CD Reviews

Sevendust: Truth Killer Album Review

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Sevendust return with their fourteenth studio album, Truth Killer, via their new label, Napalm Records. The release showcases the original lineup, comprised of Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, John Connolly, Vince Hornsby, and Morgan Rose. Michael “Elvis” Baskette was at the helm and produced the album, marking his third collaboration with Sevendust. Truth Killer is slated for a July 28^th release.

The release starts off with “I Might Let the Devil Win,” which is a synth-pop style track that is reminiscent of something Muse may have left off one of their albums. The lyrics are excessively repetitive in this song, thus making it the definitive track to skip on repeated listens to the album.

This track sets the tone for what is an inherently sad album. Not in that it is poor quality, but in that it feels like a group who are one step away from slitting their own writs. I’m not even speaking lyrically, but dynamically, the sound is depressing. It is bathed in the type of sound that you would hear coming from a beat-up old car stereo on a cold and rainy night while a sobbing driver contemplates speeding up to wrap his car around an old oak tree or take himself and his car for a high-speed flying leap off a bridge to end his unbearable and miserable existence.

The second track, the title track “Truth Killer,” begins with some more of the electronic elements that are scattered throughout the entire album. The track presents Lajon’s most dynamic vocal performance of the album as he bellows, “I know all that I want is something to keep us alive when everything dies.” This continues the staring at your shoes theme that is present throughout.

The album falls in order with tracks like “No Revolution”, “Leave Hell Behind”, and “Holy Water”, which do not offer any particular surprises. The entirety of the album seems to be formula-driven and kind of simply rumbles along in the background.

Chalk full of homogenized guitar riffs that have been whitewashed by the production. One song leads to another without any discernible differences. It’s 40 minutes, maybe 50 minutes; who knows? It’s just an opus of mediocrity swallowed up with production that highlights the fact that this band is excessively overrated. The band, and I mean guitar, drums, and bass, gives the impression that they could hold their own, but are being held back by the lack of originality and style of the vocalist. His delivery is boring, and his performance is lackluster and tiresome.

You know when you go to a concert and the singer announces, “These next few tracks are off our new album that comes out next month.” and everybody streams to the beer vendor or the restroom? This album is the recorded equivalent of that very moment.

The one bright moment on the album is the closing track “Fence”. They seem to deviate from the previously mentioned formula and kind of let loose, which leads to a much more intense track and the standout performance on the album. Although it is not enough to elevate the release to something memorable.

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

11 hours 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

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

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

Published

2 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

About Author

Ron

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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

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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