Motorhead
“Aftershock”
Label: UDR GmbH
Producer: Cameron Webb
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Aftershock” is the latest release from heavy metal heroes Motorhead. The 3 piece group which has been making heads bang since 1975 are back with their 21st release. Simply titled “Aftershock” the album incorporates Lemmy and company’s standard blitzkrieg approach with elements of rhythm and blues which takes the listeners senses on a musical marathon. Produced by Cameron Webb the album features 14 brand new tracks which are welcome additions to the always growing Motorhead catalog.

From the word go “Aftershock” hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until well after the finish line. The album kicks off with the adrenaline fueled “Heartbreaker” which gives way to songs like “Lost Woman Blues” which features a groovy blues feel before the album catapults you back to reality with songs like “Do You Believe” and “Queen of the Damned” before wrapping up with the four on the floor rocker “Paralyzed. Each of the members of Motorhead seem to only get better year after year and despite bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister’s recent health scare the band shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Veteran producer Cameron Webb continues to do what he does best as he is able to capture of nuance of the bands signature sound.

Though “Aftershock” might not be in the same league as albums like “Ace of Spades” or 2000’s “We Are Motorhead” but it’s certainly pretty close. Long time listeners and frequent Hot Topic shoppers were definitely want to give this album a listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Heartbreaker
2.) Coupe de Grace
3.) Lost Woman Blues
4.) End of Time
5.) Do You Believe
6.) Death Machine
7.) Dust and Glass
8.) Going to Mexico
9.) Silence When You Speak to Me
10.) Crying Shame
11.) Queen of the Damned
12.) Knife
13.) Keep Your Powder Dry
14.) Paralyzed

Related Content

• CD Review: Alter Bridge “Fortress”
• CD Review: Satyricon “Satyricon”
• CD Review: Leslie West “Still Climbing”
• CD Review: GWAR “Battle Maximus”
• CD Review: Revocation “Revocation”

Emerson Lake & Palmer
Live In Montreal, 1977”
Shout Factory
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The 70’s super group Emerson Lake & Palmer are back with a new edition to their already impressive live CD catalog. “Live in Montreal, 1977” captures the band during the last show of their “Works” tour which featured a 70 piece orchestra. The re-mastered 2 disc album is the first official recording from this widely popular performance which is being release via Shout Factory.

Over the last few years a number of these live releases have become available to the public. For me they almost always miss their mark and this one was no exception. Emerson Lake & Palmer’s “Live in Montreal, 1977 is cluttered mix of crowd noise and over instrumentation. At several points throughout my listen I needed to stop and ask myself just what was I listening to? Knowing ELP’s history as an experimental 70’s jam band I had somewhat of an idea of what to expect but I definitely was not fully prepared. The 70 piece orchestra concept certainly adds to this performance but for me it was just too much. The overall sound of the album is quite tinny and lacking in bottom end however I did enjoy the performance of “Lucky Man” which features a cool shimmery chorus type guitar sound that compliments Greg Lake’s vocals.

If you are a big Emerson Lake & Palmer fan or attended this specific show you most likely will want to pick up a copy of this album as it serves a great example for 70’s experimental music. However if you’re looking for an album to throw on and kick back to then this probably isn’t the record for you.

Track Listing:
Disc 1:
1.) Abaddon’s Bolero
2.) Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression Part 2
3.) The Enemy God Dances with The Black Spirits
4.) C’est La Vie
5.) Lucky Man
6.) Picture at an Exhibition
7.) Piano Concerto No. 1, 3rd Movement
8.) Closer to Believing

Disc 2:
1.) Knife Edge
2.) Tank
3.) Nutrocker
4.) Pirates
5.) Fanfare For the Common Man (Including Rondo)

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• CD Review: Korn “The Paradigm Shift”
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• Blu-ray/CD Review: Black Label Society “Unblackened”
• CD Review: Nine Inch Nails “Hesitation Marks”

Korn
“The Paradigm Shift”
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Label: Prospect Park (Universal)
Total Length: 42:53

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

It is crazy to think but I have been Korn fan for over 15 years. I have always been a fan of their albums. I was really hoping that “The Paradigm Shift” was going to continue that trend but I felt like it a bit of the same. I listened to the album about 10 times over before writing this and I just wasn’t blown away. I liked it but it didn’t really stand out to me. When I listen to an album, I look for a songs that make me stop what I am doing and actually listen.  This album works as background music but nothing overall special.

“The Paradigm Shift” is an important landmark for the band though since this album marks the first time that Brian ‘Head’ Welch has recorded with the band since their 2003 album “Take A Look In The Mirror” (also one of my favorite albums). He was always one of my favorites and recently returned to the bad after his religious departure years ago. I read a bunch of article online about this album that they delivered a new song and approach to their songs but I thought felt like it is typical Korn. I have to admit that the album does get a kick-ass start with “Prey for Me” and even “Love & Meth” is a sweet track but after that it just sort of blend together for me.

Track Listing:
1. Prey For Me
2. Love & Meth
3. What We Do
4. Spike In My Veins
5. Mass Hysteria
6. Paranoid And Aroused
7. Never Never
8. Punishment Time
9. Lullaby For A Sadist
10. Victimized
11. It’s All Wrong

Alter Bridge
“Fortress”
Universal
Producer: Michael Baskette
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s been three years since the boys in Alter Bridge have released a new album and the wait is finally over! The group’s new album “Fortress” features 12 hard rocking numbers that follow closely in the footsteps of the bands previous releases “AB III” and “Black Bird”. Michael “Elvis” Baskette was once again chosen to man the role of producer for the album which is being released via Universal.

“Fortress” hits the ground running with the explosive opener “Addicted to Pain” which teeters on the verge of metal as guitarist Mark Tremonti lays down some heavy riffage while vocalist Myles Kennedy displays a vocal range that could rival that of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson. The album continues its heavy approach with tracks like “Bleed it Dry”, “Cry a River” and “Farther Than the Sun” before giving way to more melodic numbers such as “All Ends Well” and “Lover”. The overall sound and production of the album is crisp and clear making each of the 12 performances enjoyable to listen to even for the most casual of listeners

Sometimes when bands use the same producer time and time again their sound and style starts to become complacent however Alter Bridge and Michael Baskette have broken that norm with “Fortress”. The album is powerful and does a good job showcasing the bands talent which in my opinion has been elevated to the next level. There were a times that I think Kennedy could have scaled some of his vocal performances back which would have allowed things to sit in the pocket better however when you have a range as wide as his you can’t totally fault the guy for using it. Hardcore Alter Bridge fans will certainly want to pick this release up as will any true fan of hard rock music.

Track Listing:
1.) Addicted to Pain
2.) All Ends Well
3.) Bleed It Dry
4.) Calm the Fire
5.) Cry a River
6.) Cry of Achilles
7.) Farther Than the Sun
8.) Fortress
9.) Lover
10.) Peace is Broken
11.) The Uninvited
12.) Waters Rising

Panic! at the Disco
“Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die”
Produced by: Butch Walker
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Label: Atlantic Records

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I was introduced to this band by my cousin back in 2005 with their album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out”. The album has never left my phone over the years and is one of my favorites to rock out to. Unfortunately, I have felt that band has never really taken it up a notch since that album. I thought that they changed their sound too much with “Pretty. Odd”. I actually did like a few tracks on “Vices & Virtues” but nothing memorable. “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die” still doesn’t top the band’s 2005 album either but I feel that it comes the closest since and has been a blast to listen to.

First of all, I had a feeling this album was going to rock just being it has a wicked cool title. If you are a Hunter S. Thompson fan than you will enjoy that “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die” comes from his book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. Easily one of my favorite quote of all-time. The album really brings up the energy that the band had with “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” and also tries a few different tricks, most successfully with “Miss Jackson” which is a funky yet rockin’ track.

The album is produced by Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, Weezer). I love the energy in the tracks like “Vegas Lights” and “Nicotine”. But I have to give the most risky song on the album, “The End Of All Things”, props since it feels really personal and delivers on an emotional level. I would say if you haven’t been big on this band or are just finding this, this album is definitely worth taking a look at. I do warn you though get ready since from the very first track, this album kicks off and doesn’t look back until after it’s over.

Track Listing:
1. This Is Gospel
2. Miss Jackson (feat. Lolo)
3. Vegas Lights
4. Girl That You Love
5. Nicotine
6. Girls/Girls/Boys
7. Casual Affair
8. Far Too Young To Die
9. Collar Full
10. The End Of All Things

Satyricon
“Satyricon”
Nuclear Blast
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Norwegian black metalists Satyricon are back with their first new album in 5 years. Simply titled “Satyricon” the 10 track album being released via Nuclear Blast Records is a unique spin on black metal. A haunting piece of work that blends Black Sabbath type guitar lines, bombastic double bass beats and Nordic themed vocal lines. “Satyricon” forges new ground in the extreme world of black metal.

Recorded entirely on analog equipment each of the tracks are fresh and new while featuring a warm vintage sound that even the most hardcore audiophile can appreciate. Tracks such as “Our World, It Rumbles Tonight” and “Nekrohaven” blast through your speakers assaulting your ears with reckless abandonment while tracks like “The Infinity of Time and Space” and “Natt” feature slower paced melodic arrangements that are equally heavy but in an entirely new way.

The thing that grabbed my attention most about this album was that even though the tracks seemed scaled back production wise each track was overflowing with sound and texture making the album an interesting listen. I did find some of the bass drum beats to be a bit generic which at times pulled my attention away from the core of the song. Don’t get me wrong double bass is awesome but give us a little variety. “Satyricon” still may be a bit dark for casual listeners while hardcore black metal fans may find it a bit soft.

Track Listing:
1.)     Voice of Shadows
2.)     Tro og Kraft
3.)     Our World, It Rumbles Tonight
4.)     Nocturnal Flare
5.)     Phoenix
6.)     Walker Upon the Wind
7.)     Nekrohaven
8.)     Ageless Northern Spirit
9.)     The Infinity of Time and Space
10.)   Natt

Leslie West
“Still Climbing”
Provogue
Producer: Leslie West/Mike Goldberg
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Legendary Mountain front man Leslie West is back with a new solo album titled “Still Climbing”. The 15th release from the 68 year old West is probably his most progressive yet as the album covers everything from hard rock and soul to straight up rhythm and blues.  The album which was co-produced by West and Mike “Metal” Goldberg is being released via Provogue Records and features 10 brand new tracks along with a cover of “When a Man Loves a Woman” which was originally recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966.

Right out of the gate Leslie and his guitar grab you with the track “Dyin’ Since the Day I Was Born”.  The song is a down and dirty hard rocking tune that is the perfect stage for West’s grainy vocals and signature guitar style. As the album progresses Leslie takes you on a musical journey hitting a wide genre of sounds which make this album appealing on a number of different levels. The song “Tales of Woe” is a semi acoustic number that seems to tap in to the darker side of West’s life experiences. The haunting slide guitar featured on and off through the song does a great job playing of the song’s lyrics adding an almost weeping type effect. The song “Don’t Ever Let Me Go” features a catchy guitar line that that gets stuck in your head in the same way a pop song might. One other track worth mentioning is “Feeling Good” which features some impressive dueling vocal lines courtesy of Mr. West and Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider. Even though the pairing may sound a little out there it works.

Fans of Leslies work will certainly want to pick up “Still Climbing” as part of their collection however the album is more than just for West’s devoted fans as it features great arrangements and performances by West and company that any music lover will be sure to enjoy

Track Listing:
1.)     Dyin’ Since The Day I Was Born
2.)     Busted, Disgusted or Dead
3.)     Fade Into You
4.)     Not Over You At All
5.)     Tales of Woe
6.)     Feeling Good
7.)     Hatfield or McCoy
8.)     When a Man Loves a Woman
9.)     Long Red
10.)   Don’t Ever Let Me Go
11.)    Rev Jones Time

Composer: Steven Price
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Running Time: 72 minutes
16 Tracks
Label: Watertower Music

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I saw the trailer to “Gravity”, I was just blown away. I knew it was going to be something special. I was really hoping that the score was going to be equally as amazing. I just had a feeling…and I was completely right! Already one of my favorite scores of the year, no question. The score is simple and calm yet packs a certain suspense and will keep you on your toes. Having seen the film already, you are able to visualize the score as it plays out in your head. It sets up the scene very well for the final tracks with are heart-pounding. I left this score on loop and it only gets better with each listen. Highly recommend this score.

