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Tag: Album Review

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Reviews

Chaos Horrific: Cannibal Corpse’s Brutal Return to the Death Metal Throne Album Review

Photo by Alex Morgan

CANNIBAL CORPSE:
George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals
Erik Rutan – guitar
Rob Barrett – guitar
Alex Webster – bass
Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

Cannibal Corpse, a revered name in death metal, unleashes their sixteenth studio album, “Chaos Horrific,” via Metal Blade Records. This band needs no introduction, but what about their latest offering? Well, it’s exactly what you’d expect from these veterans of brutality.

“Chaos Horrific” delivers the classic Cannibal Corpse experience, with unrelenting speed, brutality, and the unmistakable growls of George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fisher. The album kicks off with the thunderous “Overlords of Violence,” setting the tone for a fast-paced, riff-packed onslaught that rarely lets up. Clocking in at a tight 39 minutes, it’s refreshingly concise in an era of overstuffed albums.

Erik Rutan’s influence on guitar, alongside Rob Barrett, injects new life into the band’s sound. The solos add melodic nuance to the chaos, as seen in tracks like “Frenzied Feeding” and “Summoned for Sacrifice.” There are moments of monotony, but the album finishes strong with “Pestilential Rictus” and “Drain You Empty.”

The production packs a punch, although the mastering is a bit loud, but death metal is supposed to be experienced loud. George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fisher’s vocals remain a force to be reckoned with, and drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz provides a rock-solid foundation.

“Chaos Horrific” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a testament to Cannibal Corpse’s consistency and vitality. For long-time fans, it’s a solid addition to their discography, while newcomers will find it a brutal introduction to the band’s world.

Vince Locke’s gruesome artwork perfectly complements the carnage within. When Cannibal Corpse releases an album, you know you’re in for a blood-soaked ride. “Chaos Horrific” lives up to the legacy, proving that these death metal pioneers still reign supreme. Don’t miss their upcoming tour with The True Mayhem, where these songs are bound to ignite mosh pits and headbanging galore. “Chaos Horrific” is out now, so prepare for a relentless onslaught of death metal fury.

Chaos Horrific track listing:
1. Overlords Of Violence
2. Frenzied Feeding
3. Summoned For Sacrifice
4. Blood Blind
5. Vengeful Invasion
6. Chaos Horrific
7. Fracture And Refracture
8. Pitchfork Impalement
9. Pestilential Rictus
10. Drain You Empty

GET YOUR COPY HERE:

Coinciding with the release of Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE will embark on a month-long North American co-headlining tour with Mayhem. The journey begins September 22nd in Nashville, Tennessee and runs through October 21st in Louisville, Kentucky. Support will be provided by special guests, Gorguts and Blood Incantation! See all confirmed dates below.

CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Mayhem, Gorguts, Blood Incantation:
9/22/2023 Marathon Music Hall – Nashville, TN
9/23/2023 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
9/24/2023 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN
9/26/2023 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
9/27/2023 Rebel – Toronto, ON
9/28/2023 L’Olympia – Montreal, QC
9/29/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
9/30/2023 Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
10/02/2023 The Royal Oak – Detroit, MI
10/03/2023 Hard Rock Live – Gary, IN
10/04/2023 The Fillmore – Minneapolis, MN
10/06/2023 Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
10/07/2023 The Depot – Lake City, UT
10/09/2023 Temple Theatre – Tacoma, WA
10/10/2023 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
10/11/2023 Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
10/13/2023 The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
10/14/2023 SOMA – San Diego, CA
10/17/2023 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
10/18/2023 The Factory – Dallas, TX
10/20/2023 The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
10/21/2023 Paristown Hall – Louisville, KY

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Reviews


Unearthing the Depths: Metal Lair Reviews Crowbar’s Zero And Below

CROWBAR:
Kirk Windstein – vocals/guitar
Matt Brunson – guitar
Shane Wesley – bass
Tommy Buckley – drums

CROWBAR’s enduring presence in the world of music spans an impressive 32 years. They have steadfastly remained true to their unique identity. A synonym for suffering, the essence of Southern desolation, and masters of delivering guitar riffs imbued with a fierce bite. Across their extensive discography of 11 previous albums, their auricular signature has remained unwavering. It’s a deliberate fusion of languor, though never excessively, and a profound, melancholic density.

