CD Reviews

Carnifex – Slow Death (review)

Published

8 years ago

August 17, 2016

George Archibald

Carnifex – Slow Death (review)

Reviewed by George Archibald:

Californian deathcore pioneers Carnifex just dropped their 6^th studio album Slow Death on August 5^th. The band is currently on The Summer Slaughter Tour supporting Cannibal Corpse, Nile, and Suffocation. Carnifex are known as one of the forefathers of modern deathcore, a subgenre of death metal which infuses hardcore breakdowns into its aggressive brand of music. Slow Death has everything Carnifex has been known for, heavy guitar tones, growling and screaming vocals, blasting double bass drum patterns, skull smashing breakdowns, and lyrical hooks that invoke any spectator at their concert to jump into the pit.

In promotion of Slow Death, the band released single for, “Drown Me in Blood”. “Drown Me in Blood” starts off with a new tool in Carnifex’s repertoire, 8 string guitar which the band has recently moved to using on recordings. The song starts off with low guitar tone before moving into a pseudo black metal riff that reoccurs through the song. Singer Scott Lewis bounces between growling and almost guttural vocals. The band also released a music video for this track which visually follows the song playing out the, ‘Drown Me in Blood’ hook by having Scott Lewis at the bottom of a well that is filling with blood.

Slow Death is what I was hoping the next evolution of Carnifex would be. When I heard they were moving to an 8 string guitar platform I was a little leery at first. The reason behind this feeling was I have seen many bands change platforms, and lose the technicality and emphasis that come with the changing of phrasing on this type of instrument. Carnifex has managed to embrace the change effortlessly. By having this new addition to the band they have expanded on what they can do musically. Also a fresh feel for the band is the addition of several solos, showing the talents of guitarists Cory Arford and Jordan Lockrey. If you are a fan of deathcore and heavy music give Slow Death a try. If interested in more about Carnifex check out George Archibald’s interview with Scott Ian Lewis in our interview section of the Empire Extreme website. The album is out now and available on several streaming services.

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George Archibald

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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.

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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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