The 2003 self-titled debut by Audioslave [Epic/Interscope Records] is exactly what one might expect from a band featuring former members of Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden.  Formerly known as Civilian, this act fuses elements of those two bands into a Melodic Metal/Hard Rock style with a flawless, groove-driven sound. Chris Cornell's vocals are smooth …

From the depths of the South American Black Metal scene comes a frenetic, hellish thing.  That infernal creation is the band Unearthly.  Their 2003 opus, “Infernum: Prelude To A New Reign” [Crash, Inc. Records], is a fierce display of Melodic Black Metal devastation. Fusing the old and the new, Unearthly verges the gulf between Blackened …

It's all about the intensity.  That very well should be the mantra for this band.  On their self-titled opus [Wind-Up Records], BOY HITS CAR pushes the limits of conventional Hardcore into the breach of a beautiful madness.  Mixing powerful, emotive Hardcore with Aggro Metal and melodious Pop elements, they have created a work that is …

One of the finest examples of high-grade, Pop Punk perfection has to be the Ataris.  Point-in-fact, they tore-it-up on “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” (ABC) last night, doing a blistering cover of Don Henley's “The Boys Of Summer” and the original “In This Diary.”  The Ataris are the archetype for Pop Punk greatness. Their 2003 masterpiece, …

It's nearly that time of the year…when that grimmest of holidays comes around.  And in the tradition of that day, Halloween, I found the perfect band.  The band is Viking Crown, and their new CD called “Innocence From Hell” [Necropolis Records] is the creepiest Black Metal that I have ever heard. Imagine dark, dense guitar …

For those with good memories, one might remember a great Grindcore band from around the early 1990’s called Cadaver.  This Norwegian outfit was a influential catalyst for many modern Grindcore, Death, and Black Metal acts throughout the dismal world.  Now the legends have returned with a new name and some new members. Changing their moniker …

From the darkened abysm where all Doom lies is born an abyssal dream of utter apocalyptic melancholy.  The band is Warhorse, and the CD is “As Heaven Turns To Ash” [Southern Lord Records].  The Warhorse sound is an obliterating form of Psychedelic Doomdeath Metal with a massive, sludgy quality as heavy as the Hand Of …

“Gonna leave my mark, like a brand new scar,” states the opening cut, “New Scar (Won't Be Like You),” from Reach 454’s killer debut.  And that it surely does—like a finely tuned pile-driver.  This self-titled 2003 opus, out on Lava/Atlantic Records, is as addictive as it is aggressive. Taking a polished Powercore Metal style, they …

Humungus is big, loud, and raw Punk Rock the way it was meant to be—harsh.  The classic 2-on-1 disc reissue of “I Hate Mother Fucking Cops/A Reason To Care” [Beer City Records] is an old school treat.  Featuring members of legendary acts Verbal Abuse and the Dead Boys, Humungus cuts a raw-edged vein that bleeds …

Darkest Hour is one of tightest bands around—fusing the pure brutality of Metalcore to the fiery aggression of Swedish Style Death Metal.  Their 2003 opus, “Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation” [Victory Records], is their very best yet.  This is pure aggression at its finest. Shrill, growled vocals explode across a blistering cascade of roaring …