November
Music Reviews - MikeSOS
VARIOUS ARTISTS
NEW YORK'S HARDEST VOLUME 3
GO KART
Better late than never, NEW YORK'S HARDEST VOLUME 3 hit the
streets recently after being shelved for unspecified reasons.
Now available, it gives the listener a decent composite of what
the scene consists of in the Big Apple, showcasing such hybrid
outfits as the Latin tinged metalcore of Ill Nino and the funky
slam of All Boro Kings. Also here are NY stalwart hardcore kings
Agnostic Front and the perennial metal all stars of SOD, as
well as local hardcore heroes Inhuman and the bluesy boom of
Demonspeed. 24 tracks in all, and while you may hit the skip
button a few times, the tracks by the aforementioned artists
are unreleased and worth the time.
(http://www.gokartrecords.com)
CROWBAR
SONIC EXCESS IN ITS PUREST FORM
SPITFIRE
Although the title of the album is a bold statement, who better
than the New Orleans masters of sludge to back that claim up?
Nobody. Crowbar comes back dirtier, meaner, and decisively leaner,
with 11 tracks that will make you feel all thick and gunked
up inside ("Repulsive In It's Splendid Beauty"). Still striking
those bowel shaking lows and taking the metal dirge to new heights
("Thru The Ashes"), Crowbar's latest is an amalgamation of what
a steady dose of weed, massive guitar distortion, Black Sabbath's
entire catalog and Southern living can do. Get ready for the
onslaught.
(http://www.spitfirerecords.com)
DECEASED
BEHIND THE MOURNER'S VEIL
RELAPSE
The long running Virginia based Deceased come out with a seven
song release that not only stays true to the metal genre, but
seemingly have fun with it as well, thanks to the inclusion
of some interesting cover songs. From DRI's "Reganomics" to
Anthrax's "Death Rider", Deceased has not only paid homage to
their peers, but have also created some kick ass versions in
the process. And their original songs are laden with total metal
sensibilities ("It's Alive") and will have you digging out your
jean jackets and leather vests and headbanging accordingly.
Metal done right is what Deceased delivers, so those of you
that yearn to rock hard, get on the stick and find this album.
(http://www.relapse.com)
AUTOCAD
5 SONG DEMO
PANTHEIST
Autocad is an adventure in electronic rock, as this five song
disc contains music you'd hear on a video game juiced up a tad.
Decent beats and a good sense of dynamics help Autoclad's instrumental
excursions hold up ("Blue Note"). Listen closely when you're
playing your next Playstation game or viewing your next low
budget skin flick, for it may be the supercharged sounds of
Autoclad providing the audio for your viewing pleasure.
(autoclad13@hotmail.com)
ST. HUCKLEBERRY
LONG WAY HOME
SELF RELEASED CD
Mike Galucci once again takes us on a journey into his world
via his long standing outfit St. Huckleberry and as always,
the ride is chock full of wistful lyrics ("Cages"), sweeping
melodies and lush soundscapes ("Wait For The Spring"). The latest
batch of 15 tunes take elements of The Beatles, Steely Dan,
The Eagles and Van Morrison ("Priorities") and adds Galucci's
stellar guitar work and gritty, Tom Waits-esque delivery, with
tongue firmly in cheek and sarcastic wit rightfully in tow ("Breathe").
For a lesson in well crafted songwriting that is performed with
the right amount of roughness around the edges, do yourself
a favor and check out one of Long Island's premiere bands.
(http://www.sthuckleberry.com)
MAYHEM
US LEGIONS
RENEGADE
Mayhem is one of Norway's most infamous outfits, shrouded in
controversy and scandal since the murder of lead singer Euronymous.
One thing that hasn't suffered, though, is their ability to
blastbeat their way to Beelzebub, as their latest 12 track disc
suggests. Containing both live and rare cuts, their take no
prisoners assault on your eardrums ("Carnage"), complete with
pulverizing guitars and bleak lyrical outlook, will still keep
you believing that they are still on top of their game. For
a shot to the head that you soon won't forget, check out this
release and feel the power of Mayhem in the privacy of your
own home.
