Recent Reviews

Apotheosis - Farthest from the Sun

This is one of the most interesting CD's in my collection. Take Nightside era Emperor mix a little version of classical late 80's early 90's thrash. This may give you a slight clue on what this sounds like but unsure if that is close Brilliantly different. (Candlelight) -AC

Bad Religion - Process of Belief

Mr. Brett is back to work with the boys. I guess he is tired of pushing pens behind the desk of the cruel taskmaster that is Epitaph records. He has brought his songwriting talents with him, and together Bad Religion have put our their best album since 95's "Stranger Than Fiction". This album is more punk than you. Try "Sorrow" and "You Don't Belong," if you think you'll find no wisdom in a fucked up punk rock song. (Epitaph) -MB

Ani Difranco - Reveling/Reckoning

The two discs here provide two entirely different sides of the folk Goddess. As suggested by their respective titles the first disc is a joyful funk celebration while the second is an introspective dirge. While some of 'Revelings' jubilation is lost on me, there is no denying the deep emotional impact she creates with 'Reckoning'. Critics of her folk hip-hop fusion on the first disc will appreciate that she gets back to her roots for the second. "Old, Old Song" and "Subdivisions" from Reckoning are the high points of the 2 hours plus of music here, and possibly of her career. An incredible artist who just keeps getting better. (Righteous Babe) -MB

Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

No amount of praise could possible do this justice. Pure musical genius doesn't even begin to describe Six Degrees. The degrees themselves are six songs ranging from brilliant to epiphionic. The last song encompasses the entire second CD in this double CD set. This is the title track and though it is broken up into eight pieces it flows with the grace of Pink Floyd and the dark beauty of Tool and creates a modern rock opera. Psychopathology was never so matter of fact and complex at the same time. "Misunderstood" might very well be Dream Theater's greatest song to date. The tiny part of me that wishes they were heavier quickly relents to the rest of me that has to sit in awe of the virtuoso performances from every member. (Electra) -MB

Gwar - Violence Has Arrived

The last few Gwar albums have showcased eclectic musical styles and various other band members on vocals. Their departure from the band's 'metal' roots have brought a new level of entertainment to their already infamous live performances. With their eighth release, however, Gwar have produced the most brutal and, well, violent, release to date. Not really a concept album per se', all the songs focus on bloodshed and barbaric battle. Gone are a lot of the tongue in cheek lyrics fans have laughed about for the last three or four releases, but musically this album proves Gwar is a heavy player in the metal scene. "Abyss of Woe", "Apes of Wrath" and "The Song of Words" are my personal favorites here. (Metal Blade) -MB

Hate - Cain's Way

Holy Dead Trinity was a brutal first release. This one being their second, Cain's way seems like it may be the only way. An unrelenting assault of musical proportions! This picks up right where Holy Dead left off ! One of the few black/death bands that can combine the true essence of evil and the beauty of the musical roots. Fans of black/death should really dig this, but be prepared to be punished!! (WW3) -AC

Infamy - The Blood Shall Flow

When this band was around I didn't like them and my mind has not been changed. This puts me in the mood for nap! Boring Death/Grind (WW3) -AC

Keep of Kalessin - Again a Journey Through the Dark

The press release said it best: light, speed, and aggression because when they fly; they fly! The true beauty of this disk is within the more mid-paced early thrash stuff. Reminds me of Slayer (Show No Mercy era) and Venom. This disk is for any fan of Emperor, Enslaved and the above two. A very solid release: Chaotic,Atmospheric and Fast! (WW3) -AC

Keep of Kalessin - Through Times of War

I think if I heard this CD when it was released I would have liked it a lot more. Don't get wrong, this is a very tight, well oiled machine. My problem with this one is not enough speed. The biggest difference between K.O.K and most black/death bands is the vocals are a little cleaner. Decent but nothing to go ape shit about. (WW3) -AC

Mortal Decay - Forensic

When I found out about the CD I was very excited (no,not that way you sick sonsofbitches). For those of you that remember the mighty Sickening Erotic Fanaticism you know what I am talking about! The biggest difference between the releases is the vocals now are lower although still somewhat clean. The musicianship is top notch! Fans of Immolation, God Dethroned and Dying Fetus should really dig this. Simply brilliant. (Unique Leader) -AC

Nightwish - Century Child

This is their 4th release and the best yet! From Bless the Child to Christabel, it becomes clear this is one of the most talented metal bands today!!!! One of the noticeable differences is bassist Marco Hietala, formally of Sinergy. He really stands nicely against female vocalist Tarja. Their styles are so different but work together like nobody's business! He sometimes in a strange way reminds me a bit like the guy from Virgin Black but at times his aggression breaks in and then comes Tarja, with her beautiful operatic voice. Even this time around her voice shines in different light. She sings more in this disc but has attained total control over her voice. I see yourself asking "Well, what about the music?" From the fist note (if you're familiar with Nightwish) you will know it is them. For a first time listener you are in for a treat! Simply put: Power metal meets meets Goth meets Classical meets Thrash meets Progressive Rock (for idiots out there power metal and progressive rock are 2 totally different things) ! If that does not tickle your fancy check their cover of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!!! This is the best metal CD of the year! "To the end of all hope, we must slay the dreamer. Only to have one more night to live in ever dream!!!" (Spinefarm) -AC

Otep - Sevas Tra

If the right people get a hold of this band they will blow up! If not we may have another Crisis on our hands. That is closest band I can compare them to especially in the vocal department. Aggressive, mid and low. Granted not quite as low as the girl in Sinister but definatly close. Musically a heavy aggression with mid paced thrash that can be played on that shitty poor excuse for a music channel. Throw in some Egyptian atmosphere and you have Otep. (Capitol) -AC

Sirenia - At Sixes and Sevens

If you don't know who this band is yet, you will soon enough! This is Morten Veland's new band and if his name doesn't ring a bell, well does the album BEYOND THE VEIL mean anything to you? The first release since his departure from TRISTANIA. I must admit as much as I love World of Glass this blows it out of the water. Overall the speed is a little bit mid to fast, with all the beauty that we come to expect. The female vocals are not as high but simply different. All elements are there to truly make this a great goth album. (Napalm) -AC

Tomahawk

This one of the more widely accessible albums Mike patton has been involved with in years. More rock than Faith No More yet more subdued than the spastic Fantomas, and infinitely less diverse than Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk is an excellent mixture. Patton fans will love it, but for the first time in a long time, non Patton fans may also be able to get into it. "God Hates a Coward" is my choice for best song. Rock this one when you're feeling as manic as Patton's vocals. (Ipecac) -MB