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Reverence by Parkway Drive

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Reverence by Parkway Drive

By JJ Ulizio

This sixth effort from Parkway Drive shows trends that that started back on the album Atlas and followed through to Ire continue here. Typically lumped in as another metalcore band the Byron Bay, Australia natives continue to push the bounds of what is at their metalcore roots experimenting and pushing beyond what is typically considered metalcore trying to form a sound all their own. Post Metalcore? Progressive Metalcore? Are those considered things yet?  This is what I would imagine that those would sound like if they aren’t yet. If those are false, the one thing that definitely holds true is that this sounds like Parkway Drive and no one else.

Guitar harmonies, groove based riffs, even a violin, show that this band is doing what they can to try and shake any label you can put on them other than heavy. More than the straight forward metal core that they were known for early on, this album continues to crunch as they have in the past but with blistering almost arena rock/hair metal style leads. The groove based riffs  help to offset some of the break downs on the album and lend them self to a choppy lyrical approach at parts that they touched upon on their previous album which they’ve seemed to lean into a bit more on this album.

Vocalist Winston McCall comes across as pissed as ever in the more aggressive efforts on the album, which is a rightful reputation that he has earned for himself, but he also has a few tracks on the more mellow side of things. Well, mellow as far as they are concerned, he has clean vocals where there is some singing, maybe singing isn’t the right term, more like spoken word parts in which he definitely sounds moody and emotion filled , at times it seamlessly follows the melody of the guitars and music he is speaking over.

I am a sucker for grooves and blistering guitar leads. So it didn’t take much for this album to win me over. It may alienate some fans of their earlier works and their more straightforward metalcore stuff, but I am not one of those fans. I definitely recommend this album if you want something loud, heavy, and incredibly catchy. My standout tracks are available below. Album Available Now!

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Ron

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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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CD Reviews

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

Ron

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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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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

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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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