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

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

4 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