot of these older bands to write records still this good with this amount of musicianship and creativity.

1.Diamond Head- S/T

My number one album of the year by a band that should have been as big as Metallica. Brian Tatler has always been a very skillful guitarist in knowing how to make riffs that are just right and is one of my all time favorites as well. After losing Nick Tart, newcomer singer Rasmus Andersen who I believe is the best singer the band has ever had as well joined the band and created what I think is the true third Diamond Head album and really embodies what the band is about(granted I dig Canterbury but it isn't a Diamond Head album). Seeing them on tour for this album and meeting them really will always be one of my most treasured memories as well.

Well there is my top 20 albums of the year. This year is easily one of my favorites and shows that heavy metal is still alive and well. Here's to making 2017 just as fucking good thank you everyone for the support!

Album Review: Metallica- Hardwired...To Self Destruct

“Hardwired...To Self Destruct” is the tenth studio album by heavy, thrash metal quartet Metallica and is to be released on November 18th,2016. Finally the biggest heavy metal band in the world releases their next album unto the world. And Metallica definitely kept themselves busy as well with doing the Lulu collaboration, a big week long list of special shows to promote their thirty years together and they even made a movie akin to Led Zeppelin's the song remains the same. But finally they have graced us with not only a new album but a double album. However, with so much material does the album crumble under its weight or does it come out on top? Well lets wrap this Metallica-thon up by delving right in.


Track Rundown


1.Hardwired-Right off the bat, Metallica are going straight for the jugular and sound a lot more pissed off than they did on “Death Magnetic”. This song definitely is reminiscent of the early days and starts the album off just right. Very simple but very brash and very heavy with probably one of Kirk Hammetts most simple solo's as well.

2.Atlas, Rise!- This song is easily one of the more complex tunes on the album and is one of my favorites as well with “Death Magnetic” as well but the production I feel is a tad more slick here. James' voice also sounds just a lot more solid on this album as well and Kirk's solo in this is really good and really peaks during the melodic moment right before the song comes right around to the verses. The chorus is very Iron Maiden like as well and I dig it. So far the album is shaping up to be very lively.

3.Now That We're Dead- Whoa 90's Metallica has swept in! And it is the good kind with the big riffs and solid grooves. I love how this song groove's a long and slows the pace down from the past two tracks a bit. It has a bit of radio quality to it but mixes things up especially early in the game. James sings damn good here as well just as solid as he was singing on “Load” as well and the chorus is pretty solid as well.

4.Moth Into Flame- This song returns back to the more straight forward heavy metal moments but with a whole lot more melody to it and I don't think I have seen Metallica utilize melody like they had in this track. The chorus is extremely addicting on my 6th listen I still find myself singing to it. I also love Kirk's solo in this song as well, it is reminiscent of some of his old solo's from back in the day. I als0 have to compliment how much more audible the bass is on this record to, it rumbles a lot more than it did on “Death Magnetic” and I can dig that.

5.Dream No More- This song has a bit of “Sad But True” mixed in with the edge of a track like “King Nothing” and I really like it. The riffs are very simple but solidly done. The best thing about this song is easily James' vocals, it literally is James' voice off of “Load” and for good reason, he gives off a dark vibe to the song especially in the chorus. As simple as the song is it is catchy and is another one of the slower songs that I dig a lot.

6.Halo On Fire- This is sort of the epic song on the album with more of the softer guitars coming out during the verse and then a monumental chorus with James shouting the lines out and making this one of his strongest vocal performances I think ever. I enjoy the loose feeling of this song as well with Kirk kind of doing more simple but groove driven soloing throughout. Another great and emotional song off the album.

7.Confusion-The Diamond Head influence cannot be denied here and not in a  total ripoff way, although I do get major Am I Evil vibes in the beginning. There are some good riffs throughout this track but it falls short just a bit for me around the chorus. It just doesn't have the magic the first two sides had. It isn't a bad song but just falls short a bit.

8.Manunkind- I really like how the music video is a total black metal show, almost seems like a tribute to black metal band mayhem. The song is a slab of old school heavy metal with a bit of  seventies rock influence to it as well. It is a good more hard rocking tune again with the “Lead” era in mind with some strong vocals laid over the top as well.

9.Here Comes Revenge- Another one of my favorite songs with a darker vibe to it as well. I love the riffs in this song with the heavy chugging but at a mid tempo adding a bit more of a groove. This song sports another pretty damn catchy chorus as well. Kirk has a dirtier solo on this track that I dig as well.

10.Am I Savage?- Opening with a darker vibe, almost Gothic in tone which I really dig, it's something different. The riffs are again more simple but with some good grooves in the verses but again falls flat a bit during the chorus. It just feels a bit bored in some aspects.

11.Murder One- Metallica finally give their tribute to Lemmy (with a kickass video too). This song has more of a hard rock edge to it and some dirty bluesy sounds too. It definitely is more of a jam tune and a cool little inclusion on the album.

12.Spit Put The Bone- Holy Hell what the hell happened! Metallica literally exploded on this song and haven't done it this good since Master Of Puppets honestly. It is so unrelentless and James' vocals are amazing like holy hell this track alone makes the whole album worth it. It is catchy as hell as well all the way through the chorus. This is heavier than anything on Death Magnetic I honestly can't believe they had it in them to still play THIS fast and tight still but I applaud them for ending the album with a  huge bang and I love Trujillo's bass solo as well, a killer inclusion!


