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This Week's Recommended New Releases (Pt. 2)...

5/29/2014

This week's recommended new releases (05/27/14):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]

Among Gods - Monument (PRC)

The three guys who make up this Norwegian outfit spend their time in other bands ranging from doom to melodic death to black metal, so it's not surprising to hear elements of each included on their second album. From single note doom riffs to thrashy, blast beat-infused sections, Monument has a little bit for everyone. Throughout, the trio remains cohesive and maintains a creepy, dark vibe. This album actually contains some of the best riffs I've heard so far this year, making up for the atonal vocals and questionable production, which was probably intentional.

Emptiness - Nothing But The Whole (Dark Descent)

A couple dudes from Enthroned are back with the second release from their side project, conjuring up a sinister blackened death metal sound. I particularly enjoy some of the desolate soundscapes contained on Nothing But The Whole, but the Belgian quartet is at their best when they pick up the tempo and crush the listener's skull. The buzzing guitars mix well with the black metal vocals and the clean interludes add a nice dimension to some tracks. This is pretty accessible for something in the black metal vein and it actually lured me in with it's doom-like vibe.

Dead Congregation - Promulgation Of The Fall (Profound Lore)

I'm not generally into traditional death metal, but there are enough interesting moments on Dead Congregation's second album to keep my attention. It' been 6 years since the Greek quartet released their highly acclaimed debut, and it appears that the boys have honed their chops significantly. The death metal parts are pretty straightforward, but some of the intros and interludes are what set this release apart from the rest of the genre. Haunting guitar melodies pave the way for the crushing brutality that follows and when these guys slow down and groove on a killer riff, there's no way you're not banging your head.

Serpent Skies - A Claim For Reality (Sliptrick)

It's pretty apparent right off the bat that this Swedish quintet is obsessed with In Flames. From the Reroute To Remain-esque staccato riffing on the album opener to the Whoracle-esque spoken vocals in later tracks, Serpent Skies manages to replicate the tried and true Gothenburg sound to a tee. Sometimes the hero worship goes a little overboard, such as the direct rip-off guitar melody line in the second track. However, since In Flames is a complete disaster these days, it's nice that someone picked up where they left off. If you dug that mid-career In Flames stuff as much as I did, you'll find plenty to like on A Claim to Reality.

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This Week's Recommended New Releases (Pt.1)...

5/27/2014

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This week's recommended new releases (05/27/14):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]

Elvenking - The Pagan Manifesto (AFM)

The Italians return like clockwork with their 8th album and basically they sound like Elvenking. I’m not sure if this is power metal with folk influences or the other way around, but it sounds good to me. You know what you’re getting with a new Elvenking release by now: clean mid-range vocals, classic power metal riffs, songs about fantasy shit and some flutes and bagpipes and violins added to the mix for good measure. I’d probably put these guys more in the power metal/Falconer camp than with their peers in the folk kingdom, but The Pagan Manifesto is a solid release regardless.

Mangrenade - Severed Part I (Red Moth)

Cincinnati’s “drunk rock” trio returns with yet another 4 song EP, following their two strong EPs from last year. Severed Part I is the band’s heaviest collection yet, both musically and thematically. While I think the guys have always drawn from personal experiences for their lyrics, the songs about addiction and suicide on this EP really create a dark mood. The riffs are as heavy as ever, probably heavier and the band’s trademark catchiness is in full force, most strongly evident on the release’s first and last tracks. I’m assuming there’s a Severed Part II on the way, and I for one am pretty stoked to hear more from these guys.

Serpentine Path - Emanations (Relapse)

The second full-length release from this New York City quintet features seven tracks of absolutely menacing death/doom, which is pretty much what you’d expect when you combine the former members of sludge veterans Unearthly Trance with a dude from Electric Wizard. Droning guitars sit atop the sludgy maelstrom, adding a slight touch of melody to the otherwise atonal chaos and death vocals. These guys aren’t exactly pushing any boundaries with this stuff, but if you like the whole doom/death thing, this is a top of the line release.

Vainaja - Kadotetut (Svart)

Another strong death/doom release this week comes from Finland’s Vainaja. The trio brings the doom slow and heavy on their debut album, only relenting for a few moments at the beginning and end to lull the listener into a false sense of security with a couple of ambient tracks. Like the dudes from Serpentine Path, these guys aren’t reinventing the wheel, but Kadotetut is super heavy and I really enjoy it. It’s not really an easy listen, with its Finnish lyrics and oppressive heaviness, but it’s a worthwhile addition to any doom/death collection and it’s a strong launching point for an exciting new band within the genre.

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This Week's Recommended New Releases...

