REVIEW: The Sign Of The Southern Cross – Of Mountains and Moonshine

Artist: The Sign of the Southern Cross
Album: Of Mountains and Moonshine
Label: Season of Mist
Websites:www.myspace.com/southerncrossband
www.season-of-mist.com

The Sign of the Southern Cross is:
Seth Uldricks – vocals, guitar
Adam Ranke – bass
Brett Wilson – drums

Hailing from North Carolina, the same wonderland that bore Corrosion of Conformity, The Sign of the Southern Cross are the latest in a long line of southern bands who wear their influences on their sleeves and have no problem showing you exactly what they’re made of.  Southern pride aside, this band has the talent to become a household name in the metal community for years to come if they so choose.

The title track begins with a haunting violin and banjo instrumental that leads you to believe that you’re going to be listening to some Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.  While I’ll admit that I love Skynyrd, fortunately, this band has a lot more in store for you than ripping off one of the all-time great southern rock bands.  “Huck Finn” begins with chainsaw riffing and the rhythm section slogging through the kind of sludge that would swallow up lesser men.  Uldricks’ vocals sound eerily similar to those of Philip Anselmo as he croons with attitude and various personas while the band trudges along in it’s sludge-filled groove.  This one grabs you by the throat and toys with you for a while before it sends you off to run back home to your mommy.  “The South is Rising” has a lot of groove starting out, reminding me of a Down and Alabama Thunderpussy hybrid (not a bad thing, right?)  Spastic vocals mesh well with the heavy as hell groove the band lays down throughout.  The solo is a pure Pantera tribute, and Uldricks makes you believe what the song title infers as his vocals take on a more urgent tone before eventually settling back into the parameters of the fat groove the band has gotten into.

“Weeping Willow” is a haunting acoustic number that has some really soulful vocals: “I’m living life/On borrowed time/I carry the weight of an age/The well’s run dry/Bellies suck the spine/So I drink from the world in your hands/Here on my/Waiting for you”.  As sad and depressing as it is, it’s also quite beautiful at the same time.  Think Pantera’s “Suicide Note Part 1” meets Alice in Chains’ “Jar of Flies” album.  “Scry” begins with searing riffs and thunderous rhythms, pummeling you while ferocious vocals hit you from all over the place.  It chugs along in a manic groove throughout, breaking you down along the way.  “Eating the Sun” is another sorrow-filled acoustic song to begin, but it eventually transforms into an emotional, upbeat song that really strengthens the album.  “Appointed Reaper” is flat out brutality that pummels you throughout and gives you a change of pace from the stoner metal and acoustic stylings of the rest of the album, and it shows that the band isn’t afraid to mix things up a little.

What I do know after listening to this album is that they sure can play and this is one of my favorite records of 2009.  A few of the songs are a little drawn out for my tastes, but that still doesn’t take away from this great record.  This one can contend with the big boys of the stoner metal genre and I hope that they continue to get better so they’ll become more of a household name sooner rather than later. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Recommended tracks: Huck Finn, The South is Rising, Weeping Willow, Eating the Sun

Track listing:
1. Of Mountains and Moonshine
2. Huck Finn
3. The South is Rising
4. Dead Skies
5. Weeping Willow
6. Hog Callin’
7. Scry
8. Eating the Sun
9. Appointed Reaper
10. Unwelcome in that House
11. Purge
12. Stitch in Time (To Save Nine)
13. Stalking Horse

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REVIEW: Slayer- World Painted Blood

Artist: Slayer
Album: World Painted Blood
Label: American
Website: www.slayer.net

Slayer is:
Tom Araya – vocals, bass
Kerry King – guitar
Jeff Hanneman – guitar
Dave Lombardo – drums

I might find myself in the minority here, but I actually liked Slayer’s past 2 studio albums, 2001’s “God Hates Us All” and 2006’s “Christ Illusion”.  While I got into Slayer a lot later than most metalheads, I enjoy both their older material as well as the new stuff.  Some fans wish that the mostly forgettable Slayer albums of the 90’s had never come out, and some might even wish the same of the albums that have come out in the 00’s.  But for those who are a bit more open-minded, there’s plenty of ear candy on “World Painted Blood”.

The title track begins with a slowly building riff that twists itself between the rattle of Lombardo’s snare and a native american speaking about the end of the world.  It’s a bit creepy and sets the mood for the whole album. It ends up morphing into blistering thrash with Araya’s trademark ferocious vocals that spew forth more doom and gloom about our eventual demise: “Gomorrah’s dream to live in sin/Has reached its critical mass/Man himself has become god/And laughs at his destruction.”  “Unit 731” begins quickly and furiously as King and Hanneman trade off searing riffage over the thunder of the rhythm section.  Araya reaches deep into his soul to unleash tortured vocals on your ears while the band takes you through various twists and turns, mixing elements of death metal and thrash and playing with as much speed as anything else they’ve done in the past.

“Snuff” picks up where “Unit 731” left off, unleashing chainsaw riffing and fretboard domination that sets the tone for the whole band to pummel you.  Anyone who thinks the band has lost a step needs to listen to this track as they prove they’re just as good as ever.  King’s leads are pure showmanship as he rips his way up and down the fretboard, dive bombing you at every turn.  “Beauty Through Order” is a moody motherfucker that slowly works its’ way into your system, reminiscent of some of the slower, gloomier material on “South of Heaven” and “Seasons in the Abyss”.  While “Hate Worldwide” might seem to be a little cartoonish as far as statements go at this point in Slayer’s career, it’s actually a pretty damn good song.  And who can really criticize a band too much for writing a song that sums up their motto?  It begins with a furious torrent of Lombardo’s pummeling drumming, searing riffs and classic Araya vocals.  More Hanneman and King speed demon solos are fired off during the song’s chorus, adding to the circle pit chaos that’s already going on during the verses.  It goes crazy at the end and just ends cold, leaving you begging for more.

“Public Display of Dismemberment” begins with the band pummeling you as they play with fury like the well-oiled machine that they are.  It’s classic fast and furious Slayer.  If you like thrash then you’ll definitely enjoy this one.  “Human Strain” is another slower, doom and gloom track.  If you can picture the soundtrack to the end of the world, this definitely fits the bill.  It also fits with the “South of Heaven” and “Seasons” era material.  “Americon” begins with Lombardo pounding his kit and a memorable riff that hammers your senses.  Araya does well with matching the pace of the music with his vocals.  The line that says “It’s all about the motherfuckin’ oil” is a bit hokey, but the message behind the song and King’s ability to try to capture other countries’ view of America is very appropriate especially considering the events of the past 15-20 years.  This is definitely one of the best tracks on the album.  “Psychopathy Red” begins quickly and furiously as they explode into the type of thrash that made them famous.  The pummeling rhythm section and chainsaw riffs are heavy as hell, with Araya’s psychotic vocals stealing the show on this one.  Very well done, and I like how they get in and make their point and then move on.  There’s no extending the song just for the hell of it.

“Playing With Dolls” is a bit gloomy to begin as Araya spews manic vocals.  If the guy’s vocals hadn’t scared the shit out of you at least once in the past, this look into the mind of a serial killer and his demented delivery might be the one to do the trick.  While slowed down, the track is still heavy and will please those who are open-minded and don’t shut things out that aren’t their normal preference.  There are a few parts where they speed it up, but that doesn’t really fit the mood they try to set, and to be honest, the slower, gloomier mood fits the subject material much better.  “Not of This God” begins quickly as the band charges into battle, pummeling your senses as Araya unleashes furious vocals and the rest of the band continues the punishment.

Thankfully, Slayer didn’t take so long between albums this time.  Hopefully their next album will only be 3-4 years away.  When you’re still at the top of your game you might as well keep putting out good music instead of letting too much time pass between albums.  I’m very happy with this album and can’t find much that Slayer could’ve done better.  This is definitely a contender for album of the year.  Things really haven’t changed all that much for this band as they prove they’re still the kings of thrash metal.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Americon, Psychopathy Red, World Painted Blood

Track listing:
1. World Painted Blood
2. Unit 731
3. Snuff
4. Beauty Through Order
5. Hate Worldwide
6. Public Display of Dismemberment
7. Human Strain
8. Americon
9. Psychopathy Red
10. Playing With Dolls
11. Not of This God

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REVIEW: Skeletonwitch – Breathing The Fire

Artist: Skeletonwitch
Album: Breathing the Fire
Label: Prosthetic Records
Websites: www.myspace.com/skeletonwitch
www.prostheticrecords.com

The liner notes to their 2nd Prosthetic Records album quotes the band’s credo and perfectly sumsup what they’re all about: “We’re Skeletonwitch from Athens, Ohio! Drink beer, smoke weed, and eat some fucking pussy!” I couldn’t have said it any better myself. I really thought I was at a Pantera show when I read that. For a band that has the talent and knack to combine thrash, death metal and black metal seemlessly into their own cauldron of doom & gloom, I’d say they’ve done pretty well for themselves 2 albums into their career.

“Submit to the Suffering” kicks everything off with its’ fast-paced, blistering thrash that’s reminiscent of a runaway train that’s headed straight in your direction. “Longing for Domination” chugs along for a bit to begin, then they decide to get serious and proceed to reach through your speakers and kick your ass. The blistering dual guitar attack and throat-scorching vocals are surprisingly matched in intensity by the pummeling assault that the rhythm section has decided to lay upon you.

“Released From the Catacombs” quickly begins as they chug along for a bit, pummeling you with mechanical precision. They eventually speed into full on thrash about a minute in and go absolutely nuts. Instead of being content with just going off for the rest of the song, they slow things down and chug along for a bit and jam out, letting the music breathe a little. “Stand Fight and Die” begins furiously with odd harmonics, then goes right into full on thrash with angry, raspy vocals. They slow it down for a bit and mix in guttural vocals before the anthemic chorus hits you and shows off some of the band’s newfound musical growth. The lyrics are classic as usual as well: “When weapons raise and the blood starts to flow/You stand, you fight, you die.” “Crushed Beyond Dust” quickly begins with the fury of a bull that’s about to charge. They go apeshit about 45 seconds in, pummeling your ears with searing riffs, throaty vocals that drip with pure emotion and the machine-like thunder of the rhythm section. This is the band at their finest, most brutal.

“Gorge Upon My Soul” begins quickly but isn’t nearly as heavy sounding as most of the rest of this record. They eventually make up for that as they make things downright brutal during the second half of the song, putting their trademark speed and fury into a pot and letting it all boil over. “Repulsive Salvation” begins quickly with the thundering rhythm section and throbbing riffs. The throaty, guttural vocals are heavy as hell and they deliver some of the best lines of the band’s existence: “Infested you cry out in ecstasy/Rats and maggots cleanse your flesh.” Sweet! This is just nasty, downright brutal metal.

All things considered, this is a serious album of the year candidate in my book. While I would’ve been perfectly content with a repeat of “Beyond the Permafrost”, I’m thrilled with the growth they’ve shown on this album. Hopefully they’ll continue to push the envelope with every release. Is it safe to say that they’re the heirs to Slayer’s throne? Maybe they’re not there quite yet but I think they’re a good bet to be there someday.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Crushed Beyond Dust, Stand Fight and Die, …And Into the Flame

Track listing:
1. Submit to the Suffering
2. Longing for Domination
3. Where the Light Has Failed
4. Released From the Catacombs
5. Stand Fight and Die
6. The Despoiler of Human Life
7. Crushed Beyond Dust
8. Blinding Black Rage
9. Gorge Upon My Soul
10. Repulsive Salvation
11. Strangled by Unseen Hands
12. …And Into the Flame


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REVIEW: Doomriders – Darkness Come Alive

Artist: Doomriders
Album: Darkness Come Alive
Label: Deathwish Inc.
Websites: www.myspace.com/doomriders
& www.deathwishinc.com

If you were unaware of the regular bands that
the members of Doomriders call home,
then you wouldn’t realize that Doomriders is
more than just a mere side project, it’s more like a hardcore supergroup. Granted, I wouldn’t necessarily
classify this as a hardcore record. It’s actually difficult for me to
classify this record into any genre other than the vast umbrella
of hard rock. It changes styles so seamlessly and effectively
that you’d have a hard time classifying it too.

“Fade From Black” slowly builds up, sounding epic in its’ nature,
ultimately wheting your appetite before it flows right into
“Heavy Lies the Crown”, which sounds like old school Mastodon.
It chugs along as they rail away against society’s ills.
It gets angry as they bellow “Pretenders beware/Strike you
down where you stand”.  If you like grooving
hard rock then this will fit the bill for you.  “Knife Wound” begins
quickly and keeps at that pace for a while, almost sounding
like Pro-Pain with aggressive vocals and heavy, fast paced metal.
They eventually decide to slow it down and grind it out for a while
when the chorus hits, ending abruptly so they can hit you with the
next surprise.

“Come Alive” slowly begins, building up with tribal sounding drums and
energetic riffing.  It gets a burst of energy as searing riffs take over
along with vocals that are reminiscent of Glenn Danzig.  Wow, this is just
a great song that you can easily rock out to.  If this isn’t one of the
best songs you’ll hear all year then you’re obviously not paying
attention.  “The Equalizer” begins quickly with a ton of energy and angry
vocals.  Hooky and catchy as hell, it gets less aggressive and more
meloidc once its time to unleash the chorus upon you.  It’s a nice song
that you can rock out and groove to, despite introspective lyrics that
might persuade you to dig a little deeper: “Your death starts creeping
up/When your life begins.”  “Bloodsuckers” is fast paced and full of
angst.  Angry, throaty vocals lead the way as the band unleashes
furious punk on you.  The music isn’t all that complicated but it’s so
damn effective.  And that’s what the majority of this album sounds
like: it’s hard to classify and isn’t complicated but it’s so effective that
I don’t blame them for playing straightforward music instead of trying
to show off.

This is easily one of the best records I’ve heard this year.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Come Alive, Heavy Lies the Crown, Knife Wound,
The Equalizer

Track listing:
1. Fade From Black
2. Heavy Lies the Crown
3. Bear Witness
4. Knife Wound
5. Come Alive
6. Night Howler
7. Crooked Path
8. Lions
9. The Equalizer
10. Night Lurker
11. Jealous God
12. Mercy
13. Night Reckons
14. Blood Avenger
15. Bloodsuckers
16. .
17. Rotter

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REVIEW: Shrinebuilder – Shrinebuilder

Artist: Shrinebuilder
Album: Self-titled
Label: Neurot Recordings
Websites: www.myspace.com/shrinebuildergroup & www.neurotrecordings.com

On their debut EP, stoner rock supergroup Shrinebuilder show off their
chops as well as allow themselves a chance to jam a little outside of the
constraints of their respective day jobs.  The group, consisting of
Neurosis’ Scott Kelly (guitar & vocals), The Melvins’ Dale Crover (drums),
Al Cisneros of Sleep and Om fame (bass), and doom legend Scott “Wino”
Weinrich (guitar & vocals), mesh together as if this were their primary
musical outlet.  For those who don’t know what to expect from
Shrinebuilder all you need to do is look back at these artists’ previous
works in order to find those answers.

“Solar Benediction” starts off by sounding like Hidden Hand-era Wino with
gloomy vocals and slow burn riffs behind it.  The song goes along like
that for a bit before Kelly’s angry vocals join the mix and give it a much
needed kick in the ass to get going.  It ultimately returns to previous
form, plodding along as the chugging rhythm section and slow burn riffing
let you feel the burn while you light one up and get enveloped into the
music.  Gloomy and depressing at times, this one is solid but runs a
little too long for my tastes (8:44).

“Pyramid of the Moon” plods along at the beginning with slow burn
riffingand a rhythm section that is content to plod along as well.
Kelly’s gloomy vocals join in and make the song even more bleak
and depressing. It eventually goes off on its’ own trip, pummeling
you as it plods forward, aided by trippy vocals that make you feel
like you might be stoned (that is, if you aren’t already).
They get into a nice groove on this one and
hold onto it for a long time.  “The Architect” slowly chugs along to
start, building up before Wino comes in with haunting vocals over the
band’s doom and gloom.  Kelly’s vocals kick in over searing riffs, giving
the song a bit of life, then one of them goes off with a soulful solo.
Just when you think the ride is over, Cisneros hits you with a bassline
that’s reminiscent of Black Sabbath that they ride out and off into the
sunset.

Overall this is a solid effort from a seasoned group of musicians.
Personally I’d like to see more songs and shorter songs but I can’t
complain too much.  If you like anything that falls under the stoner rock
umbrella then you’ll enjoy this record.  If you like to sit back and get
lost in a piece of music then this will suit you as well.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Solar Benediction,  The Architect

Track listing:
1. Solar Benediction
2. Pyramid of the Moon
3. Blind For All to See
4. The Architect
5. Science of Anger

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REVIEW: Revocation – Existence Is Futile

Artist: Revocation
Album: “Existence is Futile”
Label: Relapse
Website: www.relapse.com

If you took a bit of thrash, a bit of death metal, some Darkest Hour style
vocals and some virtuoso guitar riffing and threw it into a blender, most
likely you’d end up with Revocation or something pretty damn close.  That
certainly isn’t an attempt to pigeonhole this band, as they prove on
“Existence” the sky’s the limit.

