CD Reviews

Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts (review)

Swedish doom metal band Katatonia are back again with The Fall of Hearts released on May 20th. This marks the 10th studio album for the band

Published

9 years ago

May 25, 2016

George Archibald

Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts

Reviewed By George Archibald

Swedish doom metal band Katatonia are back again with The Fall of Hearts released on May 20^th. This marks the 10^th studio album for the band that has spanned the lifetime of three decades. This album also introduces the two newest additions to the band. Drummer Daniel Moilanen who joined the band in 2015, and guitarist Roger Öjersson who is replacing longtime guitar player Per Eriksson. The Fall of Hearts follows the traditional Katatonia sound that longtime listeners have loved. Melancholy vocals accompanied with melodic guitar riffs and slight bits of organ, it doesn’t stray too far from their signature sound.

The lead off single of the album is “Old Heart Fails”, which the band made a lyrical video to promote The Fall of Hearts before its release. A haunting single guitar starts off this track before vocalist Jonas Renkse begins to unfold the song. A song of lost, sorrow and rebuilding, these are the themes of many Katatonia songs. “For every dream that is left behind me, I take a bow. With every war that would wage inside me, I hear the sound. Another day in this vanishing life, return to dust. With every chance I pushed away, unto the night.” The chorus speaks to the emotion as the music swells, in kind of a heavy hearted pick me up. Swelling guitars come in with a violin like effect to somberly finish off the song.

One of the stand out tracks on this album is, “Serac”. It has a really groovy hard rock feel on this song. The song has a very driving demeanor to it. Distorted guitars and a driving drum tempo start this song off at a medium pace, before we come to a percussion break down. Bongos, organ, and flute play through as the vocals carry us through the chorus before the pace picks up again. At 7:25 mins. long this song has a bit of everything mixed in to keep you interested throughout.

Katatonia has impressed again, sticking to the traditional sound that has made them great. The Fall of Hearts is a great showcase for Daniel Moilanen who really shows his abilities behind the kit. He has the restraint to play through the melodic without over driving it, while being able to carry through on the edgier parts of the album. Jonas Renkse’s vocals are flawless as usual, a soft lullaby in the way he carries each lyric. This album will not disappoint if you are a longtime fan of the band, if you are a new listener this a great addition to a very successful catalogue. I suggest you check out their other releases as well if you enjoy The Fall of Hearts.

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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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