This past weekend, I got to see Devildriver and Behemoth perform at the Palladium in Worcester, MA. As expected, both bands put on an incredible show. What I didn’t expect though was to see a member from Aerosmith in the audience. That’s right, you heard me. A member of Aerosmith at a metal concert at the Palladium!

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton was in the VIP section during the concert, which also saw performance from Suffocation, Goatwhore and many more. While I’d like to think that Hamilton is a huge black/thrash metal fan, his presence was probably due to his son Julian, who is apparently a huge metal head himself. While he seemed to disappear during Devildriver’s set, Hamilton was visibly enjoying Behemoth’s set. As I looked up to see Hamilton rocking out to Behemoth, I couldn’t help but imagine seeing Behemoth’s Nergal singing “Back In The Saddle”. The more I think about it, the more bizarre it seems.

Check back here to see pictures and my review from this show. Hopefully the post will be sooner then later (I know I’ve been behind on updating the blog and writing reviews. School has got me by the balls though!). I also hope to have pictures and a review of Arch Enemy and Exodus’ show last weekend (my interview with Michael Amott tied me up. More details about that soon!)

Another year has gone by, and what a year in deed. 2009 brought us a slew of great music from personal favorites, all time legends, and soon to be legends. We saw the return of past rock heroes as well as the growth of current stars. All in all, 2009 brought us some damn good music. So much music in fact I myself had difficulty in choosing my favorites. After taking deep thought and re-listens, I have compiled a list of my top 25 personal favorite albums from the past year. I wrote a mini piece on each album in the top ten, while I listed the rest.

It should be kept in mind that there may be albums that you lean towards as your favorites but are missing from my list. This possibly could be due to one reason: I haven’t listened to that album yet! While I like to think of my musical tastes as wide and varied, I admit that there are many albums by great artists that for one reason or another I haven’t caught yet. With this in mind, I would like to propose a challenge to the readers of this piece: in the comment section, list your top favorite albums of 2009 and a brief description of why. This way we can all further discuss the best of 2009.

So with out further a do, here is my top 25 personal favorite albums of the year 2009:

1. Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures: I have to admit, I wasn’t sure at first whether I would make this my top album of the year. After giving it a more in depth listen though, the super group’s debut album quickly topped my list. Josh Hommes, Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones created rock n’ roll that was straight to the core yet drenched in unique sounds. Sure, some songs sound a bit too similar to Queens Of The Stone Age while at other moments sounding similar to Led Zeppelin (though at certain points sounding like a heavier version of Cream). However, songs like “Dead End Friends”, “Mind Eraser, No Chaser”, “Gunman” and “Reptile” will leave you in awe of its blend of in your face rock and mind melting groove. Plus, one thing this super group has that many others lack (cough, Chickenfoot, cough): actual songs. The band didn’t just release a bunch of jam music that emphasizes each member’s talents (something they could’ve done to no one opposing). The three rock legends created music that is so catchy and melodic that it’ll stick in your head for weeks following your first listen. While each member has created impactful music on their own, together they made music that can stand on its own.
(Side Note: listening to the backing vocals on the chorus’ of “Dead End Friends” and “Mind Eraser, No Chaser” will remind you how much you love Dave Grohl’s voice!)

Favorite Track: “Dead End Friends”
2. Green Day- 21ST Century Breakdown: It may not have made as huge of an impact as American Idiot. However, Green Day once again prove their lasting power through their second rock opera. Featuring roots of 70’s rock with So-Cal 90’s punk, 21st Century Breakdown features songs that will pump you up, like “Know Your Enemy”, as well as touch your soul, like “Restless Heart Syndrome”. With songs like “The Static Age”, “Peacemaker” and “Viva La Gloria”, the band does both. 21st Century Breakdown might be too commercial or poppy for some (even for old school Green Day fans). However, it is hard to deny that Green Day’s latest release only furthers their status as our generation’s rock star icons.

Favorite Track: “Viva La Gloria”

3. Alice In Chains- Black Gives Way To Blue: Back from the dead is an understatement when discussing Alice In Chains’ latest release. Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez and Sean Kinney pay tribute to both their fallen brother Layne Staley and their faithful fan base by doing the best thing: making a great album. The band shows that they haven’t lost their edge even after 14 years. Songs like “Check My Brain” and “Acid Bubble” feature some of the band’s heaviest riffs, while songs like “When The Sun Rose Again” and the title track pour out emotion within the listener. New singer William DuVall proves himself a worthy addition as his harmonies with Cantrell on “Private Hell”, “A Looking In View” and “Last Of My Kind” possess the passion and drive Alice In Chains are known for.

Favorite Track: “Black Gives Way To Blue”

4. Mastodon- Crack The Skye: What more can be said about Crack The Skye than what you’ve already realized at first listen (hint: if you haven’t picked up this album yet, then what the hell are you waiting for?!). Mastodon has created an epic metal concept album that showcases the band’s technicality and passion. With over ten minute operas like “The Czar: Usurper/Escape/Martyr/Spiral”, the band explodes with a multitude of tempos and emotions, while songs like “Oblivion” and the title track shows that they can blow your minds away in just five minutes. Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders’ vocals never sounded more melodic and powerful before, while Hind’s and Kelliher’s twin guitars and Brann Dailor’s drumming are as intense as ever. With Crack The Skye, Mastodon went from Slude Metal Gods to simply Gods of … well, everything!

Favorite Track: “Quintessence”

5. Bruce Springsteen- Working On A Dream: The Boss has arguably released his best album in years. Working On A Dream features the heavily catchy, up beat songs that made us fall in love with the king of New Jersey back in the 70s, with “My Lucky Day” featuring Clearance Clemons’ most powerful sax solo since “Born To Run”. While the eight minute rock epic “Outlaw Pete” will pick you up with joy, songs like “Kingdom Of Days” will bring you down in tears. To simply put it, Working On A Dream features everything you want from the E Street Band and proves that Bruce is still on top of the rock and roll hierarchy.

Favorite Track: “Outlaw Pete”

6. Shadows Fall- Retribution: The boys from Springfield, MA go from mass-core gods to full on metal kings on their first release off of their own record imprint, Everblack Industries. Retribution showcases Shadows Fall’s gift for incorporating hardcore metal with melodic thrash, with anthems like “The Taste Of Fear”, “King Of Nothing”, “Still I Rise” and “Embrace Annihilation” destined to be classics. Brian Fair, Matt Bachand, Jonathan Donais, Jason Bittner, and Paul Romanko prove that metal is safe in the hands of the next generation.

