ALBUM REVIEW: CORROSION OF CONFORMITY- GOOD GOD / BAAD MAN

Some bands have such a distinctive sound that the instant you put one of their albums on, you just know it’s them. That’s exactly how it’s been for Corrosion Of Conformity since the early/mid 1990’s. The sound is one of those “you know it when you hear it” type of things. For those that don’t know, it’s a sound that feels like Black Sabbath went down to New Orleans and leaned heavily into the sludginess of the area and then got shot out of a cannon. At least that’s how it is when I hear Corrosion Of Conformity. Now in 2026, COC have regrouped to deliver an album that has all you’ve come to love about the band and then some. Good God / Baad Man is an album that comes out of the gate with a loose feel that makes you strap in for the ride.

This is a double album in case you were wondering. Each half of the record has its own vibe and sense of fun. That’s right, FUN! From the first note of this album there is an instant feeling of good vibes and a whole lot of fun to be had. That’s a really rare thing these days. That’s not to say the subject matter of the record isn’t urgent or personal but, the overall presentation of Good God / Baad Man feels like a celebration of life. Across the hour plus each song pulls you into the riff and rhythm. Songs like “Good God/Final Dawn,” “You And Me,” Bedouin’s Hand” and the epic “Run For Your Life” highlight the Good God side. Then you have “Baad Man,” Lose Yourself,” my favorite as of this writing in “Asleep On The Killing Floor” and the left field song “Brickman” on the Baad Man side that accentuate just how good this album is. It’s interesting too when you listen to C.O.C., the amount of bands that have blatently copped a good chunk of their style. Sometimes it can be a form of flattery while others not so much.

Much like albums of the 1970’s and early/mid 1990’s, there is a total push and pull with this album in a good way. The driving nature of the songs propel Pepper Keenan, Woody Weatherman, Bobby Landgraf and Stanton Moore into another realm. The inspired group really created a record that stands out not just amongst their peers but as a classic in their stellar catalog.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Corrosion Of Conformity- Good God / Baad Man:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: CURSE- CRUEL

Melody and heavy music goes together like peanut butter and jelly. Strange thought to think about but, it’s quite true. That being said, one of the things I really do enjoy about a good melodic song is the way it feels infectious and hooks you. A couple years back while booking a show for the band Will Haven in Los Angeles, I came across a band that struck the right chord with my ears and that band was, Curse. Curse are a very rocking melodic heavy rock band. Big riffs, pulsating/driving rhythms, soaring vocals and hooks for days is what listening to Curse feels like. The first release “Cruel” from their new EP, Dimming Sun, is chock full of that rich 90’s heavy alternative sound with the best of early 00’s melodicism. As an added bonus Kemble Walters of Chevelle/Aeges produced Dimming Sun. There is more to come from Curse as they will be unveiling a new video for each song over the course of the next few weeks.

Curse- Cruel:

Curse Online HERE:

NEW RELEASE: CONVERGE- HUM OF HURT

It’s only been about a month since Converge released their tenth studio album, Love Is Not Enough. That album has not left my rotation since. Now, we get word that another album is on its way in the form of, Hum Of Hurt. When the band got together to write for their new album, they had a wealth of material. As work began the band realized they had two separate albums and charged forward as such. The first song released from this new album is the title track, “Hum Of Hurt” and it’s a blistering song that confronts one’s inner self. What a song! Converge are truly on a creative run and what a time to be here for it. Hum Of Hurt will be out on June 5th! Enjoy!

Converge- Hum Of Hurt:

END OF ALBUM SONGS: THE BLACK QUEEN- APOCALYPSE MORNING

The way songs can strike a chord within a person is quite a feeling. It could be a simple thought or even something you see that can make a song bloom into something else all together. As I woke today on a gloomy Southern California day, there was instantly an album that felt perfect. As I listened to it and got to the end, the final song struck the day as though it was it’s soundtrack. It’s quite fitting too as this album celebrates it’s tenth anniversary this year. The song is “Apocalypse Morning” by The Black Queen from their debut album, Fever Daydream. Every time I put this album on, I get completely swept away by it. The mood and vibe it presents and gives as you listen is astounding. Seriously, Fever Daydream is a truly visceral album that will sweep you away in the best of ways. “Apocalypse Morning” as an end of album song is a treat. The mellow and delicate nature feels soothing and calming. This is one of those songs too that feels like a perfect transition into a new dimension be it in your mind or physically. Greg Puciato’s vocals throughout the album truly shine. Each word is sung in such a passionate way that each song has it’s own special place on the album. “Apocalypse Morning” though, is a great way to end this sensational debut album that ten years later now is still just as good as it was when released.

