CD Reviews

BrokenRail – Self-Titled EP (review

Published

8 years ago

November 21, 2016

Josh Drespling

BrokenRail

Self-Titled EP

Review by Josh Drespling

The hard driving, post-grunge, radio-ready outfit BrokenRail are set to release their Self-titled EP on November 25th. This four-piece hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, have released this EP as a teaser or an hors d’oeuvre, if you will, to stay off the loyal and rabid fans waiting for their full-length release that has been held up by production delays and mounting industry interest in the full album.

Upon initially listening to BrokenRail you will find an uncanny familiarity with their songs and style. Before you know it your will be singing along with the clean and crisp vocals that would make members of Shidendown, Three Days Grace, and Breaking Benjamin proud.
The EP kicks off with a crunchy palm muted guitar riff, coupled with a tribal drumbeat until they are met with Blake Clawson’s vocals on the track “Memory”. The chorus kicks in with a more guttural vocal style with the lyrics “What? I can’t hear you!” This particular track really reminds me of the band Skillet given the arrangement and vocal styles.

Up next is “Walk Again”, perhaps the most polished track from this well produced release. “Walk Again” has been give a video treatment. I can easily see this track being propelled to the top of the pack within rock-radio right along side of any Papa Roach song.

Rounding out the release is “Save Me”. I swore I was listening to Staind given the intro riff and the way that vocalist Blake Clawson pushes his vocal tone to the back of his throat for the verse. The track diverts from the liberal Staind influence to create another solid rock-radio-ready track with a rockin’ chorus and some squealing guitars jumping out of the mix.

The tracks on this release were were engineered by Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying) with mixing and mastering by Kane Churko (Papa Roach) and Logan Mader (Bullet For My Valentine, Butcher Babies) of MachineHead fame.

My only disappointment with this release is that it only contains three tracks. However I gather that was the point. To leave us, the listener wanting more.

BAND LINEUP:
Alex Hilton – Drums
Nelson Rezek – Guitar
Blake Clawson – Vocals
Dick Black – Bass

WEBSITE:
http://www.brokenrailband.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenRail
https://twitter.com/BrokenRail
https://www.reverbnation.com/BrokenRail
https://www.instagram.com/brokenrail
https://soundcloud.com/brokenrail
https://www.youtube.com/user/BrokenRailVEVO

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 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.

About Author

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

About Author

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

About Author

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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