Crystal Lake
The Weight Of Sound
Century Media (2025)
Formed in Tokyo in 2002, Crystal Lake have spent more than two decades shaping their own high-velocity hybrid of metalcore, hardcore, and atmospheric chaos. Few bands of their era survived the genre’s shifts with their identity intact, and even fewer survived a complete vocalist change. But instead of slowing down, Crystal Lake sharpened. Now fronted by John Robert Centorrino, the … Read more
Ctrlaltdelete
Mondegreens
Motivesounds (2005)
I used to hate 'ctrl,' 'alt,' and 'delete.' Used in succession, it only meant one thing - reboot. That's right! Your computer is fucked and there is nothing you can do. Accept defeat and hit those keys. Anything you were working on is lost forever. But now, I'm kind of fond of them. UK post-rock trio Ctrlaltdelete has redefined those … Read more
Cub Country
Stretch That Skull Cover and Smile
Future Farmer (2009)
I honestly did not think that Jeremy Chatelain was still active as Cub Country seeing as how it has been some time since his last record, Stay Poor, Stay Happy back in 2004. But here we have Stretch That Skull Cover and Smile as proof that Cub Country is still alive and kicking. Cub Country is the alt-country project of … Read more
Culo
Toxic Vision
Deranged (2011)
You’d certainly be forgiven if, like me, you initially assumed Cülo were a Hispanic punk band. I was told they hail from Chicago, IL—a place known for having one the most heavily Latino-populated hardcore scenes in the country—and, well, their name is, after all, a Spanish word. Upon hearing their first 7”, Nuke Abuse, I quickly realized that all the … Read more
Cult of Luna
A Dawn to Fear
Metal Blade (2019)
There is something incredibly special about Cult of Luna - no other band can touch their ability to meld weight with melancholy or aggression with melody - and the Swedish band has created many such beautiful moments on their eighth full-length (seven as Cult of Luna and one collaboration) since their inception over two decades ago. A Dawn to Fear … Read more
Cult of Luna
Eternal Kingdom
Earache (2008)
After four albums of progressive refinement of their compositional abilities, sound, themes, and overall work, Cult of Luna is releasing their fifth and latest full-length, Eternal Kingdom on an increasingly rabid following of people who enjoy their records. Again this new record links its songs thematically in a cycle that deals with the world of a murdering lunatic of whom … Read more
Cult of Luna
The Long Road North
Metal Blade (2022)
It’s always a joy to learn Cult of Luna will be releasing something new and as the Swedes have proved time and time again, their passion for their craft is far from waning. Through atmospheric post-metal, the band create textures that range from heightened drama to serene vocal passages to incandescent rage on a journey towards the cold stars of … Read more
Cult Ritual
Cult Ritual
Youth Attack (2009)
Before I begin, let me get this off my chest: I wasn't a big fan of Cult Ritual's EPs. I don't mean to offend. It's very possible that the glowing reviews from punk blogs across the web had me convinced that I was about to experience some sort of musical enlightenment. Listening to Cult Ritual would somehow turn my life … Read more
Cunts
Cunts
Ipecac (2019)
Calling your band “Cunts” and releasing some sort of grindcore or blackened death album wouldn’t really be a big shocker. It wouldn’t take a whole lot of balls or thought to do. But calling your band Cunts and releasing a more-melodic-than-extreme hardcore album complete with a Tom Waits cover takes a little bit more ingenuity.Comprised of Retox twinsies Michael Crain … Read more
Cursed
Blackout at Sunrise
Goodfellow (2007)
Cursed are one of those hardcore/punk bands that are genuinely worth people's time and attention. Their music is vicious, honest, and gloriously consistent. The lyrics are both personal and politically driven. One could almost say that topically there is something for everyone, particularly for those into heavy punk rock and hardcore. Every record that they release is almost guaranteed to … Read more
Cursed
II
Goodfellow (2005)
Cursed - the movie or the band? Well considering one is likely a story lifted from a Goosebumps book and transferred to the filmscreen, I don't really think there's much up for debate. I can guarantee you that Cursed, the band, will not just entertain you but will knock you to the floor with their intense hybrid of hardcore, punk … Read more
Cursed
III
Goodfellow (2008)
Finally, I seriously have been waiting for this album since Cursed released last year's furious EP, Blackout at Sunrise. No, scratch that because the wait has been going since I listened to II (their obviously titled second album), and while Blackout at Sunrise was a bit of a tease and served to get listeners through until III. Cursed lay down … Read more
Cursive
I Am Gemini
Saddle Creek (2012)
Oh, our beloved Cursive--shall we never hear another Ugly Organ from you? No, we shall not, so stop asking for one. For three albums now, Cursive have been bounded to their undeniable masterpiece, The Ugly Organ, and have been expected to reach that plateau with each subsequent release. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't one of those fans, … Read more
Cursive
Mama, I'm Swollen
Saddle Creek (2009)
I first got the chance to interview Tim Kasher directly after the release of Cursive's Happy Hollow. A friend and I drove two and a half hours to Buffalo, NY and caught up with the band in the lobby of a Best Western Express not far from the venue. Their tour manager told us that they needed to soundcheck soon, … Read more
Cursive
The Difference Between Houses and Homes
Saddle Creek (2005)
The release of Cursive's The Difference Between Houses and Homes: Lost Songs and Lose Ends reminded me what it was like to be excited for an album to come out. I was giddy like a kid waiting for Christmas; eagerly counting down how many more sleeps it would be until I was able to get my small, greasy, hands on … Read more
Cut The Shit
Marked For Life
Gloom (2004)
By the time you read this, Cut The Shit will have already finished their final west coast shows and be on the way to breaking up. Their final show will no doubt be off the hook, but for those of us who won't be able to attend said event, we are blessed with ten and a half minutes of near … Read more
Cynic
The Portal Tapes
Season of Mist (2012)
In order for me to talk about this album, you're going to need some [CONTEXT].If there's one thing I absolutely hate about Cynic, it's their squandered potential. In 1993, right in the middle of the technical death metal craze that bore the likes of Atheist, Nocturnus and Suffocation, as well as refined the raw sounds of Death, Sarcófago and Meshuggah, … Read more
CZARFACE (INSPECTAH DECK + 7L & ESOTERIC)
Self Titled
Brick (2013)
Revisiting a collaboration that first appeared on the title track of Speaking Real Words, the debut EP by 7L & Esoteric, the Beantown duo has teamed up with Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck again. Some 14 years later the three veterans come together with a full-length superhero project titled Czarface. Taking into account the back catalogue of the parties involved, it … Read more
