CD Reviews
Surgical Meth Machine (review)
Surgical Meth Machine (review): Hey kids! Do you want to know what it feels like to use hardcore drugs? Do you want to float high above this world in heavenly, creative, and abstract infinity?
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SURGICAL METH MACHINE
Self-titled
Nuclear Blast Records
April 2016
By Ron S & Josh Drespling
Hey kids! Do you want to know what it feels like to use hardcore drugs? Do you want to float high above this world in heavenly, creative, and abstract infinity? Do you want to experience heroin, LSD, and every other conscious-altering chemical known to man without fear of incredible debilitating and life-changing side effects? Then the new Surgical Meth Machine album is exactly what the doctor has ordered.
The new project of Uncle Al, a.k.a. Al Jorgensen, (Ministry, Revolting Cock, 1000 Homo DJs, and Acid Horse) will tickle your senses and make you feel like you are on an everlasting acid trip. It’s musical bliss and bloody back alley fist fights rolled into one nice little pill.
The twelve tracks contained on this auditory adventure never stop, as they continue from one song to the next in what has been referred to as the Pink Floyd effect. These twelve tracks are built on crazy drum loops, shredding guitars, and found sounds juxtaposed with mountains of samples and Al’s insanely provocative lyrics.
The album starts off with “I’m Sensitive.” It ramps up with a blusterous rant by Al about him being sensitive to messages and comments offered up by internet trolls or critics. Without a moment’s notice and in typical “Al fashion” he flips the script. Blasting though your speakers comes a healthy dose of industrialized-techno with Al screaming, “I don’t fucking care!”
The next few tracks take you deeper and deeper into the twisted mind of Uncle Al and the spiral of craziness that embodies him and his music. The album is chocked full of insane gabber-like beats and thrilling guitars. The track “Unlistenable” is either an odd way to state what bands Al is into or a more likely a straight-up dis to all of them with vocal lines like “This has got to be a joke,” and “You’re fucking kidding me” in reference to bands like Iron Maiden, Megadeath, Lamb of God, and the most hated band, Nickelback. “I wouldn’t even give you a penny back,” Al quips. His own band, Ministry, is not safe from the tirade, nor is The Cure or Morrissey. The only band offered any adulation is Devo, as Al declares, “They fucking rule” and then breaks into a cover of Devo’s, “Gates of Steel.”
The album goes on to experiment with some drum and bass style tracks with “Just Go Home” and “Just Keep Going.” The CD winds down with perhaps the most enigmatic piece I ever heard from Al Jorgensen, “I’m Invisible.” This song has a sort of ultra-cool lounge act vibe draped in seedy Vegas sleaze and second-hand cigarette smoke. It is a pulsing, yet slow tempo song that is captivating and peculiar. The video for “I’m Invisible” serves to enhance those feelings that come festering straight up from of the underbelly of our society and remind you that our world has a beautiful facade of ugliness.
If you are in the mood for something different and have ever liked even a note of Al’s music, then Surgical Meth Machine is for you. You will really dig it, although it made me have just a few too many flashbacks of old acid trips.
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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
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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
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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
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