NYS Music 20​12

Category: Album Reviews

  • REVIEW: Palmyra’s self titled EP is authentic, highly appealing

    REVIEW: Palmyra’s self titled EP is authentic, highly appealing

    Long Island based 5 piece, Palmyra, is not your typical metal core band by any means. Although they share many of the characteristics associated with a multitude of bands within metal’s wide array of genres, there is something authentic that pops out at you after repeated listening.  The progressive approach of the band is heightened with what seems to be an added appreciation of 19th century scales. When reading the band’s Facebook profile, they referenced classical music as something that is elemental in their sound. Upon first listen to the band’s EP, it is clear to me that it is something that is even more involved than they may know themselves.

    The merge of style and classical infusion is found heavily in a track like, “Falso En Uno, Falso En Omnibus.”  For some bands, you can see that influence more regularly during guitar solos. In this case, even the riff arrangements echo the mindset. It is highly appealing to see that kind of  traditionalism invoked in music that is clearly the polar opposite in style.

    Outside of anything based in an era long ago, the band tends to shine intricately as well. The overall sound is a scale heavy, bone crushing testament to the scene at large. Vocally, I wish there was a little more range. It is not that I don’t appreciate a good screamer, because I do. However, with the complexity of the material that is presented, it would be great to see something that is steeped in melodic range at times. Lyrically though, I see a great play on words that is something that the band will easily be able to use with efficiency. On the track, Train of Thought, the rhyming poetic verses are fun and well thought out. I like the simplistic nature of a vocal that conveys pain so well. I can easily identify with a verse like, “ This is pain, you can fit in a jewelry box. This is pain, you can pack in a pipe. Small and concentrated, my mind shuts off. I carry my grief into my dreams, it makes them burst open at the seams.”

    You will be hearing a lot more about this band in the upcoming months. Keep an eye out for future coverage of Palmyra in the near future.

    For more information on Palmyra-
    http://www.facebook.com/PalmyraNY

    -Erik Jensen

  • FALLEN CAPTIVE’s “Edge of Collapse” is well produced, tightly structured

    FALLEN CAPTIVE’s “Edge of Collapse” is well produced, tightly structured

    Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Fallen Captive is a band that is making huge strides in the Midwest gateway. This 6 piece metal core band is ready to bust out of the “down but never out,” city of their rise. Judging by the band’s fascinating recent release, Edge of Collapse, the time is now to spread their wings.

    The band’s sound is accentuated by an above average dual guitar shredfest mentality. It is also worth mentioning that the band uses keyboard as an important piece of leverage within their sound. It gives the pulsating bass and drum style, an added layer of texture and musicality. Vocally and lyrically, front man Mitch Pivarski brings the punishment with great success. The sum of all these parts makes for a startlingly efficient cohesion of melody and thump. The results on an intensity level are reminiscent of bands like Sirens and Sailors and Bleeding Through, among others.

    I have not seen the band in a live setting, but I can not imagine how fun it may be after listening to this release. This CD is very well produced, and very well structured from a song standpoint. Always a fan of metal wordsmiths, there was no disappointment with that aspect either. After the machine like intro noise of the album opener, “Advent,” the band wastes no time in bringing the auditory madness at a frantic pace. “Fallout,” is another track of cautionary interpretation that gleams with the every day worldliness of chaos based metal acts.  You have to take notice when Mitch proclaims, “ This is our fallout, this is the end of the world, as we know it. But I’m not giving in, just keeping my head forward,” Although this thought is open ended in explanation, it is nonetheless intriguing. On the song, “A Plea For Sanity,” the band shows their range and craft as songwriters. It is the perfect example of the overall dynamics they are trying to achieve within the music. Great keyboard accompaniment blends effortlessly with the swirling guitar interplay and pulsating backbeat mayhem. Lyrically, another high note of self-questioning is brought forth. The human condition is well represented with the drastically desperate rambling of, “Take this as my plea, my plea for sanity!” The thought is concluded later with, “Now I’m through trying, trying time and time again!”

    There are other stellar tracks here too! Some of my other favorites are “Edge of Collapse,” and “Old Fashioned.” Overall, though, there really isn’t a track on this recording that is anything short of great. Here is to the hope, that we can get this great act back up into Upstate relatively soon!

    For more information-
    http://www.facebook.com/fallencaptive

    -Erik Jensen

  • MUMMIFIED IN CIRCUITRY’s “Echoes of Morality” haunting, a galloping wallop of destructive greatness

    MUMMIFIED IN CIRCUITRY’s “Echoes of Morality” haunting, a galloping wallop of destructive greatness

    Music is most effective when it possesses a maximum flash of creativity, and the power of a freight train rolling down the track. Intensity sells in any genre. Reality in word play, is a close second for me. With that being said, the new album from Mummified in Circuitry meets this criteria on the highest of all levels. This Billerica, Massachusetts based band has delivered a stunningly adept recording to Innerstrength Records. It is a major piece of work within the Northeast metal scene. Their prowess looms large among the amount of pretenders and half ass copycats that surround them. I can only applaud this effort with a genuine “thank you.” We need this type of release on the scene right now.

    From the first chords played on this record, we realize that the sophistication of Mummified in Circuitry, is a key component in their attack. Sometimes, the production of aggressive metal gets obscured in the studio setting. As a matter of fact, I would say that the percentage of bands that forego the quality aspect of their recordings is somewhere around 90 percent. That is why it is hard to find quality bands that take pride in creating the overall package. On many occasions, the litmus test ends 20 seconds into a song. Not here, and not these guys.

    Echoes of Morality is a haunting, galloping wallop of destructive greatness. The first half of the record is loaded with music steeped in ripping your face off. It also reveals a formula of advanced playing that suits the band well and often. Ripping solos, profound lyrical content, and a groove on par with 1,000 feet stomping around in a pit, are showcased on each and every track. The best of the bunch in the first half of the record are “Eyes Devoid of Sin,” and “Becoming Baal,” On “Baal,” singer RJ Connor devastates the mic with lyrics that are ripe with overtones of destruction and doom. He sings, “Dont hit me again, stop swingin at me, should have killed you before. The power I feel, these weapons I yield, my soul as his whore.”  Obviously this is not from the first person perspective, but it is dark and exuberant in it’s evil diary-like dialogue.

    The second half of the record houses 5 tracks that are all on the same level of superiority. Tracks like “Blasphemous,” and “This Is The End,” bring the same kind of unrelenting balance that is coveted from front to back.

    So with this review, I have found a new companion piece for my daily cardio jaunts. It would be equally as inspiring if I was cutting wood, or working as a mortician. It is a fitting piece of essential listening for anyone on the go, and in the mood to rage! Mummified In Circuitry is more than the real deal. They are they the conglomeration of all things good within this genre. This release is available January 24th, 2012, definitely worth it.

    For more information on Mummified in Circuitry –
    http://www.facebook.com/mummifiedincircuitry
    http://www.myspace.com/mummifiedincircuitry

    -Erik Jensen

  • DOC HOLIDAY’s “Risqué Business” is strong, effective

    DOC HOLIDAY’s “Risqué Business” is strong, effective

    Doc Holiday, a five-piece band from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, recently released their album, “Risqué Business”. The album has a distinct thrashcore sound that, in the future, I would think people might hear it and say, “Hey, this is Doc Holiday!” Whether they listen to the song or skip to the next isn’t for me to decide.

    The musicianship of the band is definitely there. The drummer and guitarists show some definite talent. They provide the song with strong riffs that can keep the crowd moving, grooving and thrashing. Each song is unique, and can definitely be told from another – A quality we see lacking in quite a few bands these days.

    The vocals, in most cases, are strong and effective. However, their vocalist has a certain in-between scream that is less than appealing in some cases. It’s a bit of a cross between a sing and a scream, producing a sound that leaves something to be desired. If you’re going to sing, sing; if you’re going to scream, scream. The half-sing half-scream sound doesn’t seem to work so well.

    They incorporate quite a few gang vocals in some of their songs, which give it a good feel. However, the final song is two and a half minutes of a man telling a story. It is of a western theme, and might be good for an intro But, at no point does the entire band play. Personally, this seems like an ineffective way to end an album. This would, in my opinion, make a better intro, or interlude, especially since the song includes the name of the band.

    Risqué Business definitely isn’t bad, and I think Doc Holiday has a good thing going for them. However, I think their vocalist needs to decide whether he wants to sing or scream so they can live up to their full potential.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmgX25XK1uQ&w=560&h=315]

    For more information-
    http://www.facebook.com/docholidayband

    -Chris Stocking

  • The McLovins Release Third Album ‘Who Knows’

    The McLovins Release Third Album ‘Who Knows’

    Who Knows, the third album from jamband prodigies The McLovins was released early this month as a ‘name your price’ digital download, showcasing the maturing sound of this trio turned quartet. With guitarist Jeff Howard’s departure and the arrival of guitarists Justin Berger and Atticus Kelly, the band’s sound may change in the coming year but with this well produced album (by Tom Marshall & Anthony Krizan at Sonic Boom Studios) that provides the best recordings yet from the group.

    Mclovins who knowsLeading off with Hesitate, drummer Jake Huffman’s matured voice provides a balanced and strong lead in track on the album. Close to the Line features Howard’s soaring guitar as the meat between the bread of the lyrics accompanied by a jazzy section full of thick bass from Jason Ott. Cohesive, the first of three Tom Marshall penned tracks (Hesitate and Subdivision 2 are the others) is a light reggae-ish summertime tune, well-rounded by the band and lyrics such as “And when the dark invades my mood, that’s when I start to come unglued, and when my bases get releasive, I need to feel cohesive.”Mon Ami has a soft melody, quite mild compared to the rest of the album, so much so that most of the song could be heard on a ukulele before loud crescendos give a 5-hour energy shot to the placidity. The band returns to the composition, whistling ‘their favorite tune’. Tetop (short for ‘to each his own path’) is a highlight in concern, with funky drums and bass with guitar riffs in the studio take; subtract the lyrics and you could have a song from The Meters, but the lyrics have a mid-70s soul-explosion feel from Huffman and a falsetto chorus. On the Way Up has great potential in concert, and the wah-wah guitar sound will be impressive with two guitarists when this is played live. Subdivision 2 is very much like a mid 90s Phish song, and Tom Marshall’s writing has helped the band blossom as his writing was part of Phish’s burst 20 years ago. “Ready or not we’ll go through this together, you know I’d rather be touched than seen, we’ve gotta get through this screen” The album is capped off with Love is Purple, and much like the first album, ends with on a soft and uplifting note, this time with Jake on guitar singing a poetic love letter, captured fully in the line, “Love is why I clean up after you.”This is yet another impressive album from The McLovins, adding to their already impressive resume. For those who listen and have yet to see them live, in concert is where the group shines, and with a wide open 2012, they will be making stops at a number of festivals and venues throughout the Northeast.Key Tracks: Close to the Line, Cohesive, Subdivision 2

    Download the album at mclovins.com

  • ASKING ALEXANDRIA’s reckless and relentless is a fresh kick in the teeth

    ASKING ALEXANDRIA’s reckless and relentless is a fresh kick in the teeth

    Compared to Stand up and Scream, Asking Alexandria’s newest album, Reckless and Relentless is a fresh, new, kick in the teeth. ASKING ALEXANDRIA

    The album starts off quiet with the intro to the first song, but picks up with a powerful breakdown, and Danny’s much improved growls.

    One of the biggest improvements on this album is Danny’s vocals. The power in his screams has doubled. His lows are like a swift kick to the groin, and his highs make you want to rip your throat out.

    However, the band has their lighter moments, too. Their song Someone, Somewhere features only clean vocals, and they released an acoustic version on Youtube, and can be seen below.

    Musically, the breakdowns are heavy, powerful, and do their job. However, the drums are a bit predictable. Upon first listening to the album, I found myself guessing the next drum riff for each breakdown, correctly, no less.

    Overall, the ASKING ALEXANDRIA album is definitely a great success. The band has filmed a few videos, and more are on the way. The songs do a better job of telling their story than their previous album, which seemed to be more of a declaration of existence. I find myself listening to Reckless and Relentless on most occasions, and every time I find myself enjoying it more.

    -Chris Stocking

  • METHOS “Revelation” is skull crushing, aggressive

    METHOS “Revelation” is skull crushing, aggressive

    With a bunch of the sludgy melodic metal bands that I am asked to review, a common theme is coming to the surface. It is one that some bands have full awareness of, while others do not. It is called the “Mastodon Effect.” I define the Mastodon Effect as the trickling down of Mastodon’s influence to bands that would be considered their national peers. In turn, bands on a regional level search out their favorite era of the band and find the joy and greatness that lies within. Then a local band will find that influence in a regional band they have appreciation of. Hence, the band has no idea how much they have been under that spell. In some cases, unknowingly, the comparisons are made…and the band says…what? I say this, it depends on the album you are listening to. Furthermore, they do not hear it within themselves. Obviously, this is the trend of all music, in all eras, at all times. However, we can not deny that this is happening now with the new crop of hungry bands that are on the rise. And to be honest, if that is who you are to be compared to, it is not a bad thing.

    There are many bands that meet this criteria that are downright awful. However, Buffalo based Methos, is not one of those bands. They sound like a lot of the bands they would list as influences. However, I picked out the passed down range referenced in my first paragraph. Their debut CD is highly original, and a sure fire ass kicker! The recently released, Revelation, is an all out attack on the senses. It is both creative in scope, and masterful beyond the band’s years. The message of gloom and doom is present and in your face, and the music’s progressive aggression pushes it along so well.

    It was easiest to pick out my favorite tracks on this album. I will start with “One Foot In The Grave,” which delivers skull crushing balance while announcing apocalyptic insight. I am one who truly understands a statement like, “We are the children ff the world. With One Foot In The Grave.” Of course, this statement is highly relevant today. Especially when compounded with a lyrical boast of, “Finding the brightest light, like moths to an open flame. Burn all the heretics, no one left here to blame.” It is a strong message on the highest of levels. Many of these tracks are cautionary and unapologetic in their prophetic nature. On the track “Empty Inside,” the talented band continues it’s a collective combo of aural assault and verbal discourse. Singer Shawn Beagle howls, “I see the scars on your face, its your affliction. w2And your fall from grace, its a benediction.” To this I say, fuck yes! You are right!

    Aside from the great music that makes up this disc, the cover art is something of extraordinary value in it self.  The “Revelation” artwork was designed by PoltArt Illustrations , whose work has been featured with bands such as Lamb of God, Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, Nightshade, Twisted.

    The whole package is recommended. Pick it up or download it soon. Here’s to another great band on the rise in Upstate New York. Cheers!

    -Erik Jensen

  • Thunder Body raises the bar with their new release “Wind Blows Harder”

    Thunder Body is holding nothing back folks! Their first full length album is not only good, it has become my album of the year. All of this transpired in the last month of the year! Like in most year end polls, this tends to happen. Never fails after you have already written your list.

    Wind Blows Harder was released on the band’s own Medicine Hi Fi label, and is one of the most ambitious sound scape oriented records that I heard in the last few years. The thing that makes it such an essential piece of music is the fact that it merges the live show experimentalism of the band with the highest capabilities possible within a studio. The effect is a successful attempt to inject the slow dubbed out and floating impact that the live show brings to the table. I am not sure if this was the plan. In either case, it is a picture perfect representation of what Thunder Body is right now! It is a portrait of a band that is at a creative level that most of their peers will find to be elite!

