Mini-Review: Liquid Me-"Self-Titled" EP

Liquid Me is a band that was featured as a "New Band To Burn One To" a few weeks back. Today they release their first ever EP and asked for a possible review. I figured since I had a few minutes available I would try and squeeze in a tiny review for these fine gents.

The EP starts off with an Alice in Chains-inspired tune (at least the first half) called "Fallout" sans the vocal harmonies. The song gets you jumping in your seat then finishes with a fast beat amongst a wailing guitar solo. Next is balls out rocker "Resist",  it's fast speed transitions into another scorcher called "See Thru", complete with a firey guitar solo, and vocalist Lotus screaming "I don't give a fuck!!". The song comes to an abrupt halt and a grinding bass line grooves into potenial single "She Said". The song winds and grooves with it's mysterious rythym and heavy back beat. The EP finishes with melodic rocker "Suffocation".

The EP is a nice introduction to the band. All of the tunes are very catchy and well-laid out and show the band's affinity for their grunge and classic hard rock influences. Hook up with these guys and score yourself copy today.




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Mini-Review: Earth - Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1

Earth - Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1

by Zac Boda

Where oh where to begin… This is tremendous! Part of me wants to leave this review at that statement, in fear that I cannot possibly do this album justice with my writing.


For those who are not aware of doom / drone genius Dylan Carlson and his creation Earth, you are in for a trip. I would suggest listening to this record and also picking up “The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull”. Angels of Dark, Demons of Light 1 is the beginning of a concept that will complete with Angels of Dark, Demons of Light 2 (most likely due out sometime next year). Dylan has added the dark and beautiful sounds of a cello played by Ms. Lori Goldston. This instrument accents the music so perfectly giving AoD, DoL 1 a deep and resonating sound.

The album begins with Old Black. A very western feeling tune that has a country twang to it. Old Black is followed up by Father Midnight and Decent to the Zenith. Zenith is an absolutely mesmerizing track bringing forth emotions of windswept solitude. Hell’s Winter’s riffs continue the march through the barren desert, one of my favorite pieces of AoD, DoL 1. Nothing can truly compare to the solitary confinement feeling that the title track leaves you with.

The artwork, the music, the emotion this record has created is astounding. To Dylan and the rest of Earth, we sincerely thank you here at Heavy Planet for blessing our ears with AoD, DoL 1.

There is no question about this one: 5 out of 5

Website|Myspace|Facebook|Twitter|Buy

Mini-Review: Soul Manifest – White Season

Soul Manifest – White Season

by Zac Boda

Soul Manifest is a trio of guys named Soul, Stodguy, and OscArt from France. They have created a fantastic piece of psychedelic and progressive rock. The album seems to go by quickly totaling around 40 minutes. The quality of the tunes is outstanding. Soul Manifest is definitely a “Jam” band, but does not let the jammin’ get out of control and redundant. SM keep your attention ever present right to the end of the ten minute finale “The Light”. Oh and how could I forget the artwork?! This is truly fitting for the music within this album. I think all will appreciate it.

Again, this album seems to go by so very quickly. There are seven tracks. White Season begins with Dead Man followed up by White Season Part 1. White Season Part 1 has a great drum intro that flows into a heavy riff. One thing that caught me off guard was the vocals. They are not what I was expecting when I first tuned in, but they add so much depth to SM! My personal favorite track is Devil’s Meeting. Devil’s Meetings has a very ominous introduction with bell’s tolling and a killer keyboard solo, very fitting. This leads right into a very bluesy riff that your feet can’t help but tap. Next you will find White Season Part 2, which is very beautiful and a completely opposite sound of Part 1. The grand finale brings The Light, very spacey psychedelic beginning with a submersing smooth guitar lick. Add great female vocals and ten minute run time, SM brings an excellent outro to White Season.

With that all said, I cannot sum it up better than Soul. Soul states this, “All the pressure felt to the everyday life is gathered here and transformed into vital energy, as the hope ensuing from the chaos… You’re curious?! Join us…” I think I will, and I’ll definitely keep up to date with what Soul Manifest does in the future. Coming to the USA anytime soon SM?

4.5 out of 5.0

MySpace|Facebook|ReverbNation|Buy Here

Mini-Review: Devil Riding Shotgun-"Self-Titled"

Mini-Review: Devil Riding Shotgun-"Self-Titled"

by Zac Boda

“Three guys living in Portland, having a good time.” This combined with the killer album artwork are great ways to be introduced to a band. Devil Riding Shotgun is bass heavy doom groove to my ears. It took about three or four listens until I truly appreciated what DRS were conveying. The only complaint I have is the album is gone in a blink of an eye.


First thing I must point out, if you have a nice sound system with a good subwoofer, you must turn the bass up and crank the volume to “11”! This album has some killer bass lines and I believe the entire doom scene will enjoy DRS self titled effort. This next point just may be my opinion, but the lead vocals are scarily reminiscent of Mr. Danzig. I really feel this compliments the sound and I love what you guys are doing. Well done Neb, Brian, and Brad.

Each track flows so very well together, one loses track of the separate songs and simply hears the album as one entire groovy doom work of art. One track that stands out to me would be "Who Am I?" This is another one all the readers here at Heavy Planet must check out. I hope you all enjoy as much as I have!

4.0 out of 5.0

MySpace|Facebook|ReverbNation|CDBaby

Mini-Review: Blue Aside-The Orange Tree

Blue Aside-The Orange Tree

Review by Zac Boda

The Blue Aside hail from Boston, MA and create a sound of soothing doom. They mix a peaceful psychedelic sound with bass heavy doom and a blend of death and clean vocals. I must say, everything melds together so very well for Blue Aside in The Orange Tree. You will find yourself lost in their translation of the world. I suggest looping the album on continuous repeat.

The group consists of three members; Adam Abrams, Matt Netto, and Joe Twomey. This is very hard to believe considering all of the layers and textures heard on The Orange Tree.

The opening track, “The Traveler of Time & Space” begins rather boring and one could find them self lost in another typical doom metal album. But this only lasts for a few moments and Blue Aside venture into new territories of progressive music. “Otis’ Sun” and “Orange Eyes” are my personal favorites. These two tracks flow so very well together combining beautiful doom interludes with attention drawing guitar licks and a mix of clean and guttural vocals.

I really look forward to hearing more from Blue Aside. I believe this is a fantastic starting point and each and every one of their future albums are only going to pull us deeper into the Blue Aside world. I would enjoy seeing BA live and if you do get the chance, drop a line here at Heavy Planet, and let us know what you think. Can’t wait for the future tunes Blue Aside!!!

This one gets 4.5 out of 5.0 on my scale.

MySpace|Facebook|ReverbNation|CDBaby

Mini-Review: Wino-Adrift

Wino-Adrift

Mini-Review by Zac Boda

First and foremost, this is not like most albums reviewed and placed on Heavy Planet. Adrift is a folk rock album. Mostly acoustic with a few excellent electric solos. These tunes can fit into any fan of any genre’s playlist. This is just great story telling about love, pain, aging, and camaraderie. WINO has experienced an interesting life and I believe it comes out in Adrift.

Let’s get to the good part; this is one of the best albums I’ve listened to, period. As I said, there are great stories told, excellent acoustic pickin’, instrumentals, outstanding vocals, and a little trippy cosmic rock. And what would a good folk album be without an acoustic cover of Motorhead’s Iron Horse/Born to Lose?!
As good as this album is in its entirety, there are a few stand out tracks. The opening title track, “Adrift” was the perfect song to open this album. I also loved “I Don’t Care”, “Mala Suerta”, “D-Bear”, and “Green Speed”. My personal favorite is “Shot in the Head”. This tune is reminiscent of The Allman’s pickin’. FANTASTIC!!!

This one is easy, 5.0 out of 5.0.

MySpace|Official|Last.fm|Buy

Mini-Review: Dragontears-Turn on Tune in Fuck Off!!

Dragontears-Turn on Tune in Fuck off!!

Review by Zac Boda

I had no idea what to expect when I received the album “Turn on Tune in Fuck off!!” This is some wild album artwork (not surprised, they are from Denmark). Psychedelic background and colors, check. Nude people, check. Guns and bullet belts, check. Gas masks?, check. Is this like a killer, groovy, apocalyptic version of Austin Powers!? I think so.


This is how Dragontears describes it, “groovy, doomsday, funk”. I’m not sure exactly what that is, but I like it. This is a fun album to listen to. Imagine a night of flyin’ high, coming down slow, and finally mellowing out. I think everyone will dig this one.

The beginning of the album, “Two Tongue Talk” and “No Salvation”, are funky and groovy. You could dance to these tunes. They are followed by an extremely well placed and written acoustic song called, “My Friend”. The album then picks up pace slightly with the very trippy and bass heavy “Time of No Time”. Our outro goes with a doom / drone mode, lyrically written in Danish. “William” will take you on a comic ride “droning” you directly into Mennesketvilling. And so you land, ready to start over again!

I cannot wait to pick up the previous two albums Dragontears has created. I hope they are as enjoyable as “Turn on Tune in Fuck off!!” If you think these guys are up your alley, head over to their myspace page. There is a great cover of Dylan's "Master's of War".

Lorenzo & company you earn 4.7 out of 5.0.

MySpace|Facebook|Last.fm|Bandcamp|Buy

Mini-Review: Green & Wood - Green & Wood

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

I've recently been on a doom bender; I've been scooping up every doom band within every sub-genre of doom that I could find. I must have added 100 artists to my collection, and probably 200 albums, Green & Wood being one of them. This group is stoner, this group is doom, this group is great. Right from the get-go you know what you're going to get, leading off with "Banquet of Jupiter," a grinding stoner/doom song with a bit of gothic (not full-on mind you) vocals, sounding like a pair of gents singing in an echoy room, It's not too distorted, but it adds an effect that is actually kind of neat. Track two, "Rockin' Real Hard," does exactly what it says; it rocks real hard and the following song, "Heathen Copse," has an opening riff that would make Black Sabbath proud - one of their most doom-oriented songs. Although that is only the first half of the album, you know what you're getting, a Sabbath-tinged, groove-laden rocker with serious jam capabilities. A side note: apparently the lead singer is a professional skateboarder by the name of Ethan Fowler, he and his professional-photographer partner, Magda (never says a last name), play their stoner/doom with a semi-folk vibe, equating themselves to Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Not really important for the album, but kind of a neat side story.

MySpace/Doommantia

Mini-Review: SardoniS - SardoniS

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Damn good instrumental metal. SardoniS was sent to me by Reg at Heavy Planet to listen and review. I had actually already owned the album, but I appreciated the thought. That was back in September or October, and I just now listened to their debut album. I was in no rush because of it's instrumental nature and I've never been a huge fan of the genre. Like sludge metal, I think that I am not the ideal person to review instrumental music, just because I am tainted against it from the get-go. But I had just woken up and I wanted something simple to enter the day with so I turned on SardoniS. What followed was anything but simple, SardoniS is one of the most complex and richly sounding instrumental bands I've ever heard. The album transcends genres, all of which sounded at least half-way decent. This is something very difficult to do without the aid of vocals of any kind, and they somehow kept it all fresh throughout the album, something else that is difficult (for me) with instrumental bands. While not all the tracks were winners - it had it's share of ups and downs - it was an easy album to get through, and I didn't find myself wandering away in thought as I do with most bands. I was continuously surprised and entranced with the differences of sound, track to track. This is something to listen to, if you're a fan of instrumental stoner metal or not.

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Mini-Review: High On Fire - Snakes For The Divine

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Another album I really waited too long to listen to (Jesus 10 months...). High On Fire (as I'm sure many of you know) is another godfather of the stoner/doom movement. My personal knowledge of this band is a bit limited; the only experience I have with them is their 2007 release, Death Is This Communion, although I probably haven't heard it since it first came out. So even though I have heard them before, it's been so long that I only have a vague recollection of their sound and style - besides the random songs I have heard over the year (I'm actually listening to "Bastard Samurai" right now, and I not only remember it, it is a kick-ass song) - so my review of Snakes For The Divine is almost as if I am completely new to the band. That's the way I like to review; for the first time/listen. First impression: Fuck yes! This is an amazing band/album! The first track (and title track) begins by punching you in the sonic gonads from the get-go and doesn't stop throughout the record. While "Snakes For The Divine" didn't hold my 'wow' factor for the whole song, every track after that one has been superb. The aforementioned, "Bastard Samurai," is a straight doom rocker, while the following track, "Ghost Neck," picks up the temp and shoves it down your throat. These songs are immediately followed by the instrumental "The Path" which does a great job of acting as a pallet cleanser for your ears, before juicing it all back up for the rest of the album. Seriously this is some good shit. To me, this album should be taking the place of Electric Wizard on everyones Best of 2010 list. Same genre and localized style, but Snakes For The Divine offers so much more!

Official/MySpace

Mini-Review: Electric Wizard - Black Masses

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Down and dirty stoner/doom metal, the way it should be. Now I've never been a huge Electric Wizard fan, the couple of albums I have heard haven't impressed me too much, but Black Masses is something different. The only other releases I have heard from the group are their self-titled debut, and their EP/single Chrono.naut, and while I found Electric Wizard (album) to be alright, I did not like Chrono.naut, and I guess I've never really gone back to give them another shot. I think now I may have to now. Anyway, Black Masses has made it on every person's (just about) Top of 2010 list, and although I don't see that being a case for me (who knows, I haven't finished the album completely yet), it mill definitely be an Honorable Mention of some kind. While the music is great - it is doom metal with constantly fuzz-driven guitars - the songs themselves tend to become  very difficult to distinguish one from the other. The first four songs of the album all sound pretty damn similar, and if there wasn't a slight quiet bit between the songs I would have no clue where one begins and another ends. The fifth track "Satyr IX" was the first songs to mix it up; so sound like something different, which then when it returned to the previous style song, "Turn Off Your Mind," it sounded a bit more fresh. This is a minor gripe, as all of the songs do make me want to crawl into a whole and die (as any good doom metal should), I just like some variety, which is why songs like "Satyr IX" will stand out in my memory. Again a great album, nearly every song on it is something I could rock out to repeatedly. I would just like a little more variance (even a little change is doom is noticeable) in the song styles. Once the new year starts I'll have some free time to go back and listen to all of the great acts I have missed, Electric Wizard will be one of them.

Official/MySpace/Metal-Archives

Mini-Review: Cathedral - The Guessing Game

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Ok now, this one was an oddity. The only things from Cathedral I have heard has been their first two or three albums, back when they were truly doom. Somewhere around their third album, The Carnival Bizarre, they changed styles into something else. I haven't heard past that change, having liked their doom style, and with no interest in the new, but after a decade and a half, I figure it's time to give it another try. The first thing I have to get across is that The Guessing Game comes off as two different albums, with styles to match. After listening to the album I realized it is a double disc release and that makes sense really, with the great range of styles heard here. The majority of the first disc is not doom, not stoner, not really classifiable. It is almost a simplistic, folky, heavy metal record. On almost every song it sounds like the singer is just talking the lyrics in a rhyming fashion; the music song to song is very disjointed, and the songs themselves are mixes of empty sounding music with vocals over-top or eclectic acoustic guitar and bass segments. If it was only this one album as a release I would have been very disappointed, with the songs (besides a handful) not really being what I would call 'musical.' Some of the songs are ok; "Painting in the Dark," and "Death of an Anarchist" are both listenable (if a bit long), with the song "Cats, Incense, Candles and Wine" being the stand-out. The interesting thing is, that as the release switches albums, so does the style of song. It goes from this almost-unexplainable rock into something more akin to classic Cathedral - doom. The second disc is almost entirely doom, with the occasional quick rocker thrown in for good measure. This is the disc you need to hear; most of the songs being damn good. As I said above, when I listened to The Guessing Game I did not originally know that there were two discs, and I was puzzled with this sudden shift. With the inclusion of a second 'story' (if you will), the full picture is easier to take in. While I wouldn't call this new album from the legendary Cathedral really great, it does hold some interesting points. I would suggest picking it up solely for the second disc, but you will need to hear the first - at least once - to understand what I mean; and honestly to hear something that treads the line between good and strange.

Official/MySpace/Metal-Archives

Mini-Review: Wino - Adrift

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Simply amazing. Best way to describe the legendary Wino's second solo release, as it has become one of my favorites for all year. It's a far change from what the master of all thing doom has ever previously released, coming off as more classic rock than doom or heavy metal. Adrift is a mostly acoustic album, with only the occasional electric guitar solo stopping it from being fully acoustic. These songs are not really metal, and the disc comes off with a very classic rock (circa-1975) feel. Think some good ol' Deep Purple or perhaps some Zeppelin to get what I mean. There are a couple of covers thrown in (Motorhead and Savoy Brown), something I was not expecting, but for the most part it is Wino at his core. I love his gruff voice, his abrupt singing style, and of course his amazing guitar-work. It's amazing what the man can do with an acoustic guitar, usually not something that one would expect to hear truly amazing work from, but Wino delivers! This album is another that I wish I hadn't waited so long in hearing, and it makes me want to go back through this amazing musician's history and re-listen (or listen for the first time) to his entire discography. It is that good.

