Reviews Written by Momma
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September 16, 2004
They Just Keep Getting Better
1 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: It's all good
Cons: I agree - this should have a been a 2-CD set.
Lamb of God is that rare band that just keeps getting better. "New American Gospel" was introduction into their thrash-soaked Southern fried crunch. They followed that great CD with "As the Palaces Burn", which proved they could get more acidic and brutal with time. With the release of "Ashes of the Wake", they have proven they are an unstoppable force, a sinewy, focused monster that is more confident in its attack than ever before. The band has honed its sound even further, and the technicality and tightness they display really separate them from the bands that have not yet learned the difference between practicing a lot and true cohesiveness as a unit. That is something that great production, which this CD has, can't provide and LOG have in spades. Randy Blythe's scream is in top form, and he does change up the vocals from time to time to keep your ears glued - as if they weren't already. Even the weakest track, "Now You Have Something to Die For" still fits in this puzzle and can't deflect the greatness of tracks such as "Laid to Rest" and the crunchy, Down-like "Omerta". The great tunes, great execution geat production makes this late-2004 release a front-runner for best of the year, IMHO. ...
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August 6, 2004
A very good and welcome return
Pros: A mature, ever slightly warmer Prong
Cons: Tunes are hit and miss; but mostly very good.
A new release from Prong is always welcome, especially after such a long hiatus. "Scorpio Rising", while containing new (or maybe not-so-new) members still features Tommy Victor, guitarist, vocalist and Prong's life force. While I will always feel that "Beg To Differ" was their best record (I've reviewed that one as well), "Scorpio Rising" is no slouch and doesn't stray far from what there is to love about Prong: Great riffs, a cold crunch and harsh vocals that have that unique, worldly tone. While the arrangements and performances are as tight as ever, the CD itself seems warmer, meatier and more organic, but certainly no less effective. Standout tracks are "Inner Truth", "All Knowing Force" and "Siriusly Emerging". While this CD doesn't have that butt-kicking "we're back" quality that marked the recent releases of Fear Factory, Machine Head, Suffocation, Slipknot or Damageplan, it's great to say that Prong has returned and produced a CD that is enjoyable and remains true to what made this band cool in the first place. ...
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July 27, 2004
Return of the Masters...
Pros: Amazing musicianship, pummeling riffs, great production
Cons: Um, its Death Metal, dude! No pop hooks here!
Suffocation has always represented the best of Death Metal - unreal technicality, insane drumming and guttural vocals that invoked evil of the deepest kind. Imitated, but never truly duplicated, it was almost amusing hearing other bands trying to duplicate the madness that is the Suffocation sound.
They disbanded for a decade, and their new "reunion" CD "Souls To Deny" revisits what made them so influential but is savvy enough to sound up-to-date. The band has not lost a step at all as the musicianship is top-notch - it is almost like they never left. "Deceit", the title track and "Demise of the Clone" are amazing and executed with a precision that's almost frightning. The guitars by Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais flutter in perfect unison, Mike Smith's drums are exceptional as always. Death Metal records are not particularly known for their production, but the production on this is outstanding. Everything is crystal clear so you hear every blistering riff in all of its brutal glory. Frank Mullen, who has delivering his deep growls before the term "cookie monster vocal" became hip, makes you believe he inspired the expression.
If you are a slave to hooks, set song structures and vocal change-ups, this is NOT the CD for you. You will feel as though you were thrown down a dark alley and beaten by unseen hands. For those who want to hear Death Metal at its best need to check out this CD immediately - this is not a one-dimensional Death Metal, there is always something lurking underneath the harsh cover, and you hear new things each time you listen to it. ... -
July 19, 2004
Gothic Metal, hynoptic and sexy
2 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Lush production; well-crafted songs, Cristina's voice
Cons: One tempo; English as a second language
While Italy's Lacuna Coil has been around for a few years, "Comalies" is really putting them on the map and deservedly so. While credit could be given to Amy Lee for bringing more attention to them, it was the least she could do it since it should be apparent to anyone with ears that Cristina Scabbia is an influence, and Lacuna Coil as a unit was the blueprint for Evanesence.
"Comalies" is not only LC's best release but its a great release, period. Yes, the songs have a "pop" feel but only because they are well-arranged, the musicianship is solid but not complicated, and vocal hooks abound. Kudos to vet metal producer and musician Waldemar Sorychta for getting all of the elements to blend so seemlessly. Cristina's pure, angelic voice almost floats above the crunchy mid-tempo songs, and male vocalist Andi, while less used, is effective when it is his turn to sing, especially on heavier tunes like "The Prophet Said" and the title track. For those with keyboard allergies be assured that keyboards are definitely there, but they are not over-used and sit prefectly in the mix, giving that full "Goth" sound and adding just the right flourishes and touches. They also use samples but they too are used tastefully. The only small drawback are lyrics that are written in a language other than their native tongue. In the end, however, it is almost unimportant as this a band more about mood and texture than lyrical grandstanding.
"Heaven's A Lie" gets my vote for metal song of the year. The pop arrangement makes you feel like a sucker for falling into its trap, but it is definitely a sweet, extra crunchy treat, and the sing-along chorus performed by the two singers together is instantly memorable. The CD is worth owning for that song alone, but add other cuts like the opener "Swamped", the title track (mostly sung in Italian), "Self-Deception", the beautiful "Aeon", and all of the other tracks make this an excellent overall CD. Those who like their metal quick, choppy and confrontational may find this CD boring. However, what it lacks in speed, aggression and technicality it more than makes up for with class, taste and digestibility. The perfect sondtrack for a sexy night full of promise, which I am sure was its intention. ... -
July 19, 2004
Standard by which other CDs should be judged.
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Great songs, performances & production
Cons: None!
Nothing is more satisfying than a band that seems to get better with each release,especially when faced with the challenge of replacing their lead singer. KsE has shown that they could not only survive that change, but that they could improve on the very good "Alive of Just Breathing" with the simply stellar "The End of Heartache". Howard Jones, the replacement vocalist, not only has the requisite blood-curdling scream nailed, but he has a strong Singing voice that caps an excellent batch of songs. The production by guitarist Adam is clean, thick, and punchy, allowing the listener to appreciate the technicality of the songs and the great musicianship. "A Bid Farewell" is a perfect opener, showing all sides of KsE. It shows off the range Howard's voice, the tightness of the band and its adeptness at changing pace and dynamics. "Rose of Sharyn", has great lyrics about lost love set against a brutal backdrop, showing that not all love songs have to be lame. While these songs standout for these properties, this CD really is all killer, no filler. Not too long, not too short, just solid, confident and a must have. If you have heard "Alive of Just Breathing" and thought it was nothing extra, don't let that prevent from giving this CD a fair listen - this is a new voice and new era for this band, and this release is definitely one of the years best. ...
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June 30, 2004
No title - too busy headbanging!
Pros: Fast, furious - a sonic freight train
Cons: No brakes!!
You know a band is onto something when you wanna "throw the goat" at the speakers in your cubicle! Unlike some stuff that kinda blows past that neither annoys or impresses, this group demands your attention. The aggression oozes from this ultra-tight unit that apparently believes mellow breakdowns, acoustic bits and melodies are for the weak. Lean and furious, the sound is straight up metalcore with a dash of old-school NYHC sensibility and another screamer
from the school of Tom Araya. Just perfect for scaring neighbors and small children - nothing sucks about that! It is hard to choose the standout tracks as they are all good. Let's put it this way: For Launch listeners my rating difference between the songs are either 100 and 98. BUY THIS. ... -
May 18, 2004
Fantastic Female Fronted Metal
Pros: Crunchy, catchy, own niche
Cons: No complaints!
Wow. I always keep my eyes peeled for talented female metal chicks, and Melanie Brink from Superna is one very talented lady - she has a strong, sexy voice that doesn't sound like anyone else. Melodic without being too girly, ballsy without trying too hard and trying to sound like a man. While she sings lines like, "Don't you question my sanity!" (from "Sanity") you can almost see her curling her lip and feel the sneer in her delivery. For the superficial, yes, she is hot. The rest of Superna backs her with performances that are confident, crunchy and solid. Nothing amateurish or garage-y about it, these guys appear to have spent the necessary time to gel and achieve a tight, pro sound. They dabble in some percussion in just the right spots. They swing from hard rock to metal easily without too much effort. Superna have appeared to have found their own niche. Take Joydrop and make them more Metal, Evanesence without the goth pretense, a less aggressive Otep, a more mature Kittie, Garbage without the sound effects and more guitar, throw in blender and you'll get this. Standouts tracks are the afore-mentioned "Sanity", "Bad Dream" and "The Ending", but the record is pretty solid all the way through. For those looking for something chunky that is really good and has its own vibe, you should buy this. ...
