CD Reviews

WhiteChapel “The Valley” Album Review

Published

6 years ago

March 17, 2019

One of the godfathers of modern Deathcore, Whitechapel is back with The Valley. Ten new tracks of menace from the band who has brought you ‘This is Exile’. Whitechapel has been at the forefront of deathcore for many years and sought out to remind everyone of this by holding a 10^th anniversary tour for the Somatic Defilement album, and by playing the This is Exile album in its entirety live over the last two years. Now the band is back with what I would call a matured sound, gone is the angst and anger of their younger years, replaced by self-reflection and a refined approach to song structure.

Starting out the album is the track ‘Brimstone’, the track kicks off with the staple WC sound. Heavy guitars and vocalist Phil Bozeman’s harsh styled vocals and growls. The song has a bit of a lumbering cadence to it, with low tuned guitars carrying the listener through the track. This is just the toes in the water to what is to come.

Following up ‘Brimstone’ is the band’s single, ‘When a Demon Defiles a Witch.’ This song to me represents both the old and new stylings of WC. The beginning is very aggressive and abrasive, with the double drum patterns and quick paced guitar riffs. This all comes to a stop as the song begins to bloom, and Bozeman shows his vocal chops opting to sing in cleans, ratherthan his trademark heavy vocal style. This song has the kitchen sink thrown in as the song has several tempo changes, and switches between the very heavy and the melodic throughout the song.

One song that stuck out to me is ‘Hickory Creek.’ This track is a branch off from what WC has been known for in the past. This song has a more radio friendly style to it, a slightly driven clean voiced Bozeman sings throughout this song. If I was to compare the styling of this song it is very Stone Sour like, but very catchy and pleasing to the ear.

The Valley is a move away from the days of yesteryear and to a more modernized Whitechapel. With the addition of cleans, the band is pushing forward like many others who have decided to drop the overly heavy style for a more approachable market. If you are a fan of the older styled, in your face WC you may end up yearning for more from this album as those songs are few and far between, but if you are openminded there are many solid tracks to listen through. Some people see change as a bad thing for musicians, but that is only a matter of opinion as Whitechapel marches to their own beat.

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George Archibald

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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.

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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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