CD Reviews

Tool “Fear Inoculum” Album Review

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2019

On August 30th long awaited 5th album from the Los Angeles based progressive/post metal act Tool was released. Having since been ravenously consumed by their legions of fans who have been poised at the edge of their seats for the last 13 years waiting for said album to drop.

I did not want to rush into the review and write it up too quickly, because what I have learned of Tool, at least in my experience listening to them, it usually takes me multiple listens to fully absorb the multiple layers of the songwriting and how they piece it together. Fear Inoculum proves to be no exception.

There has always been an atmospheric and at times a psychedelic element to Tool that has added to the uniqueness of their sound. Mostly noted on their previous two releases Lateralus & 10,000 Days. Fear Inoculum really leans into those elements and it thrives there. Which is not to say that they loose their edge or crunch of the guitars. Those atmospheric elements help drive the album forward and when the songs come together for the hard hitting drums and riff based parts it helps them come off as having a harder edge when compared to the rest of the song. I had my glasses fall of my face a couple of times while listening and absorbing the album.

Tool is a band of extremely talented musicians and this album showcases the four of them and their skill-sets superbly. That being said, I believe the standout performance on the album belongs to drummer Danny Carey. Already recognized as one of the greatest drummers of our time, he repeatedly through the course of the album outdoes himself over and over whether its with a world music/ tribal style drumming and percussion or with your more standard rock/double bass efforts.

To bring this to a close I firmly believe that this is an outstanding record. Was it worth waiting 13 years? I believe that answer can only be in the eye of the beholder. For me it absolutely was. I definitely think that this has everything a Tool fan needs or would want from an album. The only caveat I would say, is that there isnt much for a new fan to grasp onto here. If you have a friend that is not familiar with them, this is not a good album to start with. You would need to work them up to it.

I definitely love this album, and I love it more and more with each listen I give it. It is available now via all the streaming and digital and hard copy outlets. Standout tracks:”Pneuma”, “Invincible”, and “7empest”

Pneuma

Invincible

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

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

1 day 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