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May 11, 2004
Really a 4.5/5
Pros: Much better than Prove You Wrong
Cons: More Hard Rock than you would expect
"Prove You Wrong", while it had some good stuff on it really was a bit of a letdown for me. "Cleansing", however is a good cross between "PYW" and the awesome "Beg To Differ, bringing the Prong sound back into more familiar territory - staccato riffs and beats, tight as heck. The songs are much better too, with even the two weaker tracks are stronger than some of the songs on "Prove". "Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck" is the most recognizable, but other great tunes like, "Who's Fist is This Anyway" "Cut Rate" and "No Question" are just as good if not better. The one element that is different this time around is that they venture a little more into Hard Rock territory with "Home Rule" and "Test". While good songs, it's a departure that succeeds where such attempts on the last release failed, and may not be appreciated by those who like their Prong hard. It may also be a touch more Industrial but it doesn't sound forced or out of place. Unlike the last release, this one would definitely appeal to more than just Prong fans. ...
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May 11, 2004
Very good but not great
Pros: Some really good tunes on here
Cons: Some really average ones too
Following up a record like "Beg To Differ" is no easy task, and instead of releasing BTD II Prong went looser and warmer in sound and added a new bassist. The result is a record that has it highs and lows. While Tommy Victor doesn't sound nearly as urgent, he is still pretty angry. Songs like "Unconditional&quo
t; "Brainwave" and "No Way" crunch like you would expect them to, but others such as the title track and "Get a Grip on Yourself" just aren't very good. The tight, cold bleakness is what made Prong such a standout, and altering this formula was a risk that doesn't always pay off. But if you like Prong, it's worth having for the good stuff it does contain. ...
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A Focused 'Knot
1 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Great performances, lyrics, production; takes unexpected risks that pay off
Cons: You may not get it on first listen; harmonies, strings and acoustic guitar may scare some.
This CD has an utter lack of respect for your expectations, so its best that before listening to it you don't have any. The first time I listened to Vol. 3 I didn't know what to think; and had to put it away for a couple of days and revisit it. Sure, The fact that Rick Rubin was producing really got me excited as Rick brings out the best in every band he works with. The band performances were wonderful, it was great to hear Mick and James solo (HOORAY!!!), there was certainly more Sid and Craig, but this CD is coming from a different place than the first two. The first CD had its Nu-Metal thing going on, "Iowa" was its aggro opposite (I lOVE that CD BTW, I think the aggression level frightened off the Nu-Metallers). But this one definitely shows maturity and brings together the best elements of the two prior releases.
From the first song, "Prelude 3.0" you are advised right away to that the formula has been altered. They have said that this was the first time all nine members wrote together, and the difference is apparent immediately. Sid and Craig, barely present on "Iowa" drop cool stuff all over; Clown and Chris' percussion seem incorporated in the song structure rather than just thrown on top (especially apparent on the "Blister Exists"). Joey of course is marvelous and his instinct of when to play and when not to is right on; Paul is as solid as usual but he gets to stretch out a bit more than before. There are DEFINITELY Stone Sour influences as Corey sings much more and there are softer moments, but I even feel there are influences from Clown's other band To My Surprise, since in areas there are almost psychedelic touches and harmonies, and there are even acoustic guitars and strings used on "Vermillion, part 2" and "Circle". It's almost freaky to hear it at first, but it works, it's beautiful, but retains a darkness. It's different, but it doesn't sound like they're forcing it. When the CD goes hard it is as heavy as anything else they have done, but sK has learned how to channel its aggression as opposed to letting it run so wild it's almost a mess, like some moments on "Iowa". "Three Nil" features blast beats, screaming, Corey (almost) raps some, "Opium of the People" with cool lead riffing by James and Mick. "Welcome", "Pulse of the Maggots" are trademark Slipknot. "Before I Forget" is very catchy and I wouldn't be surprised if it's the next single. "The Nameless" throws a curve, starts out with double-bass and impressive crunch but then they drop into a quiet chorus, and somehow manage to crawl back and forth between the two dynamics gracefully. "The Virus of Life" is an awesome creepy dirge, and "Danger Keep Away" closes the CD with a pretty, almost "No Quarter" sounding keyboard line and nice harmonies...dark and cool.
I also have to say that this CD contains the best lyrics Corey has written for the band. Of course, he's still pretty pissed, but his anger is more articulated, and when he's being obsessive it give you chills. Since the second listen, I can't listen to this CD enough. If sK never make another record, I would be content that they left this as a good-bye. It's that satisfying. ...