Album Review: Centershift- OF…

Centershift is on a roll since they came on to the scene. Their first EP, A Different Shade, was the perfect introduction of the band. Now on their second EP, they are showing that the evolution of a band doesn’t have to wait that long as their new EP, Of…, takes everything to a whole new level. Their style and sound truly does stand out amongst all the things you would normally hear these days. It harks back to a time when songwriting, musicianship, and being real meant something.

The EP kicks off where the first one left off, continuing the story. The soaring melodies, driving rhythms and introspective lyrics on Of… will hit the listener like a tidal wave. Opening the EP with “And So” which features Tallulah of the band Grumpy Plum, gives a bit more insight into the thematic elements found throughout the songs. “From Where We Are” is a stellar track that features some truly deep/profound lyrical moments that will get in your head and have you singing along. “Falling Into” has this melodic charm to it that brings a bit of a groove element to the bands style. “Arise” is my favorite song on this EP. This one packs quite the punch both lyrically and musically. Not because it’s a “heavy” song, it is a “heavy” song in the content but, more so in the way there is a bit of tension in this one that pulls towards both the light and the dark. “Everything and Nothing” is a mini epic al on its own. You have to listen to it to fully get why I say that. Ending this EP with “What If”definitely leaves the listener with a question to hold on to until the final chapter unfold.

Centershift has released an EP that not only stands out, it also shows that in this day and age that rock music is alive and well. One thing I really have to compliment is the way the record sounds. They went out of their way to work with someone (Jim Wirt) who could not only bring the best out of each member performance wise but also someone who understands how to capture the right sounds and put it all together to make a sonically rocking piece of art. And rock it does! This is only part 2 of 3 for Centershift and I hope you are along for the ride.

Overall Rating: A

Centershift- Of…

Other Options To Stream!!!

smarturl.it/centershift-of

From Where We Are (Music Video):

Album Review: Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts

The debut album Altered Pasts from Thoughtcrimes is without a doubt one hell of a record! There is no other way to put it. Simply this album is one of those that you need to hear and digest. The moment I heard it, I immediately started it again. There is so much to unlock with the 11 songs that are on the album. Altered Pasts is the type of album you find yourself getting more and more immersed in what is happening with each listen.

I have chosen not to do an album breakdown of the songs because I don’t want to give anything away. Seriously, listen to this album in FULL!!! Each song has its own charm and ability to hit you like a ton of bricks. The way the album pulls you in, and the twists and turns it creates, has the ability at times to leave your mind a bit blown. The pummeling riffs and rhythms take you on quite the journey, while the vocals and lyrics take that journey to another level. Then you have the seductive ambience throughout that encompasses this whirlwind of an album. As aggressive as the album is, there is a balance of melody that provides a sweet contrast to the songs. The whole way through the album starting with “Panopticon” and finishing with “Lunar Waves,” you’ll notice that there is absolutely no filler on here. It’s 11 songs of unrelenting ferociousness that you need in your life.

Thoughtcrimes have released one of the best albums of 2022 with Altered Pasts. Everything about this album screams “LISTEN TO ME!” I personally, can’t wait to see what the next step of the evolution of this band winds up being. From their debut EP into this full length, it shows that they are on the right path to leaving quite a mark within the heavy music community. Thoughtcrimes and especially with Altered Pasts, will get into your head and it will stay there with the notion that this album is imperative and much needed in today’s world!


Overall Rating: A

Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts:

Anticipated Albums: Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed

A few years back I became familiar with the band Holy Fawn. It was one of those right band right situation type scenarios and from that point I was hooked. Their sound has intrigued me since that day. Their ability to mix metal, shoegaze, electronic, alternative, and rock is astonishing. The end result is a musical journey that takes you on ride into sonic territories to parts known and unknown. Their new album, Dimensional Bleed continues that journey and then some. The three songs released from the album so far are just a piece of the whole picture. The evolution of Holy Fawn is on display with Dimensional Bleed. On this album they have really explored different realms of the psyche and added a bit of a psychedelic element to their already trippy sound. I have a feeling that this album is going to take Holy Fawn to new heights. It’s an album that is much needed in today’s world!

Dimensional Bleed is out September 9th via Wax Bodega ! Pre-save it here: https://lnk.to/dimensionalbleed

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:


Holy Fawn- Death Is A Relief:

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:

Holy Fawn- Void Of Light:

Guest Vocals: Shirley Manson of Garbage

Shirley Manson is one of my all time favorite singers. Ever since I heard Garbage’s first album back in 1995, I was hooked. There is no denying the impact Shirley had on rock music over the years. And to this day, Shirley sounds amazing! While on a recent Garbage listening extravaganza, I looked into the times Shirley guested on other albums and here you go!

