Audioeclectica

NEW MUSIC: SEPTEMBER EDITION

I’ve been a bit behind on a ton of releases so I thought why not put a whole bunch of good stuff into one place. Part of the fun of Audioeclectica is the opportunity to share all sorts of different music/genres with you all. This batch is one of the most eclectic ones in quite a while. You’ve got rock, metal, alternative, and more. Enjoy these and let me know what you’re digging!

SINGLES:

The Barbarians Of California- Modern Fashion:

Last year The Barbarians Of California released their debut album, And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth. It’s a total awesome throwback to the mid/late 90’s hardcore. Reminds me a bit of Snapcase, Strife and some other gems from the time. Their new single, “Modern Fashion,” is an absolute banger! Definitely check this out! Also it’s great to have Aaron Bruno and Eric Stenman back together! I grew up in the same area of these guys and their early hardcore bands were always a blast to hear and see!

Foreign Film- Santa Clara:

Are you a fan of the band Will Haven? If so then you’ll dig this for sure. Even if you aren’t a fan of Will Haven, I think you will dig Foreign Film. Made up of members of Will Haven, Foreign Film is a departure from the pulsating heaviness and instead brings about a most atmospheric and soundscape textured sound to the table. Combining influences like The Cure, Pink Floyd, Hum, and more, you can definitely hear the more cinematic approach to this. Really looking forward to more of this!

Greyhaven- Cemetery Sun:

Greyhaven is band I’ve recently gotten into. Really dig the heaviness of the band and the little intricacies found throughout the songs. There are moments when I listen to them that it reminds me of Every Time I Die with a bit more melody. This new song “Cemetery Sun” is a ripping track with soaring melodies and a whole vibe on its own. Their new album, Keep It Quiet is out October 10. Definitely be on the lookout for this one.

Paz Lenchantin- Hang Tough:

This is exciting. Paz Lenchantin formerly of A Perfect Circle, Zwan and Pixies is going to be releasing her debut solo album, Trieste, on October 17. If you are familiar with Paz, you know she is beyond talented. On her debut album, Paz mixes some really cool elements to make music that is very much aligned with a particular vibe. There’s rock throughout but the addition of folk, Latin, strings along with the drums of Josh Freese and guitars of Troy Van Leeuwen, makes this a really interesting one to vibe out to.

Soul Blind- Hide Your Evil:

A little while back a friend of mine suggested I check out Soul Blind, and after doing so, I was hooked. If you are searching for a new band that really gets the 90’s sound in the right wat, Soul Blind is the one! This new track find the band embracing new ground by delving into some post-hardcore territory a la Quicksand and Deftones. Their new album, Red Sky Mourning, is out October 10.

ALBUMS:

Boneflower- Reveries:

I love when I listen to a band without knowing anything about them and it being awesome. That’s what happened when I first heard Reveries by Boneflower. The sheer intensity really drives this album. It’s chock full of emotion and musically the dynamic shapes makes for a very fun listen. If you’ve heard of the band Birds In Row, this band is for you! Definitely check out Boneflower and this album!

Chevelle- Bright As Blasphemy:

Chevelle is one of those bands that is quite consistent on releasing solid heavy rock albums. While this one might not be groundbreaking it’s still a really good album. Throughout the 9 tracks it’s very apparent that Chevelle is experimenting a bit with some different styles and textures. If the last album was the album Tool should’ve made, this new one is more in line with A Perfect Circle meets Helmet. There one song in particular that has me playing it on repeat and that track is called “Hallucinations.” What a great song! If you just want a solid heavy rock album, check out Bright As Blasphemy.

In Transmission- Betterment:

The post-hardcore genre has undergone a lot of changes over the years but, the one constant about the genre is the music is always emotionally charged and hard driving. And when I heard In Transmission’s new EP, that is exactly what I heard while at the same time adding a much deeper approach with atmospheric sounds to expand the space. Produced by Beau Burchell, Betterment is a record that shows much growth in the band as well as being songwriters. I really enjoy this one and think you will too.

Lucie Sue- Battle Station:

I’m always on the lookout for new music and the other day I got sent an album that again, I knew nothing about the artist and when I put it on, I immediately knew I was in for a treat. Lucie Sue is a force of nature for sure. Musically it’s got a punk rock edge, with a dash of Motely Crue swagger and sleeve, and a whole lot of 90’s attitude a la L7 or even Hole. Battle Station is one hell of a record that’s full of raw ferocity and razor sharp teeth that cuts through all the bullshit. I’ve been really enjoying this album and hope there’s a US tour soon!

