Psychostick/Space Vampires Vs. Zombie Dinosaurs In 3d/2012 CD Review

  Psychostick  are  a  band  that  mixes  hardcore  and  thrash  metal  together  with  a  musical  style  they  call  humorcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Space  Vampires  Vs,  Zombie  Dinosaurs  In  3D".

  Drums  range  from s low,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing h as  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  thrash  metal  with  hardcore  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  clean  playing  being  used  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  when t hey  are  utilized  are  classic  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  hardcore  style  yells,  thrash  style  singing,  spoken  word  parts  and  samples  as  well  as  some  clean  vocals  and  raps,  while  the  lyrics  cover  humorous  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.    

  In  my  opinion  Psychostick  are  a  very  great  sounding  humorous  crossover  thrash  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Welcome  To  The  Show"  "Because  Boobs"  "Hate  Times  8"  and  "My  Clinging  Girlfriend".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Manilla Road/Mysterium/Shadow Kingdom Records/2013 CD Review

  Manilla  Road  are  a  band  from  Kansas  that h as  a  very  long  history  with  a  musical  style  that  I  would  describe  as  being  epic  power  metal  with  thrash  and  doom  metal  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Mysterium"  which  was  released  by  Shadow  Kingdom  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording,  as  for t he  synths  they  are  only  used  briefly  on  one  song  and  they  bring  a  very  dark  sound  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  traditional  and  power  metal  with  doom  and  thrash  metal  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  heavy  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  which  are  only  used  briefly  they  use  full  chords  to  enhance  the  epic  qualities  of  the  music.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  heavy/power  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  epic  and  fantasy  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with t he  last  song  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Manilla  Road  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "

Orange Goblin/A Eulogy For the Fans-Orange Goblin-Live 2012/2013 Live CD Review

Orange  Goblin  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  stoner/doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  live  2013  album  "A  Eulogy  For  The  Fans-Orange  Goblin  Live  2012"  which  was  released  by  Candlelight  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom  and  stoner  metal  together  as  well  as  having  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  classic  rock  influences  being  thrown  into t he  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  70's  sounding  heavy  metal/hard  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  stoner  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  drugs  and  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  on  this  recording  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  all  of  the  songs  being  recorded  live.

  In  my  opinion  Orange  Goblin  are  a  very  great  sounding  stoner  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "The  Filthy  And  The  Few"  "Time  Travelling  Blues"  "Acid  Trial"  and  "Blue  Snow".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

All Hail The Yeti Interview

 

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We have been working on new material lately and gearing up for 2013. Lots of plans for this new year.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

This is our first full length release. I would describe the sound to be heavy metal, with no frills, no smoke and mirrors. We just do what comes naturally to us. This is what you hear.

3. Waht are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

We have songs about love, love lost, cryptozoology, ghosts, ancient myths, murder, the destruction of our planet.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

All Hail The Yeti is a cult, we have followers, and the music is our power. A massive terrifying beast that has never been caught, illusive since its first sighting. AHTY more about the legend than the actual white monster from the mountains.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We have played so many great shows. That's a tough one to pinpoint. Everytime we hit the stage it is an out of body experience for us. The chaos doesn't stop until we've left.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We are doing some regional shows in feb and march, CA, NV, AZ. Then in late march we will be heading to the east coast for a few weeks. We plan to touring pretty constantly for 2013.

7. On a worldwide level how has the ffedback been to your newer album by fans of extreme music?

From what we gather the response has been great. All the reviews and feedback have been nothing but positive.

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

This is a full time lineup. We all have our other ventures outside of this but AHTY is our first priority.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Every note and song that we write from here forward is always better than the last. As long as we keep progressing, we keep learning.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Our sound comes from so many different influences. Metal from the southern states. Blues, country, some electronic music. It's really hard to narrow it down.


11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Bear trapping, whiskey drinking, taxidermy, satanic rituals. The list goes on.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

God is but a creation of man
Follow us to find yourselves
We are the saviours of truth
And the demise of the holy lies!

