Q thru T

For the last studio effort to be fronted by (now former) lead singer Zach DeLarocha, RATM have decided to go the time honored route of GNR in doing a cover/tribute album. The results here are very good. I like it quite a bit. No I really do. You know I'm a complete sucker for cover tunes!

Biting Dog, Hiding Bacon says: 8.5

Holy Wow!! What I always considered Sepultura's best album is now even better via remastering and the inclusion of no less than 4 bonus trax! Orgasmatron (Studio), Criminals in Uniform, Desperate Cry (Scott Burns Mix) and what was intended to be the original Intro for the album (entitled appropriately enough Intro). While the inclusion of these four trax is a great deal for people such as myself, who are just finally getting the CD after YEARS of having the cassette constantly ripped off, it really is the album as it has always been that really shines. This is one of those albums that sit in the back of your mind and you never really listen to it that much, but when you do listen to it you wonder why you don't listen to it more often! Adrenaline pumps and coarse (but still decipherable and intelligent) lyrics abound on this crowning jewel of what Sepultura stood for. I really wish I could say STANDS FOR but the O.G. bandmates are no more. Sepultura is still around but with a new lead singer and honestly I am in no hurry to hear their new offering. I have a buddy who is a Sepultura head and he says Soulfly is the answer to your woes (Soulfly is where the O.G. singer is now) and if anyone knows this it's Mr. X.
N8 R8: 8.8

This album sucks. I do not like the newer style sounds from L.A. (Dre, Snoop) and that is exactly is what this album emulates in every way. I was severely dissappointed after the ultra funky "Chief Boot Knocka". Mix completely ignores the NorthWest rap sound that he helped to pioneer and it makes this album a great soundtrack for puking! Mix, get back to what you know. Or else "Da Bomb" is something you're gonna have to have your mail checked for instead of a talkshow skit on this Lame Ass CD! Avoid at all costs!

N8 R8: 3.2

This album is definitely Slayers most well crafted effort and an all time classic album. Not as fast (and some might say cheesy) as their previous efforts. The maturity of their musicianship had finally reached the point where it wasn't a hindrance to their creativity. Finally realizing that fast did not necassarily mean heavy, they decided to riddle the album with time changes and key changes in an artful fashion. This album is Slayer's "...And Justice for All." Great tracks and good lyrics abound. The album is rock hard all around and not a chink in the armor is to be found. Unfortunately Dave Lombardo (drummer) decided to call Slayer quits to form his own band (Grip Inc.). So unfortunately, as soon as Slayer found it's high gear it lost a tire. They went on to release Divine Intervention a couple of years later and it was underwhelming to say the least. Following Divine came an album of nothing but covers of old punk songs, not Slayers forte to say the least. As for what I thought of their newest, why don't you read the review?

N8 R8: 8.8

A return to Greatness Lost? Damn near! Slayer is back in top form on this, their newest effort in regaining lost credibility in an unpopular form (currently) of music. This album brings back memories of South of Heaven and Seasons in the Abyss. While not quite on a par with said albums, it still easily outshines the lackluster "Divine Intervention" and the ridiculous "Undisputed Attitude". They have finally taught Bostaph to leave the damn cymbals alone once in a freakin' while and returned to true Slayer form. Most importantly for this type of music is the fact that it sounds big, clean and relevant. Forward motion without alienation is the name of the game in music today and this album delivers most excellently on this front. If you ever liked Slayer, even just a little, try this album on for size. I'm willing to bet it fits just right.
N8 R8: 8.1

Classic Album! Contains (among others) Mayonnaise, Rocket, Today, Disarm, and Cherub Rock. This as fine an album you could ask for from the Pumpkins. This was their turning point from obscure college fave to mainstream acceptance and the world is a much better place for it. You need to have this album somewhere in your collection. Sometimes it's the only one that will do

ViolentN8 Looks and Says: 9.2

Soul Coughing, much like Beck, are an accquired taste and once you are hooked on their quirky spoken word-like style they may never let you go. Until I just wrote that sentence I never realized exactly how much (conceptually) they have in common with Beck. Weird! Anyway Soul Coughing goes into the new album with the same things that have made them one of my favorite bands for a while now. It works and is everything I expected. If you liked their work on the X-files albums then go right ahead and get this. El Oso is a really good solid effort from these guys and I like it a bunch. It does unfortunately fall short of Irresistable Bliss (their last CD) so I can only rate this as such.
N8 R8: 7.9

This self titled release from the late Bradley Nowell and the rest of the boys from Sublime combines punk, pop, reggae, and a twist of latin grooves. Munkynutz thinks this to be an excellent album, with catchy tunes, smooth vocals, and overall kick arse, oh no I just spunked in my knickers, vibe. [N8: Don't forget sweet vocal harmonies and a Dalmation!]

Munkynutz says: 8 nutz

Never had I thought that "Gee, I wonder if I would like a band from Texas with a chick for a bassist and that think they're a bunch of Vampires?" Well let me tell you that I damn well love it! This band of Texan Bloodsuckers rule! An album not to be caught without. Grooves straight from the Cane side of the bible. If you didn't catch that check out the Book of NOD from WhiteWolf games (This'll also help understanding the Gangrel angle). Released around the same time as Korn's debut, Rubberneck is a grooving and heavy album that deals with fantastical subject matter on such personal terms that you can't help but be attracted. Not a skip forward track to be found, you'll be unable to keep from falling under the Thrall of the Toadies.
N8 R8: 9.4

Unfortunately for some people this album will lack the pop hooks and singular sound that made the first album "Rubberneck" such a standout piece of work. Those people would be right, but also of importance is the fact that HBSA stands out as something not seen nearly enough as of late. A good album. One or two tracks stand a chance at being single material, but overall I feel that this is a good, and well rounded effort. Too bad we had to wait for almost 5 years to get it. Just buy it so we can show that something besides tired ass alterna-dj-rap-rock-angst-abuse tunes will sell out here in the real world. If you like the Toadies then pick it up, if not pass.

The Violent1 says: 7

Definitely another of my top 100 favorite CDz of all time. When it came to Tool, I had always been a little standoffish and after seeing them live I had to see the error of my ways. These guys just plain kick ass. Another album in the old out of ear, out of mind category. Everytime you go and listen to it you say "DAMN!" I try to keep it in rotation. As is the case with Undertow, my favorite song is the Title Track for the album. This is definitely an album that deserves high volume enjoyment and is quality, and sometimes even thought provoking, from beginning to end. Alright Jeremiah, Jeremiah, and Wuerfel it took me a while to catch on but I'm right there with ya on the front lines of the Tool Dudes with ya! Dark and heavy gotta have it!
N8 R8: 9.0