Will Putney

Live Review: Better Lovers at The Roxy

When the news first came out about Better Lovers, the level of excitement in my mind about it was pretty high. Then came the first release “30 Under 13” , then their surprise EP and from there I was in. It’s never easy to start again but, thankfully, the passion and drive found in each member of Better Lovers exists on a level that is on another stratosphere and the end result is one hell of a punch to the face in a total awesome way. This night at The Roxy was just that and then some.

Opening the night was Entry. They were the perfect band to start this night off. Having just seen them about a week or so ago when they opened for Converge, I knew that right as they started that this was going to be “a night.” Their set was blistering and ravenous as they blazed through song after song. In fact, I tend to think they were even better this night than when I saw them a couple weeks back. Entry are fast becoming one of my favorite Los Angeles based bands to see live. Definitely check them out!

Next up was Roman Candle from Las Vegas and they went off. While still keeping with the hardcore element, Roman Candle has more of a metallic/melodic edge to them which offers up different dynamics within their songs. Their set, was an onslaught of heaviness that not only was a great pre-cursor of what was to come but, made me a fan as well. I look forward to the next time Roman Candle is in Los Angeles.

Finally as the clock hit 10pm, the lights dimmed down and over the PA a ton of different snippets of songs played all with the word “love” accented. Then the curtain rose and from there for the next 40 minutes, the Roxy absolutely exploded. Opening with “Become So Small” was one hell of a way to kick things off. Then after that my favorite song released so far, “God Made Me An Animal” took things to a whole other level. With bodies flying off the stage both band and audience members, you knew right away that this was the real deal. “Sacrificial Participant” had a ton of crowd participation singing along. Two new songs were played and those ones went off with one hell of a bang. Just wait till you hear these new ones, this band is only getting started. Being that Better Lovers only have so many songs, they pulled out a cover of Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage” and absolutely nailed it. So much so that they made it their own by adding their own signature touches to it. Closing out their short yet oh so sweet set was “30 Under 13” and at this point it was no holds barred. By the time it was all over, you could tell the audience was all into it and didn’t want it to end. In fact, I wouldn’t have even minded if they had taken a mini break and played all those songs again.

Better Lovers have arrived and they are just getting started. Their time on the road this summer definitely made them a very tight band. The intensity that each member brings to this band permeates from the stage to the audience. It’s infectious and it doesn’t want to stop nor should it! I look forward to the next Better Lovers release and tour. If more bands took cues from the bands that played this evening, live music would be thriving again. This show was just what I needed after one hell of a week. I left this show not only inspired to want to get back into playing music but, with the feeling that good heavy music is alive and well. You just have to be looking at the right places to find it!

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy
(note on the pics- I was having too much fun enjoying the show to really want to take pictures)!

ENTRY:

ROMAN CANDLE:

BETTER LOVERS:

NEW RELEASE: END- The Sin Of Human Frailty

END has unleashed the title track, “The Sin Of Human Frailty” ahead of the release of their new album (out Oct 27th). This track is one of those songs that really encapsulates what END is all about. It’s heavy, pummeling, punishing and has a groove to it that is sure to get you head-banging. With each release, be it a single or album, END keeps digging in and pushing the aggression. END’s new album, The Sin Of Human Frailty is going to be one of the best albums of the year and one of the best heavy albums of 2023. Ever since I first heard END, I’ve been hooked and it’s only getting better. So, make sure you listen to END!

END- The Sin Of Human Frailty:

New Release: END- Gaping Wounds Of Earth

If you haven’t heard END yet, you are really missing out. Ever since I first heard their 2017 EP, From The Unforgiving Arms Of God, I’ve been hooked. Their debut full length, 2020’s Splinters From An Ever-Changing Face is one of the best heavy albums in the last decade! Now, here we are in 2023 and END has entered the room again to destroy with their new album, The Sin Of Human Frailty which features the blistering new single “Gaping Wounds Of Earth.” END is heavy through and through with bits of hardcore, black metal, grindcore, and straight up metal. Their new album will be out on October 27, 2023 via Closed Casket Activities. Do yourself a favor and listen to END!!!!!

END- Gaping Wounds Of Earth:

See END on Tour with Full Of Hell, Inter Arma, and Wake:


10/26 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts 
10/27 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage 
10/28 — Cincinnati, OH — Legends Bar & Venue 
10/30 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street 
10/31 — Austin, TX — Elysium 
11/02 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater 
11/03 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick 
11/04 — Los Angeles, CA — Lodge Room 
11/05 — San Francisco, CA — Great American Music Hall 
11/07 — Albuquerque, NM — Launchpad 
11/08 — Denver, CO — The Bluebird Theater 
11/10 — St Paul, MN — The Amsterdam 
11/11 — Chicago, IL — Avondale Music Hall 
11/12 — Detroit, MI — Sanctuary 
11/13 — Cleveland, OH — No Class 
11/14 — Toronto, ON — Lee’s Palace 
11/15 — Montreal, QC — Les Foufounes Electriques 
11/16 — Cambridge, MA — Middle East/Downstairs 
11/17 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom 
11/18 — Brooklyn, NY — Monarch 

Album Review: Better Lovers- God Made Me An Animal EP


There’s definitely something going on in the ether to bring these forces together. Intensity, aggression, and ferociousness are just some of the words that come to mind when describing the onslaught that Better Lovers have delivered with their debut EP, God Made Me An Animal. When it was first announced that Greg Puciato would be joining Jordan Buckley, Steve Micciche, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak and Will Putney in a new band, the chills that ran through me were astounding. The thoughts of what this new band is capable of is off the charts. The first taste of their offering with “30 Under 13” definitely left you wanting more. Then out of left field comes the raging brush fire that is their debut EP, God Made Me An Animal. The chaotic and frantically controlled 15 minutes of length that their EP runs is one hell of a journey that leaves you with the want for more but, also a sense that what’s coming next is going to smash your face in.

“Sacrificial Participant” sets the tone and pace of the release. It wastes no time as the riffs flow, rhythms pummel and vocals rip your throat right out. Then it goes right into “30 Under 13” which is an absolute ripper. “Become So Small” is a track with a sense of urgency to it with the way it grabs you and twists and turns you. This is one of those songs that live will for sure get the pit in a frenzy. Closing out the EP is the title track, “God Made Me An Animal.” This is my favorite track on this release. It’s a track that shows off different facets of what this band is capable of. The aggressive nature of the song is ripe throughout and the melodic sensibility gives it another element to chew on.

There is a relentless energy that is found throughout this EP that is similar to the bands that the members come from. Better Lovers expands upon some interesting ground that each band delved into and brings it more to the forefront. This is only a taste of what this band is and will become. As much as I would love to have The Dillinger Escape Plan and Every Time I Die back, Better Lovers is a solid step in the evolution of the members as a whole. Each person brings something interesting to the table and with enough time, I have a feeling that this band will take things to a whole other level.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Better Lovers- God Made Me An Animal:

Album Review: Unearth- The Wretched / The Ruinous

For over 20 years and now 8 studio albums in, Unearth has never let up. Their latest album, The Wretched / The Ruinous is 11 tracks of unrelenting heaviness and some interesting twists and turns that makes this album one that really stands out in their catalog. I will be honest, it’s been a minute since I really got into an Unearth album but, the moment this one started, there was something about this one that just felt different. While the album still has it’s “core” attributes, there is more depth to these songs that on previous albums.

The title track kicks off the album and it’s a full hard charging piece of work. It’s one of those songs that not only is a great track one but, you can tell this one is gonna be in the set list for a long time to come. One of the things that I enjoyed most about this album, is that while the band stays true to their sound, they are willing to take chances and change the formula just enough to make a difference. A track like “Mother Betrayal,” showcases this element as you can hear the band move into new territory that is almost along the spectrum lines of black metal. Then you have a song like “Broken Arrow” that explores more of a “rock” vibe but, still keeps the integrity of what Unearth is all about. Another song that steps a little outside the comfort zone like “Dawn Of The Militant” is a straight up classic metalcore track that features a classic breakdown that will get a crowd going full force in the pit for sure. Another component of this album that shines is that everything is building up to something more, just like an album should. On previous Unearth albums, there has been a lack of cohesion but, on this new one, you can definitely tell this is meant to be played from start to finish.

The Wretched / The Ruinous is a solid album that hits your in the face like a ton of bricks. On this album for Unearth, there is a definite sense of urgency and reignited fire burning throughout. Sometimes bands do need to change things up whether it’s members, producers, styles, etc. Those things can help to bring out the best at times and in the case of Unearth it sure made a difference. As a fan of the band especially during The Oncoming Storm and III: In The Eyes Of Fire, I can honestly say this is their best album since that time. Now, that’s not to say they output in between hasn’t been good, The Wretched / The Ruinous is just one of those albums that just goes a bit harder and feels like a band ready to get back out there and show the world why for over 20 years, Unearth has been a mainstay and one of the more consistent bands in the genre.