With “Zero And Below,” the band ushers bassist Shane Wesley into their ranks. Kurt Windstein’s gritty vocals, which have become an emblem of their raw sound, continue to stand out amidst a backdrop of downtuned riffs and thundering drums. They waste no time, launching into a high-octane rhythmic onslaught with “The Fear That Binds You,” immediately plunging listeners into the depths of despair. A sentiment further solidified in tracks like “Her Evil Is Sacred.” The tempo drags at a sluggish pace, the weighty guitars oozing like molasses throughout, imposing a crushing gravity on the senses.

“Denial of Truth” slows the cadence considerably, tempering some of the aggression while retaining an ever-present sense of impending doom. “Chemical Godz” introduces a pervasive, bluesy groove, accentuated by the prominence of the bass, and its accompanying video delves into the harrowing consequences of addiction.

“Bleeding from Every Hole” stands out as a track where the bass guitar takes center stage, providing a pulsating foundation. “Confess To Nothing” and “Her Evil is Sacred” maintain a slow pummeling pace, paradoxically radiating an enduring energy.

“Denial Of The Truth” exudes a ’90s nostalgia, harkening back to the band’s early days of the bands inception. The album culminates with its title track, where Kirk Windstein’s raspy vocals traverse through a shimmering fog of sludge, perfectly encapsulating the melancholy, regret, and profound sense of loss that eternally haunts humanity, perhaps more poignant now than ever before. In these weighty times, the demand for heavy music remains, and CROWBAR consistently asserts their place among the heaviest of them all.

Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.

Track listing:

01. The Fear That Binds You
02. Her Evil Is Sacred
03. Confess To Nothing
04. Chemical Godz
05. Denial Of The Truth
06. Bleeding From Every Hole
07. It’s Always Worth The Gain
08. Crush Negativity
09. Reanimating A Lie
10. Zero And Below

CROWBAR w/ Primitive Man:
9/07/2023 Downtown Music Hall – Fort Walton Beach, FL
9/08/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL
9/09/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL
9/10/2023 Gramps – Miami, FL
w/ Primitive Man, Bodybox:
9/12/2023 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
9/13/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC
9/14/2023 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
9/15/2023 The Camel – Richmond, VA
9/17/2023 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA
9/19/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ
9/20/2023 Song & Dance – Syracuse, NY
9/21/2023 Palladium – Worcester, MA
9/22/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
9/23/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH
9/24/2023 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
9/26/2023 Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA
9/27/2023 Hobart Art Theater – Hobart, IN
9/28/2023 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
9/29/2023 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH
9/30/2023 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
10/01/2023 Wildwood – Iowa City, IA w/ Venom Inc #
10/02/2023 Red Flag – St Louis, MO
10/04/2023 Cobra – Nashville, TN
10/05/2023 George’s Majestic – Fayetteville, AR
# = No Support

Categories
Reviews

“Take Me Back To Eden: A Serene Journey Through The Dreamscapes” Album Review

PHOTO CREDIT: SLEEP TOKENS FACEBOOK

It was a sleepless night, and I found myself wandering through the otherwordly soundscapes crafted by Sleep Token on their latest album, “Take Me Back To To Eden.” As the notes gently reached my ears, I was whisked away into a tranquil realm where emotions melded with melodies, and time lost its grip on me.

From the very beginning, Sleep Token’s genre bending style of alternative rock and progressive metal had me transfixed. The album is a musical kaleidoscope that creates an eidos of mesmerizing vocals, atmospheric guitars, and roaring synths. Its a sonic landscape that is both captivating and introspective.

The opening song, “Chokehold,” embodies the quintessential essence of their eerie, emotionally charged, and melodically captivating metal style. The track serves as a testament to the band’s undeniable talent, showcasing a fusion of colossal, rhythmic riffs and pulsating grooves.

Front and center is the captivating, enigmatic, frontman, Vessel, whose croon possesses a vocal gift that can only be described as angelic. Each note he delivers is infused with raw emotion, drawing listeners into a world of pure enchantment.

To complement the journey, the accompanying animated video takes us on a visually stunning and unsettling ride. We find ourselves engrossed in a dark realm, where a formidable arachnid creature, adorned in imposing armor, wields an imposing axe high above its head. Emerging from the shadows, this strange and ominous beastie exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue, further deepening the song’s enigmatic atmosphere.

Prepare to be enthralled by the artistry of Sleep Token’s “The Summoning.” This progressive metal gem effortlessly surpasses all expectations set by their previous surprise hit, “Chokehold,” striking a harmonious balance between brutality and melody.

In this masterpiece, Sleep Token showcases their unparalleled ability to seamlessly blend disparate elements. The result is a delightful fusion of heaviness and funkiness, where neither aspect overshadows the other. The cohesion of the track is nothing short of impressive, a magnum opus that flawlessly intertwines various musical dimensions.

“The Summoning” elevates every element to extraordinary levels, taking the listener on an exhilarating journey. From the devastatingly powerful instrumentals in the intro and breakdown to the irresistibly groovy outro, Sleep Token demonstrates their musical prowess. Vessel’s vocal performance mastery shines brilliantly, marking a new pinnacle in his career.

“Take Me Back To Eden,” exudes an exquisite sense of sophistication, thanks in no small part to the artful inclusion of piano throughout the record. The gentle interplay of piano with the supple vocals and tender guitars in tracks like “Aqua Regia” elevates the musical experience to a whole new level, infusing it with a touch of refinement.

The talented ensemble of Sleep Token venture into diverse musical territories, masterfully blending elements of harsh vocals in “Ascensionism,” blackgaze in “Vore,” and metalcore in “Rain.” Remarkably, despite the wide array of styles, the album maintains an impressive cohesiveness that ties it all together seamlessly.

One of the stand out moments of the album for me is the song “The Apparition.” With its ghostly atmospheric rendition. It serves as a brief respite amidst the captivating chaos of the surrounding tracks. Its in these serene moments that Sleep Token showcases their ability to balance intensity with tranquility, evoking a sense of emotional catharsis.

The album’s closing track, “Euclid,” showcases versatility, driving the song towards a breathtakingly beautiful climax. Meanwhile, the incorporation of sweet acoustic guitar melodies in “Are You Really Ok?” adds an celestial quality, causing the song to soar with a resonant allure.

“Take Me Back To Eden” stands as a remarkable body of work, skillfully uniting various genres under the Sleep Token banner. The band’s ability to navigate through this melody mosaic with finesse and precision is truly commendable, creating an album that leaves a lasting impact on listeners.

Lyrically, Sleep Token explores themes of vulnerability, loss, and self-discovery, inviting listeners to dive deep into their own retrospection. The enigmatic nature of the band adds an extra layer of intrigue, leaving room for interpretation and personal connection.

“Return To Eden” offers a refreshing take on the bands signature sound, exhibiting a refined and evolved musicality that takes listeners on a captivating odyssey.

While “Return To Eden” is an immersive and captivating album, it may not be everyones cup of tea. Its themes tropospheric and often melancholic nature requires a certain mood and mindset to fully appreciate. However for those willing to embark on this sonic pilgrimage, prepare to be jolted from the depths of your musical slumber. This melodic symphony will surge through your veins, injecting life into your dormant senses.

TRACKLIST

01. CHOKEHOLD
02. THE SUMMONING
03. GRANITE
04. AQUA REGIA
05. VORE
06. ASCENSIONISM
07. ARE YOU REALLY OKAY?
08. THE APPARITION
09. DYWTYLM
10. RAIN
11. TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN
12. EUCLID