CD Reviews

Otep – Generation Doom – Review

Published

9 years ago

May 7, 2016

Ron

otepgenerationdoomcd OTEP

Generation Doom

Released April 15^th 2016
Napalm Records

Generation Doom is Otep’s 7^th full album. This CD is a masterpiece which blends Otep’s exceptional writing skills and ability to be open with the pure anger and beautiful serenity of her feelings. Crushing screams and furious flows blended with the rest of the band’s harmonies remind the listener that Otep is still a force to be reckoned with.

“ZERO” starts off the album, and boy does it ever start kick the album into high gear. With as many fucks that one can comprehend and then even more with an undeniable guttural scream. “But I don’t give a fuck, I don’t give a fuck, I don’t give a fuck, fuck, fuck, zero fucks I don’t give a fuck”.

“Feeding Frenzy” doesn’t let up after “Zero” has you pinned to the ground. This song has a very SEVAS TRA feel to it. Brutal and honest with that metal flow.

“Lords of War” is an perfect example of political awareness without being overly political. “I’d rather be in battle than at peace, I’d rather be a wolf than a sheep, I’d rather be in battle than slaughtered like cattle, The weak can sleep while”.

“Royal” is a cover of Lorde’s song. Once again proves that Otep have the ability and guts to take a song of any genre and make it not only there own but kick fucking ass doing it.

“In Cold Blood” is a beautiful yet sad song. With this track Otep lets us get a glimpse of the personal spaces of her mind. This song is by far one of my favorite on the album. It perches Otep and her gorgeous vocals on top of the female singers of the genre. “Somethings wrong with me for thinking somethings right with you. Now I’m lost inside the smog, choking on the shame”.

“Down” is a track that makes you want to throw your fist and throw out the deuces too. Blending hip hop and metal the only way Otep knows how.

“God is a Gun” “There’s a monster in the garden you call him god . There’s a monster in the garden eating you alive” Blasphemous to some, Glorious to others . This song will still make you think.

“Equal Rights, Equal Lefts” has a more hip hop feel to it. With amazing lyrics like “ He called me a dyke, I called him an ambulance” and “ I’ll always get more pussy than you”. I admire songs like this where a band can stretch beyond what is expected of them and still deliver quality.

“No Color/Lie” Both of these songs show such a depression and aggression from past relationships and how they leave you saddled with all the baggage.

“Generation Doom” Pulls you right back into fast, hard ,and forceful anger. “I don’t care what you fucking say just say it to my face”

“On The Shore” The last track on the CD not only brings an eerie sound but again letting Otep shine with her perfect lyrics and beautiful voice . Such a great way to end the cd.

This is by far my favorite album since HOUSE OF SECRETS, and is right up there with SEVAS TRA. Go out and get this album is you like truthful lyrics mixed in with different emotional music.

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

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

1 day 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

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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

About Author

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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