Top Ten Albums - First Half Of 2012

10.) The Offspring - "Days Go By"

The Offspring return after four years away with a new album, "Days Go By." Originally, this album was supposed to be released in 2010, but the band went back into the studio to re-work with some classic B-sides and unreleased tunes, some of which made it onto this album. This album is probably the most diverse album they've released, with some songs sounding similar to Rise Against ("The Future Is Now"), some of them similar to Sublime ("OC Guns"), some classic Offspring fare ("Dividing By Zero"), and one of them mocking the current pop scene yet becoming a catchy pop tune in its own right ("Cruising California"). The Offspring are a band that will always be reliable for a good listen. 

9.) Every Time I Die - "Ex Lives"

I would be lying if I said that Every Time I Die wasn't one of my favorite bands. Keith Buckley is a genius of a lyricist, an excellent vocalist, and his rapport with brother/guitarist Jordan Buckley and lead guitarist "Awesome" Andy is outstanding. ETID never disappoint, with each album having its own vibe, yet always maintaining the southern-fried hardcore punk mentality that ETID is notorious for. This album is perhaps the punkiest album they've released, with no song in danger of being mistaken for "poppy" at all. ETID reach into their bag of tricks and pull out what is most likely the heaviest album they'll release. 

8.) Fear Factory - "The Industrialist"

Fear Factory are a band that is hit-or-miss. Their albums "Demanufacture" and "Obsolete" are absolute classics, and helped innovate the groove/industrial subgenre of metal. However, since the original departure of guitarist Dino Cazares and his return, they haven't quite reached the same heights that they once did (no pun for Cazares' weight, I swear). 2010's "Mechanize" was close, yet was missing the spark that made their original albums such instant classics. Their new album, "The Industrialist," is probably as close as we're going to get to their original classics, but shares more in common with "Mechanize." The band decided to utilize a drum machine for this album, and although the album sounds great, it's missing the human element that past drummers Gene Hoglan and Raymond Herrera had in spades. A great album, but if you're expected "Demanufacture: Part 2" you might be disappointed... but not by too much. 

7.) Medius - "Burns Going Down"
If you're like me, the name Medius should be unknown. They're a new band, but one that has definitely impressed me so far. I downloaded their album with no expectations, and ended up being blown away. Their style of music is one that combines old Pantera (imagine the heavy groove of "Vulgar Display Of Power") with some of the intense riffage that Slayer is known for. Most of the album lives in that groovy thrash sweet spot that is my favorite style of music, and Medius does it well. The vocals are heavy, a gravely Phil Anselmo-inspired scream, and the riffs and drums are fast. This seems to be a band that knows what they want to be, and they do it well.

6.) Teramaze - "Anhedonia"
Apparently the band Teramaze has been around for a while, but I just recently became aware of them. These are a handful of dudes from down under, yet stand out from the Australian music/metal scene. The best way that I can describe this band is to imagine Dream Theater somehow inter-breeded with Nevermore and they decided to play groove metal. The vocals are proggy, very reminiscent of Dream Theater's James LaBrie, with moments that are similar to Nevermore's Warrel Dane. The guitar tone is heavy, at times similar to modern thrash/metalcore bands, but has the catchy riffs that DT's John Petrucci is famous for. Of course, this band doesn't have the intense song lengths and proggy influences that Dream Theater has, but they play a style of groove metal that is far different than what else is out there. If you like Dream Theater, Nevermore, or groovy, riff-heavy metal in general... check this one out.

5.) Shadows Fall - "Fire From The Sky"
Shadows Fall is another one of those bands that I've always loved. They were one of the first bands that I got really into, and I've eagerly been awaiting for the one "great" album that I knew they had in them. Ever since 2002's "The Art Of Balance" and 2004's "The War Within," these thrashcore legends have been poised for a big breakout but haven't reached the heights that everyone knows they can. Their past few albums, while good, have been lackluster and missing the spark that their early 2000s albums had. "Fire From The Sky" is probably the best album they've made since their heydey a decade ago, as it retains the heaviness that they were once known for mixed with the melodic, catchy hooks and choruses that they've tried perfected in recent years. None of the songs on this album are too long, so most anybody who likes metal music will probably find something on this album to like.

4.) Slash - "Apocalyptic Love"
If you are a fan of music in general, you will most likely know the name Slash. He's one of the best, most legendary guitarists of all-time, and made his legend as lead guitarist (and guitar solo maestro) of bands such as Guns 'N Roses and Velvet Revolver, along with working with legends such as Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, and many more. He's back for his second solo album, and first full-length collaboration with Myles Kennedy, who I frequently refer to as the greatest vocalist on the planet. "Apocalyptic Love" is exactly what you'd expect from Slash: blues-inspired hard rock, very reminiscent of Guns 'N Roses debut masterpiece, "Appetite For Destruction." Slash is in top form, and his backing band manages to keep up. Myles Kennedy is, again, perfect on this album, which is the soundtrack to my summer so far.

3.) Prong - "Carved Into Stone"
I can't speak highly enough of the band Prong. Tommy Victor is a genius songwriter, if you ask me, yet his contributions to Prong have been lackluster as of late. 2003's "Scorpio Rising" tried to hard to fit in with the times, and 2007's "Power To The Damager" was a fine return to form, but suffered from shoddy production. Half a decade later, Prong returns with "Carved Into Stone," which is one of the band's best works. The production on this album is superb, and the riffs are NASTY. If you have ever been into Prong, or have been interested in the band at all, you should check this out. Prong perfectly balances all of its influences on this album, whether they be thrash, groove, or industrial, and the sound is absolutely perfect.

2.) Rush - "Clockwork Angels"
There's nothing I can say about Rush that hasn't been beaten to death already. They are legends at what they do, which is kick ass with instruments in hand. This trio manages to accomplish more in their later years than younger bands can ever hope to accomplish. Now, back with their 20th album, Rush are returning to the heights that they haven't seen in a couple of decades. Fueled by a concept for the album, Rush combine the sounds that they have used since their inception nearly forty years ago to create "Clockwork Angels," a behemoth of an album. Songs like "Headlong Flight" and "BU2B" prove that they can still rock harder than ever, yet songs like "Clockwork Angels" and "The Garden" prove that they have matured with age like a fine wine. It's truly the best, most diverse album they've put out in quite some time, and easily their best work in quite some time (which is saying a whole hell of a lot).

