CD Reviews

Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive (review)

Published

8 years ago

July 28, 2016

George Archibald

Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive

Reviewed by George Archibald

Hailing from Reading, Pennsylvania, Black Crown Initiate has been making their own blend of progressive death metal since 2012. Sometimes heavy, other times ambient, then melodic; this band blends several styles, with a combination of clean and harsh vocals to bring their songs to light. Selves We Cannot Forgive marks the 3^rd release for the band. This album has a bit of mystery behind it, being vocalist and guitar player, Rik Stelzpflug was erased from the bands roster about 2 months before the album’s release date of July 22^nd. Taking Rik’s place was that of x- Glass Casket and The Faceless guitarist, Wes Hauch. It has not been confirmed or denied that Wes played on Selves We Cannot Forgive, but a sneaking suspicion is I think he had a little to do with some of the arrangements on the album.

Leading off the album is the single, “For Red Cloud”. For an introduction to this album, “For Red Cloud” sets the mood with its very eerie guitar riffs and haunting vocals. The song builds up till it smashes you in the face with the crescendo of clean vocals by Andy Thomas before bring you back down. The track “Belie the Machine”, leads me to believe Hauch had some influence on this album. The intro to the song leads off with a melody that The Faceless are known for playing. Even the heavy riff that follows has bits of technical play that were signatures to The Faceless’s sound. For an almost 9-minute track Black Crown Initiate fill every second with something unique, from dissonant guitar, to vocalist Andy Thomas and James Dorton’s dance between harsh and clean vocals. Black Crown Initiate utilizes each member to carry this song.

Selves We Cannot Forgive shows what a band can do when each member brings something unique to the table. This album is full of sonic bits that will keep you coming back to listen over and over again. In the future, I hope the band can clarify if Hauch did play on the album, but for now I like a little mystery behind the music. Listen for yourself, Selves We Cannot Forgive is out now, and is also streaming on Spotify.

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George Archibald

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

4 days ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

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Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

2 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

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Ron

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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

JJ Ulizio

9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

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JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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