You Might Have Missed: Memento
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There are too many instances when bands come around and aren’t pushed the right way. Especially when they have all the goods to really make it. In 2003, Memento released their debut album Beginnings. Two singles were released from the album, “Nothing Sacred” and “Savior,” Both songs made some impact on the US rock charts. Memento was also a part of Ozzfest in 2003. Their album is heavy, melodic, and beautiful. From what I remember of their live shows, they were super tight and singer Justin Stewart Cotta was always on point and one of the most intense singers up close. His conviction while singing was undoubtably genuine. Musically, guitarist Jason “Space” Smith,  bassist Leighton “Lats” Kearns, and drummer Steve Clark were superb. They were able to create a sound that matched the emotional lyrics of Justin. It’s a shame that it didn’t last. Due to personal conflicts amongst the band members, as well as record label issues, the band was dissolved in late 2004. Justin Cotta and Lats Kearns re-emerged as Man Vs Clock in 2005. In early 2006, Memento reformed with a new drummer, Jeff Bowders, under the new name Nine Times Bodyweight. The band went to work recording new material. However, the project didn’t last, and they disbanded again in early 2007.

Memento is a prefect example of a band that had all the right parts, but not the right support. It’s a real shame that this has been a continuing practice amongst the record labels for years. Had this band really been supported by their label, they could have gone on to really big things.

Memento- Beginnings:

Band Of The Week: All Hail The Yeti

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Formed in 2006, and armed with a take no prisoners approach All Hail The Yeti earned a very loyal fan base with their sludgy heavy guitars and strong presence on stage that left audiences wanting more. The band was formed by Canadian vocalist and tattoo artist Connor Garritty. They released an EP titled “Trees On Fire With Songs Of Blood,”  in 2010. It began to sink in with local fans with live favorites like “Deep Creek”. During this time the band started playing higher profile show with the likes of Times of Grace, Soulfly, Fear Factory, and Suicide Silence. It had become clear that All Hail The Yeti had grown into much more than a “local” band. In late 2011, All Hail The Yeti entered the studio to record their debut full length, with producers Tommy Decker and Mike Sarkisyan of Spineshank. With songs like of “Suicide Woods”  and “After The Great Fire,” the band has been able to transcend on the fringes of an epic journey and churning vocal melodies. Now in 2015 the band after countless tour and shows, have entered the process of recording their follow up to their debut album.

After The Great Fire:

All Hail The Yeti Live:

Listen at:

www.reverbnation.com/allhailtheyeti

https://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti

By: Brian Lacy

Best Tribute Albums: Strait Up- Tribute To Lynn Strait

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In Decemeber 1998 the singer for the band Snot was killed in a car accident. The band had been riding high after releasing their debut album Get Some in 1997. the band disbanded not too long after Strait’s death. Before his death though, the band had begun work on their follow up album, but Lynn had yet to record vocals for the album. So in 2000, it was decided that the album’s vocal tracks would be completed by friends of Strait as a tribute. The end result being “Strait Up.” Released on November 7, 2000, the album featured appearances by the lead vocalists Serj Tankian of System Of A Down, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Max Cavalera of Soulfly, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Dez Fafara of Coal Chamber, Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery and Morgan Rose of Sevendust amongst a few others. The album does feature one complete song entitled “Absent” with Lynn Strait’s vocals. When the album was released it was met with high praise from critics and assorted music magazines. A little known tidbit is that song that was sung by Serj on the tribute album actually had lyrics by Lynn, and if you’ve heard the live Snot album alive you’ll be able to hear that version.

The tribute album was very fitting and a really nice send off by all those involved to their fallen friend and brother. If you’ve never heard the album you really should!

Strait Up:

By: Brian Lacy

New Release: New Cathedral- No Saints or Angels

Florida’s New Cathedral has been riding high since the release of their EP Ghost. After playing shows with Torche and He Is Legend, they band got back in the studio to record their follow up. The first song they’ve released “No Saints or Angels” picks up where Ghost left off, and adds a bit more melody.

