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Supermachiner

Rust
Deathwish Inc. (2009)

Following the vinyl issue of Rise of the Great Machine (their first full-length album), Supermachiner finally offers more music with Rust. This two CD collection combines a remastered version of their first full-length as well as a second CD that collects more material from the group. As exciting on a personal level as this release is, there remain quite a … Read more

IAMX

The Alternative (Reissue)
Metropolis (2008)

Well, he still looks like a prick in the ruff but now he's wearing a big stripey kipper tie as well. So it goes. There's a not-so-subtle shift for IAMX on The Alternative, a tweaking of sound from debut release Kiss + Swallow. The first album was noticeable for coasting a bit too much on the metrosexual swagger of its … Read more

Torche

Healer/Across the Shields
Hydra Head (2009)

Following up their much acclaimed full-length, Meanderthal, Torche gives the Healer/Across the Shields twelve-inch EP and DVD to tide fans over until their next record. The record contains two tracks on that full-length as well as two additional songs (their last with recently departed guitarist Juan Montoya) which are new and a DVD with the videos for the two album … Read more

Maniqui Lazer

I Learn Everything on TV
Soundsister (2008)

I don't know much about music along the US-Mexico border, and the name Maniqui Lazer and the cartoonish sketches on the cover only intrigue me so much. Mostly, it gives the impression of a weird band with a lot of keyboards. Lo and behold, I got that part right. I just missed the crazy energy held within the cardboard package. … Read more

Two Tongues

Two Tongues
Vagrant (2009)

When the news of Max Bemis (Say Anything) and Chris Conley (Saves the Day) collaborating to create Two Tongues was announced, many were expecting stellar results from the duo. We all know how hard it is to live up to the hype, especially when your resume includes making some of the best pop-punk albums of the new millennium, which applies … Read more

Past Lives

Strange Symmetry
Suicide Squeeze (2008)

The hiatus and eventual breakup of The Blood Brothers in 2007 left many of their fans heartbroken. But honestly, with as many musical outlets as the members have had over the years - Head Wound City, Neon Blonde, Jaguar Love, etc - I didn't really expect them to last that much longer. After the demise of the group, members Jordan … Read more

Multiple Authors

Mastodon

Crack the Skye
Reprise (2009)

It's really hard to place Mastodon into one genre. Yes, they are mainly a metal band but what sub-genre? Sludge metal? Progressive metal? Groove metal? You'd be right and wrong with all three since the band has experimented with each of those different sounds on all of their albums, but they are so much more than that. Hell, there are … Read more

Multiple Authors

Mastodon

Crack the Skye
Reprise (2009)

Water. Earth. Russian monarchy? While Mastodon's previous albums Leviathan and Blood Mountain deal with two of the four elements, their newest, Crack the Skye, deals with another element albeit in a more abstract fashion - exploring the air or rather, the ether, through the eyes of a paraplegic boy who astral projects himself into the body of Grigori Rasputin, the … Read more

Red Stars Parade

Lutine Belle
Thirty Days Of Night (2008)

Bands that are difficult to pin down to a particular genre are great. They might have a distinctive sound and there might be comparisons that can be drawn, but you can lose yourself in the safe knowledge of something fresh and abstract. Then some idiot music critic comes along and ruins your day by inventing a name for it, so … Read more

Jump the Shark

Staring Death
Dead Truth (2008)

So the other day for lunch, I decided to try a new sandwich shop in the Skyway. I'd heard decent things about it, and when I walked past it on my way to other establishments for lunch, they definitely were busy, and people apparently liked it. So I ordered their house specialty sandwich. What I got was a perfectly passable … Read more

The Cure

4:13 Dream
Geffen (2008)

A new album by The Cure. This always makes me nervous. One of my favorite bands from old times (my favorite band full stop, according to my Last FM charts), The Cure are pretty damn high in my esteem. Having said that, I am more than aware of Robert Smith's ability to disappoint me. The last couple of decades of … Read more

Kids Like Us

The 80s are Dead (Reissue)
Eulogy (2008)

I might as well start this review off by saying I have never liked Kids Like Us. There is nothing about their music that enthralls me. Actually their moshy "skater jams" annoy the living piss out of me with their juvenile lyrics and token mosh parts. There has been countless stories of lame debauchery that this band has caused on … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Steel Nation / Crucified

Split
Double or Nothing (2009)

Two very promising bands take on each other with this split 7": Steel Nation hailing from Pittsburgh while Crucified call the Bay Area home. Both offer menacing metallic hardcore that is not to be passed over. Steel Nation delivers two brand new tracks, their first since parting ways with their vocalist and having the remaining members share the vocals. In … Read more

200 Words Or Less

These Arms are Snakes / Tropics

Split
We-Be (2008)

Here we have another limited edition split 7", this one that was issued in support of These Arms are Snakes and Tropics European tour together. You get one exclusive track from each artist. These Arms are Snakes offer up "Meet Your Major," which is very much in tune with the band's latest full-length offering, Tail Swallower and Dove. You get … Read more

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