CD Reviews
Hatebreed – The Concrete Confessional (review)
Hatebreed – The Concrete Confessional (review)
By Alexa Linger
Connecticut metalcore band Hatebreed, made up of Jamey Jasta (lead vocals), Chris Beattie (bass guitar), Frank Novinec (guitar), Wayne Lozinak (guitar), and Matt Byrne (drums), has recently released The Concrete Confessional, their seventh studio album since forming in 1994 (though this is not the original lineup). Combining old school thrash and hardcore punk rock with heavy metal, they have artfully bridged several genres to become a prominent force within the hardcore scene. (They describe their music as ‘hardcore metal’). The Concrete Confessional is exactly what fans have come to expect from their albums – a wild, powerful ride that makes you hold on until the very last second.
As always, Jamey Jasta spits pointed lyrics that you can’t help but sing (or scream) along to. (My husband and I were in the car rocking out to “Looking Down the Barrel of Today” and shouting along to the catchy, sing-along chorus: “Once had a shotgun to my head – they said I wasn’t worth the bullets/ Now, the world is my trigger and I’m here to fucking pull it”). But as catchy and energetic as the album is, there’s a message. In fact, The Concrete Confessional is a social commentary on greed, the rise of terrorism, and the fading promise of The American Dream (the prominent theme in the song A.D.).
The Concrete Confessional has the same passion (and anger) that is a signature of Hatebreed. They’ve channeled their frustration and paired it with shrieking guitar riffs and pounding, busy drumming. Also, each song is brief and focused – it gets in and gets out, but not before shaking things up.
Overall, The Concrete Confessional is a solid and memorable album. It’s cohesive (from the first song to the last – none of the songs feel disjointed or like they don’t belong) and accomplishes its goal of making you feel something. Further, it will keep you interested until the last track and become a staple in your record collection.
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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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