Vathek - Aborted Origins Review // Independent Release

Out of one of Canada's lesser talked about areas, comes the Death Metal band, Vathek. Formed in Winnipeg, Manatoba, Vathek have been creating a name for themselves opening for some of the biggest hitters on the road these days. After releasing the debut EP Apocalyptic Pandemic in 2013 and sharing the stage with the likes of Skeletonwitch, Kataklysm, and Aborted, Vathek got working on their first full length release, Aborted Origins.

The first thing to note is the mix of influences throughout this album, the speed and lyrical content similar to Grindcore. Blitzing guitar work and melodic undertones from Thrash Metal. Most prominently though is the chugging and blasting of Old School Death Metal. Instrumentally, Vathek take on a sound very similar to Cannibal Corpse in a lot of sections. "Martial Ingestion" is the perfect instance of this, throughout the majority of the song, the guitar work goes from chugging consistent riffs to small tapping sections. While songs like "Exsanguination Asphyxiation" and "Gratification From Despair" are much more fast paced throughout and take on a much more aggressive, pit-inducing form.

The use of snippets is also used throughout, music like those familiar with Kataklysm's use in almost all their albums. One is found is the heavily Grindcore influenced "Syphilis Shotgun" (originally from the debut EP), which literally just details what it's like to have syphilis in the most gruesome, Metal way possible. While guitar solos are far and few between on Aborted Origins, "Syphilis Shotgun" has a quick little piece near the end of the song, giving the listener just a little nibble at what could be on album number 2. 

From beginning to end, Aborted Origins is a hard hitting, no joke Death Metal album. The songs range from the absurd (see the aforementioned "Syphilis Shotgun") to absolutely destructive. Vathek don't hold back from dabbling into Grindcore, Thrash Metal and Brutal Death Metal throughout and try to push the boundaries of what's possible on this album. If Vathek continue to explore and expand their sound going into their next album, the next big Canadian Death Metal band could very well be on the way. Don't hold back, Aborted Origins is definitely worth a listen.

9/10

Psychostick "Do" Review

You ever take a shot out of a shoe? You wanna go to a bar and throw darts at a circle? You wanna go to a club and pay $30 a drink to flop around? These are just some of the questions asked in the new Psychostick album Do. The album was surprise released last week through the band's Twitch live stream so if you're a real fan you've probably heard it by now and if you're holding off or aren't familiar with the band, here's what you're missing.

The album kicks off with “We Are A Band”, just to remind you that Psychostick are indeed, a band. The song is heavy and symphonic, introducing you to Psychostick. The main problem is halfway through the intro, the band is interrupted by a phone call. Cutting it short, they're right back at it and let you know that they are Psychostick. Now would be a good time to let you know that Do is split into 3 parts. Each section is split up by rough mixes of “Got No Breaks” which we will touch on later.

Let's hope into the first really relatable track, “You Can (Maybe) Do It”. Psychostick don't pride themselves on intricate song writing and they don't follow the standard metalcore tropes like overly predictable breakdowns in every song. Instead, they pride themselves on being real, to an extent. “You Can (Maybe) Do It” is the anthem for those of us who sometimes just need to sulk over something to feel better about it. “Adulting”, the first single from the album, is much of the same. Do you think it sucks to be an adult? Do you ever need to just call into work to play Mario? This one's for you. On top of that, it's heavy. Legitimately heavy and does feature a breakdown, but it's far from expected. “From the Heart” is a bit of a random song on the album. It's a ballad, trading in the distortion for acoustic guitars and singing from the heart. This is a song for everyone you hate, stating very, very clearly how much you can resent one person. Last from the first act of this album is the title track. I love the riff in this song and that's kind of the point. We all do it, when you listen to a really catchy riff you “dododo” along with it and that's exactly what “Do” is. It couldn't be any more simple.

Where's my introverts at? Everyone knows “there ain't no party like an introvert party because an introvert party don't start!” Some of us like to just chill at home and play games online, so be it. Honestly, the riffs in this track are great, super upbeat and more fun than an actual party. Anyone who's not a fan of crowds can absolutely relate to this track. “Thinkin With Yer Dick” is probably the most pop-y upbeat song on the album. The instrumentals are super happy sounding and the lyrics are exactly what you think. Funny enough it leads into the next track “Uncle Material”, the perfect track for the child-free. A mix between traditional metalcore and children’s lullabies, this song is simple. It’s about not wanting kids and being harassed about how you’re making a mistake by not having kids. If there’s any song that should be listened to for legitimate social commentary, this is it. Psychostick, dealing with the real issues! “Bacon Eggs and Cheese on Toast With Sriracha” is literally just that as lyrics. It’s a song about breakfast, but it’ll make you hungry, I made exactly that after listening to this album the first couple times. Ballad number 2 time, “Stream Stutter” is a bit more sad than “From the Heart”. It’s a bit more real, while from the heart is kind of a sillier one, anyone in a relationship has felt the pain described in this song. Have you ever started watching a show with your significant other and they continue without you? It’s that type of betrayal described in “Stream Stutter”.

The final act of Do is very much just about everyday life. “Socks and Sandals” showcases the joy and comfort of going to the store in socks and sandals and pajama pants. It’s weird how easy it is to sing along with this album. Normally when you think of sing-a-long metal, you think power metal. Not metalcore. Along those lines, mornings are pretty mellow right? You get up go through a slow groove of getting breakfast. The instrumentals to “Keys” nails this perfectly. Incredibly jazzy, very bass heavy with a simple drum beat, this song is about leaving for work. Oh no you can't find your keys, then you really can't find your keys. Then you get pissed off. Que the blastbeats and harsh vocals, which are really more yelling than the band's normal harsh vocals. “Moving Day” is the longest on the album. It's a pretty standard and consistent song. Instrumentals don't change much throughout outside of from verse to chorus. “Moving Day” is about just that, helping a friend move. It's a song that nails how annoying moving is, regardless of whether it's you moving or just helping someone else.

This is easily the best album Psychostick have dropped. They Do their best with this one, nailing the feelings and thoughts everyone has doing everyday things. While previous albums had a mix between real life and surreal, this one is entirely real life. While it's a fun album, you'll listen through, laugh your ass off and go “yup, I know that feeling all to well.” If you're up for a good laugh and like metal that isn't all serious and br00tal, Psychostick's Do is absolutely an album you should check out.

Marduk "Viktoria" Album Review

Sweden’s Marduk is back with their follow up to 2015's Frontschwein. Known for their military focused lyrics and unrelenting musicianship, Marduk has brought forth Viktoria to the world. The band consists of original guitarist Morgan “Evil” Hakansson, longtime guitarist “Devo” Andersson, and vocalist “Mortuus” Rosten. Drummer Fredrik Widigs who played on Frontschwein returns to the band's ranks for yet another story of tanks, death, and World War 2. Across nine tracks, Marduk shows off why they’re one of the most renowned black metal bands today.

Viktoria kicks off with the lead single, “Werwolf.” Sirens ablaze and a ripping black metal riff and double bass from Widigs. The opening track sounds like something more along the lines with earlier Marduk than anything they've released in the past 10 years. The main riff doesn't let up and neither does the double bass. The song is simple but powerful, showing off the power that Marduk have. Probably the most interesting part is the chorus part which features almost haunting choir-like vocals chanting the word “werewolf." You can hear right off the bat, without a doubt, this is a return to form for Marduk.



The next few songs, “June 44” and the second single from the album, “Equestrian Bloodlust” are very similar. “Equestrian Bloodlust” is another short few minute song that refuses to let up on the speed once it gets going. “June 44” on the other hand does have a bit more melody during its chorus. “Tiger I” stands out as a much more melodic track than you normally hear from Marduk. Lyrically the song focuses around the terror of the Panzer VI Tiger I German tank---nothing surprising to anyone familiar with Marduk. The melody though is almost haunting, telling to terror this tank brought in World War II. The pacing, while much slower than anything else on the album, is perfect for headbanging and chanting along. Many of the verses end with a commanding yell instead of Mortuus’ regular vocals, sounding like a German general instead of a black metal vocalist.

The last stand out track is the title track, which actually just had a music video released for it. The eponymous song mixes a lot of the elements from earlier songs. The main riffs are vicious but add a little bit more melodic flair to them instead of staying plainly consistent. The chorus and bridge on the other hand, slow down a lot more to a pace much closer to that of “Tiger I”. The fast-slow-fast sort of formula that Marduk use in “Vickoria” works incredibly well to make the song unpredictable and created incredible contrast in the instrumentals.

