Rob Zombie - Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor (CD Review)

01.Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
02.Dead City Radio & The New Gods Of Supertown
03.Revelation Revolution
04.Theme For The Rat Vendor
05.Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga
06.Rock And Roll (In A Black Hole)
07.Behold, The Pretty Filthy Creatures!
08.White Trash Freaks
09.We're An American Band (Grand Funk Railroad cover)
10.Lucifer Rising
11.The Girl Who Loved Monsters
12.Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin

Rob Zombie (Vocals)
John 5 (Guitar)
Piggy D. (Bass)
Ginger Fish (Drums)

Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is the fifth solo studio album (but his 11th overall including live and remmix albums) by former White Zombie frontman Rob Zombie. The album was released on April 23, 2013, four days after the release of Zombie's film The Lords of Salem.
This is the first Rob Zombie album to feature drummer Ginger Fish who, with John 5, was part of Marilyn Manson's band.
A music video for the album's first single "Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown" was released April 8, 2013.
For Record Store Day 2013, Zombie released a promotional single for "Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown" (with b-side "Teenage Nosferatu Pussy") on 10 inch colored vinyl printed on a reverse groove.

Where in my personal opinion both Reznor and Manson failed to continue the class output of earlier albums, Rob has never dropped his standards, always pushing the mix of dance and industrial beats with good old fashioned heavy metal, like some derranged zappa/beefheart monster experiment.

The opener 'Teenage Nosferatu Pussy' starts, as you would expect, with an old sample from a movie, then moves into typical rob territory, slow and pounding guitars and drums with his unmistakable vocal talents.

A nice sixties vibe for 'Dead City Radio' and 'Revelation Revolution' has the sound that Manson would kill for these days!!!

Sitar alert! the one minute instrumental 'Theme For The Rat Vendor' then throw in some Tabla's this leads to the weridly titled 'Ging Gang...' this one has a country (ish) feel for the distrorted vocal parts with a bouncy hi-hat dominant drum, but this kicks in on the chorus!
Could this be Rob attempting a Kid Rock "bahwidahwiddy" thing??

For a song with Rock & Roll in the title you would expect something rockin, but no, this is an electronic driven piece reminicent of Kraftwerk's Autobahn, nice sampling and a catchy guitar riff.

The heavy returns for 'Behold, The Pretty Filthy Creatures' some great keyboards in this one just finishes it off perfectly.

'White Trash Freaks' loaded with enough rhythm to get a room full of girls grinding hell's finest stip club!

Track 9 is an odd choice as its a cover of Grand Funk Railroads 'We're An American Band' Sure Rob has nailed his sound on it, but as he has been doing some Velvet Underground covers for the Lords Of Salem film, maybe something darker from american rock's past would have fitted better.This one seems to me to be more Alice Cooper's thing.

'Lucifer Rising' is a high energy rocker, this is followed by a darker more industrial song called 'The Girl Who Loved The Monsters', full of nice keyboard sounds and samples.

'Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin' has that old 'Detroit' punk sound and rounds the album off.

Rob's back and there is no escape!!!

Rating 10/10

For Fans Of : Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Wednesday 13, Rammstein

Attica's Ashes - Flickers Of Dawn (Cd Review)

 01.Attica's Ashes
02.This Is The End
03.One Last Kiss
04.Silent Scream
05.We Strike Today
06.Divine

Esteban Benedicto (Drums)
Jonny Nonsense (Guitar)
Brett Zero (vocals)
Joao Curro (Bass)

Attica’s Ashes are a London based band who create a unique blend of rock, metal and punk with a horror twist.

The band’s story begins with guitarist Jonny Nonsense playing guitar at a live karaoke event in Brighton. So impressed was he with singer Brett Zero’s rendition of a classic Misfits song that he tracked him down afterwards, and suggested they start a new band.

Years later, their ambition was fully realised when they teamed up with bass player Joao Curro and drummer Esteban Benedicto in London. The quartet began writing songs in 2012, going on to record their first release ‘Flickers of Dawn’ while preparing an exhilarating live set.

Having seen Jonny and Joao on stage with an earlier band i was always impressed with their musical ability and stage presence, so time to hit play........

The title track is a faced paced rocker with a great chorus and a serious riff fest of a solo!
The vocal really stands out as well, which makes a change from a lot of bands these days.

'This is The End' has a superb catchy riff running throughout yet whilst its well put together, i have to say this is very reminicent of Black Veil Brides, and while that band has its fans, i doubt this is the route the band want to go down.
Fortunatley the promo video avoids trying to be Motley Crue!!

There is a sleeze feel to 'One Last Kiss' its slow and moody with nice backing vocals.

'Silent Scream' has that post Misfits Danzig feel, full of melody and an agressive tone to the vocal.Guitar and drums punches through to drive this one along.

'we Strike Today' is another fast paced rocker that has that post punk new wave vibe, this is apparent during the chorus blending the punk of Goldblade with the rock of Generation Graveyard.

The final song 'Divine' carrys on in the same way but musically rawer, it's clearly a song that live would invoke mosh pits and fists in the air.

Overall a good ep, think that the "Horror" tag maybe the wrong one to include, this is not a Misfits style rock, it is in many ways more refined, there are so many elements to each song that you could include AFI and Deep Switch as reference points.

This is the kind of music you need to see live!

Rating 9/10

For Fans Of : AFI, Generation Graveyard, A Perfect Circle







FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/AtticasAshes


BUY EP HERE: http://atticasashesband.bandcamp.com/

Cathedral - The Last Spire (CD Review)

01.Entrance To Hell
02.Pallbearer
03.Cathedral Of The Damned
04.Tower Of Silence
05.Infestation Of Grey Death
06.An Observation
07.The Last Laugh
08.This Body, Thy Tomb

Lee Dorrian (Vocals)
Garry Jennings (Guitar)
Scott Carlson (Bass)
Brian Dixon (Drums)
David Moore (Keyboards/Synths)
Rosalie Cunningham (Backing Vocals)

Chris Reifert (Guest Vocals on 'Cathedral Of The Damned')

So after 23 years of Doom Lee has finally called it a day...

"Announcing that we were splitting way in advance of recording 'The Last Spire' gave us time to adjust to the fact that the end really was in sight. This took a lot of the pressure off off us, as it meant that we no longer had anything to prove and could make this album purely on our own terms, especially by releasing it through Rise Above."

"Personally speaking, this is the album I've been waiting to do since the first one, it almost feels like we made our second album last in some respects. We actually recorded a lot more material but decided to sacrifice many of the tracks to make the overall album feel more complete in its nihilism. I don't like happy endings, I never have. So many good films are ruined by happy endings and I didn't want that to be the case with Cathedral, it was my dream to bring everything full circle."

"When the last mix was finally done, there was a massive sense of relief. I think this was partly due to the fact that it meant Cathedral could finally be put to rest but also because we felt we'd done something that we were all very pleased with. I feel comfortable leaving 'The Last Spire' as our legacy."

Fortunatley this is not the last we will hear from Lee, Scott and Garry as they have a new band called 'Septic Tank' who will be playing gigs from may and releasing a 4 track EP.

 'Entrance To Hell' is an atmospheric intro piece with the calling to 'Bring Out Your Dead!".

This leads us to 'Pallbearer', a 12 minute epic, guess what? It's slow and doomy! some nice backing vocals in their as well.
When it hits 6 minutes you get a nice acoustic breakdown with classic hammond organ in the background.

Up next is 'Cathedral Of The Damned' a nasty little track with fuzzed out guitars and a guest appearence from Repulsion's Chris Reifert.
Heavy and raw then you get thrown by this old sounding keyboard then dark spoken piece, this has the hallmarks of early Celtic Frost.

'Tower Of Silence' is the one that has the video to go with it, im sure you have seen it?
Its 7 minutes of doom perfection, great vocals, powerfull drums, pounding guitar and a nice solo thrown in.

The song 'Infestation Of Grey Death' is a little more avante-garde, a nod to the bands of the 70's who liked to push boundaries, we get the doomy elements, blended with some nice acoustic guitar, then a melodic guitar riff over some stunning bass playing, before it explodes into some serious heavyness with some crazed drumming and guitar playing to match.

More epic sounds with 10 minutes of doom heaven in 'An Observation' sounds like some cello thrown in at the beginning (Guess its on a sythn though), a very dark, funeral style to the vocal with phased guitar, more old school keyboard sounds, eventually this builds to some serious keyboard playing (reminicent of early Rainbow), my favourite track on the album!

'The Last Laugh' is just that, 39 seconds of laughing which then leads into 'This Body, Thy Tomb' which starts with Lee singing "I exist in this coffin of life".
So the final track, and it throws everything into the mix, from the Doom, to the ambient breakdown, classic 70's hard rock, Prog and metal.

Lee said he didnt like "happy endings" well sorry Lee this album makes me happy, its a stunning testament to a band who understand the genre and in particular the origins to it, therefore not creating another Sabbath cloned sound, but a highly orginal one that stands as a unique document and parting shot from the best Doom band in Britian since the mid seventies.

