CD Reviews

Car Bomb – Meta (review)

Published

8 years ago

November 3, 2016

Car Bomb – Meta

Reviewed By: George Archibald
Meta marks the next evolution for the mathcore giants Car Bomb. The band started out in 2000. The release of their debut album Centralia in 2007 opened the eyes to many critics throughout the industry. This technically aggressive band followed up Centralia with w^w^^w^w, in 2012, again surprising many with their signature blend of technical aggression. Meta marks a return to what has been a staple in sound for the band, but also adding new elements along the way. Car Bomb has evolved in time on this album with more jazzy breaks, and even clean streams of vocals along the way.

The track entitled “Gratitude” kickoffs off with a back and forth beat riff, before some crisp harmonics ushers the song into a Deftone-esque break. The clean vocals of Michael Dafferner are a nice change up, before dropping the hammer with his more aggressive stylings on this song. The guitars are light in some places before dropping churning down-tuned riffs that break up the melodic, with more a punishing grinding out of the song.

The track ‘Sets’ starts off with a down-tuned churn-fest of fast paced guitar picking patterns. The drumming of Elliot Hoffman is so precise on this track, changing tempos and jumping in and out of syncopation with the guitars. The song is very dark and heavy in feel as it doesn’t let up, grinding along till the band comes to a melodic break before hitting you with a sledgehammer of solid aggression. This song just pushes the edges of how low the band can go without hitting bottom in tone.

Meta is the perfect combination of technical application, and aggression with lighter notes along the way to help pump the gas. The album is busy in some places leaving the listener to pick and choose who to spotlight in areas because each member seems to shine. Car Bomb has my attention once again! If you are new to Car Bomb and enjoy math-styled riffs like Meshuggah you will definitely by an instant fan. Those who have followed the band since inception will not be let down with this new release. The band has released several singles as teasers for Meta’s release on October 28^th. Also to help promote the release of the album Car Bomb is on a few select dates of the final The Dillinger Escape Plan tour going on now. Be sure to check out Meta at all the usual outlets and at www.carbombcult.com.

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George Archibald

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Related Topics:Car Bomb Centralia Meta w^w^^w^w

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

3 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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