Moodcore has recently been a declining genre, but one great new band from this school is Breaking Benjamin. Their 2002 release, “Saturate” [Hollywood Records], is solid slab of powerful, yet very melodic Aggro/Moodcore Metal. And easily surpasses most of this pack. Breaking Benjamin clean, deep vocals mixed with blasting, acidic growls. The guitars use an …
Twisted, talented, and cool–these are the three best words to describe the Spanish band User Ne. Their 2003 opus, “Tarantos” [Xtreem Music], takes Avant-Garde Death/Black Metal to a whole, surreal new level. It's eclectic and killer. User Ne implements clean, Neo Celtic female vocals as well as shrill, male shrieks and growled, male vocals. The …
Over its history, Roadrunner Records has had an illustrious collection of great and cutting-edge Metal acts. Bands such as Sepultura, Fear Factory, Frontline Assembly, Obituary, Sadus, Cynic, Slipknot, Dry Kill Logic, Nailbomb, Treponem Pal, Soulfly, and Suffocation are just some of that group. And the aggression just keeps on coming. The 2003 compilation, “Heart Of …
The new “Daredevil” movie may not be your thing, but for the Metal/Hard Rock fan the soundtrack is a solid collection with few missteps. The “Daredevil” Soundtrack [Wind-Up Records] features many of the current big name acts (e.g. Fuel, Nickleback, Saliva, Rob Zombie, Hoobastank, Chevelle, and The Calling) and up-and-comers like 12 Stones, Evanescence, Boysetsfire, …
The chaotic world of Death Metal has produced a new act of brutal genius lately. That new act is Spawn Of Possession and their 2003 opus, “Cabinet” [Unique Leader Records], is a thing of vicious beauty. Spawn Of Possession is incredible. The general dynamic of Spawn Of Possession is a combination of daedal aggression and …
Hardcore isn't just Punk anymore. Metalcore, Hardcore's brutal progeny, combines elements of Metal (particularly Death Metal) and lower tempo Hardcore. The band Waterdown takes the basic Metalcore schema, and adds powerful elements of Emo to the mix. Their 2003 opus, “The Files You Have On Me” [Victory Records], is the resulting benefit of this union …
Sometimes simple is just good. Such is the case with old school Hardcore. One band that vehemently, and successfully, adheres to this principle is Slapshot. Their 2003 opus, “Greatest Hits, Slashes & Crosschecks” [Bridge Nine Records], is a stomping, spitting, kick-in-the-face slab of early style Hardcore. Clean vocal yells, pounding rhythms, and churning guitar leads …
When one looks longs into the darkness, it stares into the depths of your soul as well. This abysmal introspection builds the beautiful ruins of truth. Just such a stark glory is what shines in the band Evanescence. The Little Rock, Arkansas band's sophomore release, “Fallen” [Wind-Up Records], is the most amazing effort I heard …
The Swedish underground produces some amazing, brutal bands. One such act, Eternal Lies, returns Swedish Death Metal to its glorious foundations. Not since the early days of Sentenced has this style been so intricate, pristine, and primal. Formed by former members of Fatal Embrace and Parazite, this manifestation of primordial radiance is pure ferocity. Their …
Hardcore takes many forms today, as artistic evolution has broadened the range of dynamics and facets that a band can implement. Melodic and powerful are the keys to the Somehow Hollow aesthetic. Their 2003 opus, “Busted Wings And Rusted Halos” [Victory Records], sharpens the edges and bludgeons the senses. This is a definitive piece of …