Daniel's Forum Replies
Lååz Rockit - "Know Your Enemy" (1987)
The third album from these Californian thrashers is generally regarded as their first genuine thrash record after their first two efforts owed just as much to traditional heavy metal but I have to say that I still hear a little more Queensryche-style heavy metal than thrash on this one. That's not necessarily a bad thing mind you as there's some excellent musicianship & some good thrashy riffage on offer. Unfortunately "Know Your Enemy" suffers from some dodgy song-writing though with a few tracks having subpar choruses that don't flow with the rest of the songs. They've also included a silly joke song at the end which is always a bad decision as far as I'm concerned. These flaws are a bit of a shame as there's enough quality on offer to see this release pushing for a higher score than has been achieved. In saying that though, I'd suggest that this was still Lååz Rockit's best work to the time. For fans of Metal Church, Queensryche & Overkill.
3.5/5
The new live album from German Thrash metallers Destruction entitled ""Born to Thrash - Live in Germany" which is due to be released on 17th July.
The new album from Massachusetts deathcore outfit The Acacia Strain entitled "Slow Decay" which is due for release on 17th July.
The low point of Jamie Christopherson's "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Vocal Tracks" video game soundtrack from 2013. Horrible stuff!
Jamie Christopherson - "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Vocal Tracks" (2013)
This overrated release highlights yet another of the many advantages that Metal Academy enjoys over a site like RYM where video game soundtracks like this one almost universally receive overly-inflated scores. This is due to the large percentage of ratings that are submitted by video game fans who have no business rating a metal release & likely haven't even listened to the soundtrack as a purely musical piece of art. Metal Academy 1 RYM 0.
A stunningly stripped-back & atmospheric mix of an already very solid cyber metal anthem. For fans of Neurotech, Deathstars & Sybreed.
Wow! Despite it's serious praise on other websites, this release has been pretty much a universal failure here. This is why Metal Academy is so good a reference point for your more discerning metalheads in my opinion. We have a bunch of very well informed metal obsessives who call 'em purely as they see 'em & it will eventually see our charts being far more relevant than our oppositions in my opinion.
The brand new album from Greek death metal outfit Echidna entitled "Escape From Civilization" which was released a couple of days ago. It's been a full ten years since their 2010 debut album "Manifests of Human Existence" which I wasn't a huge fan of.
Bay Area metal icons MACHINE HEAD have released ‘Civil Unrest’, a 2-song digital single, featuring A-side, ‘Stop The Bleeding’ and B-side, ‘Bulletproof’, with the former featuring additional guest vocals from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman, Jesse Leach. This pair of fierce protest anthems were both written days after the back-to-back murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. They are not for the faint of heart.
The gritty performance video was directed and edited by Mike Sloat, shot on location on the streets of Oakland, CA, with Jesse’s part filmed in Kingston, NY with David Brodsky.
Vocalist / guitarist Robb Flynn shares the inspiration behind the release:
“I wrote and sang the lyrics on Wednesday May 27th 2020, the day that the four officers who murdered George Floyd were (originally) not charged with anything. This day was engulfed in protests and riots across America. I drove into Oakland, past large demonstrations already happening and in a fury wrote down everything I was feeling after watching the horrific footage. Within hours, what I wanted to say, what I needed to say had been recorded in the song.”
“I decided to sing it over a song called ‘Stop The Bleeding’, that we had recorded back in December. 2018 with Jared [MacEachearn, MACHINE HEAD bass guitar] and Carlos Cruz [Warbringer] on drums.
‘Stop The Bleeding’ features a guest appearance from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman, Jesse Leach, seeing Flynn and Leach trading lyrical lines that spit anger and frustration at current events.
Flynn continues, “I had been speaking with Jesse for maybe 6 months about singing on the song, as it always had a little bit of a Killswitch vibe to me. Unfortunately (or fortunately), our schedules hadn’t lined up, but with the subsequent lockdown from coronavirus, we had time to make it work. After what happened to George Floyd, I sent him the lyrics I’d written and he replied saying he was “100% on board”. Jesse is someone I consider to be a pioneer and in many ways, one of the men who changed the face of metal. His contribution to this song made it extremely powerful and it’s an honor to have him be a part of it.”
Jesse Leach mirrors the sentiment, stating, “Being asked to be part of this song is an honor. Yes, because it’s Machine Head, but more importantly, this is a message that needs to be heard and spread. These issues concerning abuses of power and racism are timeless. I have written about these previously and I’ll write about them again. I think Robb really nailed this one, both lyrically and sonically. My hope is this song helps awaken those who hear it. Robb has been a frequent voice of the voiceless in these times, so teaming up with him is a no brainer. We need more of our Metal Community to speak out on social issues and help raise awareness, especially during these crucial times. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, it transcends language and culture. This is the reason we as musicians need to do our part to spark thought and discussion on these types of issues. We can make a difference through music and we can help stop the bleeding.”
MACHINE HEAD are donating a significant portion of their streaming proceeds from ‘Stop The Bleeding’ to http://grassrootslaw.org, the organization representing George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
The B-side, ‘Bulletproof’ is a new song, also recorded with Carlos and Jared back in December 2018. Flynn adds, “The lyrics for ‘Bulletproof’ were finished in the aftermath of not only the Ahmaud Arbery murder at the hands of white supremacist, but everything twisting out of control in our World. The isolation and craziness of the pandemic, the lockdown protesters storming government buildings with AR-15‘s, as well as the blatant lies and conspiracies pouring out of our political leaders mouths, hour by hour, day after day.”
The songs needed something visually provocative as ‘sleeve artwork’, so the band looked to longtime collaborator Strephon Taylor who hand illustrated various elements from this moment in time, to make a powerful statement about America and the World.
Both tracks were produced by Robb Flynn (Machine Head, Roadrunner United, Sworn Enemy, Dress The Dead) and engineered by Zack Ohren at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, CA, with the devastating mix being handled by long-time MACHINE HEAD collaborator and producer extraordinaire, Colin Richardson, together with Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions UK. The tracks were mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.
This should be right up your alley Sonny. Sounds like Sodom meets Slayer.
Amongst the best examples of mid-80's Teutonic thrash metal. For fans of Sodom, Slayer & Assassin.
Violent Force - "Malevolent Assault Of Tomorrow" (1987)
The sole album from this unheralded German thrash metal outfit. It's a very solid release too & will definitely appeal to fans of Sodom, Slayer & Assassin.
4/5
Sleep - "Sleep's Holy Mountain" (1992)
Have you heard this classic stoner metal record Chris Van Etten & SilentScream213?
Extremely heavy stoner doom from San Jose, California. The main riff is clearly influenced by "Sabbath Bloody Sabbat" before an "N.I.B." bass line kicks in around the halfway mark & the lead guitar work goes all "Electric Funeral" on your ass. For fans of Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard & "The Ethereal Mirror" period Cathedral.
The new E.P. from Canadian progressive metallers Voivod entitled "The End Of Dormancy" which is due for release on 10th July. The E.P. is centred around a new version of "The Wake" track "The End Of Dormancy", which has been titled "The End Of Dormancy (Metal Section)". It has an brass section comprising of saxophone, trombone and trumpet.
The new single from Massachusetts deathcore outfit The Acacia Strain entitled "Y".
The ripping opening track from the third album from these Brazilian crossover thrash legends. Fans of DRI, SOD & Suicidal Tendencies should really dig this.
Ratos de Porão - "Cada dia mais sujo e agressivo" (1987)
Ratos de Porão's third album would see them transforming themselves from a traditional hardcore/crust punk outfit into a genuine crossover thrash band; the first of any note to come out of Brazil. Some good aggressive up-tempo thrash on offer here despite a raw & muddy production. Fans of DRI, SOD & Suicidal Tendencies should find enjoyment here.
3.5/5
In fairness to Trent Reznor, "Broken" isn't his most celebrated work. It's just his most metal release. I think this vote would have been a lot less one-sided if Al Jourgensen was up against "The Downward Spiral" or "The Fragile". It's been a while since I've listened to those records but I always regarded them as being amongst the great classics of industrial music as a whole so there's a possibility that my vote may have gone the other way.
The brand new album from Los Angeles Sludge metallers Thou entitled "Blessings Of The Highest Order".
Yeah great track. The highlight of "Petitioning the Empty Sky" in my opinion along with closer "Color Me Blood Red".
They're both classic releases in their own right in my opinion & I've scored them both a 4.5/5 however Ministry takes the honours due to a slightly darker atmosphere & the unnerving hints at drug-fueled insanity.
Ministry 1- Nine Inch Nails 0
Ministry - "ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ [Psalm 69]" (1992)
Can I assume you're already all over this one Chris Van Etten?
An incredible example of thrash industrial metal for fans of Nailbomb, Strapping Young Lad & White Zombie.
Ministry - "ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ [Psalm 69]" (1992)
This absolutely classic masterpiece in Al Jourgensen's finest work in my opinion. A perfect mixture of industrial & thrash metal for fans of Nailbomb, Strapping Young Lad & White Zombie.
4.5/5
I agree that "Exhale" isn't a very good track but I actually don't mind the "Halo In A Haystack" album & find it to be generally underrated.
Interesting selections but do we really need this thread Andi? There's nothing stopping anyone posting tracks in threads that sit outside of their personal clan allocations & If you're not sure what genre a band or track best fits under then you can check on other online resources or simply make the call yourself. You know your shit so it should be pretty much on the money most of the time & it's not all that critical that you get it 100% anyway.
Fast, raw & aggressive mid-80's Teutonic thrash for fans of Kreator, Destruction & Necronomicon.
Darkness - "Death Squad" (1987)
The debut album from this relatively unknown German thrash outfit who sound almost exactly like the first three Kreator records. It's fast, raw & violent & I don't mind it from a purely nostalgic point of view. For fans of Kreator, Destruction & Necronomicon.
3.5/5
I'm happy for you to assume that it was a deliberate choice Sonny. Although in truth I'm not even smart enough to have noticed the significance until just now. :)
Saxy, can I just compliment you on the quality of the review you’ve submitted for this release? Whatever time you put into writing it was thoroughly worth it because I got a lot of enjoyment from reading it. It’s passionate , well informed & intelligent & it explains in no uncertain terms why the album means so much to you. In fact, it made me want to revisit the record with a greater context & renewed level of enthusiasm which is just what a great review should do. Keep ‘em coming!
Ben, I notice you haven't rated this one. Can I assume that you're already all over it?
What did you end up thinking of "Im Wald" Vinny?
This track might be the finest moment in Polish black metal. For fans of Uada, Kriegsmaschine & Plaga.
Mgła - "Exercises In Futility" (2015)
A brilliant flexing of the creative muscles of Poland's finest black metal export. I can't understand the backlash from your black metal elitists to be honestFans of Uada, Kriegmaschine & Plaga should already be all over this one.
4.5/5
Ben, please add Violent Force (Germany).
I must have seen Tumbleweed live on three or four occasions at around the time of this release. They frequented the Northern Beaches part of Sydney as they had a strong fanbase there & my school friends & I were going to pretty much any all-ages gig we could get to during our last couple of years of high school.. I'd suggest you've put this release in the right forum though. The stoner rock tag seems to be fairly appropriate in my opinion.
I'm a big fan of this record & I have a strong affiliation with their entire back catalogue. "Jane Doe" is probably Converge's heaviest & most intense record & is as abrasive as it is ambitious. The level of musicianship these guys possess is pretty amazing but I've never been completely comfortable with the vocals which does tend to cap my scoring potential. This isn't my favourite Converge record. The 2004 follow-up "You Fail Me" owns that title at the moment but there's no question that this is a classy & challenging release. It's a 4/5 from me.
These bands really do take all of the trademark characteristics of the slam movement & accentuate them to their extremes. I'm generally a big fan of the more brutal side of death metal so there's a fair bit to interest me here however the ridiculously pingy snare sounds, overuse of gravity blast beats & continuously monotonous vocal delivery that makes no attempt to enunciate actual words can be challenging at times. Thankfully the riffs are always chunky & exciting though. I didn't like Ecchymosis much but the other three bands were all pretty cool. Particularly Delusional Paratosis. It's a 3.5/5 from me.
I didn't like 1996's "Evil Empire" album much but I found "The Battle Of Los Angeles" to be a welcome return to form. I don't think I'll ever really love a rap metal album but RATM are leagues ahead of the field in my opinion & this album sits only just slightly behind their self-titled debut for the premier release of the subgenre. It's a 3.5/5 from me. Here's my review:
It's a genuine gothic metal classic as far as I'm concerned. I can overlook its flaws because the hooks & highlights are simply sublime. It's a 4.5/5 from me. Here's my review:
https://metal.academy/reviews/16177/936
Sonny, have you checked this one out before? I think you'll probably dig it as I know you loved their debut.
Birmingham thrash metal for fans of Détente, Onslaught & English Dogs. This track has an extended intro that reminds me heavily of Slayer's "Hell Awaits" while some of the more thrashy moments also sound a bit like "Darkness Descends" era Dark Angel.
Sacrilege - "Within The Prophecy" (1987)
The sophomore album from these Birmingham thrashers sees them dropping most of the crust punk component of their sound in favour of a more mid-tempo but no less dirty thrash metal sound that maintains the over-the-top guitar tone of the debut. I actually rate it more highly than its more highly regarded older sibling. For fans of Détente, Onslaught & English Dogs.
4/5
To be fair, “Spheres” sits far closer to Cynic than it does to Dying Fetus or Nile. It’s a legitimate progressive death metal record,
They're both very underrated records. "Spheres" was extremely divisive upon release. Ben & I loved it but it seemed like the rest of the death metal scene seemed to hate it. It's gained in popularity over the years but it still deserves more credit than it receives. "Skydancer" really stands out in Dark Tranquillity's back catalogue as it sounds noticeably different to the sound they'd make their trademark on subsequent releases.I think that's put off a fair few melodeath fans whose introduction was through their later material but I liked it at the time of release & I don't think that will have changed. As for a winner, I'm gonna go with Pestilence as it's clearly a cut above in my opinion.
Congratulations Andi. You've absolutely caned through the reviews in the last few days in particular. Seriously, your head must be spinning. Time to enjoy some well-earned downtime. Ben is back tomorrow so I'll give him the heads up to award you your fourth clan then.
I agree with the consensus thus far & have to go with Pestilence. They’re both great records in their own right but death metal is my primary metal subgenre & “Consuming Impulse” was released right at the time that Chuck Schuldiner had drawn me across from thrash so it was an exciting time to be discovering extreme metal. Pestilence essentially took the sound I’d loved on “Leprosy”, beefed up the production & added a little more complexity. What’s not to love about that??
The new live album from German funeral doom metal exponents Ahab entitled "Live Prey" is due for release on 26th June.
The new album from US metalcore outfit Emmure entitled "Hindsight" which is due for release on 26th June.