A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your need for some fresh Isis material to listen to.As far as track selection goes, Live V is pretty weak; it consists of a live performance of Oceanic in its entirety. While Oceanic is no doubt a fantastic album, this is still an issue for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, one of the benefits of live albums is that they offer an opportunity for a band to display the variety of music they have written over their career—they're not just limited to individual albums. Very rarely can a band justify the existence of a live album that consists entirely of a track-by-track replay of an album their fans already own, especially without any additional material. I know this recording comes from a special performance of that album, but my point is still legitimate. Secondly, Isis' live catalogue is already … Read more
My Morning Jacket’s latest release titled Circuital, especially because of the first single “Holdin on to Black Metal,” has been … Read more
When music historians look back on the first decade of the 21st century, they'll no doubt highlight the dazzling array … Read more
There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when … Read more
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Following an impressive debut album is never an easy undertaking, and Gaza did deliver an impressive debut with I Don't Care Where I Go When I Die. So with that in mind we find their sophomore effort from the four-piece hailing from Utah in the United States. He is Never Coming Back is a definite product of the environment from which Gaza bases themselves; the subtle religious oppression found in their home base gives the band a focus which to hurl their vitriol and ire. My question hovers around whether or not this album is anywhere near as vicious as its predecessor because I certainly hope that it is. Incorporating some nasty discordance along with more measured tempos at times, Gaza seem to have pushed their sound to another level … Read more
Ireland's Altar of Plagues play a style of black metal so atmospheric in nature, that you can't help but be completely taken in by the sounds you're hearing and the thoughts the music conjures in your mind. Mammal is only their second full length offering, and whilst White Tomb was unquestionably fantastic, this new record is on an entirely different … Read more
It’s a great thing when bands can mesh cartoon visuals with their music. It in turn enhances the listening experience, and Gangpol & Mit’s, The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club, is quite the listening experience. This French duo created these characters that manage to represent their synth-pop music perfectly. Although it’s mostly synthetic, you somehow feel like you’re listening to … Read more
August Burns Red have become the face of American metal over the last few years with their unique brand of metalcore, but Leveler is poised to redefine the genre all together. Tactically bending genres with ease, they’ve crafted a truly ambitious album of unparalleled diversity and precision.Constellations, ABR’s last release, had shown a tremendous amount of growth with a more … Read more
A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more
Yes, please peel my face off with the punishing blackened hardcore (that only Integrity can provide), please because life might be too comfortable otherwise! A new record from Integrity is both unexpected and completely welcome; so, having Detonate VVorld’s Plague (and the compilation CD that includes Detonate VVorld’s Plague as well as a collection of compilation, singles, and split release … Read more
The United Sons of Toil probably won’t ever receive the distinguished honor of a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork, but anyone who has seen them live will tell you all you need to know. These guys are something to see. The ’Sons sound like a more aggressive Unwound, giving a sort of mathy post-punk vibe with some hints of chaos thanks … Read more
When I initially read about San Francisco’s Deafheaven, I didn’t expect to be surprised by their recordings. Anytime I see the “black metal” label, even when citing a slight influence on a band, I instantly believe that the label is misused and have no interest in checking the band out. Unfortunately I am guilty of this with Deafheaven, and their … Read more
With a prolific band like Bellingham, Washington’s Death Cab for Cutie, (Codes and Keys being their seventh studio album release), it’s impossible for fans not to speculate how their newest album is going to sound. “Maybe it’ll sound like Transcendentalism with some Postal Service influence!” “Maybe it’ll be like Narrow Stairs... but better!” “What The Open Door EP started, Codes … Read more
A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more
Pygmylush have certainly put their time in their scene their ex members list is extensive and well documented. Knowledge of their past endeavors would do little to really prepare one for what you will get upon listening to their music. Know for playing a mix of thrashing punk and hardcore not dissimilar to some of their past bands coupled with … Read more
The Reptilian come with little to no notice. The Michigan band has been around for almost 4 years now with only a handful of releases. Taking a page from the older school of angular screamo similar to current bands such as Touche Amore and La Dispute. Focusing more on feeling than just sounding "nice". The four piece keep each song … Read more
Alex Turner has a captivating way of churning seemingly simple rock tunes into lyrically fueled fits of manic moods, lost lovers and “syncing hearts.” The 25-year-old front man of the British based quartet, Arctic Monkeys, is at the top of his songwriting game on this full-length album, Suck It and See. The Arctic Monkeys return with their witty blend of … Read more
Man, what a nice looking record. The sleeve includes an actual photograph for the cover, with a dozen or so variations that you can get, and the liner notes come as a stapled booklet with information on a Pennsylvania law regarding when gas companies can turn off the heat. It’s a solid mix of handmade art and political statement. Add … Read more
Withdrawal is possibly carrying metallic hardcore standards for all of Canada. As it becomes harder to note a truly interesting band of this style in general let alone from their corner of the world. The band managed to turn heads a couple years ago with their last EP Unknown Misery even managing to get rave reviews from this site. In … Read more
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