CD Reviews
Mushroomhead- A Wonderful Life Album Review
Mushroomhead is releasing their 8th album A Wonderful Life on June 19th 2020.
I’ve been a huge fan of Mushroomhead since the beginning I remember seeing them playing small clubs in Cleveland and knew that the world needed to see and hear this band. Throughout the years the band had changed members but Mushroomheads music has always been there for me.
With this new album comes the new era of masks for the band. The new masks remind me of the Roman times, with each member always has their own personality into it. This album also marks the first without Jeffrey Nothing and Smotz and introduces newest members singer Steve Rauckhorst, guitarist Tom Shaffner and Jackie LaPonza fully integrated Into the band.
The album has 13 songs and 4 bonus tracks. I love this album from beginning to end. In my opinion is the best album since XIII, which I know is a bold statement to say but I truly believe it. XX and XIII will always be my favorites but this album lives up to those albums.
Songs like Seen It All, The Time has Come, I am the the One bring the heavy and pure mushroomhead metal. Songs like Carry On, The Flood bring the more emotional side to the album. My favorite song on the album is What a Shame. This song is the 100% definition of Mushroomhead. It’s a very theatrical type song with some killer music in the background.
It’s been 6 years since the last album dropped and fans have been waiting patiently. Some fans say that without Jeffery Nothing that this band will fall. To them I say two things. 1. You’re not a true Mushroomhead fan if you think that only one person makes this band amazing. And 2. Listen to this album and if you still think that Mushroomhead isn’t the same or better, then your opinion sucks and you should fuck off. ?
I can’t wait til the pandemic is over and concerts can come back into the fold so I can listen to this album live and see the new masks up close.
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CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
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
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
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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