Dismember The Fallen

Moving In Dreamscapes by Dismember The Fallen (Self-released EP) Structures was the first self-released EP by Detroit’s own Dismember The Fallen, a promising slab of metalcore that would gain the collective a good deal of notice. A commendable effort to be sure, and now their latest recording Moving... more

Moonspell

Alpha Noir / Omega White by Moonspell (Napalm Records) Dark Metal masters Moonspell return with their ninth album Alpha Noir / Omega White. The Alpha Noir CD opens with Axis Mundi, evil Latin chanting and angry guitars clawing skin from your chest.  There’s a brief respite towards the end of the... more

Aquilus

Griseus by Aquilus (A Sad Sadness Song/ATMF Records) Like the most vivid and complex of dreams, Griseus by Aquilus is a thrilling collage of sound that will enchant the senses. Best described as atmospheric metal, imagine the elite black metal intensity of Emperor mixed with the cinematic inventions... more

Ministry

Relapse by Ministry (AFM / 13th Planet Records) Bands call it quits and a few years later return.  This happens all the time.  Whether it is because of the money offered for live shows, contracts with labels the band just can’t get out of or even just reigniting that spark and camaraderie that... more

Pelican

Ataraxia/Taraxis EP by Pelican (Southern Lord Records) In just four short tracks instrumental rock band Pelican take us places previously unexplored.  The EP begins with Ataraxia, a drumless number based on a repetitive bell-like keyboard riff and acoustic guitar strummings floating on a bed of bass... more

Meshuggah

Koloss by Meshuggah (Nuclear Blast Records) Meshuggah return with another 50 minutes 0f heavy as hell corroded metal for your neck surgeon’s pleasure. Meshuggah are one of the most refined yet extreme bands out there.  On one level you can let all your troubles fall like sweat to the mosh pit... more

The Burial

Lights and Perfections by The Burial (Facedown Records) For a slab of sheer technical metal brilliance, Lights And Perfections by The Burial is a dynamic endeavor well worth seeking out. Fans of acts such as The Black Dahlia Murder and The Faceless are sure to be intrigued by the skillful extreme artistry... more

Borknagar

Urd by Borknagar (Century Media Records) Sophisticated, immeasurably progressive and absolutely metallic, Urd by Borknagar presents an adventure of cosmic proportions that is wondrous to experience. Their ninth magnum opus to date, Urd finds Borknagar at the very height of their collective genius. Øystein... more

Adverse

Mark My Words by Adverse (Self-released EP) The Los Angeles area continues to be a place to find the very best in local music, thriving with bands ready to take it on the road and go national. Nowadays, all that is required is talent, good songs, and a constant Internet presence – record label representation... more

Machine Head, The Avalon – Hollywood, CA, February 17, 2012

Machine Head at the Avalon, February 17, 2012 Fans got the most metal for their money at the Avalon this February Friday.  The show started at the very un-metal time of 6pm with opening bands Darkest Hour and Suicide Silence and Machine Head on at 8:20.  I made it in time for the headliners and the... more

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