CD of the Month
  • Mudvayne
    Mudvayne
    by Mudvayne
Inspiration
  • Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    by Michael Moynihan, Didrik Soderlind
  • Retribution
    Retribution
    by Shadows Fall
  • Brutal Legend
    Brutal Legend
    Electronic Arts
Wednesday
Feb262014

Tidal Arms (self-titled)

Now these Brooklyn boys know how to rock some heavy, psychedelic shit without devolving into primal scream sessions.Having answered an ad in Craigslist, guitarist Tom Tierney joined vocalist/drummer Francis Mark to tour with his band Warship. After touring, their writing sessions led to adding bassist Patrick Southern to the fold for what would become Tidal Arms, who self-released their critically-acclaimed debut, The Sun Exploding, about 3 years ago. So how is their eponymous follow-up? Pretty damned good.

I can't say I go in for most post-hardcore, especially the primal scream therapy vocals and muddled, distorted bass heavy music that drones on far too long to be enjoyed, unlike the stoner metal jams I like to crank every now and then. But what Tidal Arms does is keep things melodic and change up the tempo enough to remind you they are true musicians even when things get a little more frenetic. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of feedback and moments of punk rock abandon mixed in with this sludge metal stew. But at least you get to enjoy some genuinely interesting dare I say progressive moments like Mirror Box and Jelloshotgum, or the Nirvanaesque intro of Molasses that gives way to some sweet, shimmering chord-strumming before [they start] kicking over tables and chairs.

The Bottom Line: Tidal Arms plays a good hybrid of psychedelic rock and post-hardcore styles that does a far better job of engaging listeners than the narcissistic catharsis that most of the genre claims as its style. Moments of introspection are interwoven with the explosive outbursts in such a deft manner that it makes the music all the more powerful and interesting.

Tracks For When You Want To Rock AND Piss Off The Neighbors: Mirror Box, Molasses, On The Train, Jelloshotgum and I Am The Owl

- Genghis needs a really bad-ass stereo system at home...

Monday
Feb242014

One Machine - The Distortion of Lies and the Overdriven Truth

Sadly, One Machine's debut album seems to lack direction, but gives you a glimpse of what may be an awesome sophomore release.You'll often hear me talk about that fine line between the complex musical arrangements of truly gifted musicians operating on another level and what is commonly referred to as wankery. And as much as I can respect the obvious talents of a given group of musicians, it's always a disappointment when their album isn't greater than the sum of its parts. Such is the case with One Machine and their debut album, The Distortion of Lies and the Overdriven Truth.

Having an impressive list of associated acts (Testament, Nevermore, Vicious Rumors, Mnemic, and Mercenary), One Machine sounds like it could be the dream debut of a band that wouldn't be called a supergroup only because of its members' lack of household name status. Sadly, the album seems to suffer from a lack of flow that puts some of the best introduction to One Machine at the last half of the album. tracks like Into Nothing and the fantastic Last Star Alights would've made a graceful beginning to TDOLATOT rather than the frenetic title track, though the most intense track, Evict the Enemy, feels like the proper denouement to the proceedings.

The Bottom Line: This is one of those unfortunate cases where more is less. There's an undeniable surplus of musical talent on display here, but in the metal maelstrom of sound, the thread of melody gets muddled past the point of enjoyment. But there is hope, as slower moments on the album provide a glimpse of what this band is really capable of, for future releases.

Tracks That Make You Wish There Were More Of Them On This Album: Into Nothing and Last Star Alights

- Genghis once again laments the dearth of Stine Brothers material...

