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Zakk Sabbath “Vertigo” Album Review

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A lot has happened in 2020 so far. In music, arguably, the most important thing to happen is the 50th anniversary of the first album from the mighty Black Sabbath. To celebrate and pay tribute to the release Zakk Wylde and his Black Sabbath tribute band, Zakk Sabbath, recorded the album Vertigo. Which is the self-titled Black Sabbath album re-recorded from start to finish. Done live in the studio just like the original. They wanted to pay as close attention as they could to make sure they did it the same way Sabbath did back in 1970. In my opinion they succeeded. They literally just took those songs and threw a fresh coat of paint on them, there’s not much else that can be done to really improve upon the source material. 

Save for Tony Iommi himself, no one guitarist has been steeped in all things Sabbath more than Zakk Wylde. This album easily showcases his love and reverence for the source material. From the thunderstorm and first riff of the titular track, Black Sabbath, to the final medley of the album “A Bit of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning” and everything in between, this album is a must for any fan of Sabbath or Wylde. 
With Zakk’s capable guitar playing and an outstanding rhythm section (Blasko Nicholson & Joey Castillo), you can almost hear the amount of fun coming through the music, especially in their renditions of “The Wizard” & “Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/N.I.B.” Its hard not to listen to this album and sing along to each track as they come on. Its not often that I get to review an album that I already know all the lyrics to, but in this case, I’m not even mad. As a matter of fact, I think its an awesome effort from three guys having fun and paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time. 
Vertigo was released on 09/04/2020. There will be no “official” digital release according to the labels website. Anyone interested in picking it up can do so at https://magneticeyerecords.bandcamp.com/album/vertigo

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Ron

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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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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Ron

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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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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

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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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