ZU
CarboniferousRecord Label: Ipecac Recordings
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 9
Cantankerous jazzy punk and experi-metal rife with overtones, harmonics and indifferent dissonance. This non-vocal trio from Rome breathes new visions of inspired avante art rock with every song penned and every blurry bass note they fondle.
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New YearRecord Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 6
12 classic holiday tracks respun into riffed up xmas anthems by select metal all stars from bands including Anthrax, Judas Priest, Toto, Styx, Ratt, Dio and Black Sabbath. Something is both heartening and horrible as Lemmy gargles the lyrics to “Run Rudolph Run” and Geoff Tate warbles out “Silver Bells” while Chuck Billy growls a decidedly NOT “Silent Night.”
Two Left Feet
Two Left FeetRecord Label: Skilletone Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 4
Self indulgent indie pop rock with a humorous flair. I suspect they put on quite a show for the throngs who appreciate their oft Weezer-esque droll lyrical delivery and sarcastic wit. Sadly, I was not enamored.
Tribe After Tribe
M.O.A.B. - Stories from DeuteronomyRecord Label: Rodeostar Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 8
Intense psychedelic guitars propelled with tribal pulsations are polarized on other tracks by mystical Peter Gabriel-esque ethereal ethno rhythms. Using Biblical alliteration and references they seek to ignite introspection and further research into the dangers, hypocrisies and absurdities of the world’s current belief systems.
Tony Furtado
Deep WaterRecord Label: Funzalo Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 7
Furtado is an award winning banjo prodigy and slide guitar player so it comes as no surprise that this release spotlights an entertaining blend of both instruments. The diverse songs are propelled by rich rhythmic undertones with a folksy flair.
