Album Review

Album Review: Killswitch Engage- Incarnate

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This is the first album that I’ve been anticipating all year. A few years back when Killswitch announced that Jesse was back in the band, it got me very excited. Disarm The Descent was a great way to welcome Jesse back into the fold. Now on this new album Incarnate, the band have stepped it up in a huge way. Taking a cue from their masterpiece Alive Or Just Breathing, the songs on the album get deep lyrically and musically they are taking chances, expanding on the melodic metal sound they helped to bring to the masses. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed on this album is Jesse’s voice. His screams are more direct and menacing in his delivery of the lyrics, while his clean singing voice has gotten better and better over the years. His range and emotion while singing is a true stand out amongst the talented musicians. One of my favorite songs “Embrace The Journey…Upraised,” really has the feel of the Alive era, but this song brings it in a different way, adding more ambience to the song, making it more epic by nature. Not to mention the positive outlook in the words. “Quiet Distress” is similar to the Times Of Grace project that Jesse and Adam have on the side. Its acoustic setting and dual vocals really drive home the message of the song. “Just Let Go” is another emotionally charged song that sees Jesse bare his soul a little more. “Strength Of The Mind,” is a classic Killswitch song, that will get the crowds going when they play it live. The song “It Falls On Me” is one of the most epic songs the band had ever put out. This is my favorite song on the album as of this writing. I hope it becomes a fan favorite and they include it in their setlist rotation. For those looking for a real head banging track “The Great Deceit” is the song you want. Closing out the album is “Ascension,” a song that sums up the entire album lyrically.

Incarnate is an album that will leave you feeling a sense of hope and positivity. One of the things I look for in bands is the ability to write strong lyrics that have depth and meaning. Jesse Leach has done just that and then some. He has bled his heart and soul out on this album. Since I first heard his voice and lyrics, I’ve been a fan of his. Not to take anything away from what Howard Jones did with the band, but Jesse has always been the voice of the band for me. If Killswitch carries on with the direction they went with Incarnate, they will have many more years of longevity to come.

 

Killswitch Engage- Incarnate:

Album Review: Nevermen- Nevermen

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Mike Patton has been one of the most consistently busy frontmen/singers in music for the past 15 years. His projects from Faith No More, Tomahawk, Peeping Tom, Fantomas, etc have been fan favorites for many years. Now he has joined up with Tunde Adebimpe of TV On The Radio and Anticon Records founder Adam “Doseone” Drucker in a very adventurous and experimental project called Nevermen. Shockingly the groundwork for this group was started over 7 years ago, when Adebimpe and Drucker would get together and ” crank space heaters in a cold warehouse that was marked for demolition, pour whiskey, run tape and beat on everything from doors, pipes, floors, and chests. They jammed on keyboards and drum machines, fashioned poems from tour memories and newspaper stories. The material would then be chopped up and made into songs then sent to Patton.” Each song has something different to offer listeners. The 3 gents of this group add their own flavor to the songs all the while trying out things that would normally be out of their comfort zones. The sheer amount of talent that each posses is astounding, yet the album doesn’t quite live up to their previous accomplishments. The end result is an album that was created by three very talented individuals that wanted to try something for themselves. While there are some moments that shine for example the song “Tough Towns” has a cool trip-hop vibe and the slow, dramatic swell that emerges from the quiet hum of closer “Fame II the Wreckoning, which contains some introspective as to what holds the group together, “One day might you get to the flame of what you are.”

Nevermen is a group that still has a way to go until they find their “sound.” The die hard fans of Mike Patton will probably enjoy this, while the casual listener might get lost in what this is all about. I can say this though, it’s very refreshing to have people like these 3 guys go out on a limb and try to create something that is drenched in the attitude of we are doing this for our love of music and art. Nevermen isn’t trying to be something that it’s not.

 

 

Nevermen-Nevermen:

 

Album Review: Baroness- Purple

 

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There are albums out there that really strike a chord with me. I’ve long believed in the true meaning of what an album is and should be. Meaning that once you put that album on, you just let it go without skipping any songs. In December, Baroness released their album PURPLE. This album is one hell of a gem. There is such a great balance to this record. The way the songs are arranged really lets you get engrossed in the depths of it. The lyrics and vocals push through in a way  that isn’t over powering yet has enough force behind them for you as the listener to feel the pain, torment and hope from the band. A few years back Baroness was on tour in Europe, when they were involved in a very serious bus crash, leaving multiple people in the band and crew severely injured. During the recovery time two members left the band, and the amount of pain and depression really set in for the rest especially for singer/guitarist John Baizley. The end result of all that is this absolutely wonderful album. From start to finish, Purple grabs you and doesn’t let go. The production on this album was also handled by David Friedman (The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev), which explains the added element of psychedelia and layers. The first song on the album “Morningstar” kicks off with a powerful riff, and gruff yet melodic vocals, setting the tone for what’s to come. “Shock Me” and “Try To Disappear are stellar standouts on this album. one listen to each and you’ll understand why. The band really shines on these songs. “Kerosene” is similar in vein to what older Baroness fans really dug about the band. The first single “Chlorine and Wine” is a brilliant song full of many different influences that really help this song shine. Lyrically the story told is deep and meaningful. All the lyric on this are deep and meaningful. “The Iron Bell,” “Desperation Burns,” and “If I Have To Wake Up,” round out the beauty of this masterpiece of an album.

Baroness is one of those bands that aren’t afraid to take chances and experiment to bring out the best of the band. Their previous effort Yellow & Green was misunderstood by a lot of their fans, but it really helped the band in dialing in on what they are. Starting out as a heavier band, each album has allowed Baroness to grow and develop their own style. The addition of the new drummer and bassist, and the bus crash has really helped Baroness become a truly great band. Purple is their defining album. I’d even go as far as saying that this is one of the best albums since the turn of the century.

 

Baroness- Purple:

 

The Making of Purple:

 

 

Album Review: Foo Fighters- Saint Cecilia

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The ability to redeem one’s self in music is a very rewarding thing to accomplish. Last year the Foo Fighters released their very disappointing album Sonic Highways. Sadly that album doesn’t have the legs (get it since Dave only had one leg on tour… shameless pun) to stand on. Thankfully during the Foo Fighters time in Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival, the band gathered at the Saint Cecilia hotel and made an EP that redeems the less fortunate previous album. The five songs on the EP are chock full of riffs from throughout the bands 20 year career. Some of the riffs and ideas have been around since the inception of the band when it was just Dave doing everything. The first song “Saint Cecilia” is 3 and a half minutes of classic Foo Fighters. “Sean” is a little fun fast paced song. “Savior Breath” is the type of rock song that the Foo’s need to base their next album on. This song is beyond a rocker and is sure to be a crowd favorite for years to come. “Iron Rooster” is the weakest song on the collection. The lead guitar parts are really sweet and full of great melodies though. Closing song “The Neverending Sigh” is the best song on the EP. This is another of those songs that needs to usher in the next Foo’s album. The sheer magnitude of bombastic rock that comes out of this song is grandiose.

The Foo’s are on the right track with this redemption EP. That’s what the name of it should have been. It’s great to see a band 20 years into their career and they still have it in them to put out quality. I really thought that with 2011’s Wasting Light, they were on the right track. Here’s to hoping they get back on that track and keep on rolling through.

 

Foo Fighters- Saint Cecilia:

Album Review: Despite The Raven- Hereinafter

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One of the most fulfilling things about writing this blog is the chance to hear new music all the time. Sometimes out of the bunches that are sent my way, there are those that really stand out amongst the pack. Over the weekend I received that debut album from Despite The Raven. I’ve been looking forward to this album for a while now. After hearing Craig Cirinelli in his other bands (Damn) This Desert Air and Hidden Cabins, I had a feeling that this new project would be the next step in his musical path. Teaming up with guitarist Chris Homentosky, this dynamic duo has created an album that stretches past the influences of the 90’s contemporaries and pushes deeper with each song. The eleven songs on this album are full of great rock n roll with added elements of ambience and soulful melodies. Song’s like “Where Fear and Courage Meet,” “Contrition,” “Tarred and Feathered,” “The Opportunist,” “The Maven,” and closing track “Walk Alone (The Unapology)” really showcase what this band is all about. Craig’s lyrics are personal yet open to interpretation allowing an added sense of discovery throughout the album. Despite The Raven are one of those bands that when they start taking the stage you’ll be wanting to pay attention. By the indication of listening to this album, you’ll get swept away by the sheer beauty of it. This album is definitely a cause for celebration. Do yourself a favor and delve into this.

 

Despite The Raven: HEREINAFTER

 

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Hidden Amongst Us- Ugly

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If there is one thing these days that I really enjoy is when a band throws out the traditional rules, taking all their influences and make a record for themselves. On Hidden Amongst Us’s new EP Ugly, these guys have taken their love of 90’s rock specifically the “grunge” era and added a bit more melody to their already raw sound to do just that. The results are six songs of solid melodic heavy rock. Hidden Amongst Us is another of the bands that I featured during the early stages of Audioecelctica, and they have really grown as a band. This release shows their cohesiveness and willingness to do what it takes to make music with substance. In the past year as well, the band added another guitar player, thus allowing them to expand upon their sound and make it fuller. On Ugly, they accomplish that and then some. Songs like “Another Day,” “Can’t Take Anymore,” and “Bled Enough” show their evolution as songwriters, and the added dynamics in the band. This is definitely the right direction for the band. Take Ugly for a spin, and you’ll hear what I mean.

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: He Whose Ox Is Gored- The Camel, The Lion, The Child

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A while back I wrote a band of the week piece about a band from Washington called He Whose Ox Is Gored. They have fast become a band that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed since I found out about them. Their influences of multiple genres have allowed them to experiment to zero in on just what their sound is. I coined them as doom-gaze for their love of doom metal and shoe gaze. Now they have just released their debut full length The Camel, The Lion, The Child. This album is epic by nature and pulls you in with each song. The band has really found their stride especially with songs like “Oathbreaker,” Crusade,” and “Cairo.” There is something aggressive and heavy to the songs, but on a deeper level. Lyrics are scarce yet meaningful, and the band lets the music do the talking, just like how Isis used to do. Another thing that I’ve noticed in the progression of He Whose Ox Is Gored, is that they have really adopted more melody into their songs. Rather than it being a wall of noise, there is a balance between the heaviness and the more delicate nature of some of the parts, especially with the keyboards. The album was mixed by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis) and Randall Dunn (SunnO, Earth) and it really shows. This album is a great leap for this band, and it’s only the beginning of where they can go from here.

scale of 1-10: 9

https://www.facebook.com/hewhoseoxisgoredseattle

http://hwoig.com/

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Sidewave- Glass Giant

a1133937347_10When I first started Audioeclectica the main goal was to spread the word about great music and bands. Sidewave was one of the first bands I wrote about and have had the pleasure of watching them bloom into a great band. From their first show till now, Sidewave has grown by leaps and bounds. Now the band has released their debut album Glass Giant and it is a tremendous album that really captures the bands essence. Sidewave incorporates the right amount of influence and individuality to make this debut stand out. Their mix of influences includes Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, and Shiner.  Mixed by Aaron Harris (Palms, ISIS, Puscifer), the epic, bombastic sound of Sidewave, fits perfectly in with the resurgence of 90’s rock. The songs go from heavier to spacey, to delicate, in a way that allows a gradual flow to the album. Songs like “Lace,” “Supersonic,” “Illusion Of Light, and “This Is Who You Are,” are all standouts on Glass Giant. The foursome of Phil Golyshko (Vocals / Guitar) William Collins (Guitar / Synth), Matthew Russel (Bass / Vocals) Brandon Dickert (Drums / Vocals) have created music that can help bring this music back to the forefront. Do yourself a favor and check out this album. It’ll be well worth your time and money!

Sidewave- Glass Giant:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Wild Throne- Harvest Of Darkness

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People’s attention spans have dwindled over the years, making it no easy feat these days to be able to create an album that holds your attention throughout the entire length of it. Though there are still people out that are such fans of music and understand that albums are a necessary part of life and need to be listened to as a whole. Wild Throne has just released their debut album and it is a tremendous slab of righteous heavy rock. Their unique blend of influences, of The Mars Volta, At the Drive- In, Mastodon and Judas Priest has made their album Harvest Of Darkness one of the best debut albums I’ve heard in a very long time. A few days ago I wrote about bands not having the sense of “Danger” in their music. Wild Throne understands the concept and made something with a great deal of substance that it pushes boundaries of what can be done these days. From the first thump of the drums on the song “Harvest Of Darkness” to the last note of “Trans,” Wild Throne captivates you and inspires throughout their album. There isn’t one song on this album that needs to be skipped. Joshua Holland, Noah Burns, and Jeff Johnson are one hell of a team and it shows in every song. The production and recording was done by Ross Robinson. Ross was able to get such great performances out of these guys. This album is for sure going to be on a lot of top 10 lists at the end of the year. I know it will be in mine. Do yourself a favor and go buy this album. You won’t be sorry.

Scale of 1-10: 9.5

Wild Throne- Harvest Of Darkness:

https://www.facebook.com/wildthrone

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Before The Mourning- Etherial End

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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

The Deception:

Another Sleepless Night:

https://www.facebook.com/BeforeTheMourning

By: Brian Lacy