Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Judgehydrogen - Cult of Blood
JudgehydrogenCult of Blood
Label: Rising Oculus Records
Hair raising atmospheres gurgling with virulent doom struck metal. This macabre one man project, bred in Middleton, WI, produces primal disturbances in the creep-a-dellic frequency spectrum while profanely exercising a deep gothic vocal pleasure. Seriously dark.
• Judgehydrogen WebsiteRepo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack) - Repo! The Genetic Opera
Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack)Repo! The Genetic Opera
Label: Lionsgate
The plotline may revolve around repossessing body organs in a not too distant future, but with an amazing all-star lineup including Sarah Brightman, Ogre, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino and Clown from Slipknot in leading rolls, this musical squeals of greatness and immediate cult status.
• Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack) Website- Theories of Tension
Theories of Tension
Label: Self Released
A many faceted award winning Madison based metal outfit that throws down some prog rock, math rock and extreme jazz compositions in an aspiring manner. Somehow the recording is loose/rough/thin in a few areas which diminishes the exuberant talent contained here.
• WebsiteShowdown - Back Breaker
ShowdownBack Breaker
Label: Solid State Records
The 3rd time is the charm for this thrash/power/death metal group; their best yet! Utilizing powerful Greek myths as the lyrical basis for the songs provides an interesting and powerful tapestry of material to tap into. Good grooves and aural diversity.
• The Showdown WikiExciter - Thrash Speed Burn
ExciterThrash Speed Burn
Label: Blistering Records
Refusing to give up or modify their style, these Canadian thrashers have charged up their neck muscles for another go around. Their creative recipe remains mostly unchanged from days gone by: aggressive lyrics taunted by various “evils” backed with anthemia choruses played over stereotypical thrash grooves.
• Exciter Website • Exciter WikiPunisher - War Zone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
PunisherWar Zone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Lionsgate
Punctuated by the zesty original Rob Zombie movie theme single and supported with noteworthy tracks released before by 13 other popular metal artists including Slayer, Slipknot, Hatebreed, Seether, and Static-X. Hope the movie is as good as the soundtrack!
• The Punisher Website • The Punisher WikiWe Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year - We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New YearWe Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
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.”
• We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year WebsiteAlmah - Fragile Equality
AlmahFragile Equality
Label: Blistering Records
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.
• Almah Website • Almah WikiFaces Of March - Confessions
Faces Of MarchConfessions
Label: Kurfew Records
Even though this female fronted gothic tinged power metal outfit sways a bit heavy on the commercial side for me, they throw down some catchy tunes, decent ballads and a tight vision of their future. Onward!
• Faces Of March WebsitePelican - City of Echoes
PelicanCity of Echoes
Label: Hydra Head
Chicago born, hard hitting massive expansive rhythm-scapes filled with anxious doom and a crusty chagrin. Not all is lost though, as the musical twists and turns afford some blissful vistas via dynamic plateaus and sonic soliloquies.
• Pelican WikiSiebenburgen - Revelation VI
SiebenburgenRevelation VI
Label: Blistering Records
Impending gothic doom gives way as a firestorm of melodic black metal is unleashed upon the listener. The vocals are more growled and gritty than screamed and there are nice female vocal flourishes. Even though it is well done, evokes sinister ambience, etc. black metal has become kinda stale at this point.
• Siebenburgen Website • Siebenburgen WikiCasanatra - Death Ride
CasanatraDeath Ride
Label: Blue Worm Records
Two guitars and a drummer from St. Paul blasting out plush, post-grunge, groovy hard rock complimented with multiple melodic vocals and warm fuzzy tones. This band sounds better all the time!
• Casanatra WebsiteView More
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