CD Review - Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Generation Kill was started by Exodus front man Rob Dukes, and Rob Mochetti ex-Pro Pain, M.O.D. The bands debut album "Red, White, and Blood" was in the vein that was expected, given the groups thrash and hardcore roots. "We're All Gonna Die", is a mature progression for Generation Kill, who have added second guitarist Jason Velez, and ex-Merauder drummer Jim DeMaria. The DNA that is in the band, just screams thrash with hardcore breakdowns and violent rage laden vocals. Yep, go ahead and say it, what else could the record be? News flash....... "We're All Gonna Die" is a melodic groove filled record, with the thrash that is expected. What's that? Rob's vocals are just screams and angst filled diatribes against government and religion? Welcome to Rob's closet. The place where he keeps his melodic side. I know , I know the lead singer of Exodus not screaming his ass off ? Oh Rob still delivers the goods there, but adds a new dimension that nobody knew he had. More importantly pulls it off with ease. 

The subject matter covered by Exodus touches on topics such as government, religion, and things that piss a lot of people in society off. If I were to write a song based on things I see that piss me off I could probably do it. Many people can write about things they see that piss them off and effects them. That's why we are all in a band right? You get my point. On "we're All Gonna Die", Generation Kill touch on some of the "standard" topics so to speak. They also touch on self evaluation,reflection, and rationalization. They talk about "carny freaks", and loss. A very mature record that incorporates thunderous, tight drumming, razor sharp leads, thick breakdowns, with thick catchy riffs, and violent solos.

Overall, I give "We're All Gonna Die", and 8.5 out of 10. The opening track "Born to Serve" gets things going at a feverish pace, and is some damn good thrash. "Death Comes Calling" is the track that made me have a new found respect for Rob and his vocal delivery. He fits in perfect with Exodus, and steps out of that zone here and  incorporates melody in his delivery. As a fan of the members of Generation Kill's previous or current bands, this really showed a side to these musicians that I didn't know was there before. When I listen to "We're All Gonna Die", I think to myself, so this is what Hellyeah would kind of sound like if they were good. With Generation Kill, they don't force anything and try to do something they couldn't pull off to fit into a niche that so many bands try to do today.It is all organic, and if you are a fan of thrash, melodic grooves, or metal in general, check this album out. It will be in the rotation for some time to come.

Tracklist:

1- Born To Serve

2- Prophets of War

3- Death Comes Calling

4- Friendly Fire

5- Carny Love

6- Vegas

7- There Is No Hope

8- We're All Gonna Die

CD Review - Bloody Hammers-"Spiritual Relics" (2013 Bloody Hammers)

Bloody Hammers-"Spiritual Relics" (2013 Bloody Hammers)

Bloody Hammers released their self titled debut last November. While waiting for shows to booked and bring their bad assery to the masses, they were writing and recording what would become "Spiritual Relics". When I heard the "Bloody Hammers" album I was absolutely blown away. Many doom experts said it was pretty generic, lacked structure, and left a lot to be desired. I agree it did leave a lot to be desire.....another record. Experts and fans alike have this idea  of what doom is supposed to be or sound like. Bloody Hammers have done things their own way. With all genres of metal, sometimes the simple things are what makes a song or record great. Are Bloody Hammers drastically changing doom or music in general? Hell no they are not. I hate when things are thought out too much and over analyzed. Bloody Hammers are straight up bad asses!

Emotion and feeling is what makes great music. Doom is no different. Hammers definitely have the fuzzy distorted doom riffs. The bass and drums are low and move at a methodical pace.Guitarist Zoltan adds to the fuzz with his own dirty southern flavor. The organ adds a looming eerie feeling throughout the entire album, which adds to the horror occult vibe that is prominent from the beginning! There are upbeat tempos and songs that move at a quicker pace, while all offerings have a clear groove that is something different for such a morose, downtrodden genre. Anders vocals are filled with emotion and his range adds to the offering as a whole, all while holding down the rumbling thunder. Add in elements of goth, like Cemetary's classic release "Sundown", and the depression becomes beautiful. 

The only thing I say to those who say, "nothing special", "lack of monster guitars", is listen to tracks like "What's Haunting You', and "At the Well of Nazareth" The distortion and emotion adds to the aura  that I love about Bloody Hammers. The creepy organ ads the mystique of being terrified in the woods in the early 70's. The vocals are the thing that ties it together for me. You can feel the emotion in Ander's voice as it comes through the speakers to offer you a tissue to dry your tears! I can hear a lot of the gothier Cemetary, thrown in with solid thickCandlemass riffs. I give "Spiritual Relics" a solid 9 out of ten. I say doom on to the Goth Doom, Sludge Lords of the occult!

Tracklist:

1- What's Haunting You

2- At the Well of Nazareth

3-  The Transit Begins

4- The Source

5- Color Me Blood Red

6- Night of the Long Knives

7- Shiver

8- Flesh of the Lotus

9- Path of Sorrows

10- Science Fiction

CD Review - Vista Chino-"Peace" (2013 Napalm Records)

Vista Chino-"Peace" (2013 Napalm Records)

Kyuss Lives, does in fact live. I mean er uh Vista Chino has made their long awaited return, er I mean debut. Vista Chino is Kyuss without the name and minus the Lives. For those living under a dune in the California desert, Kyuss was the seminal stoner, captains of the fuzz brigade, that influenced the whole stoner movement of the nineties. After they broke up after in 1995, vocalist John Garcia went on to form the short lived, but great band Slo Burn and then Unida, while Josh Homme started The Desert sessions, which eventually with Nick Oliveri turned into Queens of the Stone Age. Homme became the defacto spokesman of Kyuss, and was shooting down reunion rumors constantly. When the rest of Kyuss wanted to reunite, Homme squashed it , and fought for the name, which brings us to where we are today with Vista Chino consisting of vocalist John Garcia, drummer Brant Bjork, and Homme's replacement Bruno Bruno Fevery on guitar. NIck Oliveri remains an "honorable member" of the band, and Mike Dean fills in for Oliveri on bass.

To me, "Peace" picks up and progresses where ... And The Circus Leaves Town ends. Many vocalist have lost a bit here or there, but not John Garcia. Garcia is on top of his game, and seems to get better as time goes by. Brant Bjork returns to his masterful form and holds the relaxed groove down for the length of the album. Couple Bjork with long time bringer of thunder Mike Dean, the low end is is heavy and full of powerful grooves.Now for the microscopic examination of new Kyuss, damn it I mean Vista Chino guitarist Bruno Fevery, who takes over the stoner legacy that Josh Homme helped bring to the forefront. Fevery calms every worry with his fuzz soaked perfection and soulful melody. He even seems to lead the jam as songs progress.

Overall I give "Peace" a 10 out of 10. Fans of Kyuss will rejoice in their stoner glory, at the gift that Vista Chino has given us all. Tracks that stand out to me , and really seem to have that trademark Kyuss, er uh I mean Vista Chino, I will get it right one of these days, sound are Dargona Dragona and Acidize... The Gambling Moose. The album even has some of the odd song titles that a band I will not say this time used to employ quite often. The jam within the songs is what stands out to me. It fits the song, but seems like  another song within itself. Garcia's vocals are front and center and accent the music nicely. I am very excited to see this machine hit the road and check them out live. The free spirited jam, the trippy mellow, stoners unite,jam some killer tunes.... and "Peace"

Tracklist

1- Good Morning Wasteland

2- Dargona Dragona

3- Sweet Remain

4- As You Wish

5-Planets 1&2

6- Adara

7- Mas Vino

8- Dark and Lovely

9- Barcelonian

10- Acidize...The Gambling Moose

11- Carnation

12- Sunlight at Midnight

CD Review - Satyricon-"Satyricon" (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Satyricon-"Satyricon" (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

The self titled ,eighth album from Norwegian black metal pioneers Satyricon is a bit of a departure from the evolved sound of Norwegian black metal. Satyricon has always been at the forefront of the evolution of the black metal movement. In the beginning, mainstays Satyr and drummer extraordinaire Frost were more of a traditional black metal band with the atmospheric sounds, lightning fast guitars and blast beats.  Satyr has always had a unique vocal styling for black metal, staying away from the high shrieks and screams, for a more raw throat full of gravel type of approach. The band even incorporated industrial elements for their fourth studio offering "Rebel Extravaganza". The next series of three releases, "Volcano", "Now Diabolical", and "The Age of Nero", changed the genre again, this time introducing more of a "rock" sounding black metal. This set them apart from what any other band was doing at the time.

