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Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason (review)

George Archibald

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Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason

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 8th 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 7th. 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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CD Reviews

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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CD Reviews

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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CD Reviews

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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