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-Brimstone Coven: Black Magic

“Black Magic” is the second studio album from Doom/Occult rock group Brimstone Coven and was released January 29^th, 2016. I had first heard this band literally right when they released their self-titled debut and I really was into their stripped down approach to their music. However, I felt like they could have pushed a bit harder especially with the production it sounded quiet in parts to me. Now they have released their next disc so let’s see if it’s worth the wait.

Track Rundown

1.Black Magic- starting with some nice heavy riffing and I really dig how audible the bass is it really holds the sound together. The vocals have that analog like fuzziness with them and I really dig the production a lot more as well it feels more I don’t know more atmospheric? It is hard to explain. This song is really catchy and leaves a good impression especially to first time listeners. The solo really has that Sabbath sound and I think this is the first band I’ve heard to really nail Iommi’s style. However, it still sounds pretty original.

2.Black Unicorn- This song starts with some of that Jazzy kind of progression in the drums and guitars and there is some really soulful singing here as well that I dig. Nice quick rocker.

3.Beyond The Astral- I like the riff in this song it almost sounds kind of Cream like with a Sabbath-ish guitar behind it. It still has that really dirty occult feel to it with the vocals almost reminding me of the band Coven from the late 60’s. One of my favorite tracks.

4.As We Fall- This song has a cleaner softer opening to it and is a nice change of pace on the album. It actually reminds me a bit of the first Ghost album. This song has a more Ballad like feel to it but the atmosphere is nailed pretty good on the head with some reverb behind the vocals and a clean yet still dirty guitar and fuzzy bass cranking it out. Really really good song!

5.Upon The Mountain-This is a heavy riffing song with some cool vocals behind it that really seem to echo with the guitar. The solo to this one is one of my favorites on the record as well it just grooves really well.

6.Slow Death-My favorite song on the album simply because the rhythm really gets my foot tapping. I over the bumping bass especially in the background. There is a lot more of a prominent jazz and soul influence on this song which sets it apart form just being a standard rock song. And cmon the solo from Corey Roth is just so awesome.

7.The Seers- This song has a really good heavy riff to it that sounds mountainous and with that vintage sounding production it works so well. The solo for this tune is my favorite as well on the album its bends and everything just sound so good.

8.The Plague- This song has a softer and darker feel to it I really like how creepy this song sounds as well. The more Psychedelic spacey solo is really cool as well, A really well written song to say the least.

9.Forsaken- This one has a softer riff opening to it as well but goes almost into a stoner rock sounding chord progression. This song has a more Cream approach it feels especially with the vocals. A good heavy tune.

10.I really love the slowly fading in drum beat with all the crow noises it sounds really cool and This song actually has more of  Pentagram feel to it like I swear im just waiting for Bobby Liebling to come in and start singing. This song has more of a drone to it in the constant riff and low hovering vocals. It has a bit of a change up in the middle with some really cool note progressions which heads right back into the heavy droning to round out with just essentially a jam session until the song ends. A good heavy end to this album.

Overall, I give this album a 7.5-8 out of 10. This album really exceeds what they did with their first record with a darker production and everything just sounds so much heavier as well. The song writing is actually a bit more varied with some softer atmospheric pieces and still retaining the “rock” feel. Brimstone Coven is gonna be one of the bands to continue the retro rock sound and I have no problem with that because these guys really know how to play some good tunes. 

Album Review-Local H: Hey, Killer

"Hey, Killer" is the eight studio album by Illinois Grunge group Local H and was released in April, 2015. My history with this band is actually fairly new as my friend Brad encouraged me to review this groups new album, which i never take no for an answer, so I said yes. Doing some research, i found out these guys have quite a history including many line up changes since their beginnings in 1987. I figured since most grunge music I dig I'd enjoy these guys, so lets see what their newest album has to offer.

Track Rundown

1.The Last Picture Show In Zion-Opening with a very fuzzy haze of distortion, This song really goes into a hard rocking venture that i dig. When the vocals come in it sounds a bit like Alice In Chains which i can get into. The harmonies have a kind of Psychedelic feel to em as well. Heavy groovy opening tune and a good first impression.\

2.City Of Knives-This one has kind of a punky feel with more shouting vocals and frantic guitar riffing but is still pretty laid back as well. The chorus is simple and catchy which i like as well. Very straight forward rock n roll song.

3.Freshly Fucked-With a title like that, how could you not be drawn to listen to this song? It almost kind of reminds me of a Misfits/Black Flag hybrid. Very reminiscent of old school punk but with better production laid over it.

4.Gig Bag Road-This song has that nice riff driving rock that bands like soundgarden pumped out way back when. I love how fuzzy the guitars are on this record as well it adds a more garage band feel to the whole record.