On "Satyricon", however, Satyr and Frost have done it again. This time encompassing more harmonies and melodies within each structure, honing their sound to perfection, while going back to add the atmospheric elements that traditional black metal seems to live by. The bands sound is more refined and polished, as complex drum patterns and arrangements,even by Frost's standards are pulled off with ease. The guitar tone and sound still has that "rock" feel to it, with the raw edge that has seen Satyricon continuously push the envelope. I like to refer to it as dirty black metal that leads to a majestic build up, that doesn't let up on the listener. This is a different listen for sure, killing any pre conceived  notions about what Satyricon would dish up this time around. The album demands a lot from the listener, to pick up on the subtle , yet complex layers going on here.The album starts off at a bit of a slower,precise pace, making the listener feel like they are in some dark ,cold,woods.Then you get to the track "Walker Upon the Wind", and the listener is greeted with a punk rock , black metal Venom/Bathory type feel. Satyricon has also never been one of those black metal bands that go with what seems sometimes like an unlistenable production and mix, as if that makes the record more evil to the listener.

Overall, I give "Satyricon" a 10 out of 10, as the bands sound continues to evolve into perfection on any musical spectrum. Tracks like "Nekrohaven", "Ageless Northern Spirit", and "Walker Upon the Wind" will give long time fans of the band something to look forward to. Satyr's vocals have gotten better over time, as he also plays the guitars,keyboards,and bass. Frost continues to be head and shoulders above other drummers in the genre. Both Satyr and Frost are at the top of their game,and firing on all cylinders. Do yourself a favor and let this epic release from the premiere black metal band of  today soak in, as you find yourself wanting more and more of it.

Tracklist:

1- Voice of Shadows

2- Tro og Kraft

3- Our World it Rumbles Tonight

4- Nocturnal Flare

5- Phoenix

6- Walker Upon the Wind

7- Nekrohaven

8- Ageless Northern Spirit

9- The Infinity of Time and Space

10- Natt

CD Review - Exhumed-"Necrocracy" ( 2013 Relapse Records)

Exhumed-"Necrocracy" ( 2013 Relapse Records)

"Necrocracy", the sixth full length effort from San Jose gore maniacs Exhumed is a precise,deliberate, more mature record for these time tested death veterans. Throughout the years Exhumed has been all death,gore,grind, and speed. Not that that is a bad thing, and I am a long time fan. I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Necrocracy", and I was not disappointed. Exhumed, often compared to such death legends as Carcass and Entombed, have changed things up from their already successful formula to bring what may be the best death metal release of the year.

"Coins Upon the Eyes" starts things off and sets the tone for the record which  old school, raw precision honed aggression that will pummel the listener into submission. The songs have a steady, heavy groove, that ties everything together. Matt Harvey has taken his guitar playing to the next level on "Necrocracy", as he shreds in a violent controlled fury. From fast, to slowed down tempos Matt brings it. The harmonies are old school and remind me of what the mighty Death did throughout their storied career. The solos that Bud Burke brings are razor sharp, blistering, and very technical. The drums and the bass on this record are perfect. They stand out and tie it all together, without being in front drowning out the guitars or vocals.

Overall I give "Necrocracy" a 9 out of 10. As I have said before, it seems like a more mature, well rounded effort from Exhumed. It is not all blood and guts this time around, at least if you dig a little deeper. The state of worldly affairs, as told by Exhumed.  The production is about as good as you can get for an album of this extreme magnitude.It definitely has the raw feel, with modern production values. With each listen, I hear something different, and I like it more. 

Tracklist:

1- Coins Upon the Eyes

2- The Shape of Deaths to Come

3- Necrocracy

4- Dysmorphic

5- Sickened

6- (So Passes) The Glory of Death

7- Ravening

8- Carrion Call

9- The Rotting

CD Review - Doyle- "Abominator" ( 2013 Monsterman Records)

Doyle- "Abominator" ( 2013 Monsterman Records)

Legendary former Misfits axeman Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein returns with his new album "Abominator". For years Doyle haunted the stage for horror punk icons the Misfits. Doyle has returned to the unfinished "Horror Business", that the Misfits started many years ago. "Abominator" is without a doubt the natural progression from previous Misfits albums "American Psycho", and "Famous Monsters". Doyle also brings former Misfits drummer Dr. Chud into the fold. "Abominator" features Alex Story of Cancerslug on vocals, who has a deeper raspier Michale Graves voice, with all of the harmony. Doyle's exit from the Misfits effectively ended the monstrous sound the band had been perfecting since their return in the mid nineties.They were a punk band for sure, but Doyle's massive guitar sound definitely had metal influence as the years went on.

