HardAlbumReview

Microdose: Psychotic Waltz, Vandan Plas, Vulkan & Haken

It took more than two decades (24 years to be precise) for these American proggers to get back and release their fifth studio album! Many things have changed since then and so has the whole prog scene but what Psychotic Waltz offers is relatable to modern prog listeners as well as the older fans of the band. The God-Shaped Void is an album that only bands of high caliber and great mastery can create. The music so resembles the common sound of past years in the genre with a more modern approach and quality, but that is what I like much more to this “modern prog” sound which has garnered many fans. The guitar solos, and hefty riffs as well, team up with Devon Graves’ vocals to make the band’s ultimate mix. It’s very interesting that the longest track Sisters of the Dawn is in fact my highlight. It is an epic narrative with all aspects of music in their finest place. It will probably be my choice of prog this year. […]

HardAlbumReview

Microdose: Smith & Myers, Lunatic Soul & Bush

Verdict: Shinedown duo returns with the second leg of their paired album and again with an assortment of covers of some of the most iconic songs of the history of rock and roll (Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell, REM’s Losing My Religion, Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer and Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger), some new hits (Bad Guy by Billie Eilish) as well as several originals which mix so well together like peanut butter and jelly. […]

2020 Albums

Album Review: Hatebreed – “Weight Of The False Self” 7.8/10 (Hardcore)

I’m back, and my black metal streak is over. What ended it? Well… Hatebreed! Hatebreed are a bit of a contentious band, cause they have what I’ve dubbed the “Lamb Of God problem.” They have a considerable and devoted fanbase, but generally aren’t exactly critical darlings due to sorta kinda releasing the same album over and over again. Like Lamb Of God, however, I happen to like this pony’s one trick. […]