Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Wretched - Cannibal




Who:  Wretched

What:  Fourth studio album of blackened-yet-flamboyant death metal. Released on Victory Records.

When:  June 2014

Where:  Charlotte, NC

Why:  Because this record is a thousand times more brutal than what passes for metalcore these days.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Wretched - Cannibal - Victory

1.  Gold Above Me -- *****
2.  Morsel -- ****
3.  Calloused -- ****
4.  Thin Skinned -- ***
5.  L'Appel Du Vide -- ***
6.  Cranial Infestation -- *****
7.  Salt Lick -- *****
8.  Cannibal... -- ****
9.  Wetiko -- *****
10.  To The Flies -- *****
11.  Engulfed in Lethargy -- ****


Radness Average:  4.272


Wretched - Cannibal


Verdict:  I've seen this road warrior band twice in Austin just this year. Good and getting better. The next album is going to be something special.

For fans of:  Black Breath, The Faceless, Black Crown Initiate, Dying Fetus





\m/

Monday, October 27, 2014

1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos




Who:  1349

What:  Fifth studio album of bludgeoning Norwegian black metal. Released on Seasons of Mist.

When:  September 2014

Where:  Oslo, NOR

Why:  Punishing black metal that is closer to Satanic grindcore than anything Lord Of The Rings related.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos - Seasons of Mist

1.  Cauldron -- *****
2.  Slaves -- *****
3.  Exorcism -- *****
4.  Postmortem -- *****
5. Mengele's -- *****
6.  Golem -- *****
7.  Chained -- *****
8.  - -- *****
9.  Godslayer -- *****
10. The Heretic (Possessed) -- *****

Radness Average:  5.000


1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos


Verdict:  Beyond the low-baroque Satanic histrionics, 1349 takes Motorhead/Metallica-style heavy metal to its illogical extremes. Plus, 1349 plays a Possessed cover! Massive Cauldron of Chaos proudly earned its Perfect Album rating.

For fans of:  Emperor, Satyricon, newer Darkthrone, Inquisition, Slayer









\m/

Indian - For All Purity




Who:  Indian

What:  Fourth studio album of haunting, pummeling doom metal. Released on Relapse.

When:  January 2014

Where:  Chicago, IL

Why:  Indian follows up the brain-scrambling Guiltless album with even longer and crazier songs.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Indian - For All Purity - Relapse

1.  Rape -- *****
2.  The Impetus Bleeds -- *****
3.  Directional -- *****
4.  Rhetoric of No -- *****
5.  Clarify -- ***
6.  Disambiguation -- *****


Radness Average:  4.667


Indian - For All Purity


Verdict:  One the best albums of 2014. I got to see Indian play at The Mohawk, an outdoor venue, during SXSW this year. Indian played so loud that they could be heard six blocks away, over the sound of the rest of the festival.

For fans of:  Grief, Eyehategod, SUNN0))), Hammerhead, Corrupted





\m/

Converge - Live at the BBC




Who:  Converge

What:  Vinyl 7" release of a short live set recorded last year on BBC Radio One. Released on Deathwish Inc.

When:  March 2014

Where:  Salem, MA

Why:  Studio MV4 is the previous home to the legendary John Peel sessions, which birthed legendary recordings from artists like New Order, The Cure, Carcass, Napalm Death and countless others.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Converge - Live at the BBC - Deathwish Inc.

1.  Dark Horse -- *****
2.  Axe to Fall -- *****
3.  Damages -- *****
4.  Hanging Moon -- *****


Radness Average:  5.000


Converge - Live at the BBC


Verdict:  A literally perfect EP. It is Converge's Peel Session after all. Can you believe that this is the first Converge record ever posted on No Funeral? Long overdue.

For fans of:  Nails, Converge, The Jesus Lizard, Cursed, Entombed





\m/

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Code Orange - I Am King




Who:  Code Orange

What:  Second studio album of metallic hardcore punk-violence. Released on Deathwish Inc.

When:  September 2014

Where:  Pittsburgh, PA

Why:  Teenage grind-violence sensation Code Orange "shows maturity" on latest record. This is the first release by the band as Code Orange; as opposed to the old Code Orange Kids.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Code Orange - I Am King - Deathwish Inc.

1.  I Am King -- *****
2.  Slowburn -- *****
3.  Dreams in Inertia -- *****
4.  Unclean Spirits -- *****
5.  Alone in a Room -- ****
6.  My World -- *****
7.  Starve -- ****
8.  Your Body Is Ready... -- *****
9.  Thinners of the Herd -- *****
10.  Bind You -- *****
11.  Mercy -- *****


Radness Average:  4.818


Code Orange - I Am King


Verdict:  Love the record. Got to see them live. The band's attitude leaves a lot to be desired but you can't deny how mad the new songs are. One the best albums of 2014.

For fans of:  Trash Talk, Nails, Converge, Weekend Nachos, ACxDC





\m/

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Body Count - Manslaughter




Who:  Body Count

What:  Fifth studio album from LA's most notorious thrash metal/rapcore band; featuring Detective Fin Tutuola on vocals. First album on Sumerian Records.

When:  June 2014

Where:  Los Angeles, CA

Why:   Because hip-hop sucks right now, Body Count still rules, and Ice T still has something to say.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Body Count - Manslaughter - Sumerian

1.  Talk Shit, Get Shot -- *****
2.  Pray for Death -- *****
3.  99 Problems BC -- *****
4.  Back to Rehab -- ****
5.  Manslaughter -- *****
6.  Get a Job -- ****
7.  Institutionalized 2014 (Suicidal Tendencies) -- ***
8.  Pop Bubble -- *****
9.  Enter the Dark Side -- *****
10.  Bitch in the Pit -- *****
11.  Black Voodoo Sex -- ****
12.  Wanna be a Gangsta? -- *****
13.  I Will Always Love You -- *****
14.  99 Problems BC (rock mix) -- *****


Radness Average:  4.643


Body Count - Manslaughter


Verdict:  Awesome album with one major flaw: I didn't dig that cover of "Institutionalized." It's a divisive song. Some hate it, others love it. Either way, Manslaughter totally rules.

For fans of:  Ice T, Hatebreed, E Town Concrete, Biohazard, Law & Order: SVU




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Boddicker - Crime Upheaval




Who:  Boddicker

What:  Second cassette EP released by the band's just this year!

When:  June 2014

Where:  Indianapolis, IN

Why:   The four Cs of Midwest Hardcore: crime, crust, core, cassette. Also, they cover a Danzig song on this one.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Boddicker - Crime Upheaval - Ritual Knife

1.  Crime Upheaval -- ****
2.  Rise of the Downtrodden -- *****
3.  Halo of Bullets -- ****
4.  Bath Salt Baptism -- *****
5.  Vigilante -- ****
6.  Executive Decision -- ****
7.  The Isolationist -- *****
8.  Drygulch -- ****
9.  Social Control -- ****
10.  We Are Watching You -- *****
11.  Energy Blackmail -- *****
12.  Brand New God (Danzig) -- *****


Radness Average:  4.500


Boddicker - Crime Upheaval


Verdict:  Earlier this month, you read me going gaga over False Flag. Boddicker is crucial listening. The most impressive band in the America right now.

For fans of:  Cursed, Converge, Trap Them, Bolt Thrower, Insect Warfare




\m/

Architects - Lost Forever//Lost Together




Who:  Architects

What:  Sixth studio album from this British metalcore band, released on Epitaph Records for some reason.

When:  March 2014

Where:  Brighton, UK

Why:   The band wanted to return to its roots.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Architects - Lost Forever//Lost Together - Epitaph

1.  Gravedigger -- ***
2.  Naysayer -- ****
3.  Broken Cross -- ****
4.  The Devil Is Near -- ****
5.  Dead Man Talking-- ***
6.  Red Hypergiant -- *
7.  C.A.N.C.E.R. -- **
8.  Colony Colapse -- ****
9.  Castles in the Air -- ***
10.  Youth is Wasted on the Young -- ***
11.  The Distant Blue -- ***


Radness Average:  3.091


Architects - Lost Forever//Lost Together


Verdict:  This band's roots are buried in sand. Also, I really hated the digital production on this record. Architects can actually play. Why hide behind the computers?

For fans of:  Bring Me the Horizon, Volumes, Suicide Silence, a less-technical Born of Osiris




\m/

Monday, October 20, 2014

Arch Enemy - War Eternal




Who:  Arch Enemy

What:  Ninth studio album from this prolific melodic Swedish death metal band, released on long-time label Century Media.

When:  June 2014

Where:  Halmstad, SWE

Why:   The first LP with new singer Alissa White-Gluz (ex-The Agonist) ushers in the third era of Arch Enemy's existence.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Arch Enemy - War Eternal - Century Media

1.  Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F Minor) -- **
2.  Never Forgive, Never Forget -- ***
3.  War Eternal -- ****
4.  As the Pages Burn -- ***
5.  No More Regrets -- ****
6.  You Will No My Name -- **
7.  Graveyard of Dreams -- ****
8.  Stolen Life -- ***
9.  Time Is Black -- ****
10.  On and On -- ****
11.  Avalanche -- ****
12.  Down to Nothing -- ****
13.  Not Long for This World -- **


Radness Average:  3.308


Arch Enemy - War Eternal


Verdict:  White-Gluz delivers an admirable performance and War Eternal isn't a bad record, but the overly-polished mix job on the album is distracting from the actual songs.

For fans of:  Human Waste Project/The Start, The Angela Gossow years, Evanescence (in a good way)




\m/

50 Cent - Animal Ambition




Who:  50 Cent

What:  Fifth studio album from New York's Finest. Released by G-Unit/Caroline.

When:  June 2014

Where:  NYC

Why:   Interscope Records' mismanagement of this record in the pre-production phase led to 50 Cent leaving the label in 2012. The end result is an album reminiscent of his pre-breakthrough albums like The Power of the Dollar.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

50 Cent - Animal Ambition - G-Unit/Caroline

1.  Hold On -- *****
2.  Don't Worry Bout It -- *****
3.  Animal Ambition -- ****
4.  Pilot -- ****
5.  Smoke -- ****
6.  Every Time I Come Around -- *****
7.  Irregular Heartbeat -- *****
8.  I'm A Hustler -- ****
9.  Twisted -- **
10.  Winner's Circle -- ***
11.  Chase the Paper -- ****


Radness Average:  4.091


50 Cent - Animal Ambition


Verdict:  50 is over the "celebrity thing," he left the major label, and he just wants to play New York Hip-Hop. I dig it. Then again, I've always been a fan. You'll like it if you dug the old stuff or the hits.

For fans of:  Run DMC, East Coast Hip-Hop




\m/

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Animals As Leaders - The Joy of Motion




Who:  Animals As Leaders

What:  Third studio album, and first for Sumerian, from this turbo-technical, instrumental progressive metal band.

When:  March 2014

Where:  Washington D.C.

Why:  Because Tobin Abasi is one of the best living guitarists. Seriously, it's like him, Zakk Wylde, and Joe Satriani.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Animals As Leaders - The Joy of Motion - Sumerian

1.  Ka$cade -- *****
2.  Lippencott -- ***
3.  Air Chrysalis -- *****
4.  Another Year -- **
5.  Physical Education -- ****
6.  Tooth and Claw -- *****
7.  Crescent -- ***
8.  The Future That Awaited Me -- ***
9.  Para Mexer -- ****
10.  The Woven Web -- ***
11.  Mind-Spun -- ****
12.  Nephele -- ****


Radness Average:  3.750


Animals As Leaders - The Joy of Motion


Verdict:  Imagine Eddie Van Halen playing for a vocal-less Dream Theater.

For fans of:  Between the Buried and Me, After The Burial, Periphery, Dysrhythmia




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Friday, October 17, 2014

The Body - I Shall Die Here




Who:  The Body

What:  Fifth studio album of alienating doom/sludge released on RVNG Intl.

When:  April 2014

Where:  Portland, OR via Providence, RI

Why:   British producer The Haxan Cloak helps The Body achieve the next level in rape-eyed audio annihilation.


[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

The Body - I Shall Die Here - RVNG Intl.

1.  To Carry the Seeds of Death Within Me -- *****
2.  Alone All the Way -- *****
3.  The Night Knows No Dawn -- ****
4.  Hail to Thee, Everlasting Pain -- *****
5.  Our Souls Were Clean -- *****
6.  Darkness Surrounds Us -- ****



Radness Average:  4.667



The Body - I Shall Die Here


Verdict:  I haven't felt this unsettled by a record since Venerology by Merzbow.

For fans of:  Thou, Gnaw Their Tongues, Emptiness, Winter, Nurse With Wound




\m/

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

311 - Stereolithic



Who:  311

What:  Eleventh studio album from America's favorite nu-metal/reggae/ska band, self-released by the band.

When:  March 2014

Where:  Omaha, NE

Why:   Long-running alt-rock band ditches Bob Rock and its major label for the first time since 1991's Music.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

311 - Stereolithic - 311 Records

1.  Ebb and Flow -- ****
2.  Five of Everything -- *****
3.  Showdown -- ****
4.  Revelation of the Year -- ****
5.  Sand Dollars -- *****
6.  Boom Shanka -- **
7.  Make It Rough -- ***
8.  The Great Divide -- *****
9.  Friday Afternoon -- ****
10.  Simply True -- ***
11.  First Dimension -- *****
12.  Made in the Shade -- ***
13.  Existential Hero -- ***
14.  The Call -- **
15.  Tranquility -- **


Radness Average:  3.600


311 - Stereolithic


Verdict:  Veteran band releases quality album that gets ignored by rock radio. It ain't their fault. "Five of Everything" kicks ass.

For fans of:  Sublime, No Doubt, Incubus, 90s nostalgia, Mix 96 radio stations




\m/

Young Widows - Easy Pain





Who:  Young Widows

What:  Fourth studio album of Kentucky noise-rock released by Temporary Residence, LTD.

When:  May 2014

Where:  Louisville, KY

Why:   Former Breather Resist members continue to forge their own rock and roll path.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Young Widows - Easy Pain - Temporary Residence, LTD

1.  Godman -- *****
2.  Cool Night -- ***
3.  Kerosene Girl -- *****
4.  Doomed Moon -- ***
5.  Gift of Failure -- ***
6.  Bird Feeder -- **
7.  King Sol -- ****
8.  The Last Young Widow -- **
9.  The Money -- *****
10.  In My Living Room -- ***


Radness Average:  3.500


Young Widows - Easy Pain


Verdict:  Not every song is a hit but at least Young Widows is a band with its own voice. Ironically, the single "Kerosene Girl" did score the band a minor radio hit.

For fans of:  The National Acrobat, Lucero, Helmet, Halo of Flies, Shiner





\m/

Boddicker - False Flag




Who:  Boddicker

What:  Early 2014 cassette EP released on the band's own Ritual Knife Records.

When:  January 2014

Where:  Indianapolis, IN

Why:   The four Cs of Midwest Hardcore: crime, crust, core, cassette.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Boddicker - False Flag - Ritual Knife

1.  Hail of Bullet -- *****
2.  Flesh Eulogy -- *****
3.  Gun Walker -- *****
4.  Amoral Axiom -- *****
5.  High Value Target -- *****
6.  War Party -- *****


Radness Average:  5.000


Boddicker - False Flag


Verdict:  Indianapolis-via-Detroit crust/crime/metalcore band delivers the goods on this preview of their upcoming album. The most impressive band in the Midwest right now.

For fans of:  Cursed, Converge, Trap Them, Bolt Thrower, Insect Warfare








\m/

ACxDC - AntiChrist DemonCore LP





Who:  ACxDC

What:  Debut studio album from this controversial L.A. power violence band, released on Melotov Records.

When:  June 2014

Where:  Los Angeles, CA

Why:   A decade in the making, the AntiChrist DemonCore crew opens the next chapter in the power violence saga.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

ACxDC - AntiChrist DemonCore - Melotov Records

1.  Destroy//Create -- *****
2.  Misled -- *****
3.  Paid in Full -- ****
4.  Vegangelical -- *****
5.  Holmes -- ****
6.  Overstimulated -- *****
7.  Cheap Punks -- ****
8.  Hipler Youth -- *****
9.  Savior Complexxx -- ****
10.  Endless Failure -- ****
11.  Blood -- *****
12.  Dead Cops -- *****
13.  Keep Sweet -- *****
14.  Lifeless -- ****
15.  Filicide -- *****
16.  Give Up -- ****


Radness Average:  4.563


ACxDC - AntiChrist DemonCore


Verdict:  SoCal blast-attack keeps the Slap-A-Ham tradition alive.

