Remember the days of hearing a band name or seeing an album title and knowing you really want to check it out? I miss that too. Though, I’ve never stopped and a while back I heard a name that struck my fancy and somehow I just knew I’d enjoy it and what it might sound like. To my non shock it was what I thought. Think Type O Negative with Killing Joke, Christian Death, Samhain and a dash of Joy Division. All that combined and you have Final Gasp. While their 2023 debut album, Mourning Moon, cemented their “death rock” status, their upcoming new album, New Day Symptoms, takes that sound to the next step with added cinematic value and ambience that creeps in like a shadow. Final Gasp’s first single off the new album “The Apparition” really brings that ambience and cinematic vibe to life. New Day Symptoms will be out February 27 via Relapse Records.
It’s only April and I believe I have found the album of the year. A couple weeks back I introduced you to the band Idle Heirs. I’ve been enthralled by this album from the moment I heard it in full. The singles definitely got me right off the bat as well. The 8 tracks on the album are some of the most gut wrenching, soul bearing and intense performances I’ve heard on record. Written by Coalesce’s Sean Ingram and Multi Instrumentalist/Producer Josh Barber, Life Is Violence, just set a new standard of what the “post-metal” genre should be.
I’ve mentioned in other reviews of mine that I don’t want to dissect each song as I feel that it truly takes away from the listeners experience of the album. The rawness, intensity and emotional charge that this album brings out of oneself is quite an accomplishment. It’s one of those albums that is like a mirror that responds back to you. The personal elements found throughout this album are eye opening and cut pretty deep. The way those emotions that are poured into these songs are enough to make you uncomfortable but, in a good way that is quite introspective. The vulnerability that Sean Ingram delivers on these songs is uncanny. The deeper you listen, the more you hear all the pain, anguish, remorse, sorrow and more in his vocal performance. I can only imagine how much more his live performance of this would be. I’ve seen Coalesce and this has got to be even more intense than that. There’s that word again “intense.” That’s truly what this album is. Musically Sean and Josh Barber crafted songs that not only are heavy in the traditional senses but, allowed for all the lyrical concepts to come to life through different instruments be it a simple shuffle on the drums, atmospheric soundscapes, sludgy tones, bright tones and a plethora of more. Life Is Violence is a great title for this album as that is a great summation of what this all sounds like.
When I first heard this band/album it immediately struck a chord with me. I don’t know what I was looking for at the time but, this was the one. For the past few weeks I’ve truly soaked this album up. It’s become one of those I can’t go a day without listening to it at least once. The eruption of brilliance that is poured out over 51 minutes is pretty astounding. I’d love to know more about the recording of this album because there are so many great nuances to it, that I’m just beyond curious to know. This is seriously one of those special albums that feels magical and for lack of a better phrase “Lightning In A Bottle.” What an incredible album and foundation to start with because, I sure hope this project keeps going. This is the power of music at its finest. The connection to a record and all that it brings. Thank you Sean and Josh for what you put into this to make what I truly consider to the the album of 2025!
You know that feeling you get when you hear a band and it immediately strikes a chord within? That’s how I felt when I first heard Idle Heirs. I’m not sure what I was looking for at that moment but, when I heard the first song released, I knew that this was the thing I was looking for. From that point on, I’ve highly been anticipating each single release as well as the album release (which is April 11 via Relapse Records). Idle Heirs is a new band that was formed by Coalesce vocalist Sean Ingram along with producer/multi instrumentalist, Josh Barber. The sheer intensity that is poured into each song really does play with your emotions in a fantastic way. The way the songs build and erupt is different than most bands that are in the “post-metal” genre. There is a push and pull vibe with the music and that mixes so well with the vocals. I love the rawness of the performance vocally. Sean Ingram has long been an influence and inspiration to many heavy bands over the years and to hear him be even more vulnerable and expressing himself in this way is beyond a treat. Their debut album, Life Is Violence, is 8 songs of some of the most intense moments I’ve heard in an album in quite some time. Even with the three songs released you can tell that this is not for the faint of heart. Idle Heirs and their debut album is one to look out for in 2025.
Zombi is a band I haven’t heard in quite some time. This duo has a knack for making really intriguing music which blends prog rock, electronics and an affinity for ‘70s and ‘80s era horror films. So much so that when you listen to them, it’s quite easy to get swept up in the mood and vibe they create in a very cinematic way. Their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records) is nine songs of Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics) with contributions from percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am). The first song released from, Direct Inject, is “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ which is quite the way to introduce this album. According to Zombi, this song has “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.” The rest we will have to wait for. Until then, enjoy this new Zombi track and delve into what else they’ve done. It’s quite the catalog of goodies!
Cave In are a band that have weathered every storm you can think of as a band. And no matter what is thrown at them, be it life lessons and tragedies, Cave In always comes out on top and armed with a sense of passion and delivery that most bands would and should be envious of. What Stephen Brodsky, Adam McGrath, JR Conners and Nate Newton have put together on their new album, Heavy Pendulum, they should not only be proud of but this album sets the band on a whole new journey of triumphs to be had and stages to rock.
Heavy Pendulum is an album that has one hell of an ebb and flow just like an album should. All the classic Cave In elements are here along with some new twists and turns. As the album begins with “New Reality” it’s obvious the guys are looking to move on from what they have been through and using this a new way to set forth a new path for the band. This track not only sets the tone for the album, the riffs attack with a sense of urgency similar to that of the Perfect Pitch Black era. The melodic leads provide the right amount of ear candy to wet your Brodsky/McGrath guitar appetite. The album continues at a pace that draws you in more and more with lush sound scapes, sick riffs, rhythms that will get you up rocking and maybe dancing a bit, top notch melodies not just vocally, lyrics that are reflective, deep and provide a bit more closure, and a sense that this album really just re-kickstarted a band that is just scratching the surface of where they can go now.
The 14 songs that make up Heavy Pendulum swing ferociously. From all the heavy riffs to the mid tempo drops and the more delicate moments, this album has most definitely earned its spot within the top 5 albums of 2022. I could go track by track which I did when I was listening to the album but, I really believe that takes away from your listening experience. Instead I will point out a few of my favorite tracks like “Blood Spiller,” “Floating Skulls,” “Heavy Pendulum,” “Amaranthine,” “Nightmare Eyes” and the closing song “Reckoning” which I must say Adam McGrath absolutely shines on this song.
The addition of Nate Newton to the band is very present throughout the album. His tone, style of play and passion for this band radiates through each song. After I heard the news of Caleb Scofield’s passing, I knew the only person that could ideally fill his shoes was Nate and not only has he honored Caleb but he’s continued on with same drive for the band that he had. When you hear the parts of the songs that would be “Caleb moments,” Nate drives those parts home with a sense of gusto that I’m sure would make Caleb smile.
Cave In has made an album that not only sums up their career but sets the foundation for where they can keep going. There isn’t one moment on this album that feels forced or makes you want to change a song. The whole album captures the listener like an album should. Heavy Pendulum isn’t just another Cave In album, this one is one that was destined to be made and the end result is something beyond tremendous. Personally, I can’t wait to hear these songs take on a new life when played live. Cheers to Stephen, Adam, JR, and Nate for creating one of the best albums of 2022 as well as one of the best albums in the Cave In catalog.
This is really exciting music news!! Absent In Body is a new band featuring Scott Kelly (Neurosis), Iggor Cavalera (ex Sepultura), Mathieu J. Vandekerckhove (Amenra) and Colin H. Van Eeckhout (Amenra). Originally conceived by Kelly and Vandekerckhove the two began working on a project and quickly realized they were definitely on to something good. Colin H. Van Eeckhout was then brought in on vocals and bass and then the icing on the cake was Cavalera joining. There is a sense of urgency to the band and the songs. Considering the world we live in now, a band like this filled with an uncompromising honesty of expression takes things to a whole other level. The first song released “The Acres/The Ache” is one hell of a track. It’s a dense and slowly brutal song that is epic and full of all the things you love about each member of this band. I personally can’t wait for this album and hopefully the Absent In Body tour at some point.
The mighty Wolves In The Throne Room are back with a new album, Primordial Arcana (out August 20 via Relapse Records). These black metal titans have conjured up one hell of a new album. Taking the reigns for the direction and production, it’s the bands first self produced offering. The first single “Mountain Magick” is a banger for sure. There’s a majestic element to the song that feels eerie and sets the tone for the whole album. This new album is one that will be on many top end of the year lists. It’s uncompromising in its delivery and finds the band even more focused than ever before. Wolves In The Throne Room have a real winner on their hands with Primordial Arcana.
I’ll never forget the first time I heard about Amenra. I was a little perplexed but, also very intrigued. I was at a show, think I went to see Boris and Torche and there was a guy wearing this really awesome shirt. I of course had to ask about it. After finding out who they were I did what I always do and started to delve into their catalog. What I found was something epic. Fast forward many years, my friend and I went to see Neurosis and Converge. As we walked in I completely forgot that Amenra was the opening act. The lights had just dimmed and then it all made sense. Holy wow, this band is amazing. From that point I’ve been anticipating something new from them and now here we go. On June 25 via Relapse Records, Amenra will be unleashing their new album De Doorn. The First single “De Evenmens” is magnificent. Just listen and let it soak in and you’ll hear the magic that this band emits.
Comeback albums are not easy to make. Well they are but, to make an album that stands out and reaches new heights is a whole other level. After many years away (a decade to be exact), Genghis Tron have returned with their new album, Dream Weapon.
Dream Weapon is an album that will leave you with your mind blown. The surreal textures that accompany this album make for a very introspective and psychedelic listening experience. Throughout the very expansive 8 song album that is Dream Weapon, there are a plethora of new and exciting auditory elements to enjoy. The rhythmic punches of percussion are expansive and compliment the synth heavy tracks. Hypnotic is a great way to describe this album. The lush layers and sound design are hypnotic and trippy. I could elaborate on the amazingness of each song but, that would ruin this album for you. Instead I will say that Dream Weapon is epic beyond proportions. The moment the album starts, you are immediately drawn in.
Genghis Tron have made 2021’s first truly masterful album. The core of Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky is astounding. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impecable. Throughout Dream Weapon, there is a calming sense that feels tranquil and invigorating. When concerts come back, I can’t wait to go see Genghis Tron destroy venues with these new songs. I have a feeling these songs live are going to be other worldly. Do yourself a favor and spend some time with this album. It’ll make 2021 feel right!
It’s been over a decade since Genghis Tron has released a new album. Thankfully, on March 26th, the wait it over as the bands long awaited new album, Dream Weapon will be released (via Relapse Records). Dream Weapon sees Genghis Tron’s Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky now joined by two new collaborators: vocalist Tony Wolski and Sumac/Baptists drummer Nick Yacyshyn. This new lineup helps to compliment the mix of extreme rock and electronic music that Genghis Tron have pioneered during their career. The new album was recorded and produced alongside long-time collaborator Kurt Ballou at God City Studio in Salem, Massachusetts, with additional production and engineering by Ben Chisholm (Chelsea Wolfe), JJ Heath (Rain City Recorders), and Zach Weeks (God City Studio) and was mastered by Heba Kadry. Now, two weeks out from the release of Dream Weapon, Genghis Tron have dropped another song from the album. “Pyrocene” is one hell of a great song and was also the first song the group completed for the record. The accompanying video for “Pyrocene” is hypnotic and full of lush psychedelic imagery. In addition to “Pyrocene,” two other songs have been released, the title track “Dream Weapon” and ” Ritual Circle. You can pre-order the album HERE.
