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Saturday, January 25, 2003
"'Endless' by Unearth"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 24, 2003 A.D.
An innovative, unique Death Metal band that is masterful as well as catchy is a rare thing. Unearth is just such an act. Their four song, 2002 EP (mini-CD) "Endless" [Eulogy Records] is a jagged little wonder to behold.
Unearth has a vibrant, vicious sound-dense Death growls mix fluidly with biting, hook-driven rhythms and highly skilled, slightly discordant guitar roar. There are elements of Hardcore and Metalcore in here too. And on occasion they break-out some clean vocals. Unearth is a powerful force of brilliant, artistic chaos.
All of the songs are killer, from the blasting stomp of "Endless" to the powerful "My Desire (demo)." (The other two amazing cuts are "Internal War" and "The Charm.") Unearth takes no prisoners.
In conclusion, Unearth is perfect in their primal artistry. And that is the solid foundation of their greatness. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Bloodlet,
Hoods, Atreyu, Turmoil, Haste, God
Forbid, Scar Culture, Paingod,
Lungbrush, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 7:27 PM
Friday, January 24, 2003
"'In Their Darkened Shrines' by Nile"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 24, 2003 A.D.
Complex barely scratches the stony surface of describing band Nile. Their 2002 opus, "In Their Darkened Shrines" [Relapse Records], is a devastating, intricate gush of bloody Death Metal genius. This howling, ferocious beast is guaranteed to become a classic of the genre.
Apocalyptic Death growls, guttural and utterly fierce in nature, impale the tight, hyper-blasting instrumentals. Middle Eastern influences are used, as well as flashes of Doomdeath, Thrash, and Grind. Nile's lyrics are steeped in Egyptian myth and history, adding a unique twist to the common gore parade.
Song's of noteworthy rage include "Unas Slayer Of The Gods," the exquisite fury "Churning The Maelstrom," "Execration Text," and the bludgeoning "The Blessed Dead." Nile is a cut above the rest...in all their violent glory.
Overall, this is yet another Death Metal masterpiece from the mighty Nile. Much like the Pyramids, Nile's art was built to last. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Mindrot, Rudra, Shiva, Suffocation,
Sadus, Mortician, Incantation, Impaled,
Monstrosity, Withered Earth, Hateplow,
Internal Bleeding, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 5:49 PM
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
"'Lechuza' by Fenix TX"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 21, 2003 A.D.
Punk is a wondrous thing.... A prime example of this is the second opus by Fenix TX, titled "Lechuza" [Drive-Thru Records]. It's a pulverizing mix of Pop Punk, Hardcore, Emo, and Metal. And honestly, it's the best Punk that I've heard in ages.
Avoiding the whiney Pop Punk singing cliché, Fenix TX fires-up a lot of emotion and uses harmonies in their vocals. The guitars are dense-slamming around the loose, pristine rhythms with a precise, heavy punch of gnarled aggression. It's eloquent and extreme, and the resulting chaotic glory is both addictive and amazing.
The best of this superb collection of tracks includes the raucous "Phoebe Cates," "Something Bad Is Gonna Happen," the pummeling "Pasture Of Muppets," and "Beating A Dead Horse."
The very best cut though is "Threesome," a bipolar little gem about asking your girl for a three-way. It says, "If you want to dance, and she wants to lead, I'll go out of my way, I'll do anything, and one word is all I need." The tempo interchanges between soft/melodic and fast/manic as the mood shifts throughout the song.
In conclusion, this is an amazing release and Fenix TX's best work yet. It has that radiant quality that will make it a classic, and me a loyal fan. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: NOFX, Offspring, Pennywise, Distillers,
Socialburn, Finch, Sum 41, Green Day,
Bad Religion, Fluffy, Nirvana, SR-71,
Eve 6, Misfits, Ramones, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 7:05 PM
Monday, January 20, 2003
"'Nordland' by Bathory"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 11, 2003 A.D.
One of the most legendary Black Metal bands has to be Bathory. Still as vibrant and epic as ever, their new masterpiece "Nordland" [The End/Black Mark Records] is as eclectic as it is powerful. It's not just Black Metal anymore....
Bathory continues to evolve. The Black Metal influences are more subtle now, as the act delves more deeply into Gothic, Thrash, and Power Metal elements. Epic instrumentation, somber/slightly discordant acoustic guitars, and melancholic vocals are added to Black Thrash melee.
Songs of primal gloriousness include "Vinterblot," "Foreverdark Woods," "Dragons Breath," "Great Hall Awaits A Fallen Brother," and the powerful title-track. Bathory is pristine darkness unbound.
Overall, this is another great opus of avant-garde aggression from true masters of the style. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Samael, Venom, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir,
Cradle Of Filth, Immortal, Acheron,
Ancient, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 6:00 PM
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