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: PANTERA AT THE FORUM

The last time I saw Pantera take the stage was 2001. That alone is a crazy thought. Obviously we all know what happened after that. What came about in the past couple years is an absolute tribute to what the band created and tore through the 90’s with. People will find any reason to complain and be negative about it but, the bottom line is, Pantera lives on and we can all get to enjoy the songs again and be amongst those that love the band and what they bring. This evening at The Forum in Los Angeles was nothing short of a fantastic show and performance.

It’s funny, when it was first announced that Pantera was back in sorts, I had this crazy yet awesome idea in my mind and it actually came true. As the clock hit 9:00pm and the lights went down, a playback began and it happened to be “Suicide Note Part I” against a montage video of Dime and Vinnie moments. Then as that ended and the kabuki curtain dropped, BANG, “Suicide Note Part II” erupts to start everything off. I’ve thought about this for the past couple years and to see it happen was pretty badass. From there it was a barrage of classics, deep cuts and fan favorites like “Strength Beyond Strength,” 5 Minutes Alone,” “Hellbound,” “This Love,” “I’m Broken,” “Mouth For War,” one of my all time favorites “10’s,” and so many more bangers. For over an hour and 40 minutes, Phil, Rex, Zakk and Charlie ripped Los Angeles a new one! I’ve got to say it was great to hear and see Phil and Rex on stage together again and both sounded great. Zakk definitely does Dime justice on these songs. And he does it without stepping on what Dime did. He’s brought a little bit of a dirtier tone to the songs giving them a bit of new life and actually darker in vibes. Charlie if you don’t already know is a beast on the drums but, gee golly, was he murdering these drums. He’s another that does Vinnie justice as well as adding an extra pep to his step on the songs. You really couldn’t ask for two better guys to step into those roles.

Direct support for the evening were the Vikings, Amon Amarth. It’s been a while since I’ve seen these gents and they still put on a show. It’s definitely a fun time and musically it’s very metal. Those Norwegians and Swedes really know how to write metal riffs. They definitely had a great energy on stage and kept the crowd entertained and engaged. Amon are one of those bands though that once you’ve seen them, you’ve pretty much seen “their show.” And opening the show was King Parrot from Australia. I saw these guys years ago open for Down. They have a ton of energy and they mix punk, grind core and death metal into one hell of a buzz saw of noise. While only 25 minutes on stage they made the most out of it.

What a great night all together. Pantera sounded great and really delivered a great set and show. If they do continue on, and why wouldn’t they, I truly hope that they explore more of the catalog and play songs never played live, haven’t been played in years, and some more deep cuts. My favorite Pantera album is The Great Southern Trendkill and that album definitely needs more love live! If you get the chance to see this incarnation of Pantera, you should. It’s not only a blast, it really just feels good!

Overall Rating: A

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Pantera Setlist:

Intro- Suicide Note Part I (tape)

01) Suicide Note Part II

02) Hellbound

03) 5 Minutes Alone

04) Strength Beyond Strength

05) Mouth For War

06) Goddamn Electric (w/ Phil Guitar Solo)

07) Becoming

08) I’m Broken

09) 10’s

10) I’ll Cast A Shadow

11) This Love

12) Cowboys From Hell

ENCORE

13) A New Level

14) Walk

15) Domination/Hollow

16) Fucking Hostile

SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS AT HOTEL ZIGGY- 08.23.25

For the past 4 years, I’ve been part of The Cobalt Cafe resurgence now known as The Cobalt Presents. If you grew up in the So Cal area, especially near the San Fernando Valley, you knew that going to The Cobalt Cafe as well as playing there was a right of passage. It was a place that you could go and know you’d have a fun time, see really good bands, and be a part of the scene. And that’s all a part of what The Cobalt Presents has been doing for the last 4 years! Having the opportunity to book bands that feel like it would be a part of a classic Cobalt show has been pretty great. This show on Saturday August 23, 2025 at Hotel Ziggy is definitely one of those “this feels like the old Cobalt” shows.

Playing this evening are SIX stellar bands from the greater Los Angeles area. Each with their own style and vibe, thus making it a very eclectic and rocking evening. First up is Evisceration. These young kids love their metal and pack a ton of classics into their set along with some ripping original material. Following them is The Infinity Project. These youngsters have been making a name for themselves by constantly playing and delivering quite the rocking show. Their progress really shines in their original songs. Then we have Dog Particle. When I heard these guys I knew I had to find a show for them. I love a good old fashion three piece rock band that purely rocks and they most definitely do! Thee Invention is a band I’ve had my eye on for a while and I’m very excited to have them on the show. Mixing post-punk, alternative rock and a few other surprises makes them one of those you have to check out! Pushing Veronica is one of the most fun LA based bands around. They have the 90’s rock spirit and catchy tunes to match. Plus it’s always a fun show to see! Closing out the evening is another band I’m stoked on, the grunge-gaze, Shimmer Bed. Hot off of playing Echo Park Rising, Shimmer Bed is one of those bands that brings a style and sound to the table that is quite interesting and feels just right!

So what excuse do you have not to come to this rad show? It’s only $10 (cash at the door), ALL AGES, Located in Hollywood at Hotel Ziggy, one of the best cool, fun and vibey spots in Hollywood. So grab a friend and come get your rock on with The Cobalt Presents, Audioeclectica, Evisceration, The Infinity Project, Dog Particle, Thee Invention, Pushing Veronica and Shimmer Bed!

THE COBALT PRESENTS and AUDIOECLECTICA:

THE BANDS:

Evisceration 

https://www.instagram.com/eviscerationbandofficial?igsh=MTV0YzJ0c2FvdTZ2eQ==

The Infinity Project 

https://www.instagram.com/theinfinityprojectband?igsh=N3B1aHIxcno0bWk1

Dog Particle

https://www.instagram.com/dogparticleband?igsh=MTRvaHY0enowdnA4NQ==

Thee Invention

https://www.instagram.com/theeinventionmusic?igsh=cjlkNGs1bzFhMG8y

Pushing Veronica

https://www.instagram.com/pushingveronica?igsh=emIybzdoNmYxbjZ2

Shimmer Bed

https://www.instagram.com/shimmer_bed?igsh=MTNsN2l4OTNmZ2dwZQ==

THE AUDIOECLECTICA PODCAST: EPISODE 8- THE LADIES OF ROCK

Episode 8 of The Audioeclectica Podcast is here for your listening pleasure! The past 7 episodes have covered a lot of different topics and a slew of great bands to check out. We hope you are checking them out! On this episodes we thought it would be great to showcase the ladies and the bands they are in. Brian and Justin start back in the 1960’s and go through each decade till now, pointing out the most rockin females. This is definitely an episode to check out who we chat about especially the current bands!

So grab your favorite beverage, flip it on in the car, sit back and have some fun with Audioeclectica!

Our “In Rotation” Album Picks:

Brian:
Nine Inch Nails- The Fragile
Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell
PJ Harvey- Dry
Sex Pistols- Never Mind The Bollocks
Bush- Razorblade Suitcase

Justin:
Exodus- The Atrocity Exhibition…Exhibit A
Down- NOLA
Sugar Ray- Lemonade And Brownies
Incubus- SCIENCE
The Crown- Death Race King

Remember to Listen Eclectically and…

Fuck The Algorithim!!

The Audioeclectica Podcast Episode 008:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/audioeclectica-8-female-bands

Credits:
Brian Lacy (@audioeclectica)- Host/Producer
Justin Sinclair (@sinisterreviews666)- Host
Vufcup (@Vufcup)- Producer/Background Music

Recorded At: The Playroom Studios

ALBUM RANK: A.F.I.

Ever since A.F.I. released their new single “Behind The Clock” and their upcoming 12th studio album, Silver Bleeds The Black Sky, I’ve been on a bit of an A.F.I. kick. I went back through all their albums from the start till now and put them in quite the ranking. Some might surprise you while others I think are properly ranked. Silver Bleeds The Black Sun is out on October 3rd, so prepare yourselves. I have a really good feeling about this new album! *NOTE: Number 1 and 2 can be flipped. Just depends on my mood and the day!

EDIT: This album has been updated to include Silver Bleeds The Black Sun (10/15/25)

A.F.I. Album Rank- From Not The Best To The Best:

12) The Blood Album:

11) Crash Love:

10) December Underground:

09) Answer That And Stay Fashionable:

08) Very Proud Of Ya:


07) Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes:

06) Bodies:

05) Silver Bleeds The Black Sun:

04) Black Sails In The Sunset:

03) The Art Of Drowning:

02) Sing The Sorrow:

01) Burials:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- MEGAMANTRA

Over the last couple of years, Black Magnet has been a band I’ve become quite fond of. Each album has upped the ante of not just creating great industrial music but, has breathed new life into the genre. Which brings me to the album of the week, Black Magnet’s new record, Megamantra. If you are a fan of classic industrial a la Ministry, Godflesh, Broken/Downward era Nine Inch Nails then you will absolutely love Megamantra.