5.The Misanthrope-This song is another grungy punk driven song and has these actually gothic kind of feeling parts but im sure thats just me. The verses are really catchy, this is one of my favorite songs on the record.

6.One of us-Opening with more clean guitars, there is still an eerie feeling within the chord progression with Scott Lucas' soft vocals. This song is really heavy in how it is executed. Really enjoyable song.

7.Leon and The Game of Skin-Opening with that quick punk drum beat really gets me hyped and the fuzzy bass slowly fading in is really cool too. It almost has a new wave-ish feeling in it with the clean chorus guitars. It really caught me off guard with how ti didnt go into a straight forward rocker. However it is really good and catchy all over the place.

8.Mansplainer- This song has that really really evidence 90s alt rock sound to it, but nonetheless is still pretty good. Doesn't go into anything straining from the typical formula it is really straightforward.

9.Age Group Champion-This song has a heavy but melodic sound to it which I really enjoy. This is my favorite song for that reason as it combines the softer sounds with their heavier sounds.

10.John The Baptist Blues- Another more rocking song with some heavy catchy riffs. Not much to say but it rocks.

11.I Am A Salt Mine- A really soft song to go out on with some interesting sounds in it as well. It is really atmospheric sounding as well which I like and I enjoy that they went out on a softer note as well.



Overall, I give this record a 7.5 out of 10. This review was another one that I went into nearly completely blind but I enjoyed what I heard. Even thought this record was alot of straight forward kind of throwback material, there were some interesting style choices in songs, catchy melodies and some pretty good written lyrics, This record hasn't really broken any new ground but it is a fun record and anyone a fan of this band will surely enjoy it.

Album Review: Megadeth- Dystopia

“Dystopia” is the fifteenth studio album by American Thrash Metal band Megadeth and was released January 22^nd, 2016. Now this band was one of my all-time favorites back during my High School days especially getting to see them twice on their Th1rt3en Tour. “So Far So Good So What?” still remains one of my all-time favorite musically written records as well today. I was fortunate to review “Super Collider” when it came out and I really liked the record for the different and more heavy metal styles it was trying I really did. Now when this record was released, a lot of people were skeptical as the last album really divided fans but as soon as the first few tracks were revealed with new comers Chris Adler from  Lamb Of God and Kiko Lureiro of Brazilian band Angra, people shut up and listened. These songs really brought back the Thrash element the band is really known for. However does the record hold up as a whole? Or is it just filler and no killer. Well….

Track Rundown

1.       The Threat Is Real- Opening with a very speedy intro, I really like the more slick production here with the Egyptian sounding soloing go9ing on as well, The band sounds very tight and Daves vocals, although worn , they still feel appropriate. I like the very frantic pacing in the chorus as well it makes it catchier.  This songs has 80s Megadeth written all over and sounds like a song that might have been on one of their releases in the late 2000’s. Soloing is very good as you would expect from Megadeth. Very good opening tune.

2.       Dystopia- I like the intro to this song and how heavily melodic it sounds, almost sounds like a power metal band. This sounds like a Megadeth tune from one of their bigger 90’s albums which isn’t bad it isn’t a song that is pure Thrash it is a more straightforward Heavy Metal song. I really like it more so because of the heavy melodies running through it.

3.       Fatal Illusion- The first song off the record released, and I really like the intro to it, but I feel this would have been a better opening song with how lengthy the opening on it is. Juniors bass playing gets a spotlight immediately after and it’s so awesome to hear it reminds me a lot of his 80s bass work. I love how fast this song gets in the middle it sounds like a cross between the pure assaults of So far and the technicality of Rust In Peace with the production of Countdown and Youthanasia. Definitely one of their heaviest songs in a few years.

4.       Death From Within- This song opens with some heavy riffing and some good grooves as well. This song is a pure headbanging delight. Reminds me of 90s Anthrax for some reason, but still pretty good.

5.       Bullet To The Brain- Beginning with a marching snare drum and dark acoustic guitars, this song has a bit of a different taste to it especially with the vocals. Daves vocals are a bit more buried in verses and almost drone a little bit. This song is a bit more mid paced and slows the record down a bit but it has a lot of good musicianship within it which I appreciate.

6.       Post American World- This opening almost sounds like a Slayer song but immediately sounds like a heavy Megadeth tune, which even though it is a lot more mid paced, the soloing and riffing still sound really on point. I also love Chris’ super heavy drum roles, it really adds.

7.       Poisonous Shadows- Opening with more acoustic guitar, This song is another more progressive  midpaced piece that really showcases Kikos amazing solo abilities. This song is insanely heavy probably one of the heaviest Megadeth songs mainly through the drums which is my favorite thing about this whole record. Very good written track.

8.       Look Who’s Talking- This song is another of those songs with a lot of interesting time key changes in it. Its an okay track I like it but it isn’t the best.

