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5/30/2016
5/29/2016
Entheos- The Infinite Nothing (Album Review)
Musician: Entheos
Album Title: The Infinite Nothing
Genre/ Subgenre: Progressive death metal
Label: Artery Recordings
Release Date: April 1, 2016
The Infinite Nothing is the debut album from progressive death metal band Entheos. Birthed from former members of various other bands, this is one of the most original and exciting death albums of the year.
The music is complex and full tempo changes, but it never comes off as boring or pretentious. Instead there is a feeling of a continuous attack of technically superior death metal. Everyone in this band just exceeds at being extremely proficient and talented in their respective roles. Frank Costa's soaring and ripping guitars give a deep and wondrous variety to their sound. While the pounding drum and bass, by Navene Koperweis and Evan Brewer, receptively, make for a driving and thundering force. They are accompanied by the brutal vocals of Chaney Crabb. She sounds vicious but still manages to keep a feel that goes perfectly with the accompanying music. To only say she is one of the best female vocalists in extreme metal would be an understatement.
This all adds to give birth to music that goes from pounding, to fast, to crunching, to groove filled, to melodic, many times within the span of just one song. Thus the album is always exciting to listen to. It makes you want to hear songs again and again. And, each listen will reveal a new and exciting part of the music, one you may not have noticed before.
While every song here is excellent; there are a couple that really standout. "New Light" (the first video off of the album) is filled with a driving and jazzy tempo, and is highlighted by one super-cool bass break that gives it a very fresh sound. The thundering title track pummels from the very beginning and only seams to gain more vicious strength. An almost industrial sounding opening to the killer "An Ever-Expanding Human" leads to a song that is sure to have you and the pit moving. While, the speedy "Mind Alone" will pummel you, as if someone took your head and smashed against concrete repeatedly.
Unquestionably original and complex, this is a must have for fans of technically superior death metal or those looking for something fresh, heavy, and different.. The Infinite Nothing is, in actuality, everything!
* * * * 1/2 out of * * * * *
I hope that you are all enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend. And, remember amidst all the barbecues, drinking, and fun to take time to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. Also, this is my birthday today, and I am just taking it chill, for now. Take care and stay safe, my friends.
Album Title: The Infinite Nothing
Genre/ Subgenre: Progressive death metal
Label: Artery Recordings
Release Date: April 1, 2016
The Infinite Nothing is the debut album from progressive death metal band Entheos. Birthed from former members of various other bands, this is one of the most original and exciting death albums of the year.
The music is complex and full tempo changes, but it never comes off as boring or pretentious. Instead there is a feeling of a continuous attack of technically superior death metal. Everyone in this band just exceeds at being extremely proficient and talented in their respective roles. Frank Costa's soaring and ripping guitars give a deep and wondrous variety to their sound. While the pounding drum and bass, by Navene Koperweis and Evan Brewer, receptively, make for a driving and thundering force. They are accompanied by the brutal vocals of Chaney Crabb. She sounds vicious but still manages to keep a feel that goes perfectly with the accompanying music. To only say she is one of the best female vocalists in extreme metal would be an understatement.
This all adds to give birth to music that goes from pounding, to fast, to crunching, to groove filled, to melodic, many times within the span of just one song. Thus the album is always exciting to listen to. It makes you want to hear songs again and again. And, each listen will reveal a new and exciting part of the music, one you may not have noticed before.
While every song here is excellent; there are a couple that really standout. "New Light" (the first video off of the album) is filled with a driving and jazzy tempo, and is highlighted by one super-cool bass break that gives it a very fresh sound. The thundering title track pummels from the very beginning and only seams to gain more vicious strength. An almost industrial sounding opening to the killer "An Ever-Expanding Human" leads to a song that is sure to have you and the pit moving. While, the speedy "Mind Alone" will pummel you, as if someone took your head and smashed against concrete repeatedly.
Unquestionably original and complex, this is a must have for fans of technically superior death metal or those looking for something fresh, heavy, and different.. The Infinite Nothing is, in actuality, everything!
* * * * 1/2 out of * * * * *
I hope that you are all enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend. And, remember amidst all the barbecues, drinking, and fun to take time to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. Also, this is my birthday today, and I am just taking it chill, for now. Take care and stay safe, my friends.
5/27/2016
Kiss Rocks Vegas (Review)
At the beginning if the film, we have the band members talking about the show, what went into it, their ideas, etc for roughly fifteen minutes. Then we go right into concert. The band sounds great and the stage is huge, filled with fire, explosions, hydraulics, etc. Everything is just spectacular!
All the classic live Kiss moments are here. Band members rising, guitars shooting fire, etc. Of course, there is also Simmons' breathing fire and spitting blood. This all accompanied by huge screens playing various images that go with the songs and shots of the band.
The concert, itself, was shot with excellent camera work, getting you right into the action, with some kick ass and exciting close-ups. This is all intercut with audience reaction shots including male Kiss fans, hot girls, and cute kids. Some audience members are, if course, wearing Kiss makeup!
The setlist represents a good variety of the different eras in the bands decades long career. They even pick three songs off of Creatures of the Night, my second favorite Kiss album of all time. Said setlist consists of:
1. Detroit Rock City
2. Creatures of the Night
3. Psycho Circus
4. Parasite
5. War Machine
(Gene breathes fire)
6. Tears Are Falling
7. Deuce
8. Lick It Up
(with "Won't Get Fooled Again"… more )
9. I Love It Loud
10. Hell or Hallelujah
11. Bass Solo
(Gene spits blood and flies)
12. God of Thunder
13. Do You Love Me
14. Love Gun
(Paul flies out to audience… more )
15. Black Diamond
Encore:
1. Shout It Out Loud
2. Rock and Roll All Nite
God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II (Over end credits)
I cannot wait for this concert to hit blu-ray!! I will definitely be getting it. And, if you're a fellow Kiss you'll want to do the same! !
* * * * out of * * * *
5/26/2016
Conquer Divide- Conquer Divide (Album Review)
Musician: Conquer Divide
Album Title: Conquer Divide
Genre/ Subgenre: Metalcore
Label: Artery Recordings
Release Date: June 16, 2015
The self-titled debut album from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide is a catchy little bit of groove laden music. They worked with producer/ engineer Joey (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men) Sturgis, who really helped them catch a great sound on the album. The result is that it ranked in at #13 on the Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.
The band does the duel vocal thing quite well. The melody filled signing parts are handled excellently by Kiarely Castillo. She has a great voice that is filled with emotion and not only recalls but rival's that of Paremore's Haley Williams. While, the screaming bits are aggressive and play a nice counterpart. The music is filled with hooks and rolling breakdowns which help to make the music really enjoyable and fun to listen to.
In fact, I think the band is great at playing the melodic and more soothing against the heavier and more pounding parts. I do wish the bass was mixed in a little thicker but the do guitars sound great. They soar and crunch quite nicely. The catchy songs definitely make you wanna move and bang your head, and sometimes that's all one can ask for.
Highlight songs including the rolling and melodic "Self Destruct" which plays the melody versus heavy aspect of the band excellently. The breakdowns are particularity kick ass on this one. "Nightmares" has a great and soaring intro that goes full steam in pounding heaviness. I love how Castillo's beautiful vocals play so well against the overall crunch of the song. Throw in some chainsaw guitar sounds and you have a real winner. Proving that the band is also quite good at keeping melodic throughout one song, the beautiful and emotion filled "What's Left Inside" (the latest single from the band) really ranks as one the best tracks on the entire album. The catchy chorus will be stuck in your head for days on end.
Conquer Divide's debut does not not break any real ground. But, what they do, they do quite well. Great signing and an awesome heavy vs. melodic sound, will makes this an album you'll want to listen to a lot. And, more than probably you'll also end up signing along to it. I know I have been both since I heard it.
***1/2 out of *****
Album Title: Conquer Divide
Genre/ Subgenre: Metalcore
Label: Artery Recordings
Release Date: June 16, 2015
The self-titled debut album from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide is a catchy little bit of groove laden music. They worked with producer/ engineer Joey (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men) Sturgis, who really helped them catch a great sound on the album. The result is that it ranked in at #13 on the Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.
The band does the duel vocal thing quite well. The melody filled signing parts are handled excellently by Kiarely Castillo. She has a great voice that is filled with emotion and not only recalls but rival's that of Paremore's Haley Williams. While, the screaming bits are aggressive and play a nice counterpart. The music is filled with hooks and rolling breakdowns which help to make the music really enjoyable and fun to listen to.
In fact, I think the band is great at playing the melodic and more soothing against the heavier and more pounding parts. I do wish the bass was mixed in a little thicker but the do guitars sound great. They soar and crunch quite nicely. The catchy songs definitely make you wanna move and bang your head, and sometimes that's all one can ask for.
