CD Reviews
Rob Zombie – Electric Warlock (review)
Rob Zombie – Electric Warlock (review)
Rob Zombie – Electric Warlock
By Alexa Linger
Rob Zombie began his music career in the heavy metal band White Zombie in 1985, for which he was the lead vocalist. In 1998, his first solo studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe, was released, the same year White Zombie disbanded. Since then, he has released five studio records (including his newest The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser) and he has directed and produced several films.
Electric Warlock was released on April 29th and it delivered on… well, everything you’d expect from a Rob Zombie album. It’s trippy, loud, heavy, and fun; you can’t take it too seriously. And the sound? Rob describes it as an Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser – and it fits. (If you ever wondered what that sounds like… this is it). It’s a fast-paced, balls-to-the-wall compilation that, I believe, is made for fans. Because, when you make music the way Rob does, where do you go from there? So, maybe it’s a bit of what’s expected from him, but it’s catchy. I found myself singing along to Well, Everybody’s Fucking on a UFO. All day. (I think releasing that as a single was a super smart move). It’s a bit psychobilly – a mix of rock, punk, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues (think the Nekromantix).
Another favorite was Get Your Boots On! That’s the End of Rock and Roll, which I believe speaks to the ever-changing climate of the music industry. Is music dying? If it is, Rob Zombie’s music is alive and well. In fact, Electric Warlock debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 – not too shabby.
What’s nice about Rob Zombie is he doesn’t deviate from his campy horror lyrical imagery. This album is true to his trashy, Halloween-esque roots, but with a bit of funk. Whether it’s his “most fucked up musical monster to date” or not is debatable, but one thing is not: Rob Zombie can put out one hell of an album.
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CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
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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VENDED: Album Review
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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DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP
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
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