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

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

4 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Ron

Marilyn Manson just released his 12th album “One Assassination Under God-Chapter 1” on November 22nd 2024.

This album in my opinion is the best album Manson has put out since Holy Wood. It has a feeling of albums old and new with little hints of Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood.

The album opens up with “One Assassination Under God” which just gets you ready for what’s to come. With Manson Just finishing his tour, This is the Manson we have been needing for years now. He looks good and sounds great.

Putting out a few singles from the album , the overall feeling of this album is great. It’s been a while since I’ve like a full album of Manson, while this album isn’t perfect it’s as close as perfection of those early albums were. Of course I love the singles “As Sick as the Secrets we Keep” and “Raise the Red Flag” but I also really enjoyed songs like “Death is not a costume”, “Nod if you understand” and “Sacrilegious”

I think this new chapter of Mansons life and music is exciting , I hope we get more tours in 2025 and maybe some over the top stage shows like we did in the late 90s early 2000s. I feel the younger generation hasn’t experience a real “Full” on Manson show yet and it’s time for the King to take back his throne at the top of the Shock Rock mountain.

ALL HAIL MARILYN MANSON

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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

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

1 month 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

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CD Reviews

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

Published

3 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