Marduk returns to form, Viktoria is what the fans have been asking for. More military/World War-based black metal from a band renowned for it. Viktoria is much more in line with that of Panzer Division Marduk than the past few albums they've released. A true black metal monster. While short, spanning a total of 33 minutes, this is an unrelenting slab of music. Marduk show even after 28 years, they’re still on top.

Review/Unboxing: The Metalhead Box - June

THE APPAREL

 

This months The Metalhead Box featured a bit more wear than just a shirt. We are heading into the summer months and especially here in Ontario, that means HOT, HOT, HOT! Needless to say, it was nice to see a trucker cap right on top of the box. Playing off the Death logo, the hat simply says "METAL". Get it, Death Metal? Anyways, its a nice hat and perfect for keeping this crazy hot sun off your face. To go along with it, this month's box featured a shirt from the Technical Death Metal band Whore of Bethlehem which features some killer art of a demon holding a sword on essentially a throne of skulls. Killer art and killer shirt.

THE ALBUMS

It's not very common I get handed an album and have never heard of the band at this point. Years of writing down the line, you tend to discover a lot of underground bands. That being said, this month I was handed three new CDs from three different bands I had never heard of. From left-to-right we have; Mortuorial Eclipse Urushdaur, which is this Symphonic Black Metal bands brand new 2018 release, something I'm very excited to dive into. Next is Infernal Legion Your Prayers Mean Nothing, this month I went for a bit more of a Death Metal theme, I've been slacking in new Death Metal so this 2005 release is exciting to me. Lastly is another Death Metal release, this time it's Bloodsoaked and their last EP Religious Apocalypse which dropped in 2014. Stoked for a good mix of some new music, all these albums look like they'll be good listens.

THE EXTRAS

To go along with the hat and keeping cool outdoors, the box also came with a Pestilence Koozie featuring the artwork from Consuming Impulse. Gotta keep that beer, or other canned item you are enjoying, at the right temperature, right? The other "extra" is a nice signature as The Metalhead Box  is known for. This month's feature is John McEntee, guitarist for the legendary Death Metal band Incantation which is definitely a cool signature for any Metla fans collection.

Review/Unboxing: The Metalhead Box - May

Welcome to a little bit different of a review or unboxing. I'm not sure what we should call this one, but regardless today we are checking out the May edition of The Metalhead Box, a box dedicated to bringing some cool and exclusive items to Metal fans monthly, so let's jump in and see what we can find.

THE SHIRT

Right on top as we open the box is a shirt with a logo I was unfamiliar with. The art, as well as the logo, clearly Black Metal had me very interested. Upon a little bit of research, we found the band is Vargrav, a Finnish Black Metal band who are beyond excellent. I'm definitely a big fan of the shirt, the art is excellent and the back print, “As Night Swallows The Night” with a pentagram is something I'm sad my longhair will cover.

THE CDS

Right underneath the shirt was a few CDs. First, right on top, was Mayhem’s 2009 Season of Mist release “Ordo ad Chao”. While I'm a fan of Mayhem and this is an album a lot of people talk about, I had yet to hear it so this was a really cool album to have in my collection. Next up was Drudkh’s “Autumn Aurora” which is a band I had been meaning to listen to for quite a while. The album cover is spectacular and upon a few listens, I have to say I'm a fan, very glad to have received this album. Third, was an album from a band called Reign of Vengeance which was a DOA Magazine release. I was unfamiliar with this band prior to receiving this box, always happy to check out new stuff though so this is an album that will definitely get a few spins over the next few days. Last, was a sampler from the label Relapse Records, known for having some high profile bands on their roster. Obituary, Iron Reagan, Exhumed and Gruesome just to name a few of the bands on the album, definitely a good way to find some great new bands you may not know.

THE CASSETTE

The second coolest part of this box and a The Metalhead Box exclusive item is a transparent red cassette copy of “Eonian”, the new album from Nuclear Blast Records alumni Dimmu Borgir. The album came out with very split reception, but love it or hate it, this is a very cool item to own!

THE MAGAZINE

Right under the CDs and cassette is a copy of DOA Magazine, a Death Metal magazine I'm unfamiliar with. Taking a quick flip through, there's a lot to offer in here including a ton of album reviews and interviews. This will definitely be a good read for anyone into getting other opinions on albums before (or even after) buying them.

THE SIGNATURE

So now it's time for the coolest part of this box, hidden under everything else and nestled in right under the magazine is a nice The Metalhead Box exclusive picture of Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, complete with signature. Regardless of whether you're a fan primarily of Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Metalcore, Doom Metal, whatever you can decide, everyone knows Judas Priest. Any Metal fan can appreciate how cool of an item this is to receive and it's definitely a good way to close out the box.

Cruelty Exalted "Cruelty Exalted" Review

          “Cruelty Exalted”, the new EP from the band of the same name, is a fantasy themed Technical Death Metal band who, while they stick true to this style, implements some of the best traits other subgenres have to offer, like the harmony Melodic Death Metal has or the speed and intensity of Black Metal. Featuring Alec Cordero on guitars, Todd Farnham on Bass and Yuri Kondra on vocals.

          Instantly, with the first track “Dethroning the Righteous” it becomes obvious the skill this band has as musicians, until about the midway mark, the song is pretty tame really only featuring a very melodic sort of sound, once the song speeds up and jumps into the faster bit though, it's not hard to hear the Technical part of this band. In the last minute, we get to hear everything in overdrive, speeding up even further and surprisingly in this part instead of trying to break into “the craziest solo you'll ever hear” it actually puts a lot more focus on the bass playing to push it along.

          “Callum Incendebat” pulls a lot more influence from Black Metal, taking a much more Melodic and harmony inspired approach to the entire song. Imagine the intensity of Darkthrone infused with the melody of Carcass or early In Flames. The song also taps James Benson (Amiensus) to help push along that Black Metal feel.

          All-in-all, this is a very solid first release from Cruelty Exalted, full of charm and intensity. With the amount of different styles prevalent throughout this EP, it's hard to not find something you could get behind. The only thing I think that can push this band along is a full time drummer, although it is hard to tell that the drums are programmed, some of the sections do seem a little inhuman.

Quantum Hierarchy "Neutron Breed" Review

          If you're into space and Death Metal than let me welcome you to Quantum Hierarchy. This is a Technical Death Metal band with the speed and destruction of a meteor and lyrics to match. Right off the get go, you'll hop into a short intro track and right into the title track, "Neutron Breed", luckily the lyrics are relatively easy to follow, describing the vast emptiness of space. The first track is blisteringly fast, full of hooks and intense musicianship, but does fall short in one section. While the lyrics are easy to follow, the vocals are mixed in slightly too low, as such the rest of the instrumentals are generally overpowering the vocals making them hard to make out without reading the lyrics.

          While I may have a mild gripe with Quantum Hierarchy's low vocal mix, there is a spot where they excel past the vast majority of bands and that's transitioning from song to song. Where a lot of bands want to be as heavy and intense as possible that's generally lost between the end of one song and start of another, while Quantum Hierarchy manage to maintain their intensity throughout all of "Neutron Breed" with perfectly implemented transitions. The EP, while only 3 actual songs (not including the minute intro) and 12 minutes actually sounds like one full song with the way each song transitions into the next, you won't even realise you've listened to the whole thing until it's done.

          Quantum Hierarchy's "Neutron Breed" is an exceptional level of Technical Death Metal, the instrumentals are intense, the guitar solos are, while few, technical and awe inspiring and the lyrics are distance but relative. If you're a fan of bands like Artificial Brain and Beyond Creation and need some SciFi based Death Metal, look no further.

Aepoch "Awakening Inception" Review

          Potentially the biggest release out of Kitchener, Ontario this year is the debut full length album from Death Metal maniacs Aepoch entitled "Awakening Inception". The album is slated to be released here on April 13th with the band going on tour to promote the album across Canada alongside. The album is more than full of influence and for anyone who was a fan of the band's first EP "Aepocolypse", this will be a real treat for you.

 

          For anyone who has seen Aepoch before, you'll be familiar with a fair few of these songs, "Delirium of Negation" (formerly known as "Paradise") is the second track on the album, which stuck out right away as someone who's caught this band on multiple occasions. The instrumentals are pretty defining in a lot of Aepoch's track and none are more prevalent than this one. "Tabula Rasa" is a track that the band has been playing live for quite a while, almost since the first time I had seen them and that was a fair few times ago. "Tabula Rasa" is probably the stand out track on this album for me, its such an intricate piece of music, from the Technical and Progressive Death Metal side of the verses and chorus, to the jazz infused bridge in the middle and the Technical and Melodic mix of the second half the album with the solos. On top of that the lyrical prowess relating to the cosmos and the opening of the third eye are incredibly well written.

          Another track you may recognize from the bands live setting, or just because they released it as a single, is the much more Black Metal infused "Burn Them at the Stakes". If you're a fan of the Technical Black Metal side, much like that of Enfold Darkness, "Burn Them at the Stakes" will be right up your alley. The track, especially with the last 2 minutes or so takes on a much more Emperor sort of approach with the chaotic melody it implements, all before throwing some incredibly technical solos over top and a few fake out endings. While we are on the note of these Black Metal influenced tracks, we have to discuss "Mentally Raped By Christ", which takes a more Blackened Death Metal approach, as opposed to the old school Black Metal approach, much more along the lines of that of Behemoth or Goatwhore. If there was any song I could say for certain is influenced by Enfold Darkness, this is it.

          Needless to say, if you're an Extreme Metal fan in almost any capacity, this is an album you need to check out. Countless levels of influence and an incredible level of musicianship in this release, from the technicality of First Fragment and Beyond Creation, the Black Metal aggression of Emperor and Dissection or the crossover of the two like Behemoth or Enfold Darkness, there's something for you here. On top of that, if you live in Canada, Aepoch will be trekking across the country in April alongside UK Death Metal band Bloodshot Dawn, with their hometown show being treated as the album release show on April 21st.

Invicta "The Executioner" Review

          Kitchener-Waterloo is rich with new Metal over the first few months here in 2018. On top of that, certain musicians in the scene seem to need to be a part of every new album coming out. Today, we check out "The Executioner", the debut release from Death-Thrashers Invicta. This band made a splash last year with their debut show opening for The White Swan and have since had a few lineup changes, now we are at the brink of the release, so without any furthur hesitation, let's hop on into it.

          The album kicks off with "Hamartia"m which is simply just a Thrash Metal intro that leads into our first proper track, "Prehistoric Suffocation". The opening tack should do nothing but spell out the madness thats to come for you, this is a track full of Thrash Metal chaos, Melodic Death Metal groove, harmonizing guitar parts and of course, brutal solos. "Prehistoric Suffocation" starts off the album on a high note, but thats only one track.

          "Forbidden Scriptures" follows, this track is probably the strongest one on the album. The verse and the bridging portions all follow a very Thrash filled sound, the riffs are fast and brutalizing, the drums are fiercy and the vocals are aggressive. The chorus on the other hand is a lot more Melodic taking more of a page from bands like Amon Amarth and Children of Bodom or even some earlier Sodom. The other big standout track on the album is the title track, "The Executioner", which is just pure Thrash Metal mayhem. Think "Something Wild" or "Hatebreeder" era Children of Bodom and in both instrumentals and vocals, frontman Kyle Edissi seems to take many pages from Alexi Laiho the vocal style in general, although Laiho does have a higher tone, is the first giveaway. The pure aggression as well Edissi gives up some annunciation in turn for a more savage sound.

          If you're a fan of old school Thrash Metal and Death Metal, "The Executioner" will be right up your alley, if you're not, I'm a little confused why you read this far. Invicta release "The Executioner" on March 23rd and will be playing their release show on March 30th at The Boathouse in Kitchener alongside Raider, who will be doing a release show as well for "Urge to Kill", as well as Rippr'd and Woofout.

Raider "Urge to Kill" Review

          "Urge to Kill", the debut EP/Demo from KW Death Metal band Raider just dropped over this past weekend, this is a release we have been looking forward to so we had to dive right into it. The band is made up of a couple of relatively well known locals including Kyle Edissi (Aepoch, Invicta) and Brandon Sanders (The Wormwood Scrubs) as well as some new talent like vocalist Angelo Bonaccorso, so let's hop into it!

          "Urge to Kill" is a total of three tracks with what we will say is two separate "modes", the first of which is an oldschool style Melodic Death Metal and damn is it done well. "Phlebotomized" (the act of puncturing a vain, if anyone is curious) and the title track, "Urge to Kill" would both fall under this umbrella. While obviously the two songs are not exactly the same, "Phlebotomized" is a straight forward Melodic Death Metal song in the vein of Amon Amarth or Unleashed, while "Urge to Kill" takes on a bit more of a hectic approach, including straight speed in both the main instrumentals and solos much more like that of The Black Dahlia Murder or even a little more closely, Skeletonwitch.



