Chasing The Coroner - "Sleep When You're Dead" Review

Arist: Chasing The Coroner

Album: Sleep When You're Dead

Genre: Deathcore

Chasing The Coroner's debut album hits February 28th, 2012. Total Deathcore got an exclusive first look at this album. CTC is a 4 piece from Wheeling, WV that formed in 2010. They were your normal deathcore/metal band until a line-up change, brought in Alex Wright on vocals. You may be asking yourself, "What's so special about Alex?" Alex is a woman, and she absolutely kills it.

I know what you're all thinking, though. And no, this isn't a iwrestledabearonce rip-off. They are nothing like IWABO, in fact. CTC just makes heavy music and none of the filler you find in IWABO. It is simply 12 tracks of pure mayhem and brutality. The only track they could have done without, in my opinion, is a remix track they did. It just doesn't fit in with the rest of the album.

While the actual writing may not bring anything innovative to the table, it is by no means bad. They aren't trying to disguise it either, which is refreshing. CTC just wants to come in and rip you face off. It's low tuned. It's dissonant. It has a lot of breakdowns, some they may even feel forced. And I am perfectly okay with this. Their music does exactly what they wanted it to do.

Keep an eye out for Chasing The Coroner's debut album, "Sleep When You're Dead", which drops on February 28th, 2012. If you're into belligerent breakdowns and low tunings, this album is for you. It does not focus on extreme technicality that other bands do. They just focus on being heavy, and in my opinion, are pretty damn good at it.

Favorite Track: Less Than A Dollar

Rating: 4/5

Mouth of The Serpent "Inception" Review

Genre: Death Metal/Progressive
Release: 2011
Location: California
Label: Swimming With Sharks Records

Tracklisting:
1. Nesting
2. The Gnargile
3.Secular Slaughter
4. Grey
5. Night Shift
6.Coat Hanger of Despair
7.Leave it to Cleaver
8. P.O.B.
9. Inception

There is nothing more refreshing than an unabashed unapologetic musicians having fun making the music they make. There are fewer bands more exemplary of this than the band Mouth of The Serpent on their release "Inception". The album starts completely unrelenting and never ever lets up. The absolute deluge of "Inception"

Waiting On Exile "Scenarios" Review

Location: New York

Genre: Technical/Progressive/Death Metal

Label: Searching

http://www.facebook.com/WaitingOnExile?sk=info
Say you go to a chain coffee shop, you go there not so much to get a cup of coffee that's out of this world good, but its good, and it's everywhere you cant really take two steps without seeing it, it's convenient. But then one day, maybe by word of mouth or just spontaneous decision, you step into an independent coffee place. A place you had to do a bit of looking to find, a place that's unfamiliar, maybe even a place that feels a little strange. But the coffee there is fantastic, it's product is well worth the time finding it and was definitely worth the venture. Yonkers New York's group, Waiting  On Exile's e.p. "Scenarios" is the metaphorical independent coffee shop if you will. There's plenty of amazing technical death metal out there that everyone in the scene knows about. And by no means are those bands average or even better than average, most of those bands are nothing less than phenomenal. But "Scenarios" is technical metal that, judging by Waiting On Exile's Facebook page is not particularly well known, but the music is definitely worth the venture.

Annotations of a Psychopath-Not only does the opening track on the e.p. begin with very appropriate ambient sounds that sound perfectly at home given the songs title but the music itself is very wild and erratic, it doesn't stay in one form to long jumping not only from spastic guitar riffing to frenzied chugging and blistering solo sections, frenzied pummeling and more restrained beating of the drums and the vocalist grunting, snarling, and howling, brings the song to disturbing, haunting, beautiful life.

The Monalisa- "The Monalisa", while feeling far more structured than the previous song is no less amazing, the drumming is much more on display for all its speed and rhythm here and while the guitars still pull off the amazing work  that is all over the recording, they have a much darker feeling and a far more chugging presence on this song although there are still solo sections that are as talented as they are interesting to listen to, feel far more sinister and it is maybe this that makes the vocal sections of this song sound brooding and bleak as well. All in all an excellent song that carries the e.p. along on the amazing wave that began the album and really manages to showcase the band's talent at making music that causes each song to sound  somewhat unique and still have the elements that show the song is their own.

Death Anxiety- The guitars open very crushingly on this track and refuse to let up at all. Shattering sonic assaults pause momentarily for a very jazzy interlude bringing out clean, wailing guitar tones that if Waiting On Exile hadn't already proven to listeners that their musical abilities, guitars, vocals,  and drumming are hugely exceptional, this song surely solidifies that fact. A fantastic song that shows Waiting on Exile are capable of not only brutal technical metal, but also a more restrained fury.

BC- The huge, all encompassing, somewhat calm introduction in this song is certainly not the mood set for the entire song. "BC" is just as ferocious as the other songs on the album, "Scenarios" closes out the album with a taste of everything they can do, the phenomenal controlled chaos that began the album and the restrained fury that it goes out on. The song doesn't sum up everything heard on "Scenarios" so it isn't the only song one can listen to and take away how immense the recording is, but certainly it brings together all the elements on the e.p. weaves them into a supremely addictive piece of music.

Going back to the metaphor, you may leave the independent coffee shop and continue going back to the chain place, after all its everywhere, and it's not like the independent shop was a one time thing, you'll still go back whenever you can and much like that, listening to the music on "Scenarios" this good and this intricate, you'll know you're in for a treat.
5/5

Xenocide "Galactic Oppression" Reveiw

Location: Vancouver BC

Genre: Technical Death Metal / Galactic Death Metal

Release Date: 2011

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Vancouver's own cosmic brutality machine, Xenocide may not have the name recognition of The Faceless or Rings of Saturn, but their 2011 release "Galactic Opression" prove themselves to be just as skilled at both playing their instruments as they are at crafting songs that are both, perfectly constructed, fiercely resounding, and titanically heavy.

