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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

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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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

Ron

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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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