(http://www.renegaderecords.com)
BIOHAZARD
UNCIVILIZATION
SANCTUARY
Back from the proverbial dead comes Brooklyn's own Biohazard.
After a string of sub par releases and disappointing decisions
that put the band on the treadmill, the boys are back in a big
way. Enlisting the services of many of those that have either
looked up to them (Hatebreed, Slipknot) or have been there since
the beginning (Pantera, Agnostic Front, Cypress Hill, Sepultura),
Biohazard successfully finds a new sound that is stronger, heavier
and decisively more metal ("HFFK", "Domination", "Cross The
Line"), yet still manage to retain the hardcore integrity that
brought them to the dance ("Sellout", "Get Away"). While many
of the old schoolers still cry "sellout" from the rooftops of
Bay Ridge, one thing remains clear: Biohazard is one of the
pioneers of the metal genre, as their fusion of rap and rock
is still being imitated in a small town near you. And while
there are some misses on this album, like the clumsy hardcore
anthem "Unified", but the overall prognosis for this album is
that it connects everything Biohazard has done succinctly, as
well as shows that perseverance and adaptation goes the distance.
Welcome back, boys from Crooklyn!
(http://www.biohazard.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
TWISTED FOREVER
KOCH
Long Island's metal heroes Twisted Sister have spawned a tribute
album which pays homage and gives proper respect to the band
that put integrity and balls into the 80's metal scene. Reading
like a who's who of the music world (Anthrax, Motorhead, Joan
Jett, Lit, VOD), it's staggering to see how many bands Dee Snider
and company influenced. While some renditions remain true to
the originals ("I Wanna Rock" by Lit, "You Can't Stop Rock And
Roll" by Sebastian Bach), others stray from the format, with
mixed results (Nine Days doing "The Price", "Wake Up The Sleeping
Giant" by Chuck D.). And even the men of the hour take the stage,
and in the tribute spirit, bang out a triumphant version of
AC/DC's classic "Sin City". As far as tribute albums go, this
CD is a must have not only for collectors and TS fans, but also
for folks that dig hard rock done well.
(http://www.kochentertainment.com)
PATRICIA OSSOWSKI
MY BEST MASK ON
SELF RELEASED CD
Patricia Ossowski's nine tracks of predominant piano and string
compositions are a breath of fresh air in the female singer
songwriter circle. With a voice that is reminiscent at times
of Natalie Merchant, Ossowski's delivery is complemented wonderfully
by her rich tinkling of the ivories ("Go Quietly"). While the
mood is generally overcast throughout the nine tracks ("Candy"),
giving it a very Tori Amos type quality, there are spots where
the sun shines through and a bouncy beat peeks through the clouds
("Weapon"). Excellently produced, Patricia Ossowski's latest
release creates an ornate landscape that fans of deep seeded
music should enjoy greatly.
(possowski@aol.com)
DESTROYER 666
PHEONIX RISING
RENEGADE RECORDS
Australian metal mavens Destroyer 666 sound as violent as their
name suggests, as this hellhammered collection of eight malevolent
tracks will appease all who bow before the altar of death metal.
While it's not as fast as some of the blast beat bands out there,
nor does it hit the punishing lows that many of the sickest
bands do, Destroyer 666 concentrates on walking the line between
melody and brutality ("The Last Revelation"), and with their
sonic rhythms and bombastic fretwork, these Aussie quartet do
just fine in that department. Imagine a darker, more evil Megadeth
("The Eternal Glory Of War") for a referral to what Destroyer
666 is all about. For a band that goes the extra distance to
provide the best blend of savagery and musicianship, Destroyer
666 is the goods.
(http://www.renegaderecords.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
FOR THOSE WHO STAND
TEAR IT DOWN
Tear It Down Records have released a compilation benefiting
gay rights, which features some very heavy hitters in the underground.
