Category: Reviews

Cry To The Blind CD Release Party with Hate Machine, Endyga, Endever, The Untold Lies, Starlight Cities, and A Thousand Shades of Cold

Two songs into Cry To The Blind CD release party, front man Jon Lamanna summed up the thoughts of the massive congregation that had assembled for a fist pumping good time. Lamanna said, “Nobody believes that local music could be big in this town. But, we have sold out this room tonight with a show of local bands.” Granted, this is not a warm quote, but close enough. Over 1,000 people came and witnessed what may end up going down as the metal show of the year in Upstate New York.

CTTB did a great job of stacking this bill with a great amount of diverse acts within the metal scene in this area. Even the first four acts, A Thousand Shades of Cold, Starlight Cities, The Untold Lies, and Endever, are bands with an extreme amount of talent and an audience to match. It is not often that a show with seven acts brings so much musical greatness together. None of these bands are nothing less than above average.

The show went to a whole different notch of splendor when Endyga took the stage. I had never seen the band before, and turned to a colleague with a puzzled look on my face. I asked, “Who the fuck are these guys.” His response, “They are Endyga, and they are the real fucking deal.” An understatement of this magnitude would become reality as they zipped through a sick 30 minute set of absolute power. Like most of the bands on the bill, they had great melodic sensibility. However, these guys were devastatingly tight and heavy.

After Endyga, Hate Machine came on to smash faces. The recently reunited legends of the late 90’s and early 00’s, are just as vicious today as they were back then. Jed and the boys came out and delivered a set of solid older material while throwing in a new tune here and there for good measure. It is a very daunting task to follow a band like Hate Machine on any bill. They bring the pain, and shove it in your face. However, Cry To The Blind is one of the only bands I would ever consider putting on a bill after them. After all, the night did belong to the guys in Cry To The Blind.

Cry To The Blind came out with guns blazing. Obviously, with this being the band’s CD release party “From Now On,” was the focus of most of their set. Highlights from the new album, were the title track, Better Than Me, The Hunger, and Letting Go. The band also delved into older material like Heartless, among other great tracks of the past. There was a real special aura around this event. For starters, it was Jon Lamanna’s birthday. The band commemorated the occasion by having a cake delivered to the stage. It was also important because of the special announcement that was made half way through the band’s set. CTTB announced that they are starting their own label. They have the backers, and the distribution capabilities to truly take this to a whole new level of the game. For people like myself who have known these guys for years, this was the greatest part of the whole evening. It put an exclamation point on what was one of the better shows I have seen in quite some time. Expect HUGE things from Cry To The Blind in the next year. And know this, it has been a long time coming. -Erik Jensen

January 30, 2012
OLLOCS’ self titled EP is tight, intricate, exploratory in nature

There is nothing I love more than receiving an assignment to cover progressive instrumental rock music. Hailing from North Babylon, NY, Ollocs is a band of incredible poise and purpose. In their short time together as a band, the band has shared the stage with Taproot, Shadow Eden, and Sevendust, among others.

After your first listen, you will realize that the appeal of the band lies in how intriguing their writing is. Although the band does have an edge that is on the heavier side of the rock spectrum, I hear major influence of the world’s progressive titans in every song. When hearing the soaring guitar tracks on this EP, the spirit of gentlemen like Robert Fripp, John Petrucci, and Steve Howe come to mind. It is undeniable that the band is highly influenced by the songs of Tool and Dream Theater. They also sound like many bands that may not be of any influence to them. Hosemobile and Don Caballero came to mind in regards to comparisons during multiple listens as well.

In any case, the music on this EP is tight, intricate, and exploratory in nature. The creative vision of Ollocs is best represented on tracks like, “Cinque,” and “Til Dawn.” On these tracks, the band weaves together tight knit compositions that lunge from quiet to hyper in approach. They play with a virtuosity that their peers can envy and take notice of.

I am waiting for the day when I can see this band in the live setting. Note to the dudes of Ollocs: book some upstate shows! There is a market up here for you. The time is now! Check out the EP on the band’s Facebook or Reverbnation page. You will not regret the decision.

