Classic Album Retrospect (Body Count - Body Count)

Body Count - Body Count

 Body Count was the first album from Ice T's thrash metal band of the same name. Originally released in 1992, Body Count was the center of controversy due to the track Cop Killer and was subsequently removed in later releases. The album focuses on social issues but primarily the issue of police brutality. At release, Body Count received mixed reviews and peaked at #26 in the Billboard 200. Body Count was released through Warner Bros. records.

 Notable Tracks

 Body Count - Body Count starts off with a stripped down acoustic guitar with some spoken word about the depiction of the police in other media. After a minute the track explodes into a its full potential with alternating vocal and instruments sections. This track stands out because of its almost live tone; Ice T addresses other band members directly making for a fun listening experience.

 Voodoo - Voodoo is featured towards the halfway mark of the album and depicts the (probably fictional) story of Ice T's encounter with a witch doctor in New Orleans. The track feature two main riffs that alternate between verses adding to the story telling element immensely. The story in Voodoo is continued in Body Counts latest album on the track Black Voodoo Sex.

 The Winner Loses - The Winner Loses is a more serious track compared to the others on the album. The Winner Loses is a ballad about a friend that abuse drugs and his eventual demise. The Winner Loses feature two distinct riffs with different styles adding to the progression and narrative of the track. The Winner Loses also features backing vocals that compliment Ice T well and adds a more somber tone to the track.

 There Goes The Neighborhood - There Goes The Neighborhood was the only single released from the album and represents Body Count's invasion of the rock scene. The track fights back at stereotyping in the music scene. TGTN features an awesome drum solo that showcases Body Count's skill.

 Cop Killer - Cop Killer was the source of the album controversy at release mainly due to its themes. Cop Killer comes after a thirty second intro where Ice T says he shoots pigs in a parking lot. The actual record is quite good, The track feature samples of firing guns to add to the overall theme of the track as well as the use of named examples such as Rodney King.

 After a couple of playthroughs, Body Count is still quite a solid album and if anything quite avant-garde of the year it was released. In recent years, rap and metal have had quite the relationship and are sprouting love children left, right and center. With the inclusion of intermissions throughout the album, the album remains refreshing and immersive. (check out our review of Body Count's latest album Manslaughter here)

 To finish off, here is the video (that features the censored lyric) that accompanied the single from the album, There Goes The Neighborhood (Video linked here for mobile users)

Classic Album Retrospect (The Black Album - Metallica)

The Black Album - Metallica

 The Black album (or sometimes known as just simply Metallica) is the fifth studio album from metal legends Metallica. The Black Album was released in the August of '91 and reached number one in eight weekly charts - including the UK and the US. The Black Album is the best selling Metallica album to date and is listed as one of the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone. The Black Album sees a change from the harsher thrash sound to a more metal/hard rock sound. The Black Album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is certified platinum or above in sixteen countries including a fourteen times Platinum rating in the US.

 But all those accolades were over twenty years ago. The true test is if thee album stands up today. 

Notable Tracks

 Enter Sandman - Enter Sandman starts off the record with a bang. Enter Sandman starts off with that unforgettable riff that builds for a whole minute. Enter Sandman features some fine guitar solos between verses as well as different vocal styles. Enter Sandman progresses well due to changes in tone. The track ends with a slow fade out with the repeated lyric "we're off to never never land" in a distorted voice that adds to the track personality immensely.

 Sad But True - Sad But True takes a heavier approach than the previous with a down tuned riff that lasts the whole track. Sad But True makes good use of silence throughout  the track adding to the suspense and tone of the track. The most important part of this track is the drums, the drums take a top spot in this track for the way they shine through the guitars. Sad But True was used as the backing track for Kid Rock's track American Badass.

 The Unforgiven - The Unforgiven starts with a stripped down acoustic intro that is build upon with hard hitting drums and electric guitars. The track soon becomes fully electric and only returns to the acoustic style for the bridges and solos. The Unforgiven features the most powerful solos on the record switching between electric and acoustic styles. In later albums, The Unforgiven has seen a second and third part.

 Wherever I May Roam - Wherever I May Roam starts with the most memorable intro with an almost Arabian feel. Wherever I May Roam  features plenty of high pitched guitars throughout making the track a good medium between hard rock and metal. 

 Nothing Else Matters - Nothing Else Matters also starts with some beautiful acoustic guitar work that works its way into the backing throughout the track. Nothing Else Mattters is a stripped down ballad that offers some beautiful guitar work that appeals to both metal and hard rock fans. 

 After a few spins the conclusion is clear, The Black Album is still quite relevant. The album offers enough variety to stay fresh but is still fluid and fluent. The only point that reveals the album's age is the average runtime of each track at about five minutes. Other than this, the album is still fresh and I would and still do happily listen to this album on the regular.

