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Saturday, September 07, 2002
"'Terraforming' by Postman Syndrome"
by
Bill Vogel III
September 6, 2002 A.D.
Off-timing, Death, Grindcore, Jazz, Metalcore, and Dark Alternative barely scratches the surface of the Postman Syndrome's diverse sound. Their second opus, "Terraforming" [Now Or Never Records], is quite an amazing work. It's brutal, soft, and intricate-an eclectic horror show of wonders and ferocities.
Growls, melancholic howls, and gentle clean vocals are used throughout. Brutal electric guitars with Grind/Hardcore elements blast, and then a massive tempo change occurs. The softer segments have acoustic guitars and more ethereal qualities. It's startling, and cool.
Songs of note include the killer "Unfamiliar Ceiling," "Interpretive Decorating," "Volume Fact" (Part 2), and "Lonely In Your Arms." Many of the songs have multiple, distinct parts. But somehow, it works for them.
Overall, the Postman Syndrome is unusually cool. Who wants to be normal anyway? Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Candiria, Naked City, Scar Culture, Atreyu, Canvas,
Skinlab, Haste, Boy Hits Car, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email at: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Copyright 2002.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 5:42 PM
Friday, September 06, 2002
"'The Cold White Light' by Sentenced"
by
Bill Vogel III
July 7, 2002 A.D.
At last, the masters of true, melancholic Dark Metal have returned. Sentenced has unleashed the BEST release of 2002. This epic opus of sublime sorrow is titled "The Cold White Light" [Century Media Records], and it is simply astounding.
These Finnish greats began as a Swedish Style Death Metal band, but then slowly evolved. And on their past 3 albums they were engulfed by pure melodic darkness...it was then that they began to truly shine. Such is the balance of their various aspects-serenity and aggression, radiance and darkness, beauty and sorrow.
The vocals are clean, somewhat Gothic (male) and steeped in woe. The instrumentals share this feel, having a dark and melodic aggression that is hypnotic. Sentenced does it all brilliantly.
The album opens and closes with the sound of loons-a traditional Finnish omen of impending doom. The most amazing tracks, of this killer set of cuts, include "Cross My Heart And Hope To Die," "The Luxury Of A Grave," the morosely cool "Excuse Me While I Kill Myself," and "Brief Is The Light."
My favorite song though is "Aika Multaa Muistot [Everything Is Nothing]." The title translates, "time buries your memories." It's about only remembering the bad aspects of life.
Overall, this is yet another work of sheer genius by Sentenced. It's grim, gloomy, and glorious. If you only buy one CD this year, this should be it. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: H.I.M., Lacuna Coil, Amorphis, Sundown, Babylon
Whores, Arcturus, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email at: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Copyright 2002.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 11:58 AM
"'Ten Years And Running' by MxPx"
by
Bill Vogel III
July 16, 2002 A.D.
Washington based Pop Punk stalwarts MxPx (their name being a modified form of their previous moniker, Magnified Plaid) have been stompin' and rompin' around the scene now for a decade...long before it was cool or trendy to do so.
Their latest, "Ten Years And Running" [Tooth & Nail Records], is a compilation of historical cuts. Although there some great tracks missing, it is a good representational sampling of the MxPx arsenal. Add that alone is reason enough to get it.
The MxPx sound uses clean vocals with a strong, melodic Pop nuance ala Bad Religion and Face To Face. Then, adding a denser feel than most bands from this style, they implement a greater Hardcore inflection lost on most Pop Punk bands. These factors make for an edgier, and much better sound.
The most memorable cuts include "Tomorrow's Another Day," "The Broken Bones," the energetic "Punk Rawk Show," "Running Away," and the live track "Middle Name."
Overall, it's a fine set of Punk Rock gems that's a must for fans of the genre. MxPx has a quality that lasts. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Bad Religion, Pennywise, Fenix TX, Blink-182, SR-71,
Face To Face, Box Car Racer, Sum 41, American Hi-Fi,
NOFX, Eve 6, Sugarcult, Lit, Fastball, Marvelous 3,
Jimmy Eat World, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email at: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Copyright 2002.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 11:54 AM
Thursday, September 05, 2002
"'Development' by Nonpoint"
by
Bill Vogel III
September 5, 2002 A.D.
The second release by Nonpoint, titled "Development" [MCA Records], is a winner. Continuing solidly in their own, unique style, they've gotten slightly more melodic without losing any of their edge. Nonpoint mixes the jagged and the melodic aspects of their sound into a beautiful, snarling roar.
The Nonpoint method is an extremely melodic form of Aggro Metal, fusing elements of Melodic Hardcore, Thrash, and tinges of Emo. The vocals are clean but often aggressive-shifting from powerful yells to softer howls. The guitars are tight, melodic, and catchy. And rhythms are intense.
Songs of exceptional note include the melodious fury of "Circles," "Excessive Reaction," "My Own Sake," and my favorite one, "Your Signs." Nonpoint successfully combines forcefulness, grooves, and beauty. And they do so brilliantly.
Overall, Nonpoint takes "Development" to a new level. And surpass the rest. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Darwin's Waiting Room, TRUSTcompany, Pressure 4-5,
Blindside, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email at: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Copyright 2002.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 7:31 PM
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