CD Reviews

Gojira- Magma (review)

Published

8 years ago

June 20, 2016

George Archibald

Gojira – Magma (review)

Reviewed by George Archibald

French based heavy metal outfit Gojira are known for creating ear catching albums with high energy rhythms. The highly anticipated album Magma was released on June 17^th. This is the follow up to L’Enfant Sauvage, which was up for album of the year in many metal polls for 2014. Gojira has gained notoriety for changing up their playing styles on each album they release, but continue the tradition of having environmentally themed lyrics on this album. To promote the new album Gojira released the singles, “Stranded” and “Silvera”.

The titled track “Silvera” is very upbeat. The song centers around a heavy guitar track, and a driving double bass drum pattern. Vocalist Joe Duplantier, pushes the vocals without getting into full growl mode while keeping harmony with his guitar playing. The song also has an ear catching tapping riff to add to the song. The track “Stranded” comes off a bit differently with quick triplets out the gate, and a hit of the whammy effect to drive the pitch up at the end of the riff. The chorus reminds me of an early 2000s stomp beat, chunky guitar and one-two drum beat while Duplantier vocals are calling out over the track bringing us to a very haunting bridge.

Magma is a different turn from L’Enfant Sauvage as the songs’ foundations have been brought back to a very basic writing style. From a listeners point of view the songs are very beat driven and carry a march like pace throughout the album. There are a few parts on this album that I feel may have missed the mark. The title track “Yellow Stone” feels more like a filler riff than a song. As well as the closing track “Liberation”, seems a bit out of place with the rest of the feel of the album.

Magma had several teaser trailers leading up to its release, and unfortunately, I feel it didn’t live up to the hype. This is not a bad album, but one that I feel many listeners were not expecting. If you are a musician, you may be off put from the simplicity of this album. If you are listening as a fan, which many of you probably fall into this category, you should be delighted in the drive of many of the tracks. See for yourself, pick up or stream a copy of Magma today.

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George Archibald

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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.

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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

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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

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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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