Bands like AFI, Refused, Shay Haled, Boy Sets Fire and Snap
case lead the charge for this humane cause, and while most of
the music on the disc has seen the light of day via other albums
and collections, the collection is well worth a look for the
amazing talent it displays, despite your social slant.
(http://www.tearitdownrecords.com)
PINHEAD CIRCUS
DOWNSTROKE SWEEP
NOT BAD
Pinhead Circus are one in a long line of many punk bands whose
clever lyrics and catchy arrangements aren't groundbreaking,
but whose songs are emotionally charged and delivery is solid
("Foghat"). This five track disc runs like a whirlwind, as the
staccato guitars and double timed drums keep the melodies flowing
and the point concise ("Old Yeah, Jaded Maybe, Bitter By Choice").
And this California quintet's cover of Prince's "I Could Never
Take The Place Of Your Man" is a sure fire way to keep these
guys embedded in your head for a while. Pinhead Circus seem
to have not only the musical brawn that good punk requires,
but also the intelligence to know what works and what doesn't.
(http://www.notbadrecords.com)
DRAIN BRAMAGED
SEVEN COURSE MEAL
KNOW
Old schoolers, lend me your ears! Drain Bramaged is a five piece
punk band from the land of punk, California, whose 15 track
disc is a nod to the old days when the drums were fast and furious
("Jerry Springer"), the chords were obvious and easy ("Boiling
Pot") and the lyrics were self serving, offensive and embodied
the true spirit of punk rock ("Piss You Off", "We All Cuss").
With streaks of the Offspring, Bouncing Souls and NOFX running
throughout their music, Drain Bramaged firmly plant their flag
in Punkrockville, USA, and rightfully deserve to stake their
claim in the punk scene.
(http://www.knowrecords.com)
UPSHOT
RETURN OF THE CORDUROY KILLAH
SELF RELEASED CD
NY's Upshot come out blazing with their 11 track disc that will
constantly keep your head bobbing and your ass shaking. With
a RHCP rocking hip hop feel ("The Wave") and a Dave Matthews-esque
charm dispersed within ("Get It Together"), Upshot successfully
balances the nuances of alternative rock and world beat ("Edith").
This dynamic duo, dutifully backed by some impressive musicians,
whose flute and trumpet work is especially of notice ("Pickin'
Up The Slack"), take us on a magic carpet ride that's chock
full of good times, soulful grooves ("Lipps") and encompasses
the spirit of the 60's in a modern day package. For some flower
power for the year 2001, have a nice day with the laid back
tunages of Upshot.
(http://www.upshotmusic.com)
THE J.J. PARADISE PLAYERS CLUB
WINE COOLER BLOWOUT
TEE PEE
Brooklyn bred and oh so badass, The J.J. Paradise Players Club
is an amalgamation of punk, stoner, Southern and hardcore all
tightly rolled into a fat blunt and able to be smoked at your
discretion ("Wine Cooler Blowout"). Formed from the wreckage
of some of NYC's finest underground outfits, J.J.'s burns through
grooves like Skynyrd and snarls like a NYHC band, but there's
such a fine thread of good old foot stomping rock and roll inside
the mix ("House Of Torment") that you can't help but cite bands
like Foghat, Grand Funk and any band that appeared on the soundtrack
to Dazed And Confused as a staple of the Club's sound. Not afraid
of technology, nor traveling in the time machine ("Linden Bulletvard"),
J.J.'s latest 11 tracks perfectly meld the freedom rock spirit
of 1976 with the chaotic maelstrom of today's avant-garde metal.
Do your ears a favor and take a listen.
(http://www.teepeerecords.com)
DFUNK AND THE PHATFUNK CLIQUE
PANDEMIC LOVE
SELF RELEASED CD
This seven track disc swings and brings da funk back from the
hood and to your ears. DFunk and company keep the bass pumping
and the beats jumping ("A Little Bit More"), with a dash of
sexual tension to back up those deep grooves as well as that
ass up. While the songs tend to lag a bit, you probably won't
mind when you're making sweet love to your special lady as this
disc is kicking through your system ("Jazzy Jam"). So, in order
to get yourself in the mood quicker, you must buy your own copy
of this CD, my brother, and let the funk flow through you.
(http://www.phatfunk.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
SECOND NATURE
Second Nature Records have an impressive roster of talent, from
which 14 bands have been chosen to appear on this mainly hardcore
and emo collection of tunes. Underground luminaries such as
Grade and Isis grace this compilation, while bands like The
Casket Lottery and Waxwing lag behind, holding this disc from
being extraordinary and instead deeming it yet another mediocre
compilation disc showcasing all sides of what this label has
to offer. If your not big on filling your collection with rarities
and b-sides, don't bother.
(http://www.secondnaturerecordings.com)
SPEAK NO EVIL
WELCOME TO THE DOWNSIDE
UNIVERSAL
Do you like Korn, Faith No More and angry music as a whole?
Well, then this derivative and totally uninspired outfit is
for you. Ok, so they are loud and aggressive and their 13 track
album lifts the seven string guitar sound du jour and contains
that one radio single to get them over to radio stations across
the States ("Let Go"). So what? Think they'll be around in a
year? 6 months? Tomorrow? Not if they keep putting out third
rate Sevendust songs out.
(http://www.universalrecords.com)
CAGE
ASTROLOGY
WWIII
Bust out the spiked wristbands and tease the hair, folks, Cage
brings us back to the olden days of metal when the end of the
world was a lyrical complexity and lead singers screamed for
vengeance. Cage's latest 13 track disc is so metal, it clangs
when you drop it on the floor ("The Edge"). Despite the fact
that these guys should pay Judas Priest royalties for "borrowing"
their riffs and vocal lines, Cage successful takes you back
to a place where it was ok for men to wear a lot of leather
and not get leered at quizzically. In all honesty, if you enjoy
the late 70's to mid 80's metal that spawned Queensryche, Metal
Church, Savatage and much of the vintage Priest material, Cage
is a godsend.
(http://www.ww3music.com)
THE PROSTITUTES
THE PROSTITUTES
PELADO
With a name like theirs, it's a safe bet that this Pennsylvania
quintet isn't a Christian rock outfit. What they are, however,
are snotty punkers whose 24 tracks of "punk rock fury" sound
just like everyone else's punk bands brand of furious punk.
Nothing to really write home about here, except the stellar
rockabilly guitar and the Sex Pistols-esque arrangements that
will surely set off an alarm in your skull.
(http://www.peladorecords.com)
OBLIVION
THE ULTRASOUND EP
SELF RELEASED CD
Oblivion is a rock outfit whose sound is what you'd expect from
the college contingent; slightly anguished vocals with a tinge
of emo and a hint of 80's New Wave ("Dreams"). Their six song
debut lies somewhere between the airy nature of early REM ("Over")
and the smash hit sounds of new post grunge darlings Nickelback
("My Hope") with a hearty helping of classic rock. Well textured
acoustic and electric guitars with a Smiths-esque tone ("Last
Time") earn this clan extra points and steer them past the frat
rock category with style.
(http://aa_oblivion.tripod.com)
SANBOX
3 SONG SAMPLER
SELF RELEASED CD
Punk rock at its brattiest, Sanbox is a trio hailing from New
Jersey whose three songs probably cost them their whole summer
job pay. In turn, it was money well spent. Bouncy and sarcastically
charming ("Whose Fault"), Sanbox stray away from the Blink disease
that plagues many new jack punk bands and instead opt to mimic
Green Day, complete with the necessary three chord musings and
proper breakdowns ("Alice Jeanne"). Nothing that will drop your
jaw, but it's a nice escape for the time being.