Overall Rating: B+

Unearth- The Wretched / The Ruinous:

NEW RELEASE: Better Lovers- 30 Under 13

What do you get when you mix 3 parts Every Time I Die (Jordan Buckley, Stephen Miccihe, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak) 1 part Fit For An Autopsy/END (Will Putney), and 1 part Dillinger Escape Plan (Greg Puciato)? Well, you get one hell of a new band called Better Lovers! Today, they have debuted their first single “30 Under 13” off their upcoming debut album (release date TBA). The song is an absolute sonic assault of uncompromising and blistering proportions. I personally am extremely stoked on this. An album and tour will be coming soon. In the meantime, I’m gonna be here enjoying the hell out of this song!

Better Lovers- 30 Under 13:

New Release: Vein.fm- The Killing Womb

Vein.fm’s long awaited new album, This World Is Going To Ruin You will finally see the light of day on March 4th via Closed Casket Activities. This record was recorded back in April of 2020, produced by Will Putney (Every Time I Die, Harm’s Way, Bodycount, etc) and features guests like Thursday’s Geoff Rickly, Jeromes Dream singer Jeff Smith, and rapper Bones. I remember seeing Vein open for Every Time I Die a couple years back and they absolutely rocked the place. Very excited to hear this new album and see them again! Check out the first single “The Killing Womb.”


Vein.fm- The Killing Womb:


Album Review: Every Time I Die- Radical
ALBUM REVIEW: Radical - Every Time I Die - Distorted Sound Magazine

Radical is one hell of a way to describe the new Every Time I Die album of the same name. Throughout their career, Every Time I Die have continued to get better and better with each release. Like a fine wine or scotch, the older these guys get, the more ferocious and unrelenting they get. This being the band’s ninth studio album, the absolute urgency felt throughout the album is unparalleled. To top it all off too, there are 16 blistering tracks on this one and the moment it ends, you are compelled to start it over.

Tracks 1-16 are phenomenal. The riffs, beats, bass lines, vocals, lyrics, and melodies are some of the best ETID have come up with. There are moments throughout the album that hark back to previous albums like The Big Dirty and Hot Damn but, there is no denying that these new songs push through what they’ve done in the past. I could go through the album track by track but as I’ve said many times before, that would just ruin it for you, the listener. Instead what I will do is say that there isn’t one track on this album that doesn’t belong or feels out of place. The poetic nature and introspective lyrics of singer Keith Buckley are striking and vulnerable in a different way than on Low Teens. His ability to tell stories and make you think while at the same time rocking out is something that not many people can do. Then you put that together with the crushing riffs of Andy Williams and Jordan Buckley plus the pummeling rhythm section of Steve Micciche and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak and you have the recipe for one of the best bands of the century. Radical also features guest appearances by Josh Scogin from ’68 and Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra, adding another color to these songs. To top it all off is the stunning production from Will Putney (who also helmed Low Teens).

This album is one that will hold up for years to come. Their ability to expand their sound and take risks only make this album stronger. There is a polarizing sensibility to the record but also a delicate tinge that allows the listener to really soak it all in. You’d think that after over 20 years of being a band and all the miles on the road that they’d slow down but, you’re totally wrong. There is no stopping Every Time I Die and Radical proves that!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Every Time I Die- Radical:

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:

Against The Grain: END

There really is something intriguing about extreme music and the heavier side of rock music. I’ve always been drawn to it in bits and pieces but, as I’ve gotten older, I’m starting to realize the technicality that comes with it. Which brings me to the band END. What began as a fun passion project for guitarist (and producer) Will Putney, quickly became something else as the band became more recognized for their aggressive and volatile music. END features a collection of musicians from various sub-genres of extreme music, including current and former members of Counterparts, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Fit For An Autopsy, Misery Signals, Shai Hulud, and Reign Supreme. And all those pieces have made for quite a reputation. The debut EP From The Unforgiving Arms Of God, released in fall 2017 via Good Fight Music, was met with critical praise and fan response was definitely there as well. This summer will see the release of their debut full-length, Splinters From An Ever-Changing Face. The two songs released from it so far, really are quite a glimpse into their in your face approach to heavy music. END is more than just a run of the mill heavy/extreme band. When you take the time to listen, you can hear a plethora of inspiration and influences, which in turn, makes for quite a listening journey.

END- Pariah:

 

 
END- Covet Not:

 

 

 

END- From The Unforgiving Arms Of God: