Recent reviews

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)

Kongh

Sole Creation
Agonia (2013)

As I begin writing this review, we have barely scratched the surface of the new year. Still, I somehow find myself compelled to proclaim that I have already heard the best album of 2013. In 2009, Kongh released Shadows of the Shapeless. The album was an impressive example of the band’s epic take on doom metal. Now, the Swedish trio have returned with an album that manages to make its predecessor seem feeble in comparison.Sole Creation finds Kongh expanding on the best aspects of the previous album while smoothing out the rough edges. The heaviness is still intact, but the band have added an emphasis on melody that creates a more progressive version of their already massive sound. David Johannson still delivers a sinister growl, but has truly grown as a singer and fully embraces the melodic atmosphere of these songs. With a spacious production that allows the vocals to sit prominently in the mix and provides ample stomping room for the monstrous rhythm section, Kongh appear even more brutal than before.The most noticeable improvement over the previous album is in the songwriting. While the songs on Shadows were full of amazing riffs, the band seemed to struggle with putting … Read more

Continents

Idle Hands
Victory (2013)

Continents from South Wales, UK are a Moshcore band that formed in 2010. Their self released video for “Trials” was … Read more

The Bronx

IV
White Drugs / ATO (2013)

When we last left The Bronx, they were masquerading as their alter ego with the release of a second album … Read more

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 … 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

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One from the archives

Life in Your Way

Ignite and Rebuild
Indianola (2005)

Oh jeez, another one of these bands. You know the kind - screamo/emo band who wants anything but to be labeled as such. They come up with alternate and sometimes startlingly inaccurate descriptors such as "melodic hardcore" or "emotion rock," or they take the easy way out and spout off the classic "we don't like to label ourselves" or "our music doesn't really fall under labels." If you ever witness a band making any of the last two statements, you can pretty much guarantee that they're just another fucking screamo/mallcore band who's too ashamed to admit that they picked a shitty style of music. Life in Your Way is exactly this kind of band. Oh look, there's no swearing in the lyrics and they even thank Jesus a bunch of … Read more

More album reviews

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 the first release; etc. Night Marchers—led by John Reis (Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes) and rounded out with another two Hot Snakes members, Gar Wood and Jason Sinclair and the not-to-be-overlooked Jason Sinclair (Delta 72, Mule)—do not face such … 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 probably the best drumming gig one could ask for, he's been embarking on several different projects at once, trying to find some direction for his talents. Generally speaking, his new endeavours have been...less than satisfactory--I have written about my vitriol … Read more

Multiple Authors

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 triumvirate of Duane Denison, Mike Patton and John Stainer. 2007's polarizing Anonymous was an earnest exploration down the less-travelled dirt roads of the Native American experience. The album saw the group working as a trio since ankling bassist Kevin Rutmanis, … Read more

Multiple Authors

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

200 Words Or Less

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

200 Words Or Less

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

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