I, Warning-not to waste listeners time, Xenocide begin their musical battering right after an intricate bass introduction, the absolute skill of the guitar players in this bamd is immediatley apparent, as is the infectiously rhythmic drumming and the viciously powerful and refreshingly different vocal rumblings and howls that rip into listening ears and something I cant really place but it sounds really nice and somewhat different. It's a great opening track and it defmitely sets the bar high for the entire recording.

Space Rot- A far more breakneck song than what came before, "Space Rot" shows off Xenocide's talents at making bristling music that has just as much technicality as the less chuggy songs on the album. The music is no less fantastic and even a little of a piano outro to give the song some flair. A song that is interesting, fun and even a bit surprising nearthe end, the piano isn't at all unwelcome and it doesnt come out of nowhere but it still does surprise.

Death From Orbit-Have to love how Xenocide can continually live up to the standards they set for themselves song by song, a sort of hybrid of the past two songs on "Galactic Opression" the crushing music is dark and ferocious and pulverizing, the guitar solos that intersperse the song are haunting and sinister. The combination of both the absolutely wonderful forms of music Xenocide has already displayed becomes one utterly facemelting onslaught of wonderfully technical metal that is fascinating to listen to.

Remnants Of Organics-One of the wonderful things about Xenocide is the ability they have to spin off their formula just enough so that you still know its a Xenocide song but just different enough that it doesnt sound like a rehash of another song of theirs. It's no less technical and every bit as brutal, the more clean and writhing guitar moments in between the smashing interludes keep some variety in play and keeps "Galactic Oppression" fresh. When so much music in this day and age relies on albums of singles that get released and the rest of the music is just filler, metal is one of the few scenes hat hasn't devolved into that formula and Xenocide is a band that really exemplifies that fact.

Misanthropic Dreams- Amazing instrumental track, as with most instrumental tracks it sounds a great deal more mellow than the rest of the album, a very powerful and amazing compsition that gives us a chance to catch up with the breakneck speed that band has moved at since the begining of "Galactic Opression"

Galactic Opression- Saving the best for last, the title track on "Galactic Opression" is the culmination of everything that the band has displayed in one very immense, very impressive piece of music. The fact the song is a little extra long certainly doesnt hurt.

Forgotten Bloodlines & Empty Oaths- Amazingly this band and album seem to have the power to never get old or overdone in any way, shape, or form. Xenocide are musicians that are incapable of losing stride or missing step, this song has met if not shattered the bar that the opening track set, as is the case with the rest of the massive talents throughout the recording.

Xenocide- Gotta love an ending track that makes you want to listen to the whole album again. It's as catchy as it is phenomenally heavy and technical and the fact it made me want to listen to the whole album again was not an isolated incident. If it weren't for the fact I had to come and write about how amazing this album is, I would still be listening to it into infinite!

Lyrically, musically and artisticly, Xenocide are a band thats is a breath of fresh air. Their debut recording "Galactic Opression" is a fantastic showing of everything thats right with the technical metal scene. Their talent is out of this world, the idea is stellar, and the fact they don't have a larger following is the truly alien idea here.

Rating: 4.5/5

I, The Breather "These Are My Sins" Review

Genre: Technical / Christian / Metalcore
Release Date: 2010
Label: Sumerian Records

Tracklisting:
1.Forgiven
2.The Common Good
3.Destroyer
4.High Rise
5.Longevity
6.Doomsday
7.Conquer
8.Empathy
9.Crown Me King
10.Allspark
11.Illuminate

With the ever growing metal scene, it stands to reason more bands of every spiritual background are beginning to show. This is especially true of the christian metal scene, where unfortunately, the music is sometimes lost to the message. This is not however the case with Baltimore's own I The Breather, even with Sumerian Records' ever diversifying roster, I The Breather's debut album on the label "These Are My Sins" prove both the fact that this band has just as much talent as they have conviction. Introducing the album, the song "Forgiven" gives a brief moment before the albums ferocity and passion is well and truly unleashed. The grinding guitars and searing drumming are all subject to not only moments of fist clenching fury and wild, technical breakdowns and tempo changes, but bring out some very clean guitar solos and interludes that fit together seamlessly with the howling zeal the vocalist brings to the song, the vocals are not only wonderfully aggressive, but some bands that follow the religious theme in their music have an interesting habit of being lyrically and not just vocally aggressive, I The Breather's lyrically faithful words range from the calm serenity to despair, to anger, fear, and even some doubt. Not to say they are the only christian band to have more than one emotion lyrically but certainly "These Are My Sins" have some of the most poignant and introspective lyrics of many  metal releases to date.

 
Songs "The Common Good", "High Rise" and "Destroyer" bring more of the gentle brutality that I The Breather are so well versed in seamlessly blending their instruments, voice, and thoughts into s fervent, catchy, and pummeling examples of music . Where the album really begins to shine and stand out is the song "Longevity" which has a very massive feeling introduction and incorporates backing shouts that only serve to add to the furor that the music already had. Even some piano makes an appearance here, making "Longevity" a very beautiful song and certainly helps "These Are My Sins" be the Jewell of an album it is. "Doomsday" and "Conquer" follow with very dark narratives that would sound downright nihilistic if the music was played any more heavily. This is part of I The Breather's appeal as they are just heavy enough in their music, without going any heavier than they must to make music that is not only crushing, but in some cases rather uplifting. The instrumentalists are given a chance to shine in the instrumental track "Empathy" which is not only a very beautiful piece of metal music and also proves that these musicians are more than just a metal band with a message they believe in. Allspark is a return to the optimistic, if not cheerful lyrics that covered much of this album along with the astoundingly talented music to back up the meaning and then the album closes out with the song "Crown Me King"  having quite possibly the most fearsome zeal on the entire album given the length of the song, which allows for the band to remind you they're capable of playing technical, aggressive music far more than competently and bring a message that gives highest praise to their spiritual inspiration. It may not get more people to church, but "These Are My Sins" is certainly an amazing work that is sure to have many saints and sinners alike listening to the wonderful music within.