Rating 10/10

For Fans Of : Electric Wizard, Moss, Pagan Altar, Witchcraft

Kvelertak - Meir (CD Review)

 01.Åpenbaring
02.Spring Fra Livet
03.Trepan
04.Bruane Brenn
05.Evig Vandrar
06.Snilepisk
07.Månelyst
08.Nekrokosmos
09.Undertro
10.Tordenbrak
11.Kvelertak

Erlend Hjelvik (Vocals)
Vidar Landa (Guitar/Piano)
Bjarte Lund Rolland (Guitar)
Maciek Ofstad (Guitar)
Marvin Nygaard (Bass)
Kjetil Gjermundrød (Drums)

Kvelertak was formed in Stavanger, Norway in 2007. A demo, Westcoast Holocaust, was self-released that year.The band released their debut album, entitled Kvelertak, on June 21, 2010 via the Norweigian record label Indie Recordings and on March 15 via The End Records in North America.The album was certified gold by IFPI in Norway for selling over 15,000 copies.
In March 2011 they were presented with two Spellemann Awards—a prestigious Norwegian music award similar to the American Grammy Award—for Best Newcomer and Best Rock Band. The Kvelertak song "Mjød" was used as the end music for the film The Troll Hunter.

This latest album was recorded at GodCity Studios in Salem, Massachusetts, United States and produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge, the cover artwork was created by John Dyer Baizley of the band Baroness.

11 tracks of well put together punk fuelled rock, its simple uncomplicated, straight forward rock.
No pretentions to be anything other than what it is, and what it is is very listenable and catchy, cant really sing along with the words mind you!

Rating 9/10

For fans of : Amen, Dead Boys, Turbonegro, Baroness

Snow Whites Poison Bite - Feat Dr Gruesome & The Gruesome Gory Horror Show (CD Review)

Formed in Finland in 2007 as a simple “screamo” band, by singer/songwriter Allan Cotterill a.k.a Jeremy Thirteenth SNOW WHITE’S POISON BITE has evolved into something much more than that. The band released two EP’s under a small Finnish label, Poko Records.
Breaking ground as one of Finland’s very first “screaming, hardcore” bands and quickly gathered a large following, winning fans over with their commitment to delivering intensity on every level.

After signing a recording contract with Sound of Finland’s Hyeena Trax in 2010, they released their long awaited debut album, The Story of Kristy Killings, which was sold worldwide. The album served as a reintroduction to their fans, revealing a far more conceptual appeal and attitude. with more of a horror-rock style . Reflected in not only their appearance but their riffs as well, rapidly becoming Finnish rock icons, with all eyes on them.

As most bands do they underwent a drastic lineup change in early May 2011. Leaving band-founder, vocalist Allan Cotterill, as the only original member. Determined to keep his fans happy and the band alive, Allan went to work, searching for new members to create a new and improved band.

Today, the bands high-energy line up consists of vocalist Allan “Jeremy Thirteenth” Cotterill, guitarist Tuomo “Tupi” Raisanen, bassist Hannu “Bobo” Saarimaa and drummer Niko "Hoker Dine" Hyttinen. The new, tailor-made team has recorded their second studio album creating their highly anticipated Victory Records debut full-length album, titled "Featuring: Dr.Gruesome And The Gruesome Gory Horror Show".
This album features a guest vocal from Misfits legend Michael Graves, and they may be the main attraction to this for many as the misfits are currently touring and there is the much anticipate Danzig/Misfits reunion.

Kicking off with a typical horror introduction keyboard/spoken word piece that drags on a bit too long befre going into some sixties inspired music.

What follows is an albums worth of a screamo band desperatly trying to be Horror Punk, without any understanding of the genre.
Basically its rubbish, even the mock 50's ballad 'Zombie Romance' with Graves guesting cant quite hit the mark - even when it kicks in.

Sorry guys but if you are "Finlands Rock Icons" as your record company wants us to believe then that must make 69 Eyes living gods!

Rating 5/10

For Fans Of : Dr Chud, AFI, Horror Story

The Bunny The Bear - Stories (CD Review)

Formed in 2008, the american duo and friends have gained a reputation as dance-infused rock innovators, proving to be a constantly churning machine by releasing two full length albums and performing hundreds of fascinating and dramatic stage shows around the world.

Their music videos have helped propel them from the underground to a viral success story by generating nearly one million views on YouTube.

Still fresh off their head-turning 2012 album, The Stomach For It, THE BUNNY
THE BEAR prepare to push the envelope further with their electrifying mash-up of lively dance parts, unyielding aggressive rock, and immense choruses.



Okay well i had never heard of them and i wasnt expecting much, figured it would be a bit emo/indie with a few quirks!

How wrong was i????
This really is agressive dance music, as if Erasure were jamming with a shouty metalcore band.

The balance of styles is very good, great harmony vocals blended with screaming and eurobeats.

Seriously you gotta check this out.

Rating 8/10

For Fans Of: Stereo Juggernaut, Rammstein, Depeche Mode, Erasure