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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

Iroha

Shepherds & Angels
Denovali (2012)

Sometimes it feels strange championing a band, but I feel as though Iroha are one of those bands that deserve to be heard but people (at least here in the U.S.) seem to consistently overlook the three-piece outfit, in part because of their consistently being left in the shadow of another band almost to the point of being called a clone of that band. And while it would be foolish to dismiss the comparisons, Iroha continues to move forward in augmenting and pushing their style of music further.As a sophomore album, Shepherds & Angels avoids the dreaded sophomore slump with seven solid songs (one of which is a collaboration with Pyramids) of lush, poppy indie rock that, in some ways, conjure deep resonating feelings of maudlin nostalgia, particularly on songs like “Home Is Where The Heart Is”. Bolstered by a huge bass sound, a solid rhythm section, and tasteful guitar parts, Andy Swan (the guitarist and vocalists) uses his subtle vocals to not so much propel but rather entice listeners with understated melodies. Listening to songs like the title track, “Legacy” (another pretty vocal melody that might have one of the cooler hooks on the record) and “You Reap What … Read more

Dawn McCarthy and Bonnie “Prince” Billy

What The Brothers Sang
Drag City (2013)

The Everly Brothers were a staple in my house musically when I was growing up back in the early ‘60s; … Read more

Sonance

Like Ghosts
Independent (2012)

Like Ghosts is the debut from Bristol based Sonance, a band so disgustingly heavy that they are currently drowning the … Read more

The Night Marchers

Allez Allez
Swami (2013)

Sophomore records tend to bring a unique level of apprehension: has the artist changed; can s/he maintain the momentum from … Read more

Flying Colors

Self Titles
Mascot (2012)

It's no secret that I have a love/hate relationship with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. After leaving what was … Read more

Tomahawk

Oddfellows
Ipecac (2013)

It's been over 5 years since the world has been graced with anything new from Tomahawk, the pseudo-supergroup featuring the … Read more

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One from the archives

Angel Eyes

Something to Do with Death
Underground Communiqué (2005)

There's not a whole lot you can say about Angel Eyes that hasn't already been said about Isis. If Isis were an actual person, Angel Eyes would be its impressionable, suppler younger brother. The latter always gazing starry-eyed at the former with a love and devotion to rival the strongest of bonds. Ok, that's a stretch, but they really do sound like Isis, with an almost unnatural (but wholly valid) obsession with Ennio Morricone. This all isn't a bad thing. It's tough to do get that whole heavy ambient thing down without being boring as shit. The tracks sound a bit more raw than their genre may be used to, but that's all part of the tasty goodness. Sometimes you can only take so much wall-of-sound plodding instrumental metal before … Read more

More album reviews

Tomahawk

Oddfellows
Ipecac (2013)

In the summer of 1992, my older brother drove me to Tower Records to buy the new album by a band called Faith No More. Angel Dust was quite a departure from their previous album due to the increased influence of vocalist Mike Patton. As a 14-year-old burgeoning music fanatic, I was fascinated by the idea that such aggressive and … Read more

Fall City Fall

Victus
Victory (2013)

Meet Fall City Fall, the patron saints of Calgary Metalcore. Five years in the making and putting out their Major Label Debut, “Victus” through Victory Records, these guys have been working hard to get to where they are and this record shows it. Fall City Fall blends a melodic sensibility akin to bands such as La Dispute with a what’s … Read more

Ampere

Like Shadows
No Idea Records (2011)

Ampere is an emotional hardcore band out of Amherst, Massachusetts known for incredibly chaotic live shows done in short bursts, sometimes lasting less than 15 minutes. A DIY ethos and vegan politics course through the veins of this bands’ lyrics and image. Arriving shortly after the “Level Plane” era of bands like Saetia andNeil Perry, Ampere continued the path tread … Read more

Various Artists

Mamiffer / Pyramids- Split
Hydra Head / Sige / Daymare (2012)

Allow me to skip any wind bagging introduction here and just say that this split between Mamiffer and Pyramids is one of those pairings that two like minded musical acts lay down some of the coolest work that either has produced that somehow feels like a logical extension of each others work where none of the tracks would sound out … Read more

JJ and The Real Jerks

The Wringer
Rankoutsider (2011)

Ok, so yeah, this is a relatively old release. The band has released a new EP since, but that’s not an excuse to ignore this one though. This is my first venture into JJ & The Real Jerks—better late than never—and I must say, it was a pleasant one. I would not have expected a garage rock band hidden behind … Read more

Justin Bieber

Believe (Deluxe version)
Island (2012)

Editor's Note: Sarah went mysteriously missing before she could complete her review of this album. However, her therapist provided Scene Point Blank with the complete transcripts of her discussions with him over this release, which we humbly present instead, with some minor edits to protect her privacy. We apologize for the inconvenience.Sarah: Listen, you have to help me. I have … Read more

Jubilee Gardens

Star Struck
Independent (2012)

Jubilee Gardens new release titled Star Struck is one of those rare albums that come in like a breath of fresh air lyrically and musically. Jubilee and the band have proved over the years to be consistent in their musical growth and this one doesn't disappoint. The band is made up of Jubilee Connolly – vocals and guitars, Dan Hunt … Read more

Burnt Books

Self Titled
At A Loss (2013)

It’s no secret that women are highly unrepresented in heavy metal and its various sub-genres. Their absence is clearly a result of the “boys club” mentality that seems to have been a defining characteristic of heavy music since its inception. It would seem logical to equate aggressive music with masculinity, but to generalize that women are incapable of creating aggressive … Read more

Nine Covens

...On The Dawning Of Light
Candlelight (2013)

Nine Covens second release …On The Dawning of Light is a raging follow up to their debut that’s full of extremity and shades of melody alike. The furiously enigmatic group – no names, or indeed, faces – prefer to step back from the spotlight in order to let their music do the talking. Although, if you have a keen ear … Read more

Anchors

Lost At The Bottom Of The World
Creator-Destructor (2012)

Anchors are a five piece from Melbourne, Australia who play melodic hardcore in the vein of Strike Anywhere. While a few more comparisons might pop into mind throughout the record, really just that one is necessary to convey the point. Sure, they aren’t as politically-bent as Strike Anywhere, but the strain of melodic vocals layered over dual guitar, forward-pressing burners … Read more

9th Wonder & Buckshot

The Solution
Duck Down (2012)

The histories of both Buckshot and 9th Wonder in the rap game are long and storied. Buckshot’s tenure started in the early ‘90s as member of Black Moon, and as the leader of pivotal rap supergroup Boot Camp Clik. He’s continued to contribute to the greater good of the genre as a part-owner of the record label Duck Down. 9th … Read more

Mixtapes

Even On The Worst Nights
No Sleep (2012)

Even on the Worst Nights beams with positivity. Sure, a closer listen will reveal a lot of sarcasm in the sugar-pop sound, but the first impression is one of balloons and puppy dogs, not shaking one’s fists in anger or letting loose a crippling, agonizing scream. The Cincinnati, OH band is clean and crisp, with singalongs, brevity, and self-awareness as … Read more

Deathstench

Rites Of The Dead Moon
Independent (2012)

Deathstench has done much to make their name in the underground world of blackened noise. This EP contains a solitary 13 minute song. While for some the length may be a turn off, you may put aside your expectations right now. This solitary track is contained in packaging that makes it worth the price alone. On a 3" cd encased … Read more

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead

Lost Songs
Superball (2012)

The past decade has been an artistic whirlwind for the Austin, TX …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. After hitting a peak with Source Tags and Codes in 2002, the band has since struggled with their identity and the heavy expectations from critics. Or at least that’s how it feels in the eye of the beholder. … Read more

Reviews by score
Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)