Category: New Album Review

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New Album Review

New Album Review: Testament – Titans of Creation

So much attention is paid to “The Big Four” (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer). But this designation leaves out many important and influential bands from the two waves of thrash metal that swept through the country (Metal Church, Exodus, Overkill, and Death Angel, etc.). Testament is one of these bands, which had a huge effect on metal in the 80s and 90s, and are a major influence in much of the sound in many differing genres of metal today.

In 1987, the San Francisco Bay area band released their debut album, The Legacy (Megaforce). May of ’88 saw the release of The New Order and in August of ’89 the band’s breakthrough record, Practice What You Preach was released. Though the band has seen more than its share of musicians pass in and out, and despite the fact of two members being diagnosed with cancer (both, now, fully recovered), Testament has steadily released new music (12 studio albums through 2019).

On April 3, 2020 Testament’s 13th studio album saw the light of day. Titans of Creation (Nuclear Blast) brings great thrash/Death Metal/Hardcore sound, as you’ve come to expect from these… well, titans! And that great sound is brought to you on this record by nothing less than a literal “super group!”

Chuck Billy, with his powerful voice and equally powerful presence (he literally looks like a titan!) has been the “voice" of Testament on every single record – spanning 33 years. Eric Peterson (founding member, guitars) and Alex Skolnick (longtime member, guitars) weave some incredibly masterful riffs, leads, and pure groovy/crunchy licks on this album. Ladies and gentlemen, playing bass is the great Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Obituary, Autopsy, Control Denied, Iced Earth, Sadus, and no less than 20 other bands!!). Another legend, Gene “the Atomic Clock" Hoglan (Death, Dark Angel, Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Dethklok, and more than as dozen others) drives this record with his patented creative arrangements of machine-like double base, symbol work, and snare/tom combinations.

Testament recorded their last record, Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) with this same lineup, so this new record doesn’t break new ground but delivers on the full force sound that you’ve come to expect from these longtime heroes. Like every Testament album some songs stand out:

Favorite Songs: Night of the Witch ; City of Angels; The Healers

Rating: 8.5

Bonus: Favorite songs through the Testament Years: Into the Pit ; The New Order ; Disciples of the Watch ; Practice What You Preach ; Souls of Black ; Over the Wall ; Electric Crown

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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New Album Review

Mordrake by Xenobiotic

Album Review: Mordrake – Xenobiotic

Favorite Songs: Saphris, Fractured, Light That Burns the Sky

Xenobiotic is a hidden gem I randomly found scrolling through someone’s Instagram page. When I listened to their song Saphris, I was instantly hooked. It honestly shocked me to see that their monthly listener rate was moderately low on Spotify, given their unique sound and incredible talent. Unfortunately, it was difficult finding information on them, so it took some digging. The band originates from Australia, which is a hardcore country in itself (have you seen pictures of their spiders?), and consists of Nish Raghavan and Cam Moore on guitars, David Finaly on bass, TJ Sinclair for vocals, and Mikey Godwin on drums. This team perfectly combines sounds of black metal and technical death metal with a refreshing, progressive approach to lyricism. Their name itself, Xenobiotic, refers to something relating to a substance, typically a synthetic chemical, that is foreign to the body. Their artwork immediately caught my eye, and while you can’t judge a book by its cover, their album Mordrake is as complex, chaotic, and beautiful as the artwork suggests. The humanoid figure appears to be mummified or strewn in some form of web and is cutting or ripping open its chest to reveal a moon, mountains, and dark figures. In my opinion, this is just as brutal as any song on the album and suggests something dark and profound.

