After six years, Hatebreed are back with a brand new album. On November 06, Fatal Paradox will be unleashed. “Kill Count Increase” the first single is also track one on the record and set things off with a bang. The song itself is an all out heavy blast of metal and hardcore. This is a great crossover sound and song. Jamey Jasta sounds superb and aggressive as all hell. The album was produced by longtime collaborator Chris “Zeuss” Harris. Very much looking forward to this record!
The wait is almost over for new Mastodon! That’s right, the best band of the new millennium, yes I said it and stand by it, will be releasing their ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, on August 28, 2026! The band have already released the song “Your Ghost Again” and have now served up “Snakes For Dinner.” Joining Mastodon on this song is Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme. You might remember his guest appearance on “Colony Of Birchmen” from Blood Mountain.
As we all know, this is Mastodon’s first album without the late Brent Hinds. If you’ve been listening to Mastodon as long as I have, you know that when tragedy strikes, the next album is quite the gem.
For the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.
Part 1 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 11 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from way back and new bands that have become mainstays in this new era.
Opening the show is Scrawny Ratz. These youngsters bring a renewed sense of fun and energy to their music. Mixing metal, punk and a bit of extreme music, Scrawny Ratz are the perfect band to open this show.
Next up is Diverted Dissonance. This is a special band for the evening as it’s a mashup of two bands, The Infinity Project and Tantalus. This is going to be a very rocking and melodic set. The Infinity Project has really come into their own as an original band.
Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. This three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. If you don’t see em, you’re missing out!
Lava Diva are early 90’s alt rock and were part of the OG scene back in the day. Not only that, they are Cobalt alum. Four years ago at our First Anniversary show, we got Lava Diva to reunite and it’s been awesome since. Be sure to check out their collaboration with Madam Bombs called “Daybreak.”
The mighty MAL! These long time alt rock vets are one of the hardest working bands out there. A live show and performance that feels like it’s a time warp from the psychedelic era and the peak of 90’s rock. A three piece band that packs quite the punch.
Closing out the night is Macro. If you’re into prog rock mixed with a bit of jazz and jam rock, this is the band for you. After so many badass rock bands, having Macro send it out is quite perfect!
So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!
Putting on live shows has its perks. Getting to see a plethora of great live bands is the best, especially when you see one of them that really grabs your attention. The other night at The Cobalt Presents and Audioeclectica June Showcase at Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood, we had 6 really great up and coming bands. One of which not only grabbed our attention but the entire venue itself.
CatRat is a name you should take note of. At only twelve and thirteen years old, Molly (drums/vocals) and Frances Macias (guitar/vocals), are roaring into venues and straight up slaying audiences. CatRat’s an alternative punk band that mixes garage rock, surf rock and a tinge of metal into their very infectious songs. Their live performance is controlled chaos at its best. Another great aspect is the amount of fun that is had not just on stage but in the crowd as well. Danger and fun have been missing from music and yet, these two sisters get it!
The two singles released “Running Over Kids” and “Lemons” could have easily been released in the mid 90’s. There’s a recognizable feeling that hits back but, feels fresh.
More bands like CatRat please! Be sure to see CatRat when you see their name on a show. You won’t regret it!
Audioeclectica and Sinister Reviews bring you a very exciting new topic all about, Resequncing The Album. We’ve all listened to albums that feel like songs are out of place or should be higher/lower in the track listing, even the way some songs start and end and what they go into.
So with that in mind, Audioeclectica has joined up with Sinister Reviews to not just resequence but also combine Metallica’s albums Load and Reload. Both of us have spent a lot of time listening to these two underrated albums to bring you a definitive listening experience. This new version of the album is truly fantastic. It’s one of those that makes you realize if you’re hated on these two, you surely were missing out on great songs and music. 30 years for Load and 29 for Reload, have made them age like fine wine or scotch. The epic is even more epic now, and even the couple songs that people were not into, you’ll hear them differently now.
Without waiting anymore, enjoy the Audioeclectica Resequence of Load and Reload by Metallica. We like to call it…
The element of surprise and evolution in music is one of the many things which makes people keep coming back to a band. For Genghis Tron, both of those qualities permeate through all of their songs and albums. Just as their 2021 return did with the atmospherically heavy Dream Weapon, the way in which Genghis Tron shape shifts through genres is stunning. Their new album Signal Fire, lights a very powerful path through the start of the band into a very intricate evolution that blooms to a vibrant and visceral sound.
Being a band that can weave melody and hooks into this style of music is an art form. Across the ten songs that make up Signal Fire, there is no letting up. While the atmospheric tension from Dream Weapon is apparent, the sharp left and right turns that blend into heavier experimental territory is very exciting. Signal Fire is an urgent record that calls to the now of a very fragile time.
