CD Reviews
Erase Me by Underoath
Erase Me by Underoath
By JJ Ulizio and L. Nicole Tredway
04/06/2018 saw the release of the much anticipated 8th studio album by Floridian post hardcore/metalcore act Underoath. It is also the long awaited follow up to 2010’s Ø (Disambiguation). Being a longtime Underoath fan this was an album I was really looking forward to listening to. I thought it would be interesting to have someone listen to the album that didn’t really have a history with the band as well. So we listened to the album together.
I think it is safe to say since their early days with Cries of the Past or The Changing of Times that their sound has gone through some evolutions. That being said, I think they took some of the best parts of their past albums and used them to mold this album and then polished it to a fine shine.
There are songs, riffs and choruses that all heavily remind me of some of their older works while still having something to them that keeps it from sounding dated and still sounding fresh. The album has a whole is heavy and moves at a brisk pace with electronic sounds sprinkled throughout without leaning to heavily into them. The songs don’t use them as a crutch as they can stand on their own without them
Standout tracks: “It Has to Start Somewhere” kicks the album off with a flavor reminiscent of previous works. It’s a personal favorite of mine whereas my cohort, Nicole, believes it’s the one weak point of the album due to it comparatively being more harsh than the rest of the song lineup. “Rapture” could hold its own on modern rock radio or at a metal festival and has a chorus that continually gets stuck in our heads for extended periods of time. Her favorite was “ihateit” which has a similar feel to it as well.
The vocals are harsh, yet melodic. The drums are tight and fast paced while the guitars do their job driving the album forward. In my opinion this is a great album for old school fans of the band or a decent album to use to introduce someone to them. Nicole, as a new listener to band stated that she thought that they sounded like a weird amalgam of Stabbing Westward and (Sonny era)From First to Last. Which is not where my brain goes with it, but I can see what she is getting at with it.
We both recommend the album for fans of modern hard music. The album is out now, available at all the usual outlets.
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CD Reviews
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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CD Reviews
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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CD Reviews
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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