Highlight songs including the rolling and melodic "Self Destruct" which plays the melody versus heavy aspect of the band excellently. The breakdowns are particularity kick ass on this one. "Nightmares" has a great and soaring intro that goes full steam in pounding heaviness. I love how Castillo's beautiful vocals play so well against the overall crunch of the song. Throw in some chainsaw guitar sounds and you have a real winner. Proving that the band is also quite good at keeping melodic throughout one song, the beautiful and emotion filled "What's Left Inside" (the latest single from the band) really ranks as one the best tracks on the entire album. The catchy chorus will be stuck in your head for days on end.
Conquer Divide's debut does not not break any real ground. But, what they do, they do quite well. Great signing and an awesome heavy vs. melodic sound, will makes this an album you'll want to listen to a lot. And, more than probably you'll also end up signing along to it. I know I have been both since I heard it.
***1/2 out of *****
5/24/2016
Conquer Divide Premiere new Music Video/Single on Revolver Magazine
I just watched the new video, "What's Left Behind" from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide from their self-titled, debut album released by Artery Recordings. And, I gotta say I love the song and video! The track is emotional, catchy, and driving and the video is powerful. It made it's premiere today at Revolver Magazine's website (the link to the video is below)
From the Artery Recordings Press Release:
Conquer Divide
Conquer Divide
Artery Recordings
16 June 2015
Conquer Divide release new single "What's left Inside" on Artery Recordings, premiering the new music video on Revolver Magazine here. Based in the United States and England, Conquer Divide (For Fans of Asking Alexandra, Flyleaf, Pvris) have made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks, and their ability to quickly embarrass guys who don't think girls can play.
Conquer Divide is excited to release their new single/music video and
ready to prove they can hang with the best of them. Be sure to keep your
eye on Conquer Divide as they are primed and ready to take the music
industry by storm.
And, keep your eyes here, as my review of this album will be up soon!
From the Artery Recordings Press Release:
Conquer Divide
Conquer Divide
Artery Recordings
16 June 2015
Conquer Divide release new single "What's left Inside" on Artery Recordings, premiering the new music video on Revolver Magazine here. Based in the United States and England, Conquer Divide (For Fans of Asking Alexandra, Flyleaf, Pvris) have made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks, and their ability to quickly embarrass guys who don't think girls can play.
The six-member all female band (consisting of Kiarely Castillo, Janel Duarte, Kristen Woutersz, Isabel “Izzy” Johnson, Tamara Tadic and Ashley Colby) has managed
to capture the attention and gain the respect from their ever growing
fan base and critics alike. Over the past three years, the band have
toured with Alesana, Slaves, Iwrestledabearonce, Upon A Burning Body
with multiple featured showcases at SXSW.
In their recently released self-titled album, Conquer Divide was pushed
to their limits and thought outside the box as they worked with gold
record producer/engineer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall,
Of Mice & Men). As a result of a stellar album and allot of
hardwork, Their debut album “Conquer Divide” ranked #13 on Billboard’s
HeatSeeker charts.
To date, the band have released videos for “At War” and “Nightmare”
acquiring a million plus views, along side single "Sink Your Teeth Into
This" featuring Denis Stoff of Asking Alexandria which garnished praise
from critics and skeptics alike.
Conquer Divide is set to hit the air waves with a very personal single “What’s Left Inside.” Kristen describe the song to be “cathartic,” and hopes to motivate fans to turn a negative situation into something positive.
5/19/2016
The One:12 Collective - Punisher
All pics courtesy of Mezco Toyz.
One of the toys that I saw at this year's Toy Fair that I want to own most badly has to be Mezo Toyz badass 12" Punisher figure. It is an amazing figure of my all time comic-book hero. The features and detail look fucking incredible. With his increased popularity thanks the amazing second season of Netflix/ Marvel's Daredevil, this action figure promises to be hot as hell! I swear if I don't make it part of my collection, I may lose what little sanity I have left! Read on for more info on it:
From the Mezco Toyz press release:
When veteran war hero Frank Castle's family is slain in front of him during a mob related shootout he vows vengeance becoming the Punisher.
One of the toys that I saw at this year's Toy Fair that I want to own most badly has to be Mezo Toyz badass 12" Punisher figure. It is an amazing figure of my all time comic-book hero. The features and detail look fucking incredible. With his increased popularity thanks the amazing second season of Netflix/ Marvel's Daredevil, this action figure promises to be hot as hell! I swear if I don't make it part of my collection, I may lose what little sanity I have left! Read on for more info on it:
From the Mezco Toyz press release:
When veteran war hero Frank Castle's family is slain in front of him during a mob related shootout he vows vengeance becoming the Punisher.
waging a one man war on crime the Punisher
utilizes his vast military skills to brutally serve justice to those he
deems deserving. an expert in hand to hand and weapon based combat he
is an unstoppable force.
Meticulously
developed to capture the intensity of the character and outfitted on a
newly designed One:12 Collective body, the figure has impressive
details. The final product creates a "real world" look reflecting the
characters severity .
The One:12 Collective Punisher features:
-1:12 scaled, accurate real fabric uniform with Death's head insignia
-Hyper-realistic portraits
-Super articulated body with over 32 points of articulation
-Intricately detailed weapons
Included with this figure:
-Standard head
- Alternate head 1
- Alternate head2
- Fists (L&R)
- Holding hands (L&R)
- Grappling hands (L&R)
- Posing hand (L)
- Karate strike hand (R)
- Armored skull load bearing vest with belt and knife sheath
- Combat knife
- 9mm automatic pistol with extra clip
- Machine gun with extra clip
- Grenade launcher with six grenades
- Submachine gun with extra clip
- Display base with posing post
Packaged
in a deluxe, fifth panel window box with a character specific
slipcover. Designed for collector convenience, the packaging allows for
both maximum protection as well as ease of removal for display.
The Punisher joins the Collective in November/ December and is available for pre-order at
http://www.mezcotoyz.com/one-12-collective-punisher
MILE HIGH MEDIA RELEASES ‘A MOTHER’S SECRET’ FROM NICA NOELLE
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5/12/2016
Keith Buckley and Scott Ian Book Reading at St. Vitus, Brooklyn, NY 5/11/16
Last night, May 11, 2016, I got to attend a Keith Buckley and Scott Ian book reading at Saint Vitus, as press. I had a great time, as both of them are cool as fucking hell!
Keith is the front-man of Every Time I Die and The Damned Things (a super-band that Scott is also in) and was the first to read. He read from his novel Scale: A Novel. It was quite entertaining and sounds like it is a very cool book about a musician. He did admit, later on, that parts of the book are inspired by real life, not surprisingly.
Then it was Scott's turn to come and do a little bit of reading/ talking of his own. The last time I saw the legendary rhythm guitarist of one of The Big Four of thrash metal, Anthrax, was at a book reading tour of his autobiography I'm the Man back in 2014. He said that he had done so many of these book readings and this was gonna be shorter, so he opted for something a little different. So, first he told some condensed stories.
But, he also gave a sneak peak into his next book with a little more added extra. This led to some great stuff involving Al Jougensen of Ministry, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and Steven Spielberg! The later involves a great moment where the Ministry front-man told Spielberg that he thought he and his band were gonna be in a movie called AI, Anal Intrusion, not Artificial Intelligence as it was actually known. I would tell you more, but hey, you had to be there. Still, I figured I would share that much, cause it somehow mixes metal, porn, and Spielberg, and just felt perfect for this site!
They, of course, did a Q&A afterwards. The event actually ran over time. But, who is gonna complain with two legends as awesome as these two?! It was a fun, funny, and informative night, capped off by me finally buying the book and getting it signed, along with my copy of The Big 4 blu-ray (which had already been signed by fellow Anthrax member Frank Bello at NYCC some years back). Anyway, I can't wait to start reading Scott's book.
Keith is the front-man of Every Time I Die and The Damned Things (a super-band that Scott is also in) and was the first to read. He read from his novel Scale: A Novel. It was quite entertaining and sounds like it is a very cool book about a musician. He did admit, later on, that parts of the book are inspired by real life, not surprisingly.
Then it was Scott's turn to come and do a little bit of reading/ talking of his own. The last time I saw the legendary rhythm guitarist of one of The Big Four of thrash metal, Anthrax, was at a book reading tour of his autobiography I'm the Man back in 2014. He said that he had done so many of these book readings and this was gonna be shorter, so he opted for something a little different. So, first he told some condensed stories.
But, he also gave a sneak peak into his next book with a little more added extra. This led to some great stuff involving Al Jougensen of Ministry, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and Steven Spielberg! The later involves a great moment where the Ministry front-man told Spielberg that he thought he and his band were gonna be in a movie called AI, Anal Intrusion, not Artificial Intelligence as it was actually known. I would tell you more, but hey, you had to be there. Still, I figured I would share that much, cause it somehow mixes metal, porn, and Spielberg, and just felt perfect for this site!
They, of course, did a Q&A afterwards. The event actually ran over time. But, who is gonna complain with two legends as awesome as these two?! It was a fun, funny, and informative night, capped off by me finally buying the book and getting it signed, along with my copy of The Big 4 blu-ray (which had already been signed by fellow Anthrax member Frank Bello at NYCC some years back). Anyway, I can't wait to start reading Scott's book.
5/11/2016
Sick Puppies Live at Gramercy Theater, NYC 5/09/16
On May 3, 2016 there was a Sick Puppies concert at Gramercy Theater in NYC, that I attended. I had won tickets via a contest ran on the Instagram of Do The Pit. The last time I saw Sick Puppies was back in 2014 on The Hottest Chicks of Hard Rock tour. Since then, though, their former signer Shim Moore is gone. The new signer's name is Bryan Scott. How is he? Well, I am happy to say that he is amazing and more than fills up the big shoes that Moore left behind! Anyway, more on them later.
Let's kick things off with the first band, I saw last night: Hudson. They are a hard rock act from LA and played a good set. Their music is very bluesy and has some good hooks. All, of the band members are extremely talented. This was my first time hearing them, and I quite enjoyed them.
Up next was Stitched Up Heart. I was super excited to see them again. The last I saw them was last year for a One-Eyed Doll show. Like last time, they played such a kick ass set! They opened up with the hard rocking single "Finally Free" and then preceded to play more songs off of their upcoming album Never Alone. They closed off with their latest single, from that album, "Monster". The band have such an exciting presence onstage that combined with their music really gets an audience pumped. Signer Mixi is not only gorgeous but an awesome, awesome front-woman.
Then came Red Sun Rising, and they were fucking awesome!! I had never heard of them before, but holy fuck did these guys ever rock!!! They play some really fucking good and driving music. I kept thinking to myself, "Goddamn! These guys are so fuckin good!" They definitely got themselves a new fan in me!
They are so fucking amazing live, so full of energy, vigor, and charisma! As I said earlier, Bryan is a great front-man. He has awesome voice and did a great job at signing the classic and new tracks. I am really pumped for this release! My fears are long fucking gone. The absolutely beautiful Emma Anzai remains a true goddess. She is an incredible bass player and rocks so fucking hard! I love how bangs her head like a maniac onsatge!
After the show, the band graciously met their fans. This was a perfect ending to a great and truly fun rock show. All the acts that I caught were awesome. And, Sick Puppies are truly one of the best live bands around!
Let's kick things off with the first band, I saw last night: Hudson. They are a hard rock act from LA and played a good set. Their music is very bluesy and has some good hooks. All, of the band members are extremely talented. This was my first time hearing them, and I quite enjoyed them.
Up next was Stitched Up Heart. I was super excited to see them again. The last I saw them was last year for a One-Eyed Doll show. Like last time, they played such a kick ass set! They opened up with the hard rocking single "Finally Free" and then preceded to play more songs off of their upcoming album Never Alone. They closed off with their latest single, from that album, "Monster". The band have such an exciting presence onstage that combined with their music really gets an audience pumped. Signer Mixi is not only gorgeous but an awesome, awesome front-woman.
By the way, it was the guitarist, Merritt's (left) birthday!
After they played, they told their fans to meet them by their merch booth. Though, I had met them before, I wanted to stop by and say hi. Mixi is quite honestly one of the sweetest girls anywhere. She is incredibly friendly and down-to-earth. It's awesome the way she treats and talks to her fans. She really cares about them and makes them feel loved. Also, awesome is that she gives a portion of proceeds to help kittens. I decided to get a download of their upcoming album. You should too, and show support for this amazing band. They deserve so much success! Go here to get it: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/stitchedupheart
And, finally it was time for some motherfucking Sick Puppies!!! They opened their most excellent set with "War". From they played some great tunes from all their albums, including "Riptide", "Odd One", and "Gunfight". They, of course, played tracks off of their upcoming release, Fury. These included songs like "Stick To Your Guns" and "Let Me Live". And, let me tell, the new songs fuckin rock!!
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