Embracing Abomination "(i)" Review + Free Album Stream

Genre: Other

Location: Saskatoon, SK
Release Date: January 1st, 2012

Embracing Abomination is not your typical band. What started as a solo project for Brandon Sikorsky, it soon expanded. With the addition of Alex Bent, Embracing Abomination was now a two man band. Alternative is the only way to describe this band’s music, as it is a break from the norm. I (i) takes you on a sonic journey from beginning to end, with the high point being my personal favorite, “Forget Me.” Whether they are crooning to you on “Forget Me” and “Sleep Light” or seething on the heavy hitting mathcore song “Blind Me” Embracing Abomination bridges genre gaps and destroys the boundaries of traditional music. The waves of emotions that cascade over you while you listen to this album make you not just love the music; it makes you connect with the song itself. You are no longer just a listener, you are an active participant in the song itself. Embracing Abomination sounds like nothing I’ve heard before, and that’s a good thing in this day and age of cookie cutter bands that all look, act, and sound the same. The only bands I could compare them to would be Dream Theater when they play ballads, Explosions in the Sky with vocals, and some elements of Architects. The ambience, pure musicianship, and the passion behind the music all come through excellently. It’s a shame it is only 5 tracks, because I am sure you will have this album on repeat and listen to it over and over again. I highly recommend the song “Forget Me” it is the best song on the album and my favorite song by the band.

Rating: 5/5

-Justin Rodin

After The Burial - In Dreams

Genre: Technical/Deathcore/Metalcore

Release: 2010

Label: Sumerian Records

Tracklisting

1. My Frailty

2. Your Troubles Will Cease and Fortune Will Smile Upon You

3.Pendelum

4.Bread Crumbs & White Stones

5. To Carry You Away

6. Sleeper

7. Promises Kept

8. Encased in Ice

Along with their Sumerian Records label mates, After The Burial are a band making intensely fierce and seductively intricate music. This has always been the case with this band but remains true if not becoming more apparent on their release "In Dreams". The soaring guitar solos on the indroductory song "My Frailty" contrast with the more moody churning music on "Your Troubles Will Cease and Fortune Will Smile Upon You". Along with the complex and infectiously catchy breakdowns, the album is sprinkled with sections of clean guitar such as the begining of the albums most musically fascinating and lyrically interesting song "Pendelum" flowing seamlessly into the fast paced "Bread Crumbs & White Stones" and even some acoustic moments like the begining of "To Carry You Away" even if that song transforms into crunching breakdowns and rythmic wonderful drumming that can be heard everywhere on the album, serenely fading away to the raging song "Sleeper" that shows off the fury After The Burial is capable of. Throughout this album, the vocals fit in with the music both the highs and lows that both haunt and rattle listeners and interspersed with amazing gang vocals on several songs that keep things a bit different.



 "To Carry You Away" and "Encased in Ice", the albums two final songs are excellent notes to leave on, "To Carry You Away" really emphasizes the less fearsome aspects of "In Dreams" having an amazing introduction and proceeding into rushing, powerful music and ascending into soaring guitar work and shouted gang vocals while the main vocalist espouses a sense of sadness while "Encased in Ice" belts out systematic mechanical fury that at least to this listener, sounds very hip-hop inspired. The music and vocals all over this album are superb, and the feeling of the music is very very unique. It's not lost on me that many of the  lyrics on this album are not happy go lucky lyrics, but something in the delivery on this album both vocally and musically is just the slightest bit uplifting. "In Dreams" may not be feel good music, but it feels good to listen to it. It's an album that makes for a very calming and yet still energetic listen on top of the fact that the music is made so well it draws a listener in and before they know it, they've listened to the album twice in a row.

Rating: 4.5/5

Rose Funeral - Gates of Punishment

Genre: Melodic / Death Metal / Deathcore

Release Date: 2011

Label: Metal Blade Records

It seems everything that can happen to a band has happened to Cincinnati death dealers, Rose Funeral. Various lineup changes and a lengthy silence from the band after their last album "The Resting Sonata" finally gave way to the band releasing its latest album "Gates of Punishment" quite easily their best work to date and definitely one of the greatest metal albums released this year.

Legions of Ruination- The opening track gives a bit of a reminder that Rose Funeral havent strayed too far from their roots, it's got a dark opening followed by a few moments of musical rage, not the most original opening to an album ever but certainly Rose Funeral fas won't be dissapointed.

Grotesque Mutilation- This track begins the introduction into the somewhat new style that Rose Funeral has on "Gates of Punishment". The music is just as punishing and skilled as it was on previous releases, but there is a  much more prominent melodic death metal influence with amazing riffs and some very refreshing guitar solos along with drumming that pummels away behind the searing vocals that lyrically aren't far from the beaten path when it comes to Rose Funeral. As far as songs go, this is definitely a good example of what listeners can expect throughout the rest of the album.

Beyond The Entombed- Okay this is why I love this album! This song definitely is one of the many very high points on "Gates of Punishment" not only does it incorporate the ruthless shredding and musical ability that is displayed all over the record, there are also little symphonic peices included in this track that not only keep listeners listening but it also has the added effect of enhancing the feel of the song and the album as a whole giving it a bit of a more sinister sound than just the fury that the band has always so very well portrayed. This willingness to include an element not yet really heard in their music is what makes Rose Funeral a great band and "Gates of Punishment" a great album.

False Divine- Following the previous track, Rose Funeral return to doiug what they do best, slamming music that makes them a sheer joy to listen to. The song is very recognizable as Rose Funeral's work at the very least on their new recording. The song is quick paced and just as blistering as one would expect a song from Rose Funeral to be. Steve Tucker makes an appearance before the track closes, adding some vocal variety to the song and again, shows the band's ability to keep things interesting.