1.) Gojira - "L'Enfant Sauvage"
It takes a behemoth of an album to top Rush on any of my best-of lists, but if there's a band to do it, it's French metal revolutionaries Gojira. Gojira have been a band that I've always been interested in, but never considered myself a huge fan of. They were death metal, yet showed a lot of growth in their last two albums, 2005's "From Mars To Sirius" and 2008's "The Way Of All Flesh." I've enjoyed some of their previous work, but "L'Enfant Sauvage" is something else entirely. The band Gojira, as a whole, hasn't changed their sound as much as let it evolve to become a nearly-perfect creature. The band is still heavy as a whole, and their sound remains much of the same, but the band has let a perfect amount of melody slip into it. Vocalist Joe Duplantier, who always was a great death metal screamer, has created the perfect mixture of screaming/shouting/singing, which gives this album an entirely unique sound. The album starts off with a flurry of a track, "Explosia," and takes you on a journey similar to what you'd expect from a Mastodon or Opeth album (albeit, much heavier). The title track (which can be translated to "The Wild Child" yet missing some meaning) is easily one of the greatest songs I've ever heard, and can be a wonderful crossover for even the most ardently opposed to listen to death metal. "L'Enfant Sauvage" is not only the best album I've heard so far in 2012, but one of the greatest albums that I've ever had the fortune of listening to.

Album Review: Prong - "Carved Into Stone"

If I had to rank the bands that were most influential to me, the groove/thrash/post-hardcore pioneers Prong would definitely be within the top 15. Maybe the top 10. Hell, perhaps even the top 5.

Prong has constantly been a changing force in metal music, basically help create the groove metal and industrial metal subgenres; all the while strengthening their claim has a legendary thrash band. Band leader/vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor has been the only mainstay throughout the bands 20+ year history, while also acting as recording and touring guitarist for several other bands, including Danzig and Ministry.

Prong disappeared for a few years in the late nineties, but ever since 2003’s “Scorpio Rising,” have been churning out albums every few years, continuing with 2007’s amazing-yet-tragically-under-produced “Power Of The Damager” and then 2012’s “Carved Into Stone.” This go around, Victor is joined by a duo of talented musicians, Tony Campos (Static-X, Soulfly, etc.) on bass and Alexei Rodriguez (3 Inches Of Blood, etc.) on drums.

So you’re probably wondering, after all this jabber, how the album actually is. Well, here goes…

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1.) “Eternal Heat”

The album jumps straight into a thrashy intro, and it’s clear from the get-go that the band didn’t mess around with the production. The last album, “Power Of The Damager” was good but featured very muddy production… not this time. The guitar is down-tuned and clear, while the bass is audible and the drums are sounding perfect. This track almost sounds like a song taken from the songwriting process of their thrash classic “Beg To Differ,” and features a very vintage-thrash song structure. I also loved hearing Victor release his inner-Zakk Wylde and show off his Danzig side, squealing numerous times throughout the song. A great thrash track, and a good way to get the album moving.

2.) “Keep On Living In Pain”

This song gets off to a much chuggier, groove-oriented start than its predecessor. It’s very thrash-like, but features more of the “Cleansing”-era stomp that recent Prong albums have been lacking. The chorus, while very simple (musically and lyrically), is an instant classic, and will get stuck in your head for days if you’re not careful. Tony Campos gets his chance to shine on bass on this song, while Alexei Rodriguez carries a nice beat throughout.

3.) “Ammunition”

By this point in the album, Prong are in full-on ass-kicking mode. This song is essentially a great fight song, and Victor makes that very clear through the lyrics (I won’t spoil the nice surprise in them for you). In writing this song, you can tell that they wanted to make a song that was the perfect mix between their “Cleansing”-era groove and their “Power Of The Damager”-era thrash. They manage to pull that off in spades, and this song is another great song in an album that is chock-full of them.

4.) “Revenge… Best Served Cold”

What Prong (and music in general) has been lacking for the longest time is the instantly-classic song… a song like “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” was almost twenty years ago. I can proudly say that “Revenge… Served Cold” is the closest thing to a classic song that I’ve heard in years. The main riff is one nasty son of a bitch, and is so simple yet one of the greatest things you’ll hear in a while. The chorus, likewise, is simple but infectious. Victor gets a chance to solo throughout large parts of the song, and it only adds to the classic sound this song has. Drummer Alexei Rodriguez manages to breathe new blood into the band with his double bass fills, but his shining moments in this song comes from the very vintage-Prong-styled drumming he brings to the majority of it. If you’re an iTunes person, and buy only a few songs per album… buy this one. You will not regret it.

5.) “State Of Rebellion”

Following the last track is a tall order, but “State Of Rebellion” manages to pull it off. Prong does this best by upping the heavy factor to 11, and letting bassist Tony Campos groove like a madman. The verse features a very “Rude Awakening”-styled bass section, but replaces the industrial elements from that album with thrash mayhem. Another great song.

6.) “Put Myself To Sleep”

This is one of the calmer moments on the album, but do not worry: Prong has not gone acoustic. This song is still thrashy, yet in a melodic sense. The lyrics seem to come from a dark place within Victor, and it shows throughout the song. Victor’s voice is young and fresh throughout the song, and he is the driving force on this track. This features yet another incredibly catchy chorus, which manages to accomplish that feat with minimal lyrical work, which is a very impressive feat.

7.) “List Of Grievances”

Prong get full-on thrash with this song, ditching all groove and other elements to make a song that could have been pulled from their early days. The band manages to accomplish a Machine Head “Burn My Eyes”-type of sound on this track, including Victor, who reaches down into his lower register for the more aggressive vocal parts of the song, sounding very similar to MH’s Robb Flynn. The gang vocals near the middle of this short track escalate this into a great thrash song, and Victor’s solo certainly doesn’t hurt.

