Album review

Shadows Calling Showcase Their Versatility on New EP, ‘These Scars’

April 15, 2024 — Leave a comment

Shadows Calling is a female-fronted alternative rock band hailing from Cork, Ireland. They released their debut EP, Spirit Shifter, in early 2023. Now, the five-piece outfit is back with These Scars, a four track EP that dropped March 22, 2024.

Shadows Calling boasts a group of musicians who delve into the many aspects of the rock and metal genres, paired with singer Jen Vaughan’s powerful vocals. The band utilizes a vast array of sounds and melodies on These Scars, which clocks in at 17 minutes and balances the fast-paced and upbeat with the slow, dark, and moody.

The EP kicks off with “Dead Long Enough,” a heavy opener with tasty guitar parts that will make listeners want to bang their heads and sing along. The song is a 2:47 driving piece that would be at home on any modern rock playlist. Shadows Calling switches gears with the title track, “These Scars,” which has a deliciously gritty groove that brings to mind such classic metal acts as Metallica and Black Sabbath. Jen toys with the rougher edge of her voice throughout, showcasing a range that is expertly manipulated to match the tone set by the music.

“The Lost” is another nod to the vintage, melodic with a hint of funk, and Jen’s vocals positively soar. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, but this is my favorite of the four songs. The EP closes with “Ships,” and here again the band ventures into different territory. This epic track takes the listener on a journey. The music itself runs through a hard rock start, a nasty heavy metal breakdown at its heart. Listeners are then granted by a brief interlude of nothing but bass and the ethereal facet of Jen’s singing before the song ends on a guitar fade out.

Shadows Calling has packed a punch with These Scars, making a statement that they will not be ignored with four catchy, captivating tracks that will grab you and not let go. For any fan of hard rock, metal, and/or grunge, this EP is a must-hear!

Be sure to follow Shadows Calling on their socials so that you don’t miss any updates or new music! The band has had quite a year, and I believe they have a promising future ahead.

Album Review – Revolution Rabbit Deluxe: Control Freaks (2023)

November 19, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from Wales, Revolution Rabbit Deluxe is a band with a sound that ranges from power pop and Brit rock to alternative/indie with strong punk overtones. This four-piece outfit has blended their many influences into a sound that brings the late 70s/early 80s punk rock and new wave movements firmly into the 2020s. (I was visited by heavy The Clash vibes.) This near seamless modern take on these genres is evident on the band’s latest album, Control Freaks.


Control Freaks was released on October 28, 2023. The record kicks off with the track “I’ve Got Nothing” and doesn’t relinquish its hold on the listener straight through to the finale. Within the twelve songs you will find everything from poppy, danceable bops, such as “Summer All Year Round,” to more socially aware (in true punk fashion) tracks like “Fabian Control Freaks,” which is extremely catchy and will have you singing along. Revolution Rabbit Deluxe even throws in a couple of slower, more heartfelt songs in “Mother and Child” and “The Girl From Irpin,” proving that this quartet can run the gamut of human emotion.


If you are a fan of old-school punk or alternative/indie rock, or if you simply want to lose yourself in something that is upbeat while making a statement, Control Freaks is a must-hear! The band’s promise that the album will “bring a smile to your face as we march headlong towards inevitable(?) oblivion” is more than delivered on.


Standout tracks: “Mother and Her Child,” “The Girl From Irpin,” “The Sweetest Things,” and “Glasgow Kiss”

Seethe Gets Personal With New Album

August 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Alternative/trap metal artist Seethe has released his latest album, Delenda: A Black Rose on the Epitaph. Carrying the listener through the subjects of mental health and a real-life hospital stay, Seethe has bared his soul to the world in these nine tracks.

Delenda: A Black Rose on the Epitaph is an interestingly composed record, musically. It is comprised of a style that is not only heavy, but purposefully harsh and glitchy, with anguished vocals that resonate with rage and frustration. This raw and unfiltered emotion is contrasted with the occasional catchy, more melodic break, featured mostly in the choruses. The play of an almost lighter offering amongst the darker standard grabs the attention, keeping the ear intrigued.

