CD Reviews
Tool “Fear Inoculum” Album Review
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
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CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
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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CD Reviews
VENDED: Album Review
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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CD Reviews
DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP
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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