Disturbed - Asylum Album Review

2010 - So far, this year has been excellent for rock music, especially the latter half. With releases like Taproot's "Plead The Fifth" and Stone Sour's "Audio Secrecy", rock music is very alive and well. Not everyone is taken in by the Lady Gaga's and Justin Bieber's yet.

So we come to the follow up album to Disturbed's Indestructible CD. Prior to release, frontman David Draiman said the next release would be much darker than the previous. So automatically I was psyched for the release. Enter Asylum. A hard rock/metal album that harkens back to the "Believe" days.

The lead track "Remnants" is an instrumental track that leads directly into the best song and title track on the CD, "Asylum." Opening with sick guitar riffs and Draiman's trademark growl, Asylum is one of Disturbed's best songs ever. The third track "The Infection" sounds right at home on early albums like Believe. A catchy song that continues the hard guitar sound, it's another keeper. The next song "Warrior" sounds like it would fit in perfectly on Indestructible, and is similar lyrically. The following track "Another Way to Die" served as the lead-off single. Dealing with the subject of mother nature and human pollution, it has already topped the rock charts. Disturbed is no stranger to political songs, but at least they keep their balls and rock it out, unlike sell-outs like Linkin Park. The #6 track, "Never Again" deals with an interesting topic...the Holocaust. Again, it's a hard rock song with a political message...it could also double as a history lesson. Major kudos to Disturbed for dedicating a song to a tough subject. Track 7..."The Animal" is another stand-out track...with an eerie sound that is a must-listen. It sounds right at home on a 300 movie soundtrack, with the "for we shall dine in hell tonight!" lyric. "Crucified" is a generic Disturbed track...nothing to write home about. Track Nine...."Serpentine" deals with a subject that most guys can relate to...a deceiving woman that walks in and tramples over the feelings of a niave man. The next track..."My Child" is a very dark and personal song for lead singer David Draiman. It deals with the subject of miscarraige...only the song is about a former girlfriend of Draiman's who was pregnant with his child. The tenth track..."Sacrifice" is yet another stand-out track on this album. Instantly catchy musically, it deals with a person with dual personalities. With a reference to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, it's an excellent musical compilation. So we come to the last "regular" track on the CD, "Innocence". A excellent album closer, it's well put together and deals with the subject of white collar crime and corrupt politicians.

Yet that is not the end of the album. No sir. There's a hidden track on regular pressings of the album. Titled "ISHFWILF" it is a surprising song. The song title is an acronym for "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Yes....this is a U2 cover song. I didn't think I would like it, but it actually does the original justice. A must listen.

So we come to deluxe edition bonus tracks. The first, "Leave It Alone" is another excellent tune that I think should have been included on the regular CD. The next 2 tracks are live versions of "Down With The Sickness" and "Stricken." So we finally come to the final (17th overall) track. "Living After Midnight" is a Judas Priest song...with an interesting opening. Leading with the opening drum solo from Priest's song "Painkiller", it leads into the main song. Another faithful cover that does the original justice.

OVERALL SCORE: 5 out of 5. Yes it's that good. A prime example of how modern metal should be.

Top 10 Rock Albums of 2009

So here we are...the end of a decade...with 2010 right around the corner. 2009 saw a slew of great hard rock albums released, and it's actually hard to narrow it down to the 10 best albums of the year, but here goes:

#10 Best Rock Album of 2009:
Dead By Sunrise - Out of Ashes

Most side projects of big name people in rock music, well, for a lack of a better term...suck. This is not the case with Linkin Park's lead singer Chester Bennington's new project, Dead By Sunrise. After teaming up with the guys from Reliant-K, Dead By Sunrise released their debut CD on October 13th. With a slightly harder sound than Linkin Park's recent music, Out of Ashes proves to be a solid debut with three standout tracks, 'Inside of Me,' 'End of the World,' and 'Walking in Circles.'


#9 Best Rock Album of 2009:
Default - Comes and Goes

For a band that gets absolutely no recognition in the United States, can you blame their record label for not even releasing the band's latest album in our country? It's such a shame, because the long-awaited and oft-postponed 'Comes and Goes' is a worthy follow up to 2005's 'One Thing Remains.' Default doesn't change their sound on this record, and as a result, there's no surprises on this record, which is a good thing. Fans of Default will eat this up, with tracks like 'Little Too Late,' 'All Over Me,' and 'Goodbye' being the main standouts on this album.


#8 Best Rock Album of 2009
Lacuna Coil - Shallow Life

After launching onto the U.S. music scene with the album 'Karmacode,' and numerous appearances on music games Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero, Lacuna Coil seemed primed to hit it big with their latest album, 'Shallow Life.' And they did just that. Debuting at #2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and #16 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, Lacuna Coil showed that Americans love the smoking-hot Cristina Scabbia and co. With two singles charting on the U.S. rock charts, Lacuna Coil changed their sound to a more-mainstream alternative rock sound, and pulled it off without losing their edge. Standout tracks include 'Survive,' 'Spellbound,' 'I Like It,' and 'I'm Not Afraid.'


#7 Best Rock Album of 2009
Dethklok - The Dethalbum II

Considering Dethklok started as a cartoon on Adult Swim, Brendon Small's brainchild has grown into a legitimate force in the world of metal music. Releasing the original Dethalbum back in 2007, the Dethalbum II was a highly-anticipated release among metalheads. After making the highest debut of a death metal album ever at #15 on the Billboard 200 and selling 45,000 copies in one week, I guess you could say there's quite a few metalheads out there. The album itself is a brutal collection of throbbing drumbeats and low growling vocals. And it sounds fantastic. One listen to 'Burn The Earth' and you find yourself addicted. Other diamonds on this CD include 'The Cyborg Slayers' and 'Bloodlines.'


#6 Best Rock Album of 2009
Creed - Full Circle

Welcome back, Creed. With their first album in 8 years, Creed still has some good hard rock left in them. With a much heavier tone than what we've seen before, Mark Tremonti shows why he is the best guitarist in modern rock music. Even incorporating never before heard double bass drum kicks, this album will rock your face off. Debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200, Creed still has a loyal following amongst its fans. Must hear songs include 'Overcome,' 'Bread of Shame,' and 'Good Fight.'


#5 Best Rock Album of 2009
Skillet - Awake

Skillet has been around for a while, and Christian rock music enthuiasts have always been big fans of the band. Not until now has a Christian rock band hit it big in the mainstream. With 'Awake' debuting at #2 on the Top 200, Skillet has a 'monster' in the making. Riding the sound and awesomeness of two songs; 'Monster' and 'Hero,' Skillet has some high expectations with its next record.


#4 Best Rock Album of 2009
Chevelle - Sci-Fi Crimes

After the ho-hum effort that was 'Vena Sera,' fans of Chevelle hoped for a kickass record this time around. Chevelle delivered, and in a big way. Charting at #6 on the Top 200, Sci-Fi Crimes is Chevelle's most successful debut in the band's history. Featuring a return to the heavy sound that made them famous, 'Sci-Fi Crimes' is a must-hear for any rock music fan. Gems include 'Sleep Apnea,' 'Jars,' A New Momentum,' and 'Shameful Metaphors.'


#3 Best Rock Album of 2009
Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony

Ok, now we get into the cream of the crop, where the best music of the year is combined with lyrics that speak to the heart and fans can really connect with. Breaking Benjamin has always been known for captivating music lyrically, and 'Dear Agony' doesn't fail to continue the tradition. The song 'I Will Not Bow' has already topped the charts and become the band's most successful single to date, and the rest of the album is just as good. Musically, Dear Agony is a fantastic-sounding CD, with crisp and clear guitar riffs and pounding drumbeats. Standouts include 'I Will Not Bow,' 'Into The Nothing,' 'Lights Out,' and 'Fade Away.'


#2 Best Rock Album of 2009
Five Finger Death Punch - War Is The Answer

Ivan Moody has never been known to be a low-strung singer. Fans got a taste of his style back in the Motograter days, and after 5FDP's debut album "Way of the Fist" garnered a hardcore following, fans were eagerly awaiting the follow-up. Debuting at #7 on the Top 200, it marks quite an achievement for a heavy metal record. Filled with songs that delve into the deepest, darkest feelings of the human soul, 'War Is The Answer' is definitely an answer for wait ails you. Filled with profanity, the album unleashes a hard-hitting punch that fans can relate to. With songs like 'Walk Away' that deal with the pain of a broken heart, 5FDP has delivered an epic record. Standouts include....the entire album. It's that good.


And last but CERTAINLY not least...


The #1 Rock Album of 2009
Three Days Grace - Life Starts Now

Ok before I get started, I must admit there was a slight bias going into this countdown. I have always been a big Three Days Grace fan, and always felt I could personally associate with their music. However, when I heard 'Life Starts Now,'....my first expression was '.....wow....holy crap...'
I had never heard an album that I could so closely relate to in my own personal life. I could have written this record, because all the content lyrically could be written about me. Three Days Grace hit home HARD with this record, and the music kicks ass at the same time. Chocked full of songs that speak to the heart, and evoke feelings and emotions that make you say 'YES....THIS is what I feel like!' 'Life Starts Now' is a album of epic proportions. From the pain of a broken heart on 'Last To Know', to feelings of slight optimism on songs like 'Good Life' and 'Life Starts Now,' to songs that just flat out tell it like it is on 'World So Cold' and 'Someone Who Cares,' to love songs like 'Lost In You' and 'Without You,' this album is pure gold. Anyone who likes music should give this album a listen. I guarantee you will be addicted.

Full Circle

Back in 2001, Creed was on top of the music world. "My Sacrifice" was sitting on the top of the charts, and seemingly nothing could stop the juggernaut. Yet 3 years later...they were gone. Split up. Done for. Lead singer Scott Stapp did a solo album, and the remaining Creed members recruited a new singer and formed Alter Bridge. Alter Bridge found success as a harder Creed with a different voice at the front. Scott Stapp's album, although going platinum, was a dud in most people's opinion. All band members said Creed would never reform. Essentially, an Eagles "Hell Freezing Over" type of statement.

In 2008, however, rumors began to surface of a Creed reunion and tour. Then with news that Alter Bridge lead singer Myles Kennedy was going to work on Alter Bridge's third album, a reformed Creed seemed like a fairytale wish that never came true. Fans rejoiced however when Creed's website was re-launched in April of this year with a concert tour trailer and the words "Coming Summer 2009." Soon after the news of a tour surfaced, news came of a new Creed album as well. Talk about a dream come true. Creed was back, and was releasing new music to top it all off.

Fast forward to October, and here we have it: the Creed album that fans have waited 8 years for. And the kicker? Everybody from the original Creed lineup is back, and yes, that includes bassist Brian Marshall. Titled "Full Circle," the name of the album references Creed's full circle journey; breaking up and subsequently reuniting.

The first taste of new music, the album opener and first single "Overcome," is a welcome sound. The heaviest single Creed has ever released besides "Bullets," 'Overcome' is a guitar-driven song that showcases Mark Tremonti's master skills with a 6-string. Said to be a source of contention before the band's break-up, Tremonti goes wild on this album, ripping solos way more than he ever did on previous albums.

The next track, "Bread of Shame" is another prime example of the heavier-sounding Creed. Drummer Scott Phillips incorporates something never seen in a Creed CD...true double-bass kicks in the opening licks of the song. If you were a fan of Creed's heavier work like "What If", then the first two songs off the album are right down your alley. 'Promise me fame, and I'll survive on this bread of shame' sings Stapp, stabbing at fake Hollywood-type people, or just maybe himself as he was before the band broke up in 2004.

You know Creed can't go an entire album with a ballad...as their biggest hit was a ballad. "Arms Wide Open" was rock music's biggest ballad in the late 90's. Full Circle's third track 'A Thousand Faces' hearkens back to the "My Own Prison" days as Mark Tremonti sings backing vocals on this ballad.

Song #4 on Full Circle goes back to the heavy sound, and actually sounds like an Alter Bridge tune to me. Unfortunately a forgettable tune, "Suddenly" will appeal to the hardcore Creed fans.

Single number two off Full Circle, "Rain" is one of the lightest melodies on the album. Sounding very Staind-ish, Rain is sure to be a hit on the adult top 40 charts.

Keeping with the ballad mode, the next song "Away in Silence" just overdoes the soft ballad sound. Sounding very mainstream polished, it is another forgettable tune.

Track 7, named "Fear" is a nice hard rocker that demonstrates the new Creed sound. Mark Tremonti really shows his skills both in the main riff and guitar solo.

Starting off with the sounds of violins, another ballad surfaces in the next track "On My Sleeve." Actually a good ballad off the album, this one sounds like a chart topper. Varying between acoustic plucking and full-on distorted guitars during the chorus, this song is one of the better soft songs Creed has ever done.

Finally we come to the album's title track. "Full Circle" is a bluesy tune that sounds nothing quite like anything Creed has done before. Yet another quality song.

The tenth song "Time" sounds like Creed took a page right out of the 3 Doors Down playbook. "Time" sounds like it came right off 3DD's latest album, just with different vocals. I'm not saying that's necessarily bad, but Creed won't win any originality awards with critics.

The shining moment of the entire album is the 11th track. "Good Fight" sounds like Creed at its pinnacle. Featuring down-tuned grungy sounding guitars and lyrics that are made to inspire, "Good Fight" is quickly becoming one of my favorite Creed tunes of all time.

The album closer, "The Song You Sing" is a mid-tempo tune that is a fitting close to the CD. Following the same formula that made them famous, it starts off acoustically and rises in volume as the song progresses.

You have to give credit to Creed. Most bands this decade have flip-flopped through sounds like crazy, yet Creed sticks to their tried and true formula. Riding the unmistakable vocals of Scott Stapp and the electric guitar master himself, Mark Tremonti, 'Full Circle' is a competent album in today's flooded market of alternative rock and metal bands. Not their best effort of their career, it is damn good for a band that hasn't released new material in 8 years.

4 stars out of 5.

Quite possibly the largest pile of BS ever...

Normally I respect other people's views on their choice of music. Case in point, all my roommates at college are either into rap or country. As long as they don't diss on my music, I don't diss on theirs. I am a DIEHARD rock and metal music fan...growing up I started out on country, moved to pop, then classic rock, and finally modern rock and metal.

So today as I am surfing the web, I come across an article on FOX News Business' website. Here's the link: http://emac.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2009/10/23/country-music-is-the-new-rock-%E2%80%98n-roll/?test=faces

This is possibly the largest pile of bullshit I have ever heard in my life. Written in a totally biased way, this is one of the most public insults to rock music and their fans that I have read. The article attempts to say that country music is becoming more popular than rock music. While I do not dispute that opinion, the writer did by no means have to take a literary shit on rock music.

"Could it be that music listeners are sick and tired of the fulsome, industrial-strength self-dramatization, the twisted acting out in rock ‘n roll songs that take on a relentless, infantile, perverse logic all their own?" Ok hold up. The twisted acting out? Relentless, infantile, perverse logic? Please elaborate on what country music has been for the past decade then? In a genre of music that glorifies getting drunk all the time, going to the bar to drown your sorrows, and echoes a feeling of self pity...the writer wants to accuse ROCK music of infantile logic? Please...

Next argument.

"Could it be that music listeners no longer want any part of the excruciatingly annoying culture of excessive, self-righteous self-indulgence, of narcissistic self-entitlement cemented in many genres of rock 'n roll?"

Oh dear God forgive me for wanting to listen to a genre of music that puts confidence at the forefront. I guess I better go feel sorry self rightous pity while drinking all the beer and whiskey I can throw down my throat. That's what 90% of country music is. Dare we attempt to put on a brave front and face our problems and announce that no one or nothing is going to get us down. Guess we all better go down to the bar and cry on each other's shoulder's all night then.

"Where listening to these songs is like chewing on Reynolds Wrap tin foil? Where you have to apply Novocain to your nerve endings as soon their songs are over?"

Ok....so you don't like loud music. At least you have to apply Novocain. Explain why I want to grab a handgun and blow my head off after listening to all the Debbie Downer 'OH WOE IS ME!' country music songs. Maybe some people use rock music as a motivator...maybe some people don't want to be lulled to sleep when they listen to music.

"Is it that consumers want more, they want to connect, they want music that quite purely and simply tells stories that move the heart and provide a compelling narrative about the human condition?"

Seriously...I mean c'mon. If I wanted to go hear a sad story and bawl my eyeballs out like a 14-year old girl who got dumped at the school dance I'd watch Lifetime TV. Country music, for the most part, is as sad and bummed out as you can get. Perhaps you prefer to wallow in the gutter of self pity, but I prefer to do something about the situation and listen to music that wants to kick somebody's ass.

And on the topic of artist callaboration....

"Fraser notes that when he produced the Mike Douglas talk show in the '60s, “it was hard to book a rock star with another rock star on the show to perform, because none of them wanted to share the stage with each other.”

HAH! HAH! HAH! If you have to use an example from FORTY years ago to try to prove your point, then that's pretty damn bad. Ok lets see...Fred Durst discovered Staind and put them on the map...Staind discovered Cold and put them on the map...oh yea these rock acts sure are selfish. Ever heard of Default or Theory of a Deadman? Chances are you wouldn't if it hadn't been for Nickelback's frontman Chad Kroeger pushing and promoting these bands. Rock bands love to help fellow bands, and do so when they can. Oh yea....rock music is so selfish. Not.

"According to Inside Radio, country music is by far the most popular format for programming. As of August 2009, 2,014 stations were programming country while 1,323 offered Rock, including Classic and Alternative Rock;

For the last decade or so, country music listening nationwide has delivered a steady 77.3 mn adults each week, according to the radio-ratings agency Arbitron;

In 2008, based upon total earnings, three of the top 10 acts were country--namely, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith, according to Forbes Magazine;"

Ok, so I'm not arguing that there are successful country acts and that the genre itself is not doing well. But let me point out something. Have you noticed that those 3 acts are so successful because they moved TOWARDS a ROCK music sound??? I sure as hell don't see rock music acts moving towards a country music sound. It's the other way around. Sure...when you try to copycat our music and sound like us, then of course you will gain fans. Case in point: Jason Aldean. His most successful songs have a tremendous amount of rock influence, namely distorted guitars and powerful, commanding drum beats. Hmmm...where have we heard that before? Oh yea! ROCK MUSIC. Come again sometime....

Even the writer admits a fact that supports rock music:

"Valentino notes this caveat: “Country is genre-specific music, while Rock, categorically, will usually encompass different styles such as alternative, classical and modern," which can torque the numbers."

Ok so you're admitting that rock music has different avenues and different sounds? Well damn...weren't you just saying that rock music is essentially all the same? Nice backstep. You want someone that sounds the same? George Straight. The guy can change one guitar chord per album and still sell a million records. Not hard to keep country fans occupied apparently.

"Looking closer, it’s true that country music had a pretty poor showing in 2008 versus other forms of music in terms of revenue, although it was on track to have better growth in the first half of 2009 versus other genres, notes Fox News analyst James Farrell."

Oh SNAP! So it's really not all it's cracked up to be is it? That's right...so get off rock music's case.

I would suggest this writer look into the actual facts before writing another article that insults and puts down rock music for no good reason. I myself enjoy some country music...Brooks & Dunn are my favorites...and they incorporate rock-style music and lyrical content.

Opinions are like assholes....everyone has one. Doesn't mean yours is any better than mine.

War Is The Answer

As anyone who may read this blog regularly knows, I was a big Motograter fan back in the day. Once lead singer left Ivan Moody left the band and formed Five Finger Death Punch, I was apprehensive as to whether Ivan could front a band as loud, in-your-face, and flat out pissed off as Motograter was. Once FFDP's debut "The Way of the Fist" was released, those fears were put to rest.

Fast forward to today, the first day of release of FFDP's sophomore effort, "War Is The Answer." The lead single, "Hard To See" has already been a moderate success on rock and metal radio. War is the Answer may well be a harder, more confrontational album than their debut was. Yet, it also contains ballads reminescent of the best that today's modern rock bands have to offer, along with a little taste of Metallica.

The opener, "Dying Breed" kicks the album off with a "ROUND ONE!!" lyrical cliche. Dying Breed is nothing new to FFDP fans, it is the same ass-kickery that was found on The Way of the Fist. I have to give FFDP credit for sticking to their sound and not changing it on a whim like most bands do today.

Track #2 is the lead single, "Hard To See." Radio-friendly lyrically, the music still packs a whallop to the ears. A fine example of the way modern metal should sound like.

Next is "Bulletproof," harkens back to the Motograter days, whose songs were mostly about defiance in the face of those you despise. This song showcases Ivan's vocal range, from an almost talking tone, to his trademark low, harsh, semi-growl voice, then escalates at some points to his mastery of a metal scream.

The next track, "No One Gets Left Behind" could be a theme song for the U.S. Armed Forces, which incidentally all branches of the military get a big thank you in the CD booklet. The song contains a nice "OORAH!!!!" in the bridge of the song...contributing the military theme of the CD.

The fifth sonic adventure, named "Crossing Over," is the first of what could be considered a ballad for FFDP on this album. Sung mainly in a normal singing voice by Moody, this song is sure to catch fire whenever it is released to radio. Not a emo-charged ballad like we see in today's music, it's just a song where FFDP catches their breath. Equivalent in musical intensity to say...an Alter Bridge or new Creed song, Crossing Over is already one of my favorite FFDP songs.