Starting things off with the call to arms that is “I Am All,” truly sets this album off ablaze. Moving into the title track, you can feel and hear a plethora of treats as it plays out. “Future Worship” is a blast of a track. The playfulness lets you take it all in. “Like Fotochrom” is a great “calm before the storm” track that has a fun futuristic sound. “Tomorrow Mirage” is a burner! Just one listen will wake you up. “Nothing Blooms In The Hollow” is a banger of a song. The perfect mix of classic GT with all the new and a melodic cherry on top. “Without Form” is a subtle segue into the onslaught that is “Born Prey.” By the time you’re listening to this song, the sheer magnitude of volume should evoke auditory clarity! “A Love So Pure” is a great bit of departure from the heavy while still being heavy. The more post-hardcore vibe of the song makes it a great penultimate song. Closing out the album is “New Gods” one of the best end of album songs of 2026. The hypnotic sensibility of the song mixed with the electronics makes it a bit of a psychedelic sensation.
The core of Genghis Tron is Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impeccable as each adds their own distinctive character to these songs and makes Genghis Tron into the band that comes to life. The four of them have made Signal Fire one of the best albums of 2026. It’s interesting, when listening, if you are not familiar with the band, you might think something feels out of place but, it all makes perfect sense in the end. Personally I can’t wait for the tour. One can only imagine how much these songs will come to life in that setting.
Earlier this year, Converge released their tenth studio album, Love Is Not Enough. Right out of the gate that album hit you like a pile of bricks. Then a sudden left hook came out of nowhere and the announcement of a second album to be released a few months later. And now we have arrived at that time and Hum Of Hurt, is everything you’d hoped it would be and then some.
Never a band to rest of their laurels, Converge explore every single nuance of influence and inspiration on Hum Of Hurt. There’s a very up front and confrontational approach to a lot of these songs that comes from the depths of each member of the band. One of the best aspects of the album is the sense of groove. The abstract atmospheric elements ooze out of the rhythmic grooves and blasts. While Love Is Not Enough leaned more into metal territory, Hum Of Hurt leans more into noise rock and emotional hardcore. The combination of those and their signature sound, propels this album past the previous.
Each song has its own charm and place. The sequencing of the album is tremendously satisfying. The way the album starts with the very image inducing “Slip The Noose,” you know that this is going to be a record that will tighten your heart. “Doom In Bloom” into “It Only Gets Worse” is a stellar one two punch! Then comes a trifecta of oblivion and obliteration with “Detonator,” “I Won’t Let You Go,” and “It’s Not Up To Us.” At this point catching your breath is a smart idea as “Dream Debris” sweeps you into a new realm. Just as you think the dust has settled, you’re thrust into the final three songs “It Used To Matter,” “Hum Of Hurt,” and “Nothing Is Over.”
What is accomplished here in thirty three minutes is near legendary. This is the year of Converge. It’s started out that way and it’s continued. There’s a feeling to this record too that makes you want to hear it played live in full. I can only imagine the sonic boom of intensity from that. Hum Of Hurt is a soon to be classic not just for Converge but, the genre as a whole.
The time for new Mastodon has arrived!! While this news is superb, it is a little bittersweet, as this will be the bands first album without the recently departed, Brent Hinds.
“Your Ghost Again” is a great welcome back for Mastodon. This song has the heaviness, psychedelia, and emotional energy that has become signature throughout their illustrious career. There’s a bit of a Once More Round The Sun vibe to this song and a tinge of Blood Mountain. Be sure to listen till the end, as it’s quite the treat!
About 5 years ago, I came across a very young band that caught my attention. At the time this young band played mostly covers with one or two originals but, you could tell there was more to these youngsters. Their live show at the time was what really struck me watching these kids play with such passion. Allow me to introduce you to the Madam Bombs!
Madam Bombs are a three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. Their fearless energy permeates through each member of the band. Songs like “Get Me Out,” “Girl With A Fuse” and “Melt” are a few of my favorites. There’s depth and substance within their songs and a catchiness that is infectious.
Guitarist/Vocalist Claire FitzGerald, has really come into her own. Her confidence as a singer is strong and her guitar playing is oh so sweet. Drummer/vocalist Samara Ellis, plays with power and passion and hits those drums with thunder. Their song “Spiral” really shows what a skilled drummer she is. Bassist/vocalist Jaden Cordova, ties it all together with the low end in a way that hits the right rhythm balance. All three share vocals and in unison sounds lively and fun.
Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. Personally I can’t wait to hear what’s next. The sound of the future is in the youth of today and the Madam Bombs are one of those bands that will have you on your feet rooting for them! In fact, come see Madam Bombs on Saturday April 18 at The Cobalt Presents / Audioeclectica Show at Corbin Bowl! You will be sad if you miss it!
For well over twenty years now and ten full length studio albums, Trivium have cemented themselves at the forefront of heavy metal. Each of their albums shows growth as a band and as songwriters. The word consistency is synonymous with Trivium as they have truly been working hard since their debut being out on the road and in the studio. The last three albums of theirs especially have put Trivium into the upper echelon of metal bands. Currently the band is working on their eleventh album with producer Josh Wilbur. In the mean time, check out this very definitive ranking of their ten albums.
