Category: Album Reviews

Butcher Babies – Lilith

Renowned for the intense live performances, Los Angeles based act Butcher Babies continues to evolve triggering mixed feeling among the hard to please metal crowd and deliberately diverging from the biased image of female fronted bands with the third full length “Lilith” which is not just meant to unleash an overdose of pure anger.

“Burn The Straw Man” certainly features some modern trendy metal elements with extremely crunchy distorted guitars and heavy bass lines readily amplified by undoubtedly vicious vocals courtesy of the explosive duo Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey who will lead you into temptation throughout the album.

The title track creates an enjoyable contrast between lascivious clean vocals and fierce screams while subtle arrangements offer atmospheric layers to support the heavier belligerent guitar riffing and the somber catchy melodic vibes.

On the hot single “Headspin” malicious melodies take the lead enhanced by passionate sensual vocals and dreamy atmospheres that reach a modern metal acme with an actually accessible and memorable chorus that temporarily puts aside the usual inflamed fury.

“The Huntsman” is a creepy fairytale featuring softer atmospheres and vocals scattered through the expected brutal instrumental sections and the resulting haunting mood is definitely more appealing than the traditional metal approach.

“Controller” revolves around a series of addictive guitar driven grooves that borrow the extreme angst of decades of metal as well as trendy moments while Heidi & Carla focus on a wicked vocal delivery and impress the listeners with savage screams.

“Look What We’ve Done” still has some straightforward heavy metal punch but Butcher Babies show a more emotive side favoring atmospheric vibes and higher melodic clarity with the right dosage of melancholy infused guitars and a mix of powerful and quite graceful vocals.

Overall, channeling a wide range of music influences Butcher Babies packs “Lilith” with an unrestrained blend of aggressive metal and catchy modern melodies but let’s not forget that the great entertaining value of this album comes from the hard work and undisputed charisma of vocalists Heidi and Carla.

The Ditch And The Delta – Hives In Decline

Emerging sludge rockers The Ditch And The Delta unleash the debut album “Hives In Decline” delivering all kinds of crazy heavy moments and crafting mind-bending grooves.

Those who are not familiar with the essential madness of sludge might find the title track hostile or just enigmatic as The Ditch And The Delta experiment with atmospheric tones, depressing vibes and borderline aggressive rhythmic blasts to generate interest and curiosity but also focus on a monolithic combo of guitars & bass with some hypnotizing quality.

“Fuck on Asphalt” definitely has a more straightforward rhythmic assault where steady guitars keep a properly sludge attitude that rightfully gives way to a series of wild and slightly discordant guitar solos.

The brief instrumental “Dry Land” showcases melodic craftsmanship as guitars acquire smooth sonic warmth with remarkable southern rock edge.

“Dread Spectacle” closes the album maximizing the experimental aspects and spicing up the monotone guitar riffing with sudden melodic breakdowns, dissonant tempo variations and dramatic vocals.

Lovers of sludge metal subgenre will find some entertaining ideas through the sonic exploration on “Hives In Decline” even if The Ditch And The Delta often go beyond such traditional elements attempting to channel a higher degree of unrestrained creativity.

Savage Messiah – Hands Of Fate

British metallers Savage Messiah return with the fourth full length “Hands Of Fate” which definitely focuses on renowned energetic dynamics of classic heavy metal ardently combined with subtle heartfelt melodies and thrash oriented heavier patterns.

The title track is an ideal opener including the major characteristics and mood of the whole album as Savage Messiah fearlessly puts together loads of guitar driven catchy grooves that bear classic metal tonalities embellished by a big memorable chorus and some wilder guitar tricks.

“Blood Red Road” keeps a similar mid paced rhythmic approach with occasional high impact thrash accents but also some pleasantly polished melodic guitars that eventually culminate in an entertaining solo rampage.

“Lay Down Your Arms” tends to slow down as guitars acquire sophisticated melodic quality and the overall mood becomes emotionally darker but there are still plenty of groovy riffs to enjoy.

“The Last Confession” doesn’t necessarily sacrifice the usual heavier riffage but definitely favors an almost dramatic melodic approach with smooth guitar leads and some mellow vocals that acquire higher energy in the memorable chorus.