(sanboxnj@aol.com)
SIX GOING ON SEVEN
AMERICAN'T (OR WON'T)
BIG WHEEL
Six Going On Seven have got a sanitized punk rock aura all over
their latest 10 track release that may remind you of Samiam
or Everclear at times. With a very up front vocal style that
is very similar to the golden throated styling of Elvis Costello
("Readying"), SGOS rely on clever wordplay and sunny 60's pop
melodies ("As Is") as their method of choice. Containing songs
that would sound best as prime time network sitcom themes ("Good
On Paper"), Six Going On Seven's latest set displays zero angst
and nary a sign of testicles. However, with their Ben Folds
Five with guitars approach, they may just have the formula necessary
to rock the suburbs, as WASP-y as they can be.
(http://www.bigwheelrec.com)
NEUROSIS
A SUN THAT NEVER SETS
RELAPSE
The darlings of underground metal return with another smorgasbord
of noise and fury, as Neurosis bring their avant garde brand
of metal to the masses once again. Want six minute plus dirges?
They've got them ("From The Hill"). How about songs that gradually
build from tranquil melodies to progressive metal masterpieces?
In there, too ("Watchfire", "Falling Unknown"). Precise and
pristine, yet bottom heavy and cranially crushing ("From Where
Its Roots Run"), the latest batch of tunes from this San Francisco
outfit is perfect for those who feel that Tool is too mainstream.
(http://www.neurosis.com)
NINE LIVES
THE FUGITIVE
TOO DAMN HYPE
Nine Lives is a long running band from NYC who dabbles in both
hardcore and punk. The end result is a 16 track disc chock full
of catchy choruses that scream for a sing along ("Red Nut Square")
as well as a lesson in how to produce well crafted three minute
punk rock songs that not only contain balls, but also a strong
sense of melodicism ("Entertaining Angels", "The Drop"). While
Nine Lives may be considered too light for many of the hardline
hardcore fans, they have an undeniable sense of early East Coast
punk rock, shown not only in their songs ("Hold You Down"),
but also in their cover of the Misfit's classic "Skulls". Providing
music for those that still sport wifebeaters, but are too old
to participate in the beatdowns, Nine Lives have made a mature
and positive album that kicks ass.
(http://www.nine-lives.com)
LIFER
LIFER
UNIVERSAL
Lifer is a five piece rock band from Pennsylvania whose Deftones-esque
inclinations are rounded out masterfully through production
by none other than Alex Lifeson of Rush. While Lifer, like countless
other nu metallers, employ a DJ, it doesn't impede on the full
rock sound of the band, for once ("Disbelief"). And, even though
some may say that they sound like every other metal band currently
vying for a slice of the limelight, their huge arena rock choruses
("Boring", "Swallow") and commanding use of that brand new heavy
guitar sound ("New") should catapult these boys to the head
of the pack. If you enjoy Sevendust, Systematic and Taproot,
Lifer's 12 track disc is a nice addition to your nu metal CD
family.
(http://www.liferonline.com)
THE MONSOONS
OROGRAPHIC EFFECT
WINDARK
The Monsoons are bound to put a smile on your face, or at least
let you kick your shoes off for a bit and relax. Their latest
four song release allows the listener a virtual time machine
ride through various time periods of music, as this juggernaut
of a band touches on ragtime, blues, country, rock and pop with
a spring in their step and a carnival like atmosphere ("The
Roy Orbsion Song") all in the mix. The Monsoons go deep into
their music, and are unafraid to experiment with different styles
and flavors, although they mainly employ a jam like, Grateful
Dead-ish 60's laconic tone. And much like Zappa, this eclectic
band display enough audio stimulants and surprises to keep your
ears on point, only on a more pop horizon. In turn, The Monsoons
have successfully created their own brand of smart and sardonic
music that is difficult to categorize but is easily enjoyed.
(http://www.themonsoons.com)
AGNOSTIC FRONT
DEAD YUPPIES
EPITAPH
The undeniable godfathers of NYHC have returned with yet another
socially conscience ass kicker of an album ("Politician", "Urban
Decadence"). Agnostic Front's latest 14 track endeavor is exactly
what you'd expect from this seasoned outfit; loud guitars and
pounding punk rhythms ("Out Of Reach") all tied together by
the distinct howl of Roger Miret ("Dead Yuppies"). AF is a band
that, like AC/DC and Motorhead, define a genre and never stray
from the formula that made them, and for that we thank them.
Old schoolers and new jacks alike can learn a trick or two from
Agnostic Front, as they still display the goods to bring it
on home after all these years.
(http://www.epitpah.com
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
BRIDGE NINE
American Nightmare is an angry band whose seven tracks of audio
anarchy contain well endowed hardcore leanings. By the use of
ferocious lead vocals, punk rock melodicism ("The Day The Music
Died") and steadfast breakdowns that would make Madball proud
("Fuck What Fireworks Stand For"), these guys give tough guy
music a brain and a run for its money. This Boston quartet hit
harder than Jim Rice and Ray Borque combined and has the inane
capacity to create a bruising social commentary regarding the
state of the world. For those that demand a band to kick them
in the teeth, American Nightmare has come to answer your prayers.
(http://www.bridge9.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
SASKATOON OR BUST
UNION
A punk rock potpourri straight from the Great White North is
what this 15 track, 5 band smorgasbords offer. And while most
of the tracks on the disc are your garden variety punk rock
songs, the songs by Guttermouth especially stand out as being
the most palatable ("Six Foot Party Sub"). However, it's worth
a shot if you'd like to hear what our neighbors to the North
are doing musically these days.
(http://www.unionlabelgroup.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
PROGRESSION THROUGH AGGRESSION
FERRET
Up and coming label Ferret have a lot to gush over, if you dig
the crossover sounds of the metalcore genre. With a lot of hungry
new bands in their camp, like Martyr AD, Skycamefalling and
recent Roadrunner signees Kill.Switch.Engage., it's no small
wonder why this label has been garnishing phat props from the
underground. And with bands like From Autumn To Ashes and Stretch
Armstrong under their banner, they show that they're doing their
part to keep it real up in the field. Do yourself a favor and
seek this compilation out and see what the future of metal will
sound like
(http://www.ferretstyle.com)
SHADY VIEW TERRACE/ THE LAWRENCE ARMS
SPLIT CD
ASIAN MAN
This split CD contains two emo-ish bands whose styles mesh quite
nicely. First up are the treble charged and dual vocaled styles
of Shady View Terrace. This New Jersey group's heavy handed
attack is fierce and supercharged with screaming over shouting
and a penchant for speed ("The Way She Felt"), yet they also
show the versatility to take it down a notch and groove ("Fatt").
The Lawrence Arms are a bit thicker in the music department,
displaying a bit more punk rock bravado ("A Toast") and indie
rock sensibility both in the chords they choose and the expository
lyrical content ("Nebraska"). For a nice one-two punch that
complements each other nicely, check this split CD out.
(http://www.asianmanrecords.com)
PAIN
REBIRTH
RENEGADE
Pain is the brainchild of superstar metal producer Peter Tagtren
and it fully encompasses the sounds and vision of the man behind
some of the finest exported metal music to date. With a very
technofied metal stamp on the 12 tracks, Pain feels like it
could move a dance floor with NIN exhilaration ("End Of The
Line"), yet it still retains a touch of the Gothenburg sound,
which Tagtren has worked so well in ("Parallel To Ecstasy").
Chunks of riffy guitars come soaring through deep electronic
tracks that are grooving and forebodingly heavy ("Crashed")
to make Pain sound like Fear Factory, Rob Zombie and Soilwork
all wrapped in a Ministry swirl. Move over Trent, here comes
a brand new one-man show whose devices of dissecting melody
and usage of the heavy harmony are just as powerful and engrossing.
(http://www.renegaderecords.com)
MikeSOS is a freelance
music reviewer.
Check more of his stuff out at
sosnyc.com
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