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The Sawyer Family – Self titled (review)

Ron

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Sawyer Family

The Sawyer Family

Sawyer Family 2015 Ghost Owl Records

Rating:
4 ½ of 5 Hamburgers  and  3 of 4 Goats

Empire Extreme Hamburger and goat rating systemEmpire Extreme Hamburger and goat rating system

The Oregon’s based band The Sawyer Family have dropped a set of ditties for the ages with their self-tiled release. If you’re into good tunes, Satanism, stellar vocals, horror movie references, catchy rhythms, goats, stand-up bass playing, doves having sex while eating hamburgers, dudes who wear bandannas, intergalactic warfare, sex… sex… violence, and then more sex. Well, then you just as messed up as me and you need to run out and steal, buy, or download this album and never take it out of your ear hole.

From the first track “Demonized”, vocalist/bassist and all around cool dude Zach “Sawyer” Shafer showcases his unique set of musicals skills and what he has to offer the music industry. “I saw the Devil” is one of my favorite tracks on the album with its disjointed rhythm and gritty delivery. Plus, I’m not 100% sure, but this maybe a reference to another really brutal and violent Japanese horror film.

The whole album is a masterpiece from start to beginning. It’s hard to make a band comparison with the Sawyer Family. I’m sure they have some Primus albums in their collection and undoubted a few Mike Patton projects, but there are scorching guitar leads that harken to Led Zepplin and arrangements that take you back to the poignant days of punk rock.
Not a filler track in the bunch and the production value is on point. You can feel that the band is quite comfortable with each other. Honestly I was blown away with this album… (Is that good enough pumping up the band for what they are paying me , oh shit I wasn’t supposed to say that.. why am I still typing all of this I’m not sure what’s going on?)

PLEASE EXCUSE AND IGNORE THAT LAST PART… MECHANICAL ERROR…

GO OUT AND SEE SAWER FAMILY, THEY KICK ASS AND ARE THE BEST EVER!!!

Track listing:
Demonized
I saw the devil
Pouring
High blood
Blooditorial
Giving blood
Waiting
Monochrome
Back in spades

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Sawyer Family interview with Empire Extreme

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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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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

Ron

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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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