American deathcore act Suicide Silence returns with an ambitious self titled album in which the bands decides to experiment and explore new musical depths in order to deliver a more interesting work of music.

“Doris” packs aggressive tight guitar riffs that recall primordial metal roots and create a sort of structured chaos where scattered nu metal elements jump in the mix to add random dissonant accents.

“Silence” is all about chaotic feelings that need to be released to find a necessary balance as narcotizing slow guitar passages create a contrast with nervously caustic riffs and screams.

“Dying In A Red Room” is charged with anxiety and anguish deeply and inevitably embedded in the slower rhythm. The whole song recalls Deftones’s music style as whispered emotional vocals linger over discordant riffs and melodies stuck in an oppressive distorted reality.

“Conformity” is filled with desperate melancholy portrayed by soft guitar chords and mellow vocals. The melodic aspects of this song create an introvert mood rather than trying to channel some healthy groove and when guitars acquire a distorted energy everything remains trapped in a foggy confusion.

Suicide Silence’s self titled album is a raw chaotic music realm that attempts an avant-garde approach with atypical melodic features, and supposedly a change in musical direction that has generated turmoil among the fans, therefore it might appeal mainly to a specific underground audience.

Finnish heavy metal act Battle Beast is still young enough to have loads of opportunities to explore the grandiose realm of music but on the newest release “Bringer Of Pain” the band focuses on nostalgic themes recalling some forgotten glorious days of metal.

“Straight To The Heart” is a full blown 80s tune with cheesy keyboards and over polished guitar sound that make everything sound happy and fun. New vocalist Noora Louhimo screams with all her passion and devotion as the rhythm attempts to build a highly energetic groove.

The title track channels some dated classic metal combo of tight simple guitar riffing and mid paced drumming while a pompous power metal aura is emphasized by typical warrior style choirs.

Even if the 80s vibe might sound overwhelming to some listeners, “King For A Day” delivers a catchy rhythmic core with guitar riffs that could have been more dominant and dirtier to benefit the general mood but overall it is a rather entertaining track for nostalgic metal fans.

“Beyond The Burning Skies” has the melodic melancholy of classic metal ballads while Noora Louhimo delivers powerfully sincere vocals over repetitive melodies that recall many other popular power metal songs that we already heard and loved.

“Lost In Wars” is the only song that will truly stand out immediately for the compelling vocal duet with Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis. Also, the metal nostalgia is still present but toned down by a more modern groovy approach with crunchy guitar riffs and an enjoyable smooth melodic core.

Undeniably stuck in the 80s, “Bringer Of Pain” might lack the necessary creative energy to leave an unforgettable mark in the music scene but nostalgic listeners might still find something enjoyable in what Battle Beast is trying to deliver.

Featuring members of iconic rock band Thin Lizzy, supergroup Black Star Riders certainly knows how to write a catchy collection of rock songs. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the latest release “Heavy Fire” comes with a true dirty vintage attitude that can and will attract a wide variegated audience.

The title track relies on inflamed catchiness deeply embedded in a series of retro rock guitar riffs that would sound even more vibrant at a live show. Ricky Warwick on vocals delivers a smooth rocker style performance as the rhythm gains dynamics and momentum with sharper guitar riffing.

“When The Night Comes In” is a memorable catchy rock tune with the additions of soul style choirs. Again the guitar riffs dominate the scene with stylish rock attitude while some guitar leads provide easy classic rock melodies.

“Who Rides The Tiger” keeps alive a genuine retro groove featuring a heavier gritty rock approach that doesn’t need modern special effects to grab attention. The hard rock music core holds an insane dose of healthy energy that is further expressed in the incendiary guitar solos.

“Testify Or Say Goodbye” effortlessly keeps a radio friendly classic rock backbone with catchy drumming and riffing while the guitar leads channel some more mellow almost melancholic melodies.

“Ticket To Rise” delivers another winning ensemble of catchy guitar riffs and an irresistible rhythmic groove. Holding all the beloved and popular elements of classic hard rock, this track shines also for the no frills, yet pleasantly wild, guitar work and the harmonious choirs that naturally enhance the main rhythm.

With “Heavy Fire” Black Star Riders channel a proper rocker style without any hesitation and with that special vintage inspired creative spark that calls for long wild nights or just forgotten golden dreams, but someone might still say that it’s only rock ‘n roll.