I got my first glimpse of In Flames in 1996 while downloading metal mp3's from FTP sites (This was WAY before Napster). I saw the name In Flames and thought to myself, sounds metal, I'll get it. What I heard then blew me away. I'd really never heard guitar work like the way In Flames …
Preface: It is very rare there is a cd that is so good that it is hard to describe it in words, but that's what is happening here. I have had this album for a good month now, and every time I have tried to write something about it, I couldn't. I felt as if …
The second release by Nonpoint, titled “Development” [MCA Records], is a winner. Continuing solidly in their own, unique style, they've gotten slightly more melodic without losing any of their edge. Nonpoint mixes the jagged and the melodic aspects of their sound into a beautiful, snarling roar. The Nonpoint method is an extremely melodic form of …
When it comes to sheer, soul-crushing brutality few can equal the force of Incantation. Their latest slab, “Blasphemy” [Necropolis Records], continues this great tradition of sonic oppression. Incantation is the sound of pure, apocalyptic oblivion. The Incantation sound is as forward as it gets-bestial Blackened Brutal Death Metal that is absolutely massive. Guttural growls crown …
Like it gory? How about brutal as well? Then the Impaled is just the bloody fix you've been craving. Their new opus, “Mondo Medicale” [Necropolis Records], is a splatter-gore freak's dead dream. It's Death Metal for the guts-'n'-grooves crew. Chunky, crushing rhythms pound with a dull vibrancy that has a bludgeoning charm. The vocals are …
Is ska dead? Has it been massacred by the onslaught of inexorably monotonous pop and mind-numbing rap rock? Well, ask the top execs at MTV and KROQ and they'll probably say there is no point in beating a dead horse. But ask the fans, and they'll tell you just how alive it still is. But …
The best art is born of sorrow and/or rage. Seether (formerly known as Saron Gas) is a South African band that draws deeply, and brilliantly, from this well. Their American debut, “Disclaimer” [Wind-Up Records], is one of the best of the year. Displaying a virulent and explosive sound that fuses Aggro and Moodcore Metal into …
Of all of the genres of music, I think that hardcore sees the most bands come and go, breaking up, reforming, adding members, dropping them, and all the while raging against society. So many groups come and go barely leaving a mark, so when one produces a genuinely good song (or album), they are cherished …
I'd have to say my main problem is my short attention span when it comes to actually doing anything constructive. Let me explain, before I tell you about this demo I've got sitting in front of me right now, from a band entitled Buchanan. You see, I have this expensive habit of purchasing things, mainly …
Space Rock. The words conjure images of David Bowie wearing silver pants and elevator moon boots while strutting across an acrylic stage and singing about characters with monikers like “Major Tom” and “Ziggy Stardust“. If this is what you might be expecting from the polished and primed foursome called 30SECONDSTOMARS, you're generally on the right …