          "Nebulous" is the only out of place track on this album. While the other two take on a much more Melodic Death Metal approach, this one seems to aim more for a Melodic Thrash style, which all in all isn't a bad thing. The song itself is good, although it seems to suffer from a bit of an identity crisis, trying to make the song too much like the other two while trying to take it in a different direction at the same time. The effect this has on the song is the fact that it does become a bit of a missmash which does hinder it a little bit and unfortunately made it a bit stale.

          All in all, "Urge to Kill" is a great first release from a band still trying to find their voice. Raider took chances with this release and honestly for the most part it paid off, my biggest suggestion to the guys in Raider would be lean more towards the Melodic Death Metal side as those tracks are killer pieces of music. Keep an eye out for these guys as if they find their stride, they'll be going far with their music!

          Raider will be playing their release show March 30th alongside Invicta, Rippr'd and Woofout at The Boathouse in Kitchener! also, CLICK HERE to be taken to the bands Bandcamp page and check out "Urge to Kill"

Illicit "All A Dream" Single Review

        Illicit are a Punk band from Kitchener, Ontario, making a name for themselves in the local scene. As the band works on their new, yet-to-be-named release, they've given us the chance to listen to their newest single "All A Dream" and let you know what we thought about it.

        So the big thing here is that this track has two very different modes. Overall, "All A Dream" is a very melodic track, which is cool for a Punk track, it's not very common you hear something like this in Punk. The first half the song maintains a cleaner, more Pop-Punk style similar to that of Good Charlotte or Simple Plan, which caught me off guard a little as I expected something closer to Misfits. With the first half the song, it's a much cleaner feel, all vocals are singing in a clean tone with very little to no rasp behind it. The guitars as well are clean and maintain the melodic tone. From the 2 minute mark though, the song kicks into a much harder vocal style, almost taking over a better version of Hatebreed. I, personally, actually really like the Hardcore tone that Illicit take on, especially in songs like this where it seems to come out of no where and is actually quite surprising and yet, it's almost to be expected as the song was far too peaceful for a Punk track.

        All in all, great new track from Illicit, "All A Dream" is enough proof that the Punk scene in the KW area is more than alive and kicking and if you needed any further proof get out to a show!

Illicit will be playing a show at The Button Factory in Waterloo with Orexin, What Freedom, Nancy Viscous and The Nasty, for more information on the show CLICK HERE

Rivers of Nihil "Where Owls Know My Name" Review

          Rivers of Nihil are back following the incredible 2015 release "Monarchy", with a new album and a much more lengthy title in "Wheres Know My Name". For anyone who has been following Rivers of Nihil since their inception, following the concept they've been pushing along, this album continues to raise the bar for what this band can do and what's possible in Death Metal.

          Much like with the previous two albums from Rivers of Nihil, "The Conscious Seed of Light" and "Monarchy", this album continues to follow the flow of seasons. "The Conscious Seed of Light" kicked everything off with Spring time, much like the band everything is essentially new, new life grows and shapes the world as we know it, following Spring we have "Monarchy" which symbolises Summer. Summer is an interesting one, it's a season that can shift from peaceful times to a destructive force and the album symbolised this perfectly. The big thing is "Monarchy" put the bands talent as a Technical Death Metal band in the forefront and got them a ton of recognition. Now, we are in the Fall season with "Where Owls Know My Name", Fall is a season progressing towards a much darker emotion and ultimately death and this gleams through in the dark and eerie atmosphere of the saxophone and keyboard parts playing and progressing the albums story.

          One of the biggest draws to me for "Where Owls Know My Name" is not only the fact that Rivers Of Nihil know how to take everything they perfected in their previous releases and continue to add to it, but outside of the eerie atmosphere they added with the inclusion of the keyboard and saxophone parts, they took a note from Melodic Death Metal. This is especially prevalent in the lead single "The Silent Life" as well as the more intricate and expansive "Single Change (Including the Forest of Transition)". The ladder of which is the longest track on the album, clocking in at 8:34, which is quite impressive considering it doesn't feel like a song that drags out at all. Mixed in with the melodic tone, Rivers of Nihil almost decide to take on a DragonForce approach just after the 2 minute mark, transitioning from an intense keyboard solo into guitar solo. From this point the songs tone shifts, becoming move more hectic and sporadic, with the intensity of the instruments pushing the narrative along and you become more and more engrossed by the song, it pulls away with another saxophone section only to lead into the most impressive and technically implemented solo on the album if not Rivers of Nihil's entire discography.

          Front to back, Rivers of Nihil have expanded on everything they've done in the past. "Where Owls Know My Name" is by far the strongest release Rivers of Nihil have released since their strong beginnings more than 5 years ago and there's really no better label for this Death Metal gem to be released through than the renowned Metal Blade Records. "Where Owls Know My Name" will be out March 16th, pick up the album as soon as you can and catch the band on tour with Death Metal tyrants Dying Fetus!

Between the Buried and Me "Automata I" Review

          Fans got quite a shock earlier at the beginning of 2018 when Between the Buried and Me announced this year they would release not one, but two albums, appropriately titled “Automata I” and “Automata II”. The later of which is set to be released March 9th through the long standing Sumerian Records, a label renowned for its roster. With “Automata I” being so close to release, it's time we delve in and discover what's to come!

“Automata I” kicks off with the first single from the album, “Condemned to the Gallows”. If somehow you missed it (click here for the song) the track is instantly catchy. With a softer intro to ease you into the punishing Progressive Death Metal that's on its way. The first half of the album with what you’ve heard in “Condemned to the Gallows” is pretty similar, Extreme Metal at some of is finest, the first half specifically is much closer to the early days of BTBAM with few and far between exceptions.

If you're more attuned with the band's more recent release “Coma Ecliptic”, you'll appreciate the track “Millions”, which has a much softer and more Jazz oriented sound to it. “Millions” has a very consistent sound, letting the vocals push it along with the only main changes being the switch from clean to distorted guitar, if you're just getting into BTBAM because you're a fan of Sumerian’s roster, this might be a good place to start. Personally, I think “Millions” will be a song best experienced in a live setting, having band and fans alike singing along to the chorus “Millions fly overhead…” but we will have to wait for the band's upcoming headliner in March to figure out for sure.

          “Gold Distance”, which is a short instrumental track, and “Blot” close out the first part of “Automata” and instantly you get introduced to what is probably the heaviest track on the record. “Blot” is one of those songs where you realise that BTBAM listen to what their fans have been saying, the song is much more along the lines of what you would hear from “Colors” and the earlier albums from BTBAM. Maintaining heavy and progressive riffs from beginning to end, the song refuses to back down right to the end and based on the ending you can tell that the album will lead directly into “Automata II” without the skip of a beat. Until then, the album loops back to the beginning and you can enjoy it all again.

Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws "Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws" EP Review

        Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws, a hard hitting, folk based band. I hesitate to refer to this as Country, because when you think of country we all think of the same thing. This isn't your standard, modern day, radio country music, this is more along the lines of what Charlie Daniel and, of course, Mr. Cash were doing back in the day. This self titled release is still a good listen, it's still a good sing along in most cases and songs like “Love Song” and “Dying Day” are so full of energy it'll get you dancing and moving around.

        It became obvious very quickly, Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws don't exactly care about who likes their music, it's very clear that this was what they want to hear and if you like it, good for you. To be fair, those are the best releases, don't try to appease everyone else. Musically, you have songs like “Dagger Road” which is a little slower, a little more emotional and a little more like Johnny Cash. It's a song that tells a story and demands your full attention and it's a song that uses the instrumentals to push along the vocals and help put emphasis on the words. On the other hand we have songs like the aforementioned “Dying Day” which is a high energy track that even features a solid guitar solo, while the song is still primarily vocal focused, the instrumentals are used in conjunction with the vocals to keep the energy high and get the body moving instead of being used essentially as background for the vocals.

        Country/Folk Rockers Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws’ new self titled release is a gritty rockers dream and a new country fans nightmare. No filter and no holding back, if you're offended by “bad words” and the idea of drinking till your liver shuts down, this probably isn't the album for you. If you're a fan of gritty and high energy music or music with meaning and emotion, Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws just released an EP that you should absolutely check out!