Blog Archives
Mini Reviews: Sinocence; Code of Silence; Godyva; Forlorn Path
Since I started doing reviews, I have come to know Northern Ireland as a nation that spawns quality hardcore acts. Sinocence, however, is more your straightforward Thrash metal band. Their five track album, No Gods, No Masters Vol 1, is a refreshing set of Metallica and Machine Head influenced melodies. On their softer side, throw in a bit of Disturbed and Staind influences and you have a well-balanced album of both hard-hitting and harmonious tempos. Even for just five songs, the album is just under 35 minutes and its strength relies on heavy riffing, artistic guitar solos, and inspired song composition. Overall, No Gods, No Masters Vol 1 kept my attention from beginning to end with Occams Razors being my favorite; also the longest song at over 8 minutes. It’s a strong sophomore album for the Belfast band surely to garner attention on other islands and continents.
Mik’s Top 100 Favourite Albums of All Time #86-90
A while ago, at the same time as Matt and Reggie, I posted my Top 100 All Time Favourite (Metal) Albums over at the forum The History of Metal on FB. It took a good amount of time and effort to put it together, but it was so much fun! My taste in metal is always changing, so the list will not always look the same. In fact, it’s already a bit different than it was when I first put it together and posted it on the forum seven months ago.
Tales From Bandcamp: Where the Corpses Sink Forever by Carach Angren
One thing I love more than a concept album that is lyrically held together and forms a narrative, is when a band works to have the music behind the lyrics really come alive to add yet another point for the narrative to build on. Such is the case with Dutch symphonic black metal band Carach Angren and their album Where the Corpses Sink Forever. And in case that symphonic part may scare you away, be assured it isn’t used in the gimmicky way all too many bands have been abusing it lately, but their mastery of orchestra conduction really works wonders to build some amazingly detailed scenes much like a quality film score enhances the impact of the visuals. Paired with the 7 stories that tie into 1 over arching tale the horrific visuals the words and music create one of the most well constructed and inspiring concept records I’ve heard in recent years. How I never took the time to really sit down and appreciate this band alludes me, but I hold it to Dream Theater’s Scenes.. levels as far as mastery in concept album creation goes.
Basically the story goes like this. A soldier is charged to execute 7 prisoners and when he carries out their sentences he notices that the captured are grinning and laughing as his bullets pass through him. The prisoners turn out to be demons who have captured the soul of the soldier and committed him to an eternity of suffering for his war deeds. Each of the songs tells the tale behind each demon (or more specific, the 7 deadly sins) ranging from settings of WWI, WWII, and Vietnam and recounts some of the most horrid stories and acts ever committed during war-time. Baby eating, the Holocaust, a violinists last stand, a child’s vision of his own death, and other tales of macabre and brutality will be told. But even in their extreme nature there is a sense of hope and beauty hidden underneath all the blood and viscera.
So, give the album a listen and check out the video and let us know what you thought. Enjoy!! Peace Love and Metal!!!!
Mik’s Top 100 Favourite Albums of All Time #91-95
A while ago, at the same time as Matt and Reggie, I posted my Top 100 All Time Favourite (Metal) Albums over at the forum The History of Metal on FB. It took a good amount of time and effort to put it together, but it was so much fun! My taste in metal is always changing, so the list will not always look the same. In fact, it’s already a bit different than it was when I first put it together and posted it on the forum seven months ago.
I tried to limit myself to three albums per band to make the list a little more diverse and interesting. I don’t really consider the ‘test of time’-factor when selecting what albums that will go on my list, instead I measure it by how strongly the album has affected me emotionally and how much/often it has helped me through both good and bad phases in my life. That’s why you can find quite a few newer releases among my favourites too.