Black Magnet’s Megamantra is an album not for the faint of heart. This album is a hard charging, pummeling piece of work. The dark yet lush dynamics found on this record really captivate the listener. While the subject matter on the album is chock full of heavy and harsh realities, the songs are layered with an anthemic sensibility that packs obscene amounts of energy into each track. The guitars are razor sharp and the riffs hit you like a ton of bricks. The synth work on this album is on par with the likes of Nine Inch Nails and it creates an additional mood that compliments the hard driving riffs and thunderous drums (which are live- thank you Noah!!!). Throughout the 9 songs on the album, you can most definitely sense that this is a “complete album.” The whole album is a standout track. I implore you to listen to this album from start to finish.

James Hammontree, the bands founder, guitarist, and vocalist has put together a lineup for this album that truly explodes upon first listen. Compelling is a great way to describe this record. After listening to this album, one, you’ll more than likely want to start it over, because it’s that good, and two, you’ll really want to go see Black Magnet live. The way these songs flow into one another as well as the very direct approach in writing makes Megamantra one of the best albums of 2025. Black Magnet is a band for now and the future so make sure you connect with this one!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: The Whole Album

Black Magnet- Megamantra:

THE AUDIOECLECTICA PODCAST: EPISODE 7: COVER SONGS

Episode 7 of The Audioeclectica Podcast has arrived! On this episode Brian and Justin delve into cover songs, supergroups covering their old bands songs, the “Rock Schools” and the way they teach kids or lack there of and so much more! So take a few moments out of your day and click your favorite link below and enjoy!

The Audioeclectica Podcast Episode 007:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/7-covers-audioeclectica

Credits:
Brian Lacy (@audioeclectica)- Host
Justin Sinclair (@sinisterreviews666)- Host

Brian Lacy- Producer
Vufcup- Producer

@Vufcup- Background Music

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: HELMET

The other day I was going through my site making notes of things that I need to do. While doing so, I noticed that some of my articles especially the album ranks, are quite old and my thoughts on some of these have changed so I thought why not update these. One of the first ones that I thought of was Helmet. I’m still not over that show from earlier this year. It was seriously one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Well, with that in mind, here’s an updated ranking of Helmet’s albums. And if you get the chance to go see Helmet live, GO!!! It will be one of the best decisions you’ll make!

From Not The Best To The Best:

09) Seeing Eye Dog:

08) Dead To The World:

07) Strap It On:

06) Monochrome:

05) Left:

04) Aftertaste:

03) Size Matters:

02) Betty*:

01) Meantime*:

*Note: Meantime and Betty could be flipped depending on the day!

TRIBUTE: OZZY OSBOURNE

These are never easy to write. Especially when it’s someone that has played a huge role in your musical upbringing. Ever since I was a little kid, Ozzy has been a staple in my musical life. From the first time I heard his solo work, well first I saw videos on MTV, it got me rather interested in his music. Then I heard about Black Sabbath when I was about 5 or 6 and that changed it all. Black Sabbath with Ozzy had this dark, menacing sound that was unlike anything else. From their debut through Sabotage, you really can’t go wrong with the Ozzy catalog of Sabbath. Even his solo work be it with Randy Rhodes, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, or others took heavy music to other levels. Ozzy was more than just a singer he was the epitome of what being a “frontman” is all about in a band. The way Ozzy could get the crowd really going was a sight to see all on its own. When you saw and Ozzy show or even Sabbath, you knew you were getting not only a show but a night that would be remembered forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Ozzy a couple times in my life and he was nothing but, genuine, nice and personable. It’s a huge loss for his family and fans across the world. There will never be another Ozzy and that’s how it should be. He was one of one! An inspiration and influence on so many and a legend that will never die! The fact that Ozzy got to perform one last time and go out on his own terms is quite the way to go! My condolences go out to the entire Osbourne family and all the bandmates, and fans everywhere.

See You On The Other Side Ozzy!

THE AUDIOECLECTICA PODCAST: EPISODE 006- CONCERT RECAPS 2025 PART I

It’s time for another fun episode of The Audioeclectica Podcast. We are now up to episode 6 and this one is all about the concerts we’ve been to since the start of the year. So far this year we’ve seen Snot, Kerry King, Helmet, Slomosa, Jerry Cantrell, Filter, Deftones, The Mars Volta, Danzig, Down, Abbath, Poison The Well, Glassjaw, Better Lovers, Meshuggah, Cannibal Corpse, Spiritbox, Obituary, Napalm Death, The Melvins, Six Feet Under and Nile. Take a listen as we recap the best parts of these show and the not so best parts!

Be sure to also check out the 10 bands/albums we mention. There’s always something good to listen to be it an older album or newer.

LISTEN HERE!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/audioeclectica-episode-006-show-recaps-2025

Enjoy!

Brian and Justin

@audioeclectica
@sinisterreviews666