Monday
Feb242014

Podcast #170: Bio

Guitarist Dave Garcia chews the fat with G&R, leaving the lads feeling a bit...inadequate.Why aren't there more rock biopics? Sure, we've gotten a few about The Beatles and The Doors, but why aren't there more? After all, rockers seem to live the lives we wish we could, so why aren't studios clamoring to tell their (presumably interesting) stories? We can look forward to the upcoming Mötley Crüe movie maybe, but what's next? Join Genghis & Ragman as they discuss the bands they wish had movies made about them and who should be involved. Next, the boys corner Cage/Hellscream guitarist Dave Garcia for a one on one as he discusses his side project, Hellscream's debut release, Made Immortal, and the current status of Cage.

DVD of the Show: Pagan’s Mind – Live Equation

Beer of the Show: Red Velvet Stout (Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.)
 
Appearance: 3.5
Aroma: 3.5
Palate: 3.0
Taste: 3.0
Overall: 3.0
"A nice entry in Buffalo Bayou's Secessionist series with chocolate and espresso notes, though we'd probably prefer it on tap."
 

Featured Tracks: Vanishing Point – Let the River Run; Pagan’s Mind – God’s Equation; Sasquatch – Smoke Signal; Steel Dragon – Stand Up; Still Crazy – Scream Freedom; Cage – Bloodsteel; Hellscream – Phoenix (We’ll Rise), VII (Seven Sins), and The Great Collector

Ragman’s Classic of the Show:  Life, Sex and Death – Fuckin' Shit-ass

Genghis’ Classic of the Show:  Vinnie Moore – Meltdown

Ragman’s Pick of the Show: Falling in Reverse – Champion

Genghis Pick of the Show: El Drugstore – Hipster Tits

- Ragman is getting back on track...

Podcast #170: Bio

Thursday
Feb202014

The Unguided - Fragile Immortality

Well, I gotta say, 2014 is starting out strong.  There have been many strong releases, so far, and The Unguided's latest release, Fragile Immortality, is no exception.  Picking up where they left off, with their stellar 2011 release, Hell Frost, these Swedes are back with a vengeance.  The Unguided mix the best aspects of Death Metal with Metalcore.  It is a mix of growls and clean vocals, over some killer melodic death metal.  It doesn't get much better than this.

For their sophomore release, Fragile Immortality, The Unguided give you more of the same.  This CD is chock full of melodic death tunes, with an alt vibe, mainly due to the vocal mix.  Think of early In Flames mixed with Killswitch Engage.  I guess another comparison could be to Scar Symmetry, because both bands are melodic, but can still crush your skull, at the same time.  The songs are well structured and memorable.  Oh, did I mention there is some killer shreddage?  This one is strong, from beginning to end.  Definitely one of my early faves in 2014.

Bottom LinePowerful melodic death metal, with an alt twist.  This is a band to watch out for in 2014.

Standout TracksEvery damn one of them.

-Ragman was glad the lads were able to avoid the sophomore jinx.

Thursday
Feb202014

Vanishing Point - Distance is the Sun

It's hard to categorize Vanishing Point because their music can appeal to so many different genres.  It's been 7 years since these talented Aussies have put out new product, so I was frothing at the mouth when I heard that they were releasing a new CD, entitled Distance From the Sun. If you're not familiar with the band, then you should get acquainted with them real soon because they mix the heavy with the melodic as good, if not better, than any band out there doing it today.

 The new CD is definitely the best album the band has put out since their second album Tangled in Dream, full of great tunes, making it hard to pick out a favorite track because they all rock.  The great thing about this album is the variety. One moment you're singing along with the melodic Let the River Run and next you're banging your head to the uptempo track Walls of Silence. This CD has it all and will be an essential addition to any metalhead's collection.

The Bottom Line: Vanishing Point returns after a seven year hiatus to give us their best album in almost 14 years, a solid mix of power, progressive and AOR all mixed into one tightly wrapped piece of ear candy so sweet you may want to see the dentist after listening to this one!

Standout Tracks: Let the River Run, Handful of Hope, Walls of Silence and Circle of Fire

- Ragman would have made this one CD of the month had Genghis not beaten him to the punch (this one will definitely be one of the top picks of 2014)...