Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

 Sunset in the Golden Age is the long awaited fourth studio album from Scottish "pirate metal" band Alestorm. Formerly known as Battleheart, Alestorm have been exploring their own brand of metal since 2004. We at DotDownTheFront released a Band Review for Alestorm back in July so check that out here for more info. Sunset on the Golden Age was released through Napalm Records on the first of August.

Notable Tracks 

 Walk the Plank - Walk the Plank opens the record with the recognisable sound of Alestorm, noble trumpets and awesome guitars. Walk the Plank see Bowes mix clean vocals with growls similar to those featured on previous track Death Throes of the Terror Squid. Alongside this, Walk the Plank also feature more 8 bit backing which has been visually prominent in stage shows but not so much in the music. A positive evolution. 

 Drink - Drink is the first single released from the album and immediately after Walk the Plank. Drink starts with a surprisingly heavy riff but soon descends into the style Alestorm are known for, catchy lyrics and funky riffs. I can see this track becoming a fan favourite fast because of it's lyrics and fast changes from fun to heavy.

 1741 (The Battle of Cartagena) - 1741 opens up with an 8-bit intro that really adds to the personality of the whole album. 1741 stands at 7:18 (only the second longest track on the album) so has plenty of time for long epic solos which add some nostalgia to the album. The song is based on the story of the battle of Catagena where an outnumbered Spain defended modern day Colombia from the British Navy.

 Hangover - Hangover is a metal cover of 2012's song by RnB singer Taio Cruz and the second single from the album. Although from a different genre, Hangover's theme fits in well on the album. Alestorm manage to add some noble tunes in the back adding their on stamp on the song. I can see this also becoming a live favourite which may look weird to a veteran RnB fan.

 Sunset on the Golden Age - Sunset on the Golden Age is the final track on the record and stands at an epic 11:26. SOTGA makes way for plenty of adventure suitable riffs and chants. As the title track, SOTGA sums up the message of the album and makes for a good close to an epic album.

 To conclude, Sunset on the Golden Age is a great album and has very little flaws, a definite pick up for anyone that is curious about the band. I feel that Alestorm have limited themselves on the title of the album but i felt the same about Back Through Time. The increased use of 8-bit style sounds are a welcome addition and add to the bands evolution and overall persona. Alestorm have announced that they will be touring in October to watch this space for a live review

 To wrap up, here is Alestorm's music video for their single Drink (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)

  

Band Review (Animals as Leaders)

Animals as Leaders

Animals as Leaders (From L to R) Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes, Matt Garstka

 Animals as Leaders are a progressive djent infused metal band from Washington D.C. Together, Animals as Leaders has been making music since 2007. Animals as Leaders are praised for their technical and complex riffs. Their music is truly awe inspiring.

 Animals as Leaders don't feature vocals on their tracks (this adds another level to their music believe me) but guitar are played by Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes and the drums by Matt Garstka.

 The members of Animals as Leaders are experienced with music and this fact shines through their material's technicality and complexity. Since their formation in '07; Animals as Leaders have produced three studio albums with the most recent released in the March of 2014. Each album was met with exceptional reviews.

 Animals as Leaders have toured quite a bit and can be seen quite easily. Animals as Leaders have a tour planned for the end of the year as support for progressive djent metal band TesseracT (should be going to that so watch this space for a review). For more about their tour dates check here. 

 Its the 21st century so big surprise that these guys are on the net, here's where to find them. Facebook is here, Twitter here.

 To finish, here is the music video for Animals as Leaders' track CAFO from their self titled debut (linked here for mobile users)

 

Album Review (White Devil Armory - Overkill)

Album Review (White Devil Armory - Overkill)

 White Devil Armory is the seventeenth studio album from 80s american thrash outfit Overkill. Overkill were formed in 1980 in New Jersey and are credited as one of the early figures in the thrash genre. Thirty-four years on and the music still flows with the same sound and ferocity from 1980. 

Notable Tracks

 Armorist - Armorist opens up the record after the intro track XDM with pure speed. The speed of the track leaves little room for groove but overall does not effect the quality. A catchy hook and speedy drums make for a worthy first track. 

 Bitter Pill - Bitter Pill is a very well written track. The song progresses while still retaining a central tone. Instrumentals and vocals are well balanced allowing for both meaty bridges and catchy vocal hooks. Most band's have their songwriting skill peak by their second album (I'm looking at you Limp Bizkit) but this could be the best Overkill track yet.

 March of The Rat Bastards - March of The Rat Bastards features close to the end of the track listing but refuses to disappoint. Opening with a bass fueled intro which builds to the speed that Overkill are famed for. MOTRB also has one of the best guitar bridges on the record supported by some low backing chanting  

 It's All Yours - It's All Yours is the penultimate track on the record but still holds its own. It's All Yours features the most memorable riff on the album and alongside that fact it also features the fastest build (near the three minute mark) too.  

 To sum it all up, White Devil Armory is a good album and a definite pick up for Overkill fans and thrash monkeys alike. My only problem with this album is that it isn't as adventurous as I would like. Some artists evolve for better or for worse (Still looking at you Limp Bizkit), but Overkill have managed to stay relatively the same even after lineup changes and thirty-four years of change. Pick this album up if you enjoy the OG style of thrash metal.

To finish here is the latest video from the album, Bitter Pill (linked here for mobile users)

Classic Album Retrospect (Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin)

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin

 

 If the original Led Zeppelin Record is not a classic I don't know what is. Released originally in 1969 but more recently remastered and reissued in 2014. Led Zeppelin was the self titled debut album from the British rock superstars of the same name. Although when released it only peaked at 6 on the UK album charts and its single peaking at 80 on the billboard hot 100. When released it received generally poor reviews from critics; since then the album has gone on to become rated gold or above in ten countries (8 times platinum rated in the US) and is widely regarded as an album to hear before you die. Originally, Led Zeppelin was released through Atlantic Records.

 That was forty-five years ago, does it still hold its own today? Lets find out.

Notable Tracks

 Good Times, Bad Times - Good Times Bad Times was the first track on the album and also acted as the first single. Starting with a simple chord and drum intro which builds to the bluesy rock track that made the world aware of Led Zeppelin. To add even more flair to the track, the solo at around 1:40 mark showcases Led Zeppelin's musical talent.

 You Shook Me - Opening with a slow and low intro builds to an awesome sounding whammy bar battlefield. Lasting for around six minutes, You Shook Me has plenty of time to showcase the talent of the guitarists in the form of solo after solo.

 Dazed and Confused - Starting with a simple guitar intro. Dazed and Confused focuses more on the vocals but still has the kindness to not damper the caliber of the instruments. Dazed and Confused in a very minimalistic track but still packs a punch with its vocal and instrumentals combined.

 Communication Breakdown - Communication Breakdown is one of a list of tracks where everyone knows the tune but not the artist. Communication Breakdown is the shortest track on the album at on 2:30 but is still worth mentioning. On the 2014 reissue a live version of this track and Good Times Bad Times was released as a single.  

 I Can't Quit You Baby - With a vocal intro, ICQYB is the most storytelling track on the album. The track is slow and very bluesy but still finds time to add in the prominent guitars for their solos. 

 After a few playthroughs, I can say that, Led Zeppelin 45 years on still has some fight left in it. Although not the band's most well known material (that title goes to the untitled album) the material can still hold its own. With the emergence of bands like Wolfmother; Led Zeppelin still remains on its high throne without relying on the fact that its a classic. I am surprised with this finding but respect it. I think that if I had reviewed the vinyl; it would have had an even better review but CD will have to do for now.

 To finish, here is a nostalgic video of Dazed and Confused being played live on the supershow in 1969. Its a good one (and its linked here for mobile users)

   

Band Review (Wounds)

Wounds

Wounds (From L to R) James, Aaron, Aidan, Craig

 Wounds are a hardcore four piece hailing from Dublin. Wounds have been together since 2010 but have achieved instant respect by critics and fellow artists with the release of their debut EP Dead Dead Fucking Dead. Wounds put their heart into their live shows making for a high energy experience that is sure to impress.

 Aidan Coogan provides the deep vocals alongside his brother James on guitar. The bass is helmed by Aaron McGrath and the all important drums are from Craig McCann.

 Wounds are quite a young band but have definitely achieved their fair share of accolades and respect. Wounds have shown that they can pull off an intense high energy show without the music suffering which is hard to master. Currently, Wounds have an EP and a full length album named Die Young (Pretty awesome, you should check it out) to their name which were both met with rave reviews.

 Wounds have played enough gigs to know how it works and have even appeared at 2013's Download festival. Currently, Wounds have gigs dates planned for September in Canada but none so far for the UK. You can find out more about Wounds tour dates here plus an awesome friends parody photo that will not fail to disappoint

 Its the 21st century and music is all over the Internet but here are the addresses you will need to find Wounds. Facebook is here, Twitter here; but must importantly Wounds have an official website that links to all of them which can be found here

 To finish off here is the video to my personal favourite from Wounds, Dead Road. For more of their music videos check out their youtube page here (video linked here for mobile users) 

Album Review (Bled White - Novembers Doom)

Album Review (Bled White - Novembers Doom)

 Bled White is studio album number nine from American Doom metal band Novembers Doom. Novembers Doom formed in 1989 under the name Laceration but ultimately changed their name because their music style had changed from thrash metal to a slower doom metal. Novembers Doom's brand of Doom metal has influences from gothic and death metal; together creating a eerie and ominous sound. 

Notable Tracks

 Bled White - Bled White starts the album off in incredible fashion. Mixing deep and powerful growls and complimented perfectly by clean and extremely melodic and gothic vocals. Bled White plays for just under seven minutes but still manages to surprise the listener with its progression. Near perfect vocals and awe inspiring drums make Bled White a track to be reckoned with.

 Heartfelt - Heartfelt follows Bled White on the track listing and builds upon it. Heartfelt shows off vocals deeper than in the previous track. The mixing on this track give the clean vocals a choir sound; adding to the gothic feel of the album as a whole. In addition, Heartfelt makes way for some sweet guitar work that keeps the listener hooked.

 Unrest - Unrest sits halfway down the track listing but is hard to forget. Unrest is a more classic Novembers Doom sound with low baritone growls. Unrest is slightly shorter than most tracks on the album but still manages to squeeze in a guitar bridge that is irresistible.  

 Clear - Clear begins to a simple guitar melody but is added to quickly to set the pace. Clear is one of the faster tracks from the album but the mixing allows the vocals to rise above the instrumentals. Clear is a refreshing track and has an almost rock sound to it (sounds like a Godsmack track for a while but that might be just me). 

 Overall, Bled White is a powerful album that would be welcome in any metalhead's library. Novembers Doom's brand of Doom is accessible to most and should not be underestimated. Bled White is another must buy album this year.