Arise Infernal Existence- Another battering song that shows Rose Funeral aren't letting up anytime soon, halfway through the record they keep true to form of extremely talented members and a very excellent understanding of song structure. The shortage of breakdowns is a bit more noticeable on this track and that can be either a good or bad thing depending on one's taste. Although breakdowns are present, Rose Funeral has learned to use that musical tool sparingly so as to not make their songs repetative.

Malignant Amour- And again here is an especially brilliant moment on an already brilliant album. The inclusiveness of symphonic instrumentals along with Kate Alexander's ethereal guest appearance along with the grinding music and already amazing vocals make this song a personal favorite on the album. Everything seems to have come together on this song to make a fantastic and very spooky song which is in no way a negative thing. The band may want to consider doing another song simmilar to this again, it's some seriously amazing work.

A Recreant Canticle- Theres something rather comforting that this band can make so many songs that do not much else but whack a listener over the head with a musical crowbar and not once manage fall into the trap of making songs that sound exactly like the others. It's still apparent that the members of this band are not only competent with their instruments, theyre amazingly talented. The music is amazing all around and each instrument complements the others. One would think that it would get old listening to songs like this nearing the end of the album would have gotten old but thanks to Rose Funerals amazing abilities, it is nowhere close to being old.

The Desolate Form- The Desolate Form brings out some of the angriest most aggresive lyrics on the album that of course are right at home with the brutal heavy music that will be very familiar to listeners at this point, this song seems most reminiscent of older Rose Funeral music having a few more breakdown moments than other songs have had and that's not a bad thing, it's a nice moment of nostalgia devoted fans will be happy to hear on this album that has shown the band evolving from its previous sound.

Entercism- This is a fun song, lyrically what seems to be demonic possesion and maybe its just this reveiwers opinion but it's an amusing title as opposed to the word excorcism. And of course this all layered over the impecable music that makes this song a jewel in an already amazing collection of songs.

Amidst Gehenna- Just to show they aren't finished, Rose Funeral start this song swinging on what may be the darkest most brooding aggressive song on the album. The hateful lyrics and the music that seems to be played with the sole intent of hammering listeners relentlessly and the vocals designed to tear into a listener's very essence, it's an evil evil and yet oh so good song that leaves a trail of musical battering in its wake.

Gates of Punishment- On the final, title song of "Gates of Punishment" brings all the elements from this album together to bring one final onslaught of music that will leave fans craving more. The song seems done when the classical interlude begins but as it ends, the band returns to remind listeners they are every bit as brutal at the end of the record as they were at the begining.

Rose Funeral are one of those bands that deserve to make it big. The latest offering by them further cements that fact as not only have they proven they can make brutal music with the best of them, but also are perfectly willing and able to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves, however breifly with something new. That challenge has definitely succeeded making "Gates of Punishment" an absolute pleasure to listen to for anyone interested in heavy music and also a precursor of amazing things to come from this group of absolutely wonderful musicians.

Rating: 5/5

A Night at the Chalet "Filth" Review + Exclusive Album Streaming

Genre: Death Metal

Location: Milwaukee, WI

What do you think of when you hear Milwaukee, WI? Certainly not finely craft death metal by the name of 'A Night at the Chalet' on Innerstrength Records, which has released a new album titled 'Filth' that is anything but filth.

A Night at the Chalet sound is very tight, tighter then a virgin midget nun to be exact. Everything is put together better then the Pyramids themselves. This wall of intense shredding and blasting is made up of; Corey Wayne on vocals, John LaVar on guitars, Carl Danielson on guitars, Skinners Mc Tattat on drums and Ethan Kruizenga on bass.

The album 'Filth' starts out with a tracked titled 'Digusting Images of Reality' which right away you hear what A Night at the Chalet is capable of, fast shredding, blasting drums, vocals that growl with pure power and breakdowns that stop you in your tracks. The next track, which is a instrumental, titled 'Into the City of the Dead' leads you into track 3 titled 'Forever Entombed Amongst the Catacombs' that has a very awesome breakdown that just smashes your face.

Track after track A Night at the Chalet reminds me of a orchestrated death metal type sound. By that I mean the sound is very wide and not just a strait forward approach of death metal. The vocals are very unique, they are so raw and mean, if you were to hear this band on someone's stereo you'll know who it is right away for sure.

I really enjoy this album fully from start to finish but there is one track that kind of stands out to me for some reason is track 9 titled 'Diminish the Human Existence'. The guitar riffs are very well put together and really capture you then tears your human body to bits. Both guitarist add their own touch of epicness, not just with this track but all tracks as well.

I recommend you give these guys a listen. I can tell they put a lot of effort and work into their sound.

Rating: 5/5

Aversions Crown "Servitude" Review + Full Album Streaming and Free Download

Genre: Technical Deathcore

Location: Brisbane, Australia

What technical 8 string madness is this pouring out of my speakers? It's none other then the Australian tech-deathcore geniuses known as Aversions Crown which hail from Brisbane, Australia. This isn't your normal 8 string low end style of brutal deathcore, no, Aversion Crown makes full use of their 8 strings. Each track is filled with fretboard shredding like no other as well as drums to match. So join me on this journey through their album of pure fury, 'Servitude' and crank it!

Full track by track review and streaming of Aversions Crown 'Servitude', enjoy!

Track 1. No Salvation

There is 'No Salvation' after you have started this album, which is the first track's title. I hope your sitting down after you press play, because this band will knock you on down on your ass. The riffs are brutal and very well put together and the drumming is a beast of its own blasting. Everything about Aversions Crown is cranked to 11. The track starts with a display of the beautiful low end of the 8 strings then blast into a technical side that keeps progressing. The vocals are so powerful, everything is filled with unrelenting power. But prepare yourself, this first track is just the beginning of what Aversions Crown is about.

Track 2. Excoriate

'Excoriate', enters and takes you to the next level of technical deathcore. 'Excoriate' starts off with a nice build up before it unleashes upon you with a wave guitars which I love how the guitars pan and play 2 different riffs. The sweeps are so sweet and very well played. I love the breakdown that spawns at the end of this track and leads right into the next track.

Track 3. Imperfect Design

'Imperfect Design', which there is nothing imperfect about Aversions Crown's design. This song starts with a nice chug just as we are leaving 'Excoriate' with a beautiful breakdown riff. Is it possible to outdo yourself? The answer is yes. The guitars make full use of their 8 strings, they leave nothing untouched. This track does feature a lot more chug then the others but doesn't leave you with just chugging. There is a nice little trade off of guitars midway then after a nice low-end string riff there is some high end insanity. The design of these songs are so well put together.

Track 4. Hive Mind

Up next, 'Hive Mind' which features some keyboards in the mix that adds a nice layer to the starting riffs. This song is meant to sound epic. It has a machine feel, at least to me, which sounds perfect and fits the name of this track. Everything about this song tells a story. A master piece this is, a display of writing skill.

Track 5. Repurposed - Reprogrammed

Now its time to 'Repurposed - Reprogrammed', which is an extension of 'Hive Mind'. I really enjoy how every track flows together. There has been a lot of thought into this songs. You must really not have shuffle on while listening to Aversions Crown, this album is meant to be listened to in order to get the full effect of this Australian technical fury machine.

Track 6. Solace

'Solace' starts with a nice relaxing guitars, it is differently the eye of the this hurricane. This is a beautiful instrumental and gives you time to reflect on what you have heard so far. But don't get to comfortable.

Track 7. Partisan Destruction

The fury returns with 'Partisan Deconstruction', which starts out blasting. The storm has returned and takes you into a whirlpool of riffs. This track has a lovely breakdown that really gets your head moving then sucks you into a tornado of riffs, drums, and vocals. There is some good off timing parts in this track. As you can tell, i keep using words like whirlpool and tornado to describe this track, because that is the feeling I get from this one, its a spinning feel. It's the best I can describe it.

Track 8. We're Not Safe

Maybe its because 'We're Not Safe' as the next track states. This one really takes you on a off time riff ride at first. Then stabs you with a very well put together guitar lead and pounds you with low ends afterwards. Again, this track seems flows right out of the last one. It seems like every song you hear is a different band but in a good way. It's not the same thing over and over. Can it be, are these guys the Beatles of deathcore? That is a very bold statement I know.

Track 9. Defiler

'Defiler' takes over, pouring out of your speakers with heaviness. Midway there is a nice slow down of beautiful put together guitars which unfolds into a nice breakdown riff that is like a steam hammer pounding as if building some kind of machine.

Track 10. Praetorian

Now, it's time for 'Praetorian' which stands over you like a giant. There are many layers on this song. This one is the 2nd shortest track on the album, lasting only 2:50 minutes but gets the job done.

Track 11. Advocator Of Mans Genocide

The next chapter of this story, which is the last track, 'Advocator of mans Genocide' takes off right as 'Praetorian' ends. This is the closing, it is a statement. I really enjoy the guitar work on this one, its so smooth.

The entire album is so epic and deserves a full listening, or 2. The album is put together so nicely like a story. It has all the elements of one, from setting, conflict, climax and resolution. The members of Aversions Crown; Colin - Vocals, Kevin - Guitar, Chris - Guitar, Steve - Bass, & Jayden - Drums, do a wonderful job of expressing their self with amazing style of deathcore.

Be sure to head over to their facebook page and join the thousands that already liked their page.

For sure 5/5 rating hands down.

Album/Merch Link:

If you liked what you hear and would like to hear it whenever you want, click the button below to get a free download of the album.

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The Contagion Effect "Dichotomy of Reality" Review + Exclusive Streaming & Free Download!

Genre: Death Metal / Deathcore

Location: Baltimore, MD

Tracklist:

1. 3.763.5

2. Desistance

3. Exsanguination

4. A Global Abortion

5. 1120 A.E. (After Extinction)

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The Contagion Effect, hailing from Baltimore and made up of some of the members of the band Whisteria Cottage are the kind of band that have the magical combination of having a musical vision and the immense talent to bring that vision to fruition. On their EP "Dichotomy of Reality", The Contagion Effect have created a recording that is as listenable as it is heavy. The ferocity delivered by the music on "Dichotomy of Reality" is immediately recognizable from Whisteria Cottage although The Contagion Effect is another animal entirely. The music has a distinct fury and catchy quality that makes this EP stand out in the scene today. The ominous intro 3.763.5 is one of the best examples of introducing the tone for the rest of the recording but not taking away from the rest of the songs. The guitar work is superb on the entire EP both being able to break down and chug with the best of them along with slamming out some technical moments throoughout all the tracks to keep things interesting such as on the tracks "Exsanguination" and "Desistance"  with the bass adds the crushing depth that helps make this album so heavy , the drums pound away with almost superhuman abandon and the vocals rip into listeners with both unrelenting fury and dark brooding lyrics such as the words belted out on "A Global Abortion" and throughout the rest of the recording. The equally smashing and intelligent outgoing track, 1120 leaves listeners tantilized with this band's talent.  The fact that The Contagion Effect keeps the music different enough to keep a listener listening while not straying from the formula they have developed in and of itself makes this EP great. Being such a short EP, its difficult to pick a standout track that really outdoes the others, a task made even more difficult by the fact "Dichotomy of Reality" is a wonderfully made peice of music all around. It's not genre breaking nor is it something we've all heard before. The Contagion Effect has harnessed their amazing ability to bring an amazing breath of fresh air in a genre of music and indeed the larger music scene that seems to sucumb to staleness and repetition all too often. If "Dichotomy of Reality" has a weakness at all, it is it's rather short length, it seems a bit unfair to present listeners with such an amazing peice of work that ends all too soon.

Rating: 4.5/5

Micawber 'Viral' Review + Exclusive Album Streaming!

