CD Reviews

Dunsmuir – Dunsmuir (review)

Published

8 years ago

July 13, 2016

JJ Ulizio

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

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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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.

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

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

About Author

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