 Mordrake opens with Insomnia, an eerie, atmospheric sound that quickly descends into heavy, melodic riffs, carefully placed drums, and deep gutturals and bone-chilling shrieks. The album proceeds to get heavier with each song, inducing a whirlwind of emotion and aggression without becoming too overwhelming. Light That Burns the Sky showcases TJ’s range and power, as well as their meaningful lyricism. It seems to highlight the process of cognitive dissonance and the confusion and desperation that often follows. My favorite song, Saphris, has a beautiful, atmospheric introduction – the calm before the storm. It explodes into an intense, overwhelming breakdown that grows into a violent expression of heartache, unfurling into disarray. Needless to say, this is one of the most beautiful, powerful metal songs I have ever listened to. There are not enough words I can find to describe the emotion expressed in this song. Saphris, a nickname for the medication Asenapine that is used to treat mood disorders such as schizophrenia, perfectly induces the feeling of internal chaos, uncertainty, and hope that is felt in mental illness. Mental illness seems to be a common theme and they perfectly capture the numerous intricate facets it presents. Their music calls for reflection of oneself and the nature of the human psyche and emotion. I truly hope Xenobiotic get the recognition they deserve one day, and I am so excited to have found a band I can continuously fall back on when I need the release. Give them a listen and strap yourself in for a brutal, emotional experience!

–  Sarah

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New Album Review

New Music Review: Donna Blue

EP REVIEW: Donna Blue – Inbetween EP

BEST TRACKS: Desert Lake, Inbetween, Billy

FCC Clean

Danique van Kesteren and Bart van Dalen are a dutch couple that make up Donna Blue. So far, the band has only released singles and one EP, but even having just tasted a little bit of the music they are capable of producing, I can tell that Donna Blue is onto something and that we can expect a lot more in the coming days. The duo has latched onto a dying genre but they honor it exceptionally well. Listening to this EP, you will be transported to another time and world. You’ll go back to a hot, windy summer night in the desert, with tumbleweeds blowing and rattlesnakes shaking.

The Inbetween EP is best described as dark and sultry desert rock. Desert rock is one of my favorite genres but new albums in this genre are hard to find, as they are few and far between. Sometimes you just have to be lucky enough to stumble upon one, like how I was with this EP, and how you are as a result of reading this review. Desert rock is a smoother, slower, more lonesome-sounding version of Spaghetti Western soundtracks like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. This EP is trance-like and bordering psychedelic.

The first track, Desert Lake, opens with the trill of a guitar and a signature rattlesnake shake. When Kesteren’s somber voice comes in, saying “Something in the wind today reminds me of the night you ran away,” I feel elevated to a different realm. Then a whistle comes in, and I feel like I’m being witness to a Clint Eastwood showdown. The third track, Inbetween, is a dark and mysterious sleeping spell. Just when it almost lulls you softly into a trance, the song flourishes up like a bonfire from the ashes, and jolts you back awake.

Recommended If you like The Handsome Family, or Gene Clark.

-Safia 

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New Album Review

Cavetown Sleepyhead Album Review

 

As a longtime fan of Cavetown I was incredibly excited to give this new record, Sleepyhead, a spin, especially because I have already fallen in love with the first two singles that were released late last year and earlier this year. I also nearly LOST it when I saw that chloe moriondo and Drew Monson were featured in the record. 

The first time I listened to this album I threw it on shuffle and had it on in the background while working, and when I heard ‘Wishing Well’ Ft. Drew Monson I loved it, but was kind of confused since it didn’t really sound like Cavetown. It was a pleasant surprise seeing as to why. This track is the beautiful blend I would expect in a collab between these two artists. It’s distorted vocals display Drew’s heavy input in the track and make it one I continue coming back to. The same can be said with the track ‘Snail’ Ft. Chloe Moriondo, it’s smooth Cavetown vibe with Chloe’s energy makes this track a perfect piece for the last portion of the record. Their vocals have the perfect contrast that make the track sound like a story being told back and forth, it’s almost fairytale like. The instrumentation choice also sets it apart from the rest of the works, there is a slight folk-like influence, but like much of this record it’s very string instrument centered.