For fans of:  Infest, Lack of Interest, Code Orange, Weekend Nachos, Chest Pain




\m/

Monday, October 6, 2014

Alt-J - This Is All Yours





Who:  Alt-J

What:  Sophomore studio album from the English alternative pop-rock sensation, released on Infectious Records.

When:  September 2014

Where:  Leeds, UK

Why:   Follow-up record to 2012's surprise-hit debut LP An Awesome Wave.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Alt-J - This Is All Yours - Infectious Records

1.  Intro -- *****
2.  Arrival in Nara -- **
3.  Nara -- ***
4.  Every Other Freckle -- ****
5.  Left Hand Free -- *****
6.  Garden of England -- **
7.  Choice Kingdom -- **
8.  Hunger of the Pine -- ****
9.  Warm Foothills -- **
10.  The Gospel of John Hurt -- ***
11.  Pusher -- **
12.  Bloodflood Part II -- ***
13.  Leaving Nara -- ****


Radness Average:  3.154


Alt-J - This Is All Yours


Verdict:  The "Sophomore Slump" strikes but it's not a fatal blow. Half of a great album. "Left Hand Free" totally rules.

For fans of:  AWOLnation, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, MGMT




\m/

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Abrams - February





Who:  Abrams

What:  Debut digital EP released by the band.

When:  May 2014

Where:  Denver, CO

Why:   AmRep-style noise-rock meets new-school stoner metal.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Abrams - February - self-released

1.  The Fucking Cops Are Here -- ****
2.  Mr. Pink Always Wins -- **
3.  Limped Off -- *****
4.  Sea Salt Lines -- ****


Radness Average:  3.750


Abrams - February


Verdict:  These new-school Colorado noise-rock weirdos are on to something. Can't wait to hear more in the future.

For fans of:  Death From Above 1979, Unsane, Hammerhead, Fu Manchu





\m/

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Angel Du$t - A.D.





Who:  Angel Du$t

What:  Debut studio album released by React Records/Reaper Records.

When:  June 2014

Where:  Baltimore, MD

Why:   Trapped Under Ice, Turnstile, and Diamond Youth members try to reinvent the wheel by mixing all styles of punk rock together at the same time.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Angel Du$t - A.D. - React/Reaper

1.  A.D. -- **
2.  Smash You Up -- ***
3.  Let It Rot -- ****
4.  Beat My Brain -- ****
5.  Take My Love -- *****
6.  Squeeze -- ***
7.  A.D.D. -- ****
8.  Stepping Stone -- ***
9.  Poison -- ****
10.  Big One -- **
11.  Pacify Me -- ***
12.  Set Me Up -- ****


Radness Average:  3.417


Angel Du$t - A.D.


Verdict:  Pretty good for a scattershot effort by a band still trying to find its voice.

For fans of:  Down To Nothing, A Day To Remember, New Found Glory, Bouncing Souls





\m/

7 Seconds - Leave A Light On





Who:  7 Seconds

What:  Thirteenth full-length album, and first on Rise Records, from this long-running straightedge punk band.

When:  May 2014

Where:  Reno, NV

Why:   Unlike the lame-asses reuniting to cash in on the nostalgia wave, 7 Seconds never left!

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

7 Seconds - Leave A Light On - Rise Records

1.  Exceptional -- *****
2.  Upgrade Everything -- *****
3.  Slogan on a Shirt -- ****
4.  I Have Faith in You -- *****
5.  30 Years (and still going wrong)  -- *****
6.  Leave A Light On -- *****
7.  Empty Spots -- ***
8.  Your Hate Mentality -- ****
9.  My Aim Is You -- *****
10.  Rage Quit -- ****
11.  Heads Are Bound to Roll -- ***
12.  Standing By Yourself --  ****
13.  Someday, Some Way -- ****
14.  Simple or Absolute -- ****


Radness Average:  4.286


7 Seconds - Leave A Light On


Verdict:  The members of 7 Seconds prove that they've still got it while resisting the urge to morph into grumpy old men a la Bob Mould.

For fans of:  Youth Brigade, Social Distortion, Propaghandi, Husker Du, Minor Threat




\m/

'68 - In Humor and Sadness





Who:  '68

What:  Debut album released on eOne/Good Fight.

When:  July 2014

Where:  Atlanta, GA

Why:  Former mainman of The Chariot channels his inner White Stripes.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

'68 - In Humor and Sadness - eOne/Good Fight

1.  Track 1 R -- *****
2.  Track 2 E -- *****
3.  Track 3 G -- ****
4.  Track 4 R -- ***
5.  Track 5 E -- *****
6.  Track 6 T -- ***
7.  Track 7 N -- ***
8.  Track 8 O -- *****
9.  Track 9 T -- **
10.  Track 10 . -- *



Radness Average:  3.600


'68 - In Humor and Sadness


Verdict:  Solid debut gets crippled by unoriginal riffs and ideas.

For fans of:  The White Stripes, Jack White, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather





\m/

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Aborted - The Necrotic Manifesto





Who:  Aborted

What:  Eighth studio album of Belgian slam/gore/death metal on Century Media.

When:  April 2014

Where:  Waregem, BEL

Why:   This band is the middle ground between Carcass and The Acacia Strain.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Aborted - The Necrotic Manifesto - Century Media

1.  Six Feet of Foreplay -- ****
2.  The Extripation Agenda -- *****
3.  The Necrotic Manifesto -- *****
4.  An Enumeration of Cadavers -- *****
5.  Your Entitlement Means Nothing -- *****
6.  The Davidian Deceit -- ****
7.  Coffin Upon Coffin -- *****
8.  Chronicles of Detruncation -- *****
9.  Sade & Eibertine Lunacy -- *****
10.  Die Verzweiflung -- *****
11.  Excremental Veracity -- *****
12.  Purity of Perversion -- *****
13.  Of Dead Skin & Decay -- *****
14.  Cenobites -- ****


Radness Average:  4.786


Aborted - The Necrotic Manifesto


Verdict:  More of that Western European mosh/slam/death that you know and love. Beavis & Butthead approved!

For fans of:  Carcass, The Acacia Strain, Devourment, Impaled, Dying Fetus




\m/

Monday, September 29, 2014

The Abandoned Hearts Club - Rarities






Who:  The Abandoned Hearts Club

What:  Collection CD of stray compilation tracks. Released on Robotic Empire.

When:  October 2009

Where:  Toronto, ON

Why:   Obscure recordings from a criminally underrated band. Contains the band's best song, "Experimenting With Maturity."

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

The Abandoned Hearts Club - Rarities - Robotic Empire

1.  Metropolitan Sentences -- ****
2.  The Enthusiast -- *****
3.  Theme Song From The Film Noir Volatility Perversion -- *****
4.  Experimenting With Maturity -- *****


Radness Average:  4.750


The Abandoned Hearts Club - Rarities


Verdict:  Never got to finish the fabled first LP. What could have been...

For fans of:  The Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch, Death From Above 1979, Deadguy, Rorschach





\m/

Terror - One With The Underdogs




Who:  Terror

What:  Second studio album released on Trustkill Records.

When:  July 2004

Where:  Los Angeles, CA

Why:   The record that launched these ex-Buried Alive and ex-Carry On members into the big time.

Back When:  I previously wrote about One With The Underdogs back in April 2009 when the album was a new release. Click here to read the original review.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Terror - One With The Underdogs - Trustkill Records

1.  One with the Underdogs -- *****
2.  Keep Your Mouth Shut -- *****
3.  Less Than Zero -- ****
4.  Are We Alive -- *****
5.  Overcome -- *****
6.  Spit My Rage - *****
7.  No One Cares -- ****
8.  Not This Time -- *****
9.  Crushed -- ****
10.  Out of my Face -- *****
11.  All I've Got -- ****
12.  Find My Way -- *****
13.  Enemies in Sight -- *****


Radness Average:  4.692


Terror - One With The Underdogs


Verdict:  I hesitate to use the word "legendary" but this highly-regarded album has aged very well.

For fans of:  Hatebreed, Donnybrook, Grimlock, Ten Yard Fight, Ringworm




\m/

Truckfighters - Universe





Who:  Truckfighters

What:  Fourth studio album released on Fuzzorama Records.

When:  January 2014

Where:  Orebro, SWE

Why:   Swedish stoner/fuzz band sets its sights on North America.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Truckfighters - Universe - Fuzzorama Records

1.  Mind Control -- *****
2.  The Chairman -- *****
3.  Convention -- ***
4.  Get Lifted -- ***
5.  Prophet -- ****
6.  Dream Sale -- ****
7. Mastodont -- ****


Radness Average:  4.000


Truckfighters - Universe


Verdict:  Solid and well-received album is not the international breakthrough hoped for by the band.

For fans of:  The Sword, ASG, Fight Amp, American Sharks, Clutch




\m/

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Various Artists - Victory Spring Rock Sampler 2014





Who:  Most of the Victory Records lineup.

What:  A compilation CD containing the latest singles from all of these bands.

When:  April 2014

Where:  The label is based out of Chicago, IL.

Why:   I've loved this compilation series since it was originally called Victory Style. That said, not all of these songs are winners.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Various Artists - Victory Spring Rock Sampler 2014 - Victory Records

1.  Emmure (Queens, NY) - "Nemesis" -- ****
2.  Comeback Kid (Winnipeg, MB) - "Should Know Better" -- ****
3.  The Bunny The Bear (Buffalo, NY) - "Pale Green Eyes" -- *
4.  Reverend Horton Heat (Dallas, TX) - "Let Me Teach You How To Eat" -- *****
5.  Close Your Eyes (Abilene, TX) - "The End" -- *
6.  Seeker (Dallas, TX) - "When Hope Fails" -- ***
7.  Neurotic November (Miami, FL) - "Nonchalant" -- **
8.  Erimha (Montreal, QC) - "Condemned to Desolation" -- ****
9.  Tear Out the Heart (St. Louis, MO) - "Dead by Dawn" -- **
10.  Islander (Geenville, SC) - "New Colors" -- **
11.  Terror (Los Angeles, CA) - "Hard Lessons" -- *****
12.  Counterparts (Hamilton, ON) - "Compass" -- **
13.  Darkness Divided (San Antonio, TX) - "Remnants" -- **
14.  Ill Nino (Newark, NJ) - "La Epidemia" -- ****
15.  Sister Sin (Gothenburg, SWE) - "Fight Song" -- *
16.  Wretched (Charlotte, NC) - "Karma Accomplished" -- ****
17.  A Day To Remember (Ocala, FL) - "The Downfall of Us All" -- ***


Radness Average:  2.882


Various Artists - Victory Spring Rock Sampler 2014


Verdict:  The same old Victory as always. Half of this is miserable crap. The other half will blow your mind.

For fans of:  Any of the bands on this compilation.




\m/

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The Abandoned Hearts Club - Live on CIUT 89.5 FM





Who:  The Abandoned Hearts Club

What:  Short set recorded live at the University of Toronto's CIUT 89.5 FM. Self-released by the band.

When:  2002

Where:  Toronto, ON

Why:   This CD-R was limited to 20 copies and given away by the band in the Toronto area. You have a genuine collectible if you own a physical copy of this.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

The Abandoned Hearts Club - Live on CIUT 89.5 FM - self-released

1.  Theme Song from the Film Noir Volatility Perversion -- *****
2.  The Abstraction of Form and Function -- *****



Radness Average:  5.000


The Abandoned Hearts Club - Live on CIUT 89.5 FM


Verdict:  Unfortunately, this is a glorified single. Only EP length recordings or longer are eligible for the No Funeral Perfect Album Award.

For fans of:  The Dillinger Escape Plan, Between the Buried and Me, Death From Above 1979, Deadguy, Rorschach





\m/

Turnstile - Step 2 Rhythm




Who:  Turnstile

What:  The second 7" EP by this Trapped Under Ice side project.

When:  February 2013

Where:  Baltimore, MD

Why:   This was supposed to be Turnstile's breakthrough into the mainstream. As of September 2014, that breakthrough has yet to happen.

Back When:  Click here to read the original review of Step 2 Rhythm which was written last year.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Turnstile - Step 2 Rhythm - Reaper Records

1.  7 -- *****
2.  Keep It Moving -- *****
3.  Canned Heat -- *****
4.  Pushing Me Away -- *****
5.  Better Way -- *****
6.  Snaked -- *****
7.  Step To Rhythm -- *****


Radness Average:  5.000


Turnstile - Step 2 Rhythm


Verdict:  The songs were there. The album ruled. Let this be a lesson that, even in the best of conditions, major-label-land (or trying to be a part of it) is a crap shoot.

For fans of:  Angel Du$t, Down To Nothing, Die Young, Twitching Tongues







\m/

Skope - The Casino EP





Who:  Skope

What:  New release by this reclusive dupstep artist on Caliber Music.

When:  January 2014

Where:  Somewhere in Great Britain.

Why:   To mix it up. I'm not the biggest EDM fan on the planet but this is pretty good.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Skope - The Casino EP - Caliber Music

1.  Roll 'Em -- *****
2.  Neon Gangster -- ****
3.  Hands Up -- ***
4.  G n' T -- **


Radness Average:  3.500


Skope - The Casino EP


Verdict:  The songs get progressively worse but I'm not the best judge of this sort of thing.

For fans of:  Skrillex, Steve Aoki, DJ Keoki, shitty Austin raves




\m/

Uneeda - The Handout demo





Who:  Uneeda

What:  Self-released demo cassette from these trill Newfoundland punks.

When:  February 2012

Where:  St. John, NL

Why:   Thrash metal-influenced pop-punk makes for an interesting listen. Think Metallica meets NoFX.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Uneeda - The Handout demo - self-released

1.  Flat Drunk -- ***
2.  Afraid to Fall -- *****
3.  untitled instrumental -- ***
4.  Skulls (The Misfits) -- ***
5.  Dust in the Wind (Kansas) -- ****



Radness Average:  3.600


Uneeda - Handout demo


Verdict:  Hit-and-miss affair but I want to hear more from this band.

For fans of:  NoFX, Lagwagon, Masked Intruder, The Bombpops, Zeke




\m/

The Abandoned Hearts Club - The Initial Confessions of the Abandoned Hearts Club





Who:  The Abandoned Hearts Club

What:  First 7" EP of this Ontario band's brand of noisecore. Released on Init Records.

When:  August 2004

Where:  Toronto, ON

Why:   The debut recording of a criminally underrated band.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

The Abandoned Hearts Club - The Initial Confessions of the Abandoned Hearts Club - Init Records

1.  Consensus Emptiness and the Never Encore Obsession -- *****
2.  The Failure A Posteriori -- ****
3.  Elvis Presley's Rock and Roll War Effort -- ****
4.  The Abstration of Form and Function -- *****


Radness Average:  4.500


The Abandoned Hearts Club - The Initial Confessions of the Abandoned Hearts Club


Verdict:  I really wish that this band was still around. Reunion?

For fans of:  The Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch, Death From Above 1979, Deadguy, Rorschach





\m/

Various Artists - We Are Triumphant Nu-Metal Cover Sampler





Who:  Various artists from the We Are Triumphant Records lineup.

What:  A compilation of deathcore bands covering nu-metal bands.

When:  May 2014

Where:  The label is based out of Rockland, MA.

Why:   I've got to know what it sounds like when someone covers Saliva. Terrible, it turns out.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Various Artists - W.A.T. Nu-Metal Cover Sampler - We Are Triumphant Records

1.  Immoralist (Richmond, VA) - "Psychosocial" (Slipknot) -- ****
2.  Extortionist (Spokane, WA) - "Click-Click Boom!" (Saliva) -- *
3.  Dealey Plaza (Ft. Myers, FL) - "Falling Away from Me" (Korn) -- *
4.  Feign (Houston, TX) - "Dig" (Mudvayne) -- ****


Radness Average:  2.500


Various Artists - We Are Triumphant Nu-Metal Cover Sampler


Verdict:  Two decent songs and two terrible songs make for a sub-par Radness Average.

For fans of:  Within Ruins, The Acacia Strain, Barrier, REX, Emmure




\m/

ABACABB - Survivalist





Who:  ABACABB

What:  Debut (and only) full-length album of this deathcore band from the Virginia side of the DC area.

When:  January 2009

Where:  Sterling, VA

Why:   Because history is forgetting about one of the few quality releases by Sumerian Records.

Back When:  I previously wrote about Survivalist back in March 2009 when the album was a new release. Click here to read the original review.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

ABACABB - Survivalist - Sumerian Records

1.  Introduction -- ****
2.  Infection -- *****
3.  Addiction -- *****
4.  Regression -- *****
5.  Survivalist -- *****
6.  Destruction - *****
7.  Articulation -- ****
8.  Devastation -- ****
9.  Rejection -- *****
10.  Isolation -- *****


Radness Average:  4.700


ABACABB - Survivalist
ABACABB - Survivalist (ZS)

Verdict:  It may not be the most technical or original record ever made but Survivalist is aging well and doesn't sound miserably dated.

For fans of:  The Acacia Strain, Emmure, Upon A Burning Body, Deadwater Drowning




\m/

Monday, September 22, 2014

White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000 -- Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head





Who:  White Zombie

What:  Final LP from the legendary horror/comic book/junk culture/sci-fi metal band.

When:  April 1995

Where:  New York City

Why:   After five years on the Geffen death star, wicked in-fighting spells doom for a band at the height of its fame.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000 - Geffen Records

1.  Electric Head: The Agony (Part 1) -- *****
2.  Super-Charger Heaven -- *****
3.  Real Solution #9 -- *****
4.  Creature of the Wheel -- *****
5.  Electric Head: The Ecstasy (Part 2) -- *****
6.  Grease Paint and Monkey Brains - *****
7.  I, Zombie -- *****
8.  More Human Than Human -- *****
9.  El Phantasmo and the Chicken Run Blast-O-Rama -- *****
10.  Blur the Technicolor -- *****
11.  Blood, Milk, and Sky -- *****

Radness Average:  5.000


White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000


Verdict:  Ka-Boom! Blammo!

For fans of:  The little-known, obscure metal band named White Zombie.







\m/

White Zombie - God of Thunder





Who:  White Zombie

What:  First release with riff-master guitarist Jay Yuenger. Released on Caroline.

When:  October 1989

Where:  New York City

Why:   This EP is the first appearance of the White Zombie that we all know and love. The goth and 80s influences are gone. The Metallica-knob got cracked to 11.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

White Zombie - God of Thunder - Caroline

1.  God of Thunder (Kiss) -- ****
2.  Love Razor -- *****
3.  Disaster Blaster II -- *****



Radness Average:  4.667


White Zombie - God of Thunder


Verdict:  Jay was the missing piece of the puzzle. This band got really awesome once he joined.

For fans of:  White Zombie. Is anyone really unfamiliar with this band?




\m/

Beastplague - Beastplague





Who:  Beastplague

What:  Debut CD of brutal death/grind self-released by these Miami maniacs.

When:  February 2014

Where:  Broward County, FL

Why:   South Florida demonstrated that it has more to offer than just booty-bass rap with the most brutal nine minutes of music that you will hear all year.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Beastplague - Beastplague - self-released

1.  Concubina Sordibus -- *****
2.  True Force -- *****
3.  Full Sequence -- *****
4.  Fortis Quadramanus -- *****
5.  Ruined -- *****
6.  Castration - *****
7.  Glorified Rottendom -- *****
8.  No Future, No Past -- *****
9. An Evolution of Violence -- *****
10.  Self-Extinction -- *****


Radness Average:  5.000


Beastplague - Beastplague


Verdict:  One of the very rare perfect albums to be released this year. You have to check this out right now.

For fans of:  Insect Warfare, Shitstorm, Cellgraft, Discordance Axis, Origin




\m/

Xaphan/Primitive Man - Split EP




Who:  Xaphan and Primitive Man

What:  Split 7" EP of blackened doom metal released on Init Records.

When:  2014

Where:  Minneapolis, MN/Denver, CO

Why:   Twin Cities occultists join forces with Denver hate-stoners to make one of the year's best 7" records.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]


Xaphan/Primitive Man - Split 7" EP - Init Records

1.  Cold Surge (Xaphan) -- *****
2.  The Ties That Bind and Sever -- ****


Radness Average:  4.500


Xaphan/Primitive Man - Split 7" EP


Verdict:  Xaphan barely wins the brutality contest over Primitive Man but the real winners here are the listeners.

For fans of: Cursed, Trap Them, Black Anvil, Tragedy, Nails




\m/

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Heisenberg - Heisenberg



Who:  Heisenberg

What:  Self-released debut full-length CD of slam/death metal.

When:  2014

Where:  Long Island, NY

Why:   Former members of The Forrest Gump Mile High Marathon carry on the NY slam-death tradition of sick riffs mixed with horror samples.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Heisenberg - Heisenberg - self-released

1.  Plecostomus Prime -- *****
2.  Meth Shots -- *****
3.  Explosive Innards -- ****
4.  Glory Hole Confession Session -- *****
5.  The Pantera Factor -- *****
6.  Black Metal Joe - ****
7.  Razorblade Enema -- ****
8.  Fulminated Mercury -- *****


Radness Average:  4.625


Heisenberg - Heisenberg


Verdict:  Explosive debut from a promising new band. Can't wait to hear more.

For fans of:  Dying Fetus, Mortician, Malevolent Creation, Devourment, Embalmer




\m/

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Negativland - U2



Who:  Negativland

What:  Controversial 12" EP that proved to be Negativland's final release for SST Records. U2 got Negativland sued by Island Records, U2, and even SST Records.

When:  1991

Where:  Concord, CA

Why:   No one with a soul can resist skewering the most pompous windbags of the 1980s.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Negativland - U2 - SST

1.  I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (1991 A Capella Mix) -- *****
2.  I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (Special Edit Radio Mix) -- *****


Radness Average:  5.000


Negativland - U2



Verdict: A 5.0 Radness Average is not handed out lightly. Negativland is one of the only bands that can accurately be described as unique.

For fans of:  Culturcide, UltraViolence, Robert Anton Wilson, Clyde Lewis, KMFDM




\m/

Puig Destroyer - Debut EP




Who:  Puig Destroyer

What:  Debut 7" of baseball-themed grindcore released on The Ghost Is Clear Records

When:  2013

Where:  Los Angeles, CA

Why:   This side project of Thrice and Curl Up & Die members started as a love letter to the LA Dodgers but has now taken on a life of its own. Debut LP soon.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]


Puig Destroyer - Debut EP - The Ghost Is Clear Records

1.  One Man, Five Tools -- *****
2.  Dad Hat -- ****
3.  Destroyer of Baseballs -- ****
4.  Nine and Never Apart -- *****
5.  Basebrawl -- *****
6. Stop Fucking Bunting! -- *****


Radness Average:  4.667


Puig Destroyer - Debut EP


Verdict: Stop fucking bunting! (a.k.a. mandatory listening)

For fans of: actual Pig Destroyer, Nasum, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Discordance Axis, baseball




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Monday, September 15, 2014

Insect Warfare - Single-sided LP



Who:  Insect Warfare

What:  Single-sided LP released by 625 Thrashcore.

When:  2009

Where:  Houston, TX

Why:   The final release from H-Town's greatest grindcore weirdos.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Insect Warfare - Single-sided LP - 625 Thrashcore

1. Unititled -- ****

Radness Average:  4.000


* A note about this release:
On its final album, Insect Warfare played a little prank on its fans, critics, and haters alike. Insect Warfare broke up instead of venturing into the world of professional death metal. The band's sound was changing into a more power electronics direction anyway. So, in order to stick it to the man one final time, the single-sided LP is a lone nine-minute-long blast of caustic noise. This record is a final middle finger delivered to those who expected this band to go through the motions for decades on end for little to no reward. I appreciate the sentiment but I gave this record a four instead of a five because of the lack of traditional grind. I get it, fight the power and all that, but don't forget who "brung ya" to the dance.


Insect Warfare - Single-sided LP


Verdict:  Cool but not essential.

For fans of: Anal Cunt, CSSO, Gore Beyond Necropsy, Bastard Noise, Yatagarasu.




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Secret Cutter - Secret Cutter



Who:  Secret Cutter

What:  Debut LP self-released by the band.

When:  2014

Where:  Bethlehem, PA.

Why:   Sludge/doom/grind from a part of the country that has been crushed by the recession. Heavy music for heavy times.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

Secret Cutter - Secret Cutter - self-released

1.  Mirror Mirror -- *****
2.  Deformed Eye -- *****
3.  17.5 Dead Air -- *****
4.  Craving the Silence -- ****
5.  Vow of Poverty -- *****
6.  Shake the Malevolent -- *****
7.  Midtro -- *****
8.  End of Sylvan -- *****
9.  Headache Ball -- *****
10.  Driftwood -- *****


Radness Average:  4.900


Secret Cutter - Secret Cutter


Verdict: This record will chart high on the No Funeral Best of 2014 list.  This is my favorite album of the year so far.

For Fans of:  Trap Them, Cursed, Crowbar, Xibalba, what Victory Records used to call "evilcore."




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NoComply/XBRAINIAX - split EP




Who:  NoComply and XBRAINIAX

What:  Split 7" EP released by To Live A Lie Records.

When:  2006

Where:  St. Augustine, FL and Clinton Township, MI

Why:   Florida skatecore/powerviolence band joins forces with Michigan fastcore maniacs to ensure maximum casualties.

[The Radness Average (or star rating) is derived from assigning each song a number of stars based on a 1-5 scale, then adding the total number of stars, and then dividing that number of total stars by the number of songs on the record. A Radness Average of 4.0 or higher indicates a good or great record. A Radness Average of 2.0 or less indicates pure crap. Everything else is in the middle somewhere.]

NoComply/XBRAINIAX - Split 7" EP - To Live A Lie

(Tracks 1-6 by NoComply. Tracks 7-16 by XBRAINIAX)


1.  Who We Are -- ****
2.  Ogar Part II -- ****
3.  Still Pole Bashin' -- *****
4.  Song #32 (Stikky) -- *****
5.  Judy's Back in Court -- *****
6.  I'd Rather Wear Speedos -- ****
7.  KOB 2006 -- *****
8.  Snake Culture -- *****
9.  Pwn3d Community -- ****
10.  Fedaykin -- *****
11.  Not in my Circle Pit -- ****
12.  No Surprise -- ****
13.  Reprezent -- *****
14.  Sunken Tomb -- ****
15.  Red Out -- *****
16.  My Life (Lack of Interest) -- *****


Radness Average:  4.563




Verdict: Bong-rattling skate grind at its finest. Recommended.

For Fans of: Spazz, Charles Bronson, Los Crudos, raw hardcore




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