CD Reviews

Eat The Elephant by A Perfect Circle

Published

7 years ago

May 16, 2018

Eat The Elephant by A Perfect Circle

by JJ Ulizio

On 04/20/18 we were finally presented with an album that was 13 years in the making. Through lineup changes and hiatus’s , and solo projects A Perfect Circle finally gave us their 3^rd album, or 4^th if you include the covers album eMotive.

There seems to be a lot to unpack here, and I am looking forward to doing so upon a multitude of continued listens. There are parts that resemble

the past works from Mer De Noms and The Thirteenth Step. But considering how long its been since their previous albums it would be irresponsible to expect more of what has been done with the likes of Keenan & Howerdel involved. The album leans away from the alt metal that got the band their radio fame in the early 2000’s and they lean heavily into the mellow, melodic, and atmospheric art rock & post rock sounds that for a lot of the album is heavily driven by piano. Which serves to drive the melody behind some of the best vocal work by lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan.

The piano driven melodies, help fuel the dark and moodiness of the album while helping to set off the guitar work that seems to make the album soar, while the drums round things out helping to keep things textured without letting it float to far away. What I have always enjoyed about A Perfect Circle, which they continue here, is how the songs can build, adding subtle layers building up to either an epic conclusion, or to an unexpected transition.

Lyrically its thematically familiar for Keenan, very dystopian, with his socio-political & religious commentary and interpersonal relationships. As well some conversations with death and how we as people deal with these topics and how we probably should deal with them as opposed to how we do deal with them. Don’t misconstrue what I am saying though, the album does manage to come off without being too preachy.

I would recommend this album to any fan of Keenan & Howerdel. Chances are , if you’re a fan of either then you will more than likely enjoy this album. A Perfect Circle as a band as a whole though, while not having an abundance of studio albums considering how long they have been around do seem to write music that marinates well with time. I look forward to the repeated listening of this album to keep peeling the layers away, and of course to seeing what comes next for them, here’s to hoping it doesn’t take more than a decade for the next effort.

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

2 months 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

2 months 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

4 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