While this record has an incredibly strong start, featuring the first two singles that were pre-released, the last half of this record ends it even stronger. Maybe I’m just overly emotional at songs about mum’s, but I absolutely adore the track ‘I Miss My Mum’. The lyrics in the track are incredibly strong, somehow making me deeply sad and happy at the same time, something Cavetown does best. In fact that’s sort of the theme I got from the whole record, it’s like a beautiful tragedy, seeing the beauty in things that might be painful as well.

After giving this record another few spins I have to say ‘For You’ has become one of my absolute favorite moments. The way it borrows from Sweet Tooth and emphasizes what was already one of my favorite hooks on the record really gets me hype, it’s also one of those tracks that makes the record feel like one solid unit. I can’t stop myself from singing alone every time I hear it. This new record was a heartwarming listen from start to finish. It’s authentic, raw, and stripped back. The perfect blend for its emotional impact. I give it five stars and definitely recommend it.

– DJ Psyched

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New Album Review

The Saw’s Choice Cuts

What’s going on Butcher Crew!? I hope this finds you safe and well! While chilling at the house, it gave me a chance to explore all the new metal that has come out recently and I thought it would be cool to talk about some of the new tunes I have up on the slab.

I enjoy finding new music and if you do, then I hope I can help you find your new favorite band! Let’s start chopping up some tunes!  

Singles:

·      Upon A Burning Body – Built from War

·      Make Them Suffer – Erase Me

·      In Hearts Wake – Worldwide Suicide

·      Fit For A King – Breaking the Mirror

·      Lamb of God – Memento Mori

·      The Acacia Strain – E

·      The Hallowed Catharsis – Breeding Pits

·      The Black Dahlia Murder – Child of Night

·      Testament – Children of the Next Level

·      Carach Angren – Monster

·      Aversions Crown – The Soil

·      August Burns Red – Bones

·      Aborted – Gloom and the Art of Tribulation


Albums:

·      Heaven Shall Burn – Of Truth and Sacrifice

·      Code Orange – Underneath

·      Invent, Animate – Greyview

·      Body Count – Carnivore

·      Viscera – Obsidian

·      Downswing – Good Intentions

·      My Dying Bride – The Ghost of Orion

·      Dark Forest – Spectres of the Old World

·      Night Crowned – Impius Viam

·      Ozzy Osbourne – Ordinary Man

·      Beneath The Massacre – Fearmonger

·      Suicide Silence – Become the Hunter

·      Sepultura – Quadra  

Stay Metal,

THE SAW 

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New Album Review

Album Review: King Krule’s Man Alive!

My favorites: Stoned Again, Perfecto Miserable, Slinky

Listen if you like: Ariel Pink, Blood Orange, Toro y Moi 

I really like King Krule’s (alias for Archy Marshall) music, specifically his lyricism, which is filled with wit and strangeness I haven’t found in any other indie artists. His voice stands out, a scratchy baritone with a thick English accent that is a delight to the ears. King Krule’s 6 Feet Beneath the Moon helped him accrue popularity in the indie/alternative scene. I particularly love this album; its melodies are relaxing and each song is shrouded in emotional depth. 

I found Man Alive! to be an interesting contribution to King Krule’s discography. I loved that while listening, I could feel more emotion throughout this album than most of his previous works. There is a palpable anguish in the tracks Comet Face and Alone, Omen 3. Perfecto Miserable is a track where he expresses a deep love and longing, which specifically stuck out to me as less grim and more emotionally charged than his past works. The entirety of Man Alive! allows the listener to step into the mind of a grim, pessimistic Londoner, and I love any album that can show so clearly the perspective and storytelling of another person. Throughout all the darkness in sound and nightmarish lyricism, there are the lighthearted snippets “Please, complete me/ It must be the answer” and “You’re my everything/ You make me feel alright” which must be a reference to Marshall’s current relationship. Even the ending of the album with Please Complete Thee transforms from a dark, grungy melody to light uplifting notes in the last minute of the song. This album is filled with such contrasts. King Krule also played with a variety of new sounds compared to his previous work. Specifically, there is more electronic influence in tracks like Cellular and Comet Face. As a big fan of electronic music, I really appreciated this as a breakaway from some of his more guitar/piano based songs from older albums. Although 6 Feet Beneath the Moon will always be my favorite of Marshall’s discography, this album is a lovely look into the evolution of King Krule as a musician and makes me excited for what’s to come. 

– Miranda 

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Ratboys – Printer’s Devil

ALBUM REVIEW: Ratboys – Printer’s Devil

BEST TRACKS: Printer’s Devil, I Go Out at Night, Look To

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Printer’s devil is an old term for an apprentice at a printing establishment. Printer’s devils would do simple tasks such as mix basins of ink. There are many supposed origins for the term. My favorite theory is that a mischievous devil, Titivillus, haunts every print shop and performs mischief such as removing lines of type and misspelling words. The printing apprentice was blamed for these things, and called the printer’s devil by association. Printer’s Devil is also the name of Ratboy’s most recent release and the last (and best) song on the album. This Chicago indie band is back on the scene, attempting to break our hearts again with another wistful, nostalgic album.

On Printer’s Devil, Ratboys banishes any last remaining essence of twang or folk from their style to produce a through and through alt-pop album. Julia Steiner’s voice is childlike and whimsical, which brings a level of warmth even to Ratboys’ most grungy, fuzzy songs. However, most songs on Printer’s Devil are on the softer side, which suits Steiner’s voice better. While she has a wonderful voice, Steiner is definitely not a screamer. While this album features some electrifying riffs, you won’t find anything too intense here. In accordance to Ratboys’ past style, Printer’s Devil is still rather laid-back, despite having lost elements of post-country and twang.

This album was recorded in Steiner’s empty childhood home, which might have added some ache to Steiner’s voice, especially since a prominent theme on this album is the revisitation of childhood memories as an adult. While listening to this album,  I can’t help but recall memories of my own childhood and wondering what all those places from my memories look like now. Though Printer’s Devil is less novel than Ratboys’ previous release, GN, it’s still worth a run-through. Excite your ears with some new sounds. I’d recommend this album to fans of Charly Bliss, Cayetana, and  Weakened Friends.

-Safia

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Basement Revolver – Wax and Digital

ALBUM REVIEW: Basement Revolver – Wax and Digital

BEST TRACKS: Master’s Degree, Concussion pt. 2

FCC Violations: Concussion pt. 2, Have I Been Deceived

Basement Revolver’s newest, second ever album, Wax and Digital, is delicate and simple shoegaze. There’s nothing overworked about it. long-time fans of Basement Revolver fell in love with the band when they made a splash in the Ontario indie music scene, cultivating their fuzzy, reverberating sound and vocalist Chrissy Hurn’s angelic voice. Hurn is still out to impress with her talented singing for this new album, but the band has taken a different approach this time around, opting to put intensity in the backseat for favor of a more dream pop approach. As opposed to Basement Revolver’s first album, Wax and Digital is an album for the more mellow music listeners out there.

Wax and Digital sounds a lot different from Basement Revolver’s hit debut album Heavy Eyes. This new release tones down the intense percussion, high-pitched feedback, and wailing vocals in favor of more humble drums and lighter, softer vocals. Though Wax and Digital is largely floaty and shimmering, there is no lack of gritty riffs. Guitarists Chrissy Hurn and Jonathan Malström, and Bassist Nimal Agalawatte work together to add scant elements of fuzz, chaos, and power to an otherwise tame dream pop album.

Wax and Digital is definitely an emotionally charged album, but the lyrics come off as vague. I would have loved to see more vulnerability coming from this album, perhaps in the form of more specific lyrics or concrete diction. Lines like “I can’t bear the thought of ever losing you” (track 1, Wax and Digital) and “I don’t want to let you go tonight” (track 5, Romantic and Heart) feel trite and generic, as though the artist is shy and holding back. Not all music needs to be gut-wrenching and painful (indeed, it shouldn’t), but when you’re writing sad songs you might as well go all the way. Regardless, if you’re in the mood for some easy listening, give this record a spin, especially if you’re into bands like Palehound, Tacocat, or Chastity Belt.

-Safia Rizwan 

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: King Adora – Vibrate You

ALBUM REVIEW: King Adora – Vibrate You

BEST TRACKS: Suffocate, Bionic, Big Isn’t Beautiful

FCC Violations: Bionic, Aceface

Vibrate You is the album that propelled British glam rock band King Adora to number 30 on the UK Albums Chart. The album received a lot of criticism for the third track, ‘Big Isn’t Beautiful,’ which seems to glorify anorexia and bulimia with lyrics such as “I’m gonna shed me some skin, get me real, real slim. I want to feel my bones on your bones.” but others see the song as satire, pointing out that the song is from the perspective of someone suffering from an eating disorder, who is blind to the harm that they are causing themselves, as evident in the lyrics “I love myself too much to see, it haunts by dreams” Musically and lyrically, I think that ‘Big Isn’t Beautiful’ is the best track on the album, simply because it comes from such a twisted place in the artist’s mind.

This album is spotted with clever rhymes that make the songs memorable and catchy, my favorite being the lines “I got the wind on my back, Like the good Frank Black, I gots to get me some speed, Like the Lord Lou Reed.” From the 2nd track ‘Bionic’. The way Maxi Browne sings these lines with stress and emphasis makes them all the more brilliant. Browne’s vocal versatility is iconic, ranging from scratchy growls and full-throated screams to feminine, high-pitched vibrato. His vocals are a match made in heaven with Dan Dabrowski’s intense, thrashing drumming style, and Martyn Nelson’s fuzzy, hardcore guitar riffs.

Vibrate You encompases everything that I like to see in music. This album is dark, intense, sexually deviant, vulnerable, and raw. It’s definitely one of my top albums. You won’t be able to find this album on spotify or bandcamp, but all of the songs are on youtube in pretty good quality. I recommend this album if you like bands like Silverchair, Nirvana, or Pearl Jam.

-Safia

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Pintandwefall – Your Stories Baby

This garage rock revival band is comprised of four best friends from Helsinki, Finland that have dubbed themselves with spicegirl-style names Tough Pint, Cute Pint, Crazy Pint, and Dumb Pint. They are fun, creative, wear all black, and perform in Zorro masks. The quartet has been close friends since highschool and initially started the band to perform in their school’s band marathon. Over a decade later, the band is still comprised of the original four members, who have recently released their sixth studio album. Your Stories Baby is melodic, bright, and playful, with several slightly bizzare music videos to match.

Lead vocalist Dumb Pint has a soft, gentle voice, which is the focal point of the album. Dumb Pint’s voice is framed by Cute Pint’s lush 80s synth keyboard, Tough Pint’s delicate percussion, and Crazy Pint’s whimsical electric bass riffs. My favorite track on this album is track 1, Titanic. This song has an amazing energy flow and is the most upbeat song on the album. It serves as an opener that will draw you into the rest of the album. The second track, The Roof, is mellower, with simple, happy lyrics, and focuses heavely on sunny keyboard instrumental.

Pintandwefall is like if the Powerpuff girls formed a band to defeat evil with the sound waves that come out of their speakers. Themes on this album are far and wide, ranging from sweet and melancholic (track 3, Ah-Ah-Ah) to slightly comedic (track 8, Job Interview). As a small band from across the word, with only 8,700 listeners on Spotify, Pintandwefall doesn’t have a huge following in the United States, but I think they have potential, especially because they play their songs in english rather than Finnish. I recommend this band if you like Marina and the Diamonds, Sade, or Surf Curse.

-Safia Rizwan