Saliva — “Musta Been Wrong”
alternative metal
Playlist Challenge, Day 402
Mushroomhead — “Kill Tomorrow”
Playlist Challenge, Day 401
Mushroomhead — “12 Hundred”
Album Review: Tremonti’s A Dying Machine
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.
Bands You Should Know: Hot Gospel
Hot Gospel reached out to me via Instagram, requesting that I give them a listen. What they didn’t know is…they were already on my list of bands to check out. Based on my love of Asking Alexandria, Every Time I Die, and others, Hot Gospel seemed to fit the bill nicely.
I jumped on YouTube and listened to the songs available there, just to get a taste. I started with “Thanks For The Blood.” The opening riff hooked me immediately, and while I fully appreciate the growling screams, the clean vocals were very nice, reminiscent of early era M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) mixed with Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria). Honestly, the track filled me with the urge to dive into a mosh pit.
I followed the link to their Bandcamp for more. The best thing about Hot Gospel, in my humble opinion, is the fact that they don’t fall into the standard metal/hardcore sound. Many bands tend to become complacent, but thus far, Hot Gospel is nowhere close. They include the elements of several genres, then add their own unique twist to tie it all together.
I would highly recommend Hot Gospel to anyone who appreciates a fresh approach to a favorite genre. The band is currently recording a new EP, to be released in August/September. A single and music video will be out even sooner, so keep your eyes peeled; you know I’ll be sharing it here!
Check out the songs below and be sure to visit Hot Gospel on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and their official site. If you sign up for their mailing list, you will get free stuff and merch discount codes!
Playlist Challenge, Day 386
Alter Bridge — “Metalingus”
Playlist Challenge, Day 385
Rammstein — “Mein Teil”
Album of the Week: Asking Alexandria’s Stand Up and Scream
“Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)” and “Not the American Average” are enough reason for me to choose Stand Up and Scream as my album of the week… And that’s before adding in “A Candlelit Dinner with Inamorta” and “A Single Moment of Sincerity.” ❤
Playlist Challenge, Day 384
Pinkly Smooth — “McFly”
5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#4)
After saying I would feature anyone who followed me or liked a post, I got quite the response. I love it because it’s given me a lot of good music to listen to! The result is that I’m going to start posting these blogs twice a week instead of just on Sundays.
1. Amongst Thieves
A post-hardcore band from the UK. For fans of Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, etc. Their debut self-titled album is available now, via YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes. For a taste, check out “The Golden Ratio.”
Facebook — Instagram — Twitter
2. Unveil
A female-fronted dark rock band from Canada. For fans of Evanescence, The Birthday Massacre, and Halestorm. Their new album, The Deep Sleep, is available now on iTunes and on their official site.
3. Black Rose Reception
A hard rock band from Indiana. They have a classic rock/metal vibe. For a good preview of the band, check out their ReverbNation page, and watch this…
4. The Edge of Reason
A post-hardcore/emocore/rock band from Germany. There are definite punk vibes to go with the hard rock and melodic vocals, not unlike the latest from Asking Alexandria and Bullet For My Valentine. Their album Broken But Not Torn is available on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, and Bandcamp. Check out “Is She Worth It?”
Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — YouTube
5. BrokenRail
A rock band from my home state of Alabama. For fans of Breaking Benjamin, Sevendust, Shinedown, etc. BrokenRail is working on their third release. For now, give “Walk Again” a chance.
And my personal favorite, “Insanity.”