ALL HAIL THE YETI

The Black Heart Rebellion/Har Nevo/Smoke & Dust/2013 CD Review

  The  Black  Heart  Rebellion  are  a  band  from  Belgium  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post  metal,  hardcore,  and  experimental  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Har  Nevo"  which  was  released  by  Smoke  &  Dust.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  post  metal,  hardcore,  experimental  rock  and  shoegaze  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  dark  sounding  melodies being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing  and  there  are  little  to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals are  mostly  clean  singing  with  some  aggressive  sounding  screams  being  thrown  into t he  music  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  nature  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark  and  professional  sound  to  it  where  you  can h ear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  The  Black  Heart  Rebellion  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  post  metal,  hardcore,  experimental  rock  and  shoegaze  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Woods  I  Run  From"  'Crawling  Low  And  Eating  Dust"  and  "Into The  Land  Of  Another".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Concrete Sox Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We are currently rehearsing since January with a new line-up. We will mix many old songs with a few new ones for 2013. What a great bunch of people we have in the band now! Drummer Pug [43 years] played for Sox before (97/98) so he is familiar with the songs/style. I have known him for 25 years. Recently, he played drums for 2 years with The Fiend.  Michèle (my Canadian wife) [24] will do the female vocals. I met Michèle online when I was living at Rats house (Varukers/Discharge). I was downloading some music in Soulseek [Can't Cheat Karma: Zounds] and her username was: DISCHARGETTE = so, I had to say Hi! Now, we are married since 21 March 2012. New bassist Brownie [23] (a metal-head) was introduced to us by a guy we originally drafted in on vocals (Craig Newman from 1000 Scars) but he (Craig) didn't work out. Brownie is fkn metal-mad & plays bass for Belligerence (a computer-based metal band) & was bassist for a metal band called Fractured. On vocals, we just drafted in Lambert [33] (ex-Bomb Blast Men). 

I am really pleased with the new guys & rehearsals are going very well. We are preparing for Rebirth 2013 on the 8th June which will be our reunion show in my hometown of Nottingham. Support is from The More I See, Freebase, These Skies, Murder's Coming Back (Hungary) + 1 more band.

We hope to record a new demo in March & possibly make a video (this will be free).


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the newer material and how it differs from previous releases?

It will differ only in production I would imagine. The sound is pretty much going to be a mix of really old style (like Your Turn Next) but with more melodic metal/grind style. If I had to give an idea, I would say take Exodus/Trouble/Sacrilege/Sox and mix it up a little. The lyrics will remain positive/angry/anarcho/intelligent...

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new music explores?

Everything! We will update some of the older subjects covered & hopefully write with more intelligence. We will try to incorporate more positive subjects based on personal development & awakening where possible. We are not religious but it is a topic that interests us. Truth is very important to us so we will endeavour to include as much as we know...

4. When can we expect a new album?

To be honest, I've not really thought about it. As it is, we are a long way off recording an album worth of music right now. I'd say we have 5 or 6 new songs which are strong enough but we're in no hurry to rush a release. We'll probably release something substantial later in the year...

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

I was asked by someone in the street what I was going to call the band. I replied (without thinking) 'Concrete Sox.' It is a parody of a local band of madmen who were named Steamroller Gloves. My reply just came from my mouth...

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We played many shows and none stand out so much for a particular reason. My last Sox show in October 1987 in south Germany stood out as I knew I was leaving & it's just happened that it was a great show. I think that was 9th October in Stuttgart. Also, the 1st big show we played at Oddies in Oldham (no longer a venue) was special. We supported our friends Chaos UK & Disorder. It was the 1st big show we did & the crowd welcomed us in a big way. That was the night Concrete Sox became a band...

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Yes, of course. I'm busy planning shows all of the time. We play our reunion show 'Rebirth 2013' on 8th June in our hometown of Nottingham. We have around 12 shows in June. For July, we are organising a small tour or Ireland & in August, we plan to go to USA. We will also play as many Punx Picnics & Festivals as we can once we are ready. We've not looked beyond these dates too much but we have 2 shows also for September...