Emphasizing the point of catching a breath, song 6 is pure, raw, unbridled hate. "You think you know me, you dont know SHIT" opens the song. "Burn It Down" was leaked onto the internet about a month ago, and immediately landed a spot on my MP3 player. Even today after going to the local music store and purchasing my copy of the album, "Burn It Down" was one of the first songs that I played today.

After an intense song like Burn It Down, it's time for another ballad. "Far From Home" is a true ballad, opening with soft acoustic guitars and violin music. Although it rises in intensity, Far From Home sounds like a sure shot for Billboard's Mainstream Rock music top 10 chart.

"Falling In Hate," the 8th track, sounds vaguely like a Metallica track from the "Black Album" days. Good stuff here.

Number 9, "My Own Hell" is another example of FFDP not straying from their sound. Sounding similiar to all other FFDP songs, it's a sure hit for hardcore fans.

The song "Walk Away" could very well be one of FFDP's biggest hits if it's released as a single. One of the best examples of modern metal I have ever heard, Walk Away is immediately catchy, lyrically and musically. Not overpowering, but raw in passion, it deserves a spot on anyone's playlist.

Next is an interesting little tune named "Canto 34." An instrumental song, this could be yet another Metallica comparision. Known for having a few instrumentals on their albums, both Metallica and Five Finger Death Punch use these as examples of their musical talents.

One of the nicer surprises, we are next treated to yet another Metallica comparision. A cover of the Band Company's self titled song, "Bad Company" is a very capable cover. Metallica did the same thing back in the day with Bob Seger's tune "Turn The Page." Both turned a slower song into a metal ballad.

The album closer, "War is the Answer," is just as intense as the opener, which is refreshing as most bands close out their CD's with a slow ballad or acoustic number. "How's it feel to be a tool? Motherfucker, war is the answer!" Oh yea....good shit for any metal fan.

I know I'll probably get blasted for this, but Five Finger Death Punch is as close to a modern-day Metallica as we'll ever get. The similarity between the two bands is too much not to notice, and I for one do not care if FFDP is trying to be the new Metallica, as long as they keep putting kick-ass records out, I don't think anyone will care either.

Sci-Fi Crimes

In today's era of music, being around long enough to put out your 5th album is an achievement itself. But to grow musically and still rock hard? That's a trademark of a great band...and Chevelle does just that on their new album, "Sci-Fi Crimes." Their last effort "Vena Sera" was a hit among their core fanbase, but did little elsewhere. However, this time around, Chevelle experiments with a new sound that harkens back to their "Wonder What's Next" and "Point #1" days, and the result is a album that is never dull but is pure raw energy. Considering the fact that this band is still just a trio, the music that they have come up with is amazing. The opening track "Sleep Apnea" rocks harder than anything on Vena Sera, and immediately conjures up recollections of a combination between "Family System" and "Another Know it All." Sci-Fi Crimes makes a return to a heavy bass guitar sound, reminescent of when Joe Loeffler was bassist. Sleep Apnea is one of Chevelle's best works, and a fitting opening track. "Mexican Sun" itself sounds similiar vocally like songs on "Point #1" but keeps the new hard sound. The third track is the best off the entire album however. "Shameless Metaphors" cannot be compared to anything Chevelle has done before. It isn't as hard as their best-known song, "Send The Pain Below" but it fits the band perfectly. Beginning with an eerie guitar piece, and gradually gaining momentum as it builds toward the chorus. This could definitely be the standout single from Sci-Fi Crimes, and simply must be heard. The first single released off the album however is "Jars", a tongue-in-cheek song about saving the Earth into Jars, because of humanity's impact on the environment. "Jars" sounds like it could be from "This Type of Thinking(Could Do Us In)", and actually is one of the weaker songs on the album because it sounds as if it was crafted for mainstream consumption.

"Fell Into Your Shoes" is a song that starts off very slowly...yet bursts into the first verses with a fierce wave of guitar. It certainly doesn't sound like previous works, and is yet another song that Chevelle shows their superior musicianship.

"Letter From a Thief" is in this reviewer's opinion, the 2nd best track on the album. If a song screams pure Chevelle, this is it. Again, it's a totally new sound for Chevelle, yet somehow retains the very essential music and vocal properties that sets Chevelle apart from everyone else.

