“Theater of Dimensions” by Xandria
Xandria's seventh release, Theater of Dimensions, lives up to its name. It is a 75 minute opus of metal, classical, electronica and a dab of pop. The track “Death To The Holy” is a catchy hard rocker with a folk influence. That folk influence contin ...
Top 10 Heavy Metal Albums Of 2016
We wrap up another year and it is time for the annual “best of” list for 2016 heavy metal releases. Old school thrash metal acts like Testament and Sodom released stellar albums this year. Symphonic metal band Delain's newest record was a solid metal ...
CD Review: “In His Infernal Majesty’s Service” by Witchery
Blackened thrash metal supergroup Witchery return after a six year absence with its sixth hellish offering, In His Infernal Majesty's Service. “Lavey-athan” storms from the abyss like a demon ready to devour innocent souls. The track is full on thra ...
CD Review: ‘The Similitude Of A Dream’ by The Neal Morse Band
It’s been a long day. A very long day. But luckily, The Neal Morse Band’s newest release, an immense double-LP concept album, The Similitude Of A Dream, is the perfect companion. I have been glued to this album for two weeks straight, and I can assure ...
CD Review: “Dim Days Of Dolor” by Sirenia
Sirenia's newest release, Dim Days Of Dolor, is a majestic journey of heavy twists and melodic turns. This record marks the debut of Emmanuelle Zoldan as lead female vocalist. Zoldan has sung back-up with Sirenia for 13 years, making her familiar wi ...
CD Review: “The Serpent Only Lies” by Crowbar
The Masters of Sludge get back to the basics on their 11th record, The Serpent Only Lies. The return of Todd Strange may play a role in this as Crowbar aim for heaviness over experimentation on this album. This is not to say that 2011's Sever The Wicked H ...
CD Review: “MC Chris is Dreaming” by MC Chris
Even when tackling more personal topics, the self-proclaimed king of nerd-core hip-hop has consistently maintained a chipper demeanor, but his 10th album is an exception. There’s still the occasionally danceable track like “MC Chris the Shit” and the ty ...
CD Review: “Maximalism” by AMARANTHE
Electronica meets death metal on AMARANTHE's fourth record, Maximalism. The first half of Maximalism is accessible metal with poppy hooks and choruses. The initial track “Maximize” opens with a driving techno beat followed by choppy riffs. The party ...
CD Review: “Five” by The Agonist
The Agonist stay on the deathcore path with its newest release, Five. The band's brand of melodic deathcore is contrived at this point with the group opting to play by the numbers. The opening song “The Moment” is equal parts deathcore with a slight ...
CD Review: ‘Generation Vulture’ by JUD
If you’re not familiar with David Judson Clemmons, now is time for a change. He’s emerged in various incarnations throughout the years, as showcased in our Artist Spotlight write-up. On Nov. 11, 2016, he’ll emerge once more with JUD, his German-transpl ...