CD Reviews
Opeth – Sorceress (review)
Opeth – Sorceress
Reviewed by George Archibald
With each album the Swedish band Opeth seems to evolve further and further. This once heavy death metal band with harsh vocal stylings, has grown into a progressive rock monster, sporting strong clean vocals and harmonies. The band began experimenting with changing its sound as far back as the Damnation album, and then made the shift to playing more of a 70s prog/rock style on the album Heritage. Sorceress is the next step in that evolution for the band, continuing on with its 70s style progressive rock, and adding in elements of psychedelic rock, and vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt, pushing his clean vocals even further on this album. Sorceress almost plays as a rock opera at times with many ballad like pieces, and hard rocking grooves throughout. Sorceress is the 12th studio release for the band and marks the first release on Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
The band released the single “Sorceress” to the masses on August 1, 2016. This song starts off with a funky organ piece accompanied by a bit of splashy jazz styled drums. This is a definitely a new turn for the band expanding their sound. Sorceress then dives into a more familiar realm, with a driving distorted guitar riff and Akerfeldt’s haunting vocals cutting through the mix. The song coaxes you to nod along with the beat, as they follow up with a very progressive styled break into the solo. To finish the song out, the band goes into this playful melodic riff before ending.
My personal favorite song on the album has to be “Strange Brew”. It is a very somber tune in the beginning with piano and Aferfeldt’s very candid vocal style. It’s so open, yet almost fragile at the same time. The guitars come in playing what feels like classic Opeth styling till they bring in the psychedelic rock, with heavy guitar and sporadic keyboard. When Akerfeldt comes back in he has a bit of a roar and power to his vocals. The band joins in with a heavy 70s style rock solo and riffing, reminiscent of early Led Zeppelin when the band would just go off on a jam session. This song is definitely playing up the theatrics on the album with its balance of heavy and somber ballad like pieces.
If you are a fan of Opeth this is a must listen. The band has made many strides from where they started with this album. The production on this release is top notch as well, for the album sounds very full as well as clear throughout.
Sorceress is to be released on September 30th. Be sure to pick up a copy and give it a listen, you will not be disappointed.
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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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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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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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