Trumbiten - Emotions

It's kind of cool to see as metal gets older we increasingly see more father-son projects. There is something very sweet about this, especially with a record that is as emotionally honest as Emotions the debut from Trumbiten. The record is high powered and fun. While weighing in at just under 15 minutes, and not really groundbreaking, when it comes to powerful groove metal this is a delightful listen that will keep listeners engaged and excited. There is a lot to sink your teeth into and if you're looking for a headbanging good time this is for you. 

Emotions impresses because of both the quality of the production and the tightness of the songwriting. The record was written using a lot of session musicians but it gels surprisingly well. The overarching vision behind the music is strong and really speaks to just how talented Trumbiten are. Emotions dazzles with tight riffs galore, and the occasional flashy lead line really gives the entire thing depth. A track like 'In Pain' speaks to how talented this duo are and what they bring to the table. If you're looking for a fun, high energy listen during your workday, then this could very well be the EP for you.

Find out more!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/trumbiten/emotions

High As Hell - Razorblade Dream

 

It's always good to be handed a record that is decidedly just 'heavy metal.' Such is the case with the powerful grooves and yarling swagger of the debut album from High As Hell. Razorblade Dream is a straightforward and punishingly effective offering talking about all that is fascinating and potent in the world of underground metal. Razorblade Dream fascinates because of its ability to fuse chunky grooves with classic vibes and bluesy playing. It makes for a delightful listen that reflects the strength of the Aussie scene.

I think what gets me about Razorblade Dream is the bands very real sense of charisma. There is a potency and breadth to the sound that makes it a wonderfully compelling offering. Tracks like 'Dying On Lonely Street' feature extended jams, but rather than coming off as contrived or boring, they actually make sense in context. This is a group of guys who love playing heavy music together and it's a pleasure to get lost in the waves of sound they unfold. High As Hell aren't here to impress you with weird poetic frills or sublime poetry. They just want to play big riffs and keep listeners obsessed with a sound that is classic for a reason. 

So yes - High As Hell are not really breaking new ground here, but their unique blend of influences ranging from titans like Sabbath and Metallica to more unexpected grunge acts makes for a refreshing and fun approach. Open throated and served with a snarl, Razorblade Dream is a fun debut album, and one that acts as a fitting declaration of war from a band who seek to go first from Victoria, Australia and then on to the rest of the world. Razorblade Dream are a blast to listen too - and what's not to love? It may be simple, but you can't beat classic. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/highashellband

Origin Of Infinity - The Last Day On Earth

Origin Of Infinity is a Czech groove metal band whose clear cut assault makes for exciting listening. With punchy rhythms and tight riffs, it's easy to get lost in what Origin Of Infinity have crafted on The Last Day On Earth. It's a record that distills a lot of the core elements of what makes metal, metal. There is no new ground tread here, but if you're looking for an album that will smash in your face while you're recovering from the coronavirus then you would be pretty damn well served with this one.

The Last Day On Earth impresses with its quasi apocalyptic sensibilities. Tracks like 'Black Mirror' eagerly draw you into the wonderfully twisted soundworld of Origin Of Inifinity. It makes for compelling listening from a band who seem eager to take on the world. Meanwhile, the simple elegance of some of these ambient interludes is truly excellent. Ambient interludes like this are crucial for helping give shape to an album, letting it flow smoothly, and Origin Of Infinity have a very clear understanding of this. It makes for compelling listening from a band I keep wanting to come back too.

Origin Of Infinity are clearly a step ahead of many of their countrymen. Their sound is potent and destructive, elegantly put together and the sort of thing I could see myself spending a lot of time with. It's a fun listen that, while yes it sticks to the tropes, it also seems to propel itself forward. The band is simply good at writing meaningful and emotionally powerful groove metal songs, something that doesn't happen enough these days. This is compelling stuff - if you're looking to get lost in a storm of riffs - say no more fam!

Find them on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/originofinfinity

League of Corruption - Something In The Water

Riffs, grooves and pure southern sludge influences, such is the magic of League of Corruption. Something In The Water is the latest offering from Black Doomba Records, the Atlanta label making waves across the scene. This record, from Vancouvers League of Corruption is the kind of thing you can get lost in, that speaks to the power of the southern scenes influence that it would make its way even up to the Great White North.  Something In The Water seems to repeatedly wind its way into my heart as I sit here for spin after spin. It may not be making waves, but it sure as hell is a fun listen that any long hair is going to have a whale of a time with.