8.) “Carved Into Stone”

Tommy Victor certainly reaches into his Danzig bag of doomy riffs for the title track, and the rest of the band complies by turning this into an epic Black Sabbath-type song. Like I said, it features very doomy riffs, and largely sounds like a Danzig track with Victor singing vocals: that doesn’t make it a bad Prong song, though. It’s the longest song on the album, over 5 minutes in length, and builds up throughout its duration.

9.) “Subtract”

This song is the biggest Frankenstein that Prong created for this album. So many elements remind me of all eras of Prong, including their thrashy beginnings, their groove-oriented midlife, and some parts even remind me of “Scorpio Rising” and “Power For The Damager.” If anything, I’d say that this is a very modern-sounding song, perhaps the most so on the album. This is very reminiscent near the end, with the almost Sevendust-sounding guitar solo. It’s another great song, and if you’re an iTunes person, I’d recommend this track, as well.

10.) “Path Of Least Resistance”

I’d say that this song is definitely the most melodic of the album, but again: not a bad thing. When Prong go melodic, they do so with style. This track is mostly led by a strong rhythm section, and both Tony Campos and Alexei Rodriguez manage to make the most out of their instruments, building the song up towards the end, where it finally begins to evolve. Victor’s voice sounds extremely youthful and fresh on this track, and his guitar solo near the end is perhaps the most epic, soul-searching one he’s ever recorded.

11.) “Reinvestigate”

How else would Prong end an album than by thrashing the hell out for three minutes? Alexei Rodriguez double bass drives the song, yet does so methodically. This song is a great way to end the album, as it continues on the resurgent-thrash vibe they’ve resurrected, yet leaves you wanting more. This is a great song, but seems much too short for me to fully appreciate it.

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All-in-all, this is the best album Prong has released in years. I would definitely put it in the same category as their breakthrough album, “Cleansing,” which is held in the pantheons of legendary metal albums. In time, I think many will see this as Prong’s true return to form, the one we’ve all been waiting for since Tommy Victor got the band back together in the early 2000s: this is their equivalent to Machine Head’s “The Blackening.”

The vocals on this album are vintage-Prong. Tommy Victor has a very unique and identifiable voice, which makes him a stickler to many. He is honestly a vocalist that you either love or hate. I think most people would consider this album to be in their “love” category after listening to it. Victor hasn’t sounded this energetic in years, and it shows throughout the entire album; the heaviest vocal parts are the heaviest he’s ever done, and the lighter, more melodic vocals parts are cleaner than he’s ever done.

Of course, on guitar, Tommy Victor is a legend. And this album is no exception to that. The man seems to never run out of riff ideas, no matter how many albums he plays guitar on. These songs feature the strongest riffs he’s written in years, and even his solos sound great. Victor’s style-of-play isn’t overly technical, but he definitely makes up for that in groove and HAVE I TALKED ABOUT HIS RIFFS YET?!?!

The rhythm section on this album is sound. New band-members Tony Campos and Alexei Rodriguez not only carry their own, but contribute to Prong’s overall sound in spades. As a trio, they manage to carry a beat better, I’d say, that the four-piece did on Prong’s classic “Cleansing” album; musically, they are that good. Campos is great at “slappin’ da’ bass” on this album, and it’s very audible throughout, which is something that hasn’t been featured on a Prong album since “Rude Awakening.” Alexei Rodriguez brings his youthful style of drumming to the band, and this is very evident with the abundance of double bass, which only adds to Prong’s sound for this album.

If you’ve ever been a fan of Prong, groove metal, thrash metal, or anything close to those, I’d highly recommend this album. I’d go as to say that this can eventually challenge “Cleansing” as tops in Prong’s repertoire, and is cemented as a finalist in my album of the year category. Although this album just came out, and I’ve listened to it countless times within the few days since, I’d be very surprised if this wasn’t one of the finest metal albums released this year.

Album Review: Demon Hunter - "True Defiance"

Demon Hunter is the perfect example of what a Christian metal band should be: a band that’s not overly preachy, and doesn’t let the message overshadow the music. They are one of the premiere metalcore bands still in existence, and have been known for their use of melodic vocals in an epic way. They have never been known as an overly heavy band, but set out to change that on this album. How did they do?

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1.) “Crucifix”

A quick intro leads into a song that never lets up as soon as it starts. Demon Hunter haven’t started an album this quickly before, usually settling for expanded intros and the like, and it really works for this album. It’s clear from this song that Demon Hunter are trying to make an album that’s heavier, but they also manage to start a pace on this song that shows that their songs are groovier and catchier, too, without having to sound overly melodic. A really good starting song.

2.) “God Forsaken”

This song starts off with the quintessential Demon Hunter sound, and I’d say that this song is the biggest representation of their past albums. This sounds like a song that could have been on either of their last two albums, with the pleasant mix of screaming and clean vocals as well as the addition of the keyboards they’ve been known to use in the past. There is a clean guitar solo about halfway through that’s a nice change of pace, as well as a breakdown at the end that is very reminiscent of Machine Head.

3.) “My Destiny”

This is the first single from the album, so it’s one of the catchier songs on the album. However, it still has moments of heaviness, especially in the verses, which features vocalist Ryan Clark utilizing a barking style of screaming vocals he hasn’t used before. The chorus is infectious as all hell, and an hour later, I had the lines repeating through my head. I also have to commend the guitarists for the solo, as it is one of, if not, the best that Demon Hunter has ever done. For a single, this is a great song, and a good representation of what the album is: catchy, heavy, melodic, and carrying some metallic groove.

4.) “Wake”

A really short intro leads into what is probably the grooviest song on the album. Ryan Clark’s clean vocals accompany the groove-inspired guitars and synchronized rhythm section, which is very tight throughout the entire song. Another great solo in this song, which is basically daring you not to air guitar.

5.) “Tomorrow Never Comes”

This is easily the most melodic song on the album, and probably one of the most radio-friendly songs I’ve ever heard from Demon Hunter, who’ve been known to have a few. It’s not a bad song, per se, but just seems out of place on this album. Moments of it seem almost doom-inspired, with its haunting guitar chugs, but it’s a very clean song.

6.) “Someone To Hate”

This was the first song that Demon Hunter teased in previewing the album, and it made me very excited to hear the entire thing. The intro sounds almost Slayer-inspired, with the tremolo picking and rhythmic drumming leading into heavy double-bass. For the most part, this song is a great metal song, leaving the clean vocals only for the chorus and staying heavy throughout the rest. The drummer, Yogi Watts, does a great job in this song of not only keeping the rhythm, but kicking the double bass at the absolutely right moments. An atmospheric breakdown in the middle adds another dimension to the song, before returning to the metal side of things with an amazing solo and finish.

7.) “This I Know”

A synthesized intro leads into a chugging intro, which then transforms into another headbanger of a song. I’d definitely have to say that this is one of my favorites on the album, as it strikes the perfect balance between heavy and melodic. I’d have to compare this song to one off of Trivium’s “Shogun” album, not in terms of sound but in terms of tone and mood.

8.) “Means To An End”

This is a two-and-a-half minute-long instrumental track, consisting of little more than clean guitar, some bass, and a few percussions. It’s a great interlude, as it’s an instrumental song that carries emotion with it, and would make a great addition to any soundtrack.

9.) “We Don’t Care”

Definitely my favorite song on the album. Carrying over from the previous instrumental track, it immediately starts with a very strong guitar riff that carries the heavy portion of the song. The chorus is sung with clean vocals, but is very airy. However, in my opinion, it is the main riff and the heavy segments of the song that carry it, as well as the driving beats on the drums. Lead guitarist Patrick Judge goes crazy in the little space allotted to him for the solo, and makes the best of it.

10.) “Resistance”

A heavy guitar intro is followed by a cleanly sung verse, which is more croon than belting. Ryan Clark manages to keep things calm while maintaining the heavy mood of the song, and definitely gets the chance to show up his amazingly varied voices. If you’re a fan of metal music, but like your screaming vocals in small doses, then this is the tune for you.

11.) “Dead Flowers”

The intro, lead by keyboards, sounds like a mix of old school Demon Hunter and Lacuna Coil, with Ryan Clark singing in the softest tones imaginable for someone with his strong pipes. Demon Hunter try and go out on the most memorable melodic moment, and this song is very catchy while remaining a solid song. It’s not heavy by any measurement, but is still a great song to end things on, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this on the radio at some point.

All-in-all, Demon Hunter succeeded in making an album that was heavier and better than their previous works. Even as a fan, I feel like this album was leaps and bounds above their other albums, and I have not been able to stop listening to it.

The vocals on this album are amazing, as always. Ryan Clark has always been the band leader, and the most noteworthy part of the sound, and this album further cements that. Clark not only pushes himself beyond his previous limits in terms of clean singing, but he goes beyond the line of duty in showcasing screaming vocal tactics that he hasn’t used on any of the other albums before.

The guitars on this album stand miles above the work on the previous albums. Not only are the riffs stronger and catchier, but the solos manage to achieve in a short lifespan what emotion that longer songs can only hope to have. Patrick Judge, the lead guitarist, does an especially good job of stretching the boundaries of what the leads in Demon Hunter can sound like.

The rhythm section is strong on this album, but not as noticeable as it has been on their last albums. The bass is barely audible in the mix, but I do have to commend drummer Yogi Watts on his work on this album. Many songs, including “Someone To Hate,” feature standout work from him.

If you like Christian metal, metalcore, or melodic metal, then you should definitely check this out. Although it doesn’t quite fit into any of those categories, it’s a great album that I’d recommend to anyone that listens to metal music. 

TV Review: "The Walking Dead" Season 2 Finale

"Beside The Dying Fire" was a great episode of The Walking Dead, and for several reasons. For one reason... ZOMBIES! For another reason, it really did a great job of teasing season 3 with a couple of fan-favorite storylines being revealed (which I'll begin a discussion about later, for risk of *spoilers*).

Following the last two weeks on the show, we are left without Dale and Shane, the exact left and right on the survivor's moral compass. Dale was often the voice of caution, while Shane the voice of risk, and now both are gone, after having their own morality pushed to the brink by the group. The death of Dale was somewhat-expected, but Shane's death was a surprise to everyone, including the comic fans that knew it was inevitable. And the fact that it happened at Rick's hands made it much more heart-breaking, especially with Rick's near-breakdown during that scene.

So now, after the always-neglected Carl (seriously, where is his mother?) puts a cap in the reincarnated Shane, we're left with the impending zombie invasion reaching the farm. This group of walkers has seemingly been walking since the first season, when Rick saw the helicopter in Atlanta. After hearing the gunshots let off by Shane and Carl, they are now on the brink of their ultimate feast.

Rick and Carl struggle to survive as they make it back to the farm, while the others try and find a way to survive while escaping. I thought the scenes with Rick and Carl together were pretty cool, especially as Rick shows his son the ropes on zombie-killing, by leading them into the barn and having Carl help him set them ablaze. Family bonding... I also found it funny that only when a zombie herd approaches the farm does Lori finally realize that her son is missing, and begins a drastic search for him. Bitch, there's only about a dozen people left on the planet, and you can't even look after the one that's your child?!?! Anywho, I'm getting away from the point...

I was expecting Herschel to go down with his farm, but that was not the case. We finally got rid of some dead weight, as the only people with less lines than T-Dogg (Jimmy and Otis' wife, I forget her name) finally bit it, both in equally dumb yet satisfyingly gruesome ways. The group successfully manages to escape the farm, albeit without any supplies, and heads to where the season began, the freeway. Andrea, however, is abandoned not once, but twice, and left for dead on the farm, surrounded by the mindless horde.

Also, I just need to say, that the shot of Darryl looking upon the burning farm, is one of the best camera shots I've ever seen on a television show. And I'd really like to get my hands upon Herschel's shotgun, which has some unlimited ammo cheat code. He honestly fired constantly for minutes, reloading only once. At least he had a pretty badass moment before escaping (I believed him to be a dead man in this episode).