01) Queens Of The Stone Age- You’ve Got A Killer Scene There, Man (Lullabies To Paralyze):

02) Gavin Rossdale- The Trouble I’m In (Wanderlust):

03) Eric Avery- Maybe (Help Wanted):

04) Le Butcherettes- Shame, You’re All I’ve Got Left (Cry Is For The Flies):

05) Brody Dalle- Meet The Foetus/Oh The Joy (Diploid Love):

Against The Grain: SNAFU

Detroit, Michigan is home to some very rich music history. The origins of Motown, early Punk Rock, and even Techno can be traced back to Detroit. Throughout the years, Detroit has still remained an epicenter of music. With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to SNAFU from Detroit who have been ripping up stages and decimating crowds for a number of years now. Their most recent album, Exile//Banishment is one hell of an album. It’s heavy metal roots are very present with bits of hardcore, punk, thrash and even a tinge of black metal mixed in. When you listen to Exile//Banishment, you can hear the evolution of the band and the progression to make this album their heaviest, darkest, and angriest affair yet focusing on personal frustrations and the hopeless future of humanity. Take those themes and add the right amount of heavy with the music and you’ve got a recipe for a killer band. It’s very refreshing to hear a band like SNAFU. In particularly, the rawness of their sound is unapologetic and ruthless. The razor sharp riffs and rhythms are impactful and direct with the vocals adding an element of aggression to make everything come together in a way that will have you headbanging and contemplating moshing (even if you are by yourself). SNAFU is the real deal and I can’t wait to see where they are headed and what they do next!

SNAFU- Exile//Banishment:

Soundtrack Only Songs: Rob Zombie & Howard Stern- The Great American Nightmare

Howard Stern has been a mainstay in American pop culture for many, many years now. Back in the 90’s, Howard was everywhere. Not only did he have his ever popular radio show but, also a successful TV version of his show, a best selling autobiography with Private Parts and now he topped the box office with the movie of Private Parts AND the reason for this article today, his Billboard chart topping soundtrack for Private Parts which features songs from Ozzy, Ramones, AC/DC, Van Halen, Deep Purple, Porno For Pyros, RHCP w/ LL Cool J, and an awesome collaboration Howard did with Rob Zombie. The song with Rob Zombie entitled “The Great American Nightmare” is a badass track that can only be found on the soundtrack. The song also has been the opening theme to Stern’s radio show since 1999. Interestingly, the song has only been performed live 5 times (according to Setlist.fm), the most recent time was in 2014 at Howards 60th Birthday Bash. Personally, I’d love for this song to be part of Rob’s setlist again.


Rob Zombie & Howard Stern- The Great American Nightmare:

The Great American Nightmare (Live 2014 Howard’s Birthday Bash):

Howard & Rob Rehearsal in 1997:

New Release: Don’t Panic- Conquer Divide

There’s something to be said about hearing a band and a song and having that “a ha” moment when it all comes together. With that allow me to share with you Don’t Panic‘s new single “Conquer Divide.” This track is off their upcoming album, 42 (out August 26 via Auspicious Recordings) and it’s quite the song. Speaking about the meaning of the song, “Conquer Divide” is a personal protest, it’s the enormity of chaos, and feeling powerless to change it,” says Don’t Panic singer Dylan Rowe. “It’s about compassion, understanding, forgiveness, anger, hope, all of the vulnerable feelings critical to realize change.” Don’t Panic are a band that have many different elements in their music that range from prog rock, alternative, indie and a tinge of electronica and when it all gets arranged it turns out to be quite epic sounding at times. Take a few moments out of your day and check out what Don’t Panic has in store for you!

Upcoming Shows:

August 26 @ Pub Rock Live – Phoenix, AZ w/ Centershift

August 28 @ Whisky A Go Go – Los Angeles, CA w/ Royalty Kult, Alphamega, Centershift


Don’t Panic- Conquer Divide:


Don’t Panic- Time Machine:

Spotify:

Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dont-panic/1496234985

Deep Cuts: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Suddenly

One of my favorite things to do is go for a nice drive, put my iPod on random and see what comes on and where the musical mood takes me. The other day while on a drive, a song came on early on that I haven’t heard in a long time and it was one of those absolultely perfect songs at the right moment to make it all come together. The song I’m talking about is “Suddenly” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their second album, Take Them On, On Your Own. “Suddenly” is a dark, moody mid tempo track with lyrics and a melody that get into your head and then you almost feel like you are swept away by the combination of everything. It’s one of those songs that once you hear, you’ll come back to. And when you put the full album on and it gets to “Suddenly,” it just fits ever so right! Also a fun side note, Ken Andrews of Failure mixed the album too!


Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Suddenly:

New Release: Slipknot- Yen

Slipknot have released a third song from their upcoming seventh album (yes that’s right 7th album). This one entitled “Yen” definitely has a Volume 3 vibe to it with a bit more heaviness. The new album, The End So Far will be out on September 30 via Roadrunner Records. Two other songs “The Dying Song (Time To Sing)” and “The Chapeltown Rag” have already been released.

Slipknot- Yen:

Live Show Review: Anthrax, Black Label Society & Hatebreed at Hollywood Palladium

When this tour was first announced, I was pretty stoked on it. You get the 40th anniversary of Anthrax, Black Label and to top it all off Hatebreed is opening the night. Sounds like a pretty damn good recipe for a metal tour. Plus all this happening at the Hollywood Palladium was the cherry on top as this venue for metal shows have a long history. As I arrived, the marquee said it was sold out, and when I walked in the venue, it was packed to the gills with fans waiting to open up the pits.

Hatebreed was first and I have to say, they stole the show. They way they came out and just absolutely destroyed was classic. It had been at least a decade since I last saw Hatebreed live and they haven’t lost a step at all. In fact, I’d dare say they have gotten even better live. Jamey Jasta is still one hell of a frontman and his voice still sounds crisp. I’ve long thought that the rhythm section of bassist Chris Beattie and drummer Matt Byrne are one of the more underrated duos and this show proved just how damn good they are together. On guitar Wayne Lozniak and Frank Novinec played with a blistering aggression that when all 5 elements came together made for one hell of an eruption. Their set list too was damn near perfect. Playing a chunk of songs from my two favorite albums of theirs (Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire and Perserverance) along with some other gems from The Rise Of Brutality, Supremacy, The Concrete Confessional and their newest, Weight Of The False Self really drove home that Hatebreed wasn’t here to just warm up the crowd. They came to destroy and conquer and that they did!


Black Label Society was next and to be honest, it seemed a little bland and phoned in at times. The last time I saw them live was quite a few years ago when they were on tour with Children of Bodom and Clutch. I remember being bored and annoyed by all the pinch harmonics. Thankfully this evening there was a limit on those but, there just seemed like there was something a little off about it. Perhaps they weren’t the best choice as a direct support band, perhaps too, following Hatebreed was a bit difficult. Either way, they still put on a good show and Zakk Wylde is still a monster on the guitar. My friend I was with at the show mentioned to me mid set too that he had seen them play better. So it wasn’t just me that thought it was off a bit.


Anthrax was the reason why most of us were in attendance (I was there for Hatebreed too) and when it came time for them to take the stage, the Palladium was in a frenzy. 40 years as a band is quite an accomplishment. Even if they have had different eras of the band, the legacy of the albums and songs are still intact. Kicking off their set was a little video package of their peers talking about Anthrax and the impact they had on them. That was a fun way to kick things off but I did notice something interesting in the video package, John Bush was left out but Paul Crook was shown. After that, “Among The Living” really got the party started followed by “Caught In A Mosh.” That’s one hell of a 1, 2 punch to start a show. from there the set included songs like “Madhouse,” “Metal Thrashing Mad,” “I Am The Law” newer songs like “The Devil You Know,” and “In The End.” Personally the highlight of their set was them playing “Only.” Though the way Joey Belladonna sang it, he didn’t do it justice and at times it seemed like he was mocking the song by adding extra vibrato to his voice. Plus, I’m just gonna say it, you had John Bush in the damn crowd, why not bring him up to sing the song and sing it right?! Anthrax wrapped up their set with “Bring The Noise” and brought out Chuck D from Public Enemy for performance. That was pretty rad to see and hear. (I have my own issues with Chuck D and Public Enemy but I’ll save that for another time and place). Closing everything out was the song “Indians.” Anthrax put on a really good show and were super tight especially Scott, Charlie and Frank. The three of them are one hell of a trio. It was kind of disappointing though that this was their 40th anniversary tour/show and they didn’t cover every album. They completely bypassed Volume 8, Stomp 442 and We’ve Come For You All. Which is a shame because there are some really great songs on those records, especially on We’ve Come For You All. Thankfully, the last time I saw Anthrax before this show was back during the We’ve Come For You All era and the show I saw was at The Whisky and that show was amazing.


All in all this was a very good show. It was what you’d expect at this point from Anthrax and Black Label. Like I said early on in this review, Hatebreed stole the show and after the bar they set, good luck beating that. One thing I can say is that a show like this proves that rock and metal is alive and well. It just went more underground a bit. I for one am looking forward to what Anthrax comes out with next on their upcoming album as well as what Hatebreed does next! It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the show, I really did, it just didn’t feel like a proper anniversary show. Plus I’ve always liked the John Bush era of Anthrax better than with Joey and John has this way about his voice, presence and writing ability to take the songs to a whole other level! Perhaps a “Bring John Bush Back Petition should be started?!


Hatebreed Set List:

01) Proven
02) Destory Everything
03) A Stroke Of Red
04) Before Dishonor
05) Seven Enemies
06) Driven By Suffering
07) Betrayed By Life
08) To The Threshold
09) Smash Your Enemies
10) Empty Promises
11) Tear It Down
12) Perserverance
13) Live For This
14) I Will Be Heard
15) Looking Down The Barrel Of Today


Black Label Society Set List:

01) Funeral Bell
02) Destroy & Conquer
03) Overlord
04) Heart Of Darkness
05) A Love Unreal
06) You Made Me Want To Live
07) In This River
08) Trampled Down Below
09) Set You Free
10) Fire It Up (With Extended “Boring” Guitar Solo)
11) Suicide Messiah
12) Stillborn


Anthrax Set List:

01) Among The Living
02) Caught In A Mosh
03) Madhouse
04) Metal Thrashing Mad
05) The Devil You Know
06) Keep It In The Family
07) Antisocial
08) I Am The Law
09) In The End
10) Only
11) Bring The Noise (with Chuck D)
12) Indians