There is something charmingly atavistic about this record. The cry of 'Technology is not your friend' on the appropriately titled, 'Not Your Friend' for instance helps to show that these guys are not willing to change. I mean - look at their promo pic, shot in the middle of the swamp. And yet I kind of admire that level of panache, that dedication to the underground and realization that League Of Corruption are truly one of a kind. They are men of the earth, unwilling to bend to the mores of society and instead leaning ever deeper into the madness of our modern age. Instead they are crafting a gut punch of southern metal.

League of Corruption may not be representing the next wave of metal, but they are doing very well at crafting something that allowed many of us to be enamored with the genre in the first place. Something In The Water is anthemic and powerful, a loud and proud testament to old school metal, heavy grooves and the magic of Southern sludge. This is a record that feeds into a rich legacy of riffs and is simply another addition to the canon. If you are looking for a hard rocking and sludgy good time - turn this up!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofCorruption/

Runescarred - The Distant Infinite

I've been a fan of Runescarred since the beginning and it's been a delight getting to watch this band evolve and mature. After a strong EP debut, The Distant Infinite is the bands first full length. This is a stunning record full of all sorts of unique twists and turns, an album that brings the rage from top to bottom and fuses both epic mosh tracks with brooding ballads really speaking to just how talented Runescarred are. Building a sound that is equal parts Iron Maiden and Lamb of God the execution here is stunning.

The Distant Infinite is a fascinating one simply because of how much Runescarred bring to the table. Ther are a ton of great musical ideas here with guitars clearly inspired by Dream Theater and vocals that run the gamut from gnarly growls, machine gun snarls and epic, Dickinson-esque operatic vocals. The way that these notions are fused on a track like 'Inviting Rivers' is truly impressive. The sheer talent on display speaks to all that Runescarred has been able to put together in a surprisingly short time. This is a record that is full of emotion and dynamic shifts, it makes for a album you won't soon forget.

In a word, Runescarred are fist-pumping. These are songs that play on traditional metal tropes but execute really fucking well. While nothing here is necessarily breaking new ground, The Distant Infinite is chock to the brim of potent songs and fun twists and turns. The quality of the production in particular is stunning with all sorts of interlocking layers coming together to remind us time and time again that this is a truly special record. The Distant Infinite brings together disparate ideas in a cohesive way - no mean feat!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/runescarred/

Blood Of Heroes - Symbolic Voices

Blood Of Heroes is one of those midwestern metal bands that seems to come from the grand tradition of acts like Slipknot. The focus here seems to be found in fusing the wide variety of sounds showcased by bands crisscrossing the region. Their debut offering, Symbolic Voices is an interesting start to their career .While nothing here particularly screams to me, it is certainly a serviceable metal record. In many ways it speaks to where the genre is in their region. While their vision is not totally clear, it certainly can be an interesting listen.

This being said there are a few points that limit my enjoyment of Symbolic Voices. The irst is that the execution o the vocals is not always on point. I'm not sold on them, and the focus on choruses of songs with titles like "Fucked Up Shit" or "Sometimes We Suffer" doesn't really speak to me. I get it though - what they are going for is certainly not for me, but they seem to understand what their market wants. I am certainly not their target market though, and I don't think that a lot of people in the sort of 'Decibel Metal' demographic are going to get what's being done on Symbolic Voices. This is a record that ties into a stripe of nu metal derived songwriting that I generally avoid.

Symbolic Voices is a groove metal record that, while it has its flaws in execution, still stands as a strong debut for Blood Of Heroes. While this is certainly not my cup of tea, I get where the band is coming from. If they tighten down their songs further and maybe tie into a few more ideas about what's started to come to the fore of the underground today I could see them doing something headturning. As is - if you're a fan of more conventional metal hitting the club circuit then you'll find something you dig here.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/BloodOfHeroesmusic/

Incite - Built To Destroy

Long time road warriors and groove metal masters, Incite are back with their first record in three years. The road has not always been kind to these weathered veterans, but now with ll sorts of tours lined up and an appearance scheduled at Bloodstock Open Air it feels like fifteen years in the band might be getting somewhere. Obviously I'm biased, I toured with Incite a few years ago and connected with the guys - but all that aside, this is a really potent release and one that I think shows massive growth for a band whose lineup is finally stabilizing.

Operating in the same sphere of groove metal as acts like Devildriver and Lamb of God, Built To Destroy sees the band really doubling down on their unique brand of crushing riffage. The colossal bottom end brought by El (That's just his name, don't question it) is a special highlight, giving massive breadth to some of these songs. The band punches forward wonderfully aggressively with every crashing note, and the guitar playing has seemingly reached bold new heights. This is a band who have pushed every aspect of their sound to the limit here and proven that they still haven't reached their full potential. Going above and beyond many of their peers in the space, Incite have created something over the top and fun.

With their trademark brutal assault and throbbing grooves, Built To Destroy is an addictive listen and one that seems to be a git that keeps on giving. The percussive vocals of Richie Cavalera give the entire thing a whole new sense of form, layering on another dimension to the music and speaking to the intensity of what has been delivered here. This is a fun listen and it's one that dedicated metalheads are going to love getting to jam time and time again. It's a metal record for metalheads, and if you want fat groove metal riffs crashing around your skull all day, look no further.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/INCITEband/

Dead Earth Politics Live At Lucky 13's

Lucky 13's is a special place, coated in metal posters and reeking of cheap beer. You gotta love it. There is a certain je ne sais quoi to the tormented realities of your average small metal venue. When the performers are up in your face and the stage is high enough for everyone to see you can't help but to fall in love with the experience. So when one of Texas's best metal bands chooses to grace its doors then you know that you're in for a special night and in their forty minute set more than proved the bands sonic triumph.

I think what really gets me about the Dead Earth Politics live experience is not the gnarly riffs, powerful songwriting and fun breakdowns but rather the impressive frontmanning of Ven Scott. He has the unique ability to capture the imaginations of the gathered masses, and no matter how big or small the crowd is he is able to guide his merry men on a quest  to win over every single person in the audience. The band itself deliver a potent performance, touching on ome classic metal tropes but also proving they are distinctly twenty first century. At the end of the day - Dead Earth Politics capture a certain sense of fun that few of their peers coul even dream of emulating.

In many ways Lucky 13s was the ideal venue for a band like Dead Earth Politics. Much like the band it is seeped in traditional heavy metal iconography but is unafraid to embrace a more hedonistic touch of evil. Their is a very real magic to heavy metal that I think is far too often forgotten these days, but Dead Earth Politics deliver it with one of the most professional and straight up engaging performances that you're going to see. More than once last night I found myself wondering - why the hell aren't these guys playing stadiums?

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/deadearthpolitics/?hc_ref=SEARCH

Karnak Seti - The Distance That Made Us Cold

Karnak Seti have always impressed me, the Portuguese metal militia have a decimating sound and they've been at it, violating the innocent for fifteen years now. There is something deliciously malevolent, wonderfully evil about the boisterous and thundering tones of this band. Their balls out assault and authoritative swagger make me fall ever deeper in love and serve as a constant reminder of the magic that this kind of music can have. Fusing together melodic death metal with thrash and straight up death metal, this is what heavy music should sound like.

Their new record The Distance That Made Us Cold has a punishing sense of groove behind it. Yes, there are anthemic moments dictated by the crushing rhythm section and powerful melodic lines, but it seems to be the overall sense of forward motion that makes this record exciting. There are hooks upon hooks and it's easy to latch into any given song here. Furthermore, every track on The Distance That Made Us Cold has a pretty clear feel - it's exciting and potent listening. When a band as hard working as Karnak Seti take five years to write a record, you know it's because they are crafting something great - such is the case here.

So come and dive in with me. There is circle pitting madness, slowed down pomposity, and a death roar for the ages. Karnak Seti is a heavy metal band who understand the spirit of the genre and bleed molten steel. Capturing the magic of bands like Soilwork and In Flames but also Lamb of God and even Obituary it's easy to see this band blowing up, and fast. The Distance That Made Us Cold is the sound of a band on the verge - polished, potent, and worth spinning, time after time after time. You know you want to jump in on this.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/KarnakSetiOfficial/?fref=ts

Product Of Hate - Buried In Violence

A lot of people might call Product Of Hate straight Lamb of God worship - and that's an easy comparison to make. It's not really true though. Yeah, Product of Hate play groove centric and fairly entry level death metal - but there's a whole lot to this band than initially meets the ear. Gently incorporating touches of Meshuggah and other progressive death metal bands into a pretty straightforward sound. Buried In Violence is a grower, an album whose real triumph doesn't really resonate until a few listens in.

One of the cool things about Product Of Hate is how simply immaculate they sound their is something wonderfully polished they sound - meaning that every riff comes down at you with sniper like precision. Even when the band tries to expand the sonic palate in ways I might not normally enjoy (Especially in regards to the cleans on Revolution of Destruction) What I'm trying to say is tat Product Of Hate manage to take some fairly traditional ideas but present them in a rather new and refreshing way making for some surprisingly exciting music. It speaks to the depth of Napalm Records that they would sign a band like this - one that has all the potential in the world but can still play massive crowds.

So yeah - Product Of Hate still need to grow a bi and here are a few bits and pieces here that I don't fully agree with - but that doesn't detract from the fact that you can sense the hard work pt into this album. Product Of Hate are all around badasses and digging into their performances is surprisingly fun. Not a lot of bands deliver sheer riffs the way Product Of Hate do without relying on silly pentatonic bullshit. Instead this is a band who understand their own distinctive style and play music that will last for generations.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/productofhateofficial/?fref=ts

Parius - Saturnine

2015 hasn't been a great year for death metal - it happens, and it sucks, but whatever. That being said - Parius have been able to put together some truly excellent music on their debut Saturnine, an absolute motherfucker of a record that belies their age and hints at impressive musical mastery. Chock to the brim with chunky angular riffs Saturnine is exactly the kind of thing you can jam while roaring down the highway or powering through a Friday afternoon at work. It's a metal record that carries you forward - and hints at great things to come.

Of course - Saturnine isn't without it's drawbacks, and though it is a very strong record I definitely do find the lyrics a bit over the top and silly at times. Of course - that's to be expected from a young death metal act just finding its feet and it doesn't overshadow the quality of the songwriting. There is something simply exciting about how these guys approach the music - some of these riffs are simply a circle pit incarnate and gets my heart racing even as I type this on Thanksgiving eve in my grandparents fashionable South Florida condo. The point being - Saturnine is a blast to listen too and every crushing riff will get your heart racing and ever deeper in love with the sheer bombast of this band.

Parius have a great sense of self and are fully aware of what they want to be. Their is a wonderful inherent sense of drama to Saturnine that will see you falling ever deeper in love with the record with each passing spin. These guys are clearly guitar geeks and death metal nerds. The quality of the instrumental tone, flashy solos, and the supercharged (And wonderfully executed) vocals are testaments to this. Living somewhere between Lamb of God, Dethklok and the Black Dahlia Murder, Parius have managed to create something wholly their own that has the potential to ring out for years to come.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pariusofficial

Shotgun Rodeo - World Wide Genocide

Man - it feels like forever since I've reviewed a groove metal band - especially one that rides the line between mainstream metal and underground thrash so nicely. While yes - there are some moments of almost Five Finger Death Punch-esque vocals peeking in on their new record World Wide Genocide there is also something undeniably brainy to what these guys are doing. While on the one hand I could definitely see a thirteen year old jamming this while he played the latest Call of Duty game I also think there is a much more profound side to the music. The angular riffing helps to establish Shotgun Rodeo as more than just another fucking groove metal band - there is a distinct flavor to what Shotgun Rodeo do - and though it's not necessarily my thing I can definitely appreciate where they are coming from. The musicianship is undeniable and there is a profound sense of fun defining World Wide Genocide that threatens to make it an addictive listen - even for a jaded doom metal nerd like me.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ShotgunRodeo?fref=ts

Kylesa - Exhausting Fire

Kylesa have become one of metals most influential bands in recent years so it makes sense that they might feel pressured to put out their best record to date. In a sea of imitators you kind of have to wonder what the band would bring on their latest full length. Now after a handful of listens I am pleased to report that Kylesa are back and as potent as ever – Exhausting Fire representing all that is great about the band whilst simultaneously driving them forward into being one of the most impressive musical forces of the last twenty years.

