CD Reviews

Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason (review)

Published

8 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

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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