New Release: Every Time I Die- Post Boredom

Today is one of the days I’ve been waiting for all year. The NEW EVERY TIME I DIE album, Radical, will be finally be released on October 22nd via Epitaph Records!!! The band has already released a few songs from the album and today they unleashed the beast that is “Post-Boredom.” This album was once again produced by Will Putney who also did the absolute masterpiece that is Low Teens. Radical is 16 tracks of peak-ETID, and it’s a culmination of everything you love about Every Time I Die. Speaking on the album’s lyrical content, vocalist Keith Buckley said “I’m dealing with difficult matters this time that isn’t only personal for me but are also universal and more communal experiences,” Keith explains. “The songs are realistic in that they acknowledge that things require a lot of work. But it’s ultimately a very hopeful and uplifting record.” I personally, can’t wait for this album to be released. Every Time I Die have been one of my favorite bands for a long time and they only keep getting better with each record.


Every Time I Die- Post Boredom:

Other Songs Released So Far…

AWOL:

A Colossal Wreck:

Desperate Pleasures:

Album Review: Quicksand- Distant Populations
Quicksand - Distant Populations | Epitaph Records

Quicksand have been one of the most underrated bands out there for so many years. Their 90’s output of the albums Slip and Manic Compression have become staples for bands and their inspiration/influences. The sound and style that Quicksand created has been often copied as well. A couple years back, Quicksand released their first new album in many years with Interiors. That album was an interesting look into where the band was at that point after being away for some time. Now though, Quicksand is roaring back with their new album, Distant Populations. This might very well be the best Quicksand has ever sounded too.

The moment the album starts you are totally pulled in. There isn’t a song on this album that feels out of place. The flow of the songs on the album is perfect. The moment the album ends, you immediately want to start it over. That’s how good this is. There isn’t a song on here that you will skip. Songs like “Inversion,” “Colossus,” “Phase 90,” “Missle Command,” and “The Philosopher” have been my favorite tracks so far. This album packs some of the best songs Quicksand have ever written. Sonically, dynamically, lyrically, Distant Populations is a beast of an album. This album is 11 songs of unrelenting pounding rock music. The production by Will Yip (Nothing, Circa Survive) is top notch. He really nailed the classic tones and gives it enough of an added oomph to really bring these new songs to life. The mix by Josh Wilbur absolutely bangs! This album too, I have to say, is the follow up to Manic Compression we’ve been waiting for.

Like a fine wine or scotch, Quicksand only gets better with age. The songs from their past are gems and the songs they have released now are just as good. There is also a maturity to this album that shines bright. The songs on this, like the others are deeply introspective and current. The lyrics on the album as explained by frontman Walter Schreifels said, “Everyone is, on the one hand, so connected with each other, and on the other hand, is so far apart. We’re checking out each other’s social media and we know what everybody’s doing. But when we’re sitting in the same room together, we’re looking at our phones.” The societal impact of how we live our lives topped off with the pandemic sure made for some great material. Quicksand have made an impact over the years but, with Distant Populations, they have truly cemented their place!

Overall Rating: A


Quicksand- Distant Populations:

Band Of The Week: GosT
GOST releases “Coven”, first track + video from new album “Rites of Love and Reverence” – R o c k 'N' L o a d

The synthwave genre is an interesting one to delve into. There are certain aspects of it that have been fully accepted by the mainstream like, the music for Stranger Things. Then there is a whole other level to synthwave that is even better and thanks to groups like the band of the week, we get to experience so much more that world has to offer. Allow me to introduce you to GosT. GosT is more like the exception to the rules of synthwave. Like many other peers like Perturbator (who I featured not too long ago) and Carpenter Brut, GosT channels many different vibes and sounds. Mixing a more metallic edge to accompany the post-punk, goth and electronic aspects, the new material from GosT is uncompromising. Founder and mastermind James Lollar, has really found his niche with the new album, Rites of Love and Reverence. The album itself is chock full of hidden gems and blistering sonic dimensions. It’s creepy and eerie in places yet has this really cool pop sensibility that gives the darkness the right amount of shine to really leave a lasting mark. GosT is well on the way to being a force to be reckoned in taking the synthwave genre to a whole other level.


GosT- Rites Of Love And Reverence:

Anticipated Albums: Trivium- In The Court Of The Dragon

From their inception till the current present, Trivium has been one of the hardest working bands in music. Their relentless work ethic has seen them become an absolute force in the heavy music world. Today, Trivium have announced that they will release their tenth album, titled In The Court Of The Dragon, on October 8 via longtime label Roadrunner Records (Pre-Orders available HERE). The record was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur and recorded in the Fall of 2020 at Full Sail University in Orlando. The band already released their new track “In The Court Of The Dragon” a couple weeks back and now they have released another single, “Feast Of Fire.” The accompanying video was shot at the bands HQ in Florida which they recently converted an airplane hanger to be their base of operations. The past couple Trivium albums, The Sin And The Sentence and What The Dead Men Say have been quite exceptional and show real mature growth not just as players but as songwriters and this album seems to continue along that path. Trivium is part of the Metal Tour Of The Year featuring Megadeth, Lamb Of God and Hatebreed (who replaced In Flames on the tour). I would bet money that Trivium will be stealing or close to stealing the show each night.

Trivium- Feast Of Fire:

Trivium- In The Court Of The Dragon:

New Release: Danny Elfman & Trent Reznor- True
Listen: Trent Reznor guests on Danny Elfman's reimagined version of True — Kerrang!

