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 (Devil You Know)

Devil You Know

Devil You Know (From L to R) Francesco Artusato, Ryan Wombacher, Roy Lev-ari, Howard Jones, John Sankey

 Devil You Know are a metal 5 man band from Los Angeles. Devil You Know formed in 2012 and have rocketed into the music scene since. Currently, Devil You Know have released one studio album and are signed to Nuclear Blast records. Devil You Know features heavy riffs mixed with Howard Jones' clean and scream vocals to make for an unforgettable sound.

 Howard Jones provides his unique vocals backed by Francesco Artusato and Roy Lav-ari on guitars and Ryan Wombacher on bass and holding it together is John Sankey on drums.

 Since their formation in 2012, Devil You Know have released one studio album: The Beauty of Destruction was released in April this year and was met with rave review. Alongside the rave reviews, Devil You Know were awarded the Best New Band award at this year's Golden Gods Awards. 

 Devil You Know are currently touring with Italian metal band Lacuna Coil until October where they take a break and tour with Machine Head from November until December. To check date for gig click the link here.

 Devil You Know are surprisingly limited on what you can find on the web but I did you a solid and found you all the links you need. Facebook is here, Twitter is here and their official youtube channel is here. Go check them out and I promise you'll thank me for it.

 To Wrap up, here is the music video for their hit single, Seven Years Alone taken from their album The Beauty of Destruction. (Video linked here for mobile users)

Album Review (Maximum Overload - DragonForce)

Maximum Overload - DragonForce

 Maximum Overload is the Sixth studio album from British power metal outfit DragonForce. DragonForce formed in 1999 and have since released six studio albums and a live album. DragonForce produce a unique flavour of power metal that relies on electronic sounds and breakneck speeds. Maximum Overload was released through earMUSIC in Europe and Metal Blade in the US.

Notable Tracks

 The Game - The Game is the opening track for Maximum Overload and it opens the record in style. The Game is the fastest track performed by the band at a staggering 240 bpm. Alongside this feat, the track also features additional vocals from Trivium's vocalist Matt Heafy (who also provided vocals for last weeks album review). The Game was the first single to be released from the album and has been met with flawless reviews from both critics and fans alike.

 Symphony of the Night - Symphony of the Night sees DragonForce pay homage to their influences in the video game realm. Symphony of the Night could be compared to the Castlevania series of game through the songs lyrics and guitar sounds. Symphony of the Night progresses well to keep the listener's head nodding and full of euphoria. Symphony of the Night features the longest guitar solos on the album and is impossible not to imitate on your air guitar     

 The Sun is Dead - The Sun is Dead is featured further down the tracklist but is still an experience to listen to. The Sun is Dead is more classic DragonForce with the main focus being on the instruments and not the vocals. Marc Hudson's vocals are emphasized with backing vocals from a choir; giving the song an epic vibe to it. The Sun is Dead is the longest track from the album standing at 6:35.

 Defenders - Defenders follows The Sun is Dead on the tracklist and keeps it's vibe going. Defenders was the second single to be released from the album and also features additional vocals from Matt Heafy. Defenders has an unusually catchy chorus but the song comes into its own at the 3 minute mark where the instruments and stripped back to the bare bones: this is swiftly balance out with a technically superb guitar flair.

 Ring of Fire - Ring of Fire is the third single to be released from the album and is a cover of the classic from Johnny Cash. DragonForce re-imagine the song the only way they can; with high pitched dual guitars. DragonForce's take of the classic is a minute longer than the original to make room for a solo (that fits in surprisingly well)

 To sum it all up, Maximum Overload is an epic album in all senses of the word. Long solos and high pitched vocals the whole album an epic vibe and make the listener want to ride off into the sunset on a unicorn with a double head axe. With ten tracks with an average run-length of five minutes; the long solos are dedicated to certain tracks while others are aimed at newer audiences. Everything about this album is quick apart from your attention span listening to it. 

 To finish off, here is the video for the first single released from the album, The Game (video linked here for mobile users)

 

Classic Album Retrospect (Reign in Blood - Slayer)

Reign in Blood - Slayer

 Reign in Blood was the third studio album from American thrash metal gods Slayer (and possibly the most loyal member of the Big Four). Originally released in 1986 through Def Jam Recordings, Reign in Blood was the first slayer record to enter the Billboard 200; debuting at #127 and peaking later at #94. Due to it dark themes and overall genre, Reign in Blood received zero radio play at the time but is still crowned as the defining album from Slayer. Reign in Blood was met with rave reviews from both underground and mainstream critics. Alongside this, Reign in Blood is certified Gold in the US.

 All these accolade are all well and good but does the album still hold up today? Let's find out.

Notable Tracks 

 Angel of Death - Angel of Death is the first track from the record and starts with style. Angel of Death is undoubtedly the most recognizable Slayer track purely because of the scream used in the intro. Angel of Death's lyrics are about the experiments performed by Josef Mengele in the Auschwitz Concentration Camps and ultimately lead to accusations that Slayer were Nazi sympathizers. Angel of Death is a fan favorite for good reason,    
 Necrophobic - Is the shortest track from the record at only 1:41 but still holds a lot of material. Necrophobic starts at a breakneck speed and only slows to lead the listen into a false sense of security. Necrophobic features gory lyrics and an awesome thrashy solo to complete a bite-size package of Slayer action.

 Jesus Saves - Jesus Saves starts a lot slower than you would expect a Slayer track to but slowly builds for some crazy thrash. Jesus Saves stands at less than three minutes but still has the guts to cram in three solos alongside some hard hitting lyrics. Jesus Saves is rarely played live but would guarantee a killer pit. 

 Postmortem - Postmortem is featured towards the end of the record but isn't any less crazy than previous tracks. Postmortem takes a slower pace which adds a lot to the atmosphere of the track. Postmotem picks up the pace towards the end for a final flurry and adds the lone and powerful lyric "Do you want to die?". After the vocals finish the track ends suddenly for a final surprise.

 Raining Blood - Postmortem ends and the iconic rain begins to play and with a smash of thunder the guitars roar into life. Raining Blood focuses on Hanneman's and King's guitar work with good reason, because its immense. Raining Blood builds constantly until it's a steamy hot mess of guitars and drums. Thunder and the rain continues, Raining Blood ends how it begins.

 After a few headbanging filled playthroughs, Reign in Blood has definitely aged well and still holds the intensity it did when it was first released back in the 80s. Reign in Blood only seems old in the sense that now thrash band of today could match that ferocity. Although Slayer may be growing older they still know how to put on a great show live as demonstrated at Sonisphere this year (live review here).

Band Review (Dead Harts)

Dead Harts

Dead Harts (from TL to BR) Matthew Baxendale, Matt Pask, Dominic Bass, Rob Tilbury, Anthony Allen,

 Dead Harts are a Hardcore five piece from Sheffield. Dead Harts formed in '09 and have since amassed a cult following due to tour slots with larger bands. Dead Harts jam brutal riffs at breakneck speeds together with killer vocals. 

 Matthew Baxendale provides the vocals for Dead Harts alongside guitarists Matt Pask and Dominic Bass (probably would have been more convenient to play bass but oh well) bass is played by Rob Tilbury and drums are played by Anthony Allen.

 Since their formation, Dead Harts have released a total of 2 albums. Born Into Rags to Die No Richer was released first in October '12 and then Cult For The Haggard Youth was released in the July of this year. Both albums are awesome and worth a playthrough or three.

 Dead Harts have some gig dates planned for later this year but the earliest is a support slot alongside Beartooth (I have tickets for this so watch this space for a review) and during the November/December period they have a support slot along side Hacktivist (Band Review here) and The One Hundred (Band Review here) as part of the Download Freezes Over tour (which i also have tickets for). 

 Want to find Dead Harts? their Facebook page is here, Twitter here and their Youtube channel here. Go check them out and buy some merch!

 To finish up, here is the awesome video for the track Cult For The Haggard Youth of the album of the same name (video linked here for mobile users)

  

Album Review (The World Is My Enemy Now - Upon a Burning Body)

Album Review (The World Is My Enemy Now - Upon a Burning Body)

 The World Is My Enemy Now is the third studio album from American deathcore four piece Upon a Burning Body. Upon a Burning Body have been around since 2005 and have shown off their flair in live shows and thus built a loyal fan base. Although a deathcore outfit, Upon a Burning Body don't compromise melody for severity. The World Is My Enemy Now was released through Sumerian Records.

Notable Tracks

 Red Razor Wrists - Red Razor Wrists begins the record with a bang. Red Razor Wrists keeps the heavy tone going throughout the track breaking occasionally for the surprisingly tuneful and catchy hook. Red Razor Wrist is the second single released from the album and has already been played live; this track is soon to be a fan favourite.

 Fountain of Wishes - Fountain of Wishes starts off slower than Red Razor Wrists but is just as heavy. With a slower and more pressing tone, Fountain of Wishes is impossible to listen to without banging your head. Ending with a heavy breakdown with the repeated lyric "One more coin in the Fountain of Wishes" makes for a truly mind-blowingly brutal track.

 Pledge Your Allegiance - Pledge Your Allegiance starts with a slow pace but quickly speeds up for the verses and slows for the choruses. Pledge Your Allegiance is the catchiest track from the record which is surprising for a song with so much hate. 

 Blood, Sweat and Tears - Blood, Sweat and Tears is featured towards the end of the tracklist but definitely holds its own. Blood, Sweat and Tears features additional vocals from Matt Heafy of Trivium which sounds odd in theory but is executed perfectly in reality. Heafy's clean vocals compliment Leal's growls nicely.

 To outline, if you asked "Should I buy this album?" I would probably answer "If you want". Not to be too critical but The World Is My Enemy Now offers nothing new and after a few looped playthroughs; it's hard to distinguish between track. The album shows potential with tracks like Blood, Sweat and Tears and Middle Finger to The World but apart from this, the other tracks are quite samey and generic. Previous Upon a Burning Body albums had themed track names (The World is Ours had tracks named after Al Pacino films and Red. White. Green. had tracks named after Robert Rodriguez films) but The World Is My Enemy Now forgets this quirky tradition. 

 To finish up, here is a video of Red Razor Wrists being played live at this year's Mayhem Festival (linked here for mobile users)

Classic Album Retrospect (Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden)

Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden 

 Iron Maiden is the debut album from British demigods of Metal Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden was first released in the February of 1980 but was re-released and remastered in 1998. At its original the album peaked at forth with the two singles, Running Free and Sanctuary, peaking at thirty-forth and twenty-ninth respectively. At its release, the album was met with instant critical acclaim receiving positive reviews; more recently the album was added to the "Albums you must hear before you die" list alongside the later release of Number of the Beast. Iron Maiden is certified platinum in both the UK and Canada as well as gold in Germany.

 The real question is, has the album stood the test of time? Let's find out.

Notable Tracks

 Prowler - Prowler is the first track from the first side and starts the record with style. Starting with a muted riff which is built upon by more riffs and topped off with some undoubtedly cool vocals and lyrics. Prowler is quite fast paced but still progresses well. Near the two minute mark the song comes alive with an awesome bridge that build with each instrument added individually. A deserving first track and could have been a single in its own right.

 Sanctuary - Sanctuary is the second single from the album but originally was only included on the American release. Sanctuary has a similar sound to Prowler but has a more hard rock feel to it which is helped by the theme of the lyrics. Sanctuary also features an audio sample of a police siren which adds a lot of personality and attitude to the track. Sanctuary finishes in style with a riff that increases in pitch until a flared ending.

 Remember Tomorrow - Remember Tomorrow takes a different angle than the previous two tracks and has a more somber and mellow feel. Remember Tomorrow is more vocally driven with some pitched screams that compliment the instruments well. Toward the two and a half minute mark that song breaks into some crazy guitar that calms to revisit the feel of the beginning of the track. 

 Running Free - Running Free is the first single taken from Iron Maiden and with good reason. Running Free takes the same approach as Sanctuary but builds upon it. Running Free features some backing vocals during the chorus that is surprisingly catchy for a metal track.    

 Phantom of the Opera - It is rare that a band acknowledges their debut material; let alone debut material that wasn't released as a single. Despite this, Phantom of the Opera is still one of the most recognizable Iron Maiden riffs out there. Phantom of the Opera is the longest track on the album so has plenty of time to progress and establish itself. The vocals on this track seem to flow with the guitars which is quintessential to keeping a long track entertaining. 

 After a few intense playthroughs, Iron Maiden stands the test of time in most places. The tracks from the A-side (Prowler, Running Free, Remember Tomorrow, Phantom of the Opera) and Sanctuary all stand the test of time reasonably well but on the other hand, the B-side (Transylvania, Strange World, Charlotte the Harlot, Iron Maiden) are quite dated; especially with the use of a completely instrumental track. Despite the B-side, Iron Maiden as a band has done more than enough to solidify their place in the metal hall of fame. (Even though they don't tour in the UK as much as they should)