8. What is your opinion on the bands you helped influence?

I don't think I can answer that question in too much depth to be honest. Every band that ever got involved with punk has been an influence to someone esle. Sox are just another link in the chain. If we managed to influence anyone, then great, it's all been worthwhile. I have had messages from people saying 'aww man, Sox are a big influence' and that's fucking brilliant to hear. I wouldn't know that we influenced anyone in particular.

9. The band was broken up for a long time, what was the cause of the split and what made you decide to reform the band?

The band split in 1999 having no original members left. I suppose they saw no future for the band anymore. I don't know much about what happened after I left in 87 as I left the scene for many years & had children etc. I left because of Les the bassist. The guy is a fucking maniac & I could no longer take the stage with him. It really made me angry & sad to leave the band I started but I had to get away from him. He was offered the chance to come to the new band in 2009 & he even did vocals at one show in 2010. But then, he went back to his old ways & tried to steal Concrete Sox back from me. I had to get legal representation to get rid of him (I own the band name registration 'Concrete Sox' by the way). He is still trying to cause problems for Concrete Sox.

10. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the reunion?

It's been really positive so far. There have been a couple of bad comments due to the fucked up tour in 2010 but I expect that. I have moved on & live in the now. Interest has been high & many old friends have resurfaced offering their support & saying how good it is to see Sox again.

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Far far too many to list. We listen to a lot of streaming punk radio + many new bands. Having youtube/facebook/reverbnation is fkn great (of course, we never had that in the 80s). It is not possible to mention everyone = therte are tonnes of bands out there & they pop-up all the time. At the time I startedConcrete Sox began, we were listening to: Riistetyt/Anti-Cimex/Terveet Kadett/Gism/Venom/Slayer/Voivod/Metallica/Metal Church/Hellhammer/Celtic Frost/Sacrilege/English Dogs/Flipper etc. Later: COC/Ludichrist/Crumbsuckers/DRI/MDC etc. Fucking 1000s of bands. We were lucky knowing Dig (from Earache) & Kalv (from Heresy) who used to trade tapes worldwide so we got to hear all the bands, punk and metal, way before they ever became popular...

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Sex and drugs and rock 'n roll hehe. All the guys in the band have differing interests. Pug/Brownie are into comics (Marvell/DC). Pug will intoxicate himself with ANYTHING that looks/smeels weird. Brownie has a young baby son so that's him tied up for another 17 years or more. Lambert: hmm, he's an odd one. I don't know what he likes (I don't think he does). I do know he gets drunk really quickly! Oh yeah; Lambert likes New Model Army. Michèle and myself are into tattoo's (we got to Hungary many times a year to get inked). We also travel a lot. We have many books on pre-ancient history & are deeply into spititualism & psychedelia. We have many books on alternative topics by authors such as: Terence McKenna, Jonathon Ott, Graham Hancock, Rick Strassman etc. We are space explorers ;)

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

To all the good people involved in the scene (you know who you are): Keep on striving & keep on fighting! We are with you every stop of the way! Love, Peace, Truth & Light to all...

Thanks, Vic...

Total Chaos/Pledge Of Defiance/Epitaph Records/1994 Cassette Review

  Total  Chaos  are  a  band  from  California  that  plays  a  very  political  orientated  form  of  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1994  album  "Pledge  Of  Defiance"  which  was  released  by  Epitaph  Records.

  Drums  range  from  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  raw  and  primitive  sounding  hardcore  punk  riffs,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  chaotic,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  hardcore  punk  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  aggressive  sounding  hardcore  punk  style  shouts,  screams  and  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  political  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion t his  was  a  very  great sounding  recording  from  Total  Chaos  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  probably  already  own  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Babylon"  "Fuck  The  System"  "Nightmares"  and  "Suicide  Mission".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.