Steven is definitely a composer to keep an eye out for. His previous work including 2011’s “Attack the Block” and this summer’s “The World’s End”.  I have to admit, I have not heard those scores but I know that I will be checking them out now for sure. I really like this style on this score and I think it really suits the movie very well.  For me if you are listening to the score and it makes you want to stop what you are doing and watch the movie then it has achieved its purpose. It is mysterious and calm like the dead of space and I really felt those themes in the music. I think that there is going to be a lot of greatness coming from this guy and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Composer: Joseph Bishara
Audio CD
Release Date: September 24, 2013)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Void Recordings
Total Length: 43 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first heard the score to “Insidious” back in 2011, I was blown away.  The score was absolutely terrifying. It really drove the film so well and perfectly executed each scare and left you hanging on the edge of your seat. When it comes to horror films, the score is so important and very few actually get it right. Joseph Bishara is one of my favorite composers as he knows what to do in order to bring the horror aspect to horror films. He has worked with director James Wan on now “Insidious” and “The Conjuring” and now this film. I loved both of those films and equally their respective scores. I have to admit though, I wasn’t a huge fan of “Insidious: Chapter 2” as a film but that doesn’t mean that Bishara didn’t completely rock it with this score.

In fact, this score was the real saving grace for me with “Insidious: Chapter 2”. Even though I didn’t find the second film scary at all, the score definitely stood out for me. In the first film, it really carried you and left you biting your nails. But even though the scares weren’t as pronounced as the first film it still added to the overall atmosphere. I felt it got a little lost while I was watching the film. Personally, I enjoyed this score much more at home on this CD listening to it while watching the film. So if you enjoyed the first score from Bishara and despite whether or not you liked the film, I would still recommend this CD because it really delivers what a horror score should sound like! Can’t wait to hear what he does next!

Track Listing:
1. Ghost photographs
2. inside your dream
3. the flickering entity
4. Insidious Chapter 2
5. you think I did this
6. new home
7. empty crib
8. empty home
9. had a bad dream
10. who behind eyes
11. Don’t You Dare
12. are you Here
13. only Ghosts left
14. this is My room
15. to Live again
16. Mater Mortis
17. putrid chamber
18. Further striking
19. feel real Pain
20. one of the Dead
21. the Mother
22. good little girl
23. closing Further
24. time to forget
25. new haunting
26. void figure 7 (ch2)

Black Label Society
“Unblackened”
eOne Music
Tracks: 23

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society is back with a new two disc live offering titled “Unblackened”. Recorded in stunning high definition during the band’s 2013 appearance at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA, the two disc CD/one disc Blu-Ray album showcases the bands reworking of some of Black Label Society’s most iconic tracks in a way they have never been performed before.

Along with Zakk Wylde on guitar/piano, bassist JD DeServio, long time BLS co-guitarist Nick Catanese, drummer Chad Szeliga, singer Greg Locascio and Derek Sherinian on keyboards/piano “Unblackened” is probably the best release to come out from The Doom Crew since the early 2000’s. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the lighter approach to songs that have been ingrained in to my head since I first started listening to Zakk however in my opinion this should have been the band’s sound from the start. Each track seems to breathe much better which also allows the rich instrumentation to remain clear and articulate (something that is often overshadowed by the group’s standard sludge like sound). Wylde’s voice on tracks like “Sold My Soul”, House of Doom” and “In This River” renews my faith in him as a front man as he showcases a unique vocal range that is quite a bit different than the Viking like gargling he has become known for.

Don’t let the idea of songs like “House of Doom” and “Stillborn being reworked into more acoustic renditions sway you from picking up a copy of this album as those songs along with the other 20 plus are equally crushing and still every bit Black Label Society. Though I appreciate the original recordings of each song which were reworked for “Unblackened” I can safely say that I like the new versions that much more. Another great thing about this release is that it is being released in a couple different formats some of which feature additional material and bonus tracks so no matter if you’re a devout vest wearing, chapter member of the Black Label Society or simply a music fan in general you will surely want to make some room in your collection for “Unblackened”.

Disc 1 Track Listing:
1.) Losin’ Your Mind
2.) The Blessed Hellride
3.) Sold My Soul
4.) Road Back Home
5.) Spoke In the Wheel
6.) House of Doom
7.) Queen of Sorrow
8.) Machine Gun Man
9.) Sweet Jesus
10.) In This River
11.) Throwin’ It All Away

Disc 2 Track Listing:
1.) Takillya (Estyabon)
2.) Won’t Find It Here
3.) Rust
4.) Speedball
5.) I Thank You Child
6.) Stillborn
7.) Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone
8.) Lovin’ Woman
9.) Queen of Sorrow (unplugged)
10.) Song For You
11.) Won’t Find It Here (unplugged)
12.) Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

GWAR
“Battle Maximus”
Metal Blade Records
Tracks: 13
Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

GWAR the rubber clad creatures from Antarctica are back with their 13th studio album titled “Battle Maximus”. The album is being released via Metal Blade Records and features 13 brand new tracks from the heavy metal group that have been slaying audiences and figure heads since the late 1980’s. When a band loses a member there are two things that can happen. The band can either replace that member and continue on or pack it in and call it quits. When Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus) guitarist and key song writer for the band passed away while the group was on tour in 2011 I was unsure how a role that large could be filled and if there ever would be new GWAR music again. Thankfully the group has decided to forge on and with the addition of Pustulus Maximus (Brent Purgason) Gwar has been able to not only carry on with their signature sludge like sound they have taken it to an entirely new level.

The album kicks off with an acoustic tinged intro featuring the always comical lyrical stylings of Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie) before blasting into “Madness at the Core of Time” which is a song done in typical GWAR fashion. The song also features several Iron Maiden type lead passages which were spot on. As the album continues to pulverize your senses you come across tracks such as “Nothing Left Alive” which features some stellar double bass technique courtesy of Jizmak (Brad Roberts) before making way for tracks such as “Torture” and “I, Bonesnapper” which gives GWAR’s always entertaining sidekick Bonesnapper a chance to strut his stuff and tell stories of his days on the Scum Dog slave ships. The album closes on several high notes such as “Falling” which features even more great solos and a trippy vibe reminiscent of “Dark Side of the Moon” before ending with the track “Fly Now” which upon close listen plays like a tribute to the bands fallen brother Flattus.

All the performances on “Battle Maximus” are well crafted and executed flawlessly. I have to give it to the groups newest members as with this being their first record with the band they are certainly worthy the Scum Dog armor in this writers eyes. GWAR fans both new and old will definitely want to grab a copy of this for their collection as it ushers in a new era for the wart covered creatures known as GWAR.

Track Listing:
1.) Intro
2.) Madness at the Core of Time
3.) Bloodbath
4.) Nothing Left Alive
5.) They Swallowed the Sun
6.) Torture
7.) Raped at Birth
8.) I, Bonesnapper
9.) Mr. Perfect
10.) Battle Maximus
11.) Triumph of the Pig Children
12.) Falling
13.) Fly Now

Hank3
“Brothers of the 4X4”
Hank3 Records
Producers: Hank3
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Brothers of the 4X4” is the 2nd and 3rd album being released by Hank3 on October 1st. The son of country music legend Hank Williams Jr. produced the 16 track 2 disc album that is being released via his own label Hank3 Records. The follow up release to 2011’s “3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin” and “Attention Deficit Domination”, “Brothers of the 4×4” is a down home traditional country album packed full of banjo’s, acoustic guitar, slide guitar and Hank3’s signature voice. The two disc album may be considered traditional by some in its approach the delivery remains unique and classic Hank3.

“Nearly Gone” which opens up disc one of “Brother of the 4×4” is a perfect example as the track consists of standard country instrumentation that is given its own spin with an overdriven vocal mix that gives the track an almost rock type feel. The track “Hurtin For Certin” features some amazing guitar picking from guest musician Johnny Highland while the song “Farthest Away” was my own personal favorite track as it reminds me of something you would hear on an old honkey tonk juke box with blown speakers. Hank3 certainly has his own version of country and though it differs greatly from that of his father and grandfathers its still country. Even if you may not be a huge Hank3 fan give “Brothers of the 4X4” a listen as there is a little something for everyone on there.

Track Listing Disc 1:
1.) Nearly Gone
2.) Hurtin For Certin
3.) Brothers of the 4X4
4.) Farthest Away
5.) Held Up
6.) Outdoor Plan
7.) Deep Scars
8.) Lookey Yonder Commin
9.) Ain’t Broken Down
10.) Overdrive
11.) Loners 4 life
12.) Dreadfull Drive

Track Listing Disc 2:
1.) Getting Dim
2.) Possum In a Tree
3.) Broken Boogie
4.) Toothpickin

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Hank3, here

Hank3
“A Fiendish Threat”
Hank3 Records
Producers: Hank3
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“A Fiendish Threat” is one of three albums being released by Hank3 on October 1st. The album was produced by Hank himself and features 13 rocking tunes that are being released via Hank’s label Hank3 Records. The follow up release to 2011’s “3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin” and “Attention Deficit Domination” “A Fiendish Threat” is an interesting take on punk rock. Picture the Misfits but without electric instruments and grease paint.

