The Reckoning by Burning Twilight (BlkHeart Music Group)

To begin with, this release marks the debut of two entities destined to gain a good deal of attention on the national hardcore/metal arena. The Reckoning by Burning Twilight marks the first release of both the band and it’s label. Founded by Jason Mageau of Malus Clothing, the BlkHeart Music Group is an organization on a mission to sign the very best that the national music scene has to offer. The first signings included Destruction Of A Rose out of Las Vegas and No Bragging Rights from Riverside, CA. Burning Twilight from Washington State may be a more recent signing, but they’re the first to have product out. And judging by the intensive sounds emitting from The Reckoning, it is obvious that both band and label mean some serious business!

The seven songs featured on The Reckoning present a perfect introduction to Burning Twilight. Combining heavier than hell interludes with highly memorable choruses and a hint more progressive elements, Burning Twilight has come up with a winning combination. Exuding a good deal of passion and conviction in the material, the listener is sure to be enriched by what this resourceful band has to offer.

Based on the spiritual side of the spectrum, Burning Twilight present a compelling vision through their driving music and expressive lyrical content. The disc kicks into high gear with The Resolve Of Cowards, with the “Who do you think you are?” chorus destined to be chanted along with at venues all across the country. Jericho is up next, a top track guaranteed to send any mosh pit into ferocious overdrive.

“We need to pull together, we can’t lose this fight,” is the rally cry for Since We’re On Our Way Down, an spirited anthem that should really fire up the listener. Blood And Thunder is another inspiring track that will send the adrenaline rushing while Peacemaker is an all-out assault to the senses that will leave you reeling with its sheer force.

A real surprise on The Reckoning is The Runaway, a power ballad of sorts mixed with screamed passages that sends the imaginative material soaring. A devastating, highly introspective track and surely one of the EP’s most memorable. The Outro starts of as quiet and solemn; yet spirals into a mighty atmospheric crescendo.

Extremely heartfelt and at times downright adventurous, The Reckoning is a stunning prologue from a band we’ll surely be hearing a lot more from with the passing of time. Comparisons to bands such as Underoath and The Devil Wears Prada may abound, but Burning Twilight definitely possesses an identity all their own, with influences going well beyond anything known as “metalcore.”

The Burning Twilight lineup consists of Justin Knoll on vocals, JJ Hamilton and Daniel Baker on guitars and vocals, Marc Hamilton on bass, and James Hamilton on drums. Highly recommended!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Burning Twilight on Myspace

BlkHeart Music Group on Myspace

Reborn In Host by Buildings (Self-released EP)

Buildings is a band from Orange County, New York whose imaginative rock symphonies go well above and beyond what’s normally expected from even a post hardcore band. Managing to be hypnotic and sweeping while maintaining a prevailing sense of heaviness, the five songs on their debut EP Reborn In Host are nothing short of stunning. Shades of Norma Jean and Underoath abound, but influences such as Cave In and possibly Codeseven make for a wildly diverse, yet ultimately cohesive sound.

The sonic journey commences with the wondrous Illuminate, weaving a tapestry of radiant artistry, instantly showing just how compelling and at times brutal their music can be. The Accuser is a swirling wall of sound that is vivid, introspective, and filled with a sense of wonder.

The Constructor’s Collide is another devastating mixture of sweeping sound that absolutely soars.  Opaque: Separation starts off like a dirty kick to the head and quickly dispatches the listener into sensory overload. The whole aural construction ends way too soon with Consider Her Right – a grand finale that will make you instantly want to experience the joys of Reborn In Host all over again. With a work this complex, repeated listening is a definitive requirement.

With an army of cookie cutter hardcore bands infesting the overburdened circuits of Myspace, it is rare to come across a band as compelling and imaginative as Buildings. Kudos at first must go to guitarist and programmer Josh, who fills the air with a crashing wall of visionary sound. Also joining in, supplying highly effective axe work is Matt, while Pat on bass and Jesse on drums make for a persuasive rhythm section. And then there’s vocalist Ricky, excelling at clean, spellbinding singing as well as severely screamed vocals. Together, Buildings as an unbeatable collective – and surely one of the most interesting of the post hardcore bands this reviewer has come across in quite some time.

Reborn In Host is a dramatic introduction to be sure – one that is destined to turn more than a few heads – including those who might be able to get the band signed. With an EP this outstanding, it will be interesting to see what type of sounds these guys construct next. If music as an art can launch one to greater heights, a better name for the subtly named Buildings would be Skyscrapers. Listen to this one on your headphones on for maximum impact…

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Buildings on Myspace

A Little Messed Up by The Dollyrots (Blackheart Records)

It is clear that the year 2010 will be a memorable one for The Dollyrots. The band made a much lauded guest appearance on The Price Is Right, and hung out with host Drew Carey for the day. And then they traded the company of a game show host for that of definitive punk rock legends. Touring the entire country in support of Pete Shelley and the Buzzcocks, The Dollyrots were playing to many whom were hearing their rambunctious punk rock melodies for the very first time. And now their third album, A Little Messed Up, has been unleashed and it’s an absolute stunner!

A boatload of noted producers participated on the making of the album, including Fred Archambault (Avenged Sevenfold), Chris Testa (Jimmy Eat World, Dixie Chicks), Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Replacements) and a whole lot more. And even in spite of all the hands in the mix, the sound and attitude remains exclusively Dollyrots – able to work with the very best and come up with something truly unique and all their own! The 13 tracks on A Little Messed Up are mighty punk rock anthems, many of which you’ll be singing long after the disc spins to its glorious conclusion.

Rock Control opens A Little Messed Up on a wildly infectious note, a great big song that should have their fans screaming along in pits all across the nation. Some Girls is a bright and sassy tune of arena-sized proportions that is  groovy Ramones-like fun. And then there’s California Beach Boy, where two Southland cultures clash with amusing, harmonic results.

Roller Coaster is an oddly effective ballad, showing a diverse side to the Dollyrots sound. My Heart Explodes and the grand title continue to show the Dollyrots gifted knack for writing the perfect punk rock song. And then there’s the ferocious Bigmouth, an attitude-ridden rocker in the grand tradition of the Blondie classic Rip Her To Shreds.

Coming After You should be the theme song of empowerment for all made to feel weird and gawky by their more “trendy” peers. “So done with playing nice, do you hear me, this ones for you,” sneers the song with a ferocious sense of conviction and perhaps revenge.

Let’s Be In Love is sweet and primal, with the Dollyrots vocalist Kelly Ogden letting out a fierce growl at the beginning of the song. Just Like Chocolate is cool and seductive while closing track On Nom Nom is a deliciously brilliant cut whose sweet choruses are good enough to eat!

The aforementioned Kelly Ogden (also on bass) possesses a good deal of charisma and presence, delivering the vocals with a fierce sense of irony and drive. She is definitely one of the most underrated front-women in the punk rock scene today. The trio is rounded out by the tremendous contributions of Luis Cabezas (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). Together, they will be forever known as the Dollyrots, and they will remain AWESOME for not only now, but the bittersweet rock and roll years to come!

A Little Messed Up is the second Dollyrots slab of tunes to be released by Blackheart Records – owned by none other than punk rock legend Joan Jett! Along with their previous albums Eat Your Heart Out and Because I’m Awesome, The Dollyrots has amassed a thrilling collection of timeless punk rock songs. If The Ramones and the Go-Go’s were to have a hot monster child from a super illicit encounter, it would turn out a lot like the Dollyrots. High energy, badass fun from a band destined to finally make their way to the top!!!

“Some girls will, some girls wanna, some girls might, some girls are gonna, but I don’t…” – just try to get that one out of your head! Cuz with songs this charming and mischievous, you won’t wanna…

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

The Dollyrots on Myspace

Diamonds by Enforcer (Heavy Artillery Records)

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) returns with a screaming vengeance, thanks to newer bands like Enforcer who convey an unrivaled passion and conviction into the glorious movement. Based out of the very metal country of Sweden, Enforcer is a relentless musical force in the grand tradition of Priest and Maiden – and even with that being said – the band brings their own fiery stamp to the proceedings, coming up with metal gems for a whole new generation of headbangers the world over. Diamonds is their second release to date – a magnum opus of 10 songs guaranteed to gain them a fortune of fans well beyond their Scandinavian homeland.

Kicking off the proceedings with the wild and rockin’ strains of Midnight Vice, the old school is new and vibrant once again. Roll The Dice and Katana are thrilling cuts of perfection, destined to be crowd favorites when performed live. Other tracks of distinction include the dynamic thrills found within Running With Menace, the all-out assault of the mighty Walk With Me, and the pure thrashin’ sounds of Take Me To Hell.

First and foremost, the dual guitar attack presented by Adam Zaars and Joseph Tholl is the heavy stuff that metal legends are made of. The rhythm section pulls absolutely no punches, brought to you with skilled precision by bassist Tobias Lindkvist and drummer Jonas Wikstrand. And then belting out the lyrics with a fiery sense of conviction is Olaf Wikstrand, whose charisma and passion oozes out all over the compositions. As a collective, Enforcer is unbeatable and ready to bring the exuberance and grandeur back to the metal masses all over the world.

They’ve already toured the States once, including a show at the sorely missed Black Castle in Los Angeles. Here’s hoping Enforcer may bring the party back to North America for another round of pure metal excellence. In the meantime, take a gamble on the High Rollers of Enforcer and mine these carefully crafted heavy metal Diamonds! And while you’re at it, check out their first album Into The Night as well. Old school metal is still burning bright in the year 2010!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Enforcer on Myspace

Heavy Artillery Home Page

The Best Part e.p. by Kiernan McMullan (About Sound Records)

Kiernan McMullan is a gifted singer/songwriter who has lived in Hong Kong, Ireland, and Austrialia, and now calls the vast roads of the United States his home. He’s toured all over the world, and has opened for the likes of LFO, Rookie Of The Year, and Never Shout Never. The Best Part e.p. is his second recording – a collection of acoustic songs that are passionate and introspective. An apt follow-up to his brilliant first release Perfect People Are Boring, The Best Part is required listening for fans of artists as diverse as John Mayer and Elliott Smith. Quite a comparison to be sure, but the best way to get to know the intricate work of Kiernan McMullan is to simply give a listen.

There is a sense of worldly wisdom and hope to be found on the EP. Will You Be Gone is a splendid opening track, instantly reeling the listening in with it’s wonderfully effective “by the time that I make it home…” chorus. Running On Empty is a pensive look about life on the road and the various people you encounter on your way to a destination undetermined. “Man I’m too young to be unhappy,” the songwriter reveals about the probability of finally discovering the end of the road.

Comfort In Hope is beautiful and wistful, showing a romantic yet cautious optimism with the piece. Tonight is bluesy and thoughtful, about those cherished and rare moments sharing time with one that you love.

The title track has some pretty reflective lyrics, including, “Be happy, they tell me, of course it doesn’t last, but that’s no reason just to disengage the past.” And then there’s the concluding strains of Fast Food And Slow Cars, a personal testament of relationships in this modern disposable age. There is so much going on within McMullan’s lyrical content, gripping and filled with bittersweet sentiments that many will be able to relate with.

