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

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

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

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.

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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