Genre: Death Metal
Location: Mishicot, WI

Micawber, a 5 piece death metal band from Mishicot, WI made up of Sean Thompson - Guitar, Leighton Thompson - Guitar, Jeff Plewa - Vocals, Tyler Lachowicz - Drums and Nick (Marv) Gouin - Bass, certainly knows how to blast. Their latest album 'Viral' is filled with a non-stop assault of brutal death metal that never slows down, much like old school death metal bands, there are no slow breakdowns.

The album starts off with a track called 'The Colonization' that starts with out with some string instruments which builds up to a wave of blast beats and fast guitar shredding. There are no vocals on this 1:10 intro track but it quickly gives you a taste of what is to come... pure brutality.

The title track of the album, 'Viral', unleashes just as the intro finishes. I really enjoy the changing speeds of the double kick when the vocals start, very nice touch. The drummer certainly keeps everything interesting. There is one thing for sure, Micawber will certainly go Viral with their death metal assault sound.

The next track, 'Beyond the Throne', does start off a bit slower then Viral but in no way chuggy deathcore type slow. The guitars are always at full volume, set at 11 (thumbs up if you get the reference). The song does pick up speed like a coming storm which throws you back into your throne.

'A Timid Existence' is next and there is nothing 'timid' about Micawber for sure. All the riffs (in every track) are fast, very tight with very solid drumming and vocals roaring at your face. The lead in this track is very well played with a nice solid riff behind it. I'm really impressed with all the change ups Micawber does in their music and how well placed they are.

Next is 'Systematic Manipulation' (awesome title by the way). This track, like the others, is filled with amazing guitar riffs and intense drumming. These guys spend a lot of time coming up with these songs for sure they are super tight and very well organized.

'The Calamity' comes out swinging hard and fast. There is a epic feel to this one which has a hint of Nile's style into it, at least that is what I'm hearing. But in no way Micawber is stealing, they add their own little touch to the sound.

'Victim of Persuasion' starts off with a very classic death metal sound. This track also has the closest thing to a breakdown type riff that played super tight but its not a slow breakdown as many bands do today. The riffs are fast and sporadic as if these guys were machines.

Speaking of machines, 'Mechanized Enslavement' follows with a nice classic 4 count on the snare. This drummer is pretty damn amazing by the way, he has some very nice speed and very tight (yes, i keep saying tight). This track is relentless as its predecessors. Each track is it's own beast and pay attention to all the change ups in these tracks they are pretty damn amazing.

Which leaves us with the final track on the album, a short outro instrumental that wraps up this saga that is 'Viral'.

The musicianship of this band is very amazing. They are very solid and the production of this album is perfect. The stamina and energy of these guys are pretty intense. I do have to admit, even with all the change ups etc some of the tracks do kind of have the same feel to them. But, I do highly appreciate their musicianship, so I give this album a 5/5.

If you're looking for pure death metal the way it used to be played, Micawber is for you. Check them out.

Rating: 5/5

Marching Mind - Self Titled (Review)

 Marching Mind - Self Titled

Location: Vancouver, Canada
Genre: Prog rock/Heavy Rock

4 stars

Marching Mind are a band I'd not heard prior to being given these tracks to review and admittedly, I was a little unsure how I would approach it once I was told what they were like. So I did it the only way I knew how - dive right in ready for anything and with no expectations.

Initially, its not the sort of thing I'd have paid much heed to if I'd just heard it on the radio (my ears would have pricked up at the progressive nature had it been commercial radio though), but after giving it a serious listen, I found myself surprised by the varieties used, the intricacies and the musicianship. The album as a whole shines with an array of influences, earlier prog rock bands, some more recent Heavy rock bands and even a few moments which reminded me of Mastodon, but it still keeps their own distinct flavor running throughout, which is impressive as that's something most bands fail to do.

Everything pieces together well and very little (if anything) is out of place for what's happening within any given song. My only criticism would be that there are a few things that are a little cliche and some things that have been done before. Things like a typical verse/chorus/verse song are a little odd for a band that (to me) is going for a very progressive sound, but understandably, these kinds of songs an break up this kind of record well. There's also the occasional addition of the "tried and true (but done to death)" major chord progressions with an anthemic vocal line, but as mentioned, in the context of the song it fits.

The tracks all have something different and unique to offer, each song has it's own feel, but it all manages to keep itself rooted in the sound, even if it's only in a small way. Each of the members seem to be accomplished musicians, each one of them takes a moment to stand out and show off what they can do, but without the usual showboating that some prog bands fall victim to. They all work together as a cohesive unit to create what you're hearing and it's shows they've put thought into their craft as songwriters.

 Definately worth a listen for fans of Rush, Tool & Mastodon, but with the occasional heavier twist. Stand out tracks for myself would be Shattered Helm and The Harbinger...

Boris The Blade "Tides of Damnation" EP Review

OFFICIAL SITE

Boris The Blade, is a 5 piece death metal act out of Melbourne, Australia. Their latest EP, Tides of Damnation, features guest appearances from members of Thy Art Is Murder and Signal The Firing Squad, as well as having a guitarist from The Red Shore. Prepare your eardrums for a 20 minute no holds barred, all-out assault, courtesy of Boris The Blade.

1. Like Wolves - The first track comes out of the gates of Hell and sets the entire tone of the album. Spoiler alert: It's pure insanity. The low, guttural vocals, blast beats and fast double bass drum action, tremolo picking, and absolutely insane breakdowns will get your heart racing. This is one hell of an opening track. One that you will not be disappointed with.

2. A Vulgate Prophet - The drums start this track off and they don't let up. It's almost like their drummer has a few extra arms to produce all these sounds. A breakdown quickly greets you with a punch to the face, and it goes back into the insanity. It keeps switching back and forth, but the breakdowns are never the same. Some are just plain heavy. Some have some groove to them. Some make you want to start a fight. The heaviness never lets up, and never feels tacked on.

