Annex Theory are a band from Wineberg, Manitobia< Canada that plays a very technical form of death/thrash metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Beneath The Skin" which was released by Pivotal Recordings.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being used at times, while the bass playing has a very heavy and powerful sound with some technical sounding riffing, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a dark and atmospheric sound to the music/
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midopaced to fast riffs that combine influences from thrash, groove and death metal with alot of talented soundiong technical riffing, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic sounding extreme metal riffing.
Vocals range from thrash style growls, deep death metal growls and clean singing awith some high pitched screams being used on ocassion, while the lyrics cover everyday themes, as for the production it sounds very powerful, professional and heavy sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.
In my opinion Annex Theory are a very talented sounding technical death/thrash metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Beneath The Skin" and "Orbit". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Misguided Agression/Flood The Common Ground/2011 CD Review
Misguided Aggression are a band from Ontario, Canada that plays a mixture of progressive groove metal with some death metal influences and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Flood The Common Ground".
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with only a small amount of fast drumming and not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very thick and heavy tone with some groove metal riffing.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced rffing that combines progressive metal with groove and death metal and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.
Vocals are a combine of groove and death metal style growls, while the lyrics cover dark and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very powerful and professional with all of the musical instruments being very easy to hear.
In my opinion Misguided Aggression are a very good progressive groove metal band with a heavy death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Winter Soldier" "The First Stone" and "Hidden Empire". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with only a small amount of fast drumming and not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very thick and heavy tone with some groove metal riffing.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced rffing that combines progressive metal with groove and death metal and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.
Vocals are a combine of groove and death metal style growls, while the lyrics cover dark and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very powerful and professional with all of the musical instruments being very easy to hear.
In my opinion Misguided Aggression are a very good progressive groove metal band with a heavy death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Winter Soldier" "The First Stone" and "Hidden Empire". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Trials Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed a few years ago in Chicago IL, with the sole mission of playing heavy music. Our record "Witness To The Downfall" will be arriving in the world on August 1st.2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?
51 minutes of the brown note. 3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The shows lately have been really good. Cabaret Metro in Chicago was definitely a highlight for us, although we seem to do really well in more divey venues as well. Our live show is pretty straightforward -- no costumes, props or anything like that. Just aggressive music being played by aggressive people.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We are working on that at the moment.
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
We did have interest from several labels, but doing things on our own seemed to make more sense business-wise. And more importantly, we get to maintain complete control of our band and our music. However, we're not opposed to working with a label in the future. So far the reactions have mostly been very positive, and I think any fan of heavy music will find something to enjoy with this band.
8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?Our drummer Adam records some stuff on his own, but as far as actual bands, this is our full-time gig.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?
8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?
10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Trials/Witness The Downfall/2011 CD Review
Trials are a band from Chicago, Illinois that combines death, technical, thrash and groove metal together with a great amount of melody and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Witness To The Downfall".
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing sounds very strong and powerful with some heavy and technical riffing.
Rhythm gutiars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffing that is also vey melodic and technical with a combination of inflences from death, thrash and groove metal with some soft playing being utilized at times and there are littl e to no guitar solos or leads present on the roecording, as for the accoutic guitars when they are utilized they being a classical music feel to the music.
Vocals are death/thrash/groove metal growls and yells with a great amount of clean singing being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful and everyday thmes, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional sounding for a self released recording.
In my opinion Trials are a very good technical and meodic sounding death/thrash/groove metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This Is Starvation" "Shadows And Traps" and "Take This From Me". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing sounds very strong and powerful with some heavy and technical riffing.
Rhythm gutiars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffing that is also vey melodic and technical with a combination of inflences from death, thrash and groove metal with some soft playing being utilized at times and there are littl e to no guitar solos or leads present on the roecording, as for the accoutic guitars when they are utilized they being a classical music feel to the music.
Vocals are death/thrash/groove metal growls and yells with a great amount of clean singing being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful and everyday thmes, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional sounding for a self released recording.
In my opinion Trials are a very good technical and meodic sounding death/thrash/groove metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This Is Starvation" "Shadows And Traps" and "Take This From Me". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Icon In Me Interview
1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job (
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>> The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool!
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.
7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music. I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.
8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.
11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job (
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>> The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool!
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.
7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music. I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.
8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.
11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Nociceptor Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
I think the last thing I heard people call us was "Progressive Metal."
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?
