Bring Me the Horizon — “It Was Written in Blood,” from the album Suicide Season (2008).
alternative metal
Review: Sevendust’s All I See Is War
Band: Sevendust
Album: All I See Is War
Genre: Rock/Metal
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Standout Tracks: “Descend,” “Moments,” “Not Original,” “Life Deceives You,” and “Medicated”
I am not one of the Sevendust faithful, so to speak. I don’t watch the calendar and count the days until the Georgian metal band’s next release. However, when I read Lou Brutus’s praise for All I See Is War, I knew I needed to check it out.
I was not disappointed. Though I found the first two tracks — “Dirty” and “Risen” — to be par for the course, there is something about the album as a whole that really appealed to me. The latter half, in particular, really jumps out.
I have always appreciated Lajon Witherspoon and company’s lack of fear when it comes to showing a softer side to their typically hard-hitting music (“Skeleton Song,” anyone?). Needless to say, the melodic heaviness and gorgeous crooning on tracks such as “Descend,” “Moments,” and “Life Deceives You” were the highlights for me.
All I See Is War has the staples that Sevendust fans have loved for the last two decades. Add in the time-relevant lyrics and the ratio of melancholy, ruthless, and groove-driven, and you get a record that is a must for any music collection.
As a side note, I would like to say that I don’t even have the words to describe “Not Original.” Lajon’s vocal delivery is worthy of chills, and the guitar work from Clint Lowery and John Connolly carry the soulful performance to new heights. It is definitely my favorite song on the album.
Overall, I would give All I See Is War 4/5 stars. A balance of old and new, there are plenty of interesting elements here that make me excited for the future of Sevendust.
Album of the Week: Bring Me the Horizon’s That’s the Spirit
“Happy Song” has been my anthem recently, so I figured I’d give a nod to BMTH and the record that features that track, That’s the Spirit.
Weekly Focus: Bring Me the Horizon, Day One
Bring Me the Horizon — “Liquor & Love Lost,” from the album Count Your Blessings (2006).
5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following [Week Two]
I’m kicking off this week’s list with a couple of Instagram discoveries.
1. Cody Katastrophic
A singer/songwriter as well as a guitarist. He has a few covers posted, but this is what captured my attention.
2. Monowhales
An indie band from Toronto. I stumbled across them after their guitarist Zach followed me 🙂 This is their most recent single.
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube — Official Site
3. Almost Kings
If you’ve been paying attention, you already know about my love of this Atlanta-based rap/rock band. And if you haven’t listened to them yet, what are you doing with your life?! Lol.
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube — Spotify
4. Matt Gothic (Metal Matt)
A solo artist from Bristol, UK. He recently uploaded some videos of himself playing with a full band, so you should definitely check out my favorite, “You Know That I’m Here.”
Facebook — Instagram — YouTube — BandCamp
5. Tori Lamour
A female-fronted rock band from the UK, Tori Lamour meets all your music needs. Seriously. Listen. Do it now.
New Music (5/7 — 5/13)
Virgil: “Will It Blend?”
Aloe Blacc: “Brooklyn in the Summer”
Deafheaven: “Near” (preview)
Bastille: “Quarter Past Midnight”
Sifting: “Gloom”
August Burns Red: “King of Sorrow”
10 Years: “Burnout”
Bleeding Through: “Fade Into the Ash”
Jonathan Davis: “Basic Needs”
Attila: “Still About It”
Northlane: “Heartmachine”
Selena Gomez: “Back To You”
Skyharbor: “Dim”
The Veer Union: “Save Yourself”
LSD ft. Sia, Diplo, and Labrinth: “Audio”
John Mayer: “New Light”
Sevendust: “Medicated”
Meghan Trainor: “Let You Be Right”
Charlie Puth (ft. Kehlani): “Done For Me”
Dave Matthews Band: “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)”
Tremonti: “Bringer of War”
Snakebite: “Beyond the Rust”
Graveyard: “The Fox”
Aelonia: “Zombie” (The Cranberries cover)
Weekly Focus: The Relentless, Day Seven
The Relentless — “Save a Prayer,” from the American Satan soundtrack (2017).
Weekly Focus: The Relentless, Day Six
The Relentless — “Hell Is For Children,” from the American Satan soundtrack (2017).
Playlist Challenge, Day 369
Black Veil Brides — “Wretched and Divine”
RIP Ben Graves
I can’t believe I’m writing another one of these…
Ben Graves (Murderdolls, Dope, Pretty Boy Floyd, Davey Suicide) passed away on Wednesday, May 9th. His fiancée Lydia posted this on Facebook:
“This is incredibly hard for me to write this, but I know it is necessary because Ben has so many friends and fans.
Most of you don’t know that Ben has been battling cancer for the last 11 months. It was his decision to keep his health very quiet.
Ben passed away today, May 9th 2018, from complications due to his cancer. His diagnosis was grim but he fought a long and hard battle to try and beat it and overcome the odds. Some battles can’t be won no matter how hard you try.
Please respect me, his family and close friends while we grieve. Even though we knew it was eventually coming, the complication was sudden and very unexpected.
It’s devastating to lose someone you love more than yourself. My heart is broken, my heart died with him.
We will be taking him home to Massachusetts. I will organize a memorial for Ben’s LA friends, details to follow.”
Guys…I am at a loss. I’ve been a fan of Ben’s since 2002, when my best friend played me “Love at First Fright” by the Murderdolls (her discovery based on the fact that Joey Jordison was their guitarist).
Fuck cancer.
