Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Faces 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 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 WebsiteSugar Red Drive - Sugar Red Drive
Sugar Red DriveSugar Red Drive
Label: Self Released
As this young band heartily strives to dip into the commercial hard rock pop mélange, they have fashioning a non descript sound featuring post Seattle style vocal crooning and an unimpressive set of sappy rhythms and grooves that get gummed up with overproduction and lack of originality. Sugar overdose?
• Sugar Red Drive WebsiteBurn Sand Burn - Not In Reverse
Burn Sand BurnNot In Reverse
Label: Gary the “Landlord” Records
This 3 piece spawn of Denver, CO gleefully cranks out spunky punk/post punk utterances that twirl tales of melodic indie pop platitudes into a vision of an energetic now.
Cycle Of Pain - Cycle Of Pain
Cycle Of PainCycle Of Pain
Label: Reform Records
Black Label Society bassist exhibits his latest exploits that fall not far from the tree. Sludgy, grungy metal admittedly grown from the Black Sabbath side of heavy music but also reminding me of Soundgarden at times. Too many musical cameos to mention.
Black Water Rising - Black Water Rising
Black Water RisingBlack Water Rising
Label: Capital T Productions
These former members of Dust to Dust, Boiler Room, and Stereomud have banded together and produced an appealing determined and cohesive hard rock entry filled with mega fuzz and compelling angst anthems of difficult situations.
• Black Water Rising WebsiteQueensryche - American Soldier
QueensrycheAmerican Soldier
Label: Rhino Records
Harsh and haunting perspectives of war are discussed, reviewed and examined in the somber gothic progressive metal style that they are known for. As thoughtful and powerful as this release is, I find the most memorable moments also being the most chilling and depressing.
• Queensryche Website • Queensryche WikiStreet Sweeper Social Club - Street Sweeper Social Club
Street Sweeper Social ClubStreet Sweeper Social Club
Label: Self Released
Visionary guitarist Tom Morello has successfully joined forces with Boots Riley in an effort quite reminiscent of Rage Against The Machine, but not quite as whiney. Heavy grooves with even heavier breakdowns propel the anthems and agendas announced by the witty hip hoppin’ lyrics.
• Street Sweeper Social Club Website • Street Sweeper Social Club WikiMile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Mile Marker ZeroMile Marker Zero
Label: Self Released
Spinning impressive progressive rock adventures is undeniably the calling for this Connecticut quintet. An eclectic epic soundstream is forged around the lyrics that enjoy the dichotomy of life’s many lessons while thriving on the energy of the experience.
• Mile Marker Zero WebsiteThe Upper Crust - Revenge For Imagined Slights
The Upper CrustRevenge For Imagined Slights
Label: Camp Street Records
Hard rock performance artists utilizing the mighty power of parody in conjunction with their stage attire of powdered wigs and regal 18th century wardrobe produces humorous results. Available only as a digital download.
• The Upper Crust Website • The Upper Crust WikiGamma Ray - To The Metal!
Gamma RayTo The Metal!
Label: Earmusic
Seeking to bridge the gap between past and present, these classic German speed metal minstrels deliver their 10th studio album in 21 years. Although the album manages to occasionally get me in the groove and will certainly please their fans, it simply doesn’t express anything that I haven’t heard numerous times before.
• Gamma Ray Website • Gamma Ray Facebook • Gamma Ray WikiView More
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