Arising in the midst of a overly saturated deathcore scene Covenants has shown the Southern California a new side of fast paced djent style metal. Covenants is a very new band releasing they’re first release this year. (2011) I have gotten the privilege of seeing Covenants three times amongst local backyard extravaganzas and local shows. They have not disappointed in their live performances or on CD, they also have a relatively good following for live performances.
The 2011 release entitled “World of Augury” is recorded very well, and shows off the speed and technicality of the guitars and drums perfectly. Only two tracks off of the EP have vocals and the last two are instrumental. Don’t be mislead though, all tracks of this EP will draw your attention. The vocals I think could use a little improvement to match the band’s collective sound. I found the instrumental track “seraphic void” to be my favorite track off of World of Augury.
This EP sounds very well thought out and recorded . World of Augury is Covenant’s first release and I look forward to hearing a sophomore release. I would recommend everyone should get their hands on this EP, and especially check out a Covenant’s live performance.
The track Age of Salvation is probably the best track to listen off the EP. This song starts off fast and heavy, then drops instantly into some groovy parts that anyone should be able to get into. The double pedaling is the most noticeable aspects of the song. The song is uniform and creative, and lays a good first track of the EP.
The Deathcore headquarters of pissed of sounding music; Las Vegas, has once again put out a new ear pounding band. Definitely a progressive metal band, Aurora freshens things up from the average Deathcore trend. If you enjoy breakdowns and blast beats Aurora should definitely catch your attention. The samples and the orchestration demonstrated in their music is what mostly draws my attention for this band. In July of 2010 Aurora released “Metaphysics” as the bands first release. Although young in age, this band has caught the ear of more than just the Las Vegas scene.
The release’s title “Metaphysics” means the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of nature of being and beings, existence of time and space, and causality. The band’s lyrical themes as expressed in the song “A New Order for an Ancient World” is very similar to the definition of Metaphysics, and discusses ancient Egyptian themes. The band’s theme and style reminds me of such bands as Veil Of Maya and Born Of Osiris. The drumming is very fast and complex while being over layed by very technical guitars and fast riffs. The vocalist has a good range of vocals and his pitch frequently changes to create a very unique tone.
Metaphysics is uniform and very stable. I would like to hear a second release from Aurora, seeing as how promising their previous has been. One song in particular caught my ear off of “Metaphysics”
A New Order for an Ancient World: This song starts off heavy and pissed off. By the time the first breakdown hits you, you are already set on the song. There are unique sounding samples over the breakdown to give it a vivid sound. The song is definitely the best reflection of the band’s potential.
California is easily one of the most musically diverse places in the United States. Reigning from Hollywood California, Jameson a five person metal band has come to develop a unique sound and a new and exciting way bringing the heavy that we have all come to enjoy straight to your ears. The band's name Jameson made me believe they were going to be a thrash metal band, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear all sorts of aspects of metal when I listened. Jameson is an exciting mix of all sub genre's of metal, they manage to transition between different parts, and don't seem to try to impress any particular grouping of fans.
Jameson released an album in 2008 called "Down For The Count" This album is very well balanced and shows the bands potential. The thing that kept me so interested in this album nearly front to back, was the creativity behind each of the songs. Many bands try to cram as much in there songs without putting much thought into exactly what they are writing, "Down for the Count" seems to have a lot of thought behind each and every song written. Jameson keeps a fast paced vigor of energy and catchy guitar riffs, comparably to bands like "The Black Dahlia Murder" the guitar work is unique and keeps you interested at all times. Their vocalist Matt, has a decent range of vocals which remain distinctive as his own at all times. The drums are well recorded, but did not catch my ear as much as the vocals or guitars.
I enjoyed listening to "Down For The Count" Front to back, all of the tracks provided a uniform sound to judge the band. Three tracks in particular caught my ear more than others due to the creativity and boldness.
1. Get To The Choppah:
This track was the the fifth song on the album, this track stood out to me as a great example of Jameson's talent as musicians and writers. The guitar work is catchy, and the song has a epic bounce to it that makes me want to go jump in the pit. The song features a brutally heavy breakdown at about 3 minutes in that should grab just about anyone's attention.
2. Insaneoflex:
This is the first track off of "Down For The Count" this track has almost a southern twang to it. This song has points of it that demand your attention with quick tempos and unique transitions. This track makes you want to test out the rest of this record. Definitely a good headbanging song.
3. Boston Tea Party:
This song was easily my favorite track of this album. This songs harmonization with the guitars and fast paced beat make it the prime example of Jameson as a whole. You can feel the passion the band put behind this track, with every instrument.
In Addition, not a part of this album, the band released a cover of Michael Jackson's song "Beat It"
Beat It: Beat it started off practically just like the original Michael Jackson track. As soon as the double bass kicked in you can already tell this cover is gonna be epic. The song still holds the EPICNESS that Michael Jackson instilled with his song, but the addition of Jameson just adds a whole lot to the song. This is a must hear cover!
Jameson's album "Down For The Count" holds so much talent and energy. This album is good front to back, there is always room for improvement, But I look forward to Jameson's next release of anything. I give this album a outstanding review of:
Overall 8.7/10
Artist: Jameson
Album: Down For The Count
Year: 2008
Location: Hollywood, CA, USA
Genre: Heavy Metal/Thrash/Metalcore
Link: www.facebook.com/jamesontheband
The mighty UK has repeatedly produced bands that bring unique and refreshing aspects to the table for there time musically. Such is an example of this by the upcoming band known as No Consequence. No Consequence is from the Southern England and is a six piece technical storm of energy and mind spinning fast paced metal. Unlike many bands caught up in the new era of simple heavy breakdowns, No Consequence throws in uniquely timed and presented breakdowns guaranteed to catch your ear.
The newly and most recently released track "All That's Left" is a glimpse of what is to come with a new album they are working on. The dexterity and timing demonstrated in this song puts the album onto my highly anticipated list. The sound quality of "All That's Left" captures the sound they seem to be looking to present but does not present a fully complete sound that I hope to hear on the album. The creativity No Consequence posses is shown through the intro guitar riff, which enticed me enough to keep me listening, and as the song progressed it seemed to show more creativity. The interesting patterning of the tempo also added to the refreshing sound and creativity.
Front to back No Consequence's newest track is something worth listening to. Almost everything about the track shows the band's potential and a glimpse of whats in store with their upcoming release. The deep screams and continuous pace should be enough to please any metalhead looking to get their daily brutality filled. The UK has always impressed, and continues to do so with its new and upcoming bands.
This track showed No Consequence's potential and creativity. I would say with a better recording and some improvement on the vocals, they could go a long ways. I give No Consequence's Demo Track "All That's Left" an:
Overall 7.8/10
Song: All That's Left
Artist: No Consequence
Year: 2011
Location: London, UK
Genre: Progressive/Tech/Metal
Link: www.facebook.com/noconsequenceband
When I 1st heard about Spades & Blades and saw their image, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. After having a few conversations with vocalist Jason Todd I realized this guy knew more than I did about music! So, I was very curious to what they brought to the table. When I finally got my hands on their Debut Album “Blood of the Innocent” I was surely convinced that my statement about him knowing a lot about music was correct! This album shows that these guys really know how to write music that’s unique to there style. Coming from a PUNK background they really showed that they can take a wide step and pull it off.
Spades & Blades adds everything you would want from a METAL band! Catchy chorus’s, masterful solos, sick screams, groove metal guitar riffs, heavy metal breakdowns and nice clean vocals. While also bringing a heavy southern metal style into the mix. These guys are keeping it old school in a NEW metal scene and able to surpass most music I’m hearing right now. “Blood of the Innocent” has a raw sound that is full of emotion and passion. I am just gonna say it! If old school Avenged Sevenfold and Pantera made a side project together you would get “Blood of the Innocent”!
“Blood of the Innocent” from Beginning to End:
Track 1 – Idolatry:
Right off the back you get a dark eerie rumbling followed by a catchy build up! Then, BOOM in your face, groove metal with anger! Then end it with a nice finish!
Track 2 – Pride:
“Pride” right away pulls you in with a breakdown! They make you wanna fight! About half way through the song, another heavy metal breakdown that hits you hard and right after quick riffs with solos!
Track 3 – Murder:
This song very easily is one of my favorite songs on the album. It has it all! Groove, catchy chorus, extreme metal, great vocals all around and heaviness. I am kind of sad it was only 2:40 long?
Track 4 – Lies:
Right into it, they start with an awesome lead and quickly go into a quick metal riff, then quickly into another awesome chorus! I am telling you these chorus’s are gonna stick in your head which is a good thing!
Track 5 – Sloth:
"Sloth" is one of the more groovy, calmer songs on the album. It starts with a heavy bass riff a few seconds in and some good ole southern rock, with a little heavy metal thrown in and a SOLO! Which most bands don’t have anymore for some reason!?
Track 6 – Blasphemy:
My favorite aspect of this song is the vocals. Like I said very old school style, especially with groovy riffs, solos and grungy vocals! Then! They show you, how they can completely stop and play a slow riff with a solo backing it! Epicness ends this song well!
Track 7 – Greed:
GROOVE METAL! What else do I need to say about this song. Nice clean vocal melodies and AGAIN another solo!
Track 8 – Envy:
I like the way the guitarist’s switch between playing riffs on this song. You get that left to right speaker effect. Worked out great! This song also brings some sweet classic double soloing, heavy breakdown and heavy bass lines. One of my favorite songs on the album!
Track 9 – Adultery:
This track is probably my favorite on “Blood of the Innocent”. Starts off slow, calm and creative, with cool effects, acoustic guitar, clean vocals and the string instruments really added to the emotion in this song. Great lyrics, great music = amazing song. I would like to hear more like this.
Track 10 – Lust
To end the album they chose one of there heaviest if not the heaviest song on the album. This song really caught my attention because it had lots of energy! Heavy, groovy, and catchy. Perfect song to end the album. Loved the agony style of the screams at the end. Favorite riff at 2:03!
Album: Blood of the Innocent
Artist: Spades & Blades
Year: 2010
Location: Southern California, USA
Genre: Metalcore/Hard Rock/ Groove
Link: www.spadesandblades.com
All though this album was awesome! It did not have the consistency I hoped for and average recording quality. Don’t get me wrong this is a great DEBUT ALBUM and a must buy! I give it an:
What CAN'T I say about the infamous Jahmbi! Basically, they have done it again with "The Demetalizer"! Just with the album art you can tell it’s gonna be EPIC! Jahmbi has made a firm statement that they will continue to stick to their experimental/nu metal roots but still manage to be one of the heaviest bands around.
This EP is HEAVY enough to flip you upside down, Tombstone you, cross your arms and put you to rest but EPIC enough to make you want to battle a horde of dragons with an axe and shield in hand. Better yet this makes me want to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons! "The Demetalizer" has it all! Epic leads and solos, heavy breakdowns, creatively written music, brutal low and high screams, catchy clean vocal melodies, intense bass lines, insane drum rhythms, video game and war fantasy inspired lyrics, dark keyboard effects and awesomely orchestrated intro, intermission and outro tracks.
If you believe in dragons, Viking war and devoting many hours into video games then you got to buy this EP. About $8 its yours!
“The Demetalizer” in one word “Perfect”!
EP from Beginning to End:
Track 1 - Epic Intro:
Remember I was talking about those “awesomely orchestrated… tracks” well Jahmbi didn’t hesitate to get Mr. Sean Motley to compose this awesome piece. The title says it all!
Track 2 – Golden Axe:
Yes! This song is inspired by one of the sickest games on SEGA GENESIS “Golden Axe”! If you know this game then listen to the lyrics they are very accurate! Right away this song gets heavy and has sick leads! Then when you think it’s gonna stay heavy Jahmbi switches it up into a slow Viking like riff. Listen to how Aaron Rizo AKA Big Aaron’s sick bass lines remind you of a new age Bryan White of Dog Fashion Disco. I know Aaron Lippold AKA Little Aaron is the culprit behind this creative masterpiece!
Track 3 – Paradise:
As the most radio friendly song on the EP “Paradise” has awesome vocal melodies that will be stuck in your head for weeks. Don’t get me wrong, you want this song stuck in your head. Rich Lindamood’s voice is a mix of “Fergie and Jesus”. lol
Also, make sure you check out the guitar solo at the end by one of the best Randy Chavers.
Track 4 – Brutal Teabag Party:
The most “BRUTAL” track on the EP. This song gets heavy, melodic and intense! I dare all drummers try to cover this song, M.I. graduate Adam Gomez showed off what he learned on this track. If you love The Black Dahlia Murder and Killswitch Engage then you will most likely love this song.
Track 5 – Brutal Feast Intermission:
I knows it’s not only me but I can see myself sitting with knights at a roundtable drinking ale and eating mutton chops when I here this track! Again, Sean Motley does it!
Track 6 – Dragons Are Real!:
This track starts heavy then quickly gets epic right from the start with darkly keyboard effects. James Sled gets really down on this track with the keyboard riffs. Sick guitar solo in the midst of this intense track! Get ready for the heavy breakdown near the end of this song! Funny thing is I think they really believe Dragons are real?
Track 7 – The Awakening of the slumbering spirit of war in the 15th century:
Try saying the title of this song 10 times fast! Haha This track shows that creative, experimental side of Jahmbi! Also, this song shows how heavy they can get! Pretty much has every element a metal song needs. One of the best tracks on this EP. Big surprise near the end of the song too!
Track 8 – Victorious Outro:
This outro is simple victorious! Imagine if a KING would have a theme song, this is what it would sound like!
Overall Review – 10 out of 10
Album: The Demetalizer [EP]
Artist: Jahmbi
Year: 2011
Location: Inland Empire, California, US
Genre: Experimental/Metal
Link: www.facebook.com/jahmbi
