Mitochondrion – Parasignosis
By Jonathan Smith Any metal band named after partners in the symbiote relationships that make up our bodies is bound to perk interest. The…
Reviews
Wolves in the Throne Room / Ahna / Gyibaaw / Sick @ Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver BC, January 6, 2011
“Nathan Weaver began by briefly thanking the crowd for coming and admonishing them to please refrain from flash photography, and also from moshing – something the majority in attendance seemed to appreciate. This band and all their trappings are an experience in the live setting, and the mood the stage sets seems as important and intricate as the music – taking your eyes off of them to smash into each other seems to miss the point – or maybe they just think moshing is stupid.”
Kyle Harcott caught the recent performance from Wolves in the Throne Room at their Vancouver, BC stop.
Evergrey – Glorious Collision
Glorious Collision is a beautiful record and with the embracing of some more mellow and melodic sounds, they’ll not only please long time fans but may find some new fans from the hard rock world coming out to shows as well.
Blue Aside – The Orange Tree
Whereas other sludge bands who deal in cosmic themes, like Zoroaster and The Atlas Moth, use harsh black-metal vocals to get their message across, Abrams’ warm, clean tones give Blue Aside a big boost. Their deftly executed blending of sludgy doom grooves with spacy guitar (and occasional synth) passages provides the missing link between Sleep and Hawkwind, YOB and Captain Beyond, Sons of OTIS and Secret Saucer… You get the idea.
KEVI METAL’S 26 INCHES OF PLEASURE AND PAIN
…in which one Kevin Stewart-Panko passes his shaven-and-slanted-head judgment on three slabs of vinyl courtesy our good friends at various record companies. And a-way we go…
Starring Janet Leigh/ Mortify/ The After Chapter/ That Boy Ain’t Right @ Absinthe, Hamilton ON, January 6, 2011
There aren’t many bands around here with the talent SJL has and with everyone splitting off and pursing new projects maybe some new great bands will rise from the ashes but there won’t be a better tech jazz band around here for years to come.
Avantasia – Angel of Babylon
Angel of Babylon is exactly what you’d expect from Avantasia, world class songs, performances and production. If you’ve been on board so far, you’ll love this final installment in Sammet’s Scarecrow Saga. This is a must have.
Todtgelichter – Angst
Longtime fans of Todtgelichter’s more frostbitten back catalogue may not altogether be pleased by such an auspicious turn from a band formerly known for grimmer output (although allegedly there were hints of a more avant-garde direction on 2007’s Schemen). But for those who can embrace a hearty dose of melody, progression, and evolution alongside their black metal – how can a change like this be a bad thing? Highly recommended.
Serpent’s Knight – Silent Knight…of Myth and Destiny
Prior to Nevermore, Warrel Dane cut his chops in Sanctuary. But prior to Sanctuary? Well, there was this band called Serpent’s Knight, of which remarkably little is known…until now. Shadow Kingdom, in conjunction with guitarist Brad Poland, released all of Serpent’s Knight’s material in remastered form. Accompanying the release are liner notes which seek to set the record straight on what actually went down with this, Dane’s formative band.
Album review by Tate Bengston
Greber – Hometown Heroin
Right from the ‘Intro’ you can feel that Greber are not going to take you on a normal ride: this is going to be fun, heavy and maybe a little rough on your tender bottom!