The Black Queen- Apocalypse Morning:

ALBUM REVIEW: NEUROSIS- AN UNDYING LOVE FOR A BURNING WORLD

Don’t call it a comeback! The idea that Neurosis was finished was never a thought that was cemented in my mind. The bleak thought that it was never felt right and left the idea of a return after some time to be simmering in the heads of so many. The influence and inspiration that Neurosis has on so many bands you love is uncanny. So when the band surprise released their new album, An Undying Love For A Burning World, not only did it leave so many in awe that they had returned but, the announcement of Aaron Turner from Isis now in the band really was grabbing. When you listen to this album, it’s as though the band never left. Neurosis are masters for a reason and across the hour and few minutes the album plays, there is no sign of letting up nor drag.

There is an instant classic feel to An Undying Love For A Burning World. The way the album starts and transitions into each song makes this a listening experience that truly only Neurosis can make. The sludgy/doom riffs that parallel the atmospheric/etherial soundscapes mixed with the electronic/post-industrial tinges and uncompromising rhythms catapult these songs into the stratosphere. Then you add in the vocals and how they bring you to attention in a pleasant yet forceful way. Seriously, this band needs to be studied in music classes. The band’s already illustrious career knows no boundaries and the push into new territory on each record bleeds into this new one in a way that makes this truly feel like there was no stoppage.

A track by track run through of this album would be a disservice to anyone reading and listening. For an album like this one, it’s best to just sit with it and take it all in. There is so much to unpack within each song that makes listening to this record more and more fun each time. Since it’s release I purposely waited to write this so that I could take the time to really listen and hear all that is going on. The production of the recording and performances is stellar. Scott Evans of Kowloon Walled City was at the helm of recording An Undying Love For A Burning World and he dialed every tone in perfectly. Throughout the sixty four minutes, Steve Von Till, Dave Edwardson, Jason Roeder, Noah Landis and now Aaron Turner have made a modern masterpiece. This album comes at a time when we truly need Neurosis. The dark and pseudo apocalyptic nature of this band not only fits in the world we live in now but, could very well be the soundtrack to the demise. This band and album are not for the weak. The deeply poetic nature of the lyrics and music are substantial and direct in their message.

Neurosis have left a mission statement with An Undying Love For A Burning World. In this statement, it’s very pronounced that this is no letting up for this band. The soundtrack they create for us breathes life into a dark and dreary time to live in. The honesty in this album and passion radiates through each note and beat. One of the things I personally love about this album is that it doesn’t feel “nostalgic.” It’s fresh and full of fire that so many bands are missing. What a way to return! Seriously, this album is one of the best the band has made. If you’ve never listened to Neurosis, this album is actually a great starting off point. When you finish it, talk to me and I’ll steer you where to go next. In the meantime, enjoy all that An Undying Love For A Burning World has to offer.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Neurosis- An Undying Love For A Burning World:

AUDIOECLECTICA INTERVIEWS: PAUL FIG (Producer, Engineer, ex Amen)

I am very excited and proud to present this Audioeclectica Interview with the one and only Paul Fig. Not only was Paul a part of the band Amen during their epic run, he’s been an in demand producer and engineer for the last 20 years. You’ve heard his work on records by Alice In Chains, Deftones, Ghost, Coheed And Cambria, Slipknot and so many more. We talk about growing up in LA, first musical memories, Amen, Sound City Studio, Engineering/Producing, and then some. So get comfortable and enjoy this fantastic conversation with the great Paul Fig!

Audioeclectica Interviews- Paul Fig:

Other Streaming Options:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/audioeclectica-19-paul-fig

Paul Fig Online:

https://paulfigmusic.com/

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: CONVERGE

When you have such a storied career like Converge it gets harder and harder to put certain things like their albums into a ranking order. Since the release of their tenth album, Love Is Not Enough, I have been on quite the Converge listening kick. After listening through their catalog and spending a good amount of time with their new album, I do believe I have a very definitive ranking of Converge’s ten studio albums. While not every album can be the best, each record surely leaves a lasting mark on their history as well as influence and inspiration of so many other bands.

(more…)

ALTERNATE VERSIONS: MINOR STRUT- GOTTA TELL YOU (LIVE)

Every band has those songs that when you hear them live they take you to a whole other place. That’s not to say the studio version isn’t good, it’s just that the live version adds a bit more and you really feel it. One of my favorite up and coming bands, Minor Strut has a song that I have loved since I first heard it. Every time they play it live I get completely drawn in and don’t want it to end. The song is called “Gotta Tell You” and it rocks in more ways than I can describe. The song has a really great melodic sensibility along with a very pulsating rhythm that balances it all. Then you add in singer Coryn’s soaring vocal and you’ve got a recipe for a great song. I seriously can’t get enough of this song! You can see Minor Strut live on March 28 at The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica concert at Hotel Ziggy along with 5 other up and coming bands!

