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 ...
CD Review: “Creatures Watching Over The Dead” by Charred Walls Of The Damned
Heavy metal supergroup Charred Walls Of The Damned returns with its third record, Creatures Watching Over The Dead. Creatures is the band's first record in five years, which is understandable considering the busy schedule of its members. Bassist Ste ...
CD Review: ‘Here Come The Infidels’ by Stuck Mojo
On June 24, I received my copy of Atlanta-based rap metal purveyor Stuck Mojo’s new album, Here Come The Infidels. This release raised a lot of red flags for longtime fans, including myself, as just prior to its inception the group saw a massive reformat ...
CD Review: “Decision Day” by Sodom
It took three years, but the legendary Teutonic thrash outfit Sodom is back with its fifteenth record, Decision Day. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the band's formation in 1981. However, the band still retains the aggression and Satanic vig ...
CD Review: “Moonbathers” by Delain
Delain's latest release, Moonbathers, successfully blends crunchy riffs with symphonic flair. The opening track, “Hands of Gold” is replete with galloping riffs and majestic orchestral samples. The track is straightforward with a stronger emphasis on heav ...
CD Review: “Tunguska” by Hexxus
Photo by Ann Sydney Taylor Photography A relatively new band built from some of Birmingham’s hoariest metal alumni (Capsized, Hog Mountin, Molehill and Charnel Ground), Hexxus parlays its collective experience into an efficient three-man wrecking crew c ...