Steve Evetts

2025 END OF THE YEAR LISTS: BEST PRODUCER

What a great year 2025 has been for music. So many great albums, tours, songs, you name it. And now the time has come for…

The 2025 Audioeclectica End Of The Year Lists begin with the list for Best Producer. As always the stipulation for this is that an Album or EP had to be released in 2025.

Vote for your favorite in the comments section. At the end of the month, I will release the results of the readers poll.

This list is also in NO PARTICULAR ORDER!!!

01) Josh Barber- Idle Heirs
02) Jade Puget- AFI
03) Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross- Nine Inch Nails
04) Sanford Parker and James Hammontree- Black Magnet
05) John Rojas- Machinekit
06) Steve Evetts- Deadguy
07) Jordan Olds- Blood Vulture
08) McKeever and GOSTEFFECTS- Heavy Halo
09) Sonny DiPerri- Blackwater Holylight
10) Pete/Sam Loeffler and Kemble Walters- Chevelle

ALBUM REVIEW: REBA MEYERS- CLOUDED WORLD

When I first heard Reba Meyers was going to be releasing solo material, I got quite excited. After seeing her other band Code Orange a while back, I could tell there was more to Reba than just this band. There was a ferociousness that was just waiting to be unleashed. We already knew her guitar playing was top notch but the vocals took it all to another level and showed that Reba was the one in that band that had “the whole package.” Even when Reb guested on the Greg Puciato song “Lowered,” you could tell that Reba was well on her own path. And now here we are with Reba’s first release as a solo artist, Clouded World. This six song EP is full of dark, moody and melodic grooves and deeply personal and poetic lyrics and vocals.

There are many things to unpack on this release. As I mentioned the lyrics are very personal and poetic. The vocal delivery is otherworldly. You definitely hear and feel all the words sung. This is one of my favorite things about artists like Reba, the authenticity is 100% real. Musically, there are loads of influences and inspirations packed into these songs. On one hand you have some very heavy rock driven songs that have this attitude and bite to it with soaring melodies on top. Then you have more delicate atmospheric songs that explore a more etherial side with a bit of electronic elements to further open the space. All while still being poetic.

Clouded World has fast become one of my favorite releases of 2025. I eagerly await Reba’s full length debut which will be out in 2026. The tour kicks off today, and I’m very excited to see Reba live and hear these songs come to life when the Los Angeles date comes up on August 24th. Do yourself a favor and put this record on and let it take you places you haven’t been in a while!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: ALL

Written By: Brian Lacy

Reba Meyers- Clouded World EP:

The Videos:

Clouded World:

Got Your Hold On Me:

Certain Uncertainty:

Album Review: Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell

There are certain times in life when you hear a record that not only takes the artist to a whole other level it, resonates in a way that you begin to get swept away by the absolute force of its being. The evolution of Greg Puciato as a songwriter and artist has been quite the journey to hear and see. From The Dillinger Escape Plan to The Black Queen, Killer Be Killed and now as a solo artist as well, what a significant aspect and contribution to be proud of. On this new solo outing, Mirrorcell, not only is this the a natural follow up to his debut Child Soldier: Creator Of God but, it seems that there is a level of inspiration that took this one further.

“In This Hell You Find Yourself” kicks off this album and creates a tension that sets up an uneasiness and then it grabs you and never lets go as “Reality Spiral” starts to sink its claws in. As you listen, you start to hear where this album is coming from and the influence and inspiration that guided these songs. “No More Lives To Give” steps up the heaviness a bit and takes you on an introspective journey lyrically while musically you are hit with hard hitting riffs and melody that sticks with you. “Never Wanted That” (my favorite song on the album as of this writing) is the “Evacuation” of the record. The way this song hits you is astonishing. The bass driven opening again creates a tension that when the chorus of the song comes in, the crushing emotional weight hits you like a ton of bricks. The vulnerability on this song is absolutely powerful. “Lowered” is one of the tracks on the album that again, takes things to another level. The combination of Greg and guest vocalist Reba Meyers from Code Orange is a revelation. These two voices together make magic and when you hear them together, the chills you get from it, I’ll just leave it there. “We” is a track that has a bit of a Black Queen tinge to it but explores more of the new wave elements that are prevalent in their songs. “I, Eclipse” is another of my favorite songs on the album. The intensity of this song and where it’s placed really guides the last part of the album. There is something else about this song I can’t put into words quite yet that, when this song is played live, I’ll be able to explain further. “Rainbows Underground” is one hell of a stellar song and another one that shows the growth of Greg as a songwriter. Finishing off the album with “All Waves To Nothing” leave you not only wanting more but you are then compelled to start the album over. This track has moments that hark back to Greg’s time with The Dillinger Escape Plan but, in a way that feels natural and a bit different.

Throughout this album you are get to hear a whole other side of Greg Puciato. It’s a more cohesive album than his debut and this one seems to hit on a bit of a more personal streak. One of the revelatory aspects of the record is how talented of a guitarist Greg is. His riffs, solos, and playing is a story all on its own. Perhaps too, his time spent with Jerry Cantrell has rubbed off a bit, as there are plenty of ode’s to Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and other 90’s bands that have inspired Greg throughout the years. Another aspect of this album that deserves a ton of credit are the drums and playing by Chris Hornbrook. His ability to create memorable driving hits and rhythms helps propel these songs to that other level I was mentioning. Seriously, when you hear it all put together, you can hear why Chris and Greg as a duo are perfect for one another. Mirrorcell is not only one of those albums that you will be stuck on for a long time, you actually find yourself immersed in the album as a whole, just like it should. This album is a definite candidate for album of the year. Truly, each time I listen to this album I find something else to love about it. Greg put out one hell of an album with Mirrorcell and should be damn proud of it. I can’t wait to hear these songs live along with the ones from Child Soldier. I have a feeling the live show for this is going to be something special all on its own.

Overall Rating: A


Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell:

Anticipated Albums: Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell

Greg Puciato’s debut solo album Child Soldier: Creator of God was one hell of a tremendous album. It was my favorite album of 2020 and I still gravitate towards the record on a consistent basis. A few months back word began to spread that Greg was back in the studio working on the follow up. Well now the wait is over and the details have been released. Mirrorcell will be released June 17 via Federal Prisoner. The first song released “Lowered” features Reba Meyers of Code Orange as a guest vocalist. On this album, Puciato once again recorded all vocals, guitars and bass for the collection, and continued his long-running relationship Producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Cure, Snapcase)along with Chris Hornbrook (Dhani Harrison, Big Black Delta) who played drums on the nine-song album.

Greg Puciato- Lowered (Feat. Reba Meyers):

2020 End Of The Year Lists: Best Producer/Mixer
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Next up on Audioeclectica.com’s 2020 End Of The Year Lists, the Top 10 Producers/Mixers. The stipulation is that, an album/EP had to have been released this year.

Vote for your favorite in the comments section. At the end of the month, I will release the results of the readers poll.

This list is also in NO PARTICULAR ORDER!!!

01) Nick Rowe/Steve Evetts- Greg Puciato: Child Soldier; Creator Of God
02) Billy Corgan- The Smashing Pumpkins: Cyr
03) Mark Nash/Ken Andrews- In Parallel: Fashioner
04) Terry Date- Deftones: Ohms
05) Will Yip- Nothing: The Great Dismal
06) EL-P- Run The Jewels: RTJ IV
07) Josh Wilbur- Killer Be Killed: Reluctant Hero, Trivium: What The Dead Men Say
08) Loathe- Loathe: I Let It In and It Took Everything
09) Shooter Jennings- Marilyn Manson: We Are Chaos
10) Brian McTernan- Be Well: The Weight and The Cost

Album Review: Greg Puciato- Child Soldier: Creator of God

When an artist goes solo, the results can tend to be so full of expectations that, when you finally hear it, it can bit underwhelming but, that’s not the case with Greg Puciato’s solo album. What has been unleashed on this record, is an album that encapsulates every aspect of what Greg has done and unveils a few new twists and turns you might not expect. Child Soldier: Creator of God is an album that is no holds barred and lets true artistry stand out.


Through the 15 tracks and 65 minutes of this record, there is something for everyone who is a fan of Greg and what he’s done, be it in The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Black Queen or his guest appearances. Each song takes on a life of its own as well. There are times when the album feels a bit disjointed but, in actuality, it’s really not. The way the songs are placed and the flow of it, takes you, the listener, on a very distinct journey through the inner workings of what is in Greg’s mind.


Part of what makes this album stand out is the diversity of the songs. There are the moments that are ambient and etherial and then there are those that are straight up in your face hard rocking songs. There is absolutely no compromise when it comes to either of those things on this record. Just when you think it’s going to go one way, you get taken a different route and the end result is astonishing. Another thing about this album that provides a sonic punch is the use of different drummers. Having Chris Hornbrook, Ben Koller and Chris Pennie hitting the skins on this album you get a different pulse behind certain songs the provides another layer to the depth of these songs. Also worth noting is the production and mixing on this record. Nick Rowe’s production and assistance on these songs is just what was needed. And the mix by the legendary Steve Evetts is damn near flawless. You can really feel the grittiness and nuances that are meant to come across.

Having been a fan of Greg’s for quite some time, this album really showcases what a true talent he really is. Having an outlet like this and not being confined by a style or genre has really allowed Greg to find his own way. The moment you put this album on till it ends, it will engulf you with so many different feelings. I wish I could pin point certain songs for you to check out but, that wouldn’t do this album justice. It’s an album through and through. The beauty of an album like this is that there is so much to delve into. The more you listen, the more you find new things to love about it. This year has been a very interesting one for sure with so many moments that leave you shaking your head but, one thing is for sure, this album, is one of the bright spots of the whole year.

Overall Rating= A

Greg Puciato- Child Soldier: Creator Of God:


New Release: Greg Puciato- Do You Need Me To Remind You

Greg Puciato on Going Solo, Reclaiming Aggressive Side: "The ...

On October 23, 2020, Greg Puciato will be unleashing his debut solo album, Child Soldier: Creator Of God via his Federal Prisoner Records label. Today, “Do You Need Me To Remind You” the next single/video from the album was released and it is one hell of a killer track from the record. Poison The Well/Dhani Harrison drummer Chris Hornbrook lends his skills on this song. This track along with the two others already released (“Fire For Water” and “Deep Set”) have definitely made this one of the most anticipated albums of 2020. Child Soldier: Creator of God was recorded in L.A. between 2019 and early 2020. It was produced by Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Haim) and mixed by Steve Evetts (the Dillinger Escape Plan, the Cure). In addition to Hornbrook, the featured drummers are Ben Koller (Converge, Mutoid Man, All Pigs Must Die, Killer Be Killed, etc.) and Chris Pennie (the Dillinger Escape Plan, Coheed and Cambria). Pre-Orders are already underway over at the label’s bandcamp HERE.

 

Do You Need Me To Remind You:

 

Fire For Water:

 

Deep Set:

 

New Release: Greg Puciato- Deep Set

Well, we are definitely getting closer to the day that Greg Puciato’s debut solo album, Child Soldier: Creator Of God is released this summer. So far two songs have been released. The first being “Fire For Water” and now “Deep Set.” Both songs are different from each other but, still pack one hell of a punch. I’m very intrigued by these two songs and am highly anticipating this album. Even the cover art for the “Deep Set” single is great, as it pays homage to Soundgarden’s Louder Than Love. Also worth noting is that the drums on “Deep Set” were played by Chris Hornbrook (Poison The Well, Dhani Harrison, etc) and he absolutely rips it up on the skins! Do yourself a favor and play this song multiple times today.

 

Deep Set:

 

 

 

Fire For Water:

 

Deep Cuts: The Dillinger Escape Plan- Phone Home

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Back in 2004, when The Dillinger Escape Plan released their second album, Miss Machine, it saw the band move in a more experimental direction. Due to the band previously collaborating with Mike Patton and welcoming in new singer Greg Puciato, the influences from both began to rub off on the band. While Calculating Infinity was a straight up assault, Miss Machine had something more to offer like slower tempos, more dynamics, clean vocals, as well as an electronic/industrial tinge and jazz fusion elements. One such song that has always caught my attention on the album is the track “Phone Home.” This song has a very Nine Inch Nails feel to it. Which is perhaps why I’ve always been drawn to it. Take a couple mins and enjoy this deep cut from one of the most creative bands of the last 20 years.

 

The Dillinger Escape Plan- Phone Home:

 

Unsung Masterpieces: Snapcase- Progression Through Unlearning
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There are certain albums that over the years have made quite an impact on so many bands. In the punk, hardcore/post hardcore genres specifically there is one album that is often sited as a huge inspiration not only in songwriting but also production. That album is Snapcase’s 1997 album Progression Through Unlearning. Just as The Shape Of Punk To Come by the Refused helped to change the landscape of hardcore and punk, Snapcase really ignited a fuse within the hardcore/punk community.

Interestingly, Progression Through Unlearning was actually a rebirth of sorts for the band. Their primary songwriter, guitarist Scott Dressler, left the band for graduate school. Thus leaving the rest of the guys in their tiny, dungeon-like basement practice space with a new member and a new lease on band life. The first song they wrote with their new line up was the first song on the album “Caboose.” Progression Through Unlearning was produced by the now legendary Steve Evetts. The band chose Steve based on his work on Lifetime’s Hello Bastards and Deadguy’s Fixation on a Coworker. 

The finished product was 32 minutes of pure and unrelenting hardcore. The band has stated over the years that with Progression and working with Steve Evetts, it was the first time anyone had been able to capture the true essence of what Snapcase really is. Something else that makes this album stand out from all their others is the lyrical content. Progression Through Unlearning was based around the idea of self-improvement through inward reflection. It encouraged the listener to take a look at the layers that society defined them by to discover the strength buried underneath.

After Progression was released, Snapcase hit the road with bands like Deftones and Quicksand, as well as a spot on the Vans Warped Tour. The legacy of the band’s live shows and this album in particular has helped to pave the way for so many bands that came after them. The production of this album is something that sort of also lives in infamy. So many bands, including Deftones have tried to replicate what was created with Progression Through Unlearning.

Snapcase were always out there on the road and grinding it out through 2005 when they called it quits. Over the years though, Snapcase have reunited for various one off shows. Now in 2018, it seems that Snapcase are preparing for a return and it will be one welcomed with open arms.

 

Snapcase- Progression Through Unlearning:

 

Snapcase- Spike Up Your Tone (first new song in 16 years!!!!):