9Electric featuring Wayne Static
“Destroy As You Go”
Self-released
http://www.9electric.com/
This band is “electro-rock” This particular song just has guest vocals by Wayne Static…and ironically enough, it sounds like his solo stuff or Static X. So yeah, electronic-ified/industrialized hard rock. It’s a bit repetitive, but still a little bit catchy. It’s a short song, so it can’t get too much in a loop!
Horisont
Second Assault
Metal Blade Records
http://www.myspace.com/horisont
A catchy laid back stoner metal thing. Very old school 70’s prog sounding. A big meaty bottom end, catchy riffs (a la Clutch), and a little bit “out there” vocals are high pitched, almost like a creepy Robert Plant. Leave it to Metal Blade to keep up a wide, diverse artist roster.
Kissin Dynamite
Money, Sex and Power
AFM Records
http://www.kissin-dynamite.de/en/
At first impression, this band seems to be Germany’s answer to Steel Panther. quality 80’s/90’s hair metal playing, fun- tongue-in-cheek lyrics… the music also has a bit of a Manowar feel to it (some more epic type stuff) While not quite as rude and crude as Steel Panther, the stories in the songs are still pretty funny.
Mares of Thrace
The Pilgrimage
Sonic Unyon Records
http://www.maresofthrace.com/
Sludgy noisey doomy stuff with screamy/extreme vocals. Reminds of bands that I don’t like too much… as I’m just not a fan of this genre… however, the production is decent, there’s a good raw feeling with the music as well.
Prong
Carved Into Stone
Long Branch Records
http://www.prongmusic.com/
It’s hard not to like Prong! Catchy, heavy songs, there really isn’t a bad Prong Album. Tommy Victor has been the driving force and tuner of the Prong signature sound… this album has a bit of a heavier feel overall, but still maintains the Prong sound. Classic Tommy vocals, riffs, and catchiness are all there. While this is no “Cleansing”… it’s still a must have for the Prong fan.
Pryamada
Now Is The Time
Dog Water Entertainment
http://www.pyramada.com/
A melodic hard rock band. They have that early 90’s sound… vocals have a little bit of an edge to them, but not quite growling or anything. And it’s not like we got Vince Neil here either. They’re a local area band from New Jersey… probably a cool band to see in a bar, but I don’t see them taking over the music world. (the song “Walk Away” is pretty cool )
Torche
Harmonicraft
Volcom
http://www.torchemusic.com/
Kind of a stoner band, but what I hear most here, is an album that’s trying to sound like Volbeat. A lot of up-tempo guitar sound (happy riffs?), clean, higher pitched vocals
… and the basic music overall is a bit sludgey, catchy riffs and some guitar sounds you don’t normally hear… and they’re cool sounds too! But I can’t help but making a Volbeat comparison.
Undivided
No One’s Safe
Down For Blood Records
http://www.stereokiller.com/UNDIVIDED
Listening to this band threw me back to hearing some Biohazard from back in the day. So it’s mostly a NYHC sounding band. They’ve been around since 1996 and have mainly just been an underground sort of thing. Decent stuff, and pretty much what you’d expect from this type of band. Cool riffs, shouting, yelling vocals, and decent production.
Unleashed
Odalhem
Nuclear Blast
http://www.unleashed.se/yggdrasil/index.php
Blackened death metal… Fast, catchy, extreme stuff. A black metal feel with death metal meat and thrashy viking overtones. There’s a bit of a melodic feel too. This band has been around for over 20 years now and don’t seem to be letting up at all. We’ve been fans of this band on the Mosh Pit for a while now and they keep putting out good stuff.
Strong Intention
Razorblade Express
PATAC
http://www.myspace.com/strongintention
Mostly an extreme hardcore… hard, fast, short songs. Raw, in your face and noisy. I would imagine a live show from these guys would leave you spent after 15 minutes and 25 songs
Obsidian Tongue
Volume I: Subradiant Architecture
Dissociation
Paradise Lost
Tragic Idol
Century Media
http://www.paradiselost.co.uk/
I have to admit, I haven’t been a fan of this band for a while… since they went into their “Depeche Mode” phase. They seem to be back to a more doom metal style again. It’s a good dark, gothic metal album. Great melodies, very chilled and laid back. There’s a bit of a cold feeling in the guitar tone and overall feel of the album too… This album renews my faith in these guys…
16
Deep Cuts From Dark Clouds
Relapse
http://www.myspace.com/16
Kind of sludgey, stoner metal from these veterans of LA. As with most music of this genre, there isn’t a whole lot groundbreaking.. just some bleak meaty, distorted riffs, a sort of in your face sound which most like goes along well with lots of beer.
Crazy Lixx
Riot Avenue
Frontiers
http://www.crazylixx.com/
Any band name with back to back X’s in their name just HAS to be an 80’s hair metal band, right? Well, yeah, that’s what you get here. 80’s hair metal sound. Decent stuff, cool riffs and not too cheesy. You can tell these guys can play.