Favorite Track: “A Public Execution”

7. Megadeth- Endgame: Arguably one of Megadeth’s best albums in a long time. With the edition of guitarist Chris Broderick, Dave Mustaine and company deliver a pure metal album. Songs like “Bodies”, “How The Story Ends”, “Bite The Hand” and “Head Crusher” feature the chaotic and melodic power Megadeth is best known for. Don’t call this a comeback album, though, because Endgame simply proves that Mustaine never lost his evil charm.

Favorite Track: “The Right To Go Insane”

8. Devildriver- Pray For Villains: Devildriver’s goal has always been to write songs, not just flashy hardcore riffs. Well, with Pray For Villains, Dez Fafara and company meet there goals and then some. Songs like “Back With A Vengence”, “Fate Stepped In”, “Another Night In London”, and “Forgiveness Is A Six Gun” prove that Devildriver are ahead of the pack with music that’s aggressive yet catchy. Warning: if you can’t handle heavy music that will get stuck in your head for weeks after first listening, then walk away….wimp.

Favorite Track: “Back With A Vengence”

9. Slayer- World Painted Blood: Like Megadeth’s latest, Slayer too has released their best album in years. World Painted Blood features some of the band’s heaviest and melodic riffs. Songs like “Hate Worldwide”, “Playing With Dolls”, “Snuff” and the title track will leave you in awe of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s duel guitar work and chilled by Tom Araya’s hostile vocals. One can argue that with their latest release, Slayer is back in full force.

Favorite Track: “World Painted Blood”

10. God Forbid- Earthsblood: What more can I say about my favorite New Jersey metal titans? With Earthsblood, God Forbid has further grown as musicians and songwriters. Songs like “Empire Of The Gun”, “War Of Attrition” and “Walk Alone” prove that God Forbid has what it takes to be the leaders of the new metal scene. In my mind, they are one of the most underrated and underappreciated bands out today. In other words, GO OUT AND BUY THIS ALBUM!

Favorite Track: “Walk Alone”

Here is a list of the remainder my top 25 favorite albums of 2009:

11. Wilco- Wilco (The Album)
12. CKY- Carver City
13. Lamb Of God- Wrath
14. Dethklok- Dethalbum II
15. Pearl Jam- Backspacer
16. The Black Dahlia Murder- Deflorate
17. Killswitch Engage- Killswitch Engage
18. Muse- The Resistance
19. Heaven & Hell- The Devil You Know
20. Jay Z- The Blueprint 3
21. Street Sweeper Social Club- Street Sweeper Social Club
22. Elvis Costello- Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
23. Hatebreed- Hatebreed
24. Dave Matthews Band- Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King
25. Behemoth- Evangelion

So what are you top favorite albums of 2009? Let me know in the comment section and let the discussion begin!

Roadrunner Records these days has been subject of some debate amongst the metal world and to be honest, I can’t make two shakes of the whole deal either. I’ve been keeping any eye on Roadrunner’s ‘odd’ behavior as a label since about 2004, but I figured that since they were largely a big business, that was the way they were going to be run.

Which leads me to my question, what the fuck is Roadrunner’s obsession with cover songs, and their now inclusion of a videogame soundtrack?

I know most people might have noticed this, but it has seemed for a long time that it’s a requirement you do at least one cover song, even bands I would’ve never expected to kick out a cover have done one. Right now, I have Machine Head with three (‘Battery’, ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’, and ‘Message In A Bottle’), Trivium has two (‘Master Of Puppets’ and ‘Iron Maiden’), Devildriver now has one (‘Wasted Years’), Opeth has one (‘Would?’), Dream Theater did a goddamn covers CD for the special edition of Black Clouds and Silver Linings, Fear Factory did ‘Cars’, Spineshank did ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, Killswith Engage did ‘Holy Diver’, Megadeth covered themselves (honestly, did you expect anything else?), Cradle Of Filth have done both ‘Temptation’ and ‘HW2′, Soulfly did ‘The Beautiful People’ and ‘Sailing On’, Daath has ‘Fecal Finger’ (a medley of death metal tunes, containing Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse, amongst others). I know I’m missing a bunch, but it seems like part of your contract these days to be with Roadrunner is to record a cover song. I find it odd though, because though I don’t have a problem with it, these cover songs are starting to see fucking pointless. Usually if a song is covered, it’s changed in some way, but a lot of these are starting to seem like contractual obligations more so than an actual desire to re-do a song like ‘Would?’ I wouldn’t be shocked to see Porcupine Tree drop one within the next year, probably for the uber special edition of The Incident.

Which leads me to the videogame soundtrack, for those of you out of the loop, Roadrunner has announced that they are releasing the Blood And Metal EP for the special edition of God Of War 3. Now as much as I love God Of War, I would never have expected a full on metal EP accompanying it. Although bands and videogames being tied hand in hand have been done before, it’s usually nu-metal radio groups; case in point Adema did ‘Immortal’ for Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Cold did one for Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy, Breaking Benjamin had a song tied in with Run Like Hell, and Korn did Haze for well….Haze. However, these songs tie into the subject matter of the game, sort of. I can see Trivium doing a song for it, considering God Of War is placed within Greek Mythology, and their album Shogun (Japanese named, only containing two Japanese song titles: ‘Kirisute Gomen’ and the title track) had about three song titles based in Greek myth. However, Taking Dawn, Killswitch Engage, Opeth and fucking Dream Theater got roped into it, and how the hell did they do that? Taking Dawn sounds like boring radio rock. I have no idea how Killswitch Engage are going to do it, they just don’t seem to interested in mythology. But I never would’ve expected groups like Dream Theater and Opeth. These are bands that I thought were a little too classy to tie themselves in to something like a videogame.

So in the end, what the hell is Roadrunner doing?

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival has been a success for its first two years.  Now it’s time to speculate and dream about its third installation.  I have compiled my dream lineup for Mayhem Fest 2010.  Although I doubt some of the bands will make it onto the tour, I feel like a few are definites while others are strong possibilities.  My dream lineup is as follows, in order of performances:

Hot Topic Stage:

Dirge Within

Darkest Hour

August Burns Red

Shadows Fall

Jagermeister Stage:

Amorphis

DevilDriver

Lamb of God

Overkill

Main (Mayhem) Stage:

Coheed & Cambria

Alice In Chains

Rob Zombie

Iron Maiden

Heaven & Hell

I truly believe this lineup could bring in massive audiences of all ages to each stop on the entire tour.  Profits for the tour would be of unbearably large amounts for everyone involved in producing the festival.  Younger metalheads would thoroughly enjoy Darkest Hour, August Burns Red, Dirge Within, and Coheed & Cambria.  The middle-aged fans and perhaps families would have fun with Alice In Chains, Iron Maiden, and Heaven & Hell.  Fans ranging from teenagers to fans probably in their mid-30’s or so would love Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, DevilDriver, Rob Zombie, and Overkill.  Lastly, Amorphis is a phenomenal metal band hailing from Finland and could really use more exposure on this side of the world.  They have the potential to do better than very small club venues and I think this tour could help them out in that aspect. 

Of course, ages really do not have much to do with it.  There are metal fans of all ages who would like each and every one of those bands.  The age comparison to this dream lineup was only made to put the universal enjoyment potential of this dream tour into perspective.

While this lineup is but a dream, it would reach out to a great portion of metalheads across the United States.

#39: Korn/Take A Look In The Mirror (2003) — nine years after the release of their first album, Korn released album number six. A pretty impressive feat – six albums in nine years! They’re only misstep being album number five, but Take a Look… worked to correct that problem and return Korn to their roots. The riffs on Mirror were face-ripping and the rage contained in these songs kept me from breaking lots of stuff in my late 20’s. Check out: ‘Right Now,’ ‘Counting on Me,’ and ‘Did My Time.’

#38: Danzig/Circle of Snakes (2004) — Hands down my favorite Danzig album to date. With the addition of Tommy Victor (Prong) on guitar, the necessary crunch was in place to level out the rhythm section and Glenn had a perfect foil for his vocals. The result is a tigher, leaner swagger in the songs that is unparalleled on other albums. If you want some thrash and menace to your diet, this album is essential. Check out: ‘Skincarver,’ ‘1000 Devils Reign,’ and ‘Black Angel, White Angel.’

#37: Nada Surf/Let Go (2003) — I’m trying to remember if someone told me to listen to this CD or if I did more out of curiosity of hwo this band that had a hit I couldn’t remember (‘Popular,’ circa 1996) ended up on indie label, Barsuk. In any case, I hear opener ‘Blizzard of ‘77,’ and I was hooked. A pure, unabashed indie pop rock record, no more or less. The band has gone on to produce two more great records in the decade, worth of listens. Check Out: ‘Happy Kid,’ ‘Inside of Love,’ and ‘Killian’s Red.’

#36: The Knife/Deep Cuts (2006) — I’ve actually only just recently discovered The Knife, but my life, and the landscape of electronic music is pretty much forever changed because of them and I don’t think, with the exception briefly of maybe The Presets or Fischerspooner, no one’s meant more this decade. Deep Cuts is an assorted collection of tunes released in the same year as their landmark album Silent Shout. You’ll probably find THAT album on hipster lists…but Deep Cuts is the real gem. Congo drums never sounded so good! Check out: ‘Heartbeats,’ ‘Pass This On,’ and ‘You Take My Breath Away.’

#35: Lamb of God/Ashes of the Wake (2004) — It’s hard to believe this album is five years old already. This was the album that put LOG on the map and for good reason. ‘The Faded Line,’ is one of the greatest metal songs of all-time (and kicks ass when snowboarding too…) Some seriously talented musicians who hit their high mark on this album but have not repeated since. Check out: ‘Omerta,’ ‘The Faded Line,’ and ‘Laid to Rest.’

#34: 30 Seconds to Mars/This Is War (2009) — originally this slot was set to go to Radiohead, but I re-listened to that album and finally got a copy of the new Mars disc. Ten years later the Radiohead album doesn’t stack up and about five listens in on 30STM and I know this album will stand in time. I’m a fan of epic, life-changing songs and am enamored with what’s been created here. Kid A, save for a couple tunes, is virtually an unlistenable album compared to their other work. Even the fact that Jared and Co. utilize the services of Kanye West on a track can’t deter their overall effort. Check out: ‘Kings and Queens,’ ‘100 Suns,’ and ‘Alibi.’

#33: A Perfect Circle/Mer De Noms (2000) — a more straightforward vehicle for Maynard James Keenan, perhaps a bit more pop or radio-friendly at the turn of the century than Tool, but the songs on both albums stand up over time. Billy Howerdel took time and crafted some incredible song with some fantastic riffs and solos. I won’t soon forget two out of the four shows I saw them at (opening for NIN on the Fragile tour and again at a pre-release party for 13th step @ Irving Plaza. Check out: ‘Judith,’ ‘The Hollow,’ and ‘Brena.’

#32: Coheed and Cambria/In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3 (2003) — This was the album that really put Coheed on the map. I remember Mark Hudson and, I think, Scott McCabe turning me on to this album. It made sense Mark was a fan being a big progressive freak. I was starting to get over the whole Rush thing, but these guys just had a way of exploring the old while putting a new spin on it and not sounding overly pretentious. I guess that was the emo influence. In any case, check out: ‘In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3,’ ‘Three Evils (Embodied in Love and Shadow)’ and ‘A Favor House Atlantic.’

#31: Devildriver/Devildriver (2003) — some people have problems with first discs from someone who was in an established band and venturing into something new (but similar). Case in point, QOTSA’s first disc, Zwan, and this disc. Was DD’s first disc a dramatic departure from Coal Chamber? No. But it was definitely harder and faster and gave a sense of some of things to come. Fafara ended up starting over with all new musicians on the next album and has created some decent music over the years. This album still spoke to my ‘F-U,’ attitude and when you’re having a bad day, nothing beats throwing this on at maximum volume with tunes like ‘I Could Care Less,’ ‘Die and Die Now,’ and ‘Swinging the Dead.’

#30: Maylene and the Sons of Disaster/Maylene and the Sons of Disaster (2005) — formed when frontman Dallas Taylor got kicked out of Underoath, MATSD are the musical incarnation of the Ma Barker gang and base their music heavily on the concept of divine justice. On their first album, the band melded southern rock with thrash/metalcore. While their leanings have become increasingly southern rock, the first album was a shout out loud that goes nicely with a nice whiskey. Check out: ‘Tough As John Jacobs,’ ‘Gusty Like the Wind,’ and ‘The Road to Panther Creek.’

By Zach Shaw

While it isn’t exactly the mega historic tour featuring the big four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax) everyone was gossiping about, getting half of that lineup is still pretty unbelievable. Tickets officially went on sale last week for the American Carnage Tour featuring Slayer, Megadeth and Testament. The landmark tour will be taking place this coming January and February. Slayer and Megadeth already did the unthinkable by performing together (despite their slew of heated words for one another) on mini tours in Canada and Australia/New Zealand. So we can thank god that they are giving U.S. fans the chance to see both thrash titans share the stage once again. I myself have already purchased my ticket for their stop in Lowell, MA on February 14 (best part: I only spent a little above $10 for good seats!!! Haha).

Seeing Megadeth and Slayer on their own (let alone together) is enough to make fans storm to a venue. Combine the two with Testament … well HELLZ YEAH! As amazing as this lineup is though, I personally would have liked to have seen one more act added. Not that this line up needs another act to make it any better (umm, did I tell you that Megadeth, Slayer and Testament are playing together?!). However, it would be cool to see the elder gods of metal pass the torch to an up and coming metal band, as a way to put the spotlight on the future of metal.

So who should be the fourth addition who represents the new generation amongst a line up of legends? Well here are a few suggestions of likely candidates and bands I simply would love to see added:

MAJOR UPDATE: The American Carnage Tour has sadly been postponed. Tom Araya’s back issues is the reason behind such sad news (DAMN IT!). Click here for more details. The tour will be postponed until August/September with new dates still pending. On the bright side, this means that some of my opener recommendations could possibly happen now!

-Machine Head: These guys would probably be everyone’s first choice for multiple reasons. 1. Machine Head already took part in Slayer and Megadeth’s previous tours. 2. Both Slayer and Megadeth have praised them not stop for their greatness. 3. fans simply cannot get enough of them (rightfully so) And 4. to simply put it: THEY ARE AWSOME!!! The only reason why they probably wouldn’t take part in this tour is because they have been touring non-stop for the past 3 years (you name the band, they probably were on tour with them recently). As much as I love The Blackening, I’d recommend that the band takes a tiny rest and record another great album. The more music from Machine Head the better!

-Shadows Fall: These guys would probably be one of my first choices. Hot off of their latest release Retribution, the boys from Mass have proven that they are ready to be the next big metal icons. Being part of such a major tour would be great exposure to a band who put on a top-notch show and have grown as musicians and song writers. Hopefully the band will get on Mayhem Fest next year (maybe we could also start a campaign to get them on this tour? I’d be down to push!).

-Suicide Silence: These guys would be a likely choice because they also served as openers (along with Machine Head) on Slayer and Megadeth’s previous tours this past year. They are an up and coming band who has received both critical and fan praise for their music and live show.
UPDATE: It appears that Suicide Silence has been removed from the last show of Megadeth’s most recent U.S. tour (where they were the second to last openers) under not so great circumstances. Read more here. So this makes their chances of appearing on the American Carnage Tour very unlikely.

-God Forbid: Call me biased, but I would love to see my fellow NJ thrashers on such a line up. Not only do they put on an energy packed show, but they have continue to grow musically (I dare you to listen to their latest release Earthsblood and tell me it isn’t spectacular). God Forbid is a band that should be amongst the top of their generation (always just shy of getting the rightful exposure), and being a part of this tour would help get them there faster.

-Devildriver: Mixing melody with hardcore death metal, Devildriver has always stood out amongst the crowd. Always releasing incredible albums (listen to their recent release Pray For Villains asap!), they have always been just shy of getting the exposure they deserve. With their intense live shows, Devildriver would have made a great addition to an already amazing tour. Sadly, these guys will definitely not be apart of this tour for they just announced a tour with Suffocation that will occur during the same time. A shame, but hell: a Devildriver and Suffocation tour is pretty awesome as well!!!

-High On Fire: These guys are also likely candidates for being a late addition since they were rumored to be on the lineup before the American Carnage Tour was confirmed (only to not be included in the official press release). While they wouldn’t be my first choice, High On Fire are a great band and know how to put on a hell of a show. Plus, with their sludge metal sound, the band would stand out in a lineup filled with thrash metal.

-Trivium: Admit it, once you saw the name in front of this you screamed out loud “Oh Hell Yeah!”. Trivium’s mix of screaming and melodic thrash would be a perfect addition to this tour (maybe too perfect if that’s possible). Add in their powerful performance (see my review of their show in Worcester, MA) and you’d get even the pickiest old metal fans believing they saw the second coming. As perfect as this may seem, this addition may be unlikely for Trivium announced the most recent leg of Into The Mouth Of Hell We Tour as their last tour in support of the album Shogun. Then again, I would probably change around my schedule if I got offered to open for Slayer AND Megadeth.

-The Black Dahlia Murder: After seeing them on Mayhem Fest this past summer, I have been hooked. Black Dahlia Murder’s music and performance would simply make them a great addition to such a lineup. ENOUGH SAID!

-Chimaira: The boys from Cleveland, Ohio would tear the stage apart night after night (see my review of their opening slot at Trivium’s show for more on their awsome live performance). With its mix of sludge and hardcore, Chimaira would stand out amongst the lineup of legends. Additionally, Slayer guitarist Kerry King has praised them many times over the past few years (thus making their chances a lot stronger).

So these are who I would suggest to be the new addition to an already amazing bill. To repeat, I am not saying that the American Carnage Tour needs to acquire an additional band (the three thrash gods are wwaayy more than enough). I am just saying it would be cool to see a newer band get the chance to be exposed to a wider audience.

Is there a band I left off that you feel deserves to be considered? Which up and coming band would you want to see go on tour with Megadeth, Slayer and Testament? Leave a comment and let your choice be heard!

#100: Alien Ant Farm/ANThology (2000) — Besides the cover of MJ’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ this album boasted pop gems like ‘Courage,’ ‘Attitude,’ and ‘Happy Death Day.’ The great thing about the record is that it stood out as a cohesive pop rock album on the whole. Something the band couldn’t seem to do on subsequent albums…

#99: The Fratelli’s/Costello Music (2007) — one of the most unabashed fun albums of the decade combining 90’s Brit Pop (a la Oasis and Blur) with Punk (The Clash). The whole album has a swagger to it. Check out choice cuts: ‘Chelsea Dagger,’ and ‘Flathead.’

#98: Blue October/Foiled (2005) — ‘Hate Me’ was the modern rock anthem of the year in 2006, but it was the rest of the album that was the real jem. Heartfelt lyricism from Justin Furstenfeld and a musical backdrop that at times recalled vintage Peter Gabriel, while retaining a Post-Grunge soun…d that worked wonders on album opener ‘You Make Me Smle,’ and ‘Congratulations.’ Completely turned me on to the Houston band’s back catalog and an incredible live show, to boot…

#97: The Offspring/Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008) — I have pretty much all of the Offspring’s back catalog, but Bob Rock has a tremendous ability to reign in a band’s focus as a producer. The band’s humor is intact and Noodles guitarwork still soars through the chug-chug of their true punk power chords. ‘Half-Truism,’ ‘You’re Gonna Go Far Kid,’ and ballad, ‘Fix You,’ are standouts.

