https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlZ_f1KIGGE
The world is crazy now. Pandemics, fake news, you name it. Blended with a mix of emotions comes Annisokays new single ‘STFU’, first release since 2018’s ‘Arms’ (plus its instrumentals respectively) ‘STFU’ introduces Annisokay’s new harsh vocalist Rudi Schwarzer after the departure of Dave Grunewald in October 2019.
If one night selling out in 2 hours doesnt surprise you, then perhaps 2 sold out shows in Manchester might. Returning to the UK after two years are American pop/rock/alternative neon collection of genres trio Waterparks, embarking on their newest album ‘Fandom’ tour. With night 1 appearing to be a sucess over social media, theres always a possibility of a lacking show. It is safe to say this wasn’t.
Continue reading “GIG REVIEW – WATERPARKS NIGHT 2 – MANCHESTER – 30/01/20”
Blueprint Studios for a three hour rehearsal and due to a mix-up from C:/Dos/Pun’s live drummer Nick; we only ended up half an hour late. Seeing a duo in such a large rehearsal room is rather different to the 3/4/5 piece bands I usually come across, but nonetheless just as entertaining to watch.
Nearly three years after debut release ‘Dead/sleep’, Utah rockers HOLLOW I AM are back with brand new release ‘Neverwake’.
With first single ‘Bloodletting’ setting an overall tone for the EP, the band truly “wanted to showcase a song that brings immediate chaos and energy when playing the first few notes.” – David Blake (Vocalist)
Make sure to listen to the track below and download their new EP available now!
Avenoir have changed. With their original vocalist/bassist departing and two new members joining the party, there is a lot on the line for the Leeds quartet. ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’, named from the Greek myth tragedy (well the majority were tragedies) is the next step for the group. How does the story end?
A consistant buildup of intensity shrouds the track in a fuzzy, yet slightly distorted manner, bringing the power of the lyrics to light. Guitar solo? Not entirely necessary, but fits well enough that it isn’t too isolated, but adds some extra length and change to the track. The track is fairly similar throughout, but the slow build saves what could have ended up as a constant repetition. It isn’t bad, in fact, the melancholic guitar tones help bring a gloomy atmosphere to the track, similarly seen in their EP ‘3027‘.
However, there is an obvious change from their previous releases. This is always the risk when changing members, especially vocalists. The vocals aren’t mixed as well into the track, but with their distorted grunge style, this could be attributed towards their gritty, raw genre. Yet, what does come through is that the vocal tone is less fitting. Slightly off at points, and too separate from the rest of the track. As the track builds the vocals do become more fitting, clearly seen through in the lead-up to the tracks guitar-solo bridge. This helps settle the tracks flow creating more balance, but gaining this through the tracks entirety is the next step.
Avenoir have the musical potential as seen in their previous releases. With two lineup changes now in place, Avenoir could go down a completely different route. Finding the balance as a band is the next step and only time will tell if they will reach it.
Rating: 6/10
Nearly three years since the release of ‘Dreamless‘, Fallujah are back on track to present what could be their biggest risk yet. An altered line-up and adapted sound, the band are going forward to release their new album ‘Undying Light‘, starting with their new single ‘Ultraviolet’.
As a comparison to their older material from ‘Dreamless’, this is a change. With new vocalist Antonio Palermo taking the reins, there is a noticeable difference in the raspy screams of Ultraviolet compared to Alex’s harsh lows featured over their past material. While Palermo is a good vocalist, his accentuated screams don’t fit over the track. Perhaps more tuned to a post-hardcore styled band over atmospheric metal, the vocal difference contrasts a little too much for the track.
The interesting lead guitar work still holds strong in the track, lifting the track upwards with the clean cutting solos. It seems that while every instrumental has its place, the guitars are almost drowned out by the vocal layers of the track. At points, it almost becomes a battle as to which aspect takes the lead, instead of a balanced flow. Midway through the track is where a balance is almost reached, and just needs to be tweaked and spread through the track to balance it. Despite the differences the track brings, the lyrical content is still up to a high standard, even with Palermo taking the lead on song writing. With the whole album based around a ‘snapshot of a disillusioned, narcissistic society’ (Scott, guitar) hopefully we can continue to see this high standard highlighted through the full album.
The main point is, this is most definitely a change for Fallujah. Taking a turn into a new route is inevitable, even if their first attempt does seem a little generic amongst their discography. One point is clear – this is not the old Fallujah and probably will never be. From a single, it’s hard to judge the upcoming albums potential, but the single is not bad. From a standalone viewpoint, the release is good, however it has and will cause a few issues for older fans of the metal quartet. Their new album is to be released on March 15th, then we can truly see where they are going.
Rating: 6.5/10
Rating: 7.5/10
Following on from debut EP ‘From Day One’, Hungarian metal band Harmed have dropped their newest single Jester.
Commenting on the release, Levi (vocals) explains “Jester” is a song about hate for those who ridiculed us in the past. It serves as a source of revenge.” The groups brutal take on their music shows a definite improvement in their musical abilities, despite the song being shorter than usual. Make sure to check out the video below!
https://open.spotify.com/track/1mqCIYsAg0jLycgoh5zZBd?si=hx0TF9YMS76z4cTESHIFnQ
Download Festival has unleashed a new set of bands for this year’s stacked lineup.
The variety ranges from larger bands such as Beartooth, Halestorm and Clutch, to smaller artists such as Parting Gift and Crystal Lake.
Check out the full list of new bands below!
EUPHORIA OF BREAKDOWN 