Eclectic Vibes - July 2010
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
A few weeks ago I heard a politician say that he thought online piracy could warrant capital punishment. That seems like a high price to pay for a bunch of ones and zeros.
16 Volt
American Porn SongsRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: June 2010
Rating: 9
18 tracks of morphed, molded and renewed tonal treats packed with a revisioned glow by legendary industrial performers and winners of the 2009 American Porn Songs Remix Contest. Highly satisfactory auditory results that work on the dance floor as well as just thrashing about in your room.
3
The End Is BegunRecord Label: Metal Blade Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Moody, paradoxical and sophisticated rhythms compliment the succinct and distinct vocals which soar but do not annoy, while utilizing technical prowess to bring broad minded progressive metal to new heights.
3 Inches Of Blood
Here Waits Thy DoomRecord Label: Century Media
Review published: September 2009
Rating: 9
Daredevil vocals riding on the unrelenting waves of an unabashed speed metal barrage. Vocalist Jamie Hooper notes of the album. “We are forging the steel that we’ll use to annihilate the heavy metal posers, and in every town we play, the streets will run red with their blood.” Nuff Said. Produced by Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison.
8889
ZoologyRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 6
Singer/songwriter styled alt/indie rock from Madison. This follow-up to their MAMA winning debut album finds a well-defined, well-thought through chunk of moody alt music. For my ear candy I prefer a bit more intensity and cleverness.
A Tortured Soul
Kiss of the ThornRecord Label: Eyes Like Snow/Northern Silence Records
Review published: May 2008
Rating: 7
Operatic and progressive old-school gothic metal (ala Priest, King Diamond, Shadow’s Fall) from Milwaukee but signed to a German Label. Shadowy doom protruding from a festering pool of abstract progressions.
Abney Park
Lost HorizonsRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: October 2008
Rating: 10
Forerunners of the oncoming “Steampunk Artistic Movement,” this Seattle outfit takes flight with a story of roving time travelers and airship pirates while gallivanting through and amalgamating the most admirable traits of a variety of genres including gothic, gypsy rock, punk, industrial, and electronica. Eclectic, elegant and unique.
After All
This Violent DeclineRecord Label: Locomotive Records
Review published: March 2008
Rating: 6
Sturdy, powerful, galloping, and thrash-attacking guitar riffs propel this head banging Belgium juggernaut. The vocals are gruff, but understandable and quite appropriate, for the power metal they purvey.
Omar Akram
Secret JourneyRecord Label: Real Music
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
Almah
Fragile EqualityRecord Label: Blistering Records
Review published: January 2009
Rating: 8
Well flavored and maturely tempered power metal featuring former Angra members. Robust guitar solos are intertwined with pulsating rhythms and urgent vocals justifying the quality and caliber of this melodic power metal fury.
Alo
Man Of The WorldRecord Label: Brushfire Records/Universal
Review published: May 2010
Rating: 10
Sublimely mellow rock music tumbled with expertly crafted tale telling courtesy of 4 childhood friends. Since it was by Jack Johnson and recorded at his solar powered studio in Hawaii ALO scored the opening slot on Johnson’s summer tour including Alpine Valley 7/24 and River’s Edge 7/25 and I am thrilled more people will get to hear them.
The American Plague
Heart AttackRecord Label: Feedback Symphony Records
Review published: April 2008
Rating: 6
Hard driving, hard rocking trio serving up classic catchy heavy rock. Elements of angst and foreboding give way to campy rock.
Amorphis
SkyforgerRecord Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Review published: July 2009
Rating: 10
Finding new ways to awaken my inner Viking! Invigorating anthems with their signature Scandinavian folk metal approach reverberate a dark, powerful beauty and majesty unmatched. This third round with singer Tomi Joutsen integrates a broad stroke of vocal styles with increased progressive rock elements to their musical palette.
Anew Revolution
RiseRecord Label: Koch Entertainment
Review published: April 2008
Rating: 4
Watered-down, radio-ready bubblegum metal. Oh, it’s so filled with emotions, intensity, blah, blah, blaze. For fans of such mass consumable and radio friendly bands as Staind, Dope, etc.
Apocalyptica
Worlds CollideRecord Label: 20 20/ Jive Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 10
Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.
Arkaea
Years In The DarknessRecord Label: E1 Entertainment
Review published: August 2009
Rating: 5
Terse, intense and vibrant industrialized death metal from Fear Factory alumni Raymond Herrera and Christian Old Wolbers. Although incorporating proven Fear Factory stylings which fans will certainly enjoy overall I find the release safe, repetitive and formulaic.
Ascension Of The Watchers
NuminosumRecord Label: 13th Planet Records
Review published: February 2008
Rating: 3
New brainchild of recently re-inspired vocalist Burton C Bell (Fear Factory, G/Z/R). This stab at emotive spiritually uplifting rock unfortunately comes off bearing a droning, nebulous, implosion of talent and musical fortitude. Not good.
ASG
Win Us OverRecord Label: Volcom Entertainment
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
Friends of the surf/skate/snowboard scene, ASG dishes out heavy melodic rock with lots of stoner/psychedelic/alcoholic influences. A perfect compliment to your adrenalin fueled experiences!
The Asylum Street Spankers
What? And Give Up Show Biz?Record Label: Yellow Dog Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 9
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
