Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: BUSH- I BEAT LONELINESS

I’ve been having these mind blowing moments when I think about bands and albums these days. Mainly it’s realizing that I’ve been listening to a band or album for over 20-30 years. Growing up with all this music really has become “the soundtrack to my life.” One such band that really has me in this trance is Bush. I’ve been a fan since I first heard them at 10/11 years old. They’ve been one of those constant bands in my life. Even when Gavin went to do the Institute side project or his solo album, Gavin and especially Bush have really played a big part in my musical life. 

Now on their tenth studio album, and after riding quite high off of two fantastic albums in The Kingdom and The Art Of Survival, it’s only fitting that I Beat Loneliness is the follow up to those two albums. While the past two records have really accentuated the heavy down-tuned riffs and got the band back on track, this new album really focuses on the lyrical messages and vocal delivery. From start to finish, I Beat Loneliness really connects and the relationship between the listener and these songs will definitely tap into your inner self. There is still an anger and edge to some of these songs, while others really delve more into those thoughts and feelings that can be uncomfortable. Gavin’s voice and delivery of the lyrics really shines on this album. 

Another aspect of I Beat Loneliness that I find interesting is, it’s the album all the critics said their third album, The Science Of Things was production wise. The only thing that really takes the album down a notch is that the drums sound super programmed as well as flat. Because when you see the band live, it’s so in your face and bombastic that this just doesn’t sound right. The songs are there and Gavin sounds great. The heavy songs have solid good riffs and the more delicate songs are good songs but the production lacks the full emotional depth needed to convey some of these. If Steve Albini were still alive he would have been perfect to record Gavin’s vocals let alone this whole album. 

All in all Bush has delivered yet again with a tremendous album. Gavin Rossdale really is underrated when it comes to songwriting as well as lyrics, melodies and vocals. As much as I love the classic Bush, the new line up with Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes is the perfect complement to what Bush is doing these days. 

Overall Rating: B or 8.5/10

Standout Tracks: I Beat Loneliness, I’m Here To Save Your Life, Love Me Till The Pain Fades, Don’t Be Afraid, Footsteps In The Sand

Bush- I Beat Loneliness:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLOOD VULTURE- DIE CLOSE

I love when I get sent albums to check out. Sometimes I will go in blind without reading anything about the band and who is in it just so I can be surprised by what I’m listening to. Now this doesn’t always work out for the best but, when it does, oh my, it’s quite the experience. Recently I put an album on that really knocked my socks off! The band name peaked my interest as well as the cover art, so I put it on and what I heard was damn good. What I heard sounded like the perfect blend of 90’s grunge, parts of death metal, goth rock, and doom metal. now, with that in mind allow me to introduce you to Blood Vulture and their debut album, Die Close.

Blood Vulture is the brain child of Jordan OIds, who you might know as Gwarsenio Hall from the very hilarious internet show, Two Minutes To Late Night. This very cinematic debut album takes it’s lead from classic and modern vampiric influences like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Near Dark and Let The Right One In to create a very dark and vivid world that tells a great narrative story while also leading you down a dark musical alley. Throughout the albums 10 songs, you get sucked in more and more (no pun intended- though that worked out perfectly). The epic nature of this album allows you to listen multiple times and get swept away by all that this is. I keep finding more to like with each listen. Another aspect to this album that is quite fun is the guest appearance of A.F.I.’s Jade Puget on the song “Grey Mourning,” which as of this writing, is my favorite song on the album. Shadow’s Fall vocalist Brian Fair guests on the song “Burn For It” and Lingua Ignota’s Kristen Hayter is on the song “Entwined.”

Die Close is not a joke album! This is a really serious album that actually feels deeply personal, as the stories told sift through real life situations but, set in a more “mythical setting” to add a bit more dramatic pause. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. Blood Vulture is definitely in my Top 10 Albums of 2025! The creativity as well as songwriting on Die Close, really shows how talented Jordan is and I look forward to more! This is soooooooo good! You can catch Blood Vulture on tour this fall with GWAR and HELMET!!!!

Overall Rating= A

Blood Vulture- Die Close:

More About Blood Vulture HERE

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAP- HEX

Ever since I heard “I’m Just The Driver” by Black Map a few years back, I’ve been hooked on them. When I think of the band Black Map, I know I’m consistently going to be hearing a really solidly good rock record with great riffs, soaring melodic and velvety vocals, pulsating low end and thunderous drums. So it’s no surprise to me that their new album Hex, delivers the goods on this record.

From the get go the rock begins. Chock full of hooks and those driving riffs and rhythms, “Disintegrate” sets the tone for what the next eight songs bring. There are moments that remind me a bit of Thrice, Cave In and Failure throughout. The melodic sensibilities that compliment the heaviness on the album is what makes Black Map stand out. And if what the company in which I just mentioned is what this is reminiscent of, that’s some good association. The way this album flows shows that Black Map have really honed in on creating a lush album. At times too even when the music goes into a slower tempo, the weight of the lyrics and delivery of the vocals of Ben Flanagan are just as heavy as his bass, or Mark Engles guitar tone, or the earth shattering drums of Chris Robyn.

There’s a very introspectiveness to this album. In a time when there is a lot to think about and deal with, having a voice like Ben’s that melody rich and soaring with passion, gives the listener ease and connection without having to shout or scream. Though there are moments that are very direct. The guitar work on Hex is also a bit more in a progressive nature. Not in the way of Dredg, even though there are shades of it, it’s more in tune with how Failure expands upon it’s sound in a spacey way. And to top it off with Chris Robyn’s drums it’s like the icing and cherry on top as the bass lines and drums connect in a way that as I mentioned above is quite thunderous. Trust me, when you hear it live, you will definitely know! Hex is a tremendous album that packs quite a lot of goodies in it’s 32 minute running time. And it’s one of those that you’ll want to start again so you can pick out more things to enjoy about this record. And a round of applause to producer Beau Burchell who really brought out some of the best work the band has done.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Standout Tracks: ALL OF THEM!

Review By: Brian Lacy

Black Map- Hex:







ALBUM OF THE WEEK: IDLE HERIS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE

It’s only April and I believe I have found the album of the year. A couple weeks back I introduced you to the band Idle Heirs. I’ve been enthralled by this album from the moment I heard it in full. The singles definitely got me right off the bat as well. The 8 tracks on the album are some of the most gut wrenching, soul bearing and intense performances I’ve heard on record. Written by Coalesce’s Sean Ingram and Multi Instrumentalist/Producer Josh Barber, Life Is Violence, just set a new standard of what the “post-metal” genre should be.

I’ve mentioned in other reviews of mine that I don’t want to dissect each song as I feel that it truly takes away from the listeners experience of the album. The rawness, intensity and emotional charge that this album brings out of oneself is quite an accomplishment. It’s one of those albums that is like a mirror that responds back to you. The personal elements found throughout this album are eye opening and cut pretty deep. The way those emotions that are poured into these songs are enough to make you uncomfortable but, in a good way that is quite introspective. The vulnerability that Sean Ingram delivers on these songs is uncanny. The deeper you listen, the more you hear all the pain, anguish, remorse, sorrow and more in his vocal performance. I can only imagine how much more his live performance of this would be. I’ve seen Coalesce and this has got to be even more intense than that. There’s that word again “intense.” That’s truly what this album is. Musically Sean and Josh Barber crafted songs that not only are heavy in the traditional senses but, allowed for all the lyrical concepts to come to life through different instruments be it a simple shuffle on the drums, atmospheric soundscapes, sludgy tones, bright tones and a plethora of more. Life Is Violence is a great title for this album as that is a great summation of what this all sounds like.

When I first heard this band/album it immediately struck a chord with me. I don’t know what I was looking for at the time but, this was the one. For the past few weeks I’ve truly soaked this album up. It’s become one of those I can’t go a day without listening to it at least once. The eruption of brilliance that is poured out over 51 minutes is pretty astounding. I’d love to know more about the recording of this album because there are so many great nuances to it, that I’m just beyond curious to know. This is seriously one of those special albums that feels magical and for lack of a better phrase “Lightning In A Bottle.” What an incredible album and foundation to start with because, I sure hope this project keeps going. This is the power of music at its finest. The connection to a record and all that it brings. Thank you Sean and Josh for what you put into this to make what I truly consider to the the album of 2025!

OVERALL RATING= A

IDLE HEIRS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE:

THE VIDEOS:

Rare Bird:

Dead Ringer:

Pillow Talk:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: GUILTLESS- TEETH TO SKY

For a while now, I’ve been searching for the a certain type of band to come along and ease my pain of not having Neurosis nor Isis (the band) being active. I know that sounds silly considering there are plenty of bands out there that I’ve heard that could possibly do it but, I’ve been looking for that one band to take that style a bit in a different direction and I found it. Guiltless, a fitting name for a band that definitely has that Neurosis vibe (their album is released through Neurot Recordings and guitarist/vocalist Josh Graham did work with Neurosis creating visual components). Joining forces with Sacha Dunable, Billy Graves and Dan Hawkins, members of Intronaut and Generation Of Vipers, this devastating four piece has taken the good old fashioned doom sound and added some really fun twists, turns and dynamics to push beyond that sound.

The debut album, Teeth To Sky is quite the eruption. Throughout the 8 songs and over 40 minutes of the album, the way it becomes immersive is quite the listening experience. There’s a ton of little nuances found throughout the songs that give Teeth To Sky the charm it has. Mixing doom with post metal, noise rock, ambient undertones and the twist… optimism. The addition of optimism in this style of music is quite interesting and part of the reason why it took me a minute to write this. I’ve been listening to this album for the past few weeks, eating up all the things I was looking for. As I kept listening especially listening with my really awesome headphones on, that’s when I started to figure out this album. There’s a reoccurring theme found on the album of how “one must take advantage of life” and in the times we are in, it’s pretty epic to find that in this style of music.

To describe each song and get into that would take away from the effect you’d have from listening on your own. The bludgeoning aggressiveness that is found throughout propels the album but, Teeth To Sky is more than that. This album is one of those that will grow on you as it did with me. I look forward to hearing more from Guiltless and seeing how they develop and evolve. These songs need to be played live and I would bet that the decibel levels will be astounding. Definitely give Guiltless and this crushing debut album a ton of listens. And if/when they arrive in your town, I’d go see them too!

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

Guiltless- Teeth To Sky:

Album Review: Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible

Debut albums can tell a lot about a band. The inspiration and influence can be quite striking but, the thing I love most about a debut album is how all those elements come together. When Better Lovers first came out last year with their debut EP, it was something shot straight out of a cannon and exploded like a fireworks warehouse. Those songs became the building part for what would be Highly Irresponsible. This debut album packs that same cannon blast only with the full length album, we get to really dive into what this band is all about.

The first track starts with this really delicate intro before it goes straight into the heaviness. From that point you know it’s on! With each song and there is more and more to unpack as the spastic and schizophrenic nature of the music uncoils into a very meticulous regiment of riffs and rhythms that will find you tapping your feet and hands and possibly a mosh pit (if you can find enough people). This album is unrelenting in the way it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney have done a wonderful job of crating songs that will appease the fans of all the bands these gents are/were a part of and new ones as well. The rhythm section of Stephen Micciche and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak is devastatingly pummeling in such a way that the bounce from the low end will have you jumping out of your chair. Vocally this is quite the performance from Greg Puciato. Like a fine wine or scotch, Greg seems to only have gotten better with age. His screams are reaching new heights and the melodic sensibilities are in the foreground showcasing the versatile vocalist that he is. Found throughout too are lyrics that are quite introspective and full of emotion be it anger, frustration, depression, and dare I even say love.

Throughout the 10 songs that appear on Highly Irresponsible, there isn’t one that feels out of place. In fact, there are certain songs that when they end you wish they were longer specifically, “Deliver Us From Life,” “At All Times, and “Love As An Act Of Rebellion.” The diversity on this album explores so much that with each listen you find more and more to love about it. Their live shows are already ones you shouldn’t miss as the energy that emits from stage to audience is not only contagious it’s infectious. Each member of this band has a highlight moment (though I’m not going to point those out as it would take away from the fun) on the record and it shows. One other thing I love about this album is that there aren’t any constraints on it. Sure there are moments that hark back to other times and bands but, these songs stand out as Better Lovers and Better Lovers only. If you are looking for one hell of a good time and an album that will lift you off your feet, then be responsible and pick up a copy. Enjoy!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible:

Album Review: Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood

During my time away from Audioeclectica, I was in a deeply contemplative state and when I was searching for answers through music, I found myself digging into familiar favorites. One of the albums that I went deep on was Jerry Cantrell’s excellent album, Degredation Trip. I highly recommend any of you out there to take a listen to that album (the deluxe 2 disc version!!!). The moment I heard there was going to be a new Jerry Cantrell solo album in 2024, I became quite excited. As much as I would love a new Alice In Chains album, it felt right that Jerry continue where he was at. The previous solo album, Brighten, was a nice change of pace and added some really beautiful songs to the catalog Jerry has written over the years but, there was something missing on that album. All that was missing on Brighten can most definitely be found on I Want Blood.

I Want Blood is a very direct and in your face album that goes deep in the way the lyrics and melodies hit you but, also the way the music shapes and leads you to places in your mind that are quite a trip. Jerry is never one to have a shortage of great riffs and throughout the album there are plenty of those signature notes that we’ve come to love. The way this album starts with “Villified” and weaves it’s intricate web all the way till “It Comes,” shows that I Want Blood is an album that is not only striking but also very emotional. One song in particular that gets me every time I listen to it is “Echoes Of Laughter.” This song could have easily been on an Alice album but, I don’t know that it would hit the same. The way this song encapsulates everything Jerry is uncompromising. Also, the backing vocals of Greg Puciato on this track adds to the haunting soundscape and deep feels this songs brings to the table.

One of the other things I love about I Want Blood is that Jerry brought back drummer Mike Bordin (Faith No More) and bassist Robert Trujillo (Metallica) both of whom performed on Degredation Trip. I’ve always loved the sound of that album and the way the three of them created an auditory assault on your ears in a good way and that continues on this album. Also on the album is Guns N Roses’s Duff McKagen, longtime Jerry collaborator drummer Gil Sharone and keyboardist Vincent Jones. The engineering and production of Joe Barresi is quite good. The tones on the guitars are exquisite and they really shine. Put on some really good headphones and you’ll hear all these great nuances that the guitars build on. Joe and Jerry working together really is a solid pairing and the end result is this killer album.

I Want Blood is one of my top 5 favorite albums of 2024. Jerry really went for it on this album and it really does have some of his best work on it. This is one of those solo albums that really shine and highlight a solo career. I can’t wait for Jerry to tour on this record and bring these songs to life. Do yourself a favor, go out to your favorite record store, buy this album, then put it on and blast it. I also had the fun pleasure of being in Seattle the week I Want Blood came out and got my vinyl copy of the album signed by Jerry at Easy Street Records! Even in the rain, this album was worth it!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood:

Solo Album Spotlight: Harvestman- Triptych: Part One

Harvestman, the psych project of Neurosis’ Steve Von Till has a really intriguing album coming out, Triptych: Part One. The releases of these albums will coincide on three of 2024’s full moons, making Triptych, Harvestman’s most ambitious undertaking yet. Triptych: Part One was recorded and mixed at The Crow’s Nest in North Idaho by Steve Von Till who creates the movements using guitars, bass, synths, percussion, percussion, loops, filters, and more. The record features guest contributions from Dave French (Yob) who performs stock tank percussion on “Nocturnal Field Song” and provides frequency consultation for the album, bass from Al Cisneros (Sleep, OM) on “Psilosynth” and “Harvest Dub,” and John Goff (Cascadia Bagpiper) who plays Northumbrian smallpipes on “Mare And Foal.”

Steve Von Till is a mastermind of sonics and this album pushes the boundaries of volume as well as tapping into tribal-esque rhythms with eerie synths that make for quite the psychedelic twist. There is a complete artistic vision amongst these songs and the the more you listen, the more you hear things you missed on previous listens. One of the most fun things about listening to this album is that it allows your mind to wander and float through the different soundscapes. Throughout the album, there are many twists and turns that captivate your attention and take you to different dimensions. Another element that this album has is an introspectiveness that unfolds with each layer of music.

2024 is really shaping up to be quite the year for artistic albums and this new Harvestman album is right up there with the best of them!

Harvestman- Triptych Part One:



Album Review: Chelsea Wolfe- She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She

There comes a time in the evolution of each artist where the sum of everything developed, explored, and thought about comes together in a cohesive statement that not only puts a true stamp on a body of work but, also leans into the future of where it’s all going. A perfect example of this is the latest album by Chelsea Wolfe entitled She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She. There is a comfort to the darkness that encases this and all her albums but, with this one it’s grasp is one that holds on and settles so delicately underneath the skin.

From the moment the album begins with “Whispers In The Echo Chamber,” the spell casting melodies enriched by the lush embrace of a sound that pulls from electronica, trip hop, industrial, darkwave, post-punk and more give this album the pronounced rebirth of Chelsea Wolfe. Working with longtime collaborators Ben Chisholm, Bryan Tulao and Jess Gowrie, and the addition of producer Dave Sitek (from TV On The Radio), She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She reaches new levels that are quite inqusitive as the thematic elements of the album blossom into dense stories that keep you coming back. The album continues it’s ambitious and adventurous journey with songs that lend a hand towards self realization and shedding skin like “House Of Self-Undoing,” “Everything Turns Blue,” and “Tunnel Lights.” By the time you’ve reached “The Liminal” there is a turn towards unveiling bits of light and toys with your heart strings. “Eyes Like Nightshade” has a Depeche Mode vibe to it that allows this song to slither around you. The next couple of songs “Salt” and “Unseen Wound” have a gloominess to them that build up to the very impressive and heart wrenching “Place In The Sun.” As the album comes to a close with “Dusk,” there is definitely a sense of understanding and almost a peaceful calm that settles into a clarity or focus on an optimistic outlook.

The tension created during the 42 minutes of the album is truly a defining moment for Chelsea, Ben, Jess and Bryan. This album is one of those that is not only cathartic and filled with dark yet positive energy, it’s one that won’t leave your mind. I spent a good amount of time combing through this album and letting it just take me where it wanted me to go. That feeling you get from listening to an album that really feels timeless is transcendent. Which interestingly enough is a theme found throughout the album. Funny how that all comes together in the end. What an album. I can only imagine what was left on the cutting room floor. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album multiple times. Put headphones on, light a candle and seriously just let it take you away!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4uJMF1xAEk9IgPA5UbwNA6?utm_source=generator

Apple:

https://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/she-reaches-out-to-she-reaches-out-to-she/1711265605

Album Review: Harms Way- Common Suffering

The evolution of bands is necessary for a multitude of reasons. I’ll rattle off a couple. One, you don’t want to keep churning out the same thing over and over. Your tastes change as you grow. The genre your band is in needs something more. And you want to further develop the sound of the band. All of these reasons can be found on the new Harms Way album, Common Suffering. Throughout their career, Harms Way have kept adding elements to their sound in a way that not only stands out in a good way but, also breathes new life into the genre. After one listen to Common Suffering, I knew that this wasn’t just any typical next album. This one is quite the record!

Right out of the gate you get a swift kick to the head with the very straight forward hardcore attack of “Silent Wolf.” From there the riffs really start to grab you as “Denial” takes the record to another level of heavy. “Hollow Cry” is one of the songs on the album that shows that evolution. There’s a Converge meets Helmet vibe to this song that I really dig. “Devour” is another hardcore banger with a head banging breakdown that will for sure put a crick in your neck. Next up is the very awesome and experimental track “Undertow” which features King Woman’s, Kris Esfandiari. This song has a really killer industrial tone to it. The vocals on this song are both haunting and pummeling. One of the things I really dig about this track is where it’s placed in the sequence of the album. The shift of the album happens here and it’s quite powerful. “Heaven’s Call” is the perfect follow up track to “Undertow” in the way it starts and then just cuts right to the heavy. “Cyanide” is another heavy banger that I have a feeling will be a crowd favorite when played live. “Terrorizer” is a song that brings in more of the industrial element while still being hardcore as all hell. “Sadist Guilt” has razor sharp riffs and an absolute gritty rhythm to it that could shatter glass. Closing out the album is the superb “Wanderer.” This track especially shows the band stepping further away from their comfort zone by adding some surprise elements that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from Harms Way but, in a way that is organic and on the track of their evolution.

Common Suffering is an album that you can tell a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making it. Having listened to Harms Way for some time now, it’s quite refreshing to hear them take a few twists and turns on this album. With each album, Harm’s Way have pushed themselves to not just be labeled as a hardcore band or a death metal band. The industrial elements they add to their already hard and heavy sound adds a layer that gives them a bit more bite. While the album is still quite angry and full of rage, there’s a sense of catharsis when you listen that by the time you finish the album, a purge of emotions has taken place. Harms Way really have made an album that not only stands out amongst their peers but also shows that having variety in hardcore and extreme music is a good thing.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Harms Way- Common Suffering: