First Spin Impressions

[Geoff]

Death By Stereo - 'In the valley of death' ; Quite probably and likely, these are the worst vocals I have ever heard on a CD. Aside from that, some killer hard rock riffs which I really quite loved. The songs are okay too, with a few cool harmony vocals along the way. In the end, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone based purely on the terrible lead vocals, but it's okay for $1.80.

 

Fairweather - 'If they move... kill them' ; Only a little way through, but I'm digging this one. Again, another for $1.80 and I've actually seeked these guys out before, so this was a bit of a score. Good solid modern melodic rock... I'm digging it so far.

[Geoff]

Teargas - 'A dark obsession' ; Wow. What happened here, boys? I have to admit I thought these guys were done and Australia had lost possibly it's greatest ever band, but here they are, back with a new EP from out of nowhere. And it's a different sound this time too. Very different. It looks metal, and it sounds metal. Musically they sound amazing, with huge heavy riffs and Iron Maiden shirts in the band piccies... it's all very metal this time, but luckily they've maintained their melodic edge and to be honest the CD is pretty f*cked awesome. No, it's not as good as the first one, but songs like 'Why' and 'Envy' will satisfy every melodic urge you have. I preferred them when they were 100% melodic rock, but this is pretty f*cking awesome melodic metal.

[aMetalhead1966]

Don't forget to check out their earlier stuff too, was equally awesome. Their 2005 disc "Hazardous Mutation" is essential too....

 

It is even Better than "The Art Of Partying"...Just when you think you have heard all the

best licks and riffs ever played along comes a band that knocks you on your ass...These guys have

the ability to come up with some of the BEST Thrash In a long time..though it's more of a

A.D.D. styled thrash(short songs)..it fucking rocks..Plus it has an amazing sound and production!!!

[TIM (2)]

It is even Better than "The Art Of Partying"...Just when you think you have heard all the

best licks and riffs ever played along comes a band that knocks you on your ass...These guys have

the ability to come up with some of the BEST Thrash In a long time..though it's more of a

A.D.D. styled thrash(short songs)..it fucking rocks..Plus it has an amazing sound and production!!!

 

I thought it was a better disc too. You should check out S.S.S (Short Sharp Shock), a Brit thrash band who mix the Hardcore & Thrash in a similar way. Theyve just released their debut CD & it's mighty good stuff in the M.W vein....

[aMetalhead1966]

It is even Better than "The Art Of Partying"...Just when you think you have heard all the

best licks and riffs ever played along comes a band that knocks you on your ass...These guys have

the ability to come up with some of the BEST Thrash In a long time..though it's more of a

A.D.D. styled thrash(short songs)..it fucking rocks..Plus it has an amazing sound and production!!!

 

I thought it was a better disc too. You should check out S.S.S (Short Sharp Shock), a Brit thrash band who mix the Hardcore & Thrash in a similar way. Theyve just released their debut CD & it's mighty good stuff in the M.W vein....

I saw it the other day but didn't grab it...I guess I need to get ahold of it also..

Thanks for the tip..again!!

[TIM (2)]

http://www.myspace.com/atreyurock

 

ATREYU - Lead Sails Paper Anchor

 

First couple of listens & this is f***ing immense. Not sure how on earth you categorise what this band have become - Modern Melodic Rock/Metal? If you love powerful guitars, great harmonies, & catchy-as-hell choruses. Just listen to "Doomsday" & "Becoming The Bull" on Myspace... Fans of 18 Visions & Avenged Sevenfold will love this stuff. This stuff is just so hooky, & every tune without fail delivers a monster chorus. Awesome CD.

[Geoff]

Tsar - 'Band girls money' ; Okay, so I bought this one knowing it copped a heap of shit around it's release, and I'd heard samples at the time and decided to pass. Well, finally picked it up for $8 this week, and with a worried expression I put it in the CD player. The result? To be honest, I didn't mind it at all. To be honest, I thought the debut was a very good disc, but maybe not AS great as many others. And I see this one as just a rawer, maybe "rockier" version of the debut. No, there's nothing as cool as 'I don't wanna break up' but I found myself enjoying the album. Definitely a keeper and I look forward to listening again.

[Geoff]

Medicine Wheel – ‘Immoral Fabric’ ; I’ve owned the debut for a very long time, and never really knew why. It’s okay, but not great. I’ve finally decided to sell it with my current batch. This one, after one listen, will be right alongside it. Another shitty mid-90’s grungy album with very little good actually going on here. Not good. IMO.

 

Eden's Curse - s/t ; Holy shitballs, what a CD. ‘After the love is gone’ is one of the tracks of the year and the rest of the songs aren’t far behind. To me, this sounds like Jesse Harte (Southgang) on vocals… and overall, this just kicks a heap of ass and may have kicked Gotthard off the top for the year. Killer songs.

 

Atreyu - 'Lead sail paper anchor' ; Speaking of songs of the year, ‘Blow’ might just be the best track of 2007. I thought I was listening to an out-take from Skid Row’s debut, or Nasty Idols or Motley Crue, 1989 era. This track is amazing. And there’s some great stuff on this album. I have to say, based on first listens, this one ain’t quite as good as ‘A death grip on yesterday’ but these guys have come a long way from being unbearable only a few years ago. Good CD.

 

Still Remains - 'The serpent' ; Some great stuff on this one. Definitely needs a few more listens (like Atreyu) to sink in and be appreciated, but good solid modern metal. ‘Stay captive’ is actually one of my faves, but there are plenty of gems here… another killer towards the end. Looking forward to my 2nd listen.

 

Fightstar - 'One day son this will all be yours' ; A bit of background on this release is that the band actually left their label Island Records because they did not want to go for the commercial sound desired by the label. Now, whilst I do not want a Busted-esque album, I really thought these guys had something on the debut full-length release, ‘Grand Unification’. On first listen, and I know from experience these guys are growers, and this album will need to be listened to a dozen times before an accurate decision can be made… but first impressions are that I’m disappointed. It doesn’t have, IMO, the atmosphere or the songs of the debut full-length album. The vocals sounded back in the mix too and whilst I enjoyed it, I really didn’t find too many songs flying out at me… like they did on the debut. I’ll keep spinning this, but in the spirit of this thread I’m a little disappointed after the fist listen.

 

Circus Diablo – s/t ; Very cool hard rock album. Surprise album, to be honest, but this is cool hard rock. Looking forward to more spins.

[TIM (2)]

Some goodies there Geoff, stick with the ATREYU & FIGHTSTAR discs as they both grow on you big-time. The ATREYU is a monster album of all sorts of styles, & the FIGHTSTAR is my fave by them. The commercial edge isn't quite there, but theyre really growing into their new sound IMO...

 

The STILL REMAINS is another grower too. Loads of melodic tunes then "Avalanche" on the end that is nearly Death Metal! My fave on here is "Dancing with the Enemy" which is a dancey synth-pop tune with a killer chorus.

[Geoff]

Some goodies there Geoff, stick with the ATREYU & FIGHTSTAR discs as they both grow on you big-time. The ATREYU is a monster album of all sorts of styles, & the FIGHTSTAR is my fave by them. The commercial edge isn't quite there, but theyre really growing into their new sound IMO...

 

The STILL REMAINS is another grower too. Loads of melodic tunes then "Avalanche" on the end that is nearly Death Metal! My fave on here is "Dancing with the Enemy" which is a dancey synth-pop tune with a killer chorus.

Some goodies there Geoff, stick with the ATREYU & FIGHTSTAR discs as they both grow on you big-time. The ATREYU is a monster album of all sorts of styles, & the FIGHTSTAR is my fave by them. The commercial edge isn't quite there, but theyre really growing into their new sound IMO...

 

The STILL REMAINS is another grower too. Loads of melodic tunes then "Avalanche" on the end that is nearly Death Metal! My fave on here is "Dancing with the Enemy" which is a dancey synth-pop tune with a killer chorus.

What do you think of 'Blow' by Atreyu, mate? That song blew my nuts off. I will keep listening, as I know they will all be growers and I'm patient for those bands.

 

Yellowcard – ‘Paper walls’ ; seriously, holy f*ck. Here’s the rundown. 13 tracks – 2 fast paced "punk" tracks which still manage to be great, completely unable to hide the big commercial choruses and one beautiful acoustic ditty which sends the chills… the other 10 songs – the most commercial / chorus-focused songs you will hear from a modern hard rock band all year. I’d kind of put these guys to the back of my mind after the average ‘Lights and sounds’ and expected little from this, but this completely blew me away. I would go as far as to recommend this to anyone who likes modern rock to any degree. The emphasis on commercial choruses and big hooks is amazing. Surprisingly, this is right behind FFAF for album of the year at the moment, after one listen. Did not expect that.

 

Five Finger Death Punch – ‘Way of the fist’ ; good solid heavy metal album. So angry at times I had to laugh. But I did actually like this. Good stuff

[Geoff]

Some goodies there Geoff, stick with the ATREYU & FIGHTSTAR discs as they both grow on you big-time. The ATREYU is a monster album of all sorts of styles, & the FIGHTSTAR is my fave by them. The commercial edge isn't quite there, but theyre really growing into their new sound IMO...

 

The STILL REMAINS is another grower too. Loads of melodic tunes then "Avalanche" on the end that is nearly Death Metal! My fave on here is "Dancing with the Enemy" which is a dancey synth-pop tune with a killer chorus.

Hey Tim, just wondering mate... do you like 'A death grip on yesterday' and 'Grand unification'? And if so, better than the 2 newies?

[Blue Charvel]

Eden's Curse - s/t

 

Nice, real nice. Great sounding release that's for sure. I tend to like Dennis Ward productions for their cohesiveness and tightness, this is no exception upon the first listen. Big solid choruses, heavy guitar with lots of solos... what's not to like?

 

On a side note and completely unimportant to the sound of the band, these guys look like a bunch of bruisers, wouldn't want to meet them in a dark alley...

[TIM (2)]

Some goodies there Geoff, stick with the ATREYU & FIGHTSTAR discs as they both grow on you big-time. The ATREYU is a monster album of all sorts of styles, & the FIGHTSTAR is my fave by them. The commercial edge isn't quite there, but theyre really growing into their new sound IMO...

 

The STILL REMAINS is another grower too. Loads of melodic tunes then "Avalanche" on the end that is nearly Death Metal! My fave on here is "Dancing with the Enemy" which is a dancey synth-pop tune with a killer chorus.

Hey Tim, just wondering mate... do you like 'A death grip on yesterday' and 'Grand unification'? And if so, better than the 2 newies?

 

I only have the "Grand Unification" album, but I have heard a lot of their singles from the other albums. I'd have to say the new one is their best so far, for my money. Very consistent, though it does need a few spins....

[TIM (2)]

Quote: GEOFF "What do you think of 'Blow' by Atreyu, mate? That song blew my nuts off. I will keep listening, as I know they will all be growers and I'm patient for those bands."

 

A f***ing killer song, on an amazing album. "Doomsday" is probably edging "Blow" as my highlight, but I equally love "Becoming the Bull". Another that takes a few spins but this band deserve to be huge, & the production is just HUGE. Loads of 80's influences on this, they kinda sound like Skid Row in parts, & the guitar solos are everywhere... Am loving it...

[Geoff]

Quote: GEOFF "What do you think of 'Blow' by Atreyu, mate? That song blew my nuts off. I will keep listening, as I know they will all be growers and I'm patient for those bands."

 

A f***ing killer song, on an amazing album. "Doomsday" is probably edging "Blow" as my highlight, but I equally love "Becoming the Bull". Another that takes a few spins but this band deserve to be huge, & the production is just HUGE. Loads of 80's influences on this, they kinda sound like Skid Row in parts, & the guitar solos are everywhere... Am loving it...

Yeah, I agree. Heaps of guitar solos and a very 'Slave to the grind'-era sort of feel to the album. Killer guitar work outside of the solos too. Real good disc. I have to say, I see a lot of The Used's new album in it too... just a lot heavier and "rockier".

 

Sorry mate, I was confusing before - 'Grand unification' is the only Fightstar album you need. The one before, 'I liked you better when you were dead' is horrible.

 

'A death grip on yesterday' is Atreyu's last album, from 2006. It's a f*cking monster and I am 100% sure you will love that one too.

