Standing Out from the Pack
Arguably one of the best fusion genre bands out there today, New York trio Thinning the Herd has successfully combined a brand of music that incorporates the sound of traditional heavy metal, punk, and psychedelic music since 2006. They are notable for providing high energy headbanging tunes injected with a ton of attitude. Their latest release, Freedom From The Known is arguably one of the best releases of 2013.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in High Fidelity, Reviews thinning the herd
Crashing Waves
The Ocean is a band from Germany who set sail in 2000 and anchored their debut in 2004. Since then, they have had a string of releases. The band is known for its experimental qualities and uncanny musical style. Listening to their albums is analogous to being on a roller coaster that takes all kinds of unexpected turns and twists, and every twist presents something new. Their latest work, Pelagial, is likely to be considered by many as their best work to date.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews The Ocean
Black Light Guidance
Sweden is a country that has commonly known as home to some of the world’s most respected and influential metal acts. In 2008, Ghost (known in the U.S. as Ghost B.C.) formed in Sweden and dropped their debut, Opus Eponymous, in October 2010. Since then, they have taken the heavy metal world by storm, rising from a relatively unknown band to touring with bands like Iron Maiden, and have been the recipient of much praise, attention, and controversy. Opus Eponymous has constantly been cited as being one of the most colossal albums to ever be recorded, and as such, fans were dubious as to whether their sophomore release would match this high standard. Infestissumam, their second album, is yet another masterpiece in the Ghost B.C. discography.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews ghost, ghost BC
Dissonant Bleak Sounds
Blaak Heat Shujaa formed in France in 2008, and have since then released a handful of recordings. Despite their relatively new status, they are quickly gaining attention for the interesting sound present in their music. The band utilizes a brand of psychedelic rock that is reminiscent of Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, Pentagram’s Relentless, and Electric Wizard’s Dopethrone. With an atmospheric, airy sound they offer their latest release, The Edge Of An Era,which carries a strong possibility of being one of the best releases of 2013.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews blaak heat shujaa
Thrash N’ Roll
Lordi is a hard rock/heavy metal band that originates from Finland and has released a stream of albums since the release of its debut in 1997. The amount of shows and bands Lordi has toured with is impressive to say the least; in the past, they have taken the stage in Ozzfest and have even toured with Type O Negative. They are also notable for their on-stage charisma and eye catching costume wear, which is sure to spark curiosity to those unfamiliar with the band. Its latest offer, To Beast Or Not To Beast, has the potential to become one of the most memorable releases of 2013.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews lordi
Fistful of Covers
Anthrax is a group that needs little introduction, due in part to their status as one of the “Big Four” in thrash metal. It’s a status that has surely been well earned, as their discography is filled with several landmark albums that have been highly influential to the music (not just metal) world. It goes without saying that Anthrax helped pioneer a fast-paced brand of metal that remains celebrated even to present day. Anthrax has not been afraid of taking risks by stepping outside the norm; those who remember their collaboration with Public Enemy surely know that. Their latest EP, Anthems, is another such example of a risk they have taken, but it may leave even their die-hard fans feeling a bit lukewarm or indifferent.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews Anthrax
Demon Reflection
Rotting Christ is one of the most celebrated bands in the black metal genre and are considered by many to be one of the best Greek metal bands. With a history as long as it is impressive, they are known to have toured with several other highly respected bands, such as Immortal, Blasphemy, and Tiamat. The also have quite an extensive discography behind them, with classic fan favorites such as their debut album, Thy Mighty Contract. With their newest release, Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού (Do What Thou Wilt), the band proves that their legacy remains alive and well.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews Rotting Christ
Aggression and Progression
Shai Hulud is a group which has gained much attention and praise ever since their formation in the mid ’90s. They have been cited as influential to several bands and artists within extreme metal circles. Their music is best described as a fusion of metal, hardcore punk, and progressive. This fusion surely makes for an aggressive and extreme formula that shines wonderfully, and their latest album, Reach Beyond The Sun, is a great example of this.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews shai hulud
Pledge Allegiance to Thrash
Northern California has often been cited as a thrash breeding ground, having been the home of numerous influential speed metal acts. More recently, it is also the home to the relatively new band Hatriot, who just dropped their debut album entitled Heroes Of Origin. Though the band is still quite young, longtime fans of thrash metal are likely to remember the voice behind this band, a gentleman by the name of Steve “Zetro” Souza, who is famous for providing vocals in popular releases by Exodus, Legacy, and Testament. With Heroes Of Origin, Hatriot vindicates thrash metal as alive and well.
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By Juan Hurtado Posted in Reviews Hatriot