While Exhausting Fire definitely is a more intelligent evolution on the bands past work the titanic riffs that made this group so excellent in the first place are still here and dominate the record It's hard to deny the immortal power of these swirling riffs and the way that they are able to capture the imagination with crushing blow after blow of pure sonic annihilation. The balance of light and dark on Exhausting Fire is also impressive. It gives the album a far more epic sentiment than that found on any previous Kylesa release. You find yourself not only getting lost in the soundscapes but also unable to deny the immortal power of the music.

This is the kind of album that paints gigantic iconoclastic soudnscapes and refuses to give you any ort of bullshit reprieve. Instead you find yourself buried ever more deeply into the mind melting musical master that the band has been able to create. Few enough bands have been abe to fabricate a sound as iconoclastic as that of Kylesa. Exhausting Fire sees them pushing all kinds of limits and discoering brave new paths forward in a world of perpetual suffering. The point being – there is clearly a lot left in this bands tank and I'm excited for the future to come!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/KYLESAmusic?fref=ts

Ringworm, Black Breath, Theories and Sunburster in Philthadelphia

There is a strange charm to extreme music. Even though it may require spending hours in the car and gritting your teeth in traffic for some reason I always find myself making the same sacred commute to legendary metal venues like Philadelphias Underground Arts. So I sit here after a long toil and reflect on the events of this evening. I got to see four great bands and find myself at the altar of madness. This is what metal is about, touring packages of real dudes who get what metal is about and continue to spread the love and passion.

Sunburster, Philly locals, were up first. Now, I've heard quite a few of this bands releases but I had never seen the live. It was fun to get to pick apart their live ritual. Their mix of doom and punk feels authentic and groovy. The sludgy assault has a certain grim humanity to it that far too few of their peers can match. In some ways, at least in concept Sunburster is similar to Eyehategod - yet, it comes across as far more "Philthadelphia" in nature with increasingly fucked up passages and a sense of utter nihilism that comes from living in a city this close to that bleak and blackened hellscape known as New Jersey.

Up next was Theories who I was pleased to find out have the same drummer as my doom favorites Samothrace. There is something antediluvian about these grind maniacs. Their sound is incredibly heavy to the point of being almost oppressive. You find yourself drowning in waves of power chords which are occasionally punctuated by a punishing groove. Theories have a rather unique sound and in this crowded scene that means a lot. They crunch the listener down into just a core of his former self - they are soul destroying grindcore at its finest and I think these Metal Blade signees have a bold future ahead of them.

Black Breath are a hard partying death metal band that I've been listening too since I was about 15. Their sense of rock and roll gives a lot of flavor to the music and even accentuates their inter song banter. The bands vocalist delivers banter centering around anal destruction and Satan - fairly standard metal fare when you think about it. The live delivery is intense. There is something to be said for bands where every member has long hair. It adds an element of rock and roll majesty to the whole thing and it really helps to keep the performance exciting. Black Breath understand rock and roll just as they understand death metal and their interpretation of it could very well change the scene.

Finally it was time for Ringworm (Unfortunately I had to miss the headliners, Goatwhore) They put on yet another intense set that left me shattered simply because these guys take grinding death metal to a whole new level. There is something ridiculously over the top and beautifully evil about what Ringworm do. They are intense and charming, the kind of dudes whose greatness you have to acknowledge simply because they tour so goddamn much. They get how to put on a great live performance and despite anything else you know that when you see Ringworm you are going to get your moneys worth!

The ride home was a bitch - but hey, sometimes that happens. What happened tonight allowed me to reflect on my love for the scene. Sure things are brutal, but for those of us who were born to lose we can't help but live to win. Philthadelphia is a hostile place, but on muggy summer nights like this one we get a sense of hope, that perhaps we can transcend and come together to help build towards something greater. Death metal may be our only salvation, but look around, at least we have something!

