Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare (2010)

Artist: Avenged Sevenfold
Album: Nightmare
Date Released: July 27, 2010
Genre: Metalcore/Hard Rock

Album Review:

Following the style of their self-titled album, Avenged Sevenfold have continued in the less edgy style of metal with the release of Nightmare. There were indeed doubts on the band's future after the passing of The Rev (former drummer), but with the aid of Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, the band has conquered nightmares of their own and show no signs of slowing down.


Nightmare is heavily focused on death. M. Shadows and Syn Gates said this about the album during an interview with Hard Drive Radio: "The new album, Nightmare, is dedicated to The Rev memory and although it's not exactly a concept album, it does center around The Rev."


From start to end, Nightmare does have (as it may indicate) a darker tone to it. From the angry, warbled screams in "God Hates Us", to the breakneck, merciless thrash of "Natural Born Killer", the album jumps at the listener with the ferocity of a group of hyenas. Syn Gates pulls of some very thrash metal-esque solos in between the forgettable guitar riffs, and the "double-ride thingy" (Rev's words) is used sparsely as well. Overall, the band has continued to write more impactful songs, ones that fit the tone and mood of a vengeful group. And yet, surprises like "Victim" serves as an anger management, and the album afterwards tones down. The song "Fiction" is of special dedication to The Rev, and the true heart and soul of the band can be heard in it. This album's diversity and continuity surprised me, and definitely deserves a listen.


Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Norma Jean - Meridional (2010)

Artist: Norma Jean
Album: Meridional
Date Released: July 13, 2010
Genre: Post-hardcore/Mathcore

Album review:

Norma Jean's lifespan speaks for itself. Having sold over 360,000 albums to date, Norma Jean definitely has made some waves in the metal arena. Since the release of Bless the Martyr, Norma Jean have continually made albums that cease to grow old. Meridional, their fifth album, could very well continue their winning streak. With the composure of a mad scientist, Norma Jean continues with their calculated-yet-chaotic melodies and end up creating a concise and sensible album.

Meridional is a term used to refer to the southern part of the globe, and is a reference to the band’s origins in Georgia. From the artwork to the lyrical themes, there is definitely something refreshingly foreign about the album. From the introductory feedback of “Leaderless and Self Enlisted” to the hidden outro at the end of “Innocent Bystanders United”, the album contains an unsettling element that keeps the listener from getting bored. Cory Brandon Putman delivers more diversity on this record, ranging from lingering vocal lines to his raspy cries. The album, in turn, takes the listener on a dark journey, involving explosive and energetic ballads like “Blood Burner” as well as haunting choral interludes like “Septentrional”. Indeed, this album is testimony to the maturity of the band members both new and old, and should not be classified as your run-of-the-mill hardcore outfit.

As an additional note, Norma Jean took a step in the right direction upon the switch to record with producer Jeremy Griffith. The album was to have a dark and ominous feel, which Griffith succeeded in pulling out of the mix. Each dissonant guitar riff, vocal harmonies, and drum beats that seem to resound into a black abyss adds to the album’s haunting theme. Griffith himself even contributed several additional instruments and sample vocal melodies.

Norma Jean, then, has definitely made quite a step in the right direction with Meridional. It is proof that terms like “mathcore” and “orderly” can be used to describe one thing. This album is enjoyable on repeated listens, and is worth the price tag.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Impending Doom - There Will Be Violence (2010)

Artist: Impending Doom
Album: There Will Be Violence
Date Released: July 20, 2010
Genre: Deathcore/Metalcore

Album Review:

I highly respect Review Rinse Repeat for their spectacular album reviews. Regarding There Will Be Violence, Impending Doom's third release, RRR said this: "It’s disturbing how accurate predictions with this album become. The incessant chugging, the throaty roars, the "let’s beat a dead horse" breakdowns - all of it is completely expected." With much regret, I agree. The album is a testimony to the failure of a great band caused simply by a lack of creativity. Sure, there are attempts made, like Love Has Risen, to change the flow of the album and mix it up a little bit, but the fact remains that this group of musicians has grown only in age.


