French blackened death metal trio Necrowretch play it safe on its sophomore effort, With Serpents Scourge. There are some killer riffs on such songs as “Feast Off Their Doom,” but there is little that truly jumps out and grabs the listener by the thr ...
CD Review: ‘Done With You’ by Confrontational
I’ve been a follower of Massimo Usai’s music for a long time, and it’s no surprise why. Here’s a man who has fronted a diverse number of projects, has received praise from the likes of Tommy Victor (Prong), recorded with Darren Travis (Sadus), and b ...
CD Review: ‘Safe Word’ by The Dreaded Marco
What’s your energy drink of choice? Redbull? Monster? NOS? Put those caffeinated cans of heart attack down and take a swig of The Dreaded Marco’s new album, Safe Word; the safer alternative for people who want to get up and go! For fans ...
CD Review: ‘Secret Snakes / Silent Serpent’ by Dead Empires
Sugar and spice and just a dash of…sludge? Last time, the New York three-piece Dead Empires released an album was in 2012, with the vastly interesting debut LP Waiting In Waves. Happily, new material is upon us! The group’s latest release, ...
CD Review: ‘Frontschwein’ by Marduk
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Marduk's formation. The Swedish black metal unit celebrates its formation with Frontschwein, its 13th record. The band returns to the theme of war on this record as each track details the tragedy and triumph of ...
CD Review: ‘Live At The Rutledge’ by Jenn Grinels
I’m a horrible Jenn Grinels fan. Despite how enamored I was with her stunning performance opening up for Carbon Leaf some time ago, or how her audience participation is the best I’ve witnessed since Frank Zappa, I’ve still managed to go forever and ...
CD Review: ‘Hidden Evolution’ by Angelus Apatrida
Spanish thrash outfit Angelus Apatrida are set to make its mark with Hidden Evolution, its fifth record. The opening track “Immortal” has a latter day Exodus feel due to its intricate riffs and brutal drumming. However, the band is not interested in ...
CD Review: ‘Time and Trauma’ by 36 Crazyfists
Alaska outfit 36 Crazyfists never broke from the mold during the New Wave of American Heavy Metal in the 2000s. The band enjoyed some popularity, but failed to garner the critical or commercial success of its contemporaries like Killswitch Engage or ...
CD Review: ‘Only to Rise’ by Sweet & Lynch
Few sounds can capture the feel of the late 80s and early 90s like the clean guitar licks that scream from George Lynch’s (Dokken, Lynch Mob) fingers and out through his amp. Combine that with Michael Sweet’s (Stryper) powerful trumpeting vocals and ...
CD Review: ‘Apex Predator – Easy Meat’ by Napalm Death
The grind continues on Napalm Death's 15th release, Apex Predator-Easy Meat. Always a band willing to step outside the box, the droning title track stomps in industrial glory. This unorthodox opener may throw some off, but the band kicks things back ...