Find the bands on Facebook:

Sunburster: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunburster/356407564375908

Theories: https://www.facebook.com/theoriesgrind?fref=ts

Black Breath: https://www.facebook.com/BLACKBREATH.MUSIC

Ringworm: https://www.facebook.com/Ringworm13?fref=ts

Bhayanak Maut - Man

One aspect of metal I have always particular fetishized is the genres ability to create a complete piece of art, with visual art and stories complimenting the actual music. Such is the case with Bhayanak Maut's latest masterwork the all encompassing Man. Featuring some of the best composing I've heard from any metal band, their seventeen track epic takes the listener on a journey and represents a gloriously brutal act who take a variety of elements to get a truly iconoclastic and inherently fascinating sound.

What dazzles me about this record is how it shifts back and forth and all around with moments of jazzy brilliance intertwined with Lamb of God-esque groove metal riffs. On top of that you find a variety of vocal styles within the music which only helps to accentuate the wonderfully organic vibes that Bhayanak Maut cultivate on Man. There is something endlessly engaging about this record and the fact that it comes with a 118 page booklet outlining the story of the record only makes it more fascinating to me. Bhayanak Maut have been able to refine a piece of art that will force you to really think and essentially raises the bar on what metal can achieve.

Anthemic and yet also strangely down to earth Man represents years of toil from one of Indias biggest metal bands. A group who have true breakout potential and who could very well alter the future of the genre, Bhayanak Maut understand what it means to forge ahead and breathe new life into a genre God despised. Man stands as a testimony to all that metal can be, sure, as per the record mankind is a cancer on the earth, but we gotta be earning some points if members of our species can put out something as good as this!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/bhayanakmaut

Valkyrie - Shadows

Valkyrie are an endlessly interesting band to me, sure, they've got members of Baroness and sure, they've been around since 2002 and it makes sense that they've got their sound worked out -but there is so much more to them than that. With an emphasis on epic soundscapes couched between moments of vocal triumph Shadows sees the band at their best, guiding the listener on a journey across the forests and the fjords towards a world of gut crushing riffs, powerful guitarmonies and epic solos - a rock and roll journey for the masses.

See - what I think these guys have managed to do is to craft a sort of... easy listening sound... if that makes any sense at all. Or at least, metal that doesn't necessarily have to be in the fore, you can chill out to these guys is what I'm saying. Valkyrie are a lot of fun to listen too and their songs are incredibly intricate, but it's also the kind of thing that relies heavily on vibe (Which is pretty rad, especially when done as well as these dudes do it). You find yourself envisioning grand worlds unlike any you've seen before. Valkyrie have managed to invoke the power of Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden and run it through a largely  instrumental context, crafting music that can't help but capture the imagination - truly rock and roll at it's finest hour.

There is something mystical about the voyage Valkyrie take you on - hell, the point of Shadows seems to be the journey, not the destination anyway. Shadows is almost an exploration of the self, there is something intensely personal about the music found within and trying to delve into the strange universe it paints is exciting. Couched in familiar ideas and using powerful Pentagram-esque vocals to keep things interesting Valkyrie are not going away, but instead rising harder and stronger - prepare your body.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/thevalkyrierides?fref=ts

Coal Chamber - Rivals

I'm a bit too young to have been into nu-metal the first time around, so I'll be honest, this is the first time I've ever really listened to Coal Chamber. I'm realizing that, while it's not totally my cup of tea I see how it informs a lot of modern metal and their new record Rivals is a surprisingly fun, bouncy and oftentimes punishing release that shows me the power that this kind of music can have. From the chaotic noises of I.O.U. Nothing it becomes immediately clear that Coal Chamber want your head and are back to find blood.

The fact of the matter is that Rivals while not especially challenging is a joy to listen too. It's easy to get into these infectious grooves, at times I might even go so far as to compare the tracks off Rivals to some of the more chipper Lamb of God stuff. Every song is expertly composed and there is a vibrant sense of professionalism to the sonic assault on Rivals. One of my favorite aspects of the record, forgive my geekiness, is the drum sound, it really drives the album home and adds a lot of flavor to the music. Precise and oh-so-tasty Coal Chamber manifest their rhythmic assault to beat you in the gut with every crunching chord.

This is an easy record to get in to, and I could definitely see myself jamming it a lot in the future. In a world where so much is bleak and filled with torment Rivals speaks to balancing the two. While the lyrical content tends to be pretty dark, there is a sense of fun in the bands music, it gives you a chance to look beyond the general shittiness of modern life and guides you towards a sublime sense of peace. Maybe I'm over-romanticizing what is essentially a nu metal comeback record, but I feel that there is a sense of hope guiding this band over the top.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/coalchamberofficial?fref=ts

Switchblade Jesus - S/T

One of the things that I feel a lot of the modern stoner rock scene is missing is a sense of grandeur. Black Sabbath for example never lost sight of how epic their music really was. It's something that I feel got adopted to doom but that stoners kinda of forgot in a puff of smoke. Switchblade Jesus manage to bring in some of this distinct power though using a stunning classically tinged intro track to mesmerize the listener before beating them across the head with a crushing dose of balls out rock and roll.

The way that Switchblade Jesus take the sound of a band like Clutch and invigorate it with a kind of NWOBHM-esque sense of majesty is wholly remarkable. It proves that the band are turned onto something special and more powerful. There is something profoundly exciting about the first wide open gritty vocal lines that kick off the first real track, Bastard Son. When the initial 'big riff' hits it becomes impossible to deny the power Switchblade Jesus have. Their sound is mesmerizing and wonderfully constructed, it has a clear progression that leads to fascinating individual songs, but also a rather cohesive album.

It's easy to get lost in the grooves of Switchblade Jesus, and that's what makes this band so valuable to me. These guys want you to find yourself wandering around their rather simple soundworld. Yet, despite using relatively few musical elements they have still managed to hone something wholly fascinating. Switchblade Jesus are the kind of rock and roll nightmare that keeps children awake at night, wondering when they can sneak down to the record player and let some more of the devils music wash over there eays and slowly drag them to hell.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/SwitchbladeJesus?fref=ts

The Moth - And Then Rise

I first saw The Moth opening up for Conan back when I lived in Paris. I was impressed at their fairly unique sound, but perhaps more at their frontwoman, Cecile, who had really cool boots. That's not a joke, they were pretty rad. I remember talking to Cecile for a few moments before going off to hang out with the Conan guys who have since become close friends of mine. Suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised when she hit me up asking me to cover her bands latest groovy offering And Then Rise, nine tracks of stoned heavy metal fury.

The almost faded out quality of the vocals, which remain remarkably stolid, is one of the first things that capture my imagination about And Then Rise. It gives the entire thing a unique vibe, just a little bit hooky, but almost more meditative than anything else. When the female vocals and gritty male singing start to interact, you commence to get a sense for the grandeur of this release. What's refreshing about this record is that though it does have some grit, it doesn't seem to rely on it. Sure, the bitterness and sorrow is there, but it's not a crutch as is the case with many other stoner metal bands out there today. Instead And Then Rise sees The Moth crafting out a unique path with powerful riffs that grab you by the gut and carry you all the way until the albums epic twenty minute closer, Fire.

A band who are unafraid to pound forward, relentlessly pushing the listener to darker pastures crafted from mysterious and often unnameable elements The Moth are something special. These guys are driving towards a more profound future and have the potential to take the world by storm. They are significantly more innovative and passionate than any of their stoner peers, and I know that with just a little bit of buzz people will be able to see that The Moth are quite probably pointing towards the next logical step in redeeming rock and roll.

Find the on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/listentoTHEMOTH?fref=ts

Kaldera

Bristol based death metal with great guitar tone and fun riffs, what more could a guy want out of a band? Kaldera are an exciting new force with a extremely satisfying sonic approach that fits nicely into the world of death metal while also finding it's own idiom. Part of this comes in the vocalists approach, she has a bit of a thrash touch here and there, making her throaty death growls a little more interesting. While I feel that she could probably go a step further to really make the sound evolve, she certainly does well enough for a first record, it certainly gives the entire thing it's own flavor. that being said, the raw songwriting is tasty and the instrumental passages are usually very well done. Rarely relying on chugs or technical ecstasy Kaldera have a great sense of melody which really helps to differentiate the band from the pack. Certainly full of potential, I'm curious as to what these guys do next!

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