MySpace

Mini-Review: Wall of Sleep - When Mountains Roar

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

I have heard nothing of Wall of Sleep before, and I know nothing of them, aside that they are a stoner/doom act. This is a tale of my virgin ears to Wall of Sleep, and what they determine the group to be.
I am/was very surprised by When Mountains Roar. I have been listening to so much stoner/doom that I have been getting sick of the genre. I really was in no hurry to hear Wall of Sleep, but now I am in a hurry to hear the rest of their catalog! The album is not stoner by any means, and even the doom is stretched a bit. It's like a classic rock band decided to add the plodding sound of doom to their latest record - a pleasant surprise after so many acts that sounded the same. This album really reminded me of the straight-forward era of metal from the 70s or 80s. It a little reminiscent of NWOBHM American bands that were from this time, but not in the power metal-esq vibe. Power doom metal I guess would be the best way to describe it. I know, I know, I'm doing another crappy job at describing the sound of the act, but cut me some slack; I'm at work, tired and hung-over. You're all lucky you're getting anything from me today, so enjoy what you read and move on.

MySpace

Mini-Review: Bongripper - Satan Worshiping Doom

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

Another group, in the long line, that I probably am not the best person to review their album. Bongripper is an instrumental sludge band (I don't know how you can really call it sludge without any lyrics, but whatever), who falls into the same problems as most instrumental acts: dull songs. For Satan Worshiping Doom, the group decided to only include four tracks for a fifty-three minute album; so as you can guess the songs are long. This is actually a step up from their norm, with every previous album aside one (Hippie Killer) being one, hour-plus, song - sometimes broken up into several parts, sometimes not. So I guess I really shouldn't complain about the song length, but honestly I don't know how (without drugs) people can listen to the same droning sound or melody repeatedly for almost fifteen minutes (this goes for anything atmospheric or drone-doom as well). Satan Worshiping Doom appeared on several people's 'Best of' lists and I guess if you're a fan of the genre I could see why, but it wouldn't make the top 50 for me. I mean the music is decent, and as always there are good segments, but I can barely stand to listen to it all through once, let alone repeatedly over a year. As I said, I'm not the best review of music like this, because I am not a fan of the genre (imagine me reviewing death metal - ugh), but every now and then an instrumental group stands out (Sahara Surfers), and for that reason along, I search amongst the records.
[EDIT]: Ok, I wrote the above and then I actually finished the album. I have to say, it grew on me. Once I stopped trying to listen to it, and let it float to the back of my mind, it began to become enjoyable. I'm still not saying it's an instant classic or anywhere close to top 10, but my first impressions may have been a bit off base.

Official/MySpace/BandCamp

Mini-Review: Agalloch - Marrow of The Spirit

As seen on The Klepto's Guide:

I've got a lot of quick reviews that I've done in the past month, and because they were in groups of five and some of the five weren't suitable for Heavy Planet, I've neglected to post them here. Now that I have some time, I am going to be writing this wrong and banging out a bunch of short album reviews of some past albums.

Hauntingly beautiful meets downright dark. Agalloch has always been a mystery to me. I love them, but they are unlike 99.9% of the other music I hear. I don't much care for black metal, the only groups I listen to being the 'classic' black (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond and Celtic Frost (in certain parts)), but for some reason Agalloch breaks through these barriers. I think it's because I see them more as folk metal, then true black metal. Their albums cross several genres, black, folk, progressive, symphonic, and post-metal have all been attributed to the group. It all fits. Marrow of The Spirit continues on the group's previous style; the songs are mixed with haunting beautiful strings and pianos, ear-shattering thrash, and wailing vocals. It's an experience that is difficult to accurately describe, it is something you will just have to try for yourself. The vocals don't take the main focus of the record, and I think that is another reason why I like Agalloch; they seem to be - at times - another instrument, adding to the layer of sound. The songs are all long, multi-layered and part pieces, with almost everyone changing styles throughout. It's hard to choose favorite tracks, as the songs sometimes fall onto the sword of most long songs; they have good segments, and some not-so-good segments, and while Marrow of The Spirit doesn't have this dragging effect too much, it is still there, taking away from the whole sound. This effect is seen more on the later songs, "Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires" and the final, "To Drown," with the last song, being an instrumental, effected the most. Other then this, there is no complaint. I love this group, and they fall way outside my normal comfort zone - but I always say every genre has a few good bands - and sometimes you need something like that. Go out, get Agalloch, all of the albums, and feel the experience of the group.

MySpace/Metal-Archives/Facebook