Overall, I give “Hardwired...To Self Destruct” a good 8 out of 10. Honestly it isn't an album that is a complete return to form for Metallica, hell Death Magnetic was more of a return to the style of “...And Justice”. However there are aspects that are done better than that album and the variety from straight forward thrash metal to more of their 90's hard rock sound is what really works here. The album does trudge a bit during the second half but the good songs are really good and then the average songs are there but being a double album, I think we get enough songs that would make a concrete single album with some songs that would have worked more as bonus tracks. Overall, it is a welcomed return once again for the boys at least to me and I also gotta say, spring for the deluxe edition if you want an awesome revamped version of “Lords Of Summer”. So that concludes my Metallica retrospective with all ten studio albums and their Lou reed collaboration. No matter where you stand, you cannot deny that Metallica are as big as they are for a reason, because they still can write good tunes. Long live Metallica!

Album Review- Anthrax: For All Kings

“For All Kings” is the eleventh studio record by American Thrash/Speed Metal band Anthrax and was released on August 26^th, 2016. Now those who have followed my reviews know my very first review was “Worship Music” and that album alone has solidified Anthrax’s staying power. Now after a very lengthy amount of touring, Anthrax are back with this new record and I already can say it is one of my favorite covers of the year. Meeting the band earlier this year was really awesome as well and I’ve been so eager to listen to it I can’t wait anymore so let’s dive right into For All Kings.

Track Rundown

1.Impaled-The album opens with an intro similar to how “Worship Music” did. However, this one is a lot more grand and medieval sounding. I have to say it builds wonderfully to the real opening track.

2.You Gotta Believe- Opening in a straight head on thrash attack, I really love how bass heavy the production is right away. The whole band is just as tight as they were five years ago. Joeys voice is one of the few timeless voices that never depletes he still sounds amazing. Jon Donais right away I can feel his Shadows Fall influences with a darker sound in his solos. There is almost this psychedelic bass interlude in the middle that I really dig it is really out of left field and totally works it adds a progressive feel to the album. Fantastic opener and a great return of the band.

3.Monster At The End- This song has a Spreading The Disease kind of feel in the guitar tones but that dark feel of Persistence Of Time. It has an awesome catchy chorus as well. The guitar harmonies are pretty cool as well with Donais doing some awesomely haunting sounding bends. His solo’s really stand out as well they have more of a bite to them I feel than Robs did. Even a mid paced Anthrax song can be insanely heavy, great song.

4.For All Kings-Opening with an awesome vocal performance from Joey, this song almost has a power metal element in the beginning but immediately gets that heavy Anthrax riffing thrown right in. This track has one of my favorite chorus’ on the album it just feels so epic. The solo is just amazing as well it’s just so well done.

5.Breathing Lightning-This song has a more upbeat feel with the cleaner guitars thrown throughout it. It still is a very powerful and incredibly original song as well. It does change up the pace a bit and still has some killer riffs in it as well. One of the most powerful tunes on the album very rocking song.

6.Breathing Out- Sort of an outro track from the previous song but it is very beautiful and very well done I love that they included it on the album.

7.Suzerain- Easily the heaviest song on the album with non stop low chugging riffs. The thing I have always liked about Anthrax is how their heavy sound has always gone perfectly with Joeys soaring voice. This song isn’t particularly a thrash song it is more of just a straight forward heavy metal tune. Another great song!

8.Evil Twin- This song when I first heard it could’ve sworn it was an outtake from Persistence of Time. Seriously these guys have lost no steps in how they play. This is to this album what “Fight Em tIl You Can’t” was on the last. Pure thrashing Anthrax what more do you need?

9.Blood Eagle Wings- Opening with more clean guitars that sound really great and add good atmosphere. It heads straight into an almost Sabbath-ish riff. The riffing during the verses has a real progressive feel to them with the little weird turns they make. This is an amazing heavy mid paced tune that speeds up towards the middle and ends near perfectly. The band should really be proud as this song is probably one of their best written.

10.Defend Avenge- Opening with feedback and a heavy riff going in and out and boom, you are straight into it. It almost reminds me of Metallica’s “Frayed Ends Of Sanity” a bit which is pretty cool. I love how jumpy this song is and how Anthrax just make it that way naturally. The bass, oh the bass it is so much more audible than it was on the last album to me anyway. I love Scotts backup vocals here as well they are still just as powerful as they were in the old days. A great fun song with an out of control yet precise solo.

11.All Of Them Thieves- This song sounds almost a bit Pantera-ish in its riffing in the beginning.  It does quite a long build up with Charlies drums thumping relentlessly. It has an interesting chorus to it as well. However, when it gets to the solo, this song goes out of control. It is still amazing how Anthrax can still play as fast as they do.

12.This Battle Chose Us- This song with the really heavy bass sounds like SOD a bit to me which I dig but it blasts into a total riff-o-rama (yes I used that term). This song is a head banging tune with a bit more melodic chorus that I really dig. There are so many different sounds on this record and I love it.

13.Zero Tolerance- The last song on the album and I have to say the build at the beginning is really really good It gets me really anticipated and holy hell they have matched a tune like Gung Ho with its speed. This song is 100% Thrash Metal and it is no holds barred all the way until the freaking end.

Overall, I give this record a 9.8 out of 10. Easily one of Anthrax’s most focused albums and definitely one of their most creative. This album is yet another straight home run for a band 30 plus years into their career and again they have proved they still have the guts against bands nearly half their age. Anthrax are definitely, at least out of the Big 4, the reigning champs and I can’t wait to see them on tour bringing some of these tunes to the stage. Now go on, put on For All Kings and MOOOOOSHHHH!!!!!!

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- 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- 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- 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.

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.