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:







NEW RELEASE: FACT PATTERN- FINGERS TO THE FLAME

Fact Pattern is one of the bands that since I started Audioeclectica, I’ve been quite enjoying. They are one of the few bands that label themselves “industrial” that actually sound like that. Their most recent album, The Same Outcome, came out late 2024 (review to follow soon) and it’s uite the gem of an album! One of the things I have always liked most about Fact Pattern is their use of melody in their songs. Rather than it be this pummeling drilling, there’s an ambient/atmospheric undertone throughout and vocals that capture the lyric very well! Their latest single/video “Fingers To The Flame” is one hell of a track and it also happens to be the album closer. Really excited for what is coming up with Fact Pattern. They are a very visceral live band as well so you should check them out!!!


Fact Pattern- Fingers To The Flame:

ULTIMATE SET LIST: FAILURE

A couple days ago, I saw a post that Failure’s drummer Kellii Scott had completed drum tracking for the next Failure album. This was a really awesome thing to find out as I’ve been itching for a new Failure record. As such with news like that, it got my gears spinning and I went on a bit of a Failure dive. What came from it was the a great ultimate set list for Failure. Granted these are just my picks and what I felt would make for one hell of a show.

Guideline 1: What line up of the band would it be

Guideline 2: Where would you want to see the show

Guideline 3: maximum 25 songs (In order of how the set should go)

Lineup: Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards, Kellii Scott, Troy Van Leeuwen

Venue: Fonda Theater- Hollywood, CA

Set List:

01) Wet Gravity
02) A.M. Amnesia
03) Smoking Umbrellas
04) Hot Traveler
05) Headstand
06) Something
07) Sergeant Politeness
08) Distorted Fields
09) Come Crashing
10) Found A Way
11) Another Space Song
12) Saturday Savior
13) No One Left
14) Macaque
15) Stuck On You
16) Magnified
17) Heliotropic
ENCORE:
18) Counterfeit Sky
19) Submarines
20) Daylight

THE AUDIOECLECTICA PODCAST: EPISODE 002

Welcome to episode 002 of The Audioeclectica Podcast! We thought it was only fitting that our second episode be about second albums and if they are better than the debut. There’s some state the obvious ones we go through, tough choices, some interesting debates and a quick fire round. We also touch on a future topic of gateway bands and vocalists.

Expect a lot more to come as we have a plethora of topics to discuss and explore. As always your feedback is welcome. Leave us a comment and let us know if there is a topic you’d like us to discuss.

Thank you for your support!

Brian and Justin!

Be sure to follow Audioeclectica as well as sinisterreviews.wordpress.com!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/episode-002-second-albums

SOLO SPOTLIGHT: REBA MEYERS

A few years back when I first heard the band Code Orange, the moment I heard Reba Meyers on the mic, I knew she was special. Not only could she play her guitar with the best of them, the way she brought those songs to life was something else. I remember even going to see Code Orange and walking away from that show thinking Reba was the best part of that band. Fast forward a bit to when Reba did guest vocals on the song “Lowered” off of Greg Puciato’s second solo album, Mirrorcell. That again was a sign that Reba was the real deal and I looked forward to what was to come next. Well recently there have been three singles released from Reba’s upcoming solo debut. The songs released “Certain Uncertainty,” “Get Your Hold On Me” and “Clouded World” have this really great atmospheric and alternative/indie vibe with a bit of psychedelia making for a really interesting listening experience. These songs also showcase what a great vocalist and lyricist Reba is. I personally can’t wait to hear more from Reba when her debut solo album is released later this year. In the meantime, you can see Reba killing it on stage as part of Marilyn Manson’s touring band.

Certain Uncertainty:

Got Your Hold On Me:

Clouded World:

Certain Uncertainity (Video):

Got Your Hold On Me (Video):

Clouded World:

Greg Puciato- Lowered (Featuring Reba Meyers):

AGAINST THE GRAIN: ORTHODOX

I’m sure this happens to a lot of you. You are looking for something to listen to and out of nowhere you hear something and it immediately hits you. That was the case this morning as I was searching for something to kick start my day. While checking my email I clicked on on particular email and clicked on the video and the absolute bludgeoning really started my day. Allow me to introduce you to Orthodox. This heavy hitting 5 piece band hails from Nashville and they are surely leaving their mark on heavy music. Their upcoming fourth album, A Door Left Open (out 06.06.25 via Century Media), is an all out assault sonically and internally. The album’s barrage of riffs, shredding solos =and countless breakdowns provide the pummeling while the crushing chugs, accentuated by intricate rhythms , ensures that the head banging whiplash-laden listen never gets comfortable. This is the type of album and band that will for sure kick your teeth in and I welcome more of it! I can tell that Orthodox are going for the jugular with this album. This is as brute force as a record that I’ve heard in a long time.

Pre Order A Door Left Open HERE

Orthodox- Keep Your Blessings:

Orthodox- Sacred Place:

Orthodox- Searching For A Pulse:

SONG OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- ENDLESS

The other day I heard a song that was absolutely pummeling and punishing and it put a giant smile on my face. That song is called “Endless” and it’s by the mighty, Black Magnet. If you aren’t familiar with Black Magnet you should change that. Black Magnet have been a favorite of mine since I heard them a few years back. Their 2022 album Body Prophecy, is an unsung masterpiece and they are one hell of a band. Black Magnet are one of a handful of industrial metal bands that have really put the genre back on the map. This new song “Endless” is as relentless as it is raw. It reminds me of Broken era Nine Inch Nails and Psalm 69 era Ministry. It’s heavy and chock full of electronic goodies to discover with each listen. Black Magnet’s new album, Megamantra, is set for release on Federal Prisoner June 27th, 2025. I know I will be picking this up for damn sure!

Black Magnet- Endless:

Black Magnet- Endless (Official Video):

BAND OF THE WEEK: TONGUECUTTER


A couple weeks back I heard a band that sounded very much 90’s with that bit of thrashiness making it quite a fun listen. With that in mind I’d like to introduce you to, Tonguecutter. Tonguecutter is a power trio hailing from the remote lakeshore town of Muskegon, Michigan. Their sound is reminicent of The Pixies, The Breeders, Hole and L7 meets Anthrax and early Suicidal Tendencies. Another fun thing about Tonguecutter is how they throw in odd time signatures in their songs making it more fun for the listener as things happen out of left and right field. Their debut album, Minnow, is 11 songs chock full of rumbling bass, uppercutting drums, and bouncing riffs and vocals that leave a lasting impact. Vocalist/guitarist Chantal Roeske has a great voice that resonates quite well with the angst and reflection in the lyrics. I’ve quite enjoyed this album as it’s brought back a sound that I grew up on and love and it’s done right. There’s a rawness to Tonguecutter that really leaves a mark while exploring melodic moments and hooks that will leave you wanting more! Cheers to Tonguecutter and what is to come for them. Hopefully a Los Angeles show is in the cards for them as I definitely need to see them live!

Tonguecutter- Minnow:


Tonguecutter- Urgency (Official Video):


SOUNDTRACK ONLY SONGS: JERRY CANTRELL- IN MOONLIGHT

I haven’t seen a lot of movies out in theaters these days. One I did venture out to see that I was really intrigued by was the new film, Sinners. From the previews and what I heard it seemed like a fun movie and oh boy was it. I haven’t had that much fun watching a new movie in quite some time. If you are looking for a really fun movie, I recommend Sinners. One of the things that I did notice while watching the film was a song that stood out quite interestingly well and it turns out it was Jerry Cantrell. The song he wrote for the film “In Moonlight” has this really awesome blues drawl to it mixed with Jerry’s signature sound. It was one of those songs that really struck the mood in the film! Also, Lars Ulrich played drums on it! So we are getting ever closer to that Metallica and Alice In Chains collab or tour. I can feel it coming in the next couple of years! I mean how awesome would it be to see Metallica tour with Alice In Chains?!?!?!?! Anyways, enjoy this song. I know I sure do!


Jerry Cantrell- In Moonlight (From Sinners):



ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: THE HAUNTED- SONGS OF LAST RESORT


It’s been almost 8 years since The Haunted, one of the titans of Swedish Melodic Death Metal have released a new album and the wait is almost over. On May 30, 2025, The Haunted will released their tenth, that’s right, 10th studio album, Songs Of Last Resort. 12 songs will be featured on this highly anticipated new album. Already 2 singles have been released. “Warhead” is a punishing and aggressive statement that The Haunted are back. “In Fire Reborn” showcases why The Haunted are one of the best at melodic death metal. It’s a little slower of a song but still packs that walloping punch we’ve all come to know from this band. The 2025 lineup of the band features Marco Aro (vocals), Ola Englund (rhythm, lead guitar), Patrik Jensen (rhythm guitar), Jonas Björler (bass, backing vocals) and Adrian Erlandsson (drums). I personally am quite excited about having a new album from The Haunted. It’s been too long not to have new music from these guys. And I’m just gonna put this out in the universe, a US tour is desperately needed and a great idea would be to have The Haunted come to the US with The Halo Effect and Soilwork! Now that would be one hell of a tour!

Pre-Order Songs Of Last Resort HERE

The Haunted- Warhead:

The Haunted- In Fire Reborn: