CD Reviews
Dunsmuir – Dunsmuir (review)
Dunsmuir – Dunsmuir
Review by JJ Ulizio
New rock super-group Dunsmuir are set to release their debut self-titled album on 07/22/16. A heavy hitting lineup in this group, with Neil Fallon (Clutch & The Company Band) on vocals, Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio, Kill Devil Hill) on drums, Dave Bone (The Company Band) on guitar, and Brad Davis from Fu Manchu on bass. When I say the stellar line-up I jumped on the opportunity to review this album.
This album is a perfect amalgam of all musicians involved. You can hear flavors from each of the member’s full time bands seeping into the songs. There are sounds and songwriting that at times are reminiscent of Black Sabbath, Clutch, and I even heard some Motörhead influence lingering in there. This album did not disappoint. From start to finish it’s just a hard hitting rock album with obvious throwbacks to classic metal and the stoner metal that the sum of its members other bands participate in.
My favorite song and the first track on the album, “Hung on the Rocks”, grabbed me right away with a catchy guitar lead before Neil Fallon’s unmistakable voice and vocal attack comes in with his signature unique lyricism. Vinnie Appice’s drums pound and slam the song along till the hook at the chorus comes in “When you’re hung on the rocks do you stand by your captain or do you run ashore with the natives”. A well-crafted rock/metal song that will have the listener head banging whether or not they want to!
The second song, “Our Only Master” is where I hear the Motörhead influences. Not so much in Neil’s vocals, he and the late Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead have very different voices and vocal styles. The similarities come from the fast paced drive of the drums and the running guitar riff for the verse. If you’ve read any of my reviews before then I am sure you can figure out that I do most of my music listening while in my car driving, and “Our Only Master” actually had me feeling like a dumbass when I was rocking out so hard I actually hit my head on my rear view mirror.
“Church of the Truth” shows off the Black Sabbath influence by opening with a slow and hard drum beat with just the bass line. Then guitar comes in with a blazing “creepy” styled lead that mutes itself down for the verse, right out of the Tony Iommi guitar playbook. You can tell these guys love playing & writing music as it shows in every song on this amazing album.
Thick riffs, running bass lines, catchy guitar leads and solos, and impeccable drumming, come together with distinctive style of Neil Fallon’s vocals to make one hell of a record. Whether you want to call it rock, metal, stoner metal, or what have you, fans of all four musicians or their other bands will feel right at home with this record with a sound that’s familiar but still sounds fresh.
This music nerd hopes that they throw together a tour whenever their busy schedules will allow it. Once the album is out make sure to go pick it up at your preferred music retailer. Album drops on 07/22 via Hall of Records (according to their Facebook). Check them out online at www.dunsmuirband.com
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ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
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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VENDED: Album Review
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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DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP
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
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