★★☆☆ This is pretty good for what it is, which is Scottish black metal that sounds an awful lot like Godspeed You Black Emperor. That said, you’re pretty much along for the ride with this album, and as soon as it’s done, none of it sticks with you whatsoever. Also, “atmospheric” does not have to mean “awash in reverb.” See the rest here
★★☆☆ Given that this is from the guys who brought you Municipal Waste and Darkest Hour, this album is surprisingly (and unapologetically) punk. And for the most part, it really works. This album may not sound like it at first blush, but it’s got more in common with S.O.D. than with Rancid (or with Darkest Hour, for that matter). See the rest here
★★☆☆ The various sounds on this album belie the split personality of Ghost Brigade, who are now borrowing as from Alice In Chains and Queensrÿche as they do from Katatonia and Soilwork. After the energetic opening track, what follows is a long progression of downtempo anthems. There are some compelling tracks (“Stone and Pillars” is a fantastic example), but the majority of the material here is hard to feel strongly about either way. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This is a weird combination of drone metal, shoegazer, and Metallica’s “Lulu.” See the rest here
★★☆☆ For the pedigree that comes along with this supergroup (Opeth, Katatonia), the resulting album is surprisingly so-so. It’s a perfect and credible fusion of Entombed, Morbid Angel, and a smattering of other classic deathgrind acts. And you’ll nod your head throughout your listening experience. Just don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve heard this before. See the rest here
★★☆☆ The second EP from this by-the-numbers blackened death group is good for what it is: a lovingly but self-consciously faithful homage to Dimmu and Behemoth. As such, the album is a faithful facsimile, but not a terribly moving one. See the rest here
★★☆☆ Oh, here we go. Do yourself a favor and turn the volume way down for the first two unfuckinglistenable minutes of this half of OMG’s double album. Pandemonium holds dominion over this recording. What music is allowed to take root here is reminiscent of “NO,” but these moments exist only as a reprieve from a lurking cacophony. See the rest here
★★☆☆ I wouldn’t exactly call it metal — more like a sludge/QOTSA hybrid — but it’s a metalish supergroup nonetheless (Far, Dredg, The Trophy Fire), and it’s pretty rockin’… at times. It’s also melodic and full of atmosphere. It’s worth a peek through, and certainly useful if you’re trying to lure any normies to metal. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This album starts out sounding like an amalgam of a few hallmark Machine Head albums (“Burn My Eyes,” “The Blackening”), Metallica’s black album, and latter-day Slipknot. And Hans Zimmer’s “Inception” soundtrack. And maybe a little Pink Floyd by way of Queensrÿche. Welcome to Robb Flynn’s continuing efforts to take the high road (or at least as high a road as you’re gonna find in the East Bay). See the rest here
★★☆☆ This album is all over the map. To their credit, the band is clearly highly skilled and seasoned at the various metal arts, and the kitchen sink you get is not the one you’d expect from members of SikTh and Gallows. But the band’s modes seem to cartwheel from Mastodon to Attila. See the rest here
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