Despite the scattered chunky guitar riffs “Out Of Time” becomes more atmospheric with a softer introspective mood enriched by a quieter rhythmic section, lavish guitar melodies and a melancholic yet catchy chorus.

With cohesive songwriting “Hands Of Fate” primarily revolves around the creation of widely accessible catchy grooves and borderline ‘happy’ mood that might not sound extremely unique at times nevertheless Savage Messiah will certainly gain more followers with this new album.

Sons Of Apollo – Psychotic Symphony

Probably Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian were always meant to create music together and the new band Sons Of Apollo finally sees the reunion of such talented duo joined by worldwide acclaimed fellow musicians Ron”Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. When five artists of such caliber join forces to compose music it’s hard to fathom what the result could be but a blend of prog metal prowess and a true rock n’ roll essence seems to be quite logical and the debut album “Psychotic Symphony” is not about putting together virtuoso showcases as it is filled with highly entertaining rock grooves besides plenty of exquisite instrumental talent.

Listening to the enticing album opener “God Of The Sun” you will notice immediately the great chemistry and enthusiasm of the band as the whole instrumentation works in perfect harmony to create refined intricate sonic patterns. Starting with middle-eastern atmospheric arrangements this track soon evolves into epic cerebral progressions as the expected intense musicianship just cannot be tamed. On vocals Jeff is always ready to deliver a vigorous classic rock edge that effortlessly flows through the luminous yet crunchy guitar passages and the multifaceted synths arrangements. The kaleidoscopic nature of this song is rather noticeable as, despite the multiple fascinating eclectic tempo signatures, the melodic fluidity feels rightfully cohesive and often carries melancholic nuances.

On “Coming Home” incredibly vibrant grooves take the lead with Jeff’s true rocker vocal delivery and big catchy choruses that are basically surrounded by all kinds of precise keyboards arrangements engaged in the creation of  innovative atmospheric layers, unrestrained energetic bass & drums patterns and absolutely memorable wild guitar antics.

“Signs Of The Time” features a seamless blend of classic rock tonalities and fashionable prog complexity with a fair dosage of creative tempo variations. Throughout the song Derek provides loads of precise technical arrangements and soloing followed by Ron’s utterly majestic lead guitar work yet none of these virtuoso moments sacrifices the catchy rock essence.

“Alive” definitely focuses on more straightforward classic rock melodies including mellower guitar & synths passages as tempo significantly slows down favoring Jeff’s passionate vocal delivery yet there is still space for some dazzling keyboards arrangements and understated refined guitar leads.

“Figaro’s Whore” is a way to give space to Derek’s simply phenomenal performance as he delivers a trippy and a bit avant-garde keyboard solo ‘lead guitar’ style.

“Opus Maximus” aptly feels like its own opus and will inevitably hypnotize the listeners within a sonic maze meticulously crafted to impress and intrigue any audience. The beginning comes with somber atmospheric quality and graceful melodies but, following unpredictable movements in proper prog fashion, the whole band showcases explosive talent deliberately entering a more experimental phase skillfully delivering plenty of technical complexity and incredible variety that might even make you feel dizzy at times. Billy and Mike constantly provide a series of grandiose versatile rhythmic patterns, often powerfully groovy, that offer a solid support for Ron’s guitar extravaganza and Derek’s mind-bending arrangements.

As the band has stated, Sons Of Apollo is not just a side project or a one-off supergroup but rather a priority and a full time band so do not hesitate to join the incredible music journey that “Psychotic Symphony” proudly offers.

Lisa Cuthbert – Hextapes

Vocalist/songwriter Lisa Cuthbert Initially released “Hextapes” via Bandcamp and as a limited-edition cassette but now this haunting album, an artsy blend of Celtic influences and drones, is available on vinyl.

“Killing Fields” is soft and dreamy as Lisa’s ethereal voice feels like a melancholic distant echo through enchanted desolate landscapes.

On “Under The Stars” gritty guitars add an edgy rock feel while Lisa’s bittersweet vocal performance confidently leads the listeners through hazy atmospheres and spacey melodies.

“Eye” features an obscure mood with bizarre modern electro effects and noisy drones which deliberately create a range of raw chaotic tonalities.

The heartwarming “Effigy” relies on tranquil melodies, minimal acoustic passages and wistful atmospheric layers that surround Lisa’s graceful voice.

Lisa Cuthbert focuses mainly on a sincere emotional vocal delivery and minimalist atmospheric nuances that render “Hextapes” a unique experimental rock piece.

Act Of Defiance – Old Scars, New Wounds

Featuring ex- Megadeth members Chris Broderick on guitar and Shawn Drover on drums Act Of Defiance are ready to unleash the sophomore full length “Old Scars, New Wounds” choosing a hard impact delivery further enhanced by stellar guitar work.

“M.I.A” brings to life some favorite thrash elements as a series of rather aggressive guitar riffs aim to build a wall of sound while the charismatic guitar solos showcase classic crispy metal tonalities.

“The Talisman” becomes quite somber starting with slow arpeggios that seamlessly introduce a round of heavier guitar riffs building a tight crunchier rhythm accompanied by fierce vocals but the whole song definitely maintains melodic patterns that naturally lead to a sparkling guitar solo.

“Circle Of Ashes” features a thick bass & drums combo that works harmoniously with consistent guitar riffing to provide a heavily intense rhythm that tends to gain fiery speed while a fancy guitar solo brings melodic textures.

“Reborn” relies on classic stomping thrash oriented patterns with blistering vocals and groovy guitar riffs without an overwhelming fast aggression but rather keeping a subtle melodic approach once again embellished by a powerful technical guitar solo.

On “Conspiracy Of The Gods” an intensely heavy rhythmic backbone is diligently crafted by thunderous riffage that seems unstoppable and quite enraged followed by a couple of faster yet stunningly elegant guitar solos.

“Rise Of Rebellion” acquires a particularly gloomy atmosphere as the song’s structure favors a primary melodic approach with intriguing layered guitars and the refined fluidity of absolutely entertaining guitar solos.

Even if the band might still be considered a new name in the metal scene you are certainly familiar with the experienced musicians behind Act Of Defiance therefore the cohesive nature and the uncompromising guitar driven assault of “Old Scars, New Wounds” will easily satisfy the audience’s expectations.

36 Crazyfists – Lanterns

Alaskan band 36 Crazyfists has been around since 1994 therefore the mature musicianship and songwriting that characterize the latest full length “Lanterns” is definitely not a surprise and the band has taken the time to focus on particularly sincere lyrics concerning life struggles and depression delivering also a message of hope because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The fierce album opener “Death Eater” starts with the right distorted punch as aggressive rhythmic passages and raw screams borrow the typical fury of metalcore/hardcore.

“Better To Burn” keeps a steady balance between easy upbeat melodic textures and soaring guitar driven grooves supported by a rather crunchy rhythmic backbone.

“Where Revenge Ends” is not exactly a standard ballad but the acoustic melodic fluidity and the general instrumental warmth definitely amplifies the vocals’ honest pensive approach.

“Sleepsick” will satisfy your moshpit needs as guitars and bass skillfully build a cohesive often enraged rhythm yet the mellower breakdown is ready to favor a more emotive vocal delivery.

With an accessible mid-paced groove and fervent alt-rock nuances “Laying Hands” revolves around catchy melodic guitar riffs and solo.

The highly somber mood of “Dark Corners” certainly matches its title as the band puts aside any metalcore elements to focus on a soothing series of stripped down melodies that channel a profound catharsis enhanced by emotionally charged vocals.

Listening attentively to “Lanterns” you will find that 36 Crazyfists have chosen to emphasize the emotional aspect of music composition yet they also ensure a fair dosage of heavy grooves.

Tarja – From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas)

One of the most beloved female vocalists Tarja Turunen has chosen to delight her fans with the rather unexpected album “From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas)” focusing on a dark interpretation of Christmas classic songs and dedicating this album to those who might not be able to enjoy the festive bliss.

As all the other songs on this album “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is structured like a movie score where Tarja’s elegant operatic vocal delivery becomes the luminous center around which ethereal atmospheric orchestrations gradually build darkened intensity ultimately leading to a triumphant classical climax.