"Abominator" picks up where the fury of "Famous Monsters " left off. The massive, thick,sound of the band gives the impression of a seasoned tenure, not a debut album. Alex Story's vocals are in the vein of Graves era Misfits, but with more raw angst. Story shows his ability to pull off the trademark harmonized singalongs "fiends" would die for. I have never heard Dr.Chud play with such power and precision. Chud's drums absolutely crush on "Abominator", pairing nicely with the fat low end of bassist "Left Hand" Graham. As for Doyle, he has never sounded better to me.Doyle has perfected the thick,chunky,and at times piercing art of playing the guitar. The slow methodical pace,the dread,and horror sound played to perfection.

After listening to "Abominator", you can clearly see the input Doyle had in the evolution of the Misfits sound. Doyle has gone from horror punk icon, to horror metal master, as the elements of thrash, and controlled chaos that many punk and metal bands try to capture is on display for all to bear witness to.Overall I give "Abominator a 9 out of 10, as Doyle has reinvented himself without changing the package entirely. The tracks progress and keep the excitement and anticipation building waiting for the next song. The song themes stay on course to what Doyle was a part in building in the horror punk/metal genre touching on subjects such as murder and necrophilia and cemetaries."Dreamingdeadgirls" reminds me that had Doyle and the Misfits stayed the course , this album would have followed "Famous Monsters". Fans of Doyle and the Misfits will rejoice in "Abominator", while opening it's dead arms for punk rockers and metal heads who missed the Misfits boat to jump right and and feel like they have been a part from the beginning. Ghouls, gals, fiends and zombies will surely want to add "Abominator" to their albums to check out list.

Tracklist:

1- Abominator

2- Learn to Bleed

3- Dreamingdeadgirls

4- Headhunter

5- Valley of Shadows

6- Land of the Dead

7- Cemetarysexxx

8- Love Like Murder

9- Mark of the Beast

10- Bloodstains

11- Hope Hell is Warm

CD Review - Words That Burn- "Praey" (2013 Words That Burn)

Words That Burn- "Praey" (2013 Words That Burn)

"Praey", the debut album from Words That Burns must have been locked away in a time capsule for about eleven years. Take me back to the early 2000's when bands like Avenged Sevenfold were releasing albums like "Sounding The Seventh Trumpet" and "Waking the Fallen". When American Head Charge burst onto the scene, and when Mudvayne was starting to really get recognized. Upon my first few listen to "Praey" all I could do was think this might be a lost A7X recording. I even picked up some Only Living Witness riffs to get my attention.

The album starts off with the electronic industrial samples on "The End Will Come" and kicks right into the heavy chunk laden riff and pounding drums to get ready for the heavy.The guitars throughout the entire album are very chunk and have a heavy,down tuning at times that add to the heaviness of the album, The low end  and drums on this album rival anything a Mudvayne, American Head Charge , or even Avenged Sevenfold have done. Roni Macruairi's vocals are something to sit back and take in. You can hear Mike Patton and M. Shadows, and he has a very aggressive pissed of desperation tie to bring it all together. For an independent release the production is flawless. I have heard recordings on major labels that have not sounded so good. 

The songs "CTRL X" and the emotion "Rip Me"  really stood out with their heaviness and melodic touches. No question in my mind that if Words That Burn were bases in the States they would be signed to a label. Overall I give "Praey" an 8 out of 10. The band has really made me look forward to more from them, but this will hold me over in the meantime. Find out all the latest on Words That Burn at http://www.facebook.com/wordsthatburn , and listen to them at http://www.soundcloud.com/words-that-burn-1. This is a band fans of Faith No More, early Avenged Sevenfold, American Head Charge, and something new and different should check out.

Tracklist:

1- The End Will Come

2- So Helpless

3- CTRL X

4- Rip Me

5- Wounds

6- Dig

7- Sictember

8- Praey

Trouble "The Distortion Field" (2013 FRW )

Legendary doomsters Trouble make their much anticipated return with "The Distortion Field". Trouble is a band that should be so much bigger than it is, but the cult like following the band has does a good job of showing Trouble the love they so rightfully deserve.First we need to discuss the elephant in the room. This is the bands first release without longtime front man Eric Wagner.The former singer decided to leave Trouble in 2008, allowing former Warrior Soul singer Kory Clarke to enter the mix. I will be the first to say that I absolutely hated Kory in Trouble. Much of that strong dislike came from my huge love of the band and all they had done up to that point. I was not looking forward to hearing a studio recording with Kory for the fact that he is not a doom guy. Which brings me to new vocalist Kyle Thomas. I am a huge fan of Exhorder. I liked Floodgate, and really liked Alabama Thunderpussy. Kyle has such a wide range and has influenced many great front men such as Philip Anselmo, who is also a fan of Trouble. See where I am going? Trouble simply rocks. That being said I still looked for a reason to dislike "The Distortion Field". There is one huge problem, no matter what i thought, I can not do anything but rock the hell out when it comes on. With each listen I like the album more and more than I did the previous listen.

