Invisible Empire definitely has less Monster Magnet feel to it though and that’s not a bad thing at all, giving Bob and Jim a little distance from their ‘other’ band lets Riotgod stretch a little more as well.

If you dig Torche, Mastodon, Baroness, Kylesa and the like, then you will dig this to a degree I’m sure.

Album number two from The 11th Hour is darker and more bombastic than their debut. Throughout the album the two interweaving vocal styles add a lot of contrast, meaning the epic-length tracks never fall flat. Lacrima Mortis’ collection of harrowing tales is cloaked in a godforsaken veneer, and it’s a credit to Warby’s talents and songwriting ability that he manages to preserve that requiem-like atmosphere throughout.

Rob Kachluba reviews the February 6th Toronto performance by Iced Earth, Symphony X and Warbringer at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. Live photos by Adam Wills.

Natalie Zed reviews the January 28th Toronto performance by Machine Head, Suicide Silence and Darkest Hour at the Sound Academy

A small, passionate, vocal crowd greeted Neurosis’ Scott Kelly and Baroness’ John Baizley for their show in New Zealand’s capital on their current solo acoustic tour. With able support from an NZ rock icon, Craig Radford, the night was filled with heartfelt, intense performances.

Craig Haze reviews the February 3rd performance by Scott Kelly, John Baizley and more in Wellington, New Zealand. Live photos by Greg Parsons.

For 90-plus minutes the band unhurriedly manipulates and tweaks their sound. With many songs bleeding into one another, Ulver constructs a show that takes you on a skillfully paced, sweeping and euphonious voyage—where the pitch and sway, the crescendos and hypnotic undercurrents, guide you through a raft of emotive states.

Misery Wizard is the first full-length release from this Rhode Island trio, though it’s clear from the first note that they’ve taken a few classes at the University of Doom Metal.