Well this was a welcome surprise. Danny Elfman AND Trent Reznor on a track together?!?!?! YES PLEASE!! This song is a remix of sorts of the song “True” from Elfman’s album, Big Mess. Speaking on the collaboration, Danny said “This is the first duet/collaboration I’ve ever done in my life, so to do it with Trent was a real surprise and a treat,” Elfman explained in a statement. “He’s always been a big inspiration to me, not to mention he has one of my all-time favourite singing voices.” Well, the results are excellent and this song sounds even better now.

Danny Elfman & Trent Reznor- True:

New Release: Thrice- Robot Soft Exorcism
Thrice - Horizons/East | Epitaph Records

Thrice has released another new song from their upcoming album, Horizons/East (out September 17). This song “Robot Soft Exorcism” is a really interesting song. It sort of has a feel similar to the more experimental tracks from The Alchemy Index. This is also one of those songs that if you listen with headphones (good headphones, not those shitty earbuds) you can hear so many other little hidden gems within the song. Speaking on the song “‘The track’s title may sound familiar to those who are aware of David Dark. The American author and teacher coined the term in a twitter thread, exploring a metaphor in an attempt to help us distinguish between harmful and destructive systems and those that inhabit and benefit from them. Thrice’s singer and lyricist Dustin Kensrue picks up the image and breathes life into it throughout the newly released track. Months back Kensrue and Dark spoke at length on the subject, as well as other topics, on Kensrue’s podcast.’ Between the song “Scavengers” and now “Robot Soft Exorcism,” this new Thrice album is shaping up to be one hell of a good one.

Thrice- Robot Soft Exorcism:

Thrice- Scavengers:

Instrumental Songs: Chimaira- Implements Of Destruction

If you haven’t heard Chimaira’s album The Impossibility Of Reason, you are missing out on one hell of a heavy metal gem. This album is one of the best heavy albums since the turn of the century. The whole thing is packed with killer riffs, grooves, rhythms and some brutal vocals and lyrics. One of my favorite parts of the album is the closing track, “Implements Of Destruction.” This 13 minute long epic is astounding. It’s one hell of a way to end the album. This song is an absolute masterpiece or instrumental tracks. Do yourself a favor and let this one sink in!!!

Chimaira- Implements Of Destruction:

Alternate Versions: Anthrax- The Greater Of Two Evils
ANTHRAX - Greater Of Two Evils - Amazon.com Music

I’ve always found it interesting when bands get a new singer and they try to do the older material with the previous singer. Sometimes it turns out great and others well, let’s just say not so good. Anthrax though is a band that has been able to capture almost the same energy on their re-records of old songs that was there when they first recorded the songs. I will gladly admit that my favorite singer in Anthrax was John Bush. He brought so much more to the table and was such a great piece to the band. Even when John would sing the old Belladonna/Turbin era songs, he did it with such a genuine and ferocious approach, it’s like these song became a part of him. Back in 2004, Anthrax did something interesting and went into the studio with John and re-recorded 14 songs from the band’s early era that were first released between 1983 and 1990. The final track listing was decided by a vote on the band’s website. The track list was then recorded by the band “live” in the studio over two days. The album was originally going to be named “Metallum Maximum Aeturnum”, with possible plans to change it to “Old School, New School, Our School: Metallum Maximum Aeturnum” or “Metal Thrashing Mad: Metallum Maximum Aeturnum”. John was such a dynamic frontman for Anthrax. His voice and writing ability led to so many great songs for the band. Even though John has said many times that Joey is the right voice for the band, I still think John was the perfect person for the job and he made those songs his own.

Anthrax- The Greater Of Two Evils:

Band Of The Week: Deaf Club
May be a black-and-white image of 5 people and indoor

I’ve always loved heavy music. Doesn’t matter the genre, I will find bands within them that I dig. Punk music is one such genre I’ve had an affinity towards for many many years. The aggression, intensity and energy that emits from this genre is what keeps me coming back. Which now brings me to the Band Of The Week, Deaf Club. Deaf Club is a band that takes no prisoners. Their savage sound comes with a blastbeat-centric hardcore punk assault channeling crust, thrash, and grind with a touch of metal. The band consists of Justin Pearson (The Locust, Dead Cross, Planet B), Brian Amalfitano (ACxDC), Scott Osment (Weak Flesh), Jason Klein (Run With The Hunted), and Tommy Meehan (The Manx, Chum Out!). The pace at which the band plays, delivers the goods in such a way that is at a breakneck speed with the right amount of space between to catch your breath before the onslaught continues. Their new single “For A Good Time, Call Someone Else” is exactly what I described and then some. Their album, Productive Disruption, was was recorded by Alex Estrada and Tommy Meehan and will be out January 6, 2022 via Three One G Records. Ironically, Deaf Club’s debut LP was recorded on the same day as what would become known colloquially as The Insurrection – January 6th, 2021. Deaf Club is a relentless and ferocious band that I’m sure will be decimating venues along their path.

Deaf Club- For A Good Time, Call Someone Else:

Deaf Club- The Wait (Killing Joke Cover):

Memorable Live Performances: Jim Martin’s Last Show w/ Faith No More 1993
Top 10 Faith No More Songs

Faith No More are an absolutely tremendous band. They are one of the few bands that have the ability to evolve in a way that is untouchable. The versatility of the band and how damn good each member compliments each other shows on each album, no matter who is in the line up. I personally am very partial to the Jim Martin era. I’ve always thought he brought such a unique touch to the songs. That’s in no way a shot at Jon Hudson or Tre Spruance. I will always be bummed I didn’t get to see Faith No More with Jim but, when I get that time machine, you bet your ass I’ll be going back to see Faith No More with Jim. That being said, this performance here, is Jim’s last with the band. It’s a pretty awesome performance and how. The setlist is pure gold and the energy on stage is contagious.

Faith No More- Live July 17, 1993 / Phoenix Festival / Stratford-upon-Avon, England: