Category Archives: Review

Hardcore, Metal, Music, Music Video, New Release, Review

Bleeding Through – Declaration – CD Review

14 March, 2009 Brian Mc 2 Comments

Straightedge metalcore sensations Bleeding Through continue their mission to rock your face off and implode ear drums while doing so with their latest release Declaration. Combining heavy metal, death metal, punk rock, and even a little black metal, Bleeding Through has their own unique style that is just brutal, and that is an understatement. Having been around since 1999 the band was labeled one of SPIN’s 2003 “Artists To Watch” as well as have been featured in a Revolver “Future of Metal” article. This is the band’s third release once again on metal label Trustkill Records.

Formed by members of other heavy acts such as Eighteen Visions and Throwdown, the band caught my ears when I heard This Is Love, This Is Murderous, the band’s first release with Trustkill Records. I will never forget that day as my ears were introduced to just pure fury. I had just finished up a day at the record store and I was cleaning up getting ready to go. My friend asked if I wanted to hear something heavy and of course I told him to go for it. The moment he hit play on the CD player I was hooked.

This Is Love, This Is Murderous was in heavy rotation on my playlist for years. I was highly disappointed with their next release on Trustkill called The Truth as perhaps I was expecting more from such a strong intro to the band in This Is Love This Is Murderous. I can not say I was that pumped to hear Declaration as I was afraid that their sound may still not compare to taste I enjoyed but that all changed once I finally checked out the CD.

The opening of the CD “Finis Fatalis Spei” was a black metal, evil circus sounding, melodic introduction that set me back for a second until a quote from the movie 300 ended the intro with “Tonight we dine in hell!” From there the CD was an all out mugging on your ears with “Declaration (You Can’t Destroy What You Can Not Replace)”. Death metal, heavy metal, black metal, and even speed metal combine for a powerful first song on this album with Pantera guitar hammering moments thanks to help from As I Lay Dying’s Tim Lambesis.

“Orange Country Blonde and Blue” followed continuing a insane death punch to my ears. Again I can not help me being reminded of Phil Anslemo and crew in this track as well as 90’s metal bands with the chorus. “Germany” really reminded me of Bleeding Through’s earlier years with just non-stop drumming and almost so much guitar that I felt as if the song flew by way too fast.

“There Was A Flood” slowed things down a notch at the beginning with a track that really set well with me. Musically the song was something along the lines of a slower Cradle Of Filth song but I assure you as soon as the song started it seemed to put me in place. Lyrically the song spoke about checking on a mistake from the past and reiterating the high hate for that mistake. For the first time on the CD lead vocalist Brandon Schieppati sings for a moment on the track but is fast to get back to Mastodon-like vocal shredding.

“Reborn From Isolation” has it’s head banging moments until the song actually started making me want to swing my arms carelessly about and attack the air with my fists. It’s songs like these that make me happy I no longer stand in the pit at live shows because I am pretty sure others feel the same way about this track. “Death Anxiety” had that same fight everyone and everything around you feel. If you were a fan of This Is Love, This Is Murderous, you agree that this song sounds like it was left off that album.

“The Loving Memory Of England” took a break from the others and had kind of a Pantera “Planet Caravan” moment. The song not only gave me a chance to let your heartbeat settle but it also proved the band has a softer side. “Beneath The Grey” soon dismissed any chance that the CD was going to end mellow with a full blown hard beginning that made me take a second listen when I discovered that the song that had a guitar solo from No Use For A Name’s Dave Nassie.

Closing the CD was “Sister Charlatan” one of my choice cuts on the CD. With a well orchestrated introduction the song still kept with the heavy and has a It Dies Today similarity with a nice mixture of death screaming and harmonious singing. Add intense guitar solos, double bass drumming from hell, and even some beautiful piano playing over a thunderstorm, the song made me feel like I was a schizophrenic with the change ups.

Declaration is everything I was looking for in a Bleeding Though CD including the loud screaming, forceful drumming, and vicious guitar playing combined with enough force and hate to push you down to the ground. Don’t look for this band to clot or heal up anytime soon as there is just too much flowing out right now. If you like your metal loud, heavy, and most of all fast Declaration needs to be in your collection.

Here is the video for “Death Anxiety”:

Did you know that Bleeding Through was featured on Inside Edition report years ago? It’s true. The band was on tour and was involved in an accident while traveling. The band was on their way to a show in Colorado when the bad’s van hit ice and crashed into an already disabled vehicle. The whole accident was captured on a police cruiser dash-cam as police were on location tending to the previous accident. Luckily no one was hurt.

Cleveland, Folk, Indie, Jam, Live Shows, Music, Outlaw Country, Punk, Review, Rock

Those Darlins, Hacienda, & Dan Auerbach – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH – 03/05/09 – Concert Review

7 March, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

It was an entertaining evening Thursday night fueled by heavy doses of country twang and serious rock n roll thanks to the bands that performed at one of Cleveland’s best little venues, the Beachland Ballroom. The line-up was enough to call for that simple dreadful sign stating that tickets were sold out. All who were lucky enough to obtain admittance to last night’s performance certainly are still talking about the show that Those Darlins, Hacienda, and Dan Auerbach who is known as the lead signer of The Black Keys all put on.

Having heard about the show last week I decided that it was a show not to be missed and make plans to attend. Accompanied with a couple of friends who have love for the country and the rock I was sure they would have a great time checking out all the bands. We arrived to the Waterloo Rd. venue a little early as I was not certain how long it would take to make the trek there. The Beachland Ballroom is not located exactly downtown Cleveland but just a short drive away on a sketchy yet hip part of town. We arrived with no problems and finally made way into the ballroom. One of the things I like about the Beachland Ballroom is how quaint it is. It reminds me of a gymnasium from a middle school of my past with a stage and no real distractions in the main gathering area itself.

Calling them darlings is an understatement...

Once we finally got in we made a pit stop at the merch tables and I dropped five dollars on Those Darlin’s Wild One EP. For three songs the five bucks was totally worth it. The main reason I even planned on attending the concert was because of the trio of ladies otherwise known as Those Darlins. I just had received a taste of their sound last week and promptly posted a blog about it. What I heard not only made my day but also made me what to see them perform live.

Normally people get excited for the main act at a concert and the openers are almost like icebreakers for the evening. For the first time in a long time this was not the case for me. I dig the Black Keys and I have seen them live before. I actually had not heard the solo release yet on Dan Auerbach yet and to be honest I was more interested in seeing the opener over the other two bands.

Nashville’s neighboring sweethearts Those Darlins took the stage to a decent sized crowd and opened with “Wild One“. I think it is safe to say that they impressed the crowd right away physically and musically with their mix of country, folk, bluegrass, and sass. Dressed to impress, the three fine-looking girls and their mustache clad drummer had an amazing stage presence and were all smiles through their set. Sipping on strong drinks in between songs the girls shared singing duties and entertained all. “I love you” was shouted more than one time, and although I admit a major crush on the three darlings, I assure you it was not me.

They played the two other tracks on their Wild One EP including the humorous “Whole Damn Thing” as well as a healthy bout of tunes to be hopefully released on their debut CD in June. At times they sounded like The Carter Family and other times reminded me of a female version of Hank Williams III but much better looking. Seeing them live on stage having such a good time really added to the attraction. I was not ready for them to finish when they did and really could have listened to them play all night with their unique sound. I can only hope for a return by the sassy ladies once their debut CD is released.

Many people were excited to see the San Antonio rock jam band Hacienda take stage. I wish I could say I was too, but honestly the only thing I knew about this band is that they were backing up Dan Auerbach during his set and that their latest album, Loud Is The Night, was recorded at Dan Auerbach’s Akron Analog . I checked out some of the set and at times was shaking my head along to the beat. It was good music, but just not what I was looking to hear at the time.

Dan Auerbach with Hacienda and friends took stage after a short break. It was at this moment that I realized how sold out the show really was as I could barely move through the crowd to find a good place to watch the headliner. With only hearing a track or two off of Dan Auerbach’s Keep It Hid I knew it was not anything Black Keys but still was not completely sure what was going to happen.

The sounds Dan Auerbach and crew put forth reminded me of early rock at it’s finest with a jam feel at times. Each member on the stage had their own specialty to make the live performance even more interesting. Guitar solos, dual vocals, and smiles ear to ear by the performers just added to the good time being had by all. I got a huge kick out of the duel drumming and especially seeing Patrick Hallahan from My Morning Jacket do his thing moving from drum set to congo and maraca and even beating upon a giant triangle. Rocking out until after midnight the band continued to electrify. I can not tell you what songs they played as I still have yet to pick up the CD but I can tell you Keep It Hid is on my “to buy” list.

It was an excellent night for new music to hit my ears thanks to all three acts playing on stage. I became a bigger fan of Those Darlins as well as gotten a good taste of what Dan Auerbach’s solo material sounds like backed with a full band. Spite the sold out crowd it was a great evening and I know I was not the only one who enjoyed it. If these three acts happen to come your way and you are looking for a night of fun and music do yourself a favor and grab a ticket before it sells out.

The tour continues for just a few more dates. Catch them if you can!

March 5 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
March 6 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
March 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
March 10 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
March 11 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
March 13 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
March 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre

Download This!, Hip Hop, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Rap, Review

P.O.S. – Never Better – CD Review

2 March, 2009 Brian Mc 2 Comments

P.O.S., born Stefon Alexander, is a hip hop artist from the city of lakes many refer to as Minneapolis. P.O.S. can mean a lot of things, but in this instance it is an abbreviation for “Pissed Off Stef,” something he was referred to long before the days of his hip hop career. Growing up a punk rocker, P.O.S. was not originally a fan of hip hop until he learned it was more of an alternative form of expression over a glorified music genre.

Recently putting out his fifth release, Never Better, once again on Rhymesayers, P.O.S. produced over half of the CD himself. The album was also released in a limited, custom, do-it-yourself edition, featuring 16 solid picture inserts with six plastic overlays, allowing the owner to create their own cover art combination. I admit to having some fun with this prior to checking out the CD.

Taking his love of punk rock, P.O.S. chose to try a new way of expressing himself and soon was creating rhymes and beats that elaborated into a style of his own. It’s hip hop fueled with punk rock suggestions, personal journeys, and accomplishments, making for a striking release.

Already making a name for himself in the underground hip hop world with Doomtree, P.O.S. is slated to be touring a city near you this summer at the Van’s Warped Tour. Keeping himself occupied until then, P.O.S. will soon will be appearing with label mate, Atmosphere, in the Spring for even some live shows before the Summer kick off.

“Sorry I took so long” is stated by P.O.S. on the beginning track “Let It Rattle.” This introduction track really proved P.O.S. has something to say with an array of statements fornicated into a rap track with excellent intense drumming. My first taste of P.O.S. was exactly what I was expecting.

Following the impressive opening was even more insane drum heavy track “Drumroll (We’re All Thirsty)”. Accompanying P.O.S. was Doomtree making for a thrilling collection of words and beats. In addition to this track a video that blew my mind accompanies it. The video is like watching an urban war with people running for their lives while being attacked by… well I think it would be best if you just checked out the video for yourself to come to that determination. I have my own ideas.

Continuing the CD was the intriguing “Savion Glover,” with P.O.S. taking a lyric from Fugazi‘s “Five Corporations,” and adding it to the already heavily referenced track that seemed like a non-stop expression. “Purexed” really had a Sage Francis flow style throughout leading up to even more impressive drumming backing the chorus. I loved the energy and personable, friendly feel throughout the track. “Graves (We Wrote The Book)” was a little more urban hip hop sounding mixed with some guitar jams. Again, choice words added together with clever rhymes kept me entertained throughout the song.

“Get Smokes” was a freestyle of sorts, with P.O.S. stopping and laughing for a brief moment here and there in between his determined flow, speaking out on everything from Iggy Pop to the disturbed nation. The beats backing him were a unique mix of funk, and even at times had a record-scratching Kid Koala resemblance. “Been Afraid” was a little more serious than the previous tracks, speaking of the misfortune of a girl caught up in a violent relationship.

“Low Light Low Life” stood out with the catchy beats, accompanied by horns and keyboard, with the sweet female flow of Dessa from Doomtree adding to the excitement of the track. This song not only was one of my favorites on the CD but will get the party moving for sure with amazing RJD2 like beats and Blueprint reminding flows.

The CD seemed to start mixing things up with “Optimist (We Are Not Meant For Them),” as it started out very plain and organic sounding, with beat produced by slapping hands on inanimate objects, perhaps cups. P.O.S. concluded with a screaming and hollering refrain of sorts.

“Terrorish” mixed the rapping some more with a little hard screaming, courtesy of Jason Shevchuk of None More Black. The quick bass line kept me rocking my head along to the quick track, with P.O.S. spitting out words as fast as he possibly can. Can you say freestyle group sing-a-long lyricism?

“Never Better” continued with a stray away from the hip hop and more so an indie rock, alt rock approach, reminding me of Cooper Temple Clause mostly from the highly distorted guitars, as well as Judah Nagler, of The Velvet Teen, lending his calm dreary singing. Closing down the CD was “The Brave And The Snake,” a track that left me wanting more – and thanks to a secret track, I got my craving. The secret track was a stunning bonus and seemed to calm me down after such an exciting dose of a real hip hop release.

Never Better really grew on me throughout as I listened to the CD. It was like during each track I was reading a Choose Your Own Adventure book because I had no idea what was coming up next. The genre combination, especially the punk rock and hip hop, kept things ever so interesting to the point where I have listened to this CD over and over.

P.O.S. does not sound like he is full of himself at all during any of the tracks, and when you add that to his amazing beat creations and genus writing skills, I have nothing bad to say about this release or P.O.S for that matter. Drums, bass, a constant flow, and a serious widespread talent for expressing himself make me a fan of P.O.S. and I am pretty sure it will for you, too, if you appreciate expression and real hip hop.

–Download This! – P.O.S. – “Drumroll”

-Check out P.O.S.’s MySpace page.

-Need something to do? Head over to Make It Better, a do-it-yourself album cover maker. The site was inspired by the DIY Never Better CD artwork concept. You can also check out the entire album while messing around with the fun little program.

-Are you wondering waht the DIY CD artwork is all about? Check this out:

-Check out the powerful video for “Drumroll” – seriously, this video is insane:

Download This!, Hardcore, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Review

LeATHERMOUTH – XO – CD Review

28 February, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Hardcore act LeATHERMOUTH, a side project including My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero, released XO recently on Epitaph Records.

Before you even start thinking bad things let me say that LeATHERMOUTH is not My Chemical Romance nor is their sound remotely close. Don’t judge this band until you pop the CD in and hear it for yourself as it has nothing to do with happy times or even emo pop punk. XO is brutal and has the anger of Gallows combined with the outspoken reflection on the world like the Dead Kennedys, a nice combination I might add. Add some fuming hate that has been building up for years and you have yourself one pissed off release.

Having not researched the band prior to my first listen, the only thing I knew about LeATHERMOUTH was that they, according to the CD booklet, were “bass, drums, two electric guitars, and vocals.” After some research I learned that they are a hardcore band formed almost out of pure bottled up anger by the guitarist of the chart topping wonders My Chemical Romance.

The band was actually formed by friends of Frank Iero who finally joined them after the band stated that their initial lead singer failed to write lyrics for the songs they created. Hearing this disappointing news, Frank Iero took the reigns as the lead singer of the band and wrote all the lyrics for the songs.

I still was not convinced of the idea of an almost pop punk band member being in a hardcore side project and almost passed on listening to the CD until I read what Frank Iero told Epitaph.com:

“There’s too much bad hair and white belts. Sometimes it nice to turn your brain off and just listen to someone sing about girls. I’m not knocking it. I do think there is a time and a place. But LeATHERMOUTH isn’t like that… it’s about hate. Hate that boils up inside and eats away at you, if you don’t vomit it up you know it will eventually destroy you.”

After reading that I quickly grabbed my copy of XO and threw it in my CD player and the result was enough anger to make any smiling face turn to a stern frown. Fans of My Chemical Romance, you should stop reading now; LeATHERMOUTH has nothing to do with that happy high school punk rock music you cherish.

The opening song “5th Period Massacre” set the mood by talking about the overflowing sad amounts of suppressed anger from bullied youth only to explode into a shooting at an education institution. The music was heavy, the lyrics were graphic, and the anger was all so tempting.

Following the impressive opening track was “Catch Me If You Can” a hardcore melee full of breaking the law and causing chaos and rebellion. The song was actually created from letters written by serial killer Jack The Ripper making for an even more interesting track.

The mortal “Murder Was The Case That They Gave Me” was far from Snoop Dogg and more so The Bronx with pure hate energy throughout. “Sunsets Are For Muggings” not only humored me by the title but seemed to reach back to the 80s hardcore punk sound. “My Love Note Has Gone Flat” seemed to just strangle any decent thought in my head. “Bodysnatchers 4 Ever” was chaotic, ruthless, and very suggestive of old school horror flicks again with the energy simular to the Bronx.

For Frank Iero’s first attempt at being a lyricist and lead singer I think he nailed it. His raspy scratchy voice lies perfect with the hardcore feel the rest of the band provided. Their music will make you angry and that seems to be LeATHERMOUTH’s soul intention and with that, they have provided a serious impression on me with XO.

Angry, loud, and hardcore is all you need to know about this CD. If you like horror movies, being angry at the world, and fast furious hardcore music with exceptional force this CD is for you. If you like songs about girls in high school and mild mischief don’t even bother.

-Download This! – LeATHERMOUTH – “Bodysnatchers 4 Ever”

-Check out the video for “Bodysnatchers 4 Ever”:
(The following is NSFW (cussing) so view at your own discression)

Jam, Metal, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

The Bakerton Group – El Rojo – CD Review

21 February, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

The Bakerton Group aka Clutch — The Bakerton Group (aka Clutch)

Rock band Clutch collectively released a new CD from their side project band, which some claim is an alter ego of sorts called The Bakerton Group. Focusing mostly on instrumental music, the four-some recently, with help from Per Wibeg of Opeth, released El Rojo. The outcome of this CD strays slightly from the stoner rock but travels more so down the jam band style of music with elements of jazz and blues.

The Maryland rock act Clutch has been rocking out since 1990 and although they never reached the mainstream level, they have a huge fan base and have sold tons of albums as well as toured the world. Their hard work over the years got them where they are today including a following of fans, more of a cult following as Clutch does not get played on the radio much nor do they have countless music videos for their material. The band, which barely slows down, tours constantly and has eight albums under their belts.

The Bakerton Group was formed around 1999 by the members of Clutch perhaps to just try something different and expand their musical creativity. Their first EP titled Space Guitars was released in 2000 and is still available for free download on the band’s website. It was not until 2007 when a full length self titled album was released on River Road Records. El Rojo marks the second release by the band and this time has been released on Clutch’s very own label Weathermaker Music.

The Bakerton Group is more of a rock jam session that will appeal to more than just one type of fan. It’s easy to compare the sound to Clutch as all four members contribute. I admit that while listening to some tracks I was waiting for Clutch lead singer Neil Fallon to bellow out over the music. While listening though I had to keep reminding myself El Rojo is an instrumental project full of a surplus of music types.

With El Rojo being my first taste of the Bakerton Group, I did not know quite what to expect other than instrumental songs. Starting off the CD was “Time Horizon”. All I could think of was how Clutch sounding the track was. Being as big of a Clutch fan as I am, I was glad to hear the music, and it rocked, but my first taste of this side project was nothing out of the ordinary to me.

The CD really didn’t hit me until “Bien Clasico” played with intermittent crazy saxophone playing that even John Zorn would smile at. The song had sort of a Disco Biscuits feel at times sans the electronics blips and bleeps. The potent organ solo on “Life On Lars” was something worth listening over and over again. “M.(F).H.S.” became predictable sounding at times but turned out to be one of my favorite jams on the entire album.

I could not help but smile while listening to “Work Em” as perhaps Neil could not control himself as he just screamed out in the middle of the song finally giving me that total Clutch fix I was yearning for. Whispering robot sounds added to the fun of this track not to mention the length of the song. If there is any song on the album you want to preview to get a taste of what the Bakerton Group sounds like, this is a perfect song to start with.

For those of you who think the songs on El Rojo might be Clutch songs that never made it to one of their CDs, you are to a degree correct. El Rojo to me was more intimate Clutch music that usually only can be heard behind closed doors when the band just feels like rocking out and not going to plan. This is the music you only wish you could have heard before perhaps as a b-side or as filler at a live show. The music is solid, composed, and extensive at times making for a great CD to just sit back and listen to.

The Bakerton Group will be touring with Clutch in support of El Rojo. Technically speaking Clutch will be touring as The Bakerton Group opening for Clutch. Does that make sense? Who cares. If you are a fan of Clutch you will love the Bakerton Group and should not pass up the opportunity of a full forced night of music when they hit your city. If you are not a fan of Clutch but appreciate good musicianship, you too should at least sample the CD, you might just like it.

-For more info on Clutch and The Bakerton Group check out www.pro-rock.com

-Head over to The Bakerton Group’s website and download the Space Guitars EP for free.

-For some extra content plus info on The Bakerton Group plus other Clutch projects check out Brooklyn Vegan.

-Here are some videos of The Bakerton Group from past shows: