Chrome Division – Booze, Broads & Beelzebub
Nuclear Blast Records

(5/5)

Norway’s bad boys of Rock are back and they couldn’t be better! With a mixture of the Punk-like speed and vocal style of Motörhead, the Delta Blues style of ZZ Top, and the overall bad ass attitude of the five man all-star line-up, Chrome Division’s sophomore album Booze, Broads, & Beelzebub is the new soundtrack to rebellion! Altogether there are 13 tracks of pure octane fueled Biker rock (or Biker metal) that can’t be beat! Leading this brutal attack are the ash-throated vocals of Eddie Guz (also of The Carburetors) being supported by the vicious solos and backing vocals by lead guitarist Ricky Black, the raucous guitar riffs and back-up vocals of Shagrath (also of Dimmu Borgir), the smooth bass lines and backing vocals of Björn Luna (also of Ashes to Ashes), and the pounding drums provided by Tony White (also of Minas Tirith). As far as the overall album goes, I couldn’t ask for a better sequel to Chrome Division’s 2006 debut album Doomsday Rock ‘n’ Roll. Booze, Broads, & Beelzebub keeps the same style as Doomsday Rock ‘n’ Roll in the fact that it really satisfies your needs for a raw, booze fueled band that kicks out some good tunes. As far as the individual tracks go, it’s hard to choose real favorites, but there are a few tracks I prefer. “The Second Coming” (Track 1) and “Booze, Broads, & Beelzebub” (Track 2/title track) go together because of the way the link together. You can’t beat this opening for this style of music. Also on the list are “Sharp Dressed Man” (Track 11/ZZ Top cover), “Raven Black Cadillac” (Track 4), and “The Boys From the East” (Track 8). “The Boys From the East” is an overall great track, but the beginning of it is also one of my favorite parts of the entire album. It starts with some conversation put over a nice Blusey guitar riff before Eddie comes in yelling “Hit it!” and they go into the regular song. The overall song also has a great groove to it that I really like. As far as “Sharp Dressed Man” goes, I just have to say that these guys did a great job on that cover and truly put their spin on it. ‘Nuff said. All in all, this is another great album put out by another great side project band. Chrome Division has really grown on me since their debut in 2006 and I certainly recommend this album to anybody looking for some raw Biker metal and not a lot of flash. If you’re just looking for sweeping guitars, crazy screamed vocals, and insane double bass, don’t get this album!

Cradle to Grave – Texas Medicine
Year of the Sun Records

(4/5)

Baton down the hatches and bunker down low, Cradle to Grave has put out an album that is a force to be reckoned with! With a mix of thrashing guitars, animalistic screams, and a pure adrenaline boosted motive, Texas Medicine is a great example of all the different styles of new Metal all packed into one incredible album! One thing in particular I like about this album is the fact that just about every track is different. Whether you’re getting thrown around by Thrash metal or being pounded in the face by pure aggressive Metal, CtG has risen above a lot of newer bands with their ability to provide fans with great variety. Although some parts of the album kind of start to fall into a bit of a “cookie cutter” Metal style, I think that that’s what helps bring in more fans. Overall, I like, pretty much, everything this album has to offer. As far as good tracks to check out, I suggest “From Nowhere to Nowhere” (Track 5), “I Am Nothing” (Track 6), “F**k It Up” (Track 8), and “Beheaded in Paris” (Track 11). Really, these tracks show a great mix of how this band sounds (at least on THIS album). To get the full spectrum, listen to the whole album (obviously), but I believe that the four listed above will give the gist of CtG’s sound. All in all, if you’re looking for a great, energy-blasted, Metal album, check out the second full release from Cradle to Grave, Texas Medicine!

Emmure – The Respect Issue
Victory Records

(5/5)

Strap on your seatbelts and hold on tight for one of the best breakthrough artists from 2007 continuing through 2008, Emmure! Rolling off their incredible debut album Goodbye to the Gallows, Emmure is releasing their second full length album entitled The Respect Issue. Honestly, I can’t put this album down! Tracks 1-4 are basically one HUGE breakdown before you are shown to another side of Emmure through parts of tracks 5 and 6. Tracks 7, 8, and 10 are all heavy in their own aspects, but the real shocker of the album is track 9 (“Dry Ice”). “Dry Ice” is simply an instrumental track that is slow, soft, and really doesn’t have much to do with the album. Overall, every track on the album has a significant purpose to making this one of the most exciting albums I have heard from Victory Records, but there were a few that stuck out. The one that had the MOST impact on me was “False Love in Real Life” (track 4). As soon as this track ended the first time I heard it, I had to start it over! The breakdowns in the track are UNBELIEVABLE! These breakdowns mark a new era for breakdowns with the slow and heavy effect they have. They are absolutely out of this world! On top of that, vocalist Frank Palmeri does an incredible job absolutely murdering this track. Every thing about it is insane! Really, every track on this album had some sort of incredible effect on me, but “False Love in Real Life” really hit me hard. To get a good glimpse of Emmure’s, more, Progressive sounding side, “Chicago’s Finest” (track 5) and “Tales From the Burg” (track 6). These two songs really combine different feelings and styles to get your heart pumpin’ and your fists movin’! And once again, the breakdown in “Tales From the Burg” is RIDICULOUS! Overall, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better album out of these guys! All five members did an incredible job keeping up the intensity of their debut album sound. So, if you’re looking for an album to get you pumped and ready to punch someone in the head, check out The Respect Issue by Emmure ASAP!

Meshuggah – obZen
Nuclear Blast Records

(5/5)

One word can describe the magnitude of Meshuggah’s new album obZen, MASSIVE! In these nine tracks of pure adrenaline filled Metal, Meshuggah constantly hits you with their obscure time signatures, heavy hitting drums, and insane bass and guitar parts. Honestly, I haven’t heard much Meshuggah material other than obZen, but I am extremely impressed with how this album sounds. As mentioned before, guitarists Fredrik Thordendal and Marten Hagstrom really outdo themselves on this album with the pure heaviness of their parts with the help of bassist Dick Lövgren, whose parts are really noticeable compared to a lot of other bassists. On top of all the guitarists is drummer Tomas Haake and vocalist Jens Kidman. Tomas and Jens alike offer their amazing talents to finishing off what the other three members have already established. Altogether, this has to be one of the top five most TALENTED bands I have EVER come across! The biggest thing that puts these guys high on the list is their relentless obsession with challenging themselves with the difficulty of the time signatures they use and the pure, complete product they produce while continually performing it live! Proving the skill and ability Meshuggah has to produce some of the greatest material heard on the Metal scene today, obZen has a couple of tracks that really push themselves forward as superior, but the entire album is a true thrill ride for new and old Meshuggah fans! My personal favorite tracks from the album are “Combustion” (track 1), “Bleed” (track 3), and the title track “ObZen” (track 5). “Combustion” fits in on the list for its ability as an incredible album opener. It begins with a bit of a light guitar part just before exploding into a very Thrash metal based song structure. As for “Bleed” and “ObZen”, they top the list because of their pure heaviness and aggression. “Bleed” starts out with another Thrash-like song structure and continues it throughout the entire track, keeping you looking for a time to slow down and take a quick break. Not happening! “ObZen” takes a different approach in the beginning with a heavier, more Heavy metal style structure that you can either mosh or just groove too. As Meshuggah would have it, that Heavy metal feel remains, but it overtaken by the crazy time signature. With these tracks in mind and the guarantee that every other track on the album is also incredible, it needs to be mentioned that Meshuggah cannot really be put into just one music genre. I realize that most bands are like this, but Meshuggah REALLY hits in many different categories. Just from the tracks listed above you have Heavy metal and Thrash metal, “Pineal Gland Optics” (track 7) really helps you see the Experimental metal of the band, and there are many other Meshuggah songs that would change your initial categorization of the band. For obZen, the overall product meets the credentials for the Experimental metal genre. All in all, if you want to experience one of the most exciting albums of 2008, check out obZen by Meshuggah!

Testament – Demonic
Prosthetic Records

(4.5/5)

One word can describe Testament’s album Demonic, demonic! This album has a straight up evil sound because it was written using Testament’s natural Thrash sound mixed with influences from old school Death metal and some Black metal, which translated right into their next release, The Gathering. Overall, Demonic truly captures the influences these other Metal style had on the band through Chuck Billy’s Death metal-like growls, Eric Peterson’s guitar progressions, Derrick Ramirez’s bass lines, and Gene Hoglan’s drum parts. Eric Peterson did record both the lead and rhythm guitar parts for the album, but guitarist Glen Alvelais did make a guest appearance and also played during the subsequent tour following the release of the album. Overall, I believe this album was really a much needed “speed bump” in the path of the fast paced Testament. It definitely has its share of quick guitar riffs and double bass, but the overall feel of the album is a bit slower and heavier than most of Testament’s other material. The added Death metal groove really emphasizes the heaviness of the guitar riffs and drum parts. As far as the actual tracks go, I’d have to say my favorites are “Demonic Refusal” (track 1), “Jun-Jun” (track 4), “John Doe” (track 5), and “Hatreds Rise” (track 7). Really, any of the tracks that stuck out to me are high on the list for overall quality and material. None of the tracks on the alum are any more important that the next, but the four I mentioned above are some I prefer to listen to when I stick the album into my CD player. All in all, Demonic is a very influential album to fans of Thrash and Death metal and should be a part of every metalhead’s arsenal!

Testament – The Gathering
Prosthetic Records

(4.5/5)

If you are looking for classic Thrash metal at its absolute finest, you need The Gathering by Testament! Time and time again, Testament has proved that they are a Thrash force to be reckoned with, but my personal favorite reason is this 12-track, non-stop energy filled, masterpiece. From beginning to end, the guys from Testament keep you moving with demanding vocals from Chuck Billy, insane guitar riffs from guitarists Eric Peterson and James Murphy, powerful bass lines from bassist Steve DiGiorgio, and thundering drums from drummer Dave Lombardo. As one of the many changing line-ups of Testament, these five really put their skills together to create an amazing piece of art that is The Gathering. As a whole, the album doesn’t have a lot of room for improvement, but there are a few tracks that stood out to me as being more exceptional tracks. My personal top favorite is track 5 which is better known as “3 Days in Darkness”. To me, this track really captures the sound of what you should get when you mash Thrash and Heavy metal together. Constructed of Pantera-like guitar riffs and drums, “3 Days in Darkness” is “mortared” with the yells and almost Death metal-like growls of Chuck Billy. The second song in my list of favorites is track 7, or “Careful What You Wish For”. “Careful What You Wish For” is another song that just has an overall dominance and power to it that contains truth among lyrics. Really, it has the feel of an anthem for a rebellion or some sort of uprising! My last top song from this album is the closing track, “Hammer of the Gods”. This track is completely instrumental, giving a slow yet heavy ending to a great album. Overall, it’s a great song and the instrumental aspect helps it to stick out from the rest of the tracks. With these three tracks and the rest of the talent that went into this album, The Gathering is definitely an album for the ages!

Cavalera Conspiracy – Inflikted
Roadrunner Records

(4/5)

Thrash is back in full force with Cavalera Conspiracy’s debut album, Inflikted. Originally, his would have been a self-titled debut, but due to legal reasons, the band had to change their name. CC is not just any Thrash metal band, but it is made up of some of Metal’s finest musicians. The All Star line-up consists of Max Cavalera (Sepultura co-founder and Soulfly founder) on vocals and rhythm guitar, Igor Cavalera (Sepultura co-founder) on drums, Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo, and Joe Duplantier (guitarist and vocalist from Gojira) on bass. Together, these four guys have managed to put together an incredible album that utilizes components of Thrash metal, Heavy metal, and even some Hardcore punk. Although all 11 tracks are vital in making this album awesome, “Inflikted” (track 1/title track), “Ultra-Violent” (track 5), and “Bloodbrawl” (track 8 ) stuck out over the rest to help prove that CC has what it takes to be an amazing band. “Ultra-Violent” has to be my overall favorite from the album for the fact that it is HEAVY! It shows a more old school Thrash style, with a slow and heavy groove to it. Also, Rex Brown (current Down and ex-Pantera bassist) is featured as the guest bassist on this track. “Bloodbrawl” ranks high for its overall heaviness, its classic Thrash feel, its massive breakdowns, and the use of insane sweep picking! Also, it shows a bit of diversity with the mellowness of the last 30 seconds or so of the song. Overall, this album could help in resurrecting the Thrash sound of older bands such as Slayer, and Testament. So let down your hair, get pumped, and thrash with your friends! Cavalera Conspiracy is here and they mean business!

Chimaira – Resurrection [Special Edition]
Ferret Music (U.S.)/Nuclear Blast Records (Outside U.S.A.)

(5/5)

To define the word aggressive in Webster’s Dictionary, there should simply be a picture of Chimaira! With one EP and three previous full length albums under their belts, Chimaira kept the pain train coming full force with their most recent full length release Resurrection. Throughout this 11-track masterpiece, vocalist Mark Hunter leads the band with his massively aggressive screams and yells combined with his singing to compliment the musical roller coaster created by guitarists Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries, bassist Jim LaMarca, and drummer Andols Herrick (who came back into the band for this album). To accent the whole sound of the band, keyboardist/sampler Chris Spicuzza throws in his thundering 808s (“bass blasts”) and deep growls to back up Mark. As for the overall sound of the album, Resurrection is definitely one of the top Metal albums of 2007! My favorite tracks off the album include “Resurrection” (title track), “Six”, “Needle”, “Empire”, and my top favorite happens to be Matt Devries’ favorite off the album as well, “The Flame”. “Resurrection” is a great track to listen to for the mere fact that it is such a great start to this album and gives you a preview of how aggressive this album will be. On top of the aggressiveness, there are some harmonic bends in this track that are absolutely out of this world! As far as “Six” goes, this another favorite of Matt’s. It’s a favorite between the both of us for the simple fact that it shows how diverse this band can really be. “The Flame” tops the list for me because of its overall quality as well. It starts out with the sound of a girl screaming, the breaking of glass, then pure aggression from there on out. In the aggressiveness of the track, there are also some great precision stops and some of Chimaira’s trademark 808s. Overall, if you’re looking for a shot of adrenaline and some pure aggression to fuel your day, grab a copy of Chimaira’s Resurrection!

Bury Your Dead – Bury Your Dead
Victory Records

(5/5)

Bury Your Dead is back and they are better than ever! If you liked their debut album Cover Your Tracks, you are going to love their new self-titled album! Although all the tracks aren’t named after movies and there are no “Top Gun” breakdowns, this album certainly speaks for itself and the subtle breakdowns included are more than effective in producing headbang/mosh worthy material. One thing I certainly like more is the vocal effects change. With the new vocalist, Myke Terry, came the elimination of most of the layered vocals that, in my opinion, brought down the vocals in past albums. Musically, this album features classic Bury Your Dead heavy guitars by Eric Ellis and Brendan “Slim” MacDonald, thundering bass by Aaron “Bubble” Patrick, and super fast double bass by drummer Mark Castillo. Myke’s vocals on this album are absolutely incredible, helping to make it, in my opinion, the best Bury Your Dead album to be released thus far. On top of his vocals, Mark’s drumming in this album continues to show proof that hes is one of the best in the business! As far as the whole tracks themselves go, my personal favorites are “Hands to Hide the Shame”, “A Devil’s Ransom”, and “Angel With a Dirty Face”. “Hands to Hide the Shame” is my favorite out of all the tracks because its all around greatness. This song shows more diversity when it has its heavy breakdowns then goes into a more progressive, clean part with pure sung vocals. The musicianship in that song, again, is very diverse and I think it really shows what these guys are capable of. As far as any of the other tracks go, I really enjoyed this whole album because of the pure talent and musicianship portrayed throughout all 11 tracks. Overall, this has got to be one of the best, aggressive albums I have heard in 2008!

Red I Flight – The Years
Victory Records

(5/5)

Honestly, Red I Flight’s debut album The Years has taken the Metal world by storm! Throughout all 10 tracks, RIF brings a constant, aggressive attack filled with extreme double bass, “slice ‘n’ dice” guitars, vigorous vocal work, and precisely placed 808 (aka “bass blasts”). Leading the adrenaline filled attack is vocalist Josh Robinson. Throughout the entire album Josh proves time and time again that he possesses what it takes to be a great vocalist with his unique mixture of Death metal style growls with intense screams and a few clean parts thrown in there! The second line of attack comes from guitarists Matt Earp and Eric Gerloff. With the help of bassist Mike Polec, Matt and Eric help pull the sound together to link the crazy drums and vocals. That leaves Jesse Robinson to bring up the tail end of the attack, riding on the pounding toms and quick double bass of the drums! Altogether, this five-piece makes for one unstoppable team with an incredible debut album under their belts! Out of the 10 tracks, it’s hard to choose favorites, but my top three are “Bullets Over Prayers” (track 3), “Introlude” (track 7), and “Rock Biter Song” (track 8). “Bullets Over Prayers” tops the list, mainly, because of the vocal effects created by Josh. He mixes his growl and scream during part of the lyrics to create a very demonic sounding growl that’s really unique. “Introlude” and “Rock Biter Song” really come in together since “Introlude” is really an intro into “Rock Biter…”, but they are both awesome in their own respects. “Introlude” is great for it’s use of three 808′s, two of them being before you ever hear lyrics in the song. The overall product of “Rock Biter…” put it in the top, but the amazing guitar work mixed with the vocals definitely help it along. Overall, I wouldn’t say that the vocal or music work on any of the songs drag any of them down, but certain aspects of each help some songs in being better than others. RIF’s skills and talents are consistent throughout the album, helping produce an amazing debut that will have you headbanging and moshing in no time!