CD Reviews

White Chapel – Mark of the Blade (review)

Published

8 years ago

June 16, 2016

George Archibald

White Chapel – Mark of the Blade (review)

Reviewed by George Archibald

Knoxville natives White Chapel are currently celebrating 10 years in the industry with their Decade of the Blade tour. Along with this tour the band is gearing up for the release of their 6^th studio album, Mark of the Blade, available June 24^thvia Metal Blade Records. Mark of the Blade is the follow up of 2014’s Our Endless War, which peaked at number 1 on the US Hard Rock Charts. This week the Van’s Warped Tour website has allowed anyone to come and stream this album for free, before being able to purchase the album on its release date.

Over the last few albums White Chapel has shifted their songwriting to more of a melodic sound rather than a technical death metal sound. Mark of the Blade brings further experimentation for the band with the addition of clean vocals. It’s a different step for vocalist Phil Bozeman who is known for having a very aggressive vocal style with growling lyrics and deep gutturals. You can have a listen for yourself on the track “Bring Me Home”. It is very somber song allowing this dynamic to shine through. I think the addition of clean vocals can be a well utilized tool for the band in the future.

Mark of the Blade continues to follow the themes that made Our Endless War popular, with content about rebellion and resistance to authority, and themes of togetherness. The instrumental track “Brotherhood” is also a nice break in the album to hear the stylings of guitarist Alex Wade. An acoustic guitar intro leads you into a very lead driven riff accompanied by a solo. This track creates a sense of menace as it plays on, with several eerie guitars riffs carrying this track into a build up before the instruments cut out to a piano outro.

The track “Dwell in the Shadows” is a nod to older White Chapel songs; very quick paced technical guitar riffs push the tempo of this song. The drummer is using blast beats and double bass stylings which are reminiscent of the old days of WC. Mark of the Blade kind of left me wanting a bit more of the old stylings of WC while keeping me interested in what they will do next. This is Exile; this is not, but rather a matured sound for the band. It would have been nice to have had Phil cut loose more on some of the songs. It seems like they are lacking that fire that the band had on some of their previous singles. Overall this album is fair, if you are a fan of the older albums you may be searching for more from the band. If you are a newer listener this a great introduction to this chapter of White Chapel.

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George Archibald

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Related Topics:Mark of the Blade Metal Blade Records Whitechapel

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 days 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.

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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

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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

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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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