CD Reviews

Gojira- Magma (review)

Published

9 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

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

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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

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