The Best Part e.p. may indeed be acoustic, but the songs are embroidered with McMullen’s fervent vocal delivery – a trademark that is sure to gain the artist a lot of admiration and respect. These reflections on life and the world of an artist on the road are profound and sure to tug at the heartstrings of those who like their musical content laced with vivid insight and life experience. Judging by what’s heard on The Best Part and his previous full band effort Perfect People Are Boring, Kiernan McMullen is sure to see all the difficult days and nights on the road finally pay off big time.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Kiernan McMullan on Myspace

We Are… by My Girl Friday (Self-released EP)

My Girl Friday is a up-and-coming pop/punk band from Arizona whose infectious songs and energetic live performances are beginning to gain them a good deal of notice outside of the scorching desert oasis. The band recently played at the Warped Tour in their Phoenix hometown, and undoubtedly heated up the already stifling weather with their super cool set. The collective’s latest EP is entitled We Are… – seven songs of pop rock anthems that you’ll want to listen to time and again. Fans of All Time Low and A Change Of Pace are destined to meet their new favorite band when encountering what My Girl Friday has to offer.

First up on the disc is All The Girls, featuring a great big chorus that should have audiences rambunctiously singing along. I Like possesses the stuff that hit songs are made of – an impressive tune that would be outstanding to hear on the radio airwaves.

She’s Everything continues to show the band’s wonderful knack of writing the perfect pop song. Can’t Stop Loving You is an effective mid-tempo ballad revealing a keen diversity within the band’s sound. Then the party kicks back into rockin’ high gear with the steamy yet playful Hotel Room Queen.

I Don’t Want To Wait is a slab of Goo Goo Dolls-like perfection while closing title track We Are ends the party on a gloriously striking note. There isn’t a clunker in the bunch – just a short collection of tunes you’ll want to jam in your car while speeding on the highway or play at full volume during your next big gathering of good friends.

We Are… by My Girl Friday is the perfect soundtrack to summer – or any time of the year for that matter – created by an exceptional group of musicians. Justin Godsey is the classic, highly charismatic front man, delivering the vocals with a strong sense of enthusiasm and conviction. Dueling guitarists Logan Thayer and Tyler Horton supply a dynamic wall of sound while Ryan Steele on bass and Josh Hollister on drums make for a highly accomplished rhythm section. Dan Parker from A Change Of Pace recorded all the songs on We Are… with skilled precision. Expect My Girl Friday to generate a good deal of label interest with this one – in the meantime, check out what this talented band has to offer and catch up with a rising star…

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

My Girl Friday on Myspace

Self-Titled by Josiah Gentry (Self-released CD)

At 16 years of age, Josiah Gentry has released his second disc of tunes that is guaranteed to bring this young talent a good deal of notice outside of his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. Even though fans of Dashboard Confessional and Owl City are sure to discover a brand new favorite artist here, there is no denying just how much of an original Josiah Gentry really us. Exuding both a strong sense of sincerity mixed with an endearing quirkiness, Gentry possesses a winning combination to be sure.

The disc opens with the wistful refrains of GI Rockstars, a fond tribute Gentry delivers to the people of his Grand Rapids hometown. Like Summer shows an unpredictable side to Gentry’s songwriting, featuring Owl City-like electronics and then segueing into a sweet love song for someone very special in his life.

The Other Side is a short trip-hop blast, showing the sheer diversity of Gentry’s music. Don’t Break My Heart is absolutely poignant, and should really touch the heartstrings of even the most world weary of music aficionados. The Old Version Of Me is sentimental and melancholic, with subtle violins and a beautiful co-vocal by Erika Lopez that sends the material soaring.

Concept is ominous and haunting, yet ultimately inspiring. Oh My Beating Heart is a bit on the Never Shout Never / Bright Eyes side – a superb song that will be spinning in your head with a relentless fervor. And then there’s the deeply personal Family, a prayer with a sense of urgency that has a tremendously moving back-story to it.

I’m Losing My Mind from Gentry’s debut album You Lips Say It All has returned with a sweet vengeance.  Expanded upon with a trip-hop soundtrack and cynical yet witty Elliott Smith-like lyrics such as “Listen to my words, you’re really quite cute, but you’re the kind of a girl, a killer might shoot for fun,” – the song is a killer standout track that is wildly infectious beyond belief.

Rambunctious is an introspective track that shows the artist wise well beyond in years when it comes to perils in a relationship. Guys Like Me Aren’t Allowed To Write Songs Like These also returns from Your Lips Say It All, re-record with a strong sense of passion as well as a stunning guest vocal appearance by Charla Bultman that interweaves brilliantly with the material.