#96: John Frusciante/The Empyrean (2009) — Frusciante has already established himself as one of the premier guitarists of the past 20 years, but none more cohesive than effort released earlier this year. A true record for guitar fans from 9+ minute opener ‘Before the Beginning,’ to album single ‘Unreachable,’ and personal favorite ‘Central.’

#95: Ryan Adams/Easy Tiger (2007) — Ryan Adams was one of the most prolific songwriters of the decade, but on 2007’s Easy Tiger, the pop polish seems to come a little easier and his southern rock struck a chord with a wider audience. Can’t miss cuts like ‘Two,’ ‘The Sun Also Sets,’ and ‘I Taught Myself How to Grow Old,’ highlight a full disc of album rock.

#94: Thirty-Six Crazyfists/Bitterness the Star (2002) — I remember Lou Mansdorf telling me to check these guys out when he was still with Roadrunner. I thought ‘Eh, I’ll give it a spin.’ And then…I got hit in the head with a shovel full of bricks. The absolute raw intensity of the band’s op…ening salvo on the world was jaw-shattering to say the least. While it seemed Roadrunner never fully understand what they had, I’ve followed the band since that day. Cathartic music for a troubled mind, at times. I’ll never forget seeing the band open for Mudvayne and One Minute Silence in a barn called Saratoga Winners years ago, meeting Brock and the guitarist and remembering how humble they were at the time. Seemed ironic a band with such power could be humble. Mudvayne could take a lesson. Check out: ‘An Agreement Called Forever,’ ‘Slit Wrist Theory,’ and ‘Left Hand Charity.’

#93: Devildriver/The Last Kind Words (2007) — Album #3 from former Coal Chamber frontman, Dez Fafara, and friends is as hard hitting as they come. A lot of detractors blame Devildriver for copying virtually every form of metal out there. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery a…nd this collection seems short on mimicry. From the opening thrash of ‘Not All Who Wander Are Lost,’ to the European-influenced ‘Horn of Betrayal,’ to the slinky, sludgy ‘ Monsters of the Deep,’ DD fail to disappoint.

#92: Cold/Year of the Spider (2003) — Cold’s most commercially successful album (thanks in no small part to radio’s reception of ‘Stupid Girl,’ co-written by Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo). But it’s Ward and company’s ability to escape typical nu-metal fare forged by Korn and Limp Bizkit, to cut to t…he chase with heartfelt lyricism, and maintain crossover sensibility in a modern rock landscape that would turn it’s back on the band by the time their third album was received in 2005. Fortunately the band is back with original guitarist Terry Balsamo and firing on all cylinders. ‘Suffocate,’ ‘Wasted Years,’ and ‘Sad Happy’ are standouts.

#91: Soulfly/Dark Ages (2005) — as one might notice already in my countdown, I have a penchant for metal. I was never a huge Sepultura fan, but Soulfly have continually ripped my face off, while also appealing to me with a world music/sount american tribal vibe that sometimes comes off as the vaied ‘eyes’ of the hurricanes that are built and swell in each album. 2005’s ‘Dark Ages,’ was a favorite and if memory serves correctly was the first full album with Marck Rizzo (formerly of Ill Nino) in the fold. While ‘Babylon,’ ‘I and I,’ and ‘Frontlines,’ all shred, ‘Innerspirit,’ ‘Riotstarter,’ and ‘Soulfly V’ create amazing tribal and Santana-like vibes. Cool shit.

#90: Doves/Some Cities (2005) — the opening drum beat and jangle of ‘Some Cities,’ will forever, indelibly be etched upon my ears. Despite the fact that my truck ended up in a ditch one snowy day in Vermont as ‘Snowden,’ played in the CD player, I still love the album. Perfect for a Sunday morning. ‘Some Cities,’ ‘Black and White Town,’ and ‘Walk in Fire,’ are personal favorites.

NECKBREAKERS BALL 2009
Plats: Trädgårn, Göteborg
Band: Arsis, Scar Symmetry, Devildriver och Behemoth
Tid: Mellan 19 och 23:30
I publiken: Svårt att säga men 400 kanske
Bäst: Första kvarten på Behemoth och Devildrivers energi
Sämst: Öl-priserna på Trädgårn
Tema för kvällen: Stora jävla bassister

Tyvärr kom vi lite sent till Trädgårn igår vilket gjorde att vi missade första gänget, Arsis, och tio minuter av Scar Symmetry. Det enda svenska inslaget igår var också ett av de band som jag faktiskt sett fram mot mest att få se. Så här i efterhand kunde det faktiskt kvittat. Scar Symmetry är ett band som i mina öron funkar mycket bättre på skiva än live. Växelsången höll inte och det var ganska dåligt med inlevelse. Bortsett från Kerry King wannaben på gitarr då. Där kunde vi snacka utstrålning.

Amerikanarna i Devildriver stod på tur. Jag har lyssnat på tok för lite på dessa grabbar för att ge dem en rättvis bedömning så jag håller mig till det jag kan säga något om. Framförandet igår. Jag blev mäkta imponerad. Både av musiken, sången och energin på scen. Det är nästan så man skulle kunna säga att jag blev lite frälst. Idag slutar Tomas jobba klockan fem. Då blir det direkt ut till skivaffären och inhandla lite american groove metal som är kategorin som Devildriver hamnat i.

Sist ut och också höjdpunkten för kvällen. Behemoth. Och nu är det väl på plats med min lilla Behemoth-historia då. Jag har en vän som är grymt inne på dessa charmerande polacker. Han har i några års tid försökt få mig att lyssna på deras musik men jag har konstant vägrat. Det är liksom inte riktigt min grej det där med growl. Okej det där kräver också en förklaring känner jag eftersom jag lyssnar på bland annat Arch Enemy men det tar vi en annan gång. Hur som helst så när vi var på Graspop i Belgien för nått år sedan fick jag och min “bror” bevittnat de fyra sista låtarna på Behemoth-giget och jag blev tokigt överraskad. Det var grymt bra. När vi sedan anlände svensk mark igen blev det till att fixa hela Behemoth-katalogen. Men! Det var fortfarande rätt stönigt så det föll liksom mellan stolarna. Tills för cirka två månader sedan när det blev klart att vi skulle gå på Neckbreakers Ball. Har lyssnat ganska mycket och rent musikaliskt måste jag säga att det är ruskigt bra. Growlandet jobbar jag på.