3. For The Wretched - If you can hear past the ridiculous (meant in a good way!) drums, you can start to hear some pretty technical guitar work being layered in underneath. This band can really do it all, they just do heavy the best. There is again, no shortage of breakdowns and in this song. I would normally not be a fan of so many, but they find a way to keep it fresh every single time, even if you know it's coming. I don't like to say that these songs all sound similar, but they do. It's not a bad thing at all, but there are some changes in style that start at the end of this track, and lead to the next.

4. Wastelands - This track continues where the last one left off. It really gives me an Oceano feel as the lead guitar is playing a mysterious, almost foreign inspired riff over a breakdown. This is a short interlude track leading to the final two songs on the EP. Heavy, short, but gives you a little breather before we continue on.

5. Your Last Breath - This track reminds you that they are still here to rip your face off, from start to finish. It's really more of the same that you have been hearing. Lots of breakdowns, lots of good instrumental work, and brutal vocals. If you have been a fan of this EP thus far, this song will continue to make you happy. They use longer breakdowns in this track, as opposed to the shorter ones they have been using previously.

6. Tides of Damnation - Well you've made it to the last track alive. They really left it all on the court, so to speak. We get some awesome technical guitar work off the start and throughout, superb drumming, and crushing vocals. Say hello to some guest vocals that set off a ridiculously heavy breakdown in the middle of the song.

Boris The Blade released this EP like they had something to prove. If they did, or didn't, it doesn't matter. They made their point on this EP: They are damn good at writing heavy music that isn't boring. You get it all from Tides of Damnation. Technical guitars, insane drums, demonic vocals, it has it all! They have, what I like to call, "micro-breakdowns" as well as full on breakdowns. All in all, an absolutely stunningly awesome EP from Boris The Blade. I highly recommend this to anyone that is a fan of deathcore.

Rating: 4.5/5

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A Loathing Requiem "Psalms of Misanthropy" Review

Genre: Technical/Brutal Death Metal

Label: Self Released

Release Date: 2010

Malcolm Pugh has never been a man of half measures. Fans already familiar with him know his work in the fantastic band Inferi and for a guest appearance on the amazing album “Our Cursed Rapture” by Enfold Darkness. The guitar work exhibited on those albums by Mr. Pugh has never been anything but phenomenal and this time out, on his completely solo venture “Psalms of Misanthropy” under the moniker A Loathing Requiem, Malcolm Pugh proves himself to be one of the singularly most talented musicians on the heavy metal scene today. All the instruments on this album were handled by Malcolm Pugh and all the instruments are masterfully handled. The opening track “Annihilation Induced by the Luminous Firestorm” display crushing drum sections, sinister vocals and guitar work and solos that would give Dragonforce a run for their money. Showing not only a talent for technical work, Malcolm proves he can do brutal all by himself with slamming interludes on such tracks as “Rapturous Euphoria” and “And Darkness Was Cast”. The entire album rings of a cohesive sound that is no doubt partially caused by the single musician working away on the entire work. “Psalms of Misanthropy” is a dense work and will most assuredly require most listen once or twice to hear not only the unrelenting brutality of the music but the more subtle technical aspects. Tracks like “False Gods Render Death” and “Carnage of the Infinite Black” are brutal this is true but there is much more to the music as listeners can hear, the blistering music has a very skilled technical sound to it rather than the sound of many brutal bands turning the volume to 10 and chugging away.

Malcolm Pugh proves capable of that on this album over and over but certainly does not short sell himself to merely pounding his fans’ eardrums relentlessly but gives those willing to listen and absorb the music a chance to hear his titanic skills. And this is not just the case with the guitar work; any facet of this album can be chosen and displayed as a thing of death dealing beauty. The drums hammer away at cascading speeds that fit the guitar work perfectly on songs like “Ecliptic Realm” and “Architect or Arsonist”, but to choose the standout tracks on this album is a nigh impossible task, as all the tracks on this album standout and that in a way is the magic of Malcolm Pugh. His talents are so widely showcased on this album and all the others he appears on and through all that exposer the countless times he has proven himself a talented musician, it never gets old, every time through listening to any of his work there is not once a dull moment and “Psalms of Misanthropy” is no different in that regard. A Loathing Requiem is certainly nothing new for fans of Malcolm Pugh but that can hardly be a complaint on the debut album. No comfort zones are stepped out of, no barriers pushed, and yet, “Psalms of Misanthropy” also leaves no listener unsatisfied.

Rating: 5/5

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Sothis "De Opresso Liber" Review

Genre: Symphonic Black Metal

Label: Candlelight Records

Release Date: 2008

Black Metal has never been a genre bands play to gain massive popular acclaim. More than a style of music, the very essence of being a black metal band is one of anonymity and obscurity. Certainly there are some bands that break through this and become at the very least successful and widely known in the metal scene (one thinks of such bands as Dimmu Borgir or Behemoth). Sothis, hailing from The United States, California no less, an area that, while producing many metal acts is not known for the nihilistic and dark elements that often makes up the sound of Black Metal. Their debut album on Candlelight Records “De Opresso Liber” is if nothing else an immensely competent black metal album. All the necessary elements are there, the tremolo style guitars, the unending pounding drums, the keys that have been arranged in an intensely ethereal fashion. The tracks themselves are all masterfully arranged and recorded so much so that to name one particular track as a standout is to do a disservice to the other tracks and to the album itself, lyrically there are some cohesive concepts but even without telling a narrative that progresses from song to song, Sothis has made an album that demands to be heard sequentially in its entirety.

There is nothing particularly wrong with “De Opresso Liber” and that is the albums greatest strength and weakness, listeners will hear a band that is talented that is for sure, all the members of Sothis are extremely well versed in their particular instrument. What listeners may be wondering is “where is the challenge?” This genre of music is so rebellious by its very nature that it almost seems like an obligation of any band who takes up arms in the name of Black Metal must also find a way to challenge the preconceived notions had about the music they play. While not a groundbreaking effort, “De Opresso Liber” is without a doubt a solid album, the experience will be familiar to those already fans of this genre, those delving into this form of music for the first time would be hard pressed to find a better example of what the genre is all about.

