CD Reviews

Scorpion Child – Acid Roulette (review)

Published

8 years ago

July 8, 2016

JJ Ulizio

Scorpion Child – Acid Roulette (review)

Review by JJ Ulizio

On 06/10/16 the psychedelic rock & metal band Scorpion Child from Austin, Texas released Acid Roulette, the follow up to their 2013 self-titled debut. Being a fan since hearing music from their first album on SiriusXM, I was extremely excited to listen to their sophomore effort. Rightfully placed was my excitement because I feel strong that this might be my pick for album of the year. I know, as of press time, that it is only July but I think this album rocks that much. I’ll have to find something truly epic to dethrone this release.

Continuing with the trends they set on their first album Scorpion Child continues to come across as a band out of time. Obvious influences from classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple and the heavy and hard flavors from bands like Black Sabbath all blend together to make one hell of a hard rock or stoner rock album. When I have this album on it usually ends up with me getting followed by police officers because I subconsciously start speeding.

The album leads off with the track “She Sings, I Kill”. It begins with a fading in guitar effect before the drums come crashing in, followed the explosion of the first verse where vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black starts wailing in a way that is reminiscent of Robert Plant. The riffs, the guitar playing, and the well-crafted drum rhythms come together seamlessly to hook the listener in for the duration of the album. The music doesn’t let up as the second track “Reaper’s Danse” kicks into high gear right from the start with a blistering guitar lead, driving riffs, pounding drums, and catchy melodies that keep you moving and makes your driving foot heavier.

Organist/keyboardist AJ Vincent proves to be a welcome addition to the band and is made quite apparent in the title track where mid song he really shows off what he is capable of when his playing becomes the driving force behind the song. More than just that, throughout the entire album his playing can be heard adding another dynamic element to the music. His playing gives the album a fuller and thicker sound along side the guitar attack of Christopher Jay Cowart

I would highly recommend this disc to any fan of rock, or hard rock music. It’s just a balls to the wall record that truly shows off what a high caliber band this is and what they are capable of. It has solid songwriting across the board, although it is not quite as “heavy” as their 2013 debut album. That being said I obviously think this is an amazing album and a damn good rock record. Go pick it up.

I have seen them twice and can’t wait to see them again! You can find when tour dates are added and more from this band of Texans by clicking here, definitely go and check them out.

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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Related Topics:Acid Roulette Scorpion Child

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CD Reviews

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

1 month ago

November 25, 2024

Ron

Marilyn Manson just released his 12th album “One Assassination Under God-Chapter 1” on November 22nd 2024.

This album in my opinion is the best album Manson has put out since Holy Wood. It has a feeling of albums old and new with little hints of Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood.

The album opens up with “One Assassination Under God” which just gets you ready for what’s to come. With Manson Just finishing his tour, This is the Manson we have been needing for years now. He looks good and sounds great.

Putting out a few singles from the album , the overall feeling of this album is great. It’s been a while since I’ve like a full album of Manson, while this album isn’t perfect it’s as close as perfection of those early albums were. Of course I love the singles “As Sick as the Secrets we Keep” and “Raise the Red Flag” but I also really enjoyed songs like “Death is not a costume”, “Nod if you understand” and “Sacrilegious”

I think this new chapter of Mansons life and music is exciting , I hope we get more tours in 2025 and maybe some over the top stage shows like we did in the late 90s early 2000s. I feel the younger generation hasn’t experience a real “Full” on Manson show yet and it’s time for the King to take back his throne at the top of the Shock Rock mountain.

ALL HAIL MARILYN MANSON

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 month 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

3 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