CD Reviews

Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason (review)

Published

9 years ago

October 23, 2016

George Archibald

Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason

Reviewed by: George Archibald

Metal giants Meshuggah are no stranger to highly anticipated releases, after having seen tremendous success with both the Obzen, and Koloss albums. Meshuggah is known for being on the cutting edge of mathmetal/djent with their signature polyrhythms and odd time signatures. The band has its own distinct brand of rather heavy and aggressive stylings; they even have their own signature extended range guitars to produce the band’s heavy tone. They are also attributed to being the forefathers of the djent genre. The Violent Sleep of Reason is the 8^th studio album for the band and the follow up to 2012’s Koloss.

The band released a video for the song “Clockworks”, shortly before the album’s release on October 7^th. The song follows the blueprint of what has made Meshuggah titans in the industry. Off timed drumming, that is as powerful as ever from Tomas Haake. The guitar work is frantic and attacks the senses with syncopating drums, and then bouncing to leads that take you into uncharted territory. Mårten Hagström and Fredrik Thordendal come at the listener with a full audio assault, making this song as full, and atmospheric as they can.

“Ivory Tower” is like an avalanche with its low break beat beginning. The tone is so thick, and the riff just lumbers forward, getting thicker and deeper as the song progresses. This is a crowd churner tune if I have ever heard one. If you have to be to one of their concerts be prepared to be physically moved in the crowd. Meshuggah as a band has seemed to be able to tune into not just an audio feel, but to physically instill something in their crowds, by throwing so many different elements at its listeners.

If you are a regular to Meshuggah’s music you will not be disappointed. This album has all the elements that has made you love the band and expands on each of them. The album is a sonic wave crashing on its listener, encompassing you in an onslaught that will have you nodding along through each song. The Violent Reason of Sleep is out now and available for streaming, be sure to check it out.

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George Archibald

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CD Reviews

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

1 year 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 year 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

1 year 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