Rating: 4/5

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Fallujah "The Harvest Wombs" Review

Genre: Progressive/Technical Black/Death Metal

Label: Unique Leader Records

Release Date: 2011

Being from a state generally thought of as one of the brightest most sunny places in the U.S. if not the world, it would seem that a band like Fallujah, being from that area would not be able to create a soundscape as cold, dense, and sinister as they have on their long awaited full length debut "The Harvest Wombs". Admittedly, many metal bands originate in California but Fallujah takes the rage exhibited by groups like Suicide Silence and Carnifex, punch that rage up a notch and throw their own blend of black magic onto it. The band has amazing guitar work that makes for a wonderful mix of both technically intelligent and punishingly churning music that is layered over bashing catchy drumming and mixed with some of the most sinister vocals in the genre and beautiful haunting ambient sections. The band has all these assets at their disposal and yet never overdoes any of it. Songs like "Alpha Incipient"and "Prison of the Mind" make use of Fallujah's more ambient elements while "Become One" and "Ritual of Godflesh" are some of the songs that call upon the guitarists to carry the songs, although this is not meant to say when one element is present the other is absent.

All of Fallujah brings their dark diabolical sound to all the songs on this album, even the instrumentals! Lets talk about the instrumentals! The tracks "The Flame Surreal" and "The Harvest Wombs", two massive instrumental tracks that the band sneak into the album and both tracks that are packed full with just as much genius and darkness as the rest of the album. The closing track "Assemblage of Wolves" reminds listeners that Fallujah may have the ability to make roaring technical music, but they also have phenomenal abilities at making crushing music. "The Harvest Wombs" is a delightful album that is sure to impress fans of heavy music from The Faceless to Wolves in the Throne Room. To readers who have yet to listen to "The Harvest Wombs", get to it! And to Fallujah if any of the band members are reading this review of your new album, do more like this one!!

Rating: 5/5

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Ingested "The Surreption" Review

Genre: Death Metal / Deathcore / Hardcore

Location: Manchester, UK

The phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” has never and may never be more appropriate. Ingested’s sophomore album “The Surreption” does not fall far from the brutal tree that its predecessor “Surpassing the Boundaries of Human Suffering” came from. Ingested have again shown their brilliance at creating intensely brutal music and have also revealed a delightfully refreshing ability to create music that is true to their form with just the right amount of progress. In short, Ingested has moved forward an inch and in doing so, gained miles. There is no real discernable style changes or added instruments , though the incorporation of gang vocals on several tracks and the inclusion of guest vocals from talented members of Despised Icon and Martyr Defiled are nice surprises and certainly welcome additions. The opening track “Crowning The Abomination” certainly gets the point trying to be made that “The Surreption” has kept to form but has gained a little something, for want of a better term. The whole album has a bleak almost nihilistic feel to it without slowing or calming down. The guitars are still shredding, the bass is still blistering, the drums are still crushing, and the vocals are still shattering. Lyrically, there has been a massive transformation from merely brutal lyrics for brutality’s sake to a conceptually intense thought provoking journey. All told, “The Surreption” is truly exciting opportunity to watch a band mature in every way while not losing anything in the process that made them the band that earned them their loyal fans in the first place, and certainly all those listening to this album who aren’t fans will find themselves converted, those who already are, will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5

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Enfold Darkness "Our Cursed Rapture" Review

Genre: Technical Death Metal / Black Metal

Location: Nashville, TN

Sumerian Records is known for signing technically proficient bands that often fall under the category of deathcore. Certainly there are few people who would protest that practice as it brought the metal community such groups as Veil of Maya and Born of Osiris. It is a breath of fresh air though to listen to Tennessee’s own Enfold Darkness on their Sumerian debut “Our Cursed Rapture”. The musicians in this band are without a doubt technically proficient one and all, takes for example drummer Jack Blackburn’s extreme hammering throughout the entire album and certainly exemplified on such tracks as “Exaltations” parts one and two or the excellent timing showcased on “Our Cursed Rapture” or guitarists Matt Brown and James Turk displaying their talents on the same tracks and their fearsome work on songs like “In the Galleries of the Utmost Evil” which includes a nice soft jazzy passage that was an interesting turn from a band that stands on both sides of the Black Metal and Death Metal divide and never once upsets the delicate balance needed to pull that blend out sound off successfully. Enfold Darkness never once sounds like a death metal band, or a black metal band, they sound like a band that has learned the discipline and ferocity to combine those two savage and chaotic sounds and mix them together with a dose of amazing musical skill to boot. Bass on this recording was also handled by James Turk who clearly grasps the fact that too little or too much bass swings this album into one genre or the other and has managed to find equilibrium that listeners will be sure to delight in. Justin Corser’s vocals are just as extreme as he displays his ability to shriek and belt out lyrics, backed up by guitarists Matt Brown’s own hisses and snarls that would make even the holiest of the holy tremble in their sadistic wake. “Altars of Perdition” an acoustic instrumental track that is nowhere as brutal or fiery as the other songs on this record but is every bit as infectious and haunting furthers the idea that Enfold Darkness is a band as full of talent as it is surprises. A nice touch that I feel is a bonus to all those with the hard copy of this album is the liner notes, aside from providing essential lyrics also credits the extremely talented guitarists along with guest guitarist on several songs, Malcolm Pugh with guitar solos displacing the lyrics a bit to show where they performed them, certainly not an essential element of the albums experience but just a nice aesthetic touch. There is no fair way to sum up “Our Cursed Rapture” concisely, suffice it to say this is an extraordinary album by a phenomenal band that has found a way to stand out in an increasingly crowded metal scene. The concepts, the music, the liner notes, it’s all there and it gives those who listen to it an immensely rare experience. As a fan who discovered this band when they were still unsigned, I felt at the time the band deserved the chance to be heard, they have had it, and it has exceeded all expectations. Certainly their next effort, although with several lineup changes has this reviewer waiting with great anticipation.

Rating: 5/5