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Chaos Blood - Fragments of a Shattered Skull
(Siege of Amida Records) review by Sam Thomas |
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I’m not sure whether it is more an indication if the fact that
this is obviously a grindcore album, or of the fact that my
computer needs major surgery, but I managed to get as far as
track three before I’d succeeded in getting my word document
opened to write this review. Now extreme metal, and
specifically grindcore, is not the first thing that springs to
mind when dealing with a band from Hampshire, but Hampshire is
where Chaos Blood are from. Fragments of a Shattered Skull is
their debut album, and is described by the label as “an
unforgiving relentless Grindcore onslaught for fans of Napalm
Death and The Red Chord”. However, it’s also described as
being a “27 minute monster” and my CD player is quite |
insistent that it’s a mere 22 minutes 10 seconds.
Now I don’t have a problem describing this as grindcore
(although I hate the suffix “core”). But I would say that what
distinguishes it from many other releases that have come my
way is that there appears to be a certain intelligence, and
even (fuck me, but this is strange!) a sense of humour,
notably on tracks such as “Shibbidy Bop”. There’s also a clear
willingness to experiment, and ability to play that makes this
an altogether surprising debut. It’s not for everyone, and I
quote Steve on this one “Can’t you play something a bit more
tuneful?” but within its genre this stands out as being a
well-planned piece of work.
Fragments of a Shattered Skull is a solid little offering,
with the requisite warp-speed drums and distorted vocals of
the genre. It also has that little quirkiness that should
ensure it stands out from the rest of this year’s grind(core)
recordings. Oh, and no pig-squealing either! Result.
www.myspace.com/chaosblood |
www.siegeofamida.net |
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Hollowcorp - Cloister of Radiance (GMR/Dental
Records) Review by Steve Green |
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This is a huge juggernaut of an album. The sound is massive, a
complete wall of bludgeoning noise and tackling this album
full-on is an overwhelming experience. Hollowcorp are one of
those bands that defy categorising and are near on impossible
to pigeonhole, which I guess is a good thing. There are
elements of metallic tinged industrial, bits of sludge, which
are admittedly too tuneful to be considered as such, but it's
the slow measured, downtuned approach I'm analysing, so I'm
sure you'll know where I'm coming from. And finally there's a
post-punk style that I'll attribute to Killing Joke, for want
of a decent comparison to latch |
onto. So a smouldering ball of dark, brooding hatred it is
then.
And I have to say, this is a great album. It's not a style I
normally listen to these days, although I've a bit of history
with this sort of material "back in the day". The riffs are
mesmerizing and the atmospherics are alluring, bordering on
seductive, in a vicious sort of way and it's so easy to get
drawn into the whole shebang. Cloister of Radiance is simply a
classy album.
The quality of this release belies the fact it's a debut album
from a band that has only been together a couple of years. The
whole concept and feel of this album is from a band in their
prime with numerous albums under their belts, so I'm expecting
great things from this pack of Alsatians. Discover them for
yourself at
http://hollowcorp.free.fr/ or
www.myspace.com/hollowcorp although I have to say the 2
tracks on Myspace aren't overly representative of the album. |
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The Citadel - Brothers Of Grief (GMR)
Review by Strawb |
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Not being one to gloat, but I write this as I head for sunnier
climes, the three degree heat of the last few days left behind
in England. And to start the musical portion of my journey I
have The Citadel, who state they produce progressive power
metal with doomy influences and focus on writing catchy songs.
Modern prog then. And the band hail from Sweden, is there
anyone in that country who isn’t in a band? Note to self,
check population stats against number of Swedish bands
reviewed. The band were formed in the early part of 2002, have
gigged extensively, joined GMR music in 2006 and this is the
first album. So |
much for the research, you need to know about the music.
We open with the title track and it is this reviewers opinion
that it is not the strongest track on this album. The riffs
are there, the tune has that catchy side that the band desire,
the vocals are good, but the words are questionable and the
chorus is boring by the second hearing, let alone the third
and the ending is weak. The second track, The Creeper, is much
stronger and puts the album on a higher level, including a
screaming sustain to end the chorus on its second airing,
followed by a good instrumental patch. It is spoilt only by
two further repeats of the chorus. Catchy? No. Boring? Nearer
the mark. As the other tracks roll on this pattern is
repeated, and if I read the intentions of the group correctly,
this is what they wished to achieve; however, for me it just
distracts from the good things on display. I accept that in a
live arena, a repeated chorus can get a reluctant crowd going,
but this is a studio situation. Some variation is given on the
tracks, a bit of backing vocals here and there, some good
instrumental breaks from the vocal skills. Guys, my opinion is
that you have talent, both individually and as a group. The
riffs are good, the pitch and speed changes well done, but
either cut the studio tracks to three minutes or write more
words! And an unfair suggestion based on my capabilities in
any foreign language [nil], but maybe run your lyrics past
someone who uses English as a first language, some of them are
just a bit too obscure. It may just be a philosophical
difference between myself and the band, so if repetition and
catchiness is your thing, then the Citadel are on the internet
at www.gmrmusic.se |
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Tiles - Fly Paper (InsideOut Music)
By: Joe Florez |
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Prog rockers Tiles from Detroit, Michigan strike back with
their fifth release in the fourteen years of existence. Since
I have only heard their last disc which was pretty
straightforward and catchy, I wasn’t sure what to expect since
I am new to their camp. “Hide In My Shadow” begins with this
guitar riff that has a consistent strum, but it has more of an
alternative rock vibe than a traditional proggy feel. On the
other hand, the drums are technical. After the first minute of
the intro, things mellow out with a lighter guitar sound, but
the rhythm section keeps on going. Paul’s vocals come off as
Geddy Lee, but not sounding as high pitched. It’s more of a
mid range. I must say that I wasn’t exactly feeling this one |
too much as it came off as too mature sounding and at the same
time it seemed like they were trying to merge an alternative
vibe with traditional prog rock and out of nowhere you get
circus music thrown in that doesn’t stack up too well. I gave
this one a couple of spins to see if I would eventually get
it, but sad to say that it didn’t click with me. Perhaps track
number two “Sacred & Mundane” will cut the mustard. Guitar
great Alex Lifeson (no introduction needed) does a guest
performance on here. There is more life on here as the skins
are beaten harder and the singing seems to be more vibrant.
There is also some percussion work thrown in here for extra
rhythm. Still, some of the breakdowns are a bit odd for my
tastes, but this is catchier than the opener. The solo on here
reeks of Rush, but in a positive way and we get more of a free
form jam session on the solo that is packed with emotion and
feeling rather than listening something that is carefully
crafted. Much better. “Back & Forth” serves up something of
interest as they hire rock singer Alannah Myles known for her
hit “Black Velvet” to do a guest spot. Once again, I didn’t
feel anything as this blend of alternative sophisticated rock
with prog beats didn’t strike the right chords. One of the
other standout tracks is the melodic and hypnotizing
“Markers.” There is a lot going on with this slightly gentle
number. We get during the first half of the track chimes,
cymbals and an emotional guitar performance. There is this
ambience going on that has a Pink Floyd vibe. All of a sudden
the guys get a burst of energy and the true prog rock
experience gets under way. This is how I know the band as they
sound like this on their last disc and perhaps their back
catalogue as well. I am really on the fence with this release
because on the one hand I understand that they want to
experiment with new compositions and see if they stick. They
don’t want to replicate the same thing over and over again. On
the flip side, don’t mess with a formula if it works well for
you time and time again. Things are more than rocky at first,
but half way through this thing and it eventually gets better.
I think that if four of the songs were cut from here it would
make for an excellent E.P. I will say that this is a very
mature release as you aren’t going to get those wacky time
changes and intense moments where everyone goes off on their
instruments. Everyone performs on here with great skills and
grace, but doesn’t add up to making this a must have in your
collection. I think you should listen before attempting to
buy. This is not your average prog disc that’s for sure.
www.insideoutmusic.com |
www.tiles-music.com |
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Till We Die - Pressing On (Screaming
Ferret) Review by Metal Mark |
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Till We Die are certainly a hardcore band, but they are
different from the majority of the bands that fall into that
category today. The music is loud, heavy and to the point, but
they have a better sense of rhythm than some other bands.
Their singer actually sings too and that’s very different for
a hardcore band. He sings because he has a range and the
vocals are very clean which allows him the chance to bring
more to the song. What works for them is that they bring some
emotion, they are some accessible hooks and you know right
away what you are getting. However I think many fans of this
style will be somewhat bored because they tend to approach too
many songs the same way. Till We Die perhaps play it a |
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little safe as they settle for gliding into a song rather than
tearing. Now they have a few bursts of unbridled energy, but
they are certainly few and far between. I like the guitar tone
and the singer that sings, so I hope they keep what is unique
about them because that’s great and that’s what interests me
about this album. However, I think upping the energy level and
varying the pace of the songs would only help to make them
more interesting. Not a great album, but a band with some
potential that I hope keep pushing forward.
www.myspace.com/tillwedierock |
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