9.       Conquer Or Die- My favorite opening on the album it has just such a good atmosphere to it. This song overall is a pretty good heavy offering with some of my favorite soloing on the record. This is a really good instrumental into the next song.

10.   Lying In State- This song is a faster track with a lot of virtuosity tossed throughout it. Another one of my favorites on the album. Very Catchy.

11.   The Emperor- There is some good riffing in this song but the lyrics sound kind of cheesy at points but it is pretty good. Not slot to say about this one. I like it.

12.   Last Dying Wish- This song sounds a lot like Rust In Peace to me with Dave singing like a dictator above the music. Good song I really like the riffs and solo breaks in it as well.

13.   Foreign Policy- As keeping in tradition with the last record, this one also concludes with a Cover and this time it’s a cover of one of legendary punk band FEARS’s songs. It is a pretty good cover but fairs a lot better as a punk song than a metal song. Sounds a lot like old Megadeth in it though which is pretty cool.

Overall, I give this album a 7 out of 10. This is Megadeth really back to business, it really offers a lot to the fans who were hoping for the next step after Endgame which I feel this record is the next logical step, however I don’t think this album would’ve come to life without the past few experiments which I still admire I might add. This album is still really heavy and despite some gray moments, really captures the tight heaviness of the new line up. I feel Megadeth are in a good place right now and im sure their fans think so too.

Album Review: Electric Revolution-Character Is power

“Character is Power” is the debut album from Wisconsin Blues Rock group Electric Revolution and was released in December of 2015. I have a bit of history with these guys since I reviewed their e.p way back when and ever since I was eagerly waiting a full length album to see what these guys could dish out. Well here they are with a new vocalist and ten brand new tracks. Lets see if this album really hit the mark or if it sings the blues.

Track rundown

1.Here We Go- This song totally reminds me of Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow and it is a fine rocker to open the album. I really love the distorted harmonica playing as well it adds more grit to the song. The band sounds really tide as well yet they have such a laid back feeling that is great. Dave Lawsons vocals are totally killer and he really carries himself very well. Amazing riptide of an opener.

2.Save Me- This album has like a slower groovy frantic feeling to it and the slide guitar is so infectious I love it. The chorus is pretty heavy sounding like its 1975 all over again and I love it. This song really is a straight shooter and plays no games it just straight grooves.

3.Killing Me- I like the old school horror film intro to this one I love intros like that, but the song is so freaking tasty. I love the heavy sounding bass and my buddy Billy Pulera is one hell of a rhythmic drummer he keeps it so solid and especially on tracks like this you can really feel it. The main riff is one of my favorites on the record. Lawson’s vocals really hit me hard especially in the chorus he really belts it out. My favorite on the record by far.

4.Tragedy- This song has more of a straight melodic sound to it with a bluesy edge to it and I believe a touch of keyboards in the back ground. This isn’t a bad song but its a lot different from the rest of the album until it really starts to hit a bit over two minutes in. The solo is really really good as well. Pretty good song very different turn but hey that ain’t a bad thing.

5.Forgiveness-Hell yeah, some soulful blues, this is another one of my favorites on the album it is just really gritty but so beautiful at the same time. It really is a great tune it just has so much feeling and literally everyone is giving it their all just a killer melodic tune.

6.What The Fuss- The frantic beat of this tune I think is pretty interesting it gives it kind of a jazzy feeling. It really is a raw upbeat tune with some interesting rhythm elements as well. This one is a bit more laid back with Save Me in vain. Pretty good tune to drink to while your kicking back giving it a spin.

7.Character Is Power- This song easily has the tightest and most infectious rhythm especially on bass damn its just such a good song. It has a lot of jazz elements to it as well and even a saxophones solo as well. This is one I always find myself air drumming to when im listening its just so infectious. Definitely a song that has character and packs some power.

8.You Are Here- I really like the melodic almost psychedelic sounding vocals at the beginning. This one sounds a lot like Schenker era UFO which isn’t bad its amazing. It is a rocking tune with some more melodic spots especially in the bridge to the chorus. It a really straight forward tune that I could see played on any classic rock radio in a trans am going down the road.

9.Can You Feel It- Beginning with another really jazzy beat, this song is another more rhythmic rocker than straight balls out rocking. Its still pretty good and insanely tight as well. It reminds me a lot of Save Me with a lot more not changes in the chorus but it still has a lot of power to it. Pretty good tune.

10.In The End- This song was actually released as a standalone a while ago but was included on the album and rightfully so, it is an amazing song and one worth ending this album. The main riff is so bluesy and heavy it really is such a bar tune that gets people tapping their foot. I love the bridge to the chorus the chords Joesy Wails strike are just so powerful and infectious. A killer tune to end the album.

Overall, I give this album an 8.5 out of 10. It really was worth the wait for this sucker and im so happy that I finally have my hands on it. If you love 70s groovy rock, you definitely should check this album out because these guys freakin rock. 

A Tribute to Lemmy

I’ve been writing reviews for almost three years and in that time I have seen quite a few musicians that I have admired pass on. However, this particular man has inspired me more than most musicians I have ever studied or come across. He taught me to be true to myself no matter what and don’t do anything if your heart isn’t in it. He also is my number one inspiration to pick up bass playing as well. The man I am talking about is Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and this is my tribute to one of the last true rock n rollers we had.

               

I first heard Motorhead around when I was five or six actually it was quite funny because it was from a scene from “The Spongebob Movie” where a rendition of the bands song “You’d better run” was playing in the backround. I was so compelled by how heavy that song was I tracked down the movie soundtrack and had that song on repeat for weeks (by the way, fuck Avril Levine and all that shit on that cd). I eventually bought “Ace Of Spades” and “Overkill” around when I turned 13 and Overkill was the album that turned me into a young rabid Motorhead fan. Just every song was excellence and it was rude and loud and at the time it really rivaled my obsession with ACDC for awhile. In 2011, I finally got to see Motorhead on “The World Is Yours Tour”. I was front row with a past friend that whole show and it was easily the loudest show I had ever seen. I could’nt hear all week after and my teachers actually grew concerned if I was for real going deaf but all I replied with was “if im deaf I don’t care, it was worth it.”. I still can’t hear that great! But it was still worth it. I got to see the band on the Gigantour bill at Aragon Ballroom as well and they easily beat out Megadeth that night. They have been easily one of the most “Real” bands that I have ever seen live. Lemmy is such a force on stage even when he is just standing playing and feeling the bass, it is just the most badass thing you’ll ever see. It always made me think that you should always go balls out and be yourself and fuck anyone who doesn’t believe in you. It is realy sad to see him gone, I am actually tearing up a bit while writing this. But I know that is not what Lemmy wants, so instead I am going to put in “Orgasmatron and turn that fucker as high as itll go til the speakers blow, and you should too, Long live Motorhead, long live Lemmy! Don’t forget em, they are Motorhead and they play rock n roll!!! \m/!!!!

TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2015

What a year for heavy metal! So many albums were released this year and putting just 10 on this list was the hardest thing but here it is my list of the ten best album of 2015!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2015

1.Spillage- Spillage

-And my number one pick is the debut record from Heavy Metal group Spillage from Chicago, Illinois. This record kicked my ass around the world and back when I first heard it. Its raw yet nice production is very pleasant on the ears and Tony Spillmans ability to write these insanely catchy riffs and Chris Martins superb heavy drumming is just what made it my number one album of the year!

2.Night Demon- Curse OF The Damned

-The debut record from these NWOBHM worshipers out of California and damn I was hooked on this record after the first song. These guys just know how to craft amazing sounding “true heavy metal” tunes it’s a great record from a new band to remind us how great 1980-83 was. Also, the production is something I’ll brag about all day.

3.Venomous Maximus-FireWalker

-The second release from these guys and easily their best. It combines melodies from bands like Maiden and the Heaviness of Sabbath for a record that is a force to be reckoned with.

4.Electric Revolution-Character Is power

-This band from Kenosha I have dug for a while and I recently just got to hear their first full length all the way through and wow it exceeded all my expectations. Check em out their 70’s inspired groovy rock is all anyone could ask for.

5.Chris Holmes-Shitting Bricks

-one of my favorite guitarists of all time is back with a dirty as hell, gritty rock n roll release that may not break new bounds but it is damn fun and very spinal tap at points. Either way I love it and so should any old school wasp fan.

6.Pentagram-Curious Volume

-The legendary doom group is back with a new album well newish as it features a lot of older written songs but it is still a great, heavy throwback to the 70s and Bobby Liebling still has a voice that is as heavy and haunting as ever.

7.W.A.S.P-Golgotha

-WASP impressed me with this one. It still has a lot of catchiness to it and reminds me a lot of Headless Children which isn’t a bad thing.

8.Uncle Acid: Night Creeper

-The fourth release from the Psych/Doom quartet and it is still as haunting and heavy as ever. Truly one of the best bands in the rising retro doom genre

9. Motorhead: Bad Magic

-This album another straight great release from the loudest band in the land. Even through their troubles they still manage to crank out great tunes and still show that just because you age doesn’t mean you need to slow down.

10. Iron Maiden: Book Of Souls

-This album really made my list for the fact that Iron Maiden still know what they were doing, even if I wasn’t totally sold on it. There are some great songs on this album and plus its freakin Iron Maiden.