“Enter the Hall” begins with a futuristic, technical sound that builds up
when a virtuoso sounding riff kicks in.  It gains steam before ultimately
turning into brutal death metal with bone crushing riffs.  It flows right
into “Pestilence Reigns”, which is death metal with Darkest Hour style
vocals.  You’d think John Henry was fronting this band by the sounds of
it.  This track has plenty of in-your-face attitude and some sweet blast
beats; the brutality is in full force on this track.

“Deathonomics” begins with a metalcore sound and more pissed off vocals
that preach against corporate greed.  It pummels you like a sledgehammer
to the skull.  “Across Forests and Fjords” chugs along at the beginning
with rattling drums and crunching guitars, slowly building up.  Epic in
nature, it has the makings of a bad ass Halloween song to me.  “Dismantle
the Dictator” begins quickly with technical, almost progressive riffing
that quickly shifts to full on death metal with vocals that trade-off
between growls and Darkest Hour style venom.

This band surely can bring it; they are excellent musicians.  They have a
lot of potential and should be a force to reckon with in the metal scene
for a long time.  My only complaints are that some of the songs are a bit
long winded and there are way too many twists and turns.  If there was
more of a focus on songwriting instead of fitting in as many different
parts as possible I think this band could do well for themselves.  That
being said, I still think their talent shines on this record and it should
appeal to those who love thrash and it may even appeal to death metal fans
as well.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Pestilence Reigns, Deathonomics, Dismantle the
Dictator

Track Listing:

01. Enter The Hall
02. Pestilence Reigns
03. Deathonomics
04. Existence Is Futile
05. The Brain Scramblers
06. Across Forests And Fjords
07. ReaniManiac
08. Dismantle The Dictator
09. Anthem Of The Betrayed
10. Leviathan Awaits
11. Tragedy Of Modern Ages


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REVIEW: Revolution Mother – “Rollin’ With Tha Mutha”

Artist: Revolution Mother
Album: “Rollin’ With Tha Mutha”
Label: Ferret Music
Websites: www.ferretstyle.com & www.myspace.com/revolutionmother

For those who have never heard of Mike Vallely, he’s an iconic pro
skateboarder who’s also known for being a bit of a bad ass.  Additionally, he’s
the lead singer of Revolution Mother, a high energy rock band that
sounds like Black Flag and Motorhead have had a huge influence
on them.  Valley even sang vocals for Black Flag at one point when the
Flag did some reunion shows back in the earlier part of this decade.
On their 2nd album, they wear those influences on their sleeves as
they bring some much needed attitude to the time-tested formula
of rock & roll.

The title track sounds a lot like the Black Flag classic “Thirsty &
Miserable”.  High energy and in your face, it is old school punk hardcore
that grabs hold of you and sinks its’ teeth in.  “Mofo” is gritty and
full of attitude and has a hint of Motorhead to it.  It’s almost like
having a drink out of a dirty glass…on purpose.

“Born to Rock N’ Roll” rumbles along like a runaway 18 wheeler that’s
hell bent on destruction.  It fits in well with the other high energy
rockers on this disc.  “Night Ride” is another fast, old school punk
shredder that feels like Motorhead.

The formula for the album isn’t that complex; it’s a lot of high energy
rock songs that have a punk feel to them.  While it’s nothing that’s going
to push the earth off of its’ axis, it merely sticks to the old adage of
keep it simple stupid.

Rating: 6 out of 10.
Suggested tracks: “Rollin’ With Tha Mutha”, “Mofo”, “Night Ride”

Track listing:
1. Rollin’ With Tha Mutha
2. Mofo
3. Killin’ Machine
4. Born to Rock N’ Roll
5. The Snake
6. Night Ride
7. Ride the Sky
8. Hit List
9. Runaway Train
10. Time Machine
11. Crossroader
12. The Rider

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REVIEW: Clutch-Strange Cousins From The West

Artist: Clutch
Album: Strange Cousins From The West
Label: Weathermaker Music
Websites: www.pro-rock.com & www.weathermakermusic.com

After delving headfirst into blues and mixing that genre with
their own take on rock & roll, Clutch return with another variation
of their sound on their latest album, “Strange Cousins From the
West”.  While the new album is more stripped
down than previous efforts, it still packs enough of a punch to satisfy
gear heads and to enter the album of the year discussion.
That being said, the stripped down sound isn’t a bad thing. It actually
works quite well and has made for a better album than I had originally
expected upon reading early reviews.

