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Crowbar
I have to admit that I have never really listened to Crowbar much in the past. I really don’t know why, as they have always received positive reviews from critics and Kirk Windstein has been involved in other bands that I like (Down, Kingdom Of Sorrow). Anyway, recently I discovered just what I have been missing for the past couple of decades. I picked up a copy of their latest album after reading a very frank interview with Kirk in Terrorizer magazine, and was instantly hooked on their sound. To me it is a very 90’s sound, being reminiscent of COC, Pantera, Merauder and Cathedral amongst others, and I can’t get enough of their slow, groove-infused take on metal.
Recommended track: Protectors Of The Shrine
Korpiklaani
Well, I will be the first to tell you that I was listening to these guys long before anyone had heard of them...way back in 2003 on the first album (and beyond when members of the band were in a lesser known Finnish band, Shaman). Since then I have seen the band go from strength to strength, releasing album after of album of classy folk-influenced metal. After the relative disappointment of the slower-paced, “Karkelo” album, the band is back on raging form for its seventh album. “Ukon Wacka” is positively brimming with catchy, infectious songs, which at times hark back to the earlier albums, but also manage to sound like the product of a refreshed and fully reinvigorated band. On first listen, I was instantly reminded of what it was I loved about Korpiklaani in the first place. Once again there are drinking/dancing songs aplenty to be found here, including the album highlight for me...”Tequila”
Devildriver
This one is a no-brainer for those who know me. I have been singing the praises of Devildriver since the first album (again), and have often struggled to get people to even listen to them , let alone take them seriously, due to Dez’s connection with a certain vilified band from the late 90’s/early 00’s. Well, when it comes down to it, it is their loss, as Devildriver are one of the best bands in metal right now, releasing album after of album of top notch groove metal, as well as being a ferocious live prospect. The latest album doesn’t disappoint, although it comes across, at first, as more measured, and less instant, than “Pray For Villains”. This is, of course, just a clever ploy, as after a listen or two, you will be totally hooked on the depth of the material on offer here, and will find yourself playing the album on repeat time after time. There isn’t really a weak track to speak of here, but for me the standout track would be...”Black Soul Choir”, with it’s almost folky intro and jazz style mid section.
Burzum
Just one year on from the release of the comeback album, “Belus”, and Varg is back again with new release “Fallen”. This is a much more experimental and expansive album, which at the same time manages to completely capture the feel of the original wave of Norwegian black metal, right down to the goosebumps and the shiver down the spine. The cold, repetitive, rhythmic guitars are here, as expected, along with a more classical influenced sound. Add to that, the partly chanted/partly shrieked, tortured vocal delivery, and this is another display of Burzum genius. I have no time at all for the man’s politics, but it can’t be denied that he is a musical visionary, and he has an uncanny ability to conjure up mental images of the cold, northern landscape through his music. Just have a listen to “Budstikken” if you are in any doubt.
Cold
I have been listening to the (only) new track, “Wicked World”, on repeat since it became available a couple of weeks back, and all I can say is that I can’t get enough of it. Back are the dark grunge stylings. Gone is the horrible, sub-Staind, radio rock that the band took to releasing before they disbanded a few years ago. This is the Cold that you loved in the late 90’s, although it sounds natural, totally unforced and completely relevant. Judging by this track alone, the new album, “Superfiction”, could be a real highlight 0f 2011. Bring on June 28th!
Times Of Grace
For those of you that haven’t heard (where have you been?), Adam D of KsE has recruited former Killswitch vocalist, Jesse Leach as the singer for his new band, Times Of Grace. The music on offer is far more varied and experimental than you will find on anything by KsE, with slower, reflective moments and some almost country/blues influences sitting comfortably alongside the heaviness and throat shredding vocals, but the main attraction for me is hearing that voice/guitar combination again. If you loved the album, “Alive Or Just Breathing”, then this one is for you.
Black Spiders
I want to start by saying that I am not really one for this whole 70’s revival/obsession that seems to be the “in” thing in rock right now, and that the entire album by Black Spiders, “Sons Of The North”, doesn’t really do it for me. However, opening track, “Stay Down”, comes across as the perfect blend of Therapy? and AC/DC (the riff is pure “Let There Be Rock”), and is definitely the highlight for me. Those of you who have followed the British rock scene for a while should remember main man, Pete Spiby, from his time with Groop Dogdrill back in the mid-late 90’s (they supported Therapy? a few times, incidentally). The album certainly has its moments, including the brilliant, “KISS Tried To Kill Me” and the aforementioned “Stay Down”.
Deicide
I have been a big Deicide fan since a friend, Terry, introduced ne to them back in the early 90’s and I have always found them to be that most rare of beasts, the unique sounding death metal band. Most death metal, to me, comes off as generic and bland, and I find it hard to distinguish one band from the next. Deicide, however, along with the likes of Obituary, managed to retain the brutality with a distinct vocal style and instantly recognisable guitars. That said, their later output has been uninspired and forgettable. That has all changed with the new album, “To Hell With God”, Deicide are back on evil form, and are once again a force to be reckoned with. Just check out the opening (eponymous) track from their new offering.
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