Review: Shirock – Everything Burns [2009]

Nashville, TN outfit Shirock comprise their 12-track offering EVERYTHING BURNS with a plethora of stadium-filling choruses and big rock mystique, developing a huge sound likening the band to U2 or Oasis (“Drag You Down”). Slick production screaming for adult alternative airplay, flawless male-female vocal tradeoffs, and the familiarity tracks like grandiose “Time Goes By” radiates […]

Review: "Guitar Pro 5" Guitar Tab Software

For all of you guitarists that are frustrated by practicing songs without a full backing band, there is a great piece of computer software out there called Guitar Pro that allows you to fully rock out to your favorite tunes. With rhythm guitars, vocal melodies, bass lines, and drum patterns, your private practicing will become […]

Review: Sacred Oath – Sacred Oath [2009]

Connecticut-based classic power metal band Sacred Oath issues this 10 track self-titled release with blistering thrash guitar riffs and licks that take the listener on a mid-1980’s flashback.  Dio-esque vocals, galloping guitars, and aggressive drumming lead the charge on Sacred Oath approximately 22 years too late, and not in the good Anvil sort of way. […]

Review: flu.ID – IOTS [2008]

German experimental hardcore troupe flu.ID have made an album proper by repackaging two previous 10-inch releases with a few bonus tracks and a strange assortment of electronic interludes to create a 15-track collection of schizophrenic heaviness and offbeat weirdness titled IOTS. Imagine Refused jamming out with Dillinger Escape Plan while a techno party looms in […]

Review: Darkestah – The Great Silk Road [2008]

Exploring the epic evilness of the black and pagan metal scenes, German by way of Central Asian (Kyrgyzstan to be exact) unit Darkestah have plotted out a dastardly five-track, 54-minute excursion laden with a folksy degree of traditional instrumentation and a general sense of damnation seeping through this squad’s infernal pores (“Inner Voice”). Fortified by […]

Review: Lethargy – Purification [2008]

Welsh troupe Lethargy bundle hard rock heft of the 90’swith progressive rock compositions and classic rock durability into their 11-track sophomore sojourn PURIFICATION. Sounding at times like a cross between Porcupine Tree, Staind, Alice in Chains, and Warrior Soul, tracks like “Bleechin’ Bones” and “14:9” pack a wallop with its mid-tempo mix of melodic metal […]

Review: Blackout Shoppers – Pass Out [2008]

Long overdue, prolific NYC punk troupe Blackout Shoppers have unleashed a proper album in the form of PASS OUT. Overflowing with the spirit of the NYC underground prior to the gentrification of the LES, this tenacious 20 track assault embraces hardcore punk’s roots and NYHC mayhem to kick up a sterling showcase of sneering anarchic […]

Review: Avantasia – Lost In Space Part 1 & 2 [2008]

Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet’s side project Avantasia has garnished massive success, so much so that his earlier records LOST IN SPACE PART 1 & 2 can get a deluxe consolidated reintroduction to the masses. This collection combines the two previously released entities with a slew of operatically-tinged guest appearance metal bonus goodness for an essential […]

Review: Bang Camaro – Bang Camaro II [2008]

Metal’s favorite glee club return with BANG CAMARO II, Bang Camaro’s sophomore effort chock full of tongue in cheek stadium anthems for the modern age. This act’s unique choral lead singer situation and shredding pop metal riffs clear the path for a raucous 10-track joyride through the heavy metal parking lot. Tracks like “Miss Illusion” […]