Album Review: Marilyn Manson- The Pale Emperor

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There comes a time in every artists career when the inspiration well dries up and it seems like they are just going through the motions because they have to. Then something happens that reinvigorates and inspires said artist. This just happened with Marilyn Manson. Manson’s new album The Pale Emperor, is his best album since Mechanical Animals. Instead of working with his usual writing partner Twiggy Ramirez, Tyler Bates was brought in. You might know Tyler Bates’s work from Guardians Of The Galaxy and Californication. Their collaboration brought out a whole new side of Manson that is drenched in post-punk swagger and his signature haunting melodies. I’ll be honest, I wrote Marilyn Manson off a long time ago after a stunt he pulled at one of his shows years ago, but when I first heard the song “Third Day Of A Seven Day Binge,” I was totally taken aback and very curious as to what this new album would sound like. I’m really happy with what I heard. This album is honest and real. Songs like “Killing Strangers,” “Cupid Carries A Gun,” and “Deep Six” all pack quite a punch that really delivers. Marilyn Manson seems to be on the right track again after a long detour. In a strange way this album is more than just a reinvention, it’s actually an album about a guy who behind all the makeup and persona, really has something to say.

On the scale of 1-10: 9

Marilyn Manson- The Pale Emperor:

 

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Ancillary Theorem

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Los Angeles’s Ancillary Theorem is bringing something artistic and thought provoking to the Hard Rock/Metal world suffering from the same stale monotony. The band’s sound incorporates hardcore and thrash metal, subtle texturing combined with aggressive screams, melodic lines, and ambient vocals, which comes across strong and determined. Currently the band is working on a double album entitled Lions, the follow up to their album Infinite. This is one band that should be on your radar if you are a fan of heavy melodic music.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/Ancillary-Theorem

http://www.reverbnation.com/ancillarytheorem

By: Brian Lacy

Bands That Should Come Back: Nothingface

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The late 90’s and early 2000’s were a very interesting time for heavy music. There was a resurgence of rock music in the mainstream, with bands like Korn, System Of A Down, and many others. One band that didn’t get the recognition they should have was Nothingface. Formed in 1994 in the DC area, Nothingface combined metal, alternative, death metal and a healthy shot of melody. Their debut album Pacifier was written off as a “Korn ripoff band,” but on their follow up An Audio Guide To Everyday Atrocity, they abandoned that sound and featured the heavy metal and alternative metal sound they became known for. In 2000 their break out album Violence was released featuring the single “Bleeder.” In 2003 thier final album Skeletons was released.This album is considered their most diverse, featuring some of the band’s heaviest as well as most melodic material especially the song “Ether.” That summer, the band played on the second-stage of Ozzfest. Sadly though, the group disbanded on February 10, 2004, citing musical differences, infighting and lack of support of their label. There were multiple attempts over the years to get the band back up and running but it seemed that something always held it back. Nothingface was a stand out band amongst the pack due to their use of melody and clean vocals. It’s a real shame that it didn’t work out. Guitarist Tom Maxwell is now wasting his time playing in the atrocious Hellyeah. Who knows what will happen over time, but if Nothingface were to return it sure would be a nice welcome back.

Violence:

Skeletons:

 

By: Brian Lacy

List: Best Double Albums

These are the best double albums, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! These are also studio albums and not live albums.  I’m sure I missed some, so add them in the comments.

1. Pink Floyd- The Wall
2. Led Zeppelin- Physical Graffiti
3. Guns N Roses- Use Your Illusion I & II
4. The Beatles- White Album
5. Jerry Cantrell- Degradation Trip
6. Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness
7. Nine Inch Nails- The Fragile
8. Failure- Fantastic Planet (According to Kellii Scott)

Album Rank: Faith No More

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To coincide with 2015 being the year that Faith No More will release a brand new album, why not rank all their previous efforts! Note: I’m only ranking the Mike Patton albums and not Chuck Mosley.

 

5. Album Of The Year:

 

4. Sol Invictus:

 

3. King For A Day…Fool For A Life Time:

 

2. The Real Thing:

 

1. Angel Dust:

Band Of The Week: Tidalwave

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Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Tidalwave is causing some waves. This 2 piece (yes I said 2 piece), has crunchy rhythmic riffs and a generous amount of melody. Tidalwave has a modern rock approach to their music, similar to Chevelle and even another two piece band Local H. Their self titled debut EP produced by Jaime King (Between The Buried And Me) is a sharp melodic burst of energy. This is the type of band that is radio ready but also has enough of an edge to still retain their hard rock principles.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/itsatidalwave

 

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2015

2015 is here with means lots of new music to sink our teeth into. Below is a list of bands who seem ready to release a new album in 2015. I’m sure there will be plenty more to add to this. This list is in no particular order!!!!

1. Marilyn Manson- The Pale Emperor
2. Radiohead-?
3. Metallica-?
4. Coal Chamber
5. Team Sleep
6. Deftones?
7. Killswitch Engage?
8. Refused
9. Failure
10. Alice In Chains?
11. Filter
12. Amen
13, Mutoid Man
14. 36 Crazyfists
15. Corrections House
16. Neurosis
17. 10 Years
18. Sumac
19. Faith No More
20. The Cure?

New Release: The Broken Stems- Take Me In (Live)

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I had the pleasure of seeing The Broken Stems open for Abloom back in September. They stood out not just because they were a different genre, but because of the passion and intensity they played with. Today they released their newest song and video entitled “Take Me In.” It’s a soothing, laid back song yet heavy in it’s lyrical connotation. Check it out!

The Broken Stems: Take Me In (Live)