If one wants a quick headbanging fix, this album might deliver. Otherwise, the album is relentless in presenting the listener with a mechanic synthesis of what already exists in mainstream metal: the blast beats, the chugs, the oh-so-emotional growls. I was disappointed in this album, and somewhat glad it was only 34 minutes long.  Consider it a tangible mark of this band's retrogressing, from Nailed Dead Risen onward. 


Rating: 4.5 out of 10


Song-by-song: I don't have the heart to do a song-by-song. Understand that the album is one big breakdown, with Love Has Risen being it's only somewhat surprising interlude.

Lydia - Assailants (2010)

Artist: Lydia
Album: Assailants
Date Released: July 20, 2010
Genre: Indie

Album Review:

Quick heads up, yes, I am intensely prejudiced in my review of bands I very much like. I will try hard not to do that here, as Lydia is my second favorite band (aside from Copeland).

This album is truly a farewell to Lydia's fanbase, with the opening song stating "we're glad you could make it, to our farewell..." A short EP, clocking in at 21:04, but every second of it is filled with a spacey, soothing atmosphere that leaves the listener in a wondrous daze. Leighton does an amazing job singing, even without Mindy (who is joining the Laurensons from Copeland and is forming States!). I've gotta say though, despite the amazingly beautiful songs Lydia can create, it is stuck in a box. Each album is unique, but inquiring within, the songs all have the same sound. Save for Music Makers, the album can wear quickly on the listener. It is a short album, i'd take it like a shot of vodka. For fans of Illuminate, this album will take you for a trip!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Enjoy the Show: A calm and intriguing intro - or should I say invitation - to this, their final album. A short track, representing the album well.

We Clean Up So Well: This song has such a powerful intro. It fills the room with rich, warm bass and a sparkling tone that only resembles something that an angel would have dropped on their way to heaven. My favorite track.

Empty Out Your Stomach: "There, there, pretty girl"...another amazing song, with harmony that definitely sets you off-kilter.

I've Never Seen a Witch: I love the lyrical message of this song. It is also a very soothing song. I could easily fall asleep, and happily, to this song. It is about a drama queen of sorts.

Music Makers: A very quirky interlude, and although noisy, I feel that the noisiness only helps to add to the haunting feel created by the song. Vocoders and keyboards fill the air.

A Place Near the City: A very calm song, especially during the verse, with the drumbeat and calm key strokes setting the mood.

Assailants: Another album with the title track as the outro, but here it fits, as it bookends the beginning, with the lines "I can't seem to kill my assailants, they just keep changing faces". Beautiful. I will miss you Lydia!

I Am Abomination - To Our Forefathers (2010)

Artist: I Am Abomination
Album: To Our Forefathers
Date Released: May 11, 2010
Genre: Experimental/Progressive

Album Review:

This album had been in my library since it came out, and I just now bothered to listen to it. I should have had a mop in hand with which to clean up the mess caused undoubtedly by the fact that each lick, each riff, each lyric and solo in this album left my brains blowing out of my head. Of course, i'm a sucker for the experimental, other-worldly, special group of musicians who seek more out of music than the standard four-chord, verse-chorus-verse type of shenanigans brought to us by the sick and relentless media mongrels. But I digress...Like I always do...

This band grips your ears with a creativity rarely seen by a typical band, effortlessly blending drums, keyboard, guitar, and vocals to make one power-packed sound. There is hints of DJENT-style guitar playing mixed with flighty, electronic action that makes this album hard to press pause on. From the mind-bending guitar solos to the catchy lyrical phrases, this album has sent me on a trip, and I definitely recommend that you buy this album and let it lift your spirits!

*DRAWBACK* - it tends to get old real quick. Which is highly unfortunate. Definitely keep this in a mix playlist though, it will consistently amaze you!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Since 1776: An album that needs no calm introduction, needs a song like Since 1776. A beautiful song that introduces the listener to all that I Am Abomination is about.

Thoughtcrime is Death: Like the first, this song is explosive and holds back no punches. And yet, the song outros like soft butter. Wonderful!

Cataclysm: This song tends to get lost in the mix, but what hit me here was the great guitar solo around the 3 minute mark.

The Deceiver: "God so loved the world"... a great, emotional and complex song. I love how some of the chords go dissonant, like you would find in a hardcore melt.

Rock N' No Soul: Yet another powerful and haunting intro, followed by questioning lyrics (and screaming, YES!) make this song another standout on the album. Perhaps my favorite song out of all of them.

Invisible Titans: I guess one of the slower songs? My only problem with this album is that most of the songs sound the same. Take it for what it is...

Greetings From Easter Island: A good song with DJENT-like backing to it. It has a dragging feel to it with the vocals, but I feel that the band could have gone more acoustic for a slower song.

Art Attack: I like how the effects are implemented here, with the choppy vocals, and aside from the fact that at this point, the songs really are very similar, it's another great stand alone.

Creatures of the Night: One thing this band has nailed on the head is the ability to master an introduction. With crushing breakdowns and electronic fills, this song really ushers you into the night.

Element 151: Unfortunately, this track did not make the outro for me. It almost did, with a longer intro, but the approach was not as soft, containing heavy riffs and an (albeit insane) guitar solo.... And then came the creepy vocals at the end. But well done, IAA, I will be keeping my eyes on you in the future!

Mae - (m)orning (2009)

Artist: Mae
Album: (m)orning EP
Date Released: April 19, 2009
Genre: Indie, Alternative Rock

Album Review:

The Tune is a blog that I hold in high respect, and the author writes: "Mae....keeps their morning mood perfectly". Indeed, the feel of this concept EP is very much down tempo, rebirthed, and filled with a new creative energy not seen in Singularity. As Mae is supposed to stand for (M)usic, (A)rt, and (E)ducation, this and the 2 following EP's are to stand for (M)orning, (A)fternoon, and (E)vening. So far, with (M)orning I am very impressed. What's more impressive, is that the proceeds for this album's sales are going to charities of the band's choosing. SAWESOME!!!

The 37-minute EP is filled with creativity and new life. Extended, mind-blowing instrumentals are accompanied by traditional Mae-like ballads like Boomerang. With catchy lines that one might end up singing without knowing, the songs in turn take the listener to unexpected, pleasant places. Having grown up with this band's music, it is easy for me to see (and safe for me to say on their behalf) that this album contains promise for the band. I definitely look forward to listening to, and reviewing (A)fternoon and (E)vening!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Good (M)Orning: Bleeps and drum taps fall behind dissonant chords to start the album. I wasn't much for this intro track, as it didn't fit the springy, bright morning feel like the other songs do.

The Fisherman Song (We All Need Love): at 8:39, this long song grows in feel and style, from an acoustic opening to an explosive rocking beat. Definitely a great song from start to finish, though start to finish will take a while...

The House That Fire Built: Another long song follows the Fisherman. I don't like this one as much, as it tends to drag, but it maintains the upbeat tempo.

Boomerang: A beautiful love song, and a unique one at that. Dave Elkins hits the falsetto notes perfectly.

Two Birds: One of the best instrumentals I have ever listened to. And I mean that with all seriousness. So much creativity and harmony, and unmatched tone that makes this song really sound like two hundred birds singing together blissfully.

A Melody, the Memory: "When you sing do you slip away? Back to that place in your mind? Let our love be the one thing you wont leave behind" Beautiful lyrics, and another song that feels very uprising and inspiring.

Night/Day: Another great song, perhaps the one with the "fattest" sound (distorted guitar, cracking riffs, nice drum beat). The lyrics are also very strong. I enjoyed this one a lot.

(M)Orning: A closing instrumental, with the same dissonant tones as the intro track. That makes sense, but again, I cringe at the chords and the quirky overall sound of the song. Ah well. Well done Mae!

Skillet - Awake (2009)

Artist: Skillet
Alum: Awake
Date Released: August 25, 2009
Genre: Hard Rock/Alternative Rock

Album Review:

I know, this review is of an album that's almost a year old, but I must address and dispel any erroneous views presented by severely deluded people......THE ALBUM IS HYPE. To go gold in 7 days, I figured heck, it's Skillet, that's reasonable. Then I listened to the album...and was severely disappointed. John Cooper said this about the album on Jesus Freak Hideout: "This album is even more immediate than “Comatose,” but there’s also a noticeable maturity. Some of the songs are complex, others are just really intense rockers and overall there’s a real sense that we’re opening a new chapter. There are definitely some classic rock elements on the record, some very melodic moments with orchestration and piano, along with a lot of today’s heavier rock influences as well. ”


Are you joking me?!?!?!! I will admit, there's a maturity to the band's sound, no small fault of their deep wallets to call upon the higher powers of amazing studio work. But there is no real complexity to the songs, and aside from Monster, this album is void of anything upbeat. It's a long, morose dirge that makes you wonder if THIS album should've been named 'Comatose' instead of 'Awake'. Singles like Monster make the cut, but most of the album hits a softer tone, to a degree that no hard rock band should take. From 3 Doors Down to 3 Days Grace, bands like Skillet have held to the traditional feel of an album, and how it should be a mix of songs and emotions to convey one concise message. That is not found in Awake. Instead, one is greeted with a nitrous, explosive beginning, and then....not much else. The songs on the album are great, I will say, but the album gives off a very soft and inconsistent tone. My consensus? Awake will put you to sleep, then wake you again, then put you to sleep again...


Rating: 7 out of 10


Song-by-song:


Hero: A powerful intro track to this album. I adore the energy Skillet can produce with their songs, it's as if their hearts are being shoved down your throat....too bad it's short-lived...


Monster: A nice, but deceiving single off the album. Upbeat, and with a dark overtone, the message fits the sound of the song.


Don't Wake Me: A nice, slower song. Doesn't follow the power-packed awakener Monster, though...


Awake and Alive: The synth instruments and upbeat guitar riffs come in loud and strong. Definitely a nice track and single off the album.


One Day Too Late: Another slower song, and one with a nice message of reaching out with love, because "tomorrow could be one day too late"...


It's Not Me, It's You: Well......it's not me.....it's you. Not much to say about this song.


Should've When You Could've: A love song to a girl who missed her chance. I'm not against Christian bands writing love songs, but they just can't suck...I guess Skillet gets really old to me.


Believe: Another slow song. It's all downhill from here.


Forgiven: A different kind of love song, and yet another one of the calmer songs on the album.


Sometimes: A nice heavy song to pop your white collar to. But I still feel that the album is all topsy-turvy. 


Never Surrender: I feel like i've heard this song 5 times already....oh wait....just another slow song.


Lucy: This song is a beautiful outro. For all the album's confusing shortcomings, this ending track makes it for me. (and you all know how picky I am about ending tracks)

Minus the Bear - OMNI (2010)

Artist: Minus the Bear
Album: OMNI
Date Released: May 4, 2010
Genre: Indie/Eletronica

Album Review:

I can't believe that today was my first encounter with Minus the Bear. I feel like they've made quite a few waves in the indie world, and as such I should have hit them sooner. With over 20 million plays in Last.Fm, this band has made a name for itself. But I digress.

With a style that perhaps best fits under the name "indietronica", this album explodes from the start, and shows the creativity and fearless experimentation from song to song as it progresses. This album is definitely a picker-upper, and has both explosive symphonies and calm sonnets. It's, in one word, diverse. I just love the low-fi sound that Bearless have made. The music is very experimental, and Jake has a sort of jazzy voice that blends very well. The album is beautiful in sound, but I feel could be arranged better. It looses pizzazz as it progresses, and the listener burns through the wailing guitar notes and electronic whooshes to find that at the end is...the end.

However, its ingenuity cannot be overstressed....go buy it now!!!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song:

My Time: An amazing intro track to the album, very expressive and upbeat. Definitely got me hooked for more.

Summer Angel: A chill song to completely erase the intro track. Uncool. Usually albums start with 3 or 4 strong ones, but anyway, still a great song in itself.

Secret Country: The intros to all the songs on this album are phenomenal, but I like this one especially. Very mysterious sounding. WE FORGET WHERE WE ARE.....

Hold Me Down: This song is very mellow without losing its upbeat flair. Hard to pin down, perhaps because of its lukewarm state. It is still a great song lyrically: "Hold me down, or the wind will catch me up again"...

Excuses: Here's that jazzy feel I was talking about earlier. Sounds a lot like Reign of Kindo, very experimental and avant-garde.

The Thief: "You've got a rich dad who hates every boy like me. I've got no money..." I like the feel of this song, as a song of the underdog, filled with spunk. Minus the Bear knows how to match a song's message with musicality.

Into the Mirror: The song is shady both lyrically and musically. It's got a depressing tone to fit the storyline of one who grabs sex and drugs, and still feels pretty empty.

Animal Backwards: Using delay, the song takes the main electronic beat of Mirror and reverses it. It turns the beat from a depressing one to a very introspective one.

Dayglow Vista Road: A low-key song fills the empty space on the album. As a stand-alone, it sounds pretty good, but the album could've used something more peppy near the end of the album.

Fooled by the Night: Meh, not worth 7 minutes of my time. And yes, by now you should know that when it comes to album endings, I am extremely picky. Nothing will do. It has to start good, and end better. But good show Minus the Bear, you've made a new fan out of me!

Attack Attack! - Attack Attack! (2010)

HEADS UP!!!! I'm back from working at camp, back to album reviewing!


Artist: Attack Attack!
Album: Attack Attack!
Date Released: June 14, 2010
Genre: Post-hardcore/Electronica

Album Review:

I must say, as soon as I heard Sexual Man Chocolate when it was released as a single off the album, I had mixed feelings. It promised a more mature group of musicians, but also decidedly marked their change since Austin left the band. However, despite completely new vocals, the album has given me smiles. It is chock full of breakdowns and sizzling synthesizers equipped to remind the listener that they are on the attack....all right, a little too much right there, even for me.

Even though the band has retained most of their sound to mass appeal's delight, one should be aware of how stagnant it can get. There are virtually no real riffs, just a bunch of chugs and bleeps that somewhat make me feel that this album is waaaay to mosh-friendly. That lacks class. And yet, the vocal choruses are catchy and melodic, almost enough to make up for the droning palm mutes. In some sneses, the screaming style is less of post-hardcore. Where Carlisle was high-pitched, here it is more reminiscent of A Plea For Purging, mostly because of its growly nature. All in all, the album provides a nice listen. But expect it to get old really fast.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Sexual Man Chocolate: I love the piano introduction, and how the breakdown comes in large and in charge. The chorus is always stuck in my head. Definitely a great intro track.

Renob, Nevada: Here, the vocals go back and forth between screaming and a yell. It has a nice full sound. Another good track.

I Swear I'll Change: A very beautiful song in many aspects. The echoed vocals are haunting, and the synth adds to that. The bass pounds through, and it's overall a great lighter song...for the first half. More growling/yelling and breakdowns sneak in.

Shut Your Mouth: A funny and interesting song. Definitely written towards a girl. Vocoder is the band's favorite toy here, and this song serves as a nice interlude for the album. Also definitely my favorite.

A For Andrew: I like the chorus in this song, it has a nice harmony. Otherwise, nothing much to say.

Smokahontas: Breakdowns and bended bass notes open this song, and then explodes into a Breathe Carolina-esque synthpop extravaganza. I like this song, when it picks up anyway.

AC-130: the opposite of Shut Your Mouth. A hxc interlude, a pretty angry one at that. Sigh....NEXT.

Fumbles O'Brian: What's up with the crunk? Remember the intro to Someday Came Suddenly? Was that serious?!?!? Anyway, that's how this song starts out, and it rides into a very nice back and forth between the clean vocals and growling. Very nice sound to this one. SHAWTYYYYYY.

Turbo Swag: This song came out of O'Brian's womb. Feels like the same song upon a first listen. Don't like it much.

Lonely: Slow song of the album. Beautiful vocals, just like the other songs. However, I felt that it lacked the morose feel to close out the album......until I heard the secret track at the end, and I smiled, because I know that AA! has the guts to pull a haunting dub-step style track to end an album. Well done!