    The opening track of Wind Blows Harder, “Come What May,” is so catchy and bouncy that it truly makes me want to break dance. It is easily one of my favorite tracks on this record, and possibly of the year. Thunder Body gets locked into such transcendent grooves, that the only way for the music to go is out. It is a formula of intuitiveness that seems to be the signature purpose on this track and many other greats here. Another example of this exuberance is captured on a song like Buffalo, where the band gets tight, locked in, and drifting in each passing second. It is an expansion of a sound you may know, but it’s originality is undeniable. Sonically, it is calming and yet trippy at the same time.

    The album is also great from a lyrical standpoint. Some of these songs are fun, and some deliver a message that is spiritual in some way. Thunder Body is great in the examination of universal themes. On “Ancestors,” Matt O’Brien delivers the soulful homage to family lineage with the delivery of, “and we all want to be remembered some day.” Of course, it is about giving respect as he carries on with “ This one’s for ancestor’s spirits. We’re gonna build it up strong so they can hear it.” A lot of the record includes very intelligent observations on life and the human condition. The message is contagious, infectious, and inspirational in one positive swoop.

    Thunder Body has IT! They offer a glowing orb of joy for you, and yet, it is hard to fully explain how they get you to that place. I try my best to put it into words, but it is truly difficult to give it the total justice that it deserves. So I will leave it at this, Wind Blows Harder, is a pivotal moment of time within the Rochester music scene. It essentially sets the bar for how high a band should aim to make themselves the best that they can be. Thunder Body has released a classic, and it I feel it will be recognized as such.

    website: http://thunderbody.com
    facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderbody
    available on I-Tunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wind-blows-harder/id491596820 

  • Dopapod releases new album ‘Drawn Onward’

    Dopapod releases new album ‘Drawn Onward’

    Dopapod’s second album Drawn Onward was released on Christmas Day for free on their website as a present to their fans who wanted a little something funky while they opened up their presents. The album is a gift to the fans and represents a shift in their sound from electronic to slightly funkier sound with a strong dance groove carrying throughout the album. The quartet is touring the Northeast in February, then down to Florida and working their way up the coast before returning for more shows up north as well as the upcoming festival season.

    Produced by Eli Walker, Dave Brandwein (Galaxy Smith), and Dopapod and recorded at The Bunker Studio Brooklyn, NY, Drawn Onward retains the live Dopapod sound but presents a more danceable album than their last release I saw live Dopapod evil was I. Throughout the album you may find yourself grooving to the music, moving to the beat in your car or during your workout, all while absorbing a fluid collection of their latest road-tested recording.

    drawn onwardThe album starts off with Turnin Knobs, a dancey, 70s style funk number straight out of Boogie Nights followed by Black and White with its climactic keys and drums. Nuggy Jawson has a sense of Umphrey’s McGee and Billy Joel grandeur as the song builds into an early 80s prog rock crescendo. French Bowling is woven with an underlying classical composition, akin to a Beethoven theme throughout with a fierce bass line punctuating the track. Onionhead is a highlight, centering on house music in the vein of Bisco with strong keys, drums and bass accentuated by a ripping guitar leading the melody. Roid Rage bring a few horns into the mix, a welcome addition to the band’s sound and results in a very involving and layered number which requires a second listen to catch all that they put into this track. Bats in the Cave has a jazzy, 70s style funkability, providing a full album of dance tracks that will assuredly be played with great improvisation in the coming tour.

    You can download the album for free at dopapod.com and pick up a hard copy of the CD for $10.

    Catch them at Jillians in Albany on Thursday, February 16th.

    Key tracks: Turnin knobs, French Bowling, Onionhead

    Watch the video for French Bowling.
    [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/34205718 w=400&h=225]

    Dopapod – French Bowling from curtis peel. on Vimeo.