Category Reviews

Jul 29 2018

Nothing More Takeover at Cargo Concert Hall in Reno 7/23/18

Nothing More headlined Cargo Concert Hall at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno Monday night, supporting their album, The Stories We Tell Ourselves. Nothing More performed with Bad Wolves and Eyes Set to Kill on an off-night from their current tour with Breaking Benjamin and Five Finger Death Punch.

Eyes Set To Kill did a great job warming up the crowd. Everyone was discussing how nice it was to see a female-fronted band on the bill. Bad Wolves was next, and burst out with insane amounts of energy, strobe lights, and personality. Bad Wolves fully-engaged their fans, and never stood still, which was challenging for photographers, as vocalist Tommy Vext only slowed briefly to perform the Diamante duet, “Hear Me Now”, which they ended with a big kiss. They closed their set having fans light up the venue with cell lights (and lighters) and sing along to their hit cover, The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” Tommy vowed to stay until he met every last fan, rather than charge for V.I.P. packages, and the crowd immediately migrated toward their merch to meet him between sets. They killed it, and we cannot wait to see them perform at Aftershock 2018 in October.

By the time Bad Wolves finished, from the front of the hall to the back wall, the venue was packed with fans eagerly anticipating Nothing More’s performance. They charged out of the gate, opening with fan-favorite “Do You Really Want It?”, and the crowd responded, loudly finishing the song for them in unison. For “Just Say When”, the crowd took the opportunity to relax, breathe, and sing along to the mellow, beautiful, acoustic Billboard single that vocalist Jonny wrote about his ex. At one point, he asked who had a Jenny in their life, and the crowd erupted with approval as they launched into “Jenny”. Nothing More whipped out a bass contraption that spins and rotates as Jonny, bassist Daniel, and guitarist Mark all performed a spectacular three-person bass solo. In addition, the three performed an acrobatic drum solo, which showcased their diversity, musicianship, and extraordinary talent.

Toward the end of “This Is The Time”, Jonny rocketed into the air, as he began manning the digital effects atop the massive Scorpion Tail, a 400-pound, 14-foot tall contraption that Daniel conceived and built from scrap metal and auto and motorcycle salvage parts. Jonny had a wild ride, as they went into a cover of Skrillex’s “First of the Year”. Fans surged forward, and started falling over the barrier into the photo pit, and we were asked to exit the pit for our safety; the Cargo security staff were pros, handled it, and kept everyone safe for the duration. I have a new favorite band to photograph, and cannot wait until they return to the area once again, as Nothing More always delivers a mesmerizing performance from start to finish.

Nothing More is:
Jonny Hawkins – Vocals
Daniel Oliver – Bass
Mark Vollelunga – Guitar
Ben Anderson – Drums

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Pictures and words courtesy of Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo

Jun 28 2018

Glanville – First Blood (Fat & Holy Records)

Formed by childhood friends Philipp Michel and René Hofmann, Glanville is a brand new heavy rock band from Germany. Having played in groups like Wight, Foh, The Earwix and Milking the Goatmachine, Hofmann and Michel are experienced musicians and quickly wrote some songs that demanded to be played by a real and full-grown band in front of a crowd.

The search for the right partners took more than a year, but finally the line-up was completed with the entrance of Peter-Philipp Schierhorn (Fallen Tyrant) on bass, Thomas Hoffmann (Bushfire) on drums, and Chris West (Trippy Wicked, Stubb and Landskap) on second guitar.

Looks like heavy metal is still very much alive. I don’t mean the classic metal bands putting out material. Don’t get me wrong, i love when Maiden or Priest come out with new material, but what about new bands making heavy metal in 2018? German heavy rockers Glanville have shown that they got what it takes to carry the heavy metal torch. First blood has managed to bring a fresh sound to the table, and its pretty damn good. The cover art itself makes me want to listen to it. Right away the opening track “God is Dead”, pulls me in. First, because of the name of the song. Secondly because of the killer riffs and amazing vocal work. The flexibility of the vocal range is impeccable. The way the music carries its melodies with the guitar and the bass of the drums gives it that classic, yet unique heavy sound. Its as if I’m hearing the riffs from Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden.

There is a similar sound in the riffs that brings you back to the heavy metal days. I love the polished sound of the bass as well. This is truly something you would show someone that says dumb shit like “heavy metal is dead” or “ Its all dad metal”. Glanville have shown on EVERY song on this album that heavy metal is very much alive. There is honestly not one song that I don’t enjoy on here. My favorite song on the album is “Durga The Great”. The best way I can describe this song is…well imagine that Ronnie James Dio did vocals for Iron Maiden. Its a pretty big thing to compare Glanville to Maiden and Dio, but honestly they executed everything to perfection on their debut. I am going to spend my money on this band’s music. I advise you all do the same. 9.5/10

God Is Dead
Dancing On Fire
Durga The Great
Demons
Time To Go

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Author: AJ Guzman

May 21 2018

Gruesome – Twisted Prayers (Relapse Records)

“Twisted Prayers” is GRUESOME’s second full length release and wherever the hell Chuck Schuldiner is, he has this thing on full blast and is throwing up the horns. If you think this band is simply a Death tribute band, a Death cover band, or a gimmick band, you are really missing out on some really good death metal. Gruesome not only pays homage to Chuck Schuldiner and Death by keeping the attitude, the riffs, the overall old school death metal vibe, but they do it really really fucking good.

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May 16 2018
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Dimmu Borgir – Eonian (Nuclear Blast Records)

Aww, DIMMU BORGIR. The band that divides the black metal fan base like Donald Trump has divided America, have released their latest magnum opus “Eonian”. After “Abrahadabra”, I was really expecting something similar. I couldn’t have been more wrong. While the aforementioned album was just bland and boring, this album is the complete antithesis of that album. Black metal “pursists” are going to hate “Eonian”, and that’s too bad, because they are missing out on one hell of an album.

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May 9 2018
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Velo Misere – Genealogía del Eterno Desasosiego (Hexencave Productions)

Velo Misere is formed by five black metal devotees who have been active during the last decade, manifestly or anonymously, in several bands within the Spanish underground metal scene. They debuted in 2017 with their first demo ‘Compendio de Trágicos Presagios’ and this year they’ve completed their second work, a four track EP that was released on May 1st by Hexencave Productions in CD format and Humanity’s Plague Productions on cassette.

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Apr 16 2018

An Evening With John 5 In Sacramento, California – April 15th, 2018

On April 15th 2018 John 5 returned to Sacramento accompanied by supporting act Hero Jr. This was my second time seeing John 5. The first time was in 2015 on a headlining tour with Doyle. The show took place at Harlows. Right away you can see the dedication of the fan base as it was raining lightly but that did not stop people from standing in line. It amazes me that a performer such as John 5 can bring an amazing musical experience without any vocals. The show was amazing as always, filled with many surprises. Hero Jr. was a refreshing new take on rock n roll with some growls mixed into the high points of the songs. They are a 4 piece hard rock outfit from Indiana. I was very curious as to what their sound was going to be because very rarely do I discover a new rock n roll band. Especially one that is original and brings a totally new sound to the cemented rock genre. About 40 seconds into their first song the whole crowd was moving and bobbing their heads. The guitar work was amazing. Fast licks and a range of vocal work. A lot of groove and a lot of talent. I was glad that this was the only band that opened for John 5 as we got to see a lot of great material from Hero Jr.

John 5 came out in a slow foggy atmosphere, which quickly turned into a battle of shredding. Its as if he tries to top himself every time. There was a few slow songs which showcased his more personal side to the music and complimented the shredding of the whole show. It was a beautiful performance. The highlight of the night was special guest, Slayer/Exodus guitarist Gary Holt joining John 5 for an amazing cover of Enter Sandman. It was amazing to see that in such a small venue. Truly powerful the way the entire crowd sang along to it. Personally i lost my voice after that. John 5 then closed the set with a beautiful medley of songs. Everything from Iron Maiden to Van Halen. It was great seeing everyone enjoy the music and live in the moment. There was a special encore of John 5 performing the Rage Against The Machine classic “Killing In The Name Of”, and then of course his cover of beat it by Michael Jackson. We were all left wanting more. Visually and musically an amazing show. John 5 always delivers. No filler, all talent.

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Author: AJ Guzman

Apr 11 2018

Voidthrone – Kur (Self Released)

If had to describe this album in three words; Fury, Hate, darkness. In this case these are all good things. Kur From Voidthrone is an amazing piece of blackened death. Voidthrone hail from Seattle, and this will be their first release since 2016. This type of blackened death is a little more unconventional, in that it has a very rich, black metal atmosphere thought the entire album. There is a strong presence of influence here, which is great because I feel like it helped Voidthrone find that unique sound that is not easy to encounter in blackened death. It is unlike anything I have heard this year so far. It is hard to describe exactly what the sound is. If you like and Anaal Nathrakh and Gorgoroth, this is something you must purchase.

This album is extremely full of despair. It is like falling into dark, cold abyss. It feels like you’re drowning in darkness. There are lots of raw emotions that you can feel throughout the album. The intensity and guitar work paints a vivid, yet horribly bleak picture. My favorite song is “Their Recursive Communion”. Lengthy song titles, but each one is a different feeling of isolation and blackness. The album gave me anxiety. I loved it though. It was as if i was stuck in the mind of a patient with schizophrenia in the early 50’s. Fast, desolate and soulless. Voidthrone went on a different route on this album and it worked. Kur, evokes a different area of the mind. Brutal and tasteful nonetheless. 8/10

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Author: AJ Guzman

Apr 6 2018

Blood of the Wolf – II: Campaign of Extermination (Self Released)

Blood Of The Wolf is a blackened death metal band from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 2012, Blood Of The Wolf combines breakneck riffing with memorable melodic passages, relentless drumming and intense vocal delivery. In 2013 the band released a two song demo and in 2015 they released their first full-length, I: The Law of Retaliation. Blood Of The Wolf has been pummeling audiences with relentless, nonstop aggression..

“Goddamn fuck yea” were the first words to come out of my mouth after listening to the first track. This is a good one for any fans of Behemoth, Belphegor or Aeon. I love me some black death. or blackened death whatever you wanna call it. You can hear the earlier Behemoth influence, along with the vocal style that goes hand in hand with the fast riff of the guitars. The drumming helps in keeping the death metal sound throughout the whole experience. The whole album is like a war scene from some medieval times, or maybe a brutal Tolkien Uruk-Hai massacre. It is something that fuels aggression and hatred. There is so much intensity in this album its hard not to nod your head or get pissed off.

I would listen to this after a shitty day at work. I mean I would listen to it anytime its a great album. I love everything about it. The production, the flow of guitars, the fast black metal atmosphere and the fluidity of the vocals. This thing is a goddamn buzzsaw. I can only imagine the atmosphere that Blood of the Wolf creates during their live shows. I can imagine myself inside a mosh pit at their show. There are no weak moments in this album. Even the slow riff buildups increase the intensity brought out by the blackened guitar work and great double bass work. This album did not overstay its welcome by any means. Instead it leaves the listener wanting more. I have no complaints. “A Sermon of Slaughtered Foes” is my favorite track on the album. a great closing track, displaying intensity, dark imagery and a powerful display of vocal work. Very well executed. 9/10

Mike Koniglio-Guitar and Vocals
Frank Garcia-Guitar
Christopher Grimes-Bass
Rick Hernandez-Drums

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Author: AJ Guzman

Apr 3 2018

Angerot – The Splendid Iniquity – (Black Market Metal)

 

South Dakota-based death metallers, Angerot rise from the ashes of Midwestern Metal to announce their crushing debut album, The Splendid Iniquity. Featuring a cast of seasoned veterans who share roots that reach back to the very beginnings of the Death Metal Movement, Angerot are more than a nod to early Swedish Death Metal, they are pure Swede Death Worship. Recorded with Eddie G at Underground Studios, mixed by Tomas Skogsberg (Entombed, Dismember, Carnage, Grave, At the Gates) at Sunlight Studios and mastered by Brad Boatright at AudioSeige, The Splendid Iniquity is a savage 40 minute sonic assault of 90’s Earache Records-era buzzsaw on your ear drums.

Pure Swedish death metal worship. That alone sounds like a death metal band. 90’s Swedish death metal had a unique sound that paved the way to a whole new death metal sound. Bands such as Entombed, Dismember, Unleashed, etc. Angerot shows their heavy Swedish death metal influence in the album “The Splendid Iniquity.” It was refreshing to hear that a band can still maintain that classic 90’s OSDM sound while bringing the intensity, brutality and new sound that makes a death metal band stand out. It is one of those albums that makes you go into a certain genre binge for a few weeks. Personally I do have a bias with death metal because of my passion for it, but I can also admit when I do not enjoy a death metal band or song. This was not the case. Once again i will use the word refreshing to describe the overall feeling i had while listening to this album.

Amazing death metal sound complimented by great vocal work and just the overall brutality in sound. This put my speakers to work. I can clearly hear the bass on the album which I love. Heavy bass adds another element to death metal which not every band is aware of. One song that stands out to me is “From the Pit to the Apex.” It has lots of intensity and is a good showcase of every weapon this band has, especially the vocals. The last solo of the song is perhaps my favorite of the whole album. Which is of course not to say there aren’t any more great solos in here. The Splendid Iniquity, reminds me of a mix between Entombed A.D. and Cut Up. Angerot is and example to follow. This is how to stand out from the rest. I will pay close attention to them for future projects. 9/10 easy.

Track Listing:
1. Black Epoch
2. Eternal Unrest
3. The Splendid Iniquity
4. Rivers of Chaos
5. Under the Calm
6. They Wake at Dusk
7. From the Pit to the Apex
8. Deliver Us…
9. That Hath Awoke
10. Falia Diaboli (Alisin)
Lineup:
C.R. Petit – Guitar/Vocals
Jason Ellsworth – Lead Guitars
Zaugg – Bass
Josh Ferrie – Drums

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Author: AJ Guzman

 

Mar 25 2018

Bestailord – Law of The Burning (Satanath Records)

Ok. With a name like Bestailord I was totally expecting Black Metal. Damn, was I TOTALLY wrong! Bestialord’s “Law of The Burning” serves up quite a tasty little morsel of straight to your face metal ranging from doom, to death, and thrash. It’s like Black Sabbath, Death, and Mercyful Fate some how got together and infused their sound into some kind of twisted demonic child who loves to feed on freshly deceased corpses. You will love the production on this album as well. Now if you’re looking for some guitar virtuosity, keep looking because it’s not here.

This album relies on two or three riffs to carry the songs, but does it in a way that never gets boring. The production is really clean yet it retains that kind of sound like they just set their gear up and pressed record. The lyrics fit this sound perfectly. With topics ranging from Satanic rituals, diseased rats, cities being destroyed and the movie Hellraiser, this album oozes death out of every single sickly pore.

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Author: John Adams