13 tracks plus a hidden bonus in all, Josiah Gentry’s self-titled CD is as welcomed as a gentle breeze in the dead heat of summer. The kind of recording that signals “breakthrough” and gains notice from musical fans and record labels alike, it will be exciting to see what the rest of the year has in store for Josiah Gentry. A remarkably talented individual whose folk inspired pop is absolutely timeless.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Josiah Gentry on Myspace

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Senioritis by Dylan Owen (Self-released CD)

Dylan Owen is an 18-year-old up-and-coming hip-hop artist from Orange County, NY who has experienced a pretty exciting year.  He’s opened for Asher Roth several months ago and recently performed a well-received set at the famed Bamboozle Festival in New Jersey. After two promising EP’s, Owen has released a full length effort entitled Senioritis – and one could easily call this a promise thoroughly fulfilled. Fans of Sage Francis and the aforementioned Asher Roth should really enjoy the depth and honesty found within the 13 noteworthy tracks on Senioritis.

An album documenting the final year of High School and moving on to an uncertain future without looking back, Senioritis is sure to hit an emotional chord with music fans from all walks of life. The disc opens with Book Report, a compelling introduction into the world of Dylan Owen that should instantly reel the listener in with its stark honesty. “We’re the suicide kids, we only think about ourselves,” rap Owen in the song, recalling tumultuous times of the past and looking to the future with cautious optimism.

Postcards is up next –a wonderfully catchy tune that has a good deal of hit single potential. On this song, songwriter Jesse Denaro joins Owen, and they make for a winning combination of rap and smooth yet stylish vocals.

Old Armor is sentimental and introspective, featuring the telling lyrics “My heart is as big as an elephant knocking at your door, but I don’t knock there anymore.”

A highlight on Senioritis is definitely the emotionally driven Garden Of The Gods, a powerful cut guaranteed to move even the most cynical. “I will take you home like a designated driver,” raps Owen in the most poignant track on the CD.

There is also a good deal of fun to be had on the disc, as the rambunctious Spirit Week is a “drinking song” that would surely liven up any party. This track features scratches by DJ Prime, who has worked with talents such as Asher Roth, 3oh3!, and LMFAO.

In It For The Love is hip-hop near the level of Eminen, with Owen combining forces with Rhode Island rap artist Symmetry, coming up with one of the most groovin’ tracks on the album.

The ironically titled Kiss My Ass Goodbye is another thrilling collaborating – an attitude-driven composition featuring a magnetic guest appearance by Mac Lethal – who is the co-founder of Black Clover Records. Best Things is a top cut. featuring a guest appearance by A-Game, another talented East Coast rapper well worth checking into.

The last two songs I’m Still Spinning and the title track sum up Senioritis on an introspective note, saluting the past as well as the “roads that we’ll soon be takin’ with a robust sense of anticipation. Owen will certainly find himself “Moving on to bigger and better things” – and Senioritis is an inspired documentation of a magical time in the life of a gifted indie rapper whose brilliant career is all but guaranteed.

Album credits you should know: The beats were mostly made by Nico Marchese from Goshen NY, excluding two by Devin Arne (a long time collaborator with Dylan Owen), one by Son Sound, and one by Mac Lethal. The album was entirely engineered by Devin Arne in Miami, Florida. It was mastered entirely by Frank Turbe in LA. Highly recommended!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Dylan Owen on Myspace

Dylan Owen Official Website

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Vîrstele Pămîntului by Negură Bunget (Code 666 Records/Aural Music)

Last year, the classic lineup of Negură Bunget completed Măiestrit a re-imagining of an earlier work entitled Măiastru Sfetnic. This would be the last time the trio would work together, as the old irreconcilable differences pretty much tore the band apart. All that remained from the original lineup was drummer Negru – and instead of languishing in utter obscurity, Negru went ahead and assembled a whole new membership of musicians. Judging by what’s heard on their latest offering Vîrstele Pămîntului, a true renaissance has begun – a melding of like-minded individuals coming up with a work of dark art that is absolutely staggering in scope. Based out of the historic and mysterious country known as Romania, there is much darkness and intrigue to be found within the nine gripping compositions.

