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Friday, June 04, 2004
Rewind Review....
"'Weathered' by Creed"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 28, 2002 A.D.
Being the foremost Heavy Rock band around must be tough, but Creed wears the burden well. Their latest effort, "Weathered" [Wind-Up Records], is their best yet. It shows a more focused sound as well as heavier edge that is more akin to their debut.
Scott Stapp's clear, deep vocals powerfully move over a wall of varicolored instrumentals ranging from the intense heavy rock slab "Bullets" to the soft, acoustical woefulness of "One Last Breath." It's a seamless progression for Creed, because they perform at either end of the spectrum skillfully. This is an intensely beautiful opus that is both atmospheric and driven.
The best cuts include the anger-drenched roar of "Bullets," the melancholy "One Last Breath" (the best ballad I've heard in years), "Signs," "Hide," and the rocking title track.
Overall, this is an brilliant, essential album for any Heavy Rock fan. And as the years go by it will weather well, becoming a truly classic album. Stay strong. Farewell.
Related Bands: Course Of Nature, Alice In Chains, Silverchair,
Default, Tantric, Super 8, Breaking Point, Pearl
Jam, Soundgarden, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2002.
W.B. Vogel III 5:17 PM
Thursday, June 03, 2004
"'Prophecy' by Soulfly"
by
Bill Vogel III
Wednesday, June 2, 2004 A.D.
From the prophetic to the apocalyptic, Soulfly never ceases to amaze. Their 2004 opus, "Prophecy" [Roadrunner Records], is the best since their debut. Soulfly creates Tribal Death Thrash with a modern Metal edginess.
Max Cavalera's (ex-Sepultura, Nailbomb) vocals are sharp and acidic-a powerful combination of yells and growls with an explosive fury. Intense, hook-driven instrumentals with Industrial and acoustic elements propel this pulverizing assault of gut-ripping hostility. Soulfly is both crushing and catchy. It's a sound of pure, massive energy.
The most killer of these eviscerating cuts includes the smashing assault of "Execution Style," "Living Sacrifice," the acoustic number "Soulfly IV," and the burning rage of "Born Again Anarchist." Soulfly is incredibly cool.
Overall, Soulfly is still a killer act with an innovative spirit. Max never disappoints.... Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Sepultura, Perpetua, Sepsism, Skinlab,
Demon Hunter, Organic Infest, Overdose,
Puya, Spineshank, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 10:20 AM
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
"'Sphinx' by Melechesh"
by
Bill Vogel III
Thursday, May 27, 2004 A.D.
Eccentric and edgy, the band Melechesh takes Death Metal to new places of extremity. Their 2004 opus, "Sphinx" [The End Records], is this Israeli act's most adventurous and avant-garde work yet. Dripping in Middle Eastern influences, it bleeds a serene darkness.
Odd-timing, Middle Eastern and Near Eastern instrumentations build multiple layers of atmospheric aggression. The songs are complex, and expansive. Blackened, shrieking vocals crawl through the behemoth instrumentals. Melechesh is Black/Death Metal with a tenebrous, intricate edge.
The most stunning of these ethereal epics includes the eerie instrumental "The Arrival Ritual," the fierce explosiveness of the crazed "Apkallu Counsel," "Of Mercy And Mercury," the powerful "Babylon Fell," and "Purifier Of The Stars." Melechesh is severe, intense, and extremely killer.
Overall, Melechesh is surreal and severe. This one is as monumental as the Sphinx itself. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Nile, Cannibal Corpse, Aeturnus, Aeon,
Serpent Obscene, Throcult, Mystic
Circle, Sepultura, Soulless, Carcass,
Arch Enemy, Darkane, Salem, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 6:21 PM
"'Armageddon Mon Amour' by Hearse"
by
Bill Vogel III
May 29, 2004 A.D.
Hearse is a death ride of style-a subtle, exuberant fusion of raw Deathrock hook with Swedish Style sharpness. (...Think Motorhead mixed with Entombed and early Arch Enemy.) Their 2004 release, "Armageddon Mon Amour" [Candlelight Records], is equal parts pure aggression and severe dynamic agility. Hearse is a caustic, jagged wonder of epic ferocity.
Beauty with teeth: Hearse twists complexity and brutality into cataclysmic grooves. Johan Liiva's shrill growls crown rolling, thunderous Death roars. Intricate, frenzied guitar barrage pierce crushing grooves. Hearse welds the best elements of Deathrock and Swedish Death, with a uniquely raw vitality.
The best of these snarling beasts includes "In Love And War," the visceral devastation of "Mountain Of The Solar Eclipse," "Determination," "Tools," and the fiery rage of "Armageddon, Mon Amour." This Swedish act plays for blood.
In summary, Hearse is the finest execution of brutal excellence. So, take a ride in the Hearse. It's killer.... Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Konkhra, Entombed, Dominus, Carcass,
Arch Enemy, Eucharist, Darkane, Carnage,
Soulless, Carnal Forge, Dismember,
Sentenced [early], Soilwork, Spawn Of
Possession, Massacre, Deceased, Grave,
Hate, Obituary, Diabolic, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 4:54 PM
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