Right out of the gate, the classic Trouble riffs are plentiful. Then Kyle kicks in and all is more than okay.Kyle's range is absolutely incredible. He ties together the dual guitar hammer of  iconic guitarists Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell and makes it seem that there is so much more there musically than there was before.This is Trouble at it's finest  and the die hard fans will  all but forget about Eric Wagner's absence. There is new energy that has worked it's way into the Trouble sound and it comes across on "The Distortion Field" as that Trouble groove is out front for all to witness. There are major riffs on the album that take you back to the "Manic Frustration", and Trouble" records. 

Overall I give this album a 9.5/10.Half a point was deducted for Eric Wagner not being in the band. Kyle Thomas will demand your respect on "the Distortion Field" with his powerful voice. The guitars, well what the hell needs to be said about what everyone has come to expect.The opening track, "When the Sky Comes Down" starts off with that classic Trouble march and Kyle's powerful vocals that set the tone for the entire record. I have never been so excited,yet cautious about an album before, but I know what I expect from Trouble and they deliver and than some.Kyle's voice is a weapon that has given Trouble plenty of ammunition, and will carry Trouble onward and upward.

Tracklist:

1- When the Sky Comes Down

2- Paranoia Conspiracy

3- The Broken Have Spoken

4- Sink or Swim

5- One Life

6- Have I told You

7- Hunters of Doom

8- Glass of Lies

9- Butterflies

10- Sucker

11- Greying Chill of Autumn

12- Bleeding Alone

13- Your Reflection

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals- "Walk Through Exits Only"

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals- "Walk Through Exits Only" (2013 Housecore Records)

A comeback Doesn't come gently, it's as ugly as ugly is...made of hedonist handcuffs, crushing weight, neurotic accuracy, and kills love outright", as Phil spits out with disgust on the self titled track from his debut solo album. For all the shots Phil has taken over the years from the press, and trolls scouring the internet with the sole purpose of spreading blind hatred, he has made a triumphant return to his extreme roots that haters and fans alike have all clamored for. The return is true to form for Anselmo, this generations most iconic and legendary front men, who has been focusing on Down for the past several years. I have heard things like Phil has lost his voice,can't sing  like he used to, or is burned out. Well I guess haters are gonna hate no matter what.

Philip and his backing band The Illegals have made an extreme record that metal fans, and fans of Philip are sure to embrace. Anselmo has touched on his past and struggles with substance abuse, his introverted ways, and has done a great job of painting that picture for the listener on "Walk Through Exits Only".Lyrically , he takes the listener inside his head to what seems to be the lowest point one could reach. The feeling of desperation and despair is quite apparent on tracks like "Bedridden", and "Bedroom Destroyer" For all the people who think that Phil has  not been able to scream and rant like in years past, sorry to disappoint you. Phil has warmed the pipes up and unleashes all the built up rage he has carried deep inside himself over the years. Not only does the "kid" bring it  with all his might, Anselmo has given us all a gift in the form of guitarist Marzi Montazeri. Marzi effortlessly plays his guitar with precision and fury to the point where the listener will think “Where the hell has this guy been?” The rhythm section consisting of bassist Steve Taylor, and drummer Jose Manual Gonzalez tie up the low end nicely. The best way to sum the songs on this offering is a more matured, polished, and deliberate sound while being as pissed off as ever.

Overall I give "Walk Through Exits Only" a 9 out of 10. Phil knocks the rust off the pipes ,as there has been no need for the shrieks on the Down material that is shown here. What Philip needed to do is have a kiss my ass album so all the doubters and haters line up to repent. He did just that with "Walk Through Exits Only".  It is very hard to put a label on the music. It is extreme for sure, though you can hear elements of many of Phil's past bands and influences. The listener can hear components of Pantera, Eyehategod, and the post hardcore crust sound. .The best I think I can come up with is that it is "Fucking Hostile" on meth x 100, with everything being very deliberate and calculated.Philip and The Illegals are definitely the torch bearing technicians of distortion.

Tracklist:

1- Music Media is My Whore

2- Battalion of Zero

3- Betrayed

4- Usurper's Bastard Rant

5- Walk Through Exits Only

6- Bedroom Destroyer

7- Bedridden

8- Irrelevant Walls and Computer Screens