Check out a preview here-
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkk3JJJ01Ec&w=420&h=315]

For more information on Ollocs-
www.facebook.com/ollocs

-Erik Jensen

January 27, 2012
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 19^th 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

January 22, 2012
REVIEW: After The Avalanche – Self Titled EP

After The Avalanche is a band of great promise within the Upstate New York metal scene. The Watertown based 5 piece is definitely on the right path. In the demand of honesty, I will tell you that there are a couple of conflicting issues that I have with the demo I was asked to touch on. Some points are good, and some are bad. However, all of the points I will talk about, are meant more for constructive balance. Don’t be confused though, because this band has much to offer.

From a musical standpoint, After The Avalanche has it going on. They are technically astounding, and play with a very focused progressive nature. They are lumped into that whole metal core label because quite frankly, it may be the best and most definitive way to describe what they are doing. On tracks like “Codename More Cowbell” and “Calendars”, you can feel the melodic presence that After The Avalanche is perfecting on an extremely high level. On those same songs, however, you can also see the very reason why it is getting difficult to tell some metal core bands from each other. Someone alerted to me to the breakdown prowess of the band. Although the band does this quite well, it is a formula of generic repetition that is being overused to the hilt. The start and stop drum heavy interludes that are aided with screams of anger, are becoming quite overblown. Don’t get me wrong, this band does it better than most. I just feel that the approach in itself is going to end up hindering the progress of bands that are ultimately better on many levels. This is not just an issue with this band, it is the genre in general.

Outside of my issue with the breakdowns and the abundance of indecipherable dialogue, the band is a top notch example of unlimited potential. They are branching out, and pushing their wares on the scene quite well. I look forward to the next studio based piece that they will bring forward.

For more information-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/After-The-Avalanche/201207729913338

-Erik Jense

January 22, 2012
REVIEW: Soul 4 Sale “Dying Hurts”

Personal and deep intricate thoughts can be best delivered when the soundtrack is raucous, pounding, and relentless in scope. Orange County(New York)punk band, Soul 4 Sale, succeeds with admirable results while attacking the status quo and buried personal reflections. Since 1999, the band has delivered their efficiently straight forward form of punk, with passion and poise. Delivering a middle finger to the overly critical and pseudo scenester set, the band is all about giving you the best on their terms only. The results on Dying Hurts, are nothing short of spectacular.

In deed, this is the band’s most personal record to date. Dying Hurts touches on themes of death, loss, and soul searching. With each passing lyrical passage, a new introduction to life getting more complicated through age is introduced. The music is powerful here as well. It never falls short of it’s goal in delivering intensity within the song cycle. The mix is punk based ear candy with a message.

On the opening track, Decorative, front man Brian Lawrence gives us old school flair when belting a great verse like, “In the end, I was no victim of treachery. Just subject to the truth. Where nothing’s sacred, and nothing’s changing.” In their 2 and a half to 3 minute glory, these songs pack a major punch and have much to say. On Dying Hurts, Lawrence wails, “Everything grows, as spring grows into something old. So morose, yet so hard to let go.” An intriguing thought like this is open to interpretation, but screams “aging is death” to me. The band also chose a cover to tackle for this great selection of new songs. Overkill by Men at Work, is attacked with a great amount of zeal. The framework for that song is perfect within the landscape of punk rock joy. It translates with great ease. I was curious how these guys came to decide on covering a track like that. “I saw Colin hay on Scrubs following JD around with a guitar playing the acoustic version of overkill.” Lawrence added, “I realized in a stripped down way, that’s a pretty cool rock and roll song.”

Each track on the album is just as good as the ones I have referenced. It is a highly appealing cross section of highly energetic “well written” anthems To me it is a great example of the capabilities of the DIY generation being represented with dignity, not hackneyed processing.

The album will be released by 9 to 5 Records on March 24^th, 2012. I recommend you go out an get a copy when it becomes available!

More information-
http://www.facebook.com/s4spunk

-Erik Jensen

January 22, 2012
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

January 16, 2012
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

January 12, 2012
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

January 12, 2012
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.

Leading 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

January 11, 2012
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.

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

January 9, 2012