CD Reviews

Shinedown “Planet Zero” Album Review

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2022

It has been 5 years since we have seen new music from the well renowned rock band Shinedown, in which the fans ate up every second of the ATTENTION ATTENTION album, which was released back in 2018. Fast forward to the present day, and a whole global pandemic later, the band has released the anticipated album Planet Zero, and it is most certainly, out of this world. Join me in analyzing some of the highlights of the audible journey of this narrative planet, Planet Zero, and the ups and downs of what I am certain will be another major hit for the fans of the Florida Rock Band.

Throughout the album,you receive messages from what seems to be an AI (artificial intelligence) voice, introducing what type of scenes or moods to expect from certain sections of the album, for example, welcoming you to planet zero, which opens us with the title track. “Planet Zero”. The following section describes that sometimes, people tend to act out of outrage, which leads us into a slower toned song titled “Dysfunctional You” where it’s described in the song that no matter your flaws or differences, that the world deserves to know who you genuinely are. This is a theme that shows up several times, as a similar theme comes up again down the line in “A Symptom Of Being Human” The AI appears again to inform listeners that in order to provide them with a more utopian future that it is imperative that they change their behavior. The songs to follow, “Clueless and Dramatic” and “Sure Is Fun”, follow the idea of not following what other people try to make of you or your personality, to follow your path and to keep being who you are.

Breaking from the loose storyline for a minute, you have the most recently released single, “Daylight”. In my opinion, this is the show stopping track of the album. It’s a song that could be interpreted in multiple ways, but the overall feel of the track is thanking someone or something for saving a life, and keeping someone afloat through rough times.
Jumping back into the storyline, it follows that the listener isn’t abiding by the rules the AI has set for them, and therefore faces risk of deletion. This section includes another single released earlier this year “The Saints of Violence and Innuendo”, as well as “Army of the Underappreciated”. For storyline preferences, this is it, your big finale and battle scene tracks, upbeat and wild. Following these two tracks, we hear our final message from the AI, who in the end has indeed been defeated, as well as the band, with the ending track “What You Wanted” which closes out our story and album saying farewell to the listeners and the fictional planet, with a simple message as “So long, we hope you enjoyed the ride.”

So there you have it, my interpretation and analysis of Planet Zero. No, I didn’t go into major detail, because that’s up to you as the reader of this article, and what I hope will be a listener of this amazing piece of work. I hope that it takes you to another world, and back around again. Be sure to check out these highlighted tracks and all the others anywhere you can get music today, and to check out the Veeps Global Livestream Event as well. I for one will be adding it to my daily music rotation.

https://store.shinedown.com/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fshinedown.lnk.to%2FplanetzeroAW

https://shinedown.lnk.to/planetzeroAW

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Shelby Tyce

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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