5/20/2014

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This week's recommended new releases (05/20/14):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]

Castle - Under Siege (Prosthetic)

The San Francisco trio returns with their third full-length album. Under Siege is chock full of classic heavy metal with doom tendencies. The band's NWOBHM influences shine through here, but this is very much a 21st century metal record, full of killer riffs and outstanding leads. The underlying labyrinth theme provides a creepy vibe throughout. If you dig the occult metal revival of recent vintage, especially the female-fronted variety, you don't want to skip Under Siege.

Comet Control - Comet Control (Tee Pee)

Comet Control is a Canadian quintet formed by a couple of dudes from Quest for Fire. On their self-titled debut, they hit a homerun with their blend of dark, psychedelic stoner rock. The fuzzy riffage creates a perfect backdrop for the stoned-out, mellow vocals. Fans of Fu Manchu's trippier outer space stuff will find plenty to dig here. It takes a pretty solid album to stand out in the psych/stoner scene these days and Comet Control has managed to do so.

Landskap - I (Iron Bonehead)

The debut album from this London 5-piece contains only 4 tracks, but clocks in at 33 minutes. The combination of heavy-ass doom and trippy, light instrumentals is presented in manner similar to that of Welcome to Sky Valley, in that the songs kind of flow into and out of each other rather than stand out as separate tracks. These guys stretch their riffs to ridiculous lengths, but they manage to keep everything interesting with cool leads, killer bass lines and spaced-out vocals on top of the heavy, doom-laden riffs. If you dug the recent release from The Wounded Kings, you’ll dig this.

Mortalicum - Tears From the Grave (Metal on Metal)

The Swedish power trio is back with their 3rd album, following up 2012’s The Endtime Prophecy. Mortalicum has a knack for playing classic doom with a hard rock/stoner rock feel. The riffs, especially the bass lines, are very Sabbathian in nature and the choruses have some catchy hooks. It’s nice to hear some modern doom with clean vocals rather than the tired High on Fire-esque shouts that have become the norm. Mortalicum isn’t afraid to crank up the BPMs when necessary, which adds a touch of Trouble and recent Grand Magus to the overall Candlemass aura. Tears from the Grave stands out as this week’s top release.

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Queensryche Retrospective...

5/14/2014

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Due to the dozens of new releases that come across my desk every week, I have little time to enjoy some of my favorite albums from the past. I'm not complaining, mind you. It's a privilege to be able to listen to so much great new music and my weekly recommendations column is my favorite column to write every week. However, in honor of one of my all-time favorite "bands" coming to town this evening, I've issued a 2-day moratorium on new releases and I've been listening to the first five Queensryche records whenever I've had a chance. Yeah, I know it's just Geoff Tate and a bunch of boners, but they're still called Queensryche for now and I'm pretty stoked about the show. Anyway, here are some quick thoughts on Queensryche's catalog before they sucked.

Queensrÿche EP (1983)

I think it's pretty safe to assume that the Queensryche guys were digging some Priest and Maiden around the time they wrote and recorded this one. The self-titled debut EP starts off as strong as possible with "Queen of the Reich" and it's massive riffage and Geoff Tate's brilliant range. The next two songs are duds, with "Nightrider" sounding like a weak Priest rip-off and "Blinded" just being totally forgettable. "The Lady Wore Black" brings the energy back, even though it's a ballad, bookending an incredibly strong debut release and hinting at what this band was capable of. All in all, the Queensryche EP contains two classic tracks and two that should have been left on the cutting room floor, but the two standouts absolutely make this record a must-own for any fan of heavy metal. It's pretty much the most straightforward metal record that Queensryche ever recorded.

The Warning (1984)

Some consider the 'Ryche's first full-length album to be their strongest release, but I tend to think the guys had a bit of a sophomore slump. This is the album where they started to move away from NWOBHM and started to develop their own progressive sound, but most of the tracks don't really stand out to me. I like the vague 1984 theme and the trademark sci-fi sound that's going on in The Warning and there are a ton of memorable riffs early on in the record, but the last three tracks are way too forgettable for me. To me, it feels like Queensryche was under pressure to get a full-length out ASAP in order to capitalize on the strong debut EP and they just didn't have time to make the record that they envisioned. Don't get me wrong, I like The Warning. It's a classic 80's metal album, but it just pales in comparison with what would follow.

Rage for Order (1986)

Now we're talking. I think this is where everything finally fell into place for Queensryche. The obvious NWOBHM influences are gone and Rage for Order just sounds like a Queensryche record. There isn't a theme or concept that ties the album together, but the songs stand on their own merit. "Walk in the Shadows" and "I Dream in Infrared" make up one of the strongest 1-2 punches in my record collection, but the album never really peaks; it just stays at a high level. Other than the completely unlistenable cover of Dalbello's "Gonna Get Close to You", there's not a weak track on this album. The guitars are blazing, the bass is masterful, the songs are the perfect level of progressive and Geoff Tate is in top form. If it weren't for the subsequent release of one of the best metal albums of all time, Rage for Order would stand as Queensryche's masterpiece. Which leads us to...

Operation: Mindcrime (1988)

Absolutely stunning. Yes, it's a concept album and yes, it's pretentious, but that doesn't bother me. I will go to my Viking funeral insisting that this is one of the top 3 metal albums of all time. Everything falls into place here, from the still-relevant story line to the mix of heavy and slow songs to the now-classic Queensryche tone. Up-tempo thrashers like "The Needle Lies" mingle perfectly with the masterfully executed rock opera "Suite Sister Mary", and "Eyes of a Stranger" might be the best album closer on record. Overall, this is Queensryche's heaviest album, both musically and lyrically. The guitars and bass are incredible and the production is outstanding. Geoff Tate nails the vocal performance, playing several roles throughout the album. If you can resist listening to Operation: Mindcrime several times in a row, then there's something wrong with you. Progressive metal at its absolute apex.

Empire (1990)

This was actually my introduction to Queensryche and it's also the point where the guys started to lose their collective fastball. I think they were trying to capitalize on the success of Mindcrime and tried to write a bunch of hits instead of a great album. They succeeded with the increasingly tired "Silent Lucidity", but I think that exposure led a lot of MTV-generation folks to believe that Queensryche was just another hair band with a shitty ballad. The title track is a solid song, though I prefer lyrics to be a little less straightforward. "Jet City Woman" and "Another Rainy Night" are catchy and somewhat metal, but I never understood "Della Brown", and "Hand on Heart" might be the worst song ever recorded. "Anybody Listening" is the only worthwhile track on the second half of the album. This is as far as I ever got in the Queensryche catalog because it's a little too much FM rock for my tastes. Empire remains a personal favorite in my collection, but I assume it only went downhill after that.

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This Week's Recommended New Releases...

5/13/2014

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This week's recommended new releases (05/13/14):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]

Agalloch - The Serpent & The Sphere (Profound Lore)

The fifth album from this Portland quartet is chock full of atmospheric black metal with a strong dose of folk and doom influence. The Serpent & The Sphere starts off with a couple of acoustic passages, but when the album kicks into full gear on the third track, the metal is sublime. For those wary of the black metal designation, you won't find constant blast beats or screaching vocals here. The raspy vocals fit perfectly with the mood, as do the quiet interludes, making The Serpent & The Sphere one of the must-listen albums of 2014. It took me a while to come around on these guys, but I'm all in on this album.

Greenleaf - Trails And Passes (Small Stone)

The Swedes' fifth album finds the band treading the path between modern stoner rock and 70's arena rock (think Deep Purple). The songs are incredibly catchy and the vocals are some of the best I've heard in a while. You know what to expect by now from these guys; fuzzed out riffs, a little cowbell and huge production. It's getting hard to imagine that this is still considered a side project with the volume of work these dudes have put out, but whatever you want to call Greenleaf, it just works. Its becoming increasingly hard to stand out in an over- saturated stoner rock market, but Trails And Passes manages to do just that.

High Spirits - You Are Here (Hells Headbangers)

I was just a wee bearded lad in the early 80's, so I don't remember exactly what it was like to cruise around in a Trans-Am doing blow with Tony Iommi, but thanks to High Spirits, we can all experience that magic in 2014. The second album from this one-man Chicago project nails that classic 1981 sound with gigantic Priest-esque riffs, throbbing bass and arena rock vocals. You Are Here is surprisingly catchy, with huge sing-along choruses and plenty of hooks to spare. I think it might be illegal to listen this album without a denim vest and a wispy mustache.

HORNSS - No Blood, No Sympathy (EasyRider)

We've been waiting a while for the debut album from this San Francisco trio, but No Blood, No Sympathy was absolutely worth the wait. Thrashy stoner metal with a heaping side of doom is the order of the day for these dudes who cut their teeth in the Palm Springs desert rock scene. The fuzzed-out riffs, huge drum fills and gravelly vocals combine to make an album that wouldn't be out of place next to either Kyuss or Pentagram on your shelf. Solid debut that should appeal to the skaters and headbangers alike. Hopefully we don't have to wait another four years for a follow-up.

Nightsatan - Nightsatan And The Loops Of Doom (Svart)

Were it not for the inclusion of "satan" and "doom" in the title, one would be hard pressed to consider this album metal, but I'm going to let that slide. This is the second album from a Finland synth trio and it's apparently the soundtrack to a film. And believe it or not, there's a subgenre out there called "laser metal". Anyway, if you like the scores from post-apolcayptic 80's horror and sci-fi movies, like John Carpenter's stuff, you'll dig this. It's not something I can listen to front-to-back, but it should create a nice ambience when passing out mung to disappointed neighborhood kids come Halloween.

Vallenfyre - Splinters (Century Media)

We have another release from a side project this week, with members of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride (among others) getting together to make some classic Swedish style death metal with hints of the early 90's Peaceville Records sound. Splinters is the second release from Vallenfyre and delivers the crushing doom/death riffs that one would expect from its members. The melodic guitar parts that sit atop the ugliness are what make this record stand out, though. Splinters surprised me with it's overall listenability. This is actually what I always wished Paradise Lost sounded like, so it's kind of ironic in that sense.

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This Week's Recommended Releases...

5/6/2014

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This week's recommended new releases (05/06/14):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]

Albinö Rhino - Albinö Rhino (Inverse)
The second album from this Finnish trio contains four epic songs of the classic stoner/doom variety. With the shortest track clocking in at 7:30, the songs get a little monotonous, but Albinö Rhino nails the Kyuss guitar sound and the riffs are as heavy as you'd expect. The vocals tend to lean toward the stereotypical High on Fire shouts, but the album is largely instrumental so they get a pass. That's a boss band name, too, right?

Arkona - Yav (Napalm)
The Moscow band's seventh album delves into Russian folklore and Slavic mythology, completely sung in Russian, with predominantly female vocals. Yav is a pagan/folk album at its core, with bagpipes, flutes and an arsenal of stringed instruments, but it's extremely progressive and even borders on black metal on occasion. I recommend this release for the folk metal fans who are tiring of the tried and true folk melodies and clichés.

Battleroar - Blood Of Legends (Cruz del Sur)
The Greek six-piece returns with their fourth album and continues down the path of epic power metal and tales of warfare. The vocals aren't the typical grating power metal vocals, so that's nice, and the twin guitar attack is on fire with melodic leads and thrashy riffs. There's even a violin thrown in for good measure. This is probably what Hammerfall would sound like if they weren't a bunch of pussies.

Doom:VS - Earthless (Solitude Productions)
The one man Swedish band returns for his third go-round, filled with oppressively heavy funeral doom and crushing death vocals. The pace is slow and the lyrics are as depressing as it gets, but there are some quiet interludes and melodic guitar lines on top of the maelstrom to keep things interesting. This is one for the crowd that likes their doom as slow and intense as possible. I'm guessing that even Electric Wizard thinks this dude needs to mellow out.

Ifing - Against This Weald (Blood Music)
The debut album from this Michigan duo delves into the world of blackened folk metal. The album is epic in sound and scope, with the three tracks clocking in at 36 minutes, including a 4 minute intro that just sets the stage. There's plenty of atmosphere here, with nature soundscapes and shredding guitars, and the feel isn't ruined by constant blast beats. The album maintains its lo-fi credibility, yet doesn't sound like it was recorded in a garage. If you like Ulver, you'll dig this.

Pet The Preacher - The Cave & The Sunlight (Napalm)
The Danish trio returns with a second album of pretty standard stoner metal. The Cave & The Sunlight has some incredible production, with a huge drum sound, thick guitars, and a killer, audible bass tone. There's not much new going on here, but if you like the classic 90's stoner rock sound, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. This is a solid, no-frills rock and roll album in the vein of classic Monster Magnet.

Space Chaser - Watch the Skies (This Charming Man)
The German quartet brings back everything awesome about 80's thrash on their debut album. Killer riffs and leads, strong vocal performances, impeccable production and goofball alien themes make this one of the most enjoyable releases of 2014. Make sure to check out the second half of the album for the best stuff. These guys might be late to the thrash revival party, but they definitely raised the bar with this release. [Full Review]

Vestal Claret - The Cult of Vestal Claret (Cruz del Sur)
These two Connecticut dudes keep busy with EPs and splits and their 3rd album keeps the party going with 70's influenced doom/heavy metal and occult themes. They include a cover of Sabbath's "Who Are You?" in case you were wondering where their minds are. The production is a little rough, with a popping sound on the bass drum, but that's the only complaint. Plus, Vestal Claret means "virgin blood", so that's pretty neat.

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This Week's Recommended New Releases (Pt. 2)...

This Week's Recommended New Releases (Pt.1)...

This Week's Recommended New Releases...

Queensryche Retrospective...

This Week's Recommended New Releases...

This Week's Recommended Releases...

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