Florida rock bands

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.

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following (#5)

May 26, 2018 — 1 Comment

1. Fortunate Me

A hardcore/metalcore band from Idaho. For fans of Asking Alexandria, Of Mice and Men, Every Time I Die, etc. Check out their latest video below.

And the song that turned me on to them:

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2. Copper Bones

A hard rock/metal two-piece band from Florida. For fans of good rock music! I literally don’t know who to compare them to; there’s a hint of Brother Cane with a touch of an almost classic rock sound. Don’t take my word for it. Listen to “The Vulture.”

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3. January Jane

A pop/rock band from NYC. Slightly reminiscent of Fun and Maroon 5, with catchy sing-along moments, strong vocals, and music you can dance to. January Jane is currently working on new music. In the meantime, listen to “Take the Lions On.”

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4. Echo Black

A dance rock band from New York. For fans of Blaqk Audio, Blutengel, Kill Hannah, etc. I would highly suggest listening to multiple songs before forming an opinion, because these guys bring something different to the table every time. Here’s the title track from their debut album, Dawn.

And also, “Perfect,” which I just love.

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5. October Ends

A melodic metal band from the UK. For fans of All That Remains, Bullet For My Valentine, Lamb of God, etc. Check out the latest video for the track “Dismissal.”

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Playlist Challenge, Day 382

May 25, 2018 — Leave a comment

Marilyn Manson — “Long Hard Road Out of Hell”

Playlist Challenge, Day 381

May 24, 2018 — Leave a comment

Marilyn Manson — “The Last Day on Earth”

Playlist Challenge, Day 379

May 22, 2018 — Leave a comment

Marilyn Manson — “King Kill 33°”

Playlist Challenge, Day 378

May 21, 2018 — Leave a comment

Marilyn Manson — “Coma White”

Review: Shinedown’s Attention Attention

May 16, 2018 — Leave a comment

Band: Shinedown

Album: Attention Attention

Genre: Rock

Release Date: May 4, 2018

Standout Tracks: “Attention Attention,” “Creatures,” “Get Up,” “Special,” “The Human Radio,” and “Brilliant”

As if it’s not obvious from the above list of songs I’ve labeled as standouts, I really enjoyed Shinedown’s Attention Attention. The record’s first actual track is “Devil,” which is an immediate one-two punch of heavy riffs and Brent Smith’s strong vocals. This was not too different from prior Shinedown singles and gave me no warning for what was to come.

“Black Soul” hits the ground running. While undoubtedly aggressive, the song grabs the listener and pulls us along for the ride. I was captivated from the keyboard riff that introduced this track, all the way through the fast-paced, the melodic, the raw and unfiltered, the heartfelt, and Brent’s calmly stated “Until next time” at the conclusion of the album.

With Attention Attention, Shinedown touches on the anthemic (“Attention Attention”), the hard and angry (“Kill Your Conscience,” “Pyro”), and their own unique brand of balladry (“Get Up,” “Special”). The record spans the range of human emotion, taking its audience high and low.

Brent Smith stated in interviews that Attention Attention was for the fans, and the sentiment is clearly there. It’s a whirlwind journey from darkness to light that is simultaneously enjoyable, encouraging, and a musical masterpiece.

I am clearly a sucker for the softer