CD Reviews

Killswitch “Atonement” Album Review

Published

5 years ago

August 14, 2019

I recently was extremely fortunate enough get a chance to check out the eighth studio album from the Massachusetts based metcore outfit Killswitch Enagage. Cutting right to the chase, I definitely recommend this album. I have been beyond thrilled since vocalist Jesse Leach made his return to the band in 2013. This particular album though might just be their best work in years. Their last two efforts were great, but this album everything seemed to just gel together in all the right ways.

The album Atonement takes their tried and true metalcore formula and builds upon it by adding elements of thrash into the mix. Jesse’s vocals seem to soar helping the songs almost seem to take flight. At times the vocals seem to take their own path not necessarily following along with the song but not straying so far to derail anything either.

It also seems to have a faster more up tempo pace than previous efforts. Thrashy riffs take off at a breakneck speed before crashing into signature style breakdowns which joyously lead to groove based riffs that I cant help but bang my head to whenever hear them. Notable is the second track “The Signal Fire” which features former Killswitch vocalist Howard Jones. Ive seen them perform together in the past but it was refreshing to hear them work on new material together. I always thought their vocals played off each other extremely well, and this song is proof of that.

Also worth noting is “The Crownless King” which features vocalist Chuck Billy from thrash legends Testament. Which explains a bit of the thrash influence on the album.This song could easily be placed on a Testament album. It follows their metallic recipe for thrash.

I really did enjoy this album from start to finish, but a couple of standout tracks to check, in addition to the above mentioned would be “Unleashed” which is my personal favorite and “Ravenous”

Atonement by Killswitch Engage will be available everywhere on 08/16/2019. Make sure to pick it up or to check it out on your preferred streaming platform and to catch them when they hit your city on tour.

“Unleashed”

“I am broken too”

About Author

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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Related Topics:Empire Extreme featured Killswitch Engage

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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

About Author

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.

About Author

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