Minor Strut- Gotta Tell You (Live):

TITLE TRACKS: RISE AGAINST- RICOCHET

Last year, Rise Against released their tenth studio album called, Ricochet. I will admit I had given up on the band after a few lackluster albums. Then I heard about their new album and gave it a listen and I glad I did. It’s dare I say their best album since The Sufferer And The Witness. The band sounds revitalized and the music adds in some very welcome new sound and inspiration. There is one song on the album though that has really captured my attention and that would be the title track, “Ricochet.” This song captures the energy of the band at this stage and pushes the past the predictable into something that is soaring and invigorating. Singer/guitarist Tim McIllrath’s vocals on this song are the best I have heard him in years. There is a particular part of this song that gives me chills every time it gets to that part. Give this song a good listen and check out the rest of the album. If you’ve missed Rise Against, this album and song will definitely bring you back!

Rise Against- Ricochet:

Rise Against- Ricochet (Album):

ALBUM REVIEW: POISON THE WELL- PEACE IN PLACE

Comeback albums are not easy to make. The pressure of trying to capture a time and place from years before is enough to make one throw a fit. Especially when people want something from that particular era. The great thing about a comeback album is taking all you’ve done before and molding that into everything else since to make a record that stands up with the rest of the discography. The very awesome Poison The Well have released their first new album since 2009’s, The Tropic Rot. Peace In Place is an uncompromising and direct shot to your gut and brain type of album. Notice too how I said “album.” That’s what this is! After first reuniting in 2015 and 2016, Poison The Well made their full on return in 2020. Since then they have been giving the fans joyous tours of landmark albums like The Opposite Of December and You Come Before You and then some. Taking the time over this era has given the members of PTW the chance to really capture the essence of the band before and now.

Peace In Place is an album not for the weak. The heaviness of the lyrics, music and melodies are razor sharp and cut deep. The way this album begins with “Wax Mask,” lets you know right away this is only the calm before the eruption. From there it’s just on. The way “Primal Blooms” push the controlled chaos into an atmospheric beatdown is seemles. In fact each song transitions perfectly into each other making for a very complete listening experience that is lost amongst so many bands and albums these days. The already released one two punch of “Thoroughbreds” and “Everything Hurts” stings even more in the context of the record. “Weeping Tones” though when you hear this song, the whole picture comes to light. This part of the album feels like the turning point as well as it seeps into the absolutely devastating “A Wake Of Vultures.” Which I can see becoming a fan favorite and live staple. “Bad Bodies” keeps the pace going and injects a heavy melodic sense that has become a signature for Poison The Well for years. “Drifting Without End” has some really interesting elements that go back to the Versions era making it one of those deep cuts that offers a bit of a breath amongst the heavy. “Melted” is another gem on the album. I love the way this song sways a bit then grabs you by the throat and shakes you a bit. Ending the album is “Plague Them The Most” which is epic and intense and a great way to end the record. That’s not all though, stay for a couple minutes after for a real treat!

Peace In Place is not just an album for now it’s a new blueprint for those that cop this style. Poison The Well is back and this album shows that not only do Chris Hornbrook, Jeffery Moreira, and Ryan Primack still deliver at a top level but, the time away really shows just how integral this band is to the music we love. The way this album sounds feels lively and in your face. Vocally, the screams and delicate moments are impassioned and mature. Lyrically there is a lot to delve into but, the poetic nature lets you feel it. The guitars are bright and crisp when needed and downright nasty heavy when it’s called for. The dynamics shifting throughout really shows the influence and inspiration Poison The Well has on so many bands of today. Then you get into the drums and it’s like listening to lightning strike. The way Chris Hornbrook plays just rains down inspiration. The snare sound is so signature to Poison The Well is alive and well here and cuts through like butter. Plus the fills and pulsating driving nature of the drums guide these songs through all the temperatures of the songs. New members Vadim Tavor and Noah Harmon add their own touches to the album in a way that pays homage to the past but, it their own. Producer Will Putney, was able to really capture what Poison The Well in 2026 is!

Poison The Well is an album that is confident and shows tremendous growth. There is no mistaking where they came from and it shows in here as well. The maturity of the members personally is a real bright spot throughout listening. To be able to come back and make an album that not only marks a return but, doesn’t rely on nostalgia is remarkable. The creative push on Peace In Place is heard on each song. As far as comeback albums go, this is definitely one of the best I’ve heard. I greatly look forward to seeing Poison The Well on tour for this album as well as what the future holds. Poison The Well stood out for a reason many years ago and this album is exactly why.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Poison The Well- Peace In Place: