CD Reviews

Pupil Slicer “Blossom” Album Review

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

I was not familiar with the UK’s Pupil Slicer prior to their sophomore release Blossom making its way to me. Pupil Slicer blends elements of early metalcore/mathcore from bands like Converge and early Dillinger Escape Plan with elements of black metal, shoegaze, and dash of melodic punk. If it wasn’t obvious with all those descriptors, Pupil Slicer have crafted a truly eclectic and almost genre fluid album.

Decent production, I really like how the drums come through in the mix. They help provide a solid backbone for the duration of the album. Caulked full of amazing bass tones coupled with guitar sounds that really punches through with the significant use of dissonant guitar riffs. Only criticism is when the guitar utilizes some of the shoegaze elements it falls back in the mix making it a little less prominent under the drums.

Vocalist Kate Davies comes through quite clear and I think could make some black metal vocalists a bit jealous with her goblin like screams. Those screams seem to punch harder when interspersed with her more melodic clean vocals in the more punk prominent songs.

A concept album described as lyrically following a protagonist who loses touch with reality as they have a “kaleidoscopic voyage through another plane of existence where all is not as it first seems” after receiving a signal of profane and alien origin.

The black metal influences become very apparent early in the album with “Momentary Actuality”. Starting immediately with those goblin screams and blast beats right off the bat before transitioning to a more melodic chorus. Within how harsh a lot of the album comes across it has some surprising mellow and melodic moments which only serve to make the hard parts hit that much harder.

They also show they’re not scared to utilize electric and almost EDM sounding elements without the song loosing focus as seen in tracks like “Departure in Solitude”.

Fans of modern metalcore will be happy to note that Davis makes multiple uses of the “Blegh!” throughout the album, notably on “The Song at Creations End”. There is even a ballad on here that mixes primarily black metal/shoegaze elements with the various ‘core genres they take influence from.

The album closes with the single “Blossom” which is a bass driven punk track that features primarily clean and melodic vocals. That builds on itself culminating in a blistering guitar solo and a reminder that they’re not just a punk band.

Over all, not being familiar with them prior to this release I wasn’t sure what to expect. I can safely say that I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not sure anyone can fill the gap the Dillinger Escape Plan left when they disbanded, but I think Pupil Slicer is a good start if you want something eclectic and spastic. The album is set to release on 06/02/2023 from Prosthetic Records and will be available on all the usual streaming platforms.

Find everything you need to purchase or preorder at https://pupilslicer.Com

US Merchandise Distribution for preorders and purchases can be found at https://www.nightshiftmerch.com/collections/Pupil-Slicer

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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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

1 month 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

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

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

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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP

Published

6 months ago

May 22, 2024

Ron

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