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Killswitch “Atonement” Album Review

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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”

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ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Ron

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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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VENDED: Album Review

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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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DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

Ron

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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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