Like a rhythmically eccentric rhinoceros that is on fire and is charging you... from a long way away. :)
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Well, sometimes songs will start off about one thing, but then will somehow morph into something else. The final product can sometimes be a bit warped. I think we touch on various things...things that relate to all humans, as well as things that you'd have to be one of us to understand. That being said, we prefer to let the listener breathe their own life to the music. I love to hear how others interpret our music.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Nociceptors are receptors in your skin that respond to damage by sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain. Scott suggested it. Better him than me. Having to choose a band name name frightens me."
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage perforamnce?
For some reason whenever we played in Lawton, OK, we would always come home with grand tails of adventure. One time, we had a show booked in Amarillo, TX (which is at least a 5 hour drive from Denton), and after driving what seemed like all day, the show was cancelled due to a blizzard. We were 30 minutes outside Amarillo! We stopped at a Dairy Queen to sulk and our merch girl decided to call a friend in Lawton. We did a little more driving and ended up playing two shows in one night, one right after the other, 2 different clubs... I think I slept for 2 or 3 days straight after that weekend.
It would be difficult for me to honestly describe our stage performance. A friend once told me that people generally view their bands the same way parents view their newborn children. Everybody thinks that THEIR baby is the most beautiful...
Our shows are much like emotional exercise for me, personally. I attempt to re-create the emotional environment of my experiences and communicate this environment to people around me without giving too much away with just words. Sometimes I am successful, sometimes I am not. Either way, I must usually rely on the perspective of others as to whether the show went well.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
That's an interesting question. We have been approached about several tours, but unfortunately we lack sufficient funds to appropriate a reliable vehicle, and have had to turn them all down. We're ready to go as soon as we have transportation, though! Donations are excepted!
7. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Absolutely wonderful people! We got in touch with them through Travis. They are efficient and responsive which makes business by email so much more pleasant. Actually, we were probably more of a headache to them if anything.
8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
Well, Travis has Threat Signal, and Michael has his other band, Demiurge. I have joked about starting a swing-metal band for years now, but school pretty much takes up all my time outside Nociceptor.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by exteme metal fans?
As of January of this year, our music was being purchased in The US, Canada, The UK, Autralia, Japan, India, and Russia. I am proud to be a part of something that has made a connection across such wide range of listeners.
10. What direction do you see the music heading intop on future releases?
I really think that we all want to start messing around with more of an orchestral approach to our writing style. Layering that stands out, with a sense of counterpoint throughout.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I grew up listening to Deftones, RATM, Tool, Korn (first and second album), and Meshuggah, among others, but I've always had a love for electronic music. I was really into stuff like DJ Bam Bam and Kidney Thieves. I think I bought the Spawn soundtrack like 80 times...
These days about half the time I am listening to stuff like Between The Buried and Me, Tesseract, Vildhjarta...stuff like that. The other half of the time, I am listening to Schubert's Ave Maria, Night on Bald Mountain, or Schumann's Allerseelen, Orf's Carmina Burana, etc...I like the really dark and dramatic stuff.
12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
I am really wrapped up in Physics. Mainly Cosmology and Quantum Physics. Don't ask me any of the math, but the idea that reality might be a holographic projection from the edge of the universe fascinates me.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Worship Gozer!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Nociceptor/Among Insects/Pivotal Recordings/2011 CD Review
Nociceptor are a band from texas that plays a mixture of progressice, groove, thrash and death metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Among Insects" which was released by Pivotal Recordings.
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out og the guitars, as for the synths which are only used briefly on one song they bring a dark sound to the music.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced riffing that combines influences from progressive, thrash, groove and death metal, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic sounding extreme metal guitar solos, as for the accoustic guitars which are only utilized briefly, they bring a progressive feel to the music.
Vocals are a mixture of thrash and groove metal s tyle screams, with some deep death metal growls and clean singing being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover everyday style themes with alot of hatred being mixed in, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional feel to it.
In my opinion Nociceptor are a very good thrash/technical/groove/death metal band and if you are a fan of bands that mix these styles together, you should check out this band. RECEDMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Feel" "Pornoholocaust" and "Contagion". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out og the guitars, as for the synths which are only used briefly on one song they bring a dark sound to the music.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced riffing that combines influences from progressive, thrash, groove and death metal, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic sounding extreme metal guitar solos, as for the accoustic guitars which are only utilized briefly, they bring a progressive feel to the music.
Vocals are a mixture of thrash and groove metal s tyle screams, with some deep death metal growls and clean singing being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover everyday style themes with alot of hatred being mixed in, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional feel to it.
In my opinion Nociceptor are a very good thrash/technical/groove/death metal band and if you are a fan of bands that mix these styles together, you should check out this band. RECEDMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Feel" "Pornoholocaust" and "Contagion". RECEMMONDED BUY.
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