Fjord are ex-Winter Solstice/The Takeover and have been said to play a brand of metal "for the fans of Converge and Botch." Lives Lives definitely sounds Botch-influenced, but that's not a very unique quality nowadays. The music isn't contrived; it's simply similar to many "metal-core" bands. Thankfully they don't fall into the mold of recycled As I Lay Dying riffs and open e-string breakdowns like many "metal-core" bands have. Fjord provide some interesting musical interludes with quiet parts and technical riffs, but the band cannot seem to surpass the limits of the "metal-core" genre. If you don't listen to enough "metal-core" bands already, Fjord are here to satiate the need; however, they're easy to overlook in the grand spectrum of contemporary music. Read more
Light Yourself on Fire, a four piece from Tampa, Florida, play thrashy hardcore that they call "power death." The seven … Read more
Disillusion sounds like an even more radio friendly version of Slipknot. Actually, I don't know Slipknot well enough to call … Read more
Out of Chicago, Illinois, Scream Poet, Scream play energetic punk. Some songs, like "Trainwwreck," are harsh and dissonant while others … Read more
This Door to Remain Closed During Work Hours sounds like a jam band who shows their metal influences every once … Read more
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I came across Infera Bruo a couple of years back when they were releasing their debut album, Desolate Unknown. The perspective of the band on the black metal genre was intriguing, remaining true to the roots of the genre, but also building on top of its traditional outlook. The dissonant quality was overflowing in the record, while the inclusion of synths and effects to their fiery compositions was a solid combination. Couple of years later, and Infera Bruo are putting out their sophomore album, In Conjuration. This time around, it is not an independent release, with the record coming out from Bindrune Recordings, home of other great extreme metal acts, such as Panopticon, Seidr and Blood of the Black Owl. At least that seems to be settled because listening to … Read more
Rock with horns that isn't ska? Oh, thank god. Ghost of the Russian Empire's debut EP, With Fiercest Demolition - produced by Erik Woffrod (Explosions in the Sky, Voxtrot) - is six tracks of catchy, but not poppy music. There's definitely a Radiohead-esque aspect about this group of Texans (imagine Thom Yorke and company before they started mingling heavily with … Read more
I don't think there has ever been an album that I've liked that I have hated so much about. Case in point; not even fifteen seconds into Crime in Stereo's debut album for Bridge Nine Records there's a damn wah-wah pedal part. I hate wah-wah pedal parts. Does anyone out there like wah-wah pedal parts that isn't sitting in front … Read more
Defiance, Ohio are somewhat of a punk rock abnormality, having released a slew of records in a short amount of time, yet still maintaining the same lineup and same ethics, even as their popularity continues to slowly but surely rise, despite the band insisting on as little promotion as possible. Rather, the band's constant touring and commitment to the DIY … Read more
So what are we to think of this "pure, unholy black metal from Israel"? Well for starters, taking into consideration their country of origin doesn't mean a whole lot. Whether you're from Israel, South Africa, New Zealand or Paraguay, if you're black metal, you'll probably still sound Norwegian. Originality, you see, isn't one of the tenets of the black. Everyone … Read more
Allow me to get this little factoid out of the way first, I have been listening to Nathan Ellis projects ever since he joined Coalesce; The Casket Lottery (Ellis' next band) introduced me to and gave me a great appreciation for much more mellow, but still challenging, music. When I heard that Ellis now is playing with a new group … Read more
Modest Mouse's We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank have proven to be a difficult album for the staff of Scene Point Blank. Since it's release we have had a number of staff writer's attempt to put into words what makes this album so good. And yet, in all of their attempts, not one has been able to come … Read more
Sometimes, a band comes along and knocks you off your feet. As you begin to listen to them, you think to yourself, "Damn, this is pretty good." But after the third or fourth listen you can't help but want to hear the songs over and over again, and you'll rewind in the middle of a song just to hear one … Read more
On his seventh album it sounds like Ghostface is handing over the reins to the less noted, giving more of his name and less of his talent, allowing the up and comers to ride on his success. The overall presentation of the album seems rushed and halfhearted; perhaps he assumes that people will purchase the album solely on the premise … Read more
Over the course of the last year Jim Eno, drummer of Spoon and certified electrical engineer, has produced some of 2007's best albums while working with his boys in Spoon to bring us Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Before even getting to the musical element of the record's equation, any enthusiast is quick to note the amazing quality to the … Read more
There is a parenthetical addition to this album's title that states "This Might Take More Than You Can Brave." Ironically, this statement has turned out to describe all too well my experience with reviewing it. Before I say anything more, I have to level with you guys (not just the readers, but the band as well if they ever happen … Read more
Animosity has proven that metal can truly reign supreme again in the Bay Area. Following the initial burst of thrash metal that drew the attention of every person with long hair and a will to bang their head, the metal scene of San Francisco and its surrounding areas fell off and almost completely dissipated. Granted, in its absence we were … Read more
The term "pop-punk" has been really batted around in 2007. It has been used describe every band from Set Your Goals (wrong) to The Ergs (right) and now we have Broadway Calls, an Oregon outfit who straddles the line of pop-punk but strays closer to the power pop side of the equation. When I listen to their self-titled album for … Read more
Lets paint a picture. After weeks of midterms and presentations in combination with 'seasonal' weather, I couldn't decide if I was more exhausted or cold. I was half asleep riding shotgun back to my parents house when I first slid Ravens and Chimes into the CD deck of my best friend's over sized SUV. About a week previously both of … Read more
I was lucky enough to see Zs live on tour with The Locust, and I must first mention how badly my ears hurt during their set. I felt for a moment that I might fall apart right where I was standing. But upon the conclusion of their set I realized that this was more than just something that made my … Read more
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