While escaping, T-Dogg finally had some lines (success!), and was convinced that he would head for the east coast, which sounds a lot better than hanging around in the woods for another few months as winter approaches. However, he was vetoed by Lori, who finally begins caring about her family, and a silent Beth, who's dumbstruck by the death of two of the only people she knows.

After the survivors (sans Andrea) meet up on the freeway, they all agree to begin heading away from the farm. Rick decides that going after Andrea (whose most likely dead) is a suicide mission, so he calls off a rescue and they begin heading away from the area. Meanwhile, Andrea is researching the #1 rule of zombie survival: cardio. She seemingly runs all night away from the pursuing herd, and officially punches her badass card as we see her deal away several walkers in ass-kickery fashion.

Finally, we come upon the ending, which reveals 4 big revelations. Here they are, in no specific order:

1.) We officially find out what Jenner whispered into Rick's ear at the end of season 1 in the CDC. We find out that everyone is infected with the disease, and the catalyst is death. I suspected this, as the show eluded to it all season (from the dead police officers to Randall and Shane becoming reincarnated with no bites), but the way that they actually revealed it was genius. Props to the writers for managing to keep what might have been a relatively minor thing and teasing us with it all season long.

2.) Rick finally becomes the badass he's notorious for being in the comics. After the death of Shane at his own hands and the constant rebuttals from everyone in the group that's constantly begging him for help, he snapped. This, to me, was the most intense scene of the entire season. We see Rick, who's always been the calm leader under pressure, reach his breaking point. He tells the entire group that it's no longer a democracy, and if they want to keep following him, they're going to listen to him. It was nice to see him shut up that stupid zombie bait, Carol, who's always nagging everyone for anything. It was also cool to see the other "men" in the group, Darryl, T-Dogg, and Herschel, give him the look of approval. The Ricktatorship begins!

3.) Andrea, after running out of ammo, is saved by a mysterious hooded character with a katana and two chained-up, armless zombie pets. I don't even read the comics, but I know that this character is the infamous Michonne. I could almost hear the country-wide nerdgasm as the shot revealed Michonne and her zombie pals, which is sure to shake up the show quite a bit. Not only is Andrea, a newly-appointed badass, saved, but she happens to be saved by a fan favorite character who's going to be officially introduced in season 3. I cannot wait to see the wrecking crew that the gruesome twosome of Andrea and Michonne make! Especially now that Andrea has an ax to grind with the entire group for ditching her!

4.) As the show came to an end, I assumed that the season was going to end with the group abandoned in the woods. I had heard grumblings of a certain politically-named character getting cast, so I just assumed that it would be revealed in season 3, as the farm was in season 2. However, I was EXTREMELY happy to see the final shot being a wide view of the prison. It's now inevitable that the poodoo is going to hit the fan in season 3. I should have taken the non-too-subtle hints throughout the episode ("We need to find a place to barricade! To fortify!") with a grain of salt. I cannot wait to see the dynamic of the group clashing with the Governor and his goons (perhaps Randall's buddies) in season 3!

Although the first half of the season went very slow, the show returned from its mid-season break extremely strong. I think that this is mostly due to the change of showrunners (now former "The Shield" E.P. Glen Mazzara is in charge), and according to interviews, the attitude and tone of the last few episodes of this season is going to be the format for the upcoming season 3. As a fan, I am extremely excited to see how Michonne, the Governor, and the prison play out with the current cast of characters, who just survived a horrendous event, and have now reached the point of desperation.

Album Review: Soulfly - "Enslaved"

Soulfly is a pretty notorious band in the metal world. Max Cavalera, the founder, frontman, and main songwriter for the band, is within the upper echelon of the metal hierarchy. He is legendary mostly for his stint in one of the best metal bands of all-time, Sepultura, but has spent the last 15 years turning Soulfly into what it is now, a stalwart of the metal community.

However, despite Soulfly being well-known and inspirational in the metal world, it is mostly a hit-or-miss band. Their first album was great, a nice mix of the tribal metal Cavalera became known for in Sepultura with the nu-metal that was popular at the time. However, for the few years that followed, Soulfly became strictly a nu-metal band, losing itself within the times. But when "Dark Ages" dropped in 2005, a new wave of inspiration hit the band. Dropping all influences, the band seemingly began to focus on creating solid metal outings that sounded like no one else, and the band has been on a pretty great roll since then.

So, 7 years and 3 albums later, the band drops "Enslaved." In the months prior to its release, many of the band members hyped it up as a return to Cavalera's "death/thrash" heyday in Sepultura. Did it live up to this hype?

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1.) "Resistance"
This song begins with a strong bassline and a strong hook that continues through its short shelf life, but it's most noticeably an introduction song. I'd compare it to "Execution" off of Slipknot's most recent album, in that it doesn't go anywhere, but rather introduces the rest of the album. If you're buying songs off of iTunes or something similar (as opposed to the entire album) just give this one a skip. However, it does start the album off in a good way.

2.) "World Scum"
Another song intro'd by a strong bass line by new bassist Tony Campos, which quickly diverges into the death/thrash territory that the band hyped. Cavalera has help from Cattle Decapitation vocalist Travis Ryan on this song, and his addition easily makes this not only one of the heaviest songs on the album, but one of the heaviest tracks that Soulfly has ever done. It's clear to tell why they chose this song to be the first single released a couple of months back, as it showcases what's to come on the rest of the album; new drummer David Kinkade described it perfectly as "'Arise' on crack" (referencing one of Sepultura's best works).

3.) "Intervention"
This song sounds like more of the usual Soulfly. It's a lot chunkier than "World Scum" in that it features more prominent hooks and turns. Longtime Soulfly guitarist (and frequent Cavalera Conspirator) shines on this one. The most noticeable difference in this and previous Soulfly songs is the breakdown near the end, which Soulfly really hasn't tried before. Regardless, a good song. 8/10

4.) "Gladiator"
An interesting intro leads to a riff-heavy song that's one of the catchier songs on the album. However, don't take that as being a "radio-friendly" song. This one sounds like it could have been on the last Cavalera Conspiracy album, as it features the kind of groove  that's normally reserved for that band, but it's still heavy. Rizzo gets some more time to shine, and he gets to flex his virtuoso muscles a little with sitar-influenced breakdowns in between grooving and soloing like a madman. Probably one of my favorite songs on the album, because it's a song that takes only a single breath in between the many twists and turns, and the chants of "Hail Caesar!"

5.) "Legions"
A sound effect of marching intros this song, which quickly turns into another fast-speed groovefest, led by Rizzo yet again. This song sets itself apart from "Gladiator" in that it's catchy, but is more chunky in parts yet faster throughout the verses. By this point in the album, Soulfly have created yet another sound for themselves. Rizzo leads with a very melodic solo about halfway through the song, another thing that is very unheard of in Soulfly's discography, but it quickly returns to the metal insanity before settling down with the calming sounds of distant gunfire.

6.) "American Steel"
What sounds like it may be a Toby Keith anthem sung at a Republican convention is very much not. This song is a fast-paced thrasher throughout the first minute of its running time, and then turns into a chunky groove metal piece after that (the change is very unexpected, which is interesting). Cavalera gives one of his heaviest, most guttural performances in this song, proving that despite his age (which usually limits metal vocalist over 40), he is nowhere near being done, and sounds more pissed than he has in quite some time.

7.) "Redemption Of Man By God"
This song features one of my favorite (and one of the best) metal vocalists, Dez Fafara from Devildriver, so odds are that I'm going to like it. And that I do. A creepy, calm intro brings the song in, and sounds very unlike normal Soulfly, before turning into another heavy thrash-fest. The trade-off between Cavalera and Fafara sounds good, with Fafara's higher-pitched shrieks adding extra depth to the formalities. I'd compare this tune to "Lethal Injection" off of their last album, "Omen", in that the guest vocalist (in that song's case, Tommy Victory from Prong) doesn't change the format of the song, but rather adds to what's already there. Another great song, featuring a tempo change near the end that's really unexpected but still keeps you interested.

8.) "Treachery"
A brutal "This is treachery!" scream brings this song in, before turning into what is probably the fastest song on the album. Kinkade's drumming and Rizzo's guitar work really lead this song, as this song is all about the thrash. The grooves in this song are rare, but when they hit you, they hit you hard. And despite it being the fastest song on the album, that doesn't stop it from featuring a very melodic solo from Rizzo, who finally gets to show his expert guitar skills on this album. Kinkade's inhumanly-fast double bass drum kicks end the album in style.

9.) "Plato O Plomo"
To be honest, I have no idea what the song title means or lyrically implies but this is another good song. This is one of the groovier songs on the album, and sounds similar to something you'd hear on an Ankla album. There are many Latino references in the song, not only from the Portuguese lyrics, but from Tony Campos' added vocals, the tribal/flamenco guitar by Rizzo, and the additional content within the song. If you like Latin-flavored metal, then this is your jam.

10.) "Chains"
This is definitely one of the more "epic" songs that Soulfly has ever done, from the extended intro to sheer length (it's over 7 minutes long). It's definitely a slower, chuggier song than Soulfly is used to, but it somehow works to the band's advantage; I'd go as far to say that this song is a bigger departure than anything else on the album, in that it's more doom-inspired. Of course, there are moments of thrash, but this is largely a slower-paced song that builds up throughout its running time. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album.

11.) "Revengeance"
This song is a great closer to the album, in that it features all three of Cavalera's sons, including his stepson Richie Cavalera, the vocalist to the criminally underrated metal band Incite. This track definitely follows the death/thrash influence to its end, and showcases all three of Cavalera's sons' talents masterfully.

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Vocals:
Max Cavalera definitely has his own distinct style of vocals, and it hasn't changed or varied much in the nearly 30 years he's been in the metal scene. If you've enjoyed any of his vocal material from his days in Sepultura, Naildown, Cavalera Conspiracy, or even this band, Soulfly, then you'll appreciate his work on this album. He definitely tries to give it a deeper, more guttural approach this go-around, but it's largely the same (which is a good thing). The lyrics on this album deal with slavery (which is a given, due to the name of it), and Cavalera's fear of it.

Guitar:
What more can I say about guitarist Marc Rizzo besides that he's a virtuoso? He's been a stalwart of Soulfly and one of Max Cavalera's major contributors for nearly a decade, and released several instructional/instrumental albums that showcase his ability. Despite being under-used on many of Soulfly's albums, he finally gets a chance to break loose and shine on this album.

Bass:
This is the first Soulfly album I've listened to that had a very noticeable bass sound. Tony Campos, formerly of Asesino and Static-X, really gets to showcase his metal chops on this album, and proves himself. The bass is great on this album, especially in tracks such as "World Scum" and "Plato O Plomo." This definitely reveals that Campos has been underrated for far too long.

Drums:
New drummer David Kinkade, from the death metal band Borknagar, increases the tempo of the song with his drumming alone. Drumming has never been something that stood out to me on a Soulfly album, but Kinkade does a great job with the material, turning what could have been basic Soulfly material and infusing his death-inspired drumming with it. His double bass kicks, especially in songs such as "Gladiator," "World Scum," and "Treachery" are daring you to not head bang (which is impossible).

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If you've ever liked Soulfly, or you are one of those holdouts who only liked Cavalera's old stuff with Sepultura, then you'll like this album. It's the album I've been waiting for him to make for years, and it's definitely light years beyond what Sepultura's making nowadays without him.

This is the perfect mixture between regular Soulfly material and "Arise"-era Sepultura, when many believe Cavalera was in tip-top shape. It's personally my favorite Soulfly album by far, and if you like metal music in general, you'll find something to like (or love) about this album.

Game Review: Mass Effect 3

I cannot emphasize how excited I was for Mass Effect 3. I got into the original Mass Effect game a few years ago, and didn't think much of it; I liked Bioware, but I just couldn't sink my teeth into it. Then, Mass Effect 2 came out, and that was the game that hooked me into the franchise. I instantly became obsessed with the lore of the game: the mythos of the ancient Protheans, the dispute between the Quarians and the Geth, the extinction-bound Krogan and their genophage, the wealth of the rich and interesting characters I had become personally involved with, and many other interesting things that made up the majority of the codex of the series. I even went out of my way to purchase all of the books.

So, Mass Effect 3 arrived on Tuesday, and I awoke at 6:30, unable to sleep. I was honestly a 21-year old waiting for a video game like a child stays awake for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. I ended up spending the majority of the morning sitting right beside the door, anxiously awaiting like Scott Pilgrim. When the game finally arrived, was I satisfied, or disappointed? Well, here goes...

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Gameplay:

In my opinion, the gameplay was fairly advanced from the first and second games. The first game was a very primitive game, in terms of not only character design, but also in shooting mechanics and environments. The second game made leaps and bounds on the first game, adding much in terms of making it a solid third-person shooter. The third game made further improvements on that, fixing much in the ways of cover mechanics, adding realistic grenades, making the weapons more realistic (with recoil and stability dilemmas), and adding more movement abilities. The combat was far and away better than the other two games, adding the streamlined combat of the second game to the RPG-savvy elements of the first game, letting you choose between different weapons/armor and upgrading them as you saw fit.

However, as much as the combat was improved, I still did have a few issues with the gameplay. There were quite a few bugs regarding the movement system, and I found myself diving/rolling in a giant line of fire when all I wanted to do was get cover behind a slab of concrete. My biggest problem with the game, however, came when I realized that the dialogue system was greatly changed... no longer did I get to select every conversation option, instead getting to choose either one or two options within a conversation, and instead forcing the default Shepherd to take control, separating me from the Shepherd character that I created.

8/10.


Graphics


As I was playing on the Xbox 360, I had only a few difficulties with the graphics in this game. Mass Effect is a series that was made for the Xbox and the PC, so I cannot relate to those who played on PS3 and experienced deal-breaking issues regarding graphics.

Mass Effect 3, much like Mass Effect 2, looks very good on the Xbox. The graphics are arguably better than in the first or the second game, despite not having the themed look that the other two were notorious for. Several environments look absolutely stunning on the Xbox, and there is little-to-no-difference between the Xbox version of graphics and the PC version of graphics (which is often called the "superior" console).

9/10.


Story


Bioware has always been world-renowned for their story. Even in games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, and the first Mass Effect game, where the gameplay wasn't the best, the story is what set everything apart. Some of the best storytellers in the gaming industry work for Bioware, so the major critical emphasis on this game was on how the story unfolded and how it was presented.

To those of who who are unaware of the storyline of Mass Effect 3 (which probably isn't many, considering you're reading this), it concerns the return of an ancient race of sentient machines called the Reapers, and the apocalyptic doom they bring with them. As Commander Shepherd, the notorious and well-known human soldier, it's up to you to not only save the human race, but the rest of life in the galaxy from impending doom.

The story in this game kicks off from the get-go: the first mission is where the Reapers make it to Earth, and begin their bombardment. Following a short tutorial mission, you're quickly off to the stars to try and rally the galaxy against the Reapers. In my opinion, the story takes a while to get "into." There's plenty in the beginning of the game to keep you interested, but this is a game that picks up steam and momentum as it evolves. Even as I found the beginning of the game non-too-enthralling, within the first few hours I was hooked, and unable to stop playing for extremely long/unhealthy periods of time.

Mass Effect 3 also plays less linearly than the previous two games; instead of following a strict storyline that divulges into a previously-selected ending, you're supposed to take into account your "War Assets," which consists of all of the forces/species you've managed to convert to your cause. This forces you to make immediate decisions, which impact the now and determines how your ending plays out. You can, of course, follow the basic storyline to it's less-than-climactic end, but the best endings (out of the 16 available) are those where your War Assets and Galactic Readiness ratings are highest, which forces you to play more than just the basic campaign.

10/10.


Soundtrack


The soundtracks for the first two Mass Effect games were amazing. The first Mass Effect featured a largely-electronic sounding soundtrack, while Mass Effect 2 turned to a much more cinematic and classical soundtrack. Both were composed by Jack Wall, while Bioware landed film composer Clint Mansell (Requiem for a Dream, Moon, Black Swan) for Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect 3 has a much more cinematic soundtrack than the previous two games, while retaining basic themes and concepts from both (especially the electronic cues from the first game). Some moments are epic, while some are less-than-so, but I'd put ME3's soundtrack on par with the previous two soundtracks.

9.5/10

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Overall, I was very satisfied with this game. Although the ending I received left me a little disheartened with the game, research showed me that my ending was not the preferable outcome, and my next playthrough (which I've already started) will hopefully yield the best results.

This was a near-perfect end to the Mass Effect trilogy, and I seriously hope that this isn't the end of this saga. What Bioware did with this series was create a universe as vast and gripping as some sci-fi and space opera titans such as Star Trek and Star Wars, yet left much more up to the imagination. Mass Effect 3 was the ultimate end to Commander Shepherd's story, but I hope there are more tales to tell within the galaxy, whether they be prequels, sequels, or standalone stories.

If you've played either the first Mass Effect or Mass Effect 2 (or preferably both), then you should definitely go out and buy this game right now. This is the Star Wars for our generation, and the fact that I have no more Mass Effect games in the immediate future to look forward to fills me with an indescribable emptiness. However, the trilogy that Bioware has released will leave me satisfied for quite some time.

Overall: 9.5/10.

Album Review: Every Time I Die - "Ex Lives"

Every Time I Die have been one of my favorite bands for quite a few years now. I heard their party anthem "The New Black" in the latter years of junior high, and began listening to them quite frequently. I loved that they embraced their party side in fun songs such as "The New Black" and "We'rewolf" and also showed their muscle in such hardcore staples "We've Been Gone A Long Time" and "Kill The Music." They are certainly a band that has their own style, and they embrace it, which should be an inspiration for other bands.

Here is a track-by-track review, followed by a album review as a whole at the end:

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1.) "Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space"
Count on ETID to name their first song something so outrageous that you assume it's going to be goofy. Unfortunately, you're dead wrong in assuming that. "Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space" is a hardcore song through-and-through, from the opening screaming vocals "I want to be dead with my friends" to the killer riffs that end the song. This song really sets a precedent for the rest of the album, which is that it'll be fast, punky, and cutthroat: everything I've ever wanted from them.

2.) "Holy Book Of Dilemma"
This track continues the punk attitude, and delivers it with a swinging hardcore vibrato that only ETID can do. This song definitely brings the ferocity, and I'm fairly certain that I heard a double kick part or two in there. This track definitely brings back memories of ETID's first two albums, "Burial Plot Bidding War" and "Hot Damn!" which were hardcore classics. This song only weighs in at about 1:49, so it's short and to-the-point, but definitely worth checking out.

3.) "A Wild, Shameless Plain"
This song is another short one, clocking in at about 1:49 as well, but it has a hardcore swagger that refuses to be ignored. ETID brought their abstract element to certain parts of this song, such as a small guitar track here or there, but this is another hardcore rager.

4.) "Typical Miracle"
This song has a punk-inspired intro, which quickly transforms into one of vocalist Keith Buckley's best screaming efforts. This song sounds something similar to something you would have heard off of the most recent Bronx album, in terms of punk-fused-hardcore, but it's definitely another one worth listening to. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Andy Williams have a field day on this one in terms of tempo-change, but it's yet another short one at only 2:25.

5.) "I Suck {Blood}"
The first noticeable thing about this song is the drumming, which is fast and to-the-point, and it's definitely new drummer Ryan Leger's coming out party, featuring several double-bass moments and fast-paced tempos previously unheard of in ETID's history. It follows in the same veins as the original songs in term of structure, but is a little longer (nearly 3 minutes) but features a very sing-along-worthy chorus and a breakdown that almost dares you to headbang or air drum along.

6.) "Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow"
This is the ETID I fell in love with. Fueled by a banjo intro, the song quickly develops into a Southern-inspired party anthem, very similar to something that would have been heard on their most accessible album to date, "The Big Dirty." However, this song is anything from being "soft." Several hardcore-inspired breakdowns mark the middle and the end of the song, but it's definitely a beer-swilling song if I've heard one.

7.) "The Low Road Has No Exits"
Jordan Buckley and Andy Williams have yet another field day, and this song is probably the most intense song, guitar-wise, ETID have ever written. The speed in the tremolo picking is something that quickly grabs your attention, as it's something this band have never been known for. This is yet another rager of a song, noticeable for the creepy near-silence of the end, which sounds something similar to a musical version of the aliens from the movie "Signs."

8.) "Revival Mode"
This song sounds like something that would have been on Keith Buckley's side project, The Damned Things, as it's more similar to that band it's not as intense as anything else on this album. However, this does not mean it's a bad song, at all. It's slightly less-tempo, but has a creepy swagger to it that ETID hasn't ever embraced. This is my pick for stripper anthem of the year.

9.) "Drag King"
I was anticipating this song more than any of the others, simply because previous reviews I had read hyped it to no end. Did it live up to the hype? YES. The first half is noticeable for having the muscle that ETID showed on their last album, "New Junk Aesthetic," fueled by shearing vocals and cutthroat tempo changes; while the second half is melodic as all get-go, with soaring background vocals and the soothe crooning of Keith Buckley.

10.) "Touch Yourself"
Quite a provocative song title, no? Unfortunately, the song isn't as sexy as you'd think. It's instead the most "punk-ish" song on the album, and sounds like a song from "Hot Damn!" wrapped up in the great production of "New Junk Aesthetic." Keith Buckley seemingly doesn't breathe throughout this entire track, and his voice sounds as vicious as ever.

11.) "Indian Giver"
Easily the most abstract song on the album, which I guess is good for an album closer. This song is noticeable for differentiating between their hardcore punch and a eerie, spacy rub. The chorus, mid-section, and finale all carry forth a David Bowie-inspired sound, which is really what sets this song apart from the rest. I'd have to say it's their most epic song, in terms of branching out, and ends things on an unsettling note, which is a good thing in my book.

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Vocals:
Keith Buckley has never sounded better, if you ask me. The production on his last release, The Damned Things, didn't do his voice justice in terms of the mix, and this album puts his voice front and center (where it should be),without alienating the other instruments. His screams have never sounded more cutthroat and vicious, while his singing voice has never been in more of a hardcore-inspired Frank Sinatra croon.

Guitars:
While this album features very little in terms of flashy solos, the guitarists Andy Williams and Jordan Buckley definitely get their due. Songs such as "The Low Road Has No Exit" and "Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow" feature things they've never shown off before, such as fast tremolo-picking and banjo playing (for crying out loud). The cuts between tempos in a song has never sounded better than on this album, and the two play not only well off of each other, but also off of the given song. Also, the groove in the riffs on this album is something that they haven't experienced (in my book) since "Gutter Phenomenon."

Bass:
Since bassist Josh Newton left a few months ago, it doesn't surprise me that the bass is turned down in the album mix. I can't remember hearing a second of uninterrupted bass, which isn't disappointing in the slightest: ETID has always been about big guitars and soaring vocals, and the bass has never played an important part on any of the albums.

Drums:
Although I loved former drummer Michael "Ratboy" Novak, and was sad to see him go, new drummer Ryan Leger definitely earned the ETID Seal Of Approval. He brought an intensity to the skins that hasn't been seen in the band (ever), and added much to their hardcore sound. Major props to the new guy for stepping up and adding something new to the band!

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Album:
I loved this album. It seems to be a direct follow-up to "New Junk Aesthetic," and honestly sounds like a mixture of that album and "Hot Damn!" Besides a few songs, this album is nothing but beer and whiskey-inspired hardcore, suitable for a drunken night either in or out. My only complaint is that it's too short, as I tend to like my albums at about an hour long. This album clocks in at somewhere between half an hour and 45 minutes, which several of you readers may actually prefer.

I'm glad that ETID are a band that knows where they come from, and it shows on this album. They show a brevity of respect for their fans in doing so, while also pushing the envelope in terms of how they write songs and forcing the listener to embrace it. It's truly rare that a band has their own unique sound nowadays, and ETID I do it with a smile on their face and a beer in their hand. If you like anything that ETID have done before, or are interesting in a hardcore album that's light-hearted enough to listen to at a barbecue, then check this one out when it drops on May 6th.