Album Review (Once More 'Round The Sun - Mastodon)

Album Review (Once More 'Round The Sun - Mastodon)

Once More 'Round The Sun Alum cover (A colourful Giger?)

 Once More 'Round the Sun is Mastodon's sixth studio album after 2011's The Hunter album. Mastodon formed in early 2000 in Atlanta and have been rising through the ranks of recognition. Mastodon blend Sludge and Progressive with a mixture of clean and harsh vocals to achieve their easily recognisable sound. OMRTS was released through Reprise Records.

Notable Tracks

 Tread Lightly - Tread Lightly is the first track from the album but definitely should not be overlooked. Starting with a fade in; the track progresses to a guitar heavy sludge journey that hooks the listener. The song constantly builds and hits it's climax with a breakdown the never gets old.

 High Road - High Road is the first single off OMRTS and is certainly worthy of that title. High Road is based on a heavy and ominous guitar track and build upon by other instruments popping in. Vocals start harsh but reach a clean and almost angelic high for the chorus. High Road is more of an Alternative rock track compared to the more sludgy tracks on the record. The track's bridge is filled with a high guitar flourish that keeps the song and melody refreshing.

 Once More 'Round The Sun - OMRTS is the shortest track on the album but is also one of the fastest. OMRTS wastes no time and builds fast. Caught somewhere between Sludge and Alt, OMRTS frolics in both styles and is surprisingly quite appealing. OMRTS can be defined as a pseudo bride for the album as most tracks after this point mix styles and experiment.

 Aunt Lisa - Aunt Lisa is unarguably the most experimental track on the album but is quite good. Aunt Lisa is an attempt on the rising genre of Math Metal. A math heavy intro that is manipulated so that a more progressive tone can be laid over it. My bias towards the Math metal genre may show as I really enjoyed this track. Track is completed with some harsh screams and ominous cleans and then the catchy repeated phrase "Hey-ho, lets fucking rock and roll"

 To conclude, OMRTS is the sign that Mastodon are being stretched. OMRTS prominently shows two genres: Mastodon's heavy sludge roots and more accessible alternative rock. Since the release of The Hunter back in 2011, Mastodon have been thrown into the mainstream metal scene - my point being that OMRTS is their attempt at evolving their sound. Evolution takes time. 

 For a taster of the album, here is the video to High Road (linked here for mobile users) and let me tell you, its good.

       

Enter Shikari @ Hatfield 26/6/14

Enter Shikari @ Hatfield 26/6/14

 Recently Enter Shikari have been working on their 4th studio album and as a result have had little time to play live this year, especially little time to play in the UK. Hatfield was meant to be a warm up show for their appearance at this year's Reading and Leeds festival (their only other UK appearance this year). Enter Shikari was supported by rising stars Baby Godzilla and pop punk band ROAM.

 First up were ROAM and yeah, they played instruments for a bit and said some words with the instruments in the background but they weren't anything special. ROAM were the definition of a poor live performance: there was no introduction to each song so it just melted into one progressive 30-minute long track which was far from enjoyable. As a whole, I think that ROAM were quite out of place compared to the style and ferocity of the other two bands. I would only recommend ROAM live if you were with a small child that is into the whole pop-punk thing.   

 After ROAM things got a hell of a lot of more lively when Baby Godzilla entered the fray. Baby Godzilla were met with pure violence and brutality from  the crowd which was a pleasure to have instigated. Baby Godzilla was the definition of an awesome live performance: band members getting into the pit and crowd surfing with absolutely no concern for their instruments well-being. Baby Godzilla are a definite must see live band: Enough said. This being said watch this space for a band review for them in the future.

 Last and definitely not least are Enter Shikari. Well before the band appeared on stage the chants were in full swing and a pit had started. Enter Shikari opened with their conveniently named track Enter Shikari which was met with pure chaos. Enter Shikari played through a set that gave nods to all three albums and cheekily played some new unheard material. Roughly half way through their set, Shikari debuted a new track called Anesthetist which seemed right at home on a set list. Safety Simon made a few appearances and kept the crowd lively. To finish, Shikari played Zzzonked which was met with a final flurry of fury. Enter Shikari are also a must see but may be quite hard to do so immediately due to their lack of UK dates at the moment.

 

View from (.) down the front (Excuse my poor photography skills)

Band Review (Dendera)

Dendera

Dendera (From L to R)Tony, Andy, Ashley, Steven, Bradley

 Dendera are a classic metal five piece from Portsmouth. Dendera create awesome nostalgic metal riffs with a sharp and defined modern edge that truly fuse to create an unforgettable experience. 

 Ashley Edison provides the unforgettable vocals for Dendera. The sweet sound of the guitars are supplied by Steven Main and Tony Fuller with bass from Bradley Edison. Keeping it all together is Andy Finch on drums.

 Dendera have been active for almost 5 years now: In that time they have released a six track EP called "We Must Fight" and a followup album by the name of "The Killing Floor". Currently, Dendera are signed to Metalbox Recordings. Dendera have supported a wide array of bands like; Alestrom, Gloryhammer, Saxon and Sacred Mother Tongue. Dendera also appear at this year's Takedown Festival.

 Dendera have played a few headline gigs locally in Portmouth but whether they are headlining or supporting, they are always met by an eager crowd. Dendera have a live date coming up in July. Dendera have hinted on social media that they are working on new material so watch this space.

 Dendera get around on the interwebs and can be found quite easily. Youtube is here, as well as Twitter, Facebook. Dendera also have an official website.

 To conclude, I suggest you give Dendera a whirl with Senlac Hill available on Dendera's first album; The Killing Floor.

     

Album Review (Manslaughter - Body Count)

Manslaughter - Body Count

Manslaughter Album cover (Not blurred)

 Manslaughter is the long awaited 5th album from American crossover thrash metal outfit Body Count. Body Count formed in LA in 1990 and have had a solid foothold since their controversial self-titled debut album. Body Count fuse Ice-T's gritty rap with the classic and powerful fretwork of Ernie C. Manslaughter was released under Sumerian Records on June 10th '14. 

 Notable tracks

 Talk Shit, Get Shot - Talk Shit, Get Shot is the first track and first single from the album. The track is a fitting first track as it sets the standard for the brutality of the rest of the album (give or take a few tracks). Talk Shit, Get Shot stands out particularly for its breakdown around the 2:30 mark which is aided by a long list of clever gun-related rhymes.

 Institutionalized 2014 - Institutionalized 2014 is a modern day re-imagining of Suicidal Tendencies' hit from '83. The track features updated lyrics that focus more on current social issues. Institutionalized 2014 maintains the album's direction and acts as a large selling point to older Thrash fans that may have forgotten about Body Count. The track overall is a polite nod to Thrash Metal as a genre overall.

 Pop Bubble - Pop Bubble is the next track on the album and features lyrics from Jamey Jasta; vocalist from Hatebreed and Kingdom of Sorrow. This track fits in well after Institutionalized as it furthers the focus on social issues. Ice-T's lyrics focus on pop culture and how popular music has lost it's meaning. Ernie C's guitar work on this track compliments both vocalists' style which leads to a memorable track.

 Black Voodoo Sex - Black Voodoo Sex is a clever nod to Body Count's track Voodoo from their self titled album. The track picks up where Voodoo left off and introduces a new character. Black Voodoo Sex is a return to a more classic Body Count style that focuses on imaginative story telling with music. Black Voodoo Sex draws the album to a close with a familiar sound.

 To summarize, Manslaughter isn't a bad album but a different album. Earlier Body Count work focused on social commentary and real problems which Manslaughter touches on here and their. Manslaughter replaces some of the social commentary with brutish and violent thrash tracks which adds to the album personality.

 For those that haven't seen it yet, here is the music video for Talk Shit, Get Shot.

    

       

Why isn't music as controversial anymore?

Why isn't music as controversial anymore?

 In '77, British punk powerhouse released their second single "God Save the Queen". This one song was buried beneath a mountain of controversy stemming from the lyrics to the album cover and even the release date (The Queen's Silver Jubilee). At the time the BBC refused to play the track, even with the ban on radio play; the song charted at No.1 on the NME charts and suspiciously in No.2 on the BBC Singles Chart. 

 On this day in 1980, the french police arrested all four members of the band The Stranglers on the charge that they incited a riot. The Stranglers were quite notorious for their actions. Band member JJ had allegedly kidnapped a journalist and taped a French writer to the Eiffel tower without his trousers  

 In '92, Body Count's self titled album faced major controversy over their song "Cop Killer", so much controversy that George H W Bush got involved. This issue later forced Ice-T to remove the track from the album (and give it away as a free single).

 Drowning Pool's song "Bodies" was plagued with controversy ever since its release. "Bodies" was released in May of '01 and later that year the song was compared to the September 11th attacks. If that wasn't bad enough, in '03 it arose that the song was used inside the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camps to torture prisoners (which I don't understand because Bodies was and still is a phenomenal track). More recently the song was linked to the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 6 others in Arizona in '11.

 

 Today music is just accepted for what it is. A sign that music is more widely accepted is Behemoth. A band from Poland who were introduced to a list of bands that promote Satanism and murder. This list was never enacted and they are allowed to play in Poland freely. In addition to this, Behemoth won a Golden God in 2014 for best album (Ironically called "The Satanist").

 Is music still controversial? Tell me in the comments below.

  

Band Review (Zoax)

Zoax

Zoax - (From L to R) Adam, Joe, Doug, Dan, Jon

 Zoax (said like hoax but with a Z) are a genre-splicing quintet based in London. Zoax blend melodic rock with post-hardcore riffs served with a large garnish of technicality to create an awe inspiring and truly unique sound.

 Adam Carroll provides the God-like vocals for this band and his other band Time is a Thief. Bass is provided by Joe Copcutt, Joe also provides bass for Axewound and previously Rise to Remain. Guitars are played by Dan Prasad and Doug Wotherspoon and Jon Rogers on drums.

 Zoax are a relatively young band with currently only a 5 track EP released (which I recommend you but immediately) but are far from vulnerable. Zoax are signed to "Siege of Amida Records" through which their EP XIII was released in 2014. Zoax have secured an ever growing loyal fan base thanks to endless support slots with well known bands such as Cancer Bats, Gallows and Feed the Rhino, Zoax have also appeared on the lineup for Download festival 2013 and 2014.

 Although Zoax are yet to tour while being the headliner, their live performances are on the next level. Adam's stage presence simply put is not to be missed. For those wanting to see the spectacle that is Zoax live, a tour has been announced where Zoax will play alongside Cytota. Presently the tour consists of 4 dates in September but more will certainly be added due to high demand.

 Zoax can be found on most social media so I suggest you check them out. Their Youtube account is here, Twitter over here, their Facebook page is down here and their official website is here too. 

 To finish off here is Zoax latest video taken from their EP XIII, Jekyll meets Hyde.

Album review (OCTOPUS4 - The Algorithm)

OCTOPUS4 - The Algorithm

OCTOPUS4 Album cover

 Octupus4 is the 2nd studio album by french musician Remi Gallego. The Algorithm have been on the music scene since early 2010. The Algorithm produce music that is heavily reliant on electronic sounds but manages to blend elements of progressive metal as well. The Algorithm are currently signed with record label "Basick Records" 

 Notable Tracks

 autorun - autorun is the first track from Octupus4. This track is reminiscent of tracks from The Algorithm's first album Polymorphic Code. autorun starts with a low and ominous tone and slowly builds itself. autorun is a good choice for a first track as it entices listeners to listen on while still keeping its cards close to its chest.

 discovery - discovery is the second track from the album but shouldn't be underestimated. discovery starts with a funky and almost 60's intro but then builds to an awesome climax that is impossible to not rock to. Furthermore, discovery ends with a skull crushing breakdown that makes the track so noteworthy.

 PYTHAGORAS - PYTHAGORAS is the fifth track and does not disappoint. PYTHAGORAS is the point in the album where Remi's true skill shows. PYTHAGORAS, as the name suggests, is very mathematical and builds and breaks with such precision and fluency. Alongside this, PYTHAGORAS weaves some hard metal elements in to keep the listeners head going

 Synthesiz3r - Synthesiz3r is the sixth track and quite possibly the first single. Synthesiz3r is a deceiving track as it starts with a intro worthy of Ibiza but in actual fact the track is climbing to an awesome climax. A cheesy female vocal sample is place near the three minute mark but then the track flips and a hard and heavy scream destroys the beginning of the track and ends with an awesome guitar flair. Truly Spectacular.

 In conclusion, OCTOPUS4 can be listened to in two ways. The first is to listen to it start to finish with no gaps and this is where the true enjoyment and adventure lies. The second is to listen to individual tracks, although some tracks are strong enough to stand alone, most are not and to a new listener this can leave the wrong impression. 

 SIDE NOTE: The Algorithm have announced a string of UK tour dates spanning July

A table of time

A table of time

 Structure is key to most things in life. On a similar note I have concocted a timetable for this blog which hopefully be followed as religiously as physically possible.

• Monday - Recent Album review
• Thursday - Artist/Band review
• Saturday - Classic Album retrospective/Discussion
• And live music reviews as they become available 

 Its a bit late in the day now to start writing so content will start to appear next week, see you then. Feel free to comment on this post or share the blog with your friends

J 

What is it?

What is it?

 My first post wasn't clear as to what .DownTheFront is so let me explain. This blog is going to be a hub for concert and album reviews of the metal variety. Why is it called .DownTheFront, that is a good question; I wish I had an answer for you. Anyway, regular updates shall begin in the coming days with even maybe a regular timetable of structured posts. As you were Citizen. 

J   

First Post

First Post

  So ehh, hi, this is awkward. This is my first post on my First blog. I assume that this is the part where I try to flog the blog: but I'm not. Welcome

J