Being the only brand new original song “Together” is a treat for the fans. Here Tarja follows the chosen atmospheric symphonic pathway of the whole album delivering an exquisitely emotional vocal performance while the dreamy piano melodies and the inspired orchestral layers evoke the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

“Pie Jesu” might sound less dark but Tarja’s voice becomes particularly spellbinding with impressive clarity and prowess through delicate symphonic layers and minimalist instrumentation.

“Amazing Grace” becomes even more atmospheric with gentle soothing layers on which Tarja lays majestic operatic style vocals while towards the end the orchestra acquires bolder cinematic intensity resulting in a grand classical finale.

“O Tannebaum” feels like a dark lullaby where shadows and subtle sounds can become suddenly spooky as Tarja’s compelling eclectic voice leads the listeners through a gloomy fairytale at times surrounded by particularly grandiose orchestrations.

The very common carol “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” becomes definitely more pleasant as Tarja’s vocals feel rather enchanting gracefully floating through somber electro/atmospheric layers.

If you thought that Christmas songs are boring “From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas)” might change your mind as with her mesmerizing performance and lavish symphonic arrangements Tarja successfully re-invents these popular classic carols.

Cannabis Corpse – Left Hand Pass

Cannabis Corpse emerges from a true passion for Floridian death metal shared by Municipal Waste bassist / vocalist Phil “LandPhil” Hall and drummer Josh “Hallhammer” Hall, who created the band in 2006. While many might not take this band seriously, maybe because of the sense of humor or the gore stereotypes, the latest release “Left Hand Pass” demands the listeners’ full attention.

With somber tonalities “The 420th Crusade” opens the album focusing on intriguing guitar dynamics, especially compelling in the eclectic solo, while the relentless rhythmic section and the vicious growls bear a ‘90s death metal attitude.

“Chronic Breed” again stands out for the particularly multifaceted guitar work while the rest of the song is all about crazy rhythmic patterns relying on super thick riffing and drumming.

The title track unleashes an overwhelming series of fast & ravenous riffing segments and the wild technical guitar solo simply cuts through such rhythmic fury.

“Papyrus Containing the Spell to Protect Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In the Bong Water” might win as most original title of the year and Cannabis Corpse concocts an initial ritualistic mood swiftly followed by fierce death metal grooves that include the usual breakneck speed shenanigans but also less intimidating guitar passages.

On “The Fiends That Come To Steal the Weed of the Deceased” the lyrics regarding a passionate interest for marijuana continue to entertain the audience while the band is engaged in a furious distorted jam that culminates with a savagely interesting guitar solo.

With slick precision and unrestrained brutality Cannabis Corpse concocts the expected ravenous death metal anthem so let’s say that lovers of this particular genre will certainly embrace & enjoy “Left Hand Pass” without hesitation.

Evil Invaders – Feed Me Violence

Belgian metallers Evil Invaders proudly release the sophomore album “Feed Me Violence” which confidently proves to be more than just a revival sensation even if the main core features nostalgic anthems exceptionally executed in proper traditional speed metal style.

“Mental Penitentiary” is such a savage opener focusing on a well-structured tight fast paced rhythm and impressive musicianship clearly showcased in the complex guitar work and the incredibly entertaining riffs.

“Broken Dreams In Isolation” becomes more dramatic as enticing guitars successfully create lavish melodic textures while the variegated rhythmic section and the blistering screams maintain the expected bold thrash/speed patterns.

The title track is simply raw & heavy as guitar riffing and drum blasts follow a frenetic tempo while in the midst of such chaotic rhythmic intensity lead guitars repeatedly gain the deserved spotlight with enthralling creative solos.

“Oblivion” rightfully favors smooth melancholic moments with emotionally profound melodic guitars but also doesn’t hesitate to bring back sharp classic speed metal riffing galore following an intensely faster tempo to trigger immediate headbanging.

Showcasing truly mature musicianship and composition “Among The Depths Of Sanity” features stylish music diversity effortlessly shifting from dramatic atmospheric passages to an inflamed crescendo of massive guitar riffs and assertively unleashing a crushing thrash sonic assault let ultimately embellished by a charismatic shredding guitar solo.

Evil Invaders definitely have the ability to channel the golden days of speed/thrash metal and “Feed Me Violence” is filled with entertaining diversity but also stays true to the genre’s main elements with fierce thunderous strength.