The atmosphere that Seethe has created is often jarring, sometimes uncomfortable, an echo of the true story of his struggles with his mental health and the decision to sign himself into a psych ward. However, the overall message of Delenda: A Black Rose on the Epitaph is one of hope. By sharing his own personal story and tackling a topic that most seem content to ignore, Seethe is breaking an invisible barrier. He is telling his listeners – and everyone else – that there is no shame in the struggle, that it does not mean you are weak, and that asking for help is the strongest action you can take. 

The two singles showcase the lowest and highest points of this autobiographical story. “Can’t Breathe,” the second track on the record, is the hopeless beginning, the bleakest moment, feeling overwhelmed and trapped, both by the four walls of the hospital and your own mind. However, by the time one reaches “Linear,” track eight of nine, a sense of balance is slowly being gained, a clearer headspace in which you are starting to take control of your life, having a better idea of what to do for your version of normal…because each of us is different, and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for all. The songs in the middle are the journey between despair and the start of catharsis.

Delenda: A Black Rose on the Epitaph is a triumph. Seethe grants his listeners a glimpse into the shadows, a foray into territories not often explored, and he reveals a message of solidarity, support, hope, and victory, both big and small. He has expertly crafted his music, lyrics, and vocals in the shape of the story he is sharing. This is a 2023 must-hear album. 

You can listen to Delenda: A Black Rose on the Epitaph wherever you stream music!

Album Review: Breathing Theory’s Artificial

June 11, 2023 — Leave a comment

Breathing Theory is a band that toes the line between heavy and melodic with an unrivaled precision (think Starset meets Gemini Syndrome meets Breaking Benjamin), and they have proven this yet again with the release of their new album. Artificial hit all streaming services on May 26th. The album is made up of ten songs that run the gamut from provoking thought to tugging the heartstrings, and all are unforgiving in their extremes.

Artificial opens with the electro-metal-symphonic “Replicas,” an introduction to the theme set by the album’s title: a dystopian future run by artificial intelligence. The very first song begs the questions “Can we define what it is that makes us human? Are we alive, or are we just replicas?”

“Replicas” is succeeded by “Beautiful Disaster,” which showcases Breathing Theory’s hard-hitting riffs paired with heartfelt lyrics and frontman Cory Britt’s strong singing voice. The band sends listeners into audio whiplash by diving straight into the relentless “Collapse.” Here is a prime example of Cory’s harsh growls and screams, echoing the anger and frustration of the lyrics – “They’re starting fires so the smoke and hate won’t clear/Misdirection keeps you trapped in fear” – and juxtaposed by the pure cleans of the chorus.

The next track – “Your Frequency” – is another switch, not exactly a ballad but certainly on the more melodic end of things. This is one of my favorites on the record. The words are gorgeous, and I have the utmost respect for Breathing Theory’s refusal to shy away from that side of their genre.

“The Cure” is crafted into solid verses and an extremely catchy chorus. It is followed by “Transcend,” the heaviest song on the album, and “My Cancer,” the softest. “Tethers” feels like something you would hear on the radio (in the best possible way). It makes the head bob and is easily imaginable as one of the sing-along moments during a Breathing Theory show.

And then, the band drops in their rendition of Journey’s “Separate Ways.” I’ll admit, I didn’t see that one coming, but I cannot stress enough how much it absolutely works! Breathing Theory manages to maintain the integrity of the original while also making it their own, a truly impressive feat.

Artificial wraps with “Blackout,” and I am going to call this a ballad. Slow and steady, with sad lyrics, Cory’s haunting vocals, and a moody guitar solo (can guitar solos be moody?), I think it fits the bill. 

There is not a single track on this record that I don’t like. A mix of alternative rock and metal with a metalcore edge and a trace of the grunge element, Breathing Theory definitely knows how to keep listeners intrigued and on their toes. Give Artificial a listen, or several, and follow Breathing Theory on their socials to see what’s next!

“Collapse” was the first single from Artificial. I knew I was going to love this album solely because of this song.