"Highlands Apparition" is an acoustic gem that showcases Pete Loeffler. With just his acoustic guitar and his voice, he makes a song that brings back memories of "Bend the Bracket" and "One Lonely Visitor", yet blows both songs out of the water.

"Roswell's Spell" is a hard hitting, slow, grunging song that places great emphasis on low-tuned guitars throughout the song. A great song, this one is another example of the new Chevelle.

The next track, interestingly titled "Interlewd" is an instrumental track that is kind of a break between songs. This reminds me greatly of "Point #1," where instrumental pieces were given whole track numbers.

"A New Momentum" is one of the tracks on Sci-Fi crimes that takes the bass guitar to a whole new level. Featuring prominently in the opening of the song, the whole song seems dark...and sounds brilliant. Yet another gem of a song, "A New Momentum" is just something that must be beheld in order to appreciate it. This is probably my personal favorite track off the entire album.

Unlike previous records, which ended on an acoustic whimper, this album does not. "This Circus" is definitely not an acoustic, yet ends on one of the most unique ways I have ever heard. Instruments are gradually faded out until it fades to black. A very fitting way to end one of the best hard rock albums to be released in recent memory.

Rock News: April 2009

It's been awhile since I last graced the screen of this blog with news, so here I am to inform you of all the useless rock music news you can handle.

First off, Italian metalheads Lacuna Coil (lead singer Cristina Scabbia pictured...hot as hell as always) have recorded their new album, and will release it within the following month. The first single, 'Spellbound' is sort of a throwback to good ole' time, as Lacuna Coil's male singer splits voice time almost evenly with Scabbia. Lacuna Coil has retained their heavy sound from Karmacode, which is a relief of sorts, as most rock bands today change their music style to fit into the mainstream. The new album, titled "Shallow Life," even opens with a heavy track featuring double-bass drum kicks, a first for Lacuna Coil. The entire album is being streamed on their Myspace site, but for a week only. The album sounds better than Karmacode, and will be a huge hit amongst Lacuna Coil's core fanbase. The album is probably still too unfamiliar and extreme to make a huge impact on any mainstream charts.




As I have written before lamenting the fact that heavy metal band Motograter only had one CD, it seems we may be rewarded with a new album soon. Labeled as "The New Breed" on their Myspace site, Motograter has found a new lead singer, who screams and sings with the best Ivan Moody ever had to offer. For a short while, Motograter posted a clip of a new track named "Lividity," and it sounded just as heavy and brutal as anything on Motograter's debut album. Double-bass drum kicks and screaming for 37 seconds best sums up the sound bite from Lividity. Ahhh, sounds like my cup of tea!!!!!






In other news, Nickelback's Dark Horse CD has gone on to surpass the 2X Platinum record sales mark, which I bet just sticks like a thorn right into the sides of all the music critics who constantly pan anything they release. FACE IT GUYS, Nickelback is by FAR one of the most popular music acts, and whatever insults and negativity you level at them only makes them more determined to make great music.

It seems like only yesterday that the band Creed was on top of the world when it came to rock music, then as soon as they got there, it all came crashing down. With 3 Creed members moving on to make slightly above mediocre music with Alter Bridge, and singer Scott Stapp recording a sub-par solo album, Creed fans have been stuck listening to aging but never forgettable tunes from the late 90's and early 2000's. Until now??? Well before you get your hopes up, all I can say is MAYBE. Creed has confirmed a 2009 reunion tour, even posting a video trailer on their official website. Now a tour is GREAT, but what about NEW music??? Well, everyone is hush-hush on that subject. Oh well, here's to hoping a new Creed record will someday surface.

Canadian rockers Default's new album has seen it's projected release date of March 2009 come and go...with no album release. So what's up with that? I seriously couldn't tell you. Default had to find a new record label since TVT Records went down the tubes, and the best they could come up with was 'The Orchard', an online record label that 'wants' to get into tangible album releases. It's a shame a band like Default can't get a record label that takes them seriously. With Default's official webpage displaying "NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON," we can only wait and see.

Alt-Metal band Chevelle is in the studio recording their fifth album, and from the short studio recording sessions videos on their Myspace, it sounds promising. The music sounds like a combo between "Wonder What's Next" and "Vena Sera."

Linkin Park has announced that their next record will be a concept album. No word on what musical style they will pursue this time around. Hopefully they bring back a little of their nu-metal roots. LP singer Chester Bennington also is recording a solo album, with a band named "Dead By Sunrise." The album supposedly drops this September.