While this effort is not as satisfying as albums such as their 1993
self-titled juggernaut or 2007’s “From Beale Street to Oblivion”,
it falls somewhere above the middle of the spectrum of great works
in Clutch’s collection.

Catchy as hell, songs like “50,000 Unstoppable Watts”, “Let a Poor
Man Be” and “Witchdoctor” will stick in your craw long after you’ve
stopped listening, and that’s a good thing for sure.  The album centers
around the triumvirate of “50,000 Unstoppable Watts”, “Abraham
Lincoln”, and “Minotaur”. The upbeat, accessible “50,000
Unstoppable Watts” features some of singer Neil Fallon’s finer vocal
hooks, especially the memorable chorus of “Anthrax, ham radio,
and liquor”.  It’s classic Clutch for sure. “Abraham Lincoln” is slower
than the usual Clutch fare.  The theme of the song is obvious, as
Fallon laments “The assassin, the coward, shot him in
the head. The assassin, the serpent, stuck him then he fled.”
It’s a bit slow and gloomy but is one powerful statement for a band
that usually keeps things pretty vague.  “Minotaur” has an energetic
groove that pushes you along, like a wave on the ocean.  It’s mellow
but it still finds a way to hit you over the head throughout if that
makes any sense.  There are plenty of other songs on the album that
you can groove along to as well.

At this point in their career Clutch are able to experiment yet still
retain their identity and not turn away their loyal fan base.
Regardless of your opinion of them, you have to respect their
consistency and ability.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
Suggested tracks: “50,000 Unstoppable Watts”, “Witchdoctor”, “Minotaur”

Track Listing:

1. Motherless Child
2. Struck Down
3. 50,000 Unstoppable Watts
4.Abraham Lincoln
5.Minotaur
6. The Amazing Kreskin
7. Witchdoctor
8. Let a Poor Man Be
9. Freakomonics
10. Also Ha Cambiado


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2009-Great Year For Heavy Music? Lamb Of God, Clutch, Mastodon, Hatebreed, Etc

I was thinking the other day about the fact that some years are great
for heavy music while others aren’t so great. Take 2008 for example.
There were probably 5 new albums that came out that I liked in
2008, with three of them being live Clutch albums ( 1 live album
and 2 bootlegs).

2007 was one of those years where I ended up having more than 10
good albums to choose from for my annual top 10 albums of the year.
Those who didn’t make the cut garnered honorable mention status
because they still deserved a mention. Call me a loser for geeking out
over stuff like this, but I still enjoy picking my top 10 every year and
sending it to my friends. They may not enjoy it as much as I do, but
that’s not the point.

2009 is shaping up to be a lot like 2007 was, a great year for heavy
music. In my opinion a handful of good albums have been released
already with several more due out over the remaining five months of
2009. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Stoner & doom legend Scott “Wino” Weinrich released his first-ever
soloalbum earlier this year. If you’re a fan of his earlier work
in bands such as The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan,
The Hidden Hand, and many others, then you will have no problem
enjoying this album as much as I did. Wino is the type of guy who’s
consistenly good and who doesn’t rest on his laurels; he’s constantly
writing new music. There isn’t a ton of variety between his various
bands, but sometimes it’s better to do what works for you than to
stray from the familiar.

Mastodon put out one of the year’s best albums so far in “Crack
the Skye”. After putting out the bizarre, trippy mindfuck that was
“Blood Mountain”, the Atlanta quartet decided to come back to
earth and put out a better, more focused effort this time around.
“Oblivion” is a great start to the album and it’s followed by the song
of the year (so far), “Divinations”. This hauntingly beautiful song
feels epic as it gets its’ hooks into your brain and won’t let go until
its’ ready. I’m glad they got back to what made them great and
put out a very strong new album.

Lamb of God released “Wrath” earlier this year. Personally, I was not
impressed with this album but it does have it’s moments. With LOG it
seems like every other album is good. “As the Palaces Burn” was
fantastic, then they followed that up with “Ashes of the Wake”, which
wasn’t so fantastic. They followed “Ashes” with “Sacrament”, which was
very good, and they’ve followed “Sacrament” with another clunker.
Just my opinion. I like LOG, but their inconsistency baffles me
sometimes. Hopefully their next album will be better than “Wrath”.

Hatebreed put out a very good covers album earlier this year. I really
enjoyed this album and have had it in constant rotation ever since I got
it. My favorite covers include “Ghosts of War”, “Escape”, “Hatebreeders”,
“Thirsty and Miserable” and “All I Had I Gave”. Whether you like metal,
hardcore or punk, you’ll surely find something enjoyable on this covers
album. The Best Buy version contains a few live tracks, making it even
more desirable for those of us who love Hatebreed. Rumor has it that
Hatebreed had enough covers done to do 2 albums so hopefully they’ll
put together another covers album in the very near future.

Darkest Hour continue their dominant reign with another great
album, “The Eternal Return”. They’re consistent, which is a plus, but
they also try something new each time out. While I still favor the
unrelenting thrash of earlier albums such as “So Sedated, So Secure”
and “The Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation”, I really do like this
album quite a bit, as well as 2007’s “Deliver Us”. While I feel like the
older albums have a bit more personality, I can’t knock DH for
going back to their roots and creating an album that tries to
bludgeon you with every listen.

Killswitch Engage is a band that I used to really love. Now,
not so much. I’m not a big fan of how their sound has progressed
ever since Jesse David Leach left them. I have nothing against
Howard Jones. I think he’s an excellent vocalist, but I think Jesse
was a better fit for them and I feel like they wrote better songs when
he was in the band. While I haven’t spun their new album all that
much, I haven’t heard much that warrants me giving it many more
spins. Sorry, I’m just not feeling it guys. I don’t feel like there are any
songs that fit the ear candy category for me and the album as a whole
seems too bland in my opinion.

I can easily admit that I’m a big homer when it comes to Clutch. In my
opinion they can pretty much do no wrong musically. Their latest,
“Strange Cousins From the West”, is a bit stripped down from previous
albums like “Robot Hive: Exodus” and “From Beale Street to Oblivion”,
but it is very good nonetheless. It sneaks up on you with it’s grooves
and Neil Fallon’s infectious vocal hooks. I wouldn’t say that it’s in the
same class as their self-titled debut or “Beale Street”, but I do think it’s
a very good album and one that’s closer to the top than the bottom.

As far as the rest of the year, there are plenty of forthcoming release
that are getting me more excited than Dennys Reyes at an
all-you-can-eat buffet. It begins with thrash legends Slayer and
“World PaintedBlood”. Over the past year or so I’ve quickly become
obsessed with this band. I loved their past 2 albums, “God Hates Us
All” and “Christ Illusion”, along with all of the older material, so I’m
sure that this one will be getting much love from me when it drops in
early November. If you haven’t listened to the title track or
“Psychopathy Red” online you really need to do so. From the sounds
of those 2 tracks, the new album is going to be excellent.

Wino isn’t done for the year as he’s joining Neurosis’ Scott Kelly among
others for a supergroup called Shrinebuilder. I have no idea what this
is going to sound like but I am intrigued. Either way, I have a feeling
that it’s going to be good. I’m thinking it’s going to be doomy and slow
but I guess I’ll just have to wait until this fall when the album drops.

Hardcore heavyweights Hatebreed will be putting out a self-titled
album of new material in late September. If ever there was a band
who fit the definition of the word consistent, Hatebreed would be
it. They always come out with something great. Hopefully Jamey
Jasta has enough anger left to put together another classic album
with this alter ego of his.

Massachusetts thrash kings Shadows Fall have a new album
coming out in September as well. That is something you won’t want
to miss. I’ve heard a few new songs already and I’m very excited for
this one. If it’s anywhere near as good as “Threads of Life” was then
you surely won’t be disappointed. This is my darkhorse contender
for album of the year. Shadows Fall consistenly bring it so there’s no
reason to expect anything less this time around.

And last but certainly not least, Ohio’s Skeletonwitch will also be
releasing a new album this year called “Breathing the Fire”. If you
missed out on “Beyond the Permafrost” then I suggest that you go
and get that record right now. If you love thrash then you’ll love this
record. I bought it on a whim and I’m so glad that I did. It easily one
of the best records I’ve ever heard. I hope their new one is just as loud,
fast and sick as “Permafrost” is. If the cover artwork is any indication
of what the album’s going to be like, it’s going to be a great year for new
music.

This year has already been a good one for heavy music. Let’s hope that
the forthcoming albums push it into great status. I have a feeling that’s
not going to be a problem. All of this is my opinion of course and I
know I’m leaving out a ton of bands but I merely wanted to talk about
bands that I’m into. Feel free to comment or talk about any new albums
that I may have missed.

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