CD Reviews

Source – Return To Nothing (review)

Published

8 years ago

September 21, 2016

Anthony Bernardi

Source – Return To Nothing (review)

By Anthony Bernardi:

On September 23^rd 2016 three guys from Boulder, Colorado will release their debut album Return to Nothing. Who is that you ask? Well I am going to give you one word…

Source…

It was nearly three years ago that Ben Gleason, Dan Crisafulli, and Georges Octobous were flung together by the universe. Over those years they forged the sound that would change their lives forever.

I had the chance to meet these talented young men a few months ago in an alley in Minneapolis Minnesota behind the Skyway Theater. Now don’t get the wrong Idea. I was there covering a show. As fate would have we struck up a conversation and they hooked me up with a copy of their yet to be released album Return to Nothing.

As I finished up my duties at the show and recalled our conversation about the band, I couldn’t help but anticipate what the CD they had given me would sound like. Once I was in my car and on my way home I slid the CD in the player and let the music pull me in as I drove home.

The very first track “Forgiveness” which is one of several tracks on the album that clocks in at over eight minutes grabbed me and totally immersed me in the pure emotions emitted from both the music and the lyrics. The progressive sound highlighted by uncommon time signatures is reminiscent of the style of Tool. These similarities are exemplified with the mid-heavy bass tone and the longing-style vocals. This track and the entire album for that matter holds a level passion and excitement that leaves the listener pondering your own life and existence as Ben’s lyrical essence bounces around in your head.

Once entirely engrossed it the ambience and drive of the album you helplessly tumble into the second track, “Memories of Yesterday”. This track whirls with anticipation as it deposits you amid the memories of another period of your life.

Once the days of your past have been reconciled, the album rolls into “The Essence” shadowed by a diminutive track entitled “The Word Source”, featuring a series of samples from the spiritual guru Bentinho Massaro as he explains the origins or source.

“There is life in the darkness and the day will dawn again” exclaims Ben in “Return to Nothing”. While drummer Georges describes the track “Compliance” as the “most angry and exciting to play”.

Track seven is the most subdued track on the album and also the shortest piece. It is an ambient selection driven by acoustic guitar and a soft lead riff. “Consumed” drifts off as what is my favorite track “The Serpent” begins with a one-two punch. The track flinches to life with a bit of added guitar crunch and choppy rhythms delivered by both the bass and drums. “The Serpent” is one of those tracks that just keep you listening and feeling a little let down as it finally comes to a close.

When asked to pick a favorite track for the album, both Ben and Dan agree that closing track “Quadrant” was at the top of their lists.
Ben: “Quadrant”, that song means a lot to me! It’s about forgiving my parents for being imperfect along with thanking them for showing me what it means to be human. With all the joy, the pain, the suffering and the beauty!

Dan: I like it most because of the guitar riffs and the composition. The bass really shines through in different ways both stylistically and compositionally. It definitely makes my head bang a lot!

Music can tame the savage beast or even start wars. On the converse music is able to make you feel alive, angry, thankful, and even help you with hard choices life throws your way. Personally I turn to music for entertainment, motivation, and relaxation.

This debut release by Source has been a privilege to listen to from beginning to end. The songs are long and involved, yet somehow leave you wanting more. There is a great balance of progressive metal and as Dan says “Life Metal” (sorry had to do it). This is the perfect album to help you find your balance here in this plane of existence as we contemplate life and what it means to Return to Nothing.

About Author

Anthony Bernardi

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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