Better B Brief: ‘Traveling Roots’ by Matt Flinner Trio
Woody. Oaken. Not a finely aged whiskey, distilled to perfection, but a finely played musical collection, also distilled to perfection. The Matt Flinner Trio has just released their most recent instrumental effort, Traveling Roots, an album built from ...
CD Review: ‘An Outsider’ by Rhine
Six months ago I was elated with the discovery of Rhine’s debut album, Duality, which enthralled me more than any other progressive death metal release had done in years. I even had the honor of speaking with founder and frontman, Gabriel Tachell, diggi ...
CD Review: ‘Arc’ by Agoraphobic Nosebleed
For over 20 years, Agoraphobic Nosebleed has remained one of the principal names in grindcore despite being silent for the last seven. The members moved on with other bands during the time off, and no one complained too much since that hiatus resulted i ...
CD Review: ‘Worlds Unknown’ by Walking With Giants
The hammer strikes down dramatically, ringing deep and continuous. A piano, alone, carries a melody to our hungry ears. Within moments, it is joined by the light caress of cymbals and overdriven guitar. All of this, resinating with orchestral str ...
CD Review: ‘The Laboratory Sessions’ by SHEL
The Holbrook sisters are back with SHEL’s second musical offering, entitled The Laboratory Sessions. After a period of braving the road on tireless tours in support of their first album, these four talented ladies from Fort Collins, Colorado have presen ...
CD Review: ‘Tales From The Deadside’ by A Sound Of Thunder
I was given very specific instructions: resist the temptation to listen to A Sound Of Thunder’s new album, Tales From The Deadside, on computer speakers or sample parts of the album. Instead, I was told to acquire a good sound system and strap myself in ...
CD Review: ‘Condition Hüman’ by Queensrÿche
When Queensrÿche’s self-titled album was released in 2013, it was the first without long-time singer, Geoff Tate. It was a solid release and one that saw the new group, fronted by Todd La Torre, embark upon a campaign to rebuild their name, reclaim fans ...
CD Review: ‘Kill The Flaw’ by Sevendust
On October 2, 2015, Atlanta alternative rock group, Sevendust, will release their 11th studio album entitled Kill The Flaw. While I’m not long-time fan, I do remember jamming out to the album Next in my best friend’s Honda Civic following its release ne ...
CD Review: ‘A Dance Of Shadows’ by Confrontational
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reviewing the debut EP Done With You from darkwavers, Confrontational. At that time, I described my musical introduction to the band as “vibrant, full, and undoubtedly addictive.” I continue to stand by that opi ...
CD Review: ‘Meliora’ by Ghost
From the opening theremin refrains of “Spirit,” Ghost immediately adorns itself in the familiar façade of religious reverie and Scooby-Doo spookiness. Ghost is a band that stretches both metal and religious conventions to cartoonish proportions, lovingl ...