Each track features a dwelling sound that captures the listener’s attention just prior to Hanks twangy southern voice slapping you silly. The albums opening track “Can I Rip U” does a great job laying the foundation for what’s to come as it’s a full on four on the floor foot stomping number filled with angst that instantly makes you take notice. “Feel the Sting” is jammed packed with blazing fiddle solos and though it may not be a traditional punk instrument Hank and his band will instantly change that assumption.

“Your Floor” was probably my favorite track off the album as it features a eerie chorus/flange type effect mixed with spacey vocals that creep along at a slow yet steady pace before fading off into the distance.Fans of Hank3 are no strangers to his explorative nature when it comes to sound and “A Fiendish Threat” is no exception as the album blends everything from country to rockabilly to punk without missing a single beat.

Track Listing:
1.) Can I Rip U
2.) Different From The Rest
3.) There’s Another Road
4.) Broke Jaw
5.) Watchin U Suffer
6.) Breaking Free
7.) Face Down
8.) New Identity
9.) Feel the Sting
10.) Fight My Way
11.) Full On
12.) Your Floor
13.) A Fiendish Threat

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Hank3, here

Revocation
“Revocation”
Relapse Records
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Boston, Mass. natives Revocation are back with a brand new full length album titled “Revocation” The album which is being released via Relapse Records is the follow up release to the bands 2012 EP titled “Teratogenesis”. “Revocation” features 10 brand new tracks that were produced by Peter Rucho. Probably the bands most ambitious release yet “Revocation” fires on all cylinders and delivers nothing but death metal goodness over the course of the albums 10 tracks.

The albums opening track “The Hive” goes straight for the jugular both instrumentally and lyrically. “Arch Fiend” continues the albums break neck pace and features a really cool acoustic interlude which was the perfect transitions to the songs outro solo. The song “Fracked” was a person favorite of mine as it featured some interesting note choices and the lyrics seemed to poke fun at the often controversial subject of fracking. As the album works its way to a close you are blasted with the track “Invidious” which features several blazing banjo iriffs. Yes that’s right death metal banjo music! These little sections are what make this album really fun and unpredictable as you just never know what may be around the next corner. The album ends on a thunderous high note with the song “A Visitation”. Great instrumentation and vocals make this a solid track to end on as definitely made me want more.

If you are just finding out about the band or have been a fan for some time now be sure to get this album either in the standard format or the special edition format which features a cover of Metallica’s “Dyers Eve”

Track Listing:
1.) The Hive
2.) Scattering the Flock
3.) Arch Fiend
4.) Numbing Agents
5.) Fracked
6.) The Gift You Gave
7.) Invidious
8.) Spastic
9.) Entomed by Wealth
10.) A Visitation

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Nekrogoblikon
“Power”
Goblin Records
Producer: Nekrogoblikon
Tracks: 5

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The always entertaining Nekrogoblikon are back with a brand new EP release titled “Power”. The 5 song EP is the follow up release to the bands 2011 full-length album titled “Stench” which contained the song “No One Survives. The video for that song has garnered over 2 million hits on YouTube instantly catapulting the band and their music which they describe as “goblin-core” in to the spot light. The “Powercore” EP which was mixed by the band is being released via Goblin Records and is destine to carry on in the tradition of its predecessors.

After being one of the many who contributed to the 2 million hits for the “No One Survives” survives video I have anxiously been waiting for some new material from the pioneers of goblin-core. Well thankfully I didn’t have to wait long as the bands newest release “Powercore” instantly delivers. Humorous subject matter and crushing instrumentation run rampant throughout the 5 song EP. The band blends everything from dub beats and synth tracks to polka like rhythms mixed with brutal death metal riffs.

The releases opening track “Friends (In Space)” is an assault on the senses as the band throws everything at you but the kitchen sink. The track “Powercore” was probably my favorite as the song features a multitude of layers and sounds that create a different listening experience each time the track plays. My only complaint was I WANT MORE! However these 5 tracks are so well crafted that they will certainly be enough to hold me over until the group’s next release.

Track Listing:
1.) Friends (In Space)
2.) Nothing but Crickets
3.) Powercore
4.) Bells & Whistles
5.) Giraffe

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Nekrogoblikon guitarist Alex “Goldberg” Alereza, here