CD Reviews

Opeth – Sorceress (review)

Published

8 years ago

September 27, 2016

George Archibald

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 12^th 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 30^th. Be sure to pick up a copy and give it a listen, you will not be disappointed.

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George Archibald

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Related Topics:Akerfeldt Nuclear Blast Opeth Sorceress

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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.

About Author

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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