Sådär. En parentes. Igår då? Jo jag är mer än nöjd. Jag hade ju som sagt inte så mycket att jämföra med. Inte vidare inlyssnad och tre låtar live är väl inte så mycket att komma med. Men som sagt så är jag nöjd. Jag förväntade mig att få en eller ett par ordentliga käftsmällar. Och det fick jag. Sen verkade det tyvärr som att merparten av publiken var där för att bryta nacken av sig till Devildriver. Så ju längre in i Behemoth-giget vi kom dessto glesare blev det i raderna. Det avspeglade sig naturligtvis på framförandet och det förstår jag. Istället för en stigande energi blev det lite antiklimax när samtliga stod helt stilla och framförde sista låten. Fast då var vi där igen. Det kanske ska vara så. Jag har ju inget att jämföra med.

Som helhet var det här, precis som W.A.S.P., ett väldigt välbehövligt avbrott i vardagen. Bara att få vara där på golvet och få massa hårdrock rakt i ansiktet var grymt värt. Sen att jag blev så positivt överraskad (igen!) är väldigt mycket plus i kanten. Arsis såg jag tyvärr inte medans Scare Symmetry får underbetyg. Fast helt klart överbetyg till Behemoth och framför allt Devildriver gör att Neckbreakers Ball får en åtta utav mig.

Hade varit grymt att få närvara en kväll när alla banden är supertaggade och bara kör över publiken.

Okej. Jag är den första att erkänna. Jean-Claude Van Damme har nog faktiskt bara gjort skit. Fast å andra sidan så var det ju så det skulle vara på 80-talet. Bloodsport är en kult-rulle. Fast en ganska så dålig sådan. Jag somnade hur som helst någonstans i mitten.

Tisdag idag. Och det är en bra dag. En bra känsla i kroppen. För ikväll ska det bli hårdrock. Verkligen hård hårdrock. Då heter det visst metal. Behemoth, Scar Symmetry är väl de jag mest ser fram mot. Men efter lite lyssning på Arsis och Devildriver så ska det faktiskt bli lite spännande också.

Eftersom man är runt och “tjuvläser” andras bloggar så får man dels uppslag till egna inlägg. Men man blir också sugen på att lämna en kommentar mellan varven. Nu till det lite smått otroliga. Jag har faktiskt svårt för att skriva något till en helt okänd person. Det är ju inte som att skriva mail till kundtjänst direkt. Vart börjar man? Hur börjar man? Det är svårt det där med vett och etikett på nätet. Fast frasen “behandla andra som du själv vill bli behandlad” borde väl gälla även här.

Kameran får följa med ikväll också. Ska försöka knäppa lite fler och lite bättre bilder än vad det blev sist vi var på Trädgårn.

14.11.2009 – Leipzig, Hellraiser

Eigentlich wollte ich nicht mehr zu diesen Mammut-Konzerten gehen, die von Rock The Nation immer veranstaltet werden – Heidenfest, Paganfest, Metalfest, Schwachkoppfest und wie sie alle heissen. Wenn dort sieben Bands oder so spielen, dann spielen diejenigen, die ich sehen will, garantiert immer viel zu kurz.

Die Neckbreakers Ball-Tour entspricht da glücklicherweise mit vier Bands eher dem üblichen Tour-Schema, da lohnt sich ein Besuch schon eher.

Natürlich hatte mein Zug nach Leipzig fast eine Stunde Verspätung, so dass ich Arsis verpasst habe, ich konnte gerade noch den letzten Song hören. Vielen Dank auch, liebe Bahn. Deshalb kann ich zum Auftritt eigentlich auch nichts sagen, die paar Minuten, die ich gehört habe, waren aber überaus brauchbarer Melodic Death Metal.

Melodic Death Metal spielt auch Scar Symmetry, die nächste Band, die auf dem Programm stand – allerdings meiner Meinung nach längst nicht so gut wie das Stückchen Arsis zuvor. Von den zwei Sängern der Band ist der eine für die Growls zuständig, der andere für die cleanen Vocals – kennt man ja inzwischen. Mit den Growls ergab sich ein typischer Melodic Death Metal-Sound a la In Flames. Alles andere als originell, aber eigentlich ganz OK. Den deutlich größeren Anteil an den Songs hatte allerdings der Klargesang, und der hörte sich nach schlechtem, “cheesy” Power Metal an. Da mir sowas noch nie gefallen hat, habe ich irgendwann nur noch gewartet, bis der Auftritt vorbei ist.

Behemoth war der eigentliche Grund für meinen kleinen Ausflug nach Leipzig. Auf dem PartySan 2008 haben die Vier einen gigantischen Auftritt hingelegt – an den sind sie diesmal leider nicht herangekommen. Trotzdem waren sie für mich ganz klar die beste Band des Abends. Die typischen Elemente des Behemoth-Sounds waren natürlich auch dieses Mal wieder dabei – brutale zermalmende Riffs, fiese Growls von Nergal und die MG-mäßigen Blastbeats von Inferno. Durch die Aufmachung der Band und die Bühnendekoration wird die düstere Wirkung der Songs immer sehr schön unterstützt, auch diesesmal wieder thronte Nergal wie ein finsterer Hohepriester über der Masse. Die Show war leider viel zu schnell vorbei, wenn’s nach mir gegangen wäre, wäre Behemoth der Headliner gewesen.

Diese Position hatte allerdings DevilDriver. Den Namen hatte ich zwar vorher schon mal gehört, das war aber auch schon alles, ich habe vorher tatsächlich noch keinen einzigen DevilDriver-Song gehört, deshalb war ich einigermaßen gespannt, was mir denn da so geboten werden würde. Groove Metal, New Wave of American Heavy Metal, Melodeath – das sind so die Stichworte, die mir dazu eingefallen sind. Nach Behemoth war ich nicht wirklich in der Stimmung, mir sowas anzuhören, deshalb habe ich mich schnell an die Bar verzogen. Ein großer Teil des Publikums war aber anscheinend wegen DevilDriver da, denn während des Auftritts ging es im Saal richtig rund, mit Stagedivern und Moshpit.

So, das war jetzt der Auftakt zum vorweihnachtlichen Metal-Marathon – bis Weihnachten steht fast jedes Wochenende ein Konzert auf dem Plan. Schaumermal, wie’s weitergeht…

Album : The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand
Artist : DevilDriver
Year : 2005
Genre : Groove
Performers : Dez Fafara (vocals), Mike Spreitzer (guitar), Jeff Kendrick (guitar), Jon Miller (Bass), John Boecklin (Drums).

Welcome back! Today’s review is the 2nd album from groove metalheads, DevilDriver. This was the follow-up to their self-titled debut which was received poorly by critics (although my thoughts are slightly different). Let’s not delay.

1. End Of The Line (5:03)
Score: 8
I love the intro to this song, it’s probably a personal favourite of mine. The way it evokes a sort of calm before the storm feeling is brilliant. I just love it. Then the storm comes, and it’s quite a storm. I can’t get my feelings right about this song sometimes. The musicianship is quite strong, nothing spectacular, but very solid nonetheless. Fafara has an interesting growl, which I tend to like, although sometimes I wince at it. The thing that always brings me back to this song though is that intro, and that’s why this is an 8 instead of a 7.

2. Driving Down The Darkness (3:53)
Score: 8
A strong song. The most noticeable thing is how well the music works as a unit. Boecklin’s drumwork really sets a foundation for the guitarists to build on. And while there’s nothing particularly mindblowing about the guitarwork, it’s really quite strong across the board.

3. Grinfucked (3:32)
Score: 6
Slightly disappointing. There’s nothing really to grab onto in this song. Everything is fairly uninspiring with no brilliant intro or especially good sounding breakdown, which can often save a song like this. Unfortunately for this track though, nothing really pops up, there’s a semi-interesting breakdown which is nice to listen to, but that ain’t cutting the mustard, so to speak.

4. Hold Back The Day (4:14)
Score: 8
Another nice little intro starts this song, and while it’s not quite as good as what we opened with back in End Of The Line, it’s still not a bad effort on their part. The couple of high notes played during the pre-chorus are a bit of fun which gives the song a kick. The track also brings a nice energy and Fafara does a pretty good job up front.

5. Sin And Sacrifice (5:04)
Score: 8
I’m starting to think I gravitated toward these songs because of their intro’s because this track has another doozy. Surprisingly enough though, this song has a slowness to it which isn’t really apparent at first. The verses are fairly standard pace-wise, but the chorus really puts on the brakes. It’s not a bad thing, it’s actually quite good, just slightly unexpected. I’d probably put this up for my strongest track of the album. Great song.

6. Ripped Apart (4:11)
Score: 6
This is the beginning of a fairly lean period for this album. And this song is definitely nothing to write home about. The musicianship is solid, there’s no problem there, and Fafara does a decent job, it’s just missing an X-factor, which is a very important thing for a song. Without that X-factor, you don’t feel the need to come back and listen to a song, and what’s the use if you don’t wanna keep on listening. It does have a decent outro though, who woulda thunk’d it.

7. Pale Horse Apocalypse (4:13)
Score: 6
What a strange name for a song. I’ve always thought apocalyptic horse’s were black, with blood dripping from every orafice…or maybe that’s just me. Um,…what to say about this song….it’s has a nice clip, the pace it sets is fairly constant and provides a good energy. It also has one of he better solo sections on the album, with a bit of twin guitarwork going on. So, things are pretty solid all the way around, but solid doesn’t get it done. It just lacks a special something. No X-Factor=no high score.

8. Just Run (4:15)
Score: 6
An interesting song. The main guitar riff is what gives this song some spark, with it providing a bit of electricity to an otherwise normal piece of Metal. I do enjoy how it slithers along the chorus, just under Fafara’s vocals. However, I can’t bring myself to raise the score. Maybe I’m being a little hard on it, because it is very close to being a good song. Oh, well.

9. Impending Disaster (4:09)
Score: 6
Hmmm….I don’t really think much of this song. It’s all too bland for my tastes, especially after some of the stuff these guys have offered up on other tunes. Sad.

10. Bear Witness Onto (4:05)
Score: 6
A similar story appears here. There a few things I like about this song and a few things I don’t like. That just seems to be the way of this album. It has a good chorus and the music isn’t bad. In the end though, this song just doesn’t do enough to grab my attention.

11. Before The Hangman’s Noose (3:52)
Score: 7
The chorus makes this song, it’s bouncy riffage is quite compelling and you really can’t help but bang your head. The rest of the song is pretty standard otherwise, nothing particularly strong about the music or the vocals. Fairly standard stuff, but that chorus is a bit of fun.

12. The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand (4:51)
Score: 8
The closer for the album does what much of the rest of the record has done, and that’s start off well. The intro is quite strong, a theme for this album, the calming guitars of the opener even make  a small return. Actually, this song is slightly calmer than the others, holding on to a steady, medium pace. The album then slowly, and calmly fades away in much the same way as it opened.  A really good finisher for this album.

Final Thoughts:
In some ways, I think I was a touch hard on some of the songs on this album. In saying that though, I don’t feel as if this album is any better than score I gave it. Many of the tracks are solid, especially in their musicianship, but the vocals from Fafara, while decent, don’t make me especially excited. Maybe it’s my penchant for clean vocals but I just can’t get focused on Fafara voice. Luckily, the band does a good job holding my attention with their musical talent. Like I’ve said a bunch of times in this review, I especially like the introductions. There’s just something about them that instantly gets me into their songs. A definite positive. However, there is little else that stands out. Does this album improve on their debut? Well, you’ll have to wait and see, but honestly, I don’t think there’s a huge difference in quality.

On the whole, this album is a solid, if unspectacular piece of groove metal. The introduction’s are awesome and the musicianship is solid. Worth owning if you like a bit of groove in ya Metal.

High Points:

• The introduction to songs. All, save but a few, are pretty awesome. A great way of getting into each song.
• Solid musicianship across the board.

Low Points:

• Fafara’s vocals lack a bit of punch.
• No real brilliant songs.

FINAL SCORE: 71

No doubt, World Painted Blood is not for many of my readers. And I will not even try to persuade people to listen to Slayer if they haven’t done so until now. Anyway, this is another sign of the fact that metal genre is coming back as many old bands have produced satisfactory albums recently: Testament’s The Formation of Damnation, Hordes Of Chaos by Kreator, Endgame by Megadeth and finally Metallica’s Death Magnetic are sure signs of a return. Slayer’s last album reminded me its one of older albums that included many punk covers: Undisputed Attitude Songs are faster and louder but not necessarily dark and satanic as the most classical Slayers songs are. In this sense, many hardcore fans maynot be satisfied with the album but for those like me who have a crush on punk, this is a fantastic production. Slightly punkish thrash in Slayer mode. My favorite song is “Americon” and but following songs maintain the tempo: 9. Psychopathy Red 10. Playing with Dolls…

Last updated: 13 Nov 2009:18:30

CD review: SLAYER, World Painted Blood

from Metal Injection by BentheCaucasian

Slayer Interview

Slayer’s place in metal history is secure. They are one of the most influential bands in the history of the genre, with some great albums and legions of memorable live shows. More than a quarter century later, the band remains at the top of their game. Their 10th studio album is World Painted Blood, which was produced by Greg Fidelman (Slipknot, Metallica). The band is very happy with how their latest CD turned out, as drummer Dave Lombardo relates. We also talked about the possibility of visiting his native Cuba, his kids’ musical aptitude, and many other topics.

DevilDriver Pick Their Top Albums Of 2009

Dez Fafara and Mike Spreitzer weigh in with their favourite albums of the year!

Every day from now until Christmas, we will be revealing a different band/member of a band’s top albums of the year.

Here is Dez Fafara and Mike Spreitzer’s top albums of 2009! (Note: We know AC/DC came out last year, we just didn’t have the heart to tell them.)

Essential Grindcore Albums

Grindcore is a genre characterized by albums with dozens of songs with a general running time of two minutes, countless splits with other artists and consistently revolving band lineups. So it’s often difficult to know where to get started if you are new to the genre. We’ve done a bit of the legwork for you and picked out 10 albums that are grindcore cornerstones.

Dez Fafara of DevilDriver, recently told Metal Hammer His favourite albums of this year, here is his picks:

Alice In Chains- Black Gives Way To Blue

Dez: Great to have a new record from one of the greatest bands in history .

Mastodon- Crack The Skye

Dez: Unreal band both live and on recording.  This is killer.  Plus there all great dudes.

Behemoth- Evangelion

Dez: Fuckin’ heavy metal Poland style! Great people and great players.

Megadeth- Endgame

Dez: One of the best records Dave has ever put out!  From start to finish a Winner!

Thy Will Be Done- In Ancient Of Days

Dez: Heavy / hardcore / metal … They’re great live and onstage when J says “We listen to Sabbath and Slayer! We don’t care if you don’t “!  It gets me every time lol

Slayer- World Painted Blood

Dez: Holy fuck! It sounds more punk influenced! First song is 2 min 40 sec of punk fucking rock! I love it !

AC/DC- Black Ice

Dez: The best band in the world just can’t do it wrong! Turn this up for sure!

Rammstein- Liebe Ist Für Alle Da

Dez: Little bit like the older stuff.  Mike says “much better than the last 2 records” Live, they Kill!

Did nobody tell him Black Ice came out last year?

Banda: DevilDriver
Genero: Metalcore / Melodic Death Metal
Pais: EUA

Devildriver (2003) download

The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand (2005) download

The Last Kind Words (2007) download

Head Of The Heartache [EP] (2008) download

Pray For Villains [Whith bonus tracks] (2009) download

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I’m sure by putting up a review for a modern metal album i will lose some of my ‘individuality’ street cred, but this album is worth losing some street cred over.

DevilDriver is at the very forefront of modern American heavy metal. they flirt with everything from death and thrash to ‘core leanings. but along the way they never end up becoming another over ambitious Faith No More cover band. they dont push and mash too many sounds together. they use just what is needed to make each song an individual assault on your ears.

more than just a masterful understanding of their respective instruments, and more than a great ability to mesh together, this band has a spark that has been all but dead in mainstream metal. there is something about the groove they have that makes the music seem honest. something in guitarist Mike Spreitzer’s venom soaked leads, or drummer John’s powerful assault that lets the listener know that this band isnt about the money. if it wasnt for their deal with RoadRunner Records these guys would STILL be playing music. there is a passion in every song that lets me know that this fourth album isnt an excuse to tour. they arent Megadeth or the Rolling Stones. they arent just putting out albums to warrant a new tour, they are writing music because its what they were made to do. its what they NEED to do.

while the whole album is a powerful juggernaut, there are a few tracks which need a more in-depth review.

the first song on the album is ‘Pray For Villains’. the song is a frenzy of guitar and drum patterns that mesmerize. they are almost hypnotic enough to make the listener forget about the singer. but a razor throated monster like Dez (the singer) would never allow that. his ferocity on the title track (and lead single) ranges from an Al Jourgensen influenced wail all the way to a nice Florida Death metal spit-soaked vocal.

‘Back With A Vengeance’ is a brutal groove song that could very easily be a Pantera cover. the vocal line, ‘Dont Start Thinking That You Got the Best of Me, I’ve Got Some News for You, You Aint Seen the Last of Me” is one of the best singalong moments of 2009.

‘I’ve Been Sober’, the fifth track, is the most complete song on the album. from its beautiful almost serene intro and its thunderous pounding verse, the song is an unstoppable metal monster. the song grows and becomes more and more powerful until it hits the chorus, where it presents one of the best scream/singalong moments of the album.

the winner for best track on the album though is the sixth track, ‘Resurrection Blvd”. the ‘Night on Bald Mountain’ ominous vibe and the ‘Kill ‘Em All’ raw aggression couple together for one of the most moving and spirited metal songs not only of 2009, but of the past few years. “She Brings Me Nails and Turpentine” and “Cats in the Corner, Dogs on the Floor” are perfect mood setting lyrics to think about. the song has a decidedly NOLA vibe. it seems like brutal grove metal isnt the only thing that DevilDriver has picked up from the Pantera/SuperJoint/Down school of thrash and vinegar.

the rest of the songs on the album all range from good to amazing, but these few are the standout tracks.

as a longtime metalhead (i have the hearing loss to prove it), i would have to say that this album is an ESSENTIAL addition to all collections. if this is the face of modern metal then this will be an amazing few years.

Metal Hammer just posted an interview with Dez Fafar of DevilDriver, about the new album, that work has alredy begun on, heres the interview:

Dez – “We’re definitely stepping it up. Most bands have five or six years before they even get signed, so they have that time to hone their sound and we only had six months! We’ve been together six or seven years so that’s why you’re getting this fourth record. If you’re prolific then bring it. For some bands you’re waiting like three or four years for the next album and that’s not fair on the fans, and we’re not that band, we want to be prolific.”

Dez – “We’ve got way faster tunes, way heavier tunes. We’re finding ourselves with this next record. Really we’ve been finding ourselves on every record. From the first record to the new one you can hear the progression, take the journey. Which I think is cool.”

MH – And what about the anthems on the latest album? Will you be carrying that forward?
Dez – “We don’t yet. I’m just starting to write vocals, but it’s gonna be big: big hooks, big choruses, but it’s heavier as well and has loads of technical stuff on their too. We never set our sights on something specific, it just happens.”

Dez – “The feeling these guys have is that they want to crush so they’re gonna write an album that crushes!”

The album will (hopefully) be out this time next year according to Metal Hammer. This should be awesome, if Pray For Villains is anything to go by, the album should kick a large amount of ASS!!

The MARAZENE Machine

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