Translated as “The Ages Of The Land/Earth,” Vîrstele Pămîntului is an album about embracing your destiny, and even though it’s recorded in their native language, there is no denying the power and passion the songs maintain. Starting off with the haunting pan whistle refrains of Pamint, the masterworks are simply wondrous to behold. Bringing the traveler into the mystical world of Transylvania, Negură Bunget manage to send one on a spiritual journey of sound tapestries that are grand and majestic.  Progressive without being pretentious, calling what Negură Bunget achieves “Black Metal” (or any confining label at all) is only simplifying the overall listening experience.

Those into the complex, visionary work from the Negură Bunget of yore will not be disappointed. Vîrstele Pămîntului is an epic that stands an impressive continuation of the band’s musical journey.  From the impassioned strains of Dacia Hiperboreana to the somber otherworldly melodies of Întoarcerea Amurgului, Vîrstele Pămîntului is bound to become a favorite for those who demand to be challenged and enlightened by their own personal musical selections.

There is plenty is celebrate about with Negură Bunget in the year 2010 – and with Vîrstele Pămîntului, the newly revamped band has delivered an awe-inspiring masterpiece cementing their already glorious legacy.

The Negură Bunget collective for this new and wondrous age includes Ageru Pamintului – vocals, percussions, plus folk / archaic instruments, Inia Dinia on keyboards, Corb on vocals and guitars, Spin on guitars,  Gadinet in bass, and of course the enigmatic Negru on drums, percussion, and archaic instruments. A significant work of dark artistry from the metal underground.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Negură Bunget on Myspace

Live In Montreal, Marillion Weekend 2009 by Sun Domingo (Rock Ridge Records)

Sun Domingo is the little Atlanta, GA band that could. Live in Montreal is a live document of two nights opening for Marillion and according to the liner notes was a dream come true to play with the legendary band after many years of effort and growth. The band perform eight of the ten songs from their debut album The World’s Alive plus two choice covers (more on those later). In the studio you only get a taste of the band’s dynamics but they’re road horses and they really shine on stage.

Their set opens with a nod to Rush’s Show Don’t Tell in New Love City, a sweetly rocking song with Jason Pomar’s smoky vocals, followed by Saint Teresa, a slinky number with Pomar’s resonating bass and Edgel Groves Jr.’s tasteful guitar putting you in a pleasant mood. But before you think Sun Domingo are a soft rock group, Groves pulls out a tough solo. What Sun Domingo do well is build a warmth in their sound, hugging your ears with harmonized vocals, fingered bass strings, melodic guitar leads and a flavorful mid tempo drums from Nathan Lathouse.

Pomar wraps his voice around Sweetest and Saddest like he’s been anguished for days, tugging on your heartstrings, hitting the highs and lows with emotion. Groves gets the spotlight on the Crowded House song Fingers of Love with his bluesy performance and fiery solos. Mad Maze is an intricate and stunning instrumental with Lathouse really letting loose on his kit. Sun Domingo again tear it up on Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, perhaps a fitting choice considering they’re a US band playing in Canada with a British headliner. Pomar ably hits those Plant high notes, his bass rumbling along with Groves’ epic guitars and Lathouse playing like a man possessed.

Sun Domingo wrap up their set with Something Face, the hardest track on their studio album, leaving the audience breathless yet wanting more as Groves slides his pick to the highest chords and Lathouse builds the energy even higher, right into a drum solo, the audience cheering along!

Sun Domingo will floor you with their passion and expert playing, revitalizing your love for music in this wasteland of “pop” and Live in Montreal is the place to start bringing back that love. (www.sundomingo.com)

(Review by Bret Miller)