Shadow Reborn Invites You to the Realm of the Wicked (Review)

May 30, 2023 — 1 Comment

Shadow Reborn is a theatrical goth metal band from southern Florida. I’m a bit late to the party, I’m sorry to say, and have only just delved into their latest EP, Realm of the Wicked, which was released back in February 2022.

It is immediately apparent that Shadow Reborn is a band that values a thematic approach to both their appearance and their music, and Realm of the Wicked offers a tantalizing glimpse into their dark, glamorous world. With a running time of 26 minutes and 52 seconds, this EP is sure to carry you on a carnival ride of the macabre.

The atmosphere is set with the brief “Intro,” building anticipation before the jazzy cabaret that is the opening to “Danse Macabre” (my favorite track). Here, the listener is given a taste of the talent that Shadow Reborn possesses, as well as a heavy nod to their influences – The 69 Eyes, HIM, and Type O Negative, just to name a few.

While centered around the goth metal genre, further exploration into the EP showcases elements of 80’s glam and dark cabaret a la Emilie Autumn or Marquis of Vaudeville. “Danse Macabre” and “Tonight is Ours” are guitar centric songs, while “Her Mortal Embrace” has the addition of a more symphonic sound, given weight by the orchestral arrangements and haunting guest vocals provided by Hali Laso. “R” jumps out as the most unique track, a faster and harsher arrangement throughout which is threaded shredding guitars that are speed metalesque.

The EP is wrapped with a cover of Motley Crue’s “Ten Seconds to Love,” a tribute that stays quite true to the original. I personally prefer the slower, deeper voice of Shadow Reborn’s front man; it sounds shockingly similar to Jyrki 69 and I am a huge fan of The 69 Eyes.

Realm of the Wicked is a must-hear for all the rock and metal fans out there who enjoy the theatrical, the gothic, the glamorous, but I believe it also stands strong against the critique of those searching for more. Shadow Reborn is a gifted band with something to offer most rock/metal fans, so do yourself a favor and check them out ASAP!

Album Review: Shinedown’s Planet Zero

July 16, 2022 — Leave a comment

Band: Shinedown

Album: Planet Zero

Genre: Rock

Release Date: July 1, 2022

Standout Tracks: “Dysfunctional You,” “Dead Don’t Die,” “America Burning,” “A Symptom of Being Human,” “Sure Is Fun,” and “What You Wanted”

I know it’s been more than two weeks since Planet Zero dropped, but I was instructed to give this album my full attention before forming an opinion and, unfortunately, my first 3-4 plays of it were in my car while driving. I don’t consider that a deep dive, since I was trying to focus on the road at the same time. Lol.

I have since run through the album in its entirety several times, and the only thing I can say is… I love it. I love everything about it. There’s not a single track I find it necessary to skip, and there are several – even more than listed above – that I absolutely must hear every day.

It’s Shinedown. I don’t know how else to explain it. Planet Zero encompasses all the elements that make this band great. It’s raw and emotional. They hit the listener straight out of the gate with “No Sleep Tonight” and the title track, a no-holds-barred commentary on cancel culture. Then they strike the emotions with the encouraging “Dysfunctional You.” After that, we’re back to the unfiltered anger and frustration in “Dead Don’t Die” and “America Burning” before again offering a sense of solace with “A Symptom of Being Human” and “Hope.”

The second half of the record seems to stem from that – hope. While “Clueless and Dramatic” continues the theme of our current WTF society, it simultaneously serves up a solution. “Turn it off!” vocalist Brent Smith insists in the closing refrain. “Save yourself from the clueless and dramatic!”

We next enter the might-as-well-enjoy-it phase with “Sure Is Fun,” a personal favorite of mine. This is followed by the heartfelt, meaningful “Daylight,” because what would a Shinedown album be without at least one tear-jerking balladesque song? (Be ready for that track live; I’ve seen it and it’s magical.)

The record concludes with that sense of hope still intact, if fatalistic, and an acknowledgement that this is our reality and despite the state of things, none of us can look away. But there is also a rationale, a kind of plea to those in power – and all of us, in general. “Is this what you wanted?” the band asks, to which the answer should be a very plaintive no.

There are a lot of complexities on this album, a confusion and angst that reflects what many of us are feeling these days. However, I think that, at the core, the band maintains the one thing they have always preached: we are all human, we all have flaws and shortcomings, we are all victims of the human condition, so just be good and be kind. Turn it off and focus on being a human. We don’t need the media – social, mainstream, whatever – telling us how to do that. It’s simply in our nature.

Album Review: Alter Bridge’s Walk the Sky

October 24, 2019 — Leave a comment

Band: Alter Bridge

Album: Walk the Sky

Genre: Rock

Release Date: October 18, 2019

Standout Tracks: “Godspeed,” “Indoctrination,” “Forever Falling,” and “Walking on the Sky”

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Alter Bridge is back with their sixth studio album, Walk the Sky.

Staying true to form, Alter Bridge has again created a unique collection of fourteen tracks that don’t sound quite like anything they’ve done before. There are touches from past records evident — the heaviness of The Last Hero, the deeper lyrical content of AB III, even a tip of the hat to Tremonti’s latest solo effort, A Dying Machine — and yet, Walk the Sky stands strong on its own merits.

The album opens with “One Life,” a soft and melodic intro clocking in at 1:23, then immediately hits the listener with the blistering “Wouldn’t You Rather,” an offering of sage advice. “There is no gain worth the commerce of self,” front man Myles Kennedy warns, before asking “Wouldn’t you rather live from the heart?”

“Godspeed” is a beautiful ode to a lost loved one (and the song that made me cry; there is always at least one). With the opening piano setting the mood, Myles delivers a heartfelt goodbye that touches the soul.

“Native Son” and “Take the Crown” are two of the harder tracks, followed by the raw, gritty, dark “Indoctrination” (a personal favorite). “Pay No Mind,” which was the second single, has grown on me exponentially with each listen.

Guitarist Mark Tremonti takes lead vocals on “Forever Falling,” a change that always goes over well with the Alter Bridge fanbase. The chorus serves up the absolute magic that is Mark and Myles’ intertwined voices, a combination I’ve loved from day one.

“Walking on the Sky” struck me with my very first listen of the album. I can’t even explain it. Perhaps it’s the aforementioned Myles/Mark harmonies; perhaps it’s the flawless shifting between the softness of the verses and the heavier chorus; or it could just be these words — “And if you fall, at least you tried/As you tremble on the wire/Walking on the sky.”

The record ends with “Dying Light.” Alter Bridge gifts their listeners with catharsis, assuring all who hear that “In the dying light, we can learn to live again/When we wake up to eternal life.”

I definitely encourage everyone to check out Walk the Sky. Alter Bridge has granted us an eclectic mix of the elements that make them one of the best bands in the business (the best, in my opinion). This record will surely be on repeat for months to come. 4/5 stars.

Bands You Should Know: Common Rarity

August 27, 2018 — 1 Comment

Last weekend, I went to 11th Frame Live to see Common Rarity. I was excited because I had familiarized myself with the Tuscaloosa-based band while writing the Alabama edition of “5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following.” Now that I have been to a show and heard their debut EP in full, I have plenty more to say.

First and foremost, I really really enjoyed Common Rarity’s performance. A balanced combination of talent and image, the band had a lot of energy, and their set list consisted mostly of covers meant to encourage crowd participation: “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “School’s Out,” “Rebel Yell,” etc. Singer/guitarist Bailey Rollins was a less exuberant showman than his band mates, particularly bassist JD Smalley and drummer Jaxon Hubbard, but it fit the vibe of their show. There was never a dull moment, the audience was definitely feeling it, and I had more fun with Common Rarity than I’ve had in a while.

Needless to say, I immediately bought their self-titled EP after their set. A mix of alternative, progressive, grunge, and the theatrical, Common Rarity has plenty to work with. The quartet channels Alice in Chains, The Cure, REM, and others while injecting their own flair, putting a more current spin on that late 80’s/early 90’s sound. Bailey is often reminiscent of Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), yet he can use his voice in a variety of ways, lending to that unique something that is simply Common Rarity.

Their standout tracks, thus far, are “Meteorite,” “The Fine Print,” and “Astray.”

In addition to this so-called review, I have to say that there is a lot going on for Common Rarity. The current lineup has been together for three years and are already very proficient at their craft. Talented, driven, and young, there seems to be nothing holding them back from achieving their goals. The members are also sweet and extremely fan-oriented, traits that — along with the music, of course — will draw even more people in.

After chatting with JD and Jaxon at the show, it is apparent the band have a pretty clear idea of what they are doing and what they want to do in the future. I have little doubt Common Rarity will become even more amazing, as they have been on an upward trajectory for a while now. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

Check CR out on Facebook and Spotify.

7 Stone Riot Releases ‘Scratching the Surface’ EP

July 9, 2018 — 2 Comments

7 Stone Riot is a hard rock band from Birmingham, Alabama. Formed in 2013, the five piece act has been crushing the local and regional scene since its conception, playing shows with such bands as Trapt and Nonpoint. They are soon to add Fozzy and Adelita’s Way to that list.

Last year, 7 Stone Riot shared two singles — “I’m Alive” and “Time Will Tell” — in preparation for the upcoming EP, and this past Wednesday Scratching the Surface was released.

7 Stone Riot has a raw energy that bleeds through on record. Front man Whit Millsap has a very distinctive voice, clean but not without a gritty edge, that works well over the heavy-yet-melodic approach the band takes to many of its songs. I would draw a comparison between them and Fuel, Like a Storm, Breaking Benjamin, etc.

Any track from Scratching the Surface would be at home on the airwaves of a rock/metal station. I particularly enjoyed “Talking in Circles” and “Time Will Tell.” The former has some standout work by bassist Tyler Millsap, while the latter is slower and threaded with beautiful guitars and the haunting lyrics to match.

I would highly recommend checking out Scratching the Surface. You can find the EP on all digital platforms. Signed physical copies are also available.

Learn more about 7 Stone Riot:

–Official Site

–Facebook

–Spotify

–Instagram

–YouTube

Album Review: Tremonti’s A Dying Machine

June 9, 2018 — Leave a comment

Band: Tremonti

Album: A Dying Machine

Genre: Rock/Metal

Release Date: June 8, 2018

Standout Tracks: “Desolation,” “Traipse,” “A Dying Machine,” “Trust,” “The First The Last,” “As the Silence Becomes Me,” and “A Lot Like Sin”

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I have labeled half of the album as “standout,” if that is any indication of my love for Tremonti’s A Dying Machine. I had a pretty good idea from the moment the title track, which is the core of this rock opera, was released that I was going to adore this record, but nothing could have prepared me for the perfection that would soon be gracing my ears. A Dying Machine kicks off with the hard-hitting “Bringer of War” and carries the listener on an intriguing musical journey, concluding with the instrumental “Found.” In the middle is some of the best work I have heard from Tremonti.

While staying true to their metal influences with such songs as “From the Sky” and the blistering “The Day When Legions Burned,” Tremonti also takes a left turn into the unexpected (“Take You With Me”) and the emotional (“Desolation”). They have used everything in their creative arsenal to tell us this story.

A Dying Machine is the perfect lovechild of its predecessors, yet it surpasses all of them. With each album, the band — consisting of Mark Tremonti, Eric Friedman, and Garrett Whitlock — has evolved. Their musical prowess has reached new levels, enabling them to take chances that certainly have paid off. Mark has grown as a lyricist, and his vocals on this latest effort are magnificent. His performance on the title track from Dust, as well as “Unable to See,” heralded what was to come; however, he pushes himself further on A Dying Machine, using his voice to evoke emotion more than he ever has before.

I can’t praise Tremonti enough for their unwavering dedication to this new wave of metal, heavy and melodic, unafraid to include a softer, more vulnerable side, or to bring in elements that supposedly have no place in the genre (something Mark has been doing with Alter Bridge for years). These unique inclusions are what make Tremonti stand out. In fact, they make the band rise above many of its contemporaries.

Offering a breath of fresh air to the hard rock/metal scene, A Dying Machine is my pick for Album of the Year. I’m sure it’s no surprise that I rate this record 5/5 stars.

And keep your eyes open: there will be a book based on A Dying Machine.