★☆☆☆ There is a whole lot of bombast and fast notes and operatic epicosity on this album, but it’s so unfocused that it comes out as a blur. The second half of Labyrinth has some sweet metal moments, but by then you’re probably past all caring. See the rest here
★☆☆☆ It’s funny: I have to admit the “The Wild Hunt” is well-executed, and shows glimmers of excellence… but all of that is overshadowed by a boringness so profound that I may never see the light of day again. See the rest here
★★☆☆ A rollicking rendition of pre-Heartwork grindcore with updated production value. So that’s great. At the same time, the actual songwriting is forgettable. Still, this is a valiant effort, and well worth at least a full listenthrough. See the rest here
☆☆☆☆ Try as I might, I just cannot get into IWABO at all. It’s unlistenable, and not in a good way. See the rest here
☆☆☆☆ I’m starting to suspect that no one told James LaBrie that’s he’s actually not a metalhead. To wit, this saccharine and forgettable waste of time sounds like a mashup of loudly detuned guitars and a full-length album by Rebecca Black. See the rest here
★★★★ Everything I want from a modern thrash album. Intricate, bloodthirsty, and peppered with excellent and interesting lead guitarwork. Special shout-outs to a very competent Metallica cover, as well as the instrumental Spastic (an instant contender for Metal Moment Of The Year). See the rest here
★★☆☆ It takes a while for this album to get warmed up, passing through plenty of sounds familiar to other bands (The Jesus Lizard, Thrice, Dillinger). Halfway through, though, it finds its mellow yet feral footing. Not as strong as Meridional, but a solid rager nonetheless. See the rest here
★★★☆ This is another blistering Kurt Ballou production, so you know it’s going to be an aural onslaught. And yet, there is a deftness and pacing to this album. I wouldn’t call it subtle, but it’s still a cruel delight from start to finish. See the rest here
★★☆☆ A glorious slopheap of an album from the very beginning. Imagine a supergroup, with members of Fear Factory, The Acacia Strain, and Gojira. Now imagine them putting out a not-so-great album. Still, it’s eminently listenable. See the rest here
★★★☆ Inevitably comparable to Intronaut’s “Habitual Levitations”, the former exceeds the latter in terms of production and scope, but falls short in terms of memorability and rage. “Asymmetry” is a must-listen for any prog fan, but does it warrant a re-listen? Either way, I’d totally love to put both albums head-to-head in an epic battle for nerdy supremacy. See the rest here
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