Nestled in Hudson Valley, New York is a three piece band called Dead Empires. These guys have a very deep heavy sound combined with the prowess of gentle melody.Their wide array of influences helps to create lush landscapes of sound, all the while pushing the boundaries of being a traditional instrumental band. Their new album Secret Snakes/ Silent Serpent, has everything a rock music fan would enjoy minus the vocals. I find myself coming up with lyrics and vocal melodies while listening to their album. From what I can tell from their videos online, they put on one hell of an energetic show and their love of the music shows through in all that they do. Dead Empires is alive and well, and on their way to making a name for themselves.
I find it very intriguing that while on my kick of listening to Garbage as of late I would stumble upon their cover of my favorite Ramones song, “I Just Want To Have Something To Do.” Shirley Manson really delivers the goods on this version, as well as the rest of the band.
In today’s music climate it’s hard to stay fresh and ahead of the pack especially within the heavy music circles. There are so many sub-genres now a days it’s hard to keep up. Yet within the melodic metal genre there is a new band that is ready to stand out amongst their peers, Before The Mourning. Their debut album Etherial End is full of hooks, groove, and the perfect use of melody. The album was produced and recorded by the bands drummer Phil Gonyea, and mixed and mastered by Logan Mader. One can tell from listening to the album, that the 11 songs on the album are all meant to be there. There are elements of many different bands including Pantera, Poison The Well and a large Swedish Metal influence. At The Gates Soilwork really come to mind. Singer Adam Ryan’s voice evokes bits and pieces of Speed Strid of Soilwork. Songs like “Another Sleepless Night,” “The Deception,” “The Black Day,” Continuum,” and “The Hidden,” are all stand out tracks. Closing song “Deserter,” shows the bands ability to write a powerful song without all the aggression. CJ Cussell and Jeff Stevenson’s guitar playing compliment each other perfectly. There is a bit of an At The Gates tone between them. Bassist Paul McBride and Phil Gonyea (Drums) are extremely tight as a rhythm section similar to how Vinnie Paul and Rex Brown were locked in their groove while in Pantera.
Etherial End is just the beginning for Before The Mourning. They really have a true passion for what they do and the music they create. This album exemplifies that. Their live show as well is full of so much energy that it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that these guys stole the show from the other bands they play with. Do yourself a favor and pick this album up, August 21st!!!
Scale of 1-10: 9
Since The Smashing Pumpkins released their great new album Monuments To An Elegy late last year I’ve been on a huge Pumpkins kick. While on this journey I’ve looked into all the songs that Billy Corgan has been apart of with other bands, whether it’s co-writing, lending his vocals and guitar talents to. Here are a few of the songs that I found interesting that he guested on in someway.
I’ve said it many time before, there are certain areas that really inspire others and bring out the creativity in people. Chiefs is another great example of that. Originally a two-piece that formed in Phoenix, AZ, soon found themselves relocating to San Diego, CA after releasing two demos, touring and playing often around the Phoenix Valley. Shortly after, Chiefs released their third demo EP entitled Buffalo Roam, and added numerous shows to support it, the group became a three-piece with the permanent addition of a bassist which filled out the low-end of the band and exponentially filled out their sound. Chiefs debut full-length, Tomorrow’s Over, is a genuine slab of rock n roll with the added elements of desert/stoner rock. Now a four piece band, Chiefs is definitely a band to look out for, as they take their inspired music on a long journey.
I just discovered this cover of David Bowie’s “Suffragette City” by Alice In Chains. Their arrangement is very rocking and adds a bit more to it. Layne Staley is killer on this track. Check it out!!
When Audioslave broke on to the music scene they were met with very high expectations. Their debut album was a really great album, full of great songs and a renewed sense of energy for each other the members. Their second album was hit and miss. There were some really good songs but as a whole it just didn’t come across as well. When Audioslave released their third album Revelations, they finally hit the mark and found their sound. This would be their final album sadly. Rather than working with Rick Rubin on this album the band chose Brendan O’Brien, with whom both Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden have worked with in the past. Brendan was able to really capture the essence of what this band is and was. There are more influences on this album as well delving into funk and soul. This was also the first album which Chris Cornell was sober during the making of. Audioslave did not tour on this album, instead they broke up.
Revelations though as their swan song is brilliant. The first song “Revelations” really sets the tone for the album. It’s such a great song. The songs “Wide Awake” and “Shape of Things to Come” were prominently featured in Michael Mann’s horrible film adaption of Miami Vice. Both of these songs are tremendous. “Wide Awake,” evokes some political angst as well. The song is about Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. “Until We Fall,” is another song that really shows the progression of Audioslave. The closing song “Moth” is a bit of foreshadowing for what was about to happen to the band. The song is powerful and one of the most inspiring songs on the album. Chris Cornell’s voice really shines on this song (along with “Wide Awake”).
The entire band was clicking on all cylinders one this album. It’s shame they couldn’t last longer. Thankfully there have been news reports as of late that both Tom Morello and Chris Cornell said they would be open to working together again. Let’s hope so. I would love to see Audioslave return.
Since the news broke about Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani breaking up, I’ve been on a Bush kick. So, with that in mind here is an album rank of their albums!
When I first heard “Hunger Strike” when I was a kid, I was absolutely blown away. The sheer magnitude of vocals from Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder… WOW! That Temple Of The Dog album is still one of the best albums of the 90’s in my opinion. Sadly though so many people have tried to cover “Hunger Strike” and fail miserably. A few years back Chris Cornell joined Chester Bennington on stage to do a version of it. And recently Corey Taylor joined Halestorm at an awards show to do a cover of it as well. Both versions are pretty bad in their own right. I’m curious as to which one you all prefer.
The Foo Fighters have always put out quality videos. They never take themselves too seriously, which makes it all that much more fun. I woke up this morning with their song “All My Life” in my head and thought today I will rank their top 10 videos.
Nestled in Hudson Valley, New York is a three piece band called Dead Empires. These guys have a very deep heavy sound combined with the prowess of gentle melody.Their wide array of influences helps to create lush landscapes of sound, all the while pushing the boundaries of being a traditional instrumental band. Their new album Secret Snakes/ Silent Serpent, has everything a rock music fan would enjoy minus the vocals. I find myself coming up with lyrics and vocal melodies while listening to their album. From what I can tell from their videos online, they put on one hell of an energetic show and their love of the music shows through in all that they do. Dead Empires is alive and well, and on their way to making a name for themselves.