No Saints or Angels (Official Video):

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Live Show Review: Jeremy Enigk At The Troubadour

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When you hear the voice of a band on it’s own, it really shows the vulnerability and strength of just what that person has to offer. Jeremy Enigk of Sunny Day Real Estate came into town on Sunday night and lit the crowd on fire. He was in top notch form and delivered the goods. His set was only a little over an hour long but it could have gone on all night. The Troubadour was the perfect setting for his return to the stage after 5 years. The new songs he sang sounded massive with just him playing. They were signature Jeremy, but had so much more to offer from a mature stand point. The classics he sang were beautiful and really went over well with the audience, not that they wouldn’t. One of the biggest highlights was his cover of The Police song “King Of Pain.” I personally can’t stand The Police (mainly because I can’t stand Sting as a person). This cover was tremendous and really stood out to me. As much as I and a lot of people would love a new Sunny Day Real Estate album, these new songs that Jeremy sang will for sure wet the appetite of those wanting just that. Speaking of his new album, Jeremy has launched a pledgemusic campaign to get his new album to all.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jeremyenigk

Band Of The Week: Sierra Swan

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One of the most intriguing things about music is when you are listening to a band and a guest vocalist sings on a song and their vocal performance leaves a lasting impression on you. This happens to me a lot. One of the most memorable of these moments happened when Cold released their album 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage and I heard Sierra Swan sing on the songs “No One” and “Witch.” Her voice stayed with me and I wanted more and her contribution on the next Cold album on the song “Suffocate” further cemented my love for her voice. Fast forward years later when she released her album Ladyland, I immediately scooped that up. Early on in her career, Swan got together with Graham Edwards and formed the band Dollshead. The band was signed and eventually dropped from MCA records. Sierra was also a member of The Black Eyed Peas early on. She has worked with Linda Perry (she produced Ladyland), and most recently worked with Billy Corgan on her 2014 album The Good Soldier. Sierra’s voice is whimsical and takes you on quite a journey through her songs. She has one of the most pure voices in all of rock music. And her guest contributions really take those songs up a notch.

Sierra Swan: Good Soldier

https://www.facebook.com/Swan5

http://www.sierraswan.com/

By: Brian Lacy

Classic Sountracks: The Crow-City Of Angels

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The 1990’s were truly a great time for music. One of the best things about that time were the soundtracks that came out. Even if the movie wasn’t that good, most of the time the soundtrack was great. As is the case with the terrible sequel to the masterpiece that is The Crow. The soundtrack far surpassed the film. The inclusion of songs from Hole, White Zombie, Bush, Deftones and Filter all made this worth while. The Hole song was a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Gold Dust Woman.” This could actually be the best song that Hole ever put out. White Zombie’s version of KC and the Sunshine Band’s “I’m Your Boogie Man,” was a fun song that had a great video to accompany it. Bush’s contribution was a really solemn cover of Joy Division’s “In A Lonely Place.” They really did a great arrangement with that song. Deftones song “Teething” is classic Deftones. They also appear in the film. Filter’s song “Jurrasitol” is another classic Filter song, that has become a fan favorite and a must play at live shows. Other bands and artists that appear on the soundtrack are Korn, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, Toadies and a few others. Sadly the movie doesn’t hold a candle to what the first movie was, but the soundtrack makes up for that. Even though the soundtrack to the first film is way better than this one!

The Crow- City Of Angels:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Rank: Metallica

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The past few days I’ve been on a huge Metallica kick. So I thought it would only be fitting that I do an album rank of Metallica’s albums. So here they are from not their best to the best. This is also my personal opinion!

Reload:

St. Anger:

Load:

Death Magnetic:

Kill Em All:

“Black” Album:

…And Justice For All:

Master Of Puppets:

Ride The Lightning: