Category Archives: Album Review

The Trials of May 11, 2018

May 21, 2018 Chuggo The Klown Leave a comment

Orgy Continues to Tease with New EP

So… it seems that the age of nostalgia continues to be in full force. None is more prevalent than that of Orgy. The Klown remembers these guys for being the biggest thing back 1999 during the Klown’s middle school years. Everyone who lived in that era remembers it, will always know the quintet for their cover of the New Order’s “Blue Monday.” The Klown confesses that he still fancies that song. Now… let’s flash forward to 2018, it seems that frontman Jay Gordon’s industrial project has emerged and released a single EP titled Army To Your Party via Pacific Rising Entertainment.

As the Klown mentioned already it is a single EP, as in one song, “Army To Your Party.” Six versions of it to be exact. Half of which happens to be a dynamic version of the previous three… whatever the hell that means! All of which have also feature rapper Crichy Crich lending his voice to the song in a stand-alone chorus line. If you dunno who that is, just know that he’s relevant in the word EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and for tattooing Tara Reid’s name on himself. The Klown will confess that the song was catchy. Especially if you’re looking to find a song to dance to. Even the instrumentals version was good enough.

Then the A-Capella version of the song pops up and makes you wonder why?… at least that’s what the Klown thought. Of course, you’re treated to the exact same three style but in Dynamic version. Before the Klown signs off on this EP, the Klown shall say that he kept in mind that this is in anticipation of their new upcoming album which has been titled #newmusic. The Klown shall also comment that if you were at the Whiskey A-Go-Go on May 11, you had the opportunity to get the physical copy of this EP. However, if you wanna know what the hubbub is all about, you can mainly get this EP digitally either through Google Play, Apple Music, etc.

Doesn’t Even Register on Rating Scale… Bring Back Blue Monday!

Old Man Wizard Unveil Their Debut

Old Man Wizard… The Klown has spoken of these gents before. They made their Ugh Metal appearance about two years ago and this time these locals return to Ugh Metal with their debut album tilted Blame It All On Sorcery independently. Y’know they did it all by themselves.

The album begins with the appropriately titled “Beginnings and Happenstance.” It starts with frontman Francis Roberts’ soft guitar strums which is then joined by Kris Calabio’s bass pedals. Bassist Andre Beller and Calabio’s backing vocals soon join this circle and pick up the pace by the fourth minute of the song. The song is then followed by “The Blind Prince” and “Innocent Hands” which are best described as songs you can expect to hear from a Ghost or Visigoth album. Especially with Roberts’ fast but mellow guitar play. In “Never Leave” Beller’s bass shined the brightest in the beginning and really solidifies itself as the rhythmic foundation of the song.

“Cosmo” and “The Long-Nosed Wiseman” sees the band picking up the pace and would essentially be among the few other songs in the album that have a lot of vigor. Although this isn’t the Klown flask of bourbon, he still enjoyed the album. The Klown has mention comparisons but if you didn’t catch them, the Klown recommends this album for fans of Opeth, Visigoth, Ghost and Khemmis. Check this album out in your streaming service of choice or in the Wizards’ Bandcamp to really get enchanted.

5.5 out of 6 Move Over Harry Potter, there are New Wizards in Town

Strung Out Black Out their Hiatus with EP

Strung Out should be a familiar name especially for the punkers out there. The quintet from Simi Valley has even made several appearances in the Vans Warped Tour. Even metalheads are somewhat familiarized with them since they’ve experimented with metal sounds in the past even if it’s mostly been in the Prog category. Now, the collective has returned with a brand new EP titled Black Out the Sky which was released through Fat Wreck Chords.

The album begins with “The Architect” which starts out really mellow with some acoustic guitar. It is then followed by some electric guitar and Jason Cruz’s clean vocals which are backed by the guitarists Rob Ramos and Jake Kiley and bassist Chris Aiken’s. Truth be told, the album remains soft and easy to listen to. It was borderline indie rock.

“Unkoil,” although it starts like “The Architect” with some acoustic guitar sounds, it slowly picks up and unravels itself from the previous albums. How? Well, remember how the Klown brought up the group’s experimentation with Prog? This song would be a key example of that. Unlike most Prog rock or metal, this song was shorter than most peeps would encounter. The Klown can sorta say the same about “Requiem” except for it being mostly in the alternative rock category than prog.

Need a song that would mock your depression or get you upbeat despite relatable, albeit sad lyrical content? “Duke of Sorrow” is the song you want to listen to. The album ends just the way it began with “Presidio” more melodic, tender, more of Cruz’s clean vocals and tambourines. The album felt really mature, unlike yours truly, and was a pretty good album. If you haven’t heard of Strung Out before, the Klown recommends this for fans of Jimmy Eat World, 7 Seconds and Elway. Want to lean towards the Klown’s words but need to hear it? Check out their Bandcamp for more certainty.

6 out of 6 The Skies Aren’t that Black After All

Child Bite Have Returned with Some New Offerings

Hey guys, remember the time we talked about Child Bite? Y’know the one that featured the San Diego Metal Swap Meet’s after party with Superjoint? No? Dudes… and dudettes check that out when you can and our superb Metal Swap Meet misadventure with our temp intern on our Youtube. Now that that shameless self-advert is over, let’s talk about Child Bite’s latest release Burnt Offerings which was released through Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Records. Unlike previous releases, this one serves, as frontman Shawn Knight puts it, a “mass grave for all of (their) musical children.”

If you didn’t catch on, they’re songs that were scrapped in the span between 2010 and 2017 by the collective and eventually unearthed for us to enjoy. So with that in mind, “The Will to Disappear” begins this anthology and opens the way Child Bite knows how with Jeremy Waun’s impulsive guitar play which is then accompanied by Knight unmistakable vocals. The song also features some brief shouting backup vocals which give the album a bit of oomph. The “Sick and Subhuman” features some punk influences and the erratic style the band is known for and will keep you awake and pumped.

“Prowl” uses old school video game soundbites and their style of noise rock. The song also features a wide range of guitar play and Knight playing around with his vocals by switching to auto tune in between. One of the Klown’s favorite tracks would have to be “Abstract Interior Putrefaction” because of the way the guitars don a personality of their own and compliment Knight’s vocals. Shaun Clancy’s bass also serves as the tone setter in the brief vocal solo. Another of the favorites is “Corrosive Devotion” mainly because the band mixes punk and noise which also features a variety of guitar play from drowning, to fading, distorted, etc.

Disc one finishes with the humorously titled “Jerk Off Your Life,” The Klown can best describe as an irregular rockabilly song and felt like a great closer for this mass grave. Disc two is mostly cover songs that the band decided to do like Black Flag’s “My War,” Minor Threat’s “Guilty of Being White/It Follows” just to name some. The real attraction of the second disc is Phil Anselmo taking over on vocal duties to perform Anal Cunt’s Morbid Hits EP like “Morrisey,” “Chump Change” and “Radio Hit” just to name a few. These albums were great and may leave your head scratching and banging at the thought of the songs being left out of their previous albums.

Not bashing on the first disc, the second disc really sold it to the Klown. The Klown especially enjoyed Anselmo’s renditions of the Anal Cunt songs and it also seemed appropriate given the history Anselmo and the late Seth Putnam had. If you’re still not sold check it out on your streaming service of choice. Want to cut the foreplay but try before you buy? Bandcamp’s got you!

6 out of 6 It Didn’t Just Bite, It Kicked Too

Album Review

The Trials of May 4, 2018

May 20, 2018 Jenny Oh & The Klown Leave a comment

Fire Next Time Bring Out their Fifth

Did you ever wonder what Social Distortion would sound like with the Dropkick Murphys’ Al Barr or Ken Casey at the helm? Wonder no more. The mystical land of the Canádas has got you covered with their punk collective called Fire Next Time and for those thinking that it’s the British punk band from the eighties, the Klown sends his condolences. Fire Next Time has released Knives through Stomp Records.

The album opens with some drumming from Garrett and some guitars on “Wanderlust.” The song also contained some banjo from Kevin which enhanced and made the song melodic. “Party Foul” brought some Dropkick Murphys style of punk rock into the mix. “Old Scratch” was one of the Klown’s favorite songs in the album and for some, it will make you feel the feels. “Birch Wood” is one of the songs in the album that sounded like Social D.

“Bethlehem” picks up the pace and has some pretty morbid and deep lyrics. The song also featured some keyboards from Kevin to add some tempo and somewhat downplayed the dark content, either way, the Klown approves. “A Jameson Fracture” was another favorite because it was fast but tame, and had a nice blend of acoustic mixed with an electric guitar. “Hurry Up and Wait” definitely felt like a punk anthem for the true punks and skins who have seen and experienced the political and social climates of today.

The album ended with “Critical Fail” which was very melodic and upbeat and felt like the perfect ending to the album. Knives was great and feels like a breakthrough to the Klown, the Klown highly recommends this album especially for fans of Social Distortion, Bad Religion, 7 Seconds and Rancid. Didn’t care for the Klown’s recommendations and want to check it out anyway check it out on your streaming service of choice or Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 It’s Been Fired!

Fear Of Domination Show No Fear in Latest

The Finnish Industrial group known as Fear Of Domination have ended the wait and have now come back with a new album. So y’all can stop salivating over the last couple of singles that they have released the last couple of months. The latest album is titled Metanoia and it was released through Ranka Kustannus.

The album opens with “Dance with the Devil” which begins with Johannes Niemu’s guitar feedback combined with Vesa Ahiroth’s intermittent drums which are then joined by the rest of the band instruments, and a guitar solo from Niemu. “Obsession” also has a solo from Niemu but also contains more electronic influence and features keyboardist Sara Strömmer at the helm and has vocalist Saku Solin backing her up vocally.

Want to dance but still want to be metal? “Sick and Beautiful” is definitely the song you want to get a hold of! The Klown can say the same about “We Dominate” with the difference being that it is faster than “Sick and Beautiful.” The synths, rhythm and samples blend together so great and will have you shaking that bootay like the Klown did many years ago. “Shame” has Solis taking control of the vocals, and trades off with Strömmer for a bit and sounded like something that came out of Pain.

The album finishes with a one-two punch combo with “Mindshifter” and “Ruin.” While “Mindshifter” was an upbeat industrial metal song, the song immediately pretends to malfunction at the end and transitions to “Ruin.” “Ruin,” on the other hand, was slow and dark which was rather appropriate since the song sounded like a dark ballad. This album was great and featured a little bit of everything for everyone who enjoys and dabbles with industrial. The Klown highly recommends this album for fans of Sonic Syndicate, Pain, Kontrust and Megaherz. If you wanna hear for yourself check it out on your streaming service of choice or get it here.

6 out of 6 Have No Fear Industrial Is Here!

Wolvhammer Release their Fourth on the Fourth

If that wasn’t appropriate, then the Klown doesn’t know what is. Seriously, it’s not often that a band releases their fourth album on the fourth day of a month. The name Wolvhammer should also be familiar to you all. After all, frontman of the group, Adam Clemans, is also the current front man to Skeletonwitch. Now Clemans is back with his baby, Wolvhammer and released The Monuments of Ash and Bone through Blood Music.

The album opens this darkened masterpiece with some distorted bass from Andrew Gerrity which are then joined by some guitars for “Eternal Rotting Misery.” The thing that got the Klown double taking was how the song along with Clemans vocals sounded a lot like a Satyricon’s which was awesome. “Call Me Death” not only truly emphasized the representation of blackened sludge metal but also presented how Goatwhore would sound like if they slowed down and were to have a bitchin’ solo. The same could be said about “Law of the Rope” except there is an opening bass and guitar session before the song went in to full force which would also feature an awesome solo.

“Bathed in Moonlight and Wolflight” and “Dead Rat, Rotting Raven” really bring on some fast-paced sludge metal and manage to keep it on the blackened side. “The Failure King” starts rather fast but then tones down ans maintains a steady pace. The album caps off with “Solace Eclipsed” which really bring out some true sludge into the mix but with some harsh screaming vocals from Clemans and was a perfect closer to the album. The record was a great surprise by the collective and the Klown recommends this album for Goatwhore, Enslaved, Satyricon and Abigail Williams fans. If you’re still a skeptic of the Klown give it a listen to in their Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 Hammered on Darkness!

*Here’s Jenny Oh and her 2 cents**

We Waited Eons For Dimmu Borgir’s Latest…

It has been nearly an eons since we had heard anything from Dimmu Borgir. We spent countless days and nights paying close attention until we heard the wind howl which for once was not our farts. No, this was different, this was the northern wind bringing in the familiar symphonic black metal melodies from… Dimmu Borgir? What an offering on Cinco de drink-o eve! The wait was over and the highly anticipated Eonian came in like a jack hammer through Nuclear Blast Records.

“The Unveiling” has a grand entrance and will flash its edgy elegance to those that are willing to look at it in the eye. “Interdimensional Summit” and “Council of Wolves And Snakes,” as you all know by now, will give us a bit of a throwback because it has the right balance between theatrical and riffs with its ever present choir, OK maybe the “balance” is still thrown off but they’re still cool songs. “Aetheric” will take you to a whole new different realm especially with that epic and orchestral breakdown. I know you probably want something that will make your blood boil and not just because of the “softness” of this album, you want something that will make you fuck shit up! “Archaic Correspondence” might do something for you, you adrenaline junky. GAHH! *ducks and avoids being killed by a rotten tomato*

Okay! Settle down! Look, if you are looking for seething black metal roughness you won’t find it here, however, you will find an album that will potentially help you unclog the annals of your brain and will help you focus on that book you couldn’t get in to or help you power through that 12 page essay that’s due tomorrow morning (yikes!). This album is not nearly as atrocious it was portrayed. Sure not much stood out to me, excluding the singles, but we must keep in mind that Dimmu Borgir is just in its fancy wizard phase, k? I’m sure they will grow out of it. Listen to the whole album on Spotify and if you want to feel the northern air tonight, get your copy here.

3 out of 6, It’s just a phase.

‘Àmr ‘ Will Take You To Infinity And Beyond

Living legend and music extraordinaire Ihsahn continues to flex his musical prowess to fans and casuals alike in his seventh solo album titled Àmr released via Candlelight Records. I recommend you put your space helmets on because you will be seeing stars after this album is over.

The theatrical “Lend Me The Eyes Of The Millenia” pours some synthy goodness onto our ears that will set the mood in to this quest of time and space before Ihsahn opens the floodgates and releases the roughness. What a start! Y’all know “Arcana Imperii” yes it’s still awesome and who doesn’t appreciate the rough proggines in this and Ihsahn’s clean vocals? What can’t this man do? “In Rites Of Passage” has more of that erratic prog elements with more synth and cyber sounds! Can we just have Ihsahn score the music for the next Space Odyssey movie?

Because Ihsahn wants to seal the deal with us, he gives us the slow and deep “Where You Are Lost And I Belong” and “Samr” and shows off more of his melodic vocals. “Marble Soul” has a nice and ritualistic feel to it, a ritual you will slowly feel simmer onto your soul till Ihsahn’s soft vocals cushions this transcendence. I can gladly talk about every single song in this nine track album, which I basically did, BUT enough! I’m sure you don’t need the top psychiatrists or a hieroglyphics translator to decipher how I feel about this baby. Check it out on Spotify and get your copy here.

6 out of 6, Sublime

Album Review

The Trials of April 27, 2018

May 18, 2018 Jenny Oh Leave a comment

Aura Noir Thrashes Their Metal

We gotta love the unholy union between Black metal and thrash and because we professed our love for this mix, Norwegian metallers Aura Noire, along with Indie Recordings, approached us and opened their cloaks to reveal their latest album/our fix, their latest album Aura Noire.

The trio begins strongly with “Dark Lung Of The Storm” which is sure to blow listeners away with their vicious cacophony, you will still hear Carl-Michael “Aggressor” Eide’s haunting vocals resonate long after the track is over. “Hells Lost Chambers” will gallop towards you like a calculating warhorse that will ram you off the road especially once Aggressor unleashes his powerful growl.

Because we are in need of more speed of the legal kind, Aura Noir gave us a strong dosage of that with “The Obscuration” and “Demoniac Flow” the super cool part about this track is that it’s the gift that keeps on giving because it has traces of some speed metal …. YES!!! “Shades Ablaze” and “Cold Bone Grasp” light up the rest of this speed-tastic streak Aura Noir have going on.

It was hard not to replay this album because it was just so damn addicting! Aura Noir offers a new shade of black magick, a spell where you can let the instrumentals penetrate your ears and soul, and well I’m sure you can all guess I how to feel about this album. You can listen to this madness on Spotify and get your copy here!

6 out 6, Something wicked came this way!

Godsmack Returns But Will They’Rise‘?

The year is still 2018 everyone! I know, first A Perfect Circle released an album and (insert other early 2000’s stuff here and now Godsmack have decided to join this partay. Godsmack is back and outta the past with When Legends Rise which was released via BMG. Beware though! This will give you strong urges to unearth your MySpace page and write your feelings about this album.

Godsmack starts with their tribute the badass peeps in “When Legends Rise” and be on a roll with “ Unforgettable” which is sure to motivate you to take out that heavy ass garbage bag you shoulda taken out 5 days ago. Hey! Legends have to start somewhere baby 😉 “Bulletproof” and “Eye of The Storm” will definitely serve as great throwbacks to the classic in your face sound. Godsmack also showcase their sensitive side with “Under Your Scars” and “Someday” will lift your spirit a lot higher than it was on 4/20!

I will suspend my time machine hunt and pop this sucker in to feel young again…but not that young! Godsmack delivered a solid record that fans and millennials will appreciate and can have the potential to suck in casual listeners. For the J-Ohster it was a nice trip down memory lane but it didn’t churn my angst like it used to but that’s the side effects of being dead on the inside, which doesn’t mean it won’t do anything for you! Okay, maybe half of you. Anyway, listen to the whole album on Spotify and get your copy here.

3 Out 6, Its UnforMEHtable

Pánico Al Miedo Assemble With ‘Formador‘

Barcelona has no reason to panic because death thrashers Pánico Al Miedo will make everything better! Their debut full-length Formador was released via Cimmerian Shade Records and it is hungry for more unsuspecting metalheads that are looking for a good time. Also, how can you say no to the Squidward-esque alien on the cover below?! Anyway….

The quartet begins with the badass title track “Formador” which is teeming with sick ass riffs from Jordi Creus AND riff master James Murphy (Testament, Obituary, Death). These axemen don’t just fade into the background because they wanna string you along in a good way. “Formador” makes ANOTHER appearance at the end of this album but this time Creus shares the spotlight with former Death guitarist Bobby Koelble and it is just as divine! Because Pánico Al Miedoknows we are in need of a pick-me-up, they give us the ultimate motivator “No Voy A Perder” (I’m not Going to Lose).

Creus and drummer Alfred Gonzalez entice us to take a bite out of “Cebos Vivos” (Living Bait) and yes we swallowed the whole fuckin’ thing, man! If you ever join a pact be sure to blast “Hermanos De Sangre” (Blood Brothers) and right after the ceremony is done, raise your “Puños” (Fists) up in the air! When you roll up Marc Jufré’s thick vocals with his badass cohorts, it turns this album into a rabid beast! Listen to this fierce album on Cimmerian Records Bandcamp and get it there!

6 out 6, You should panic if you don’t have this album.

**The Klown just cracked open some cold ones**

Elway Release a New One for the Sake of the Fans

If you are a Denver Broncos fan, for you the name really means something. If you are the legendary quarterback himself, John Elway, flattery isn’t the act that you’ll be showing, apparently. Nevertheless, the boys from Fort Collins, Colorado soldier on without the approval of said legend. On that note, Elway has released their album titled For The Sake of the Bit through Red Scare Records.

The album begins with “Inches” which starts rather slow and melodic. With all that aside, the Klown definitely dug the sarcastic lyrical content and sound like the days when the bands started off small in somebody’s garage. The previous is then followed by “Hold On” and immediately pick up the speed and keep the same kind of lyrical content. Although the Klown will get some hissing from every party, “Selfish Masochistic Psycho Trauma” gave the Klown a blast from the past moment because Elway used alot of the emo influences like Hawthorn Heights and The Used. “Paper Guitars” had some really mellow and melodic punk that can get you to reminisce and finishes with a sound bit of a phone call mixed with a melodic but distorted guitar.

The album finishes off with “Nobody Goes into Meteorology for the Sunny Days.” The Klown would have compared it to “Selfish…” if it weren’t for the fact that it was a dedicatory song that makes you feel the feels. This was definitely a mature album and will give the listener a coming-of-age soundtrack or if you need an album to understand some growing-up with some humor implied. The Klown definitely recommends this album to punkers that are more into the melodic variety or anyone who listens to indie (let’s face it they’re bound to with or without the Klown’s say so). Wanna listen before you buy? Check out their Bandcamp before making the choice.

4.5 out of 6, Give It Up, John. They Ain’t Gonna Change their Name.

Varathron Unleashed their Sinister Sixth

Although the saying says beware of Greeks bearing gifts, the Klown begs to differ especially when it comes to our beloved genre. The land where Rotting Christ, Septicflesh and Firewind came from now brings us another name to add on to that collection. On that note, the Klown shall talk about the band known as Varathron. This Greek black metal band has been an open secret for some time and have released a brand-new album through Agonia Records. The latest to covet their CV is titled Patriarchs Of Evil.

The album opens with some guitars to start “Tenebrous” which are then joined by the vocals of Stefanos Karasavvas and the drumming of Haris Kokkinos. They immediately pick up the pace with “Into the Absurd” in which Stratos Kountouras really shined. The song also reminded the Klown about the Aztec themed black metal band Mictlantecuhtli because of the similar sounds and influence especially with the guitars, bass and the way Karasavvas projects his vocals. The Klown can definitely say the same about “Luciferian Mystical Awakening.”

Remember how Rotting Christ was brought up? Well, the Klown can assure you that they seemed to be a major influence for these bros. “Saturnian Sect” and “Hellwitch (Witches Gathering)” is definitely proof of that. In fact, the Klown thought that he was listening to old Rotting Christ tracks that had never been released before. The collective takes a brooding and somewhat melodic step with “Remnants of the Dark Testament.”

The album is finished off with “Ouroboros Dweller (The Dweller of Barathrum)” which was somewhat dramatic and tender. As it starts with acoustic guitars, it picks up with electric and contains samples of choir and synths. This album was pretty good and really captures the sounds of some of the old school Mediterranean black metal styles. The Klown recommends the album for fans of Rotting Christ, Melechesh, Mictlantecuhtli and Highland. Still not convinced? Check it out on your streaming service of choice or cut foreplay and head over to the label’s Bandcamp.

5 out of 6 EEEVEEELLLL!!!!

Skindred Return in a Big Way

Chances are if you haven’t heard of Skindred, you probably don’t explore the subgenres enough. That’s okay, the Klown’s got ya, fam! Being one of the very things that Wales is known for aside from its Rugby team, Bullet For My Valentine, the former T-Mobile spokeswoman and Cardiff, which is UK’s Hollywood, Skindred is right up there. The Welsh kings of Crossover are back and this time their return is big with their 7th installment Big Tings which has been released through Napalm Records.

The album opens with “Big Tings” and immediately begins with Arya Goggin’s house style drumming which is then followed by some programming, bass and guitars courtesy of Daniel Pugsley and Michael Fry, respectively. All that combined with Benji Webbe’s melodic vocals and cowbell made for a pretty good and groovy start. The collective continued the groove but without the cowbell and with the sounds of hard rock with “Machine.” In fact, the song sounds like something the late great Angus Young would have composed because not only does it sound like a really modern AC/DC song, Webbe’s vocals briefly sounded like that of Brian Johnson’s famous vocals. The band show their sensitive side and treat the softies and ladies to “Tell Me.” Although it is a ballad, the band manages to incorporate and keep the hard rock elements.

“Loud and Clear” features Webbe’s unmistakable reggae style vocals and blends it with some groovy, alternative metal. “All This Time” briefly featured Webbe doing the same but added more melodic clean vocals and combined them with nu-metal sounds. “Alive” was not only catchy but felt like a song meant for dancing due to the way the samples and programming were applied to the hard rock element. “Broken Glass” featured some elements of electro funk, some alternative rock, and female vocal samples.

The album officially finishes with the soft ballad titled “Saying It Now.” Not only was it sentimental but it was mostly Webbe showing off his clean vocals singing to Fry’s acoustic guitar, string samples, and the tambourine. This album was definitely a Big Ting and definitely shows a vast array of influences and sounds that the band has known to play around with. If you are a fan of Kontrust, Living Colour, Three Days Grace and Candiria then the Klown highly recommends this. If you’re not convinced, check’em out in your streaming service of choice or in Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 It’s Yuge!

Kobra And The Lotus Continue to Prevail!

Remember that time the Klown talked about Kobra And The Lotus’s album, Prevail I? You don’t? Pepperidge Farm sure as hell does! That’s okay though because that was a year ago. Now, they are back with the second half of their concept album. If you haven’t caught on, their latest album is titled Prevail II! That’s right kiddies, part deux is finally out and through Napalm Records.

The album begins strongly with “Losing My Humanity.” The song exploded with some heavy guitar from Jasio Kulakowski and immediately Kobra Paige’s strong vocals added more power to the song. Kulakowski also gives you a quick and brief guitar solo. Paige also wants to show some luck to an S.O.B. with “Let Me Love You” but because she wants to show you that she’s still more metal than you she will serenade you in the most metal way by keeping this ballad metal. “Ribe” serves as the perfect catalyst for “My Immortal.” The great thing about this song, aside from the heavy power metal vibe that the song has, Paige busts out her inner Tarja Turunen and Floor Jensen, although not entirely operatic, she still manages to show off her powerful pipes. The Klown can say the same about “Human Empire” and “Heartache.”

“White Water” features Paige doing a power ballad along with a killer guitar solo from Kulakowski. The album ends with “The Chain” which was a slow paced song that featured Lord Marcus Lee’s bass drums beats as the foundation of the song which eventually picks some speed to end in a high note. If you get the album with the bonus track and absolutely loved “Let Me Love You” but felt like it should have been tender? Good news, the bonus song happens to be just that.

The album was a great follow up and definitely featured an array of sounds, mostly of the hard rock variety mixed with power metal. The Klown definitely recommends this to those KATL faithful who have been anticipating this release since last year. If you haven’t heard the first one, check them both out in the streaming service of your choice or get it on Napalm’s Bandcamp.

6 out of 6, The Kobra Prevailed in the End

Album Review

The Trials of April 20, 2018

May 4, 2018 Chuggo The Klown Leave a comment

Anarchist Wolves Breakthrough the Barricades with EP

Quickly, can you name other cool things and people that came outta New Mexico that doesn’t have anything to do with Breaking Bad or its universe, their peppers or our bestie Corey Pino? If Anarchist Wolves wasn’t one of them, then you need to expand your music tastes. Luckily, in the Klown’s search to satiate his independent act fetish he stumbled on this one-man act . The latest in this group’s collection is an EP titled To The Barricades. Did the Klown mention that it’s independent?

The album kicks off with “Hands/Arms” and right from the opening riff, the lone member, Wolf Boy, gives you a full dose of raw black metal. Y’know when the sounds of black metal were to intentionally sound like shit? For those reading this and are unsure, that’s supposed to be a good thing since that’s how the trve like it. Part of the throwback sounds include punk influences starting with speed and vocals that contained some reverb. However, “To the Barricades” and “Black Flags” are just a few of those tracks to really embody that while being kept within the minute mark.

“Night” not only continues to incorporate the punk sounds that old school Norwegian black metal started out with but it will definitely make you reminisce about legendary pioneers such as Darkthrone. The album caps off with “Dawn” which was an instrumental that starts out rather slow and remains so, up until the last 30 seconds of the song. This album was pretty good and is definitely one for those who love the sounds of raw black metal. The Klown recommends this for fans of Darkthrone, Carpathian Forest, Midnight and Black Mass Perverter. You can check this album on Anarchist Wolves’ Bandcamp and hear for yourself.

5 out of 6 Unleash the Wolves!

Ghostblood Raise Will Raise Your Metal Spirit

And… the Ugh Metal fetish continues! Don’t judge, we all have our kinks. Some people enjoy coprophilia, others are into partialism, we like the unsung heroes of shows: the independent bands. In this case, Ghostblood are a bunch of Seattleites that give you the gift of thrash metal with some heavy death metal overtones. Now, they bring that gift back in the form of their sophomore album titled Honey, I Raised the Dead.

The album begins with a humorous soundbite intro of a man who sounds like comedian Brian Posehn doing some work with a power drill which is immediately joined by some instrumentals by the band with Adam’s growling vocals. It is immediately followed by “Necroplasm” which continue the noise left behind in the previous track and features two awesome guitar solos by Arlo. They go full death metal with “Bludgeoned by Bone, B.C. (The Wrath of Garg)” which also features a killer solo from Arlo. While Gwar may have “Slaughterama,” Ghostblood has “Eviscerama.” In the spirit of everyone’s favorite Creepsylvanians, the trio treat us to the death metal romps of “Smokin’ Brains,” “Bleeding Frenzy (In Space)” and “Skull Mountain of Skulls.” Both of which Adam’s bass totally highlights the erratic foundations of the songs.

The band even dedicated one to yours truly with “Dawn of the Drunk,” which was more death metal awesomeness but with minimal vocals. The band finished the album the way it began, minus the soundbites, with death metal instrumentals and some growling vocals added in between. If you don’t mind humor and tongue-in-cheek lyrics than this is an album to get. The Klown liked this album and recommends it to fans of Ghoul, Austrian Death Machine, Psychostick and Gwar. Lastly, if you wanted to know what the hoopla is all about, check out the Ghostblood’s Bandcamp to get your dose of ghost metal for a listen and to acquire.

6 out of 6 Yes, Virginia Ghosts Bleed

Melvins Are Back Again

Man… the Klown wasn’t expecting to see the Melvins back so soon. Don’t misconstrue that sentence. It’s not often a band releases a follow up to their previous album the following year. So naturally the Klown was going to check this baby out! The contemporary is titled Pinkus Abortion Technician and it was released through Ipecac Recordings. The title of this album is rather interesting due to the fact that Jeff Pinkus of the Butthole Surfer had a lot to do with this album. On that note, especially if you are a big Butthole Surfer fan, it also references the Butthole’s third album Locust Abortion Technician.

This latest opens with one of Pinkus’s songs “Stop Moving to Florida.” Which actually sounds like something that came out of a Butthole Surfer’s album combined with, as the band so happens to describe as, the James Gang which becomes completely apparent by the second half of the song. The following track, “Embrace the Rub” definitely takes the Butthole Surfer style of punk rock. Both “Don’t Forget to Breathe” and “Flamboyant Duck” take you back to sounds of old school indie (take your pick) and combine it with that of the sounds of hard rock.

“Break Bread” will bring out your inner 90’s kid as the song is heavily laden with grunge. Speaking of grunge, the Melvins cover The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in grunge version which sounded pretty bitchin’. The contemporary album finishes with “Grave Yard” which take a hard rock approach with the garage rock style to make an interesting ending for the punk induced album. The Klown enjoyed this album a lot more than he thought. In true Melvins style, the band experimented but did a throwback to the sounds that saw them alongside Nirvana, Tad and Soundgarden and combined it with punk. You can check this puppy out in the Melvins’ Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 The Geniuses Continue to Work

Pennywise Can’t Be Killed

The sub header is clearly an understatement for the Klown. The Klown’s deity can never be killed! Praise IT! But, knowing you, plebes, you “don’t have time” to talk about Pennywise from IT. So… let’s talk about Pennywise the band. One of the undisputed kings of the SoCal punk scene have returned with their 12^th album. The latest one is titled after our beloved genres’ mantra, Never Gonna Die and it was released through Epitaph Records.

The album initiates with the title of the namesake album. It starts out slow down and immediately picks up with Fletcher Dragge’s guitar and Byron McMackin’s drumming. The collective also feed you lies of the apple pie variety with “American Lies.” Not only does “American Lies” really emphasize a piece of current Americana but it also features Randy Bradbury’s bass. The band pick up the speed even more with “Live While You Can” and “We Set Fire.” Ever had crazy experience with a girl? Pennywise apparently did too and wrote “She Said” for our amusement.

“Goodbye Bad Times” was a combo of slow and fast. The song was not only mellow but it also features a solo from Dragge. The album finishes with the appropriately titled “Something New” which ended the album the way it began, slow with an instant pick up on speed. Plain and simple, without having to dissect the entire album, this contemporary was great! If you are a punker at heart or really fancy the SoCal punk scene then this is a must-have. Still not convinced from the Klown’s words, check it out in your streaming service of choice. Convinced by the Klown or liked what you heard after streaming? Get it here.

6 out of 6 Punk’s Never Gonna Die, Man!

*Uh oh! Here’s Jenny Oh with her 2 cents again!*

A Perfect Circle “Eat” Their Feelings

Maynard James Keenan may not have delivered that long awaited Tool album yet but at least he has given us a new A Perfect Circle album to sedate those Tool shakes. Keenan and the rest of APC get in touch with their sentimental side and let their hair down in Eat The Elephant which was served through BMG Recordings.
The title track eases us in to this album and has a lot of great use of its instrumentals. The album keeps the smooth ball rolling will make you feel the power of “Disillusioned” which is a track that will cradle you to sleep as you let your tears fall because you will feel like you’re in a sad music video. Oh come on! Don’t tell me you don’t pretend you’re in a sad music video and/ or an Usher vid especially if it’s raining? Suit yourself liar. “So Long, And Thanks For The Fish” has a nice satirical attitude that yours truly loves and can fool the untrained simpleton that this is a happy-go-lucky ode.

“TalkTalk” gives us a tinge of the edgier and anguished version of A Perfect Circle that our angsty selves liked so much in early 2000’s, it’s nice to see you again! Props to the nice little score “By And Down By The River” and one can really savor Maynard’s diverse vocal range. In “Hourglass” APC really let loose and not only add some autotune in to the mix but they drop the bass with some good ol’ electronic influences, if that unnerves you a little, chill! It’s a track that will intrigue you and ultimately hype you.
Eat The Elephant is a different type of album, if you’re expecting a “typical” A Perfect Circle album well this isn’t it BUT that is not a bad thing. This record has a soulful, and real approach and is more tamer than their previous records which can be a hit or miss with fans. You can see what is up and listen to it on Spotify and if you’re feeling it, get your copy here.

3.8 out 6, still good though

Album Review

The Trials of April 13, 2018

April 30, 2018 Chuggo The Klown Leave a comment

Honorable Mention

Carpathian Forest End Silence with EP

Hey, look who emerged and has graced our page! Carpathian Forest is just as legendary as the Klown’s chugging records. Sure, they may not have been on the same exact time as Mayhem, Darkthrone and Satyricon but they are just influential and renowned like the former. Most importantly, signs of life have emerged from the woodwork and has quelled any desires for a new album from the band. So, with that said, after a 12-year hiatus, Carpathian Forest presents Likeim EP and have released through Indie Recordings.

“But Klown,” inquired the voice in the Klown’s head, “If you’re so excited why is this great band in your honorable mentions?” Good question, impatient voice in the Klown’s head. The Klown was just getting to that. Since it’s out in the open, the reason is that it is a two-song EP. The first be titled “Likeim” which sounded like the old black metal sounds that caused a widespread intrigue and awesomeness. Which also contained punk rock influences. The other is a cover song from fellow Norwegian band Turbonegro’s “All My Friends Are Dead.” The Klown actually enjoyed the track and it had the collective’s punk rock influence.

Fret not fellow reader, this is only the beginning as the collective has been working on an LP. Word is that it is supposed come out this year, “It” not being the almighty Pennywise but the latest album which is titled Likskue. No actual date has been set, yet. Still, want the album and some Carpathian Forest swag? The Klown’s got you.

Black Mass Perverter Bring Out an EP for the Antsy

Move over Midnight, there’s another trying to get at your perverse crown. Or so the Klown thinks. The black metal band known as Black Mass Perverter, unlike Midnight, use punk influence in their brand of music instead of speed metal. They have released a brand-new EP titled Life Beyond the Walls of Flesh through Blood Harvest Recordings following up their debut from two years back.

The album begins with “Imbibing the Sea of Darkness” which opens up with some gnarly guitars and sounds that are reminiscent to that of Satyricon but with vocals that sound eerily familiar to a younger Helmuth Lehner from Belphegor. Remember the punk style combo that the Klown spoke of? “The Golden Spear” meets the mark right after the prior track and give some trve speedy goodness in under 2 minutes! They would once again pull that off but much faster with “Behind All His Atrocious Deeds” and keeps it at a little over a minute.

Although not as fast, the band combines black metal and punk with “Suffering, Our Everlasting Bliss.” They keep the fast-paced drumming and guitar synonymous with punk and really features the bass. The trio would do this again with “Chains of Guilt.” The album finishes this EP off with “The Forbidden Path” which took the Klown aback for he thought that he was listening to Taake for a moment. The Klown should note that the last song also featured some real heavy bass and stood out a lot.

This EP was pretty good. The Klown recommends it if you fancy yourself a connoisseur of the black’n’roll subgenre. On that note, the Klown will recommend this album for fans of Kuoleman Galleria, Taake, Midnight and Darkthrone. If you feel convinced, check them out in your streaming service of choice or in No Clean Singing’s site. If you go the FTP route you can get them at the label’s Bandcamp.

5 out of 6 Perversion is the New Black

Crematory Will Take You to Oblivion!

Hey kids, can you name a former death metal that went Goth? Well, its in the sub header in if you didn’t notice. Sure, Crematory has dabbled in other subgenres but the Industrial/Goth style seems to have suited them well. After 27 years, the band doesn’t seem to know the meaning of slowing down. With that said, the German collective has released their 14^th album titled Oblivion and released through Steamhammer Records.

The album opens with an intro titled “Expectation” which features some overture you would expect from an epic moment in a movie. Right after that it transitioning to an introduction to the band before going into “Salvation” which gives us a touch of symphonic industrial metal which would feature Gerhard “Felix” Stass doing his growling vocals accompanied with rhythm guitar/vox Tosse Basler clean vocals as backup. The band gives a pure dose of industrial with “Ghost of the Past” and “Immortal” in which Katrin Jüllich’s key and samples shined the brightest.

“Until the Dawn” features the group’s tender and symphonic side but keep the growling vocals for emphasis. “Revenge is Mine” features Jüllich taking the spotlight again but this time playing them in a melody most synonymous with power metal from the likes of Firewind. The same can be said about “For All Of Us” minus the keys and more on the samples. “Stay With Me” feature some the band’s tender side again but this time in the form of a power ballad. “Cemetery Stillness” picks up the pace again and remain melodic throughout.

The album ends with “Demon Inside” which was like “Cemetery Stillness” but with more use of the keys. The album was rather fresh and give a very melodic take on the industrial/goth style metal. The Klown recommends this album for fans of Schwarze Engel, Megaherz, Oomph! and Eisbrecher. Still skeptical, check it out in a streaming service of your choice. Did you like it after you heard it or took the Klown’s word for it? You can get it here.

5 out of 6 The Soundtrack for Your Inner Death

Nekrogoblikon’s Latest is Cray

The Klown knows that Ugh Metal barely talks about Nekrogoblikon. But at least they were featured once, even if it was a while back. Three years after Heavy Meta’s release the goblins from Santa Barbara have released their fourth album Welcome to Bonkers through their own label Mystery Box.

The album begins with “Mold” which opens with Alex Alereza’s guitars and Nicky Calonne’s vocals. Both are then joined by Aaron Minich’s keys, in which he gets a solo later on in the song. “Row,” briefly starts with some deathcore and smoothly transitions the keys but keep the deathcore element. The collective also gives you a reminder of who they are by adding electronic music elements and samples making the song dance-able. The band revives their M.O. of comedy and metal with “Dressed as Goblins.”Do you like the sounds of retro video games mixed in? “Dragons” is definitely the song to your liking and turns in to some electronic rock.

They keep the electronic aspect rolling again but bump it back to metal with “Thanks for Nothing, Moon.” The song also contains some guitars from Alereza. They bust out a bit of power metal with some electronic influence with “Darkness.” “Killing Time (and Space)” features Job For A Cowboy’s Al Glassman playing the opening sequence on the banjo before transitioning to the fast-paced metal song. The album ends with “Goblins” which sounds like In Flames but with comedic overtones and singing about goblins in their lives.

Assuming you haven’t heard of Nekrogoblikon, the Klown can recommend this to fans of Alestorm, Psychostick and Avatar. If you have heard or are a Nekrogoblikon mark then this album is a must-have for your collection. Not convinced, check it out on the band’s Bandcamp and hear for yourself!

5 out of 6 No Trollin’ Around

Satanic Surfers Return like a Bat Outta Hell

Punks, Skins and Droogs rejoice! One of Sweden’s finest has returned after an 11-year breakup and it has been 13 years since the Swedish punk group known as Satanic Surfers last made an album. Yup, it’s been a tween ago since these punkers last gave us gold. Their seventh installment is appropriately titled Back From Hell and it was released through Mondo Macabre Records.

The album begins with “The Usurper” which starts kind of fast and is a great song for our current times. The band’s speedy drumming from Robert Samsonowitz and Andy Dahlström’s bass slapping along with the guitars compliments Rodrigo Alfaro’s vocals. If you are looking for absolute speed the quintet give you the ironically titled “Catch My Breath,” in which Dahlström shines brightly because the bass stood out the most, and proved to be the foundation of the song.

“Self-Medication” features a bit of reggae influence in between and Alfaro by no means attempts to do the Jamaican accent. Not a bad thing its just that the Klown doesn’t see the point of adopting a Jamaican accent when singing some reggae. Remember how the Klown brought up a soundtrack for today’s current events? Although, “The Usurper” does hit the mark, “Madhouse” hits it again with absolute precision! Not only was the song fast paced and aggressive, the lyrical content is on key with the world’s political climate, not just the US and Europe.

The Surfers didn’t just keep to themselves for their return, “Pato Loco” features soloist Patricio Vergara jamming away with the band in that instrumental. The contemporary closes with the title track, “Back From Hell” which finish the way it began, only much faster. The album was good and really felt fresh despite the lineup being tweaked just a bit. The Klown definitely recommends this album if you fancy yourself a true punker and recommends this album for fans of Offspring, Rise Against, Bad Religion and NOFX. As always if you don’t believe the Klown, you can always check their Bandcamp and see for yourselves.

6 out of 6 Surfs Up Buttholes!

*Uh oh! Here’s Jenny Oh with her 2 cents*

The Damned Conjure up ‘Evil Spirits’

The Damned are saying hello from the other side and have decided to grace our mortal ears with their first album in a decade! Evil Spirits was conjured up via Spinefarm Records and is quite the hard boiled fun loving rebel. I am well aware that that was a bit of an oxymoron but these icons are know n to be quite the wild cards and are ready to be the best complicated rebels.

“Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow” is just what you would love to play when you are deep undercover… under your covers on a weekday and holy shit! You are late for work! “Devil In Disguise” is the misunderstood bad boy that will take you by the hand and will have you shimmying all night long. “Look Left” indulges the sense of longing for that impossible love with that conniving burrito because you’re broke or working on the Psycho Las Vegas bikini bod… or maybe even a person. *Gags*

“Shadow Evocation” gives us the nice goth shade The Damned are so great at and vocalist Dave Vanian vocally drops the bass just like the good ol’ days but not deep enough to send us back to the past. Did you know The Damned also created a song for the Ugh Metal staff? It’s called “Procrastination” and it is perfect for our next montage when we’re trying to play catch up in these reviews.

The Damned are well known for reinventing themselves because that’s what pioneers do. They profess their love for all things noir in Evil Spirits and even though yours truly is hungry for more of Vanian’s signature deep vocals, it is very nice hearing him belt out his tributes in a high baritone harmony. This comeback record was an enjoyable ride with a fresh new attitude and if you are a hardcore fan of The Damned, you will have a soft spot for this hard boiled detective. Listen to the album on Spotify and get your copy here.

4 out 6, Will give you the good kind of willies

Album Review

The Trials of April 6, 2018 Ft. March 30 Missed Trials

April 24, 2018 Chuggo The Klown Leave a comment

Finding T.H.E.T.I.S. Debut their EP

Remember that time the Klown talked about Finding T.H.E.T.I.S. in our First Impression section? You didn’t?! Why don’t check that out when you have the chance. Y’know to get yourself better acquainted with our alumni. In the meantime, here’s an update on our FIA, they have released a full EP for your enjoyment! Now adding to their CV is Metávasi EP which was released independently.

The band kicks off with “Valkyrie” which give you some raw sounding metal which was borderline hard rock. The Klown will also note that he at first thought he was listening to an early Burn The Priest (a.k.a. Lamb Of God) demo. Aside from what was mentioned they managed to include a female vocalist by the name of Syren Franco into the mix to add a softer touch to that of Andy Chavez’s screaming vocals. The Klown can say the same about the follow up “Crawl” with the exception of Franco taking an Alanis Morissette/ (the late) Dolores O’Riordan vocal style.

Speaking of Franco, “Pleasantries” would feature a role reversal with her at the helm and Chavez serving as the backup. The album finishes how it began with “Aries” only with a bit more oomph and Bryce Guiliani adding some groovy bass during a brief a vocal solo from Franco. The song also features a voiceover playback accompanied with Franco’s soft chorus. This Klown will say that this collective turned a complete 180 than what he had heard the first time when he was working on their First Impressions profile. The addition of a female vocalist feels a bit a refreshing and kind of fresh.

With that in mind, this album seems to be a new start for the quintet. It features New Wave of American Heavy Metal sounds mixed with groove metals. On top of that, the addition of punk style influences from the like of The Cranberries. The Klown would definitely recommend this album for fans of Lamb Of God, Code Orange, Eths and Cane Hill. Not feeling convinced yet? Check’em out in their Bandcamp and get it there right after.

4 out of 6 They Have Only Just Begun!

Underoath Return for the Kids

Hey, remember the time Underoath broke up about 4 years back? Yeah, the Klown doesn’t either. Nevertheless, scene kids at heart, rejoice, for the collective known as Underoath have now reached back into 2006 and mustered a new album just for you! For those who never kept up with Underoath or just lost track of them, this is their eighth album. The latest one is titled Erase Me and it was released through Fearless Records.

The album begins with the appropriately titled “It Has to Start Somewhere.” Which begins with some drowning electronic drumming from Aaron Gillespie and sample/keyboarding courtesy of Christopher Dudley. It is then met up with some alternative hard rock style guitar riffs that are then accompanied by Spencer Chamberlain’s unmistakable vocals. It is then followed by the samples and programming heavy track “Rapture,” which featured Chamberlain’s clean vocals as opposed to any variation of harsh vocals. “On My Teeth” features the same as the prior but more tempo and anger. In fact, it’s the first time, as far as the Klown knows, that the group demonstrated any form of profanity. “Wake Me” and “Bloodlust” are definitely songs for the scenester at heart as they revisit some of the old sounds and tones.

Remember how the Klown brought up the aggressive take with some profanity, they do it again back with “ihateit” and “Hold Your Breath.” While “ihateit” maybe softer and sentimental, “Hold Your Breath” gives you angst and speed and borderlines, briefly in the beginning, industrial and features Chamberlain range his screaming vocals with some clean. They end the album with the Klown’s mantra when he doesn’t want to continue things, “I Give Up.” Unlike the majority of the tracks, this one takes an ambient approach and pairs it with their signature sounds of rock and has Chamberlain singing cleanly.

If you were that devoted scene kid at heart after nearly 20 years of the trend dying, congratulations, you can relive those days again. As for the Christian listeners, the Klown doesn’t know what the feelings may be regarding some of the gruff but Underoath is still politically correct in terms of language. Y’all know how it is when you’re venting. Anyway, for those who haven’t listened to before but have interest, the Klown says that he recommends it for fans of Norma Jean, Greyhaven, Of Mice and Men and Toothgrinder. Need to hear before you buy? Check it out on whatever streaming service you feel compliant or just get it here.

5 out of 6 2008 Has Made a Comeback

Bringing Back the Days if the Scene Kids

Requiem Have Emerged from Down Under

The name Requiem seems to be a popular name in the land of Oz. But don’t worry peeps, the Klown figured out which Requiem he’s talking about. Hailing from Ararat, Victoria, Australia is the thrash quartet known as Requiem. The gnarly part of this ordeal is that they met the Ugh Metal kink of being an independent artist! The other cool part is that the Klown caught a whiff of their debut studio album titled And the Earth Grew Dark.

The album begins rather epically with “Divinity.” It opens faintly with an opening guitar solo before settling in with the rhythm guitar and Aaron Dunks drumming. After the all sweet play, you get treated to really aggressive and fast thrash metal which gives us more awesome guitar solos. Although the track is trash, frontman/guitarist Zacharie Dunks vocals are reminiscent to that of Exodus’s own Steve Souza.

The Klown can definitely say the same about the following track “Absence ov Faith” and “Blackened Water.” “Absence ov Faith” lacks several guitar solos but Tom Hainsworth ‘s bass stands out a lot while “Blackened Water” contains solos but not as much as “Divinity.” “Maelstrom” shows a more aggressive of the band and has plenty of blackened thrash metal similar to the likes of Witchery or Necrophobic and features some awesome guitar solos.

The album capped off the way it began, epically with its title track “And The Earth Grew Dark.” Unlike “Divinity,” this one was the longest track of the album by clocking in at 9 secs after 8. This album was a good debut and definitely had a bite to it. If you really love thrash definitely a must especially if you are a fan of Exodus, Witchery, Necrophobic, Dust Bolt. Need more convincing? Check out their Bandcamp, take a good listen and, if you like it, get it there.

6 out of 6 Your High-Top Nikes Will Still Be Whiter than the Earth

The Over the Top Album for some Down Under Thrash

Kamelot Give Light to their Brand-New Darkness

Kamelot, now that’s a power metal group that Ugh Metal has had the chance to see live. Of course, it was B.U.M. (Before Ugh Metal, not the type of homeless person or a butt). Ever since Roy Kahn left the group 7 years ago, Tommy Karevik has done a swell job filling in that void that was left behind. Although this might be Karevik’s third album with the group, The Shadow Theory is Kamelot’s 12th installment and it was released through Napalm Records.

The band begins their contemporary with the orchestral arrangements and keys of Oliver Palotai’s intro “The Mission” which then beautifully transitions to “Phantom Divine (The Shadow Empire).” The “Phantom Divine” more or less revisits the sounds that were back in the 2012 Silverthorn combined with the 2007 Ghost Opera album. The complexity of sounds and theatrics is what yours truly is getting at with the added bonus of Once Human’s Lauren Hart lending her vocals to create a dark duet with Karevik. Hart would make another appearance in “MindFall Remedy.” Speaking of duets “In Twilight Hours” features Beyond the Black’s Jennifer Haben pairing her voice with that of Karevik for the power ballad.

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood also swoops in “In Twilight Hours” and chimes in a killer solo before the song ends. “Burns to Embrace” takes a tender approach while maintaining the symphonic power metal approach and has Palotai and Youngblood share the spotlight with their respective solos. The song includes a children’s chorus which surprisingly adds and doesn’t deter the song in any way. “Static” was much heavy with the classical strings and keyboards but still remained heavy throughout.

“Vespertine (My Crimson Bride)” features a lot less orchestrations and has Kamelot become a predominantly power metal where Youngblood shreds away in a cool but long solo. “The Proud and The Broken” featurs the usual Kamelot M.O. and has a guest appearance from the power metal magician known as Sacha Paeth on growling vocal duties. The album ends with an outro titled “Ministrium (Shadow Key).”

If you happened to get the bonus CD you only get the instrumental version of the album and an extra song titled “The Last Day of Sunlight.” To keep it short, you love orchestrations, power metal and/or Kamelot? Then it is a must for you. Still skeptic or want to see what the hoopla is all about? Check out your streaming service or just get the regular disc through Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 Serenading Your Shadow into Serenity

*The dishonorable Judge Jenny Oh Will Throw in her 2 cents*

Mini Missed Trails: March 30

We Will Wanna Dive Deep In To Trenches Debut

We happily descend deep in to the black metal recesses down under with the quartet Trenches. The elusive black metallers released their self titled debut via Voirloup Productions and it is to die for! Lets go deeper in to this fresh debut baby!

“Sin Cannon” bombards listeners with what’s to come and slowly rolls in to the vicious “Nameless Death” which will reap your doubts and fuel your lust for this album. If you’re feeling a little frigid, that intro from guitarist Cock Goblin will melt away your skepticism because its so damn irresistible. “Satan Beckons” changes the tempo a bit and morphs it into a track that slowly crawls out of the gates of hell, major screeching points to vocalist Hellwitch.

Trenches ain’t all about them delicious growls and provide us with the tamer instrumental “Cursed Necro Threnody” which has a narration by vocalist Hellwitch once the music fades. The infectious intro by “The Valley Of Flesh” pierces the silence left by the chant that lingers in the air and it’s bloody great much like the “Gates of Hell.”

This album is a sinful delight and a great first offering from this quartet. You will find yourself replaying this bad boy a few times and will have you be a giddy as yours truly to see what they will craft next. Check out their album in their bandcamp and get hooked with the rest of the acts Voirloup Productions has to offer!

6 out of 6, Hails Trenches!

We Join Primordial In Their Latest ‘Exile’

We travel deep into the arms Primordial’s latest Exile Amongst The Ruins which was released via Metal Blade Records. This banishment is not like our previous ones, and is a pleasant one filled with the legendary quintet’s signature extreme metal hymns. The album opens strongly with the theatrical “Nail Their Tongues” which has a great impending sense of direness. Another cool thing about this song is that it has a hell of a brisk tempo from the collective. And just like that, the rapid persistence of this ensemble abruptly seized to be and sent us straight “To Hell Or The Hangman.” We’ve never been so happy to cross over to the other side especially if it means hearing “Upon Our Spiritual Deathbed” which is a passionate hymn that any one can appreciate and the cherry on top is the instrumentals, especially that slow build up a little over the halfway mark.

The title track‘s slower disposition showcases the musicianship of these lads and will allow us to drink in A.A. Nemtheanga’s interchanging vocal range. “Stolen Years” pierced through the thicc ice barrier that safely guards my blood pumping muscle known scientifically as a heart? Yep that totally happened damn, Primordial 😉 Primordial make their “Last Call” worth your while, 10 minutes and 32 seconds to be exact! The final chapter in this saga will envelop the listener in the vast array of emotions Nemtheanga conveys and reflects on this journey of blood and power as he treads away in to the sunrise.

This Exile was everything we wanted and more. This album will satisfy any Primordial fan and then some! Primordial continue to show off their storytelling prowess and expertly blend them with their amazing musicianship. You can listen to the whole album on Spotify and be sure to get your album here!

6 out of 6, Sweet ‘Exile’

Hellfire Deathcult Declare War In Sophomore LP

Fresh out of the furnace of hell is none other than Hellfire Deathcult latest album Black Death Terroristic Onslaught which was conjured up via Deathrune Records. Their sophomore album comes only two years after their debut full length, yes these beasts are yearning to melt our faces off and lap up the puddly mess! Exactly how? Well ditch your agua bendita because that won’t be useful where we’re going.

Hellfire Deathcult set the tone for all hellish things to come with their faintly synthy intro before flinging us in to the unforgiving “Holocaustic Warfront” and into the tar black fallout of “Satanic Nuclear Devastation.” If you survive the nuclear meltdown of the infernal kind, rise with Hellfire Deathcult in “Baptized By Hellfire” in which vocalist Reyes “Perverse Ritual Necromancer” Perez appropriately unleashes his inner demon to take over this track and blends in nicely with the pandemonium.

“Death Conquers All” even our decaying hearts especially after we get served up a swift drumming dose from Warhammer Sodomizer. Careful! This tempo will slap you silly. “Hellstrom Chaos Batallion” has a bit of a grand entrance with an enthralling riff from none other than Apolcalyptic Genocidal Desecrator duh! This track is ready to devour any kind of invasion! “Bloodlust Ritual” is another track that will grab your attention with Perez’s guttural growl and the instrumental chaos that follows, ah yeah it’s that kind of party. This album prepares for its final battle and offers a great penultimate wave of more brutality in “Anti God Kommando” before they celebrate with “Triumphant Death March” which ends in a bigger bang than you could imagine.

Hellfire Deathcult is not for the faint of heart but if you are ready to enter this fresh new hell then open yourselves and get ready to receive. This LP is done stalking its unsuspecting prey and is ready to go in for the kill, though some tracks do retain those intros and build up that will be hard to resist. You can listen to the whole album on Spotify and if you wanna pledge your allegiance to this legion get your copy here. And check out what we thought of them we saw ’em live here and get see what the Klown thought of their debut LP here!

Album Review

The Trials of March 2-23, 2018

March 26, 2018 Jenny Oh Leave a comment

Editor’s note: In the spirit of March madness, we had decided to halt our ramblings, fight off the curve balls life threw at us a lá Matrix , and dodged all those sweaty balls life attempted to shove in our faces. Much like Snape did in that Star Trek movie, we prevailed! So without further ado…..

March 2

Andrew W.K Wants To Remind You ‘You’re Not Alone’

Feeling warm and fuzzy when you hear the name Andrew W.K? So do I, man! And I bet you will feel all sorts of gumdrops and rainbow within the republic of *insert your name here* after you listen to the King of party’s latest You’re Not Alone which was released via Sony Entertainment. This is Andrew W.K’s first record in nine years and if you think he is done partying and motivating the shit outta you, well then you just don’t get the art of partying, do you?

You will suit up for this life changing journey and will dive head first with the ultra epic musical intro “The Power Of Party” before the king of party unleashes the radiant “Music Is Worth Living For.” The J-Ohster’s favorite track, “Ever Again” is sure to finally make you conquer that steep hill to that awesome taco shop you’ve been wanting to go to and then some. Andrew W.K makes “Give Up On You” extra special by adding a chorus-like touch to his vocals and has a handy axe because you can’t go wrong with those two.

Andrew W.K knows we are starving for a nice motivational pick me up before we start this another day in this thing called life so he inserts a deep and empowering motivational speech called “The Feeling of Being Alive” which are recurring and nice little features he adds throughout the album (listen to “In Your Darkest Moments,” Nosferatu). The king of party mixes his piano skills with the rest of the instrumental ensemble in “Beyond Oblivion” and will continue to make you feel all sorts of things and bursting with more positivity.

The albums ends with its upbeat title track and even before the album is over, you will feel like a new person ‘cause metalheads need motivation too! Andrew W.K. is determined to change your outlook on your meh-some life with this motivational album. Even though the party master had been gone for a while time did not slow him down! Are you ready to believe and party? Well then listen to the whole album on Spotify and get your copy here.

6 out of 6, Party On!

We Descend With Sixes’s Methistopheles

Things are about to get sludgy and doomy just the way you like it baby! So take off them mud boots and put on Sixes’s latest Methistopheles which shot straight outta Black Bow Records. This doom squad from SoCal will slowly take us in to a deeper, and darker sublevel and… no, no! For once, I’m not talking about all those side jobs and unmentionable things you are doing to pay off that student loan.

Sixes will make you tremble, make you weak in the knees, and ultimately praise the tar black “Acid God.” Stephen Cummmings’s anguished cries and growls mixed with the warped riffs produced by Hannes Bogacs adds that extra oomph of dread making this track omnipotent. Not a bad way to clinch you in if you ask me!

The slow burning “A Cross To Burn” will simmer in your ears while “Fogbreather” will crawl to your feet and slowly consume you with Cummings’s composed and tactful screams. Our mommy issues will appreciate “Motherless” not because of the title, ya psycho! But because what better song to convey that guttural longing to be loved and supported and..you get what I mean. You’ll all just have to wait for my autobiography to drop on Feb.35, but in the meantime check out this unofficial theme song.

Sixes keeps the spirit of suspense alive and master it in the title track because even though “Methistopheles” slowly pulls its way out of its doomy dark hole, its will gather its strength, and unload its fury on to your ears in a series of unprecedented wave. The fun thing about this track is that amidst its fast paced wrath, it feels like an old school atmospheric black metal track till its doomy foundation shines again! Major props to drummer Dustin Daniels for keeping that bullet speed tempo going!

Methistopheles is a dark and calculating mofo that will drag you in to realm and presumably roast some weenies while blasting this records. The quartet shows a great range of versatility and a darker and diverse shade of doom that not everyone can pull off. You ready to reach out and touch this record? Well listen to it and get your copy in their bandcamp and once you’re done headbanging with these demon, give Sixes a like.

5 out 6, Hell yeah

March 9

Judas Priest Still got the Powahhh!

The metal legends unleashed their weapon of mass destruction and are sure to conquer any terrain and ear with their 18th studio album Firepower which was released via Sony Music Entertainment. How will Judas Priest wow us this time around? Will they wow us this time around, let’s take a plunge in to this album!

The title track will fire up your excitement over this album not just because the song is awesome but also because the Priest still know how run at a million miles per hour so damn well. No! That is not an old person joke, but a sincere admiration from the gut. They are legends for a reason! Hell, your heart might be racing much faster than Scott Travis’s rapid drumming and might just stop when Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner step in with their unforgettable riffs. Gets us all the time *wipes tears away.* “Lightning Strike,” “Rise From Ruins” and one of the J-Ohster’s favorite tracks “Never The Heroes” all have a glorious touch of epicness.

Judas Priest has a hefty collection of tracks that will shove you back to the 80’s such as the lit “Flame Thrower,” “Necromancer,” which is another track the J-Ohster grew fond of and “Evil Never Dies” in which Rob Halford throws in his signature high pitched battle cry! You gotta love his cry though *wipes more tears away.* These are happy tears.

The album concludes on a slower and touching note with “Sea of Red.” Even though this track is tamer than their previous tracks, it doesn’t mean that Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner were gonna hold back and a fun fact about this song is that the J-Ohster REALLY digs it, hey the J-Ohster has feels too…sometimes. This album will appease fans AND casual metalheads because the Priest still got it going on and pumped out an addictive album! Long live the ‘Priest’! Listen to the whole album on Spotify and get your album here!

6 out of 6, Praise the ‘Priest’!

Tzimani Teases With Debut EP

Did you seriously think local rock stars and First Impression alumni Tzimani were gonna take it easy this year? Then you were wrong my friend! Days before the duo hit the road to conquer the States, they released their self titled EP via Noize Cartel Records. The five track EP not only features their catchy hits in their demo but it also showcases three new songs!

After vocalist/guitarist Eddie Vazquez lays down his frenzy of distorted riffs in their intro “Shift,” Tzimani speed in to “Overdrive” where drummer Sebastian Vazquez joins his bro soon after, turning this song in to a memorable journey! There’s also a nice and high battle cry from Eddie at the end that will pump you up for the next track.

The brothers crank up the heat with the mischievous and free spirited “Locomotive” which will make you un poco loco, in a good way 😉 The latest song Tzimani debuts in this EP is the epic “We Are The Ones” which will recharge you with a sense of wonder and will motivate you to fulfill your destiny of awesomeness.

This was only an EP, can you imagine how their full length will be like? This nice little teaser will have your speed demon wanting more. If you wanna hit the road with this EP on full blast get your copy here AND I dare you to hit that Play button yet again, that’s right, I saw you. And you have you even seen them live?! Read about it here too. 😉

5 out 6, Speed demon approved

Ministry’s Ameriwuuuuuuh?

At long last, Unkle Al Jourgensen brought the boys back and reassembled Ministry AND released their highly anticipated album AmeriKKKant through Nuclear Blast Records. This record and Unkle Al have ALOT to say about our muthaland and they have every intention of showing us their portrayal of this interesting new time we live in. This is gonna be a wild and bizarro ride but will it be worth every mile? Hang on to your under bloomers ‘cause it’s gonna get cray.

Ministry will catapult you into the seemingly endless intro/rabbit hole of atmospheric and distorted sounds in “I Know Words,” which is beautifully complimented by sound bits and inspirational quotes from our current commander in chief. We take a trip into the “Twilight Zone,” and if you would like to walk deeper into the muthaland, take a distorted trip in to “AmeriKKKant.”

“Wargasm” and “Antifa” will make you tap into your Oh-face especially for die hards because it sounds recaptures their classical sounds. “Victims Of A Clown,” and no this is not a love song to my drunkard brother the Klown, features the same recurring features in this album which is the sound bites from politicians spewing stuff and it has a catchy little guest appearance from the fiddle.There are many more tracks, obvi, however it seems the J-Ohster was left a it dazed and can;t seem to recollect much more than that. I still love you, Unkle Al. Damn! I just kissed goodbye all of my potential Christmas presents from my Unkle.

Ministry delivered a solid record and though yours truly enjoyed it, there was something missing. Even though Unkle Al and Ministry worked really hard to produce this baby and offered us a fresh batch of songs, none of them stood out the J-Ohster. Don’t let my snobishness tomfoolery get to ya kids! Checkout the entire album on Spotify and see how you feel about this soundtrack about the muthaland and get your copy here. And because I love my Unkle and want my presents, see how we celebrated X-Mas in July last year here.

3 out of 6, aMEHrican

March 16

Are You Ready For Gygax’s Sequel?

Yours truly was feeling quite lucky and has placed ALL her bets on stoner rockers Gygax. Why Gygax? Because how could one say nah to a band with a cool name and how could anyone not wonder how their sophomore album 2nd Edition sounds like? The quartet rolled out their latest through Creator-Destructor Records and this second spawn of theirs is determined to make you have a great time.

We are feeling lucky AF with “Dice Throwers & Rock N’ Rollers” “The Lascivious Underdark” which will seduce you with its sweet words and melodies and… Damn there you go catching them feels again. The fluttering and feel good “Pure Hearts” will warm you up as fast as your secret stash of brandy you have hidden in your desk at work. “O Ryant-Nocturne of Negligence” is a nice little instrumental piece that will chill you out, but if you want that extra jerk of festivity “Song of the Silverhands” is guaranteed to throw confetti and poppers!

The album may wind things down with their lovesick and penultimate track “Heavy Meddle” but Gygax ain’t about that life and soar high with the infectious “Second Wind.” 2nd Edition is the fun sequel you didn’t know you wanted, and will give you songs that convey the highs and lows of life and everything in between. These dudes will guarantee a good time! If you are ready to partaay harder than Spongebob, then check out the album on Spotify and dont be a stiff and get your copy here!

5 Out of 6, We’re having a good time, we’re having a good time!!!!

Jörmungand Will Conquer Any ‘Welt’

We join the German vikings known as Jörmungand and we march head on in to their sophomore album Zwischenwelten (Between Worlds) which was released independently. This ruthless record has its sights set on your delectable worn out ears and will win them over effortlessly.

Jörmungand begin this ruthless conquest with the atmospheric “…und Es Wird Tag” before “Morgenrot” shines its light on our decrepit ears and gives us more of that delicious fusion of pagan and black metal…yum!!! *hits replay, head bangs* Can you tell the J -Ohster dug this track?! Vocalist Stef does a superb combination of growls and whispers in “Werdegänger” that will give you all sorts of chills and thrills. Who am I kidding?! Stef’s vocals SLAY throughout the album and lest we forget the rest of ruthless warriors in Jörmungand.

“In Hallen Stummer Worten” is an epic instrumental piece fit for a king of for your next trip to Mordor. Now that we are on the subject of your next trip, the appropriately titled “Neumond” will feed your travel bug with its wanderlust harmony before the rough crescendo, courtesy of the ensemble, drags you into the darkest recesses of this new land you didn’t know you wanted to go to. The album ends in high note with “Requiem,” and next thing you know the album is sadly over.

Jörmungand is a force to be reckoned and will prove it with their newer and rougher sound. The band injected a higher dosage of traditional black metal in to their pagan metal brand in this installment, and it works phenomenally making them an act to remember. Submit and indulge in Zwischenwelten and get your copy in their here if you think you are up for a fresh conquest and once you fall in love with their stuff tell them how much you loved it on their Facebook page!

6 out 6, PROST!

Stone Temple Pilots Are Locked And Loaded

These grunge legends don;t need an intro but all I can say is they weren’t just gonna stay in the deep slumber of past and iconic bands. Stone Temple Pilots fired up their engines and released their 7th and self titled studio album through Atlantic Records and it will give you all kinds of chills and take you back to your youth. Not because it has magical powers, that we know of, but because you would think the late great Scott Weiland is on vocal duties in this one.

STP kick off this new chapter with the upbeat “Middle Of Nowhere” and it’s IDGAF attitude is something that can inspire all of us to adopt that when we are in the middle of nowhere, literally. Another track that can go hand in hand with the first one is “Six Eight” because there it is, standing under the desert sky with its shades…at night! We carry on with our coolest bedazzled shades and hit the road with their hit “Meadow” and we never knew feeling “Guilty” sounded so damn good, well when STP sings about it that is.

“Thought She’d Be Mine” and “Finest Hour” are those brooding ballads STP know how to craft so well. Not much of a ballad person? No prob, “Roll me Under” will get in your face just enough to want to see its frustrated and desperate gaze before it bulldozes you with its riffy and fast paced beat. Vocalist Jeff Gutt sounds like Weiland incarnate and hits every note right to the T!

This album sounded very much like an STP record and thought its extremely enjoyable yours truly is extremely curious to see how Gutt will make this his own on the next one. No! Not bashing this album! Make no mistake, this album hit the spot and perhaps maybe you can see how many spots it can hit you too! Listen to the whole album on Spotify and get your copy here!

4 out 6, Worked up!

March 23

Memoriam Is Far From ‘Silent’ In Their Follow Up

The metal titans in Memoriam continue to be on a roll and release their follow up to their 2017 full length debut. Their sophomore album The Silent Vigil parades its way out of Nuclear Blast Records and has sharper tinge than their debut. These legends crank up their rabid death metal decibel in this new album and shows us how it’s done.

Memoriam starts this Vigil with an ode to the Ugh Metal staff titled “Soulless Parasite” and we couldn’t be more flattered. Our death metal ode is then brilliantly followed by “Nothing Remains” which rolls out the blood red carpet and makes a grand entrance thanks to Scott Fairfax’s swift riffs and the lightning fast tempo from Andrew Whale. This track and is sure to be a pit favorite along with “The New Dark Ages.”

Memoriam continue to light our ears on fire with “From The Flames,” and the bonus about this track is that Fairfax delivers a nice dominant riff that will give you chills before the calculated tempos roll out again much like “As Bridges Burn.” The album concludes with “Weaponized Fear” which will consume your ears at a steady pace that will fill you with excitement rather than fear.

Memoriam deliver a great follow up in under a year and has a little more attitude than their debut LP. These legends are an unstoppable force and Karl Willetts continues to add an extra drop of malice with his thick and deep vocals to this refined version of death metal. Experience this album in its entirety on Spotify and get your copy here.

6 out 6, Loud enough to raise the dead

Crisix Vs. ‘The Odds’

Crisix are determined to beat any hurdle that comes their way with their 4th installment titled Against The Odds which was released via Listenable Records. This badass mofo of a record is not foolin’ around and neither is this this band’s hunger for domination through thrash.

The quintet begin this new conquest by giving us a new song that will be stuck in our heads titled “Get Out Of My Head,” which will make your heart and head race after this song compels you to start a pit of your own. Crisix beat any odds with “Perseverance” because this song bleeds this trait and is sure to inject you with this set of mind. Because I know you will have your engines running, you will be ready to receive the brutal “Leave Your God Behind.”

Crisix praised the north and the king who lost his head on his way to the iron throne in “The North Remembers.” This ferocious homage to the ruthless game of thrones we can’t get enough of is something HBO should totally consider playing in the final scene, just saying. The “Prince of Saiyans” will make its regal and graceful entrance right before stripping off its silks and reveals its sick battle vest.

The quintet will show any nay sayer just how Spain cooks up their thrash metal and its marvelous. Against The Odds will have you hitting that reply button and if this is your first time exploring Crisix, you will diving headfirst into the rest of their glorious material. If you are a die hard thrasher, these are your guys! You can listen to their album on their label’s bandcamp and buy there too!

6 out of 6, KO!

We Follow Pestifera In To The Unknown In ‘Ouroboros’

We go deeper and darker with German black metallers Pestifera and their debut LP Ouroboros which was released through Look! Mum! No Hit Records ( this is not a joke, but we approve of this name!). This record may only have 6 songs but damn, this track will be a testament of quality over quantity…hold on! Let me slow down and let me tell ya why this album is cool.

We follow the quartet in to the darkest parts of the forest to conjure up some serious magick in “Apotheostasy” before giving way to “Arise.” The power that “Arise” will have over you is sure to lure you deeper in to this album if you were feeling a little uncertain. Feel the doubts melt away my pretty! If you say you didn’t feel any tingles after hearing that track, you don’t know what love is.

The title track ”Ouroboros” and “Deathmerize” are teeming with a freazy of thick growls, chants a lá Behemoth, courtesy of vocalist/guitarist Pestifer. The Track is all the more mesmerizing with the suspense building of steady tempos from drummer Skral and more riffs from the elusive guitarist D.V. and bassist D.S. If you think Pestifera will leave quietly, you have another thing coming! The quintet show off their brutal “Stigmata Wounds” as a parting gift that you will not forget.

Pestifera gave us a strong record with 6 memorable songs and is sure to appease black metal aficionados near and far. Not bad for a debut full length! We can’t wait to see what other type of magick they’ll conjure up next! Listen to the whole album on Spotify and if you can’t get enough of them, check out their bandcamp and listen to their awesome 2011 EP Evoking Bolon Yokte. Before you ask, I got ya, buy their album in major platforms or their label’s site!

6 out 6, Magick

The Sword Serenade Our ‘Used Future’

Leave it to The Sword to add some grooviness to our Used Future, literally and figuratively of course. Okay more literally because that’s the name of their lucky number 7th studio album silly! Used Future was released through Razor and Tie Records and

The album starts with an calm instrumental piece called “Prelude” that will be ideal when you cross over into the future and beyond! And BAM! The momentum building drum tempo from Santiago Vella III will greet you once you wiggle your way out of that wormhole and soon after J.D. Cronise belts out “Deadly Nightshade” with the rest of the band chiming in with their instrumentals, it’ll make you wild!

The instrumental “Nocturne” and the follow up “Don’t Get Too Comfortable,” and “Twilight Sunrise” will be your very best companion on your midnight ride around the city.The title track is not a downer! On the contrary, its a track that not only is the coolest song you will hear but it oozes a with a satisfaction and suaveness a wise mofo would have.

The “Book Of Thothe” will flip its pages wide open and swallow you whole like all good books do, you just wait till you hear that amazing riffy wave embedded into that chorus. The album finishes like it started, with the same chill instrumental track only this final one is called “Reprise” that will be ideal when you are soaring high above the clouds and.. OH MY GOSH! GET DOWN FROM THERE! Not literally, you dingus! Man! I know this album is good and all but just please listen to this album safely at Spotify and when you can’t get enough get your copy here.

5 out 6, The Future is bright!

Presented By Jenny Oh and Chuggo the Klown