Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
PRO-PAIN - 20 Years Of Hardcore
To celebrate their 20 year of existence, the band is creating a release that will please their devoted fans, and give a good sample of their music to those unfamiliar with it. It contains 4 new tracks, 4 classic songs re-recorded, 14 live songs that were recorded at Brno Cz, and a DVD, which was not contained in the promo-pack but contains footage of live performances, fan-filmed material, videos and more. What's amazing with this band is their skill to create songs that are so catchy and groovy that even the most negative and narrow-minded metal-heads can't help but moving with the rhythm. The vocals are aggressive and powerful enough, there are enough melodies here and there, and along with the solid rhythm section creates a style that is ideal for watching live. On this release, we also have a chance to witness the energy and the feeling of their live shows, and the reaction of the Czech audience in every given chance. Maybe not as valuable as a regular release, but if you are a fan of the band, or were on one of their live performances and want to live back the feeling, then check it out. Either way, their music is so fun to listen, that will keep you good company for quite some time.
8/10
LOCKUP - Necropolis Transparent
This is the third album of the Grindcore super band, about nine years after their latest release. The band has suffered the loss of Jesse Pintado, but seems to be back as strong and as brutal as ever. The album starts like a punch in the teeth and doesn't stop until it leaves you bleeding on the floor. It consists on 40 minutes of pure energy and aggression, but also skilled musicianship and performance. The drum works done by Nickolas Barker are amazing, the vocals of Tomas Lindberg are as excellent as they were on their previous work, the guitars and the rhythm section are also very good, and the guest appearances of Peter Tagtgren, and Jeff Walker can only spice things even more. The mixing of Andy Sneap gives an extra perspective to the whole music, and is another strong point of the album. Unlike many of the releases of this style, there are no weak points here, or moments that the music sounds indifferent or repetitive. The music is intense, brutal and aggressive, but also catchy and groovy enough, to stick to your mind. If Grindcore is your favorite style of music, and you liked their previous works, then get ready for a blast. Cause this time, Lock Up are back and they are back for good. Not for the weak.
9/10
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
FORBIDDEN - Omega Wave
From the album, Omega Wave (2010). Directed by: Jon Schnepp (of Metalocalypse fame).
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
VOODOO HIGHWAY - Broken Uncle's Inn
This is the first release of the Italian quintet, that exists as a band since 2010. According to the newsletter, the band is playing Hard Rock, and they are quite good at it. Their music is a mixture of Hard Rock, with enough 70's elements, nice melodies, catchy moments, parts to sing along, and move your head with the rhythm. The band is talented enough and their songs are catchy, with some nice ideas, that they explored as much as possible. The production is clear enough, giving a modern perspective to their somehow old fashioned music mix, and is another plus for the album. The most important thing though, besides good musicianship is the vibe of the music on this album. Everyone knows that this kind of Rock has to be fun, and this is also the case here. This album is fun, uplifting, and makes you have a great time. It's one of those albums that is an ideal companion when driving, or having some beers with friends at a bar. No matter if this is their first full length, the band has managed to create an album that serves it's purpose, and for that it can be described as a successful one. Judging from the nature of the music though, a live performance would also be interesting. If Hard Rock is your game, you might consider checking Voodoo Highway's view.
8/10
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