 To conclude, here is the music video for the first single from the album, Enter Sandman (video linked here for mobile users)

 

 

Classic Album Retrospect (Dirt - Alice in Chains)

Dirt - Alice in Chains

 Dirt was the second studio album released by grunge band Alice in Chains. Dirt was originally released in 1992 and peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200. The album has an heavy emotional theme, focusing on subjects like drugs, war and depression, critics and fans liked this and the album has sold over five million copies thus making it four times platinum certified. Dirt was the last album to feature the original lineup (Staley, Cantrell, Starr and Kinney) as Starr would be outed for drug abuse in 1993. Dirt is the album that defines the band's sound.

 But all that good stuff was nigh on twenty years ago, does the album still hold up today? Lets give it a spin and find out.

Notable Tracks

 Them Bones - Them Bones is the first track and second single from the record and features the most recognisable vocal style from the album. Them Bones see vocalist Staley distorted effects on a scream that is truly unique to Alice in Chains. Them Bones has a slow and low guitar riff that builds during the choruses. Them Bones sets the tone for the rest of the album.   

 Dam That River - Dam That River directly follows Them Bones on the track list but takes a very different approach. Dam That River is faster and has a more hard rock tone. The track features a short solo near the two minute mark which is uncommon on most grunge tracks. 

 Rooster - Rooster is featured at the halfway mark of the album and reverts back to a slow, sombre tone. With a deep bass line and longed vocals, Rooster is truly a grungy track. At a massive 6:14, Rooster does all it can in its power to stay fresh with ornamented vocals and guitar flairs throughout. Rooster was released as a single in the march of '93.

 Down in a Hole - Normally these bullet lists are in track list order but Down in a Hole likes to jump about on every re-release so it is here in twelfth. Down in a Hole starts off with a peaceful humming while the guitar stir into life. Down in a Hole's lyrics focus on addiction and relationships with drugs making for a deep and meaningful track. 

 Would? - Would? is the final track on the record but was the first single released. Would? starts like a nu metal track but soon blends into a ominous riff. Would? also features a short solo near the two minute mark which adds to the personality of the track. Would?'s lyrics focus on the death of Andrew Wood (Leader singer of alternative rock band Mother Love Bone) and other musicians who have died ass a result of drugs. (brutally ironic?) 

 After a day of listening and re-listening, Dirt has aged well but is still audibly old as most grunge has died out on the music scene. Tracks like Rooster and Down in a Hole have aged the most solely due to their length but are still enjoyable to listen to, while tracks like Would? and Them Bones still hold up well as they are shorter and to the point with a lot of accessibility. Alice in Chains are still around today, albeit with a different vocalist, and appeared at this year's Sonisphere festival and last year's Download festival.

 To wrap up, here is the music video for Would, released on June 7th 1992 (video linked here for mobile users)

     

Band Review (Flaw)

Flaw

Flaw (From L to R) Lance Arny, Jason Daunt, Chris Ballinger, Chris Volz, Ryan Juhrs 

 Flaw are a hard rock/nu metal five piece from Kentucky. Flaw have been making music on and off since 1995 and have recently reformed with the original line up. Flaw manage to blend the nu metal style with hard and truthful messages.

 Flaw's vocals are from Chris Volz alongside the guitars from Jason Daunt and Lance Arny backed by bass player Ryan Juhrs and last but by no means least Chris Ballinger on drums.

 Each member has been making music for close twenty years through various side projects. Since Flaw's formation in '95, they have released 5 albums and an EP. Up until 2000, Flaw were unsigned but still managed to release two albums. After this, Flaw were signed by Universal Records through which they released a further two albums. In 2004, Flaw were dropped from their label and subsequently disbanded. In 2006, Flaw met again and made plans for a new album which surfaced in 2009 in the form of the independently released Homegrown Studio Sessions; this is the latest release from the outfit.

 Flaw have a few tour dates planned for the upcoming month in Kentucky and are campaigning on indiegogo for another tour which you can check out here and show your support.

 Flaw can be found around and internet but here are some links that you need. Facebook is here, Twitter is here and an official website here. 

 To round off, here is a blast from the past with the music video for Flaw's single Whole from the awesome album that is Through the Eyes which I suggest you check out this second (video linked here for mobile users)

 

Classic Album Retrospect (System of a Down - System of a Down)

System of a Down - System of a Down

 System of a Down is the self titled debut of the Armenian American rock band of the same name. The album was released in the June of 1998. The album received rave reviews but the album only peaked a 124th on the Billboard 200 the two singles released, Sugar and Spiders, peaked at 28th and 25th respectively. The most grabbing feature (sorry not sorry) of the album is its artwork, featuring no text on the front side, was a move that seems to have paid off. The hand was based on a communist propaganda poster from the 40s. System of a Down was released through American records.  

Notable Tracks

 Suite-Pee - Suite-Pee is the first track from the record and sets the tone for the rest of it; fast, heavy, experimental and aware. Starting with a simple and slightly comical scaled introduction, Suite-Pee soon evolves into something a lot more serious and deep. Tankian's vocals vary a lot on this track adding to progress and refreshment

 Sugar - Sugar is the first single from the album and with good reason. Sugar opens strong with a heavy but refers back to a lighter tone between choruses. With a catchy beat, Sugar is hard not to bang to. The track also features an awesome breakdown towards the end of the song which adds to the personality of the track.

 Spiders - Spiders is the second single to be taken from the album is quite different from the first. Spiders is a more somber track compared to the energy of Sugar. The whole feel of Spiders (including the video) is very similar to that of American psychedelic rock band Tool. The song's meaning is debated but has leaning towards media censorship (the single's cover featured a microchip)   

 Peephole - Peephole sees a return to the comical, bouncy sound that has become SOAD's signature style. Peephole has a eerie circus-esque backing with the repeated lyric "Don't ever get stuck in the sky, when you're high". Towards the end of the track you can hear a rare solo that adds to the attitude of the track. The songs meaning lies in the real consequences of the uses of marijuana.   

 P.L.U.C.K. - P.L.U.C.K. (or Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers) is the final track from SOAD's debut and ends the record in a frank and unforgiving manner. P.L.U.C.K.'s instrumentals stop and start making good use of silences. The track also features backing vocals from guitarist Daron Malakian (now lead singer of Scars on Broadway). P.L.U.C.K is on the Armenian genocide of 1915.

 To summarise, System of a Down without a doubt still holds up. System of a Down (although not releasing material since 2005) are still relevant today. System of a Down have paved the way for musicians with strong messages to add their touch to music without the music suffering. System of a Down is always referenced second after SOAD's second release, Toxicity; despite this, System of a down still holds it own in message and prowess. Most agree with this with the fact that System of a Down is platinum certified in the US and Brazil.

 To finish, here is the music video Sugar. Before the song starts a freaky, schizophrenic news report from Eric Alost (definitely not America Lost) (video linked here for mobile users)

  

Classic Album Retrospect (Slipknot - Slipknot)

Slipknot - Slipknot

Slipknot - Slipknot

 The year was 1999 and Slipknot were making heads turn towards the noise they where making in Iowa. Slipknot had been making music for a while and sparked some attention with Mate, Feed, Kill, Repeat. (now that's an obscure reference) but Slipknot's self titled album sparked the most attention and ultimately lead to them being signed with Roadrunner Records. Slipknot was met with rave reviews with most critics complimenting the emotion instilled on the record and the natural, almost live sound to the album. 

 Slipknot was released in '99, making it 15 years old, has the album stood the test of time or is it dated and stale? 

Notable Tracks

 742617000027 - 742617000027 is the intro to the self titled album and is the shipping code for Slipknot's debut, Mate, Feed, Kill, Repeat. 742617000027 features dialogue taken from a Charles Manson documentary. The actual dialogue is "The Whole thing, I think, is sick" distorted and repeated to create a eerie and dark sound - a worthy intro to the destruction that is to follow.

 (sic) - "Here comes the pain" sums it up quite nicely. (sic) features the awesome drums from Joey Jordision throughout and the scary quite lyrics from Corey Taylor. In summary, (sic) is a valid representation of the rest of the album and I personally don't think it gets enough credit for that. The powerful lyrics "You can't kill me cuz I'm already inside you" finish the track with a final flurry of the turntables from Sid Wilson.

 Wait and Bleed - Wait and Bleed showcases Corey's more melodic vocal style without compromising on the brutality of the rest of the band. Wait and Bleed was the first single released from the album and subsequently had two music videos made for it; the first a live action live performance video and the second being completely stop motion animated.

 Surfacing - Surfacing is one hell of a track, so good it could be the new international anthem (now that's a reference). Building intros where every instrument is added separately is always effective but especially on this track. Surfacing combines (sic) with Wait and Bleed to create equal amounts of melody and destruction. Surfacing was released as the third single from the album.

 Spit it Out - Spit it Out was the second single from the album and features a video very reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Spit it Out is one fast track and has an almost rap influence. Spit it Out played live is infamous as the band get the audience to crouch together and then "jump the fuck up" together which is always duplicated by other bands.

 After an intense playthrough, I conclude that Slipknot, fifteen years on, is still as intense and brutal as it was when it was first released. I can't say I am surprised by my findings since Slipknot's self titled won the best debut album in the last 25 years award from Metal Hammer Magazine in 2011 and is statically the best selling Slipknot album to date. This trend can be found in most bands from the 90s but Slipknot have managed to stand the test of time and are still prominent figures in the metal industry.

 For those who do not own the album, here is a peek at what you are missing. First released in 1999, Wait and Bleed has remained a popular track among fans and has two videos to accompany it but here is the first version, the live version. (linked here for mobile users) Enjoy