CD Reviews

Deftones – Gore (review)

Published

8 years ago

June 1, 2016

JJ Ulizio

Deftones – Gore

By JJ Ulizio

On 04/08/2016 Sacramento, California based alt-metal pioneers Deftones released their 8^th full length studio album, and follow up to 2012’s Koi No Yokan, entitled simply Gore. This album has been noted with writing tensions between vocalist Chino Moreno, and lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter. Rolling Stone described it as Chino was “playing Morrissey to the guitarists of Meshuggah.” I wouldn’t quite go that far with it but you can hear the tensions and differences in the writing style through the progression of the album. To me the album almost sounds as if its arguing with itself on whether it wants to be more of an ambient sounding rock record with spacy guitars and haunting vocal melodies or the alt-metal that helped make the Deftones the household name they have become since their inception in the 1990’s. If that was a real fight then they decided to call it a draw because there are plenty of both elements on this album.

The album starts off with its lead single, “Prayers/Triangles.” Which takes you down the path of a standard Deftones radio hit with guitar feedback, ambient guitars, and Chino wailing over the chorus. The album quickly sets a trend similar to floating on the ocean, bringing you up and down. Songs like “Acid Hologram”, “Doomed User”, and the album’s title track “Gore” all give you the hard edged driving guitar riffs and rattling bass lines that keep them playing metal festivals. While tracks like “Hearts Wires”, “(L)mirl”, and “Xenon” seem to focus more on the ambient spacey guitar riffs, and Chino Moreno crooning through is signature haunting melodies.

My favorite track on the album, “Phantom Bride”, showcases the more melodic side of the band, which features Alice in Chains main man and lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell. The song starts with a subdued palm muted guitar riff. The song takes its time building up steam. It mainly focuses on the melody while that same riff keeps the rhythms of the song together, and an ambient type guitar slowly picks in the background adding an atmosphere similar to the spacey sounds that one would hear on a Pink Floyd album, except with Chino singing. A guitar solo more than midway through the song adds Mr. Cantrell’s touch to the song. It has a bluesy sounding style that leads back out into the chorus before building things up to the thick chunky metal riff. Then fading away to just cymbal hits that bring you directly into the album closeout with the musically choppy “Rubicon”

Is this a bad Deftones album? No. Is it their best? No. I don’t think it’s as good as its predecessor Koi No Yokan or albums like Diamond Eyes, White Pony, Around the Fur. I definitely think people who are already Deftones fans will more than likely enjoy it. I don’t think that it will be a good album to bring in new fans. Regardless of all that, it will be in my regular rotation for a while yet. So if you are a fan, check it out. If you’re not already a fan of the Deftones then ask your resident fan, everybody has one, what a good album to start with is.

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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Related Topics:Alice in Chains Deftones Gore Jerry Cantrell

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CD Reviews

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

Published

1 month 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

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

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

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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP

Published

6 months ago

May 22, 2024

Ron

It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.”

This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album.

The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own.

“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.

THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY