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

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

Published

1 month 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

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

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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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP

Published

6 months ago

May 22, 2024

Ron

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