[TIM (2)]

EDENS CURSE - S/T

 

Yeah I like this, & it does sound great. First listen was a bit of an effort to make it all the way through though, & I'm sure hoping it grows on me. "Fly Away" I think was my fave tune, but it was a mixed bag. I actually preferred the last Masterplan album to this, & the new Ride the Sky....

[Geoff]

Poets and Pornstars - s/t ; I really had to remove this from my ears around the 7th track. I just do not enjoy this kind of stuff at all anymore. If you like Buckcherry, Silvertide, Hardcore Superstar this may be for you... I personally hated it.

 

The Higher - 'On fire' ; really not sure what to make of this one. Sort of like a cross between All American Rejects and a boyband. Some nice songs but I really can't seem me pulling this off the shelf and into my ears much more. Nothing wrong with it... nice catchy songs, but I don't know... just didn't have the killer punch for me.

[Fat Freddy]

Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.) - RISE OF THE INFIDELS

 

Got this one in the mail yesterday to review for Detritus. It's supposedly meant to be a "final" S.O.D. release, featuring four unreleased/rare songs (two that were released years ago on a compilation album called "New York's Hardest" and covers of two songs by Agnostic Front and Negative Approach, two 80s hardcore bands) and a live set recorded in Seattle. The studio stuff is OK and the live set isn't the best quality (the sound quality wavers from track to track) but Billy Milano's stage patter is, as always, hilarious. Not an essential release by any means (unless you're an S.O.D. completist) but entertaining enough. Essentially this is a case of Billy Milano (and/or MegaForce Records) squeezing one last bit of juice out of the S.O.D. name.

[aMetalhead1966]

The Poodles-SWEET TRADE. Wow,these guys fire back with a Killer set of tunes...I love the

Production, Sound ,Playing...This is Amazing.Picks up right where the first one left off.

Great Melodies, Hooks Galore...Great Guitar Playing..a top 5 of 2007 IMO!!!

[heaven&hell]

The Poodles-SWEET TRADE. Wow,these guys fire back with a Killer set of tunes...I love the

Production, Sound ,Playing...This is Amazing.Picks up right where the first one left off.

Great Melodies, Hooks Galore...Great Guitar Playing..a top 5 of 2007 IMO!!!

 

 

I didnt know they had a new one out.

[metalmaniac777]

MACHINE HEAD: "The Blackening"

 

Bought this based on Tim(2)'s recommendation and while I wouldn't put it ahead of Shadows Fall or Five Finger Death Punch for heavy metal album of the year, it's not too far behind them. Screaming (but decipherable) vocals, badass guitars, and thick production make this one worth picking up for heavy/thrash metalheads. A few of the songs could be a little shorter, but that's a minor complaint. Overall, a pretty darn good CD.

[Geoff]

Fuel - 'Angels and devils' ; I'm going to give 'em this one. Very good new album, much better than I expected. I actually quite like the new vocalist and there are a lot of very good songs here, some nice solos too. Still very much Fuel, but based on first listens, IMO, this is easily their best album... by far. Just listening to 'Angels take a soul'... very nice. I prefer it to the new Lifehouse, though it's not in the same league as Yellowcard. But very good on it's own.

[phaffas]

The Poodles-SWEET TRADE. Wow,these guys fire back with a Killer set of tunes...I love the

Production, Sound ,Playing...This is Amazing.Picks up right where the first one left off.

Great Melodies, Hooks Galore...Great Guitar Playing..a top 5 of 2007 IMO!!!

 

 

I didnt know they had a new one out.

i heard they were working on it... but didnt realise it was out!

[RichieZ]

Cherry Monroe - S/T - Picked this one up for 25 cents a couple days ago. Punky power pop. OK, if you like that stuff. I don't, and won't be giving it another spin.

[metalmaniac777]

Fuel - 'Angels and devils' ; I'm going to give 'em this one. Very good new album, much better than I expected. I actually quite like the new vocalist and there are a lot of very good songs here...Still very much Fuel, but based on first listens, IMO, this is easily their best album...by far.

Not having cared much for any of Fuel's earlier output, I hadn't bothered with the new one, but based on your positive review, I went and checked out samples and immediately put it on my "To Buy" list. I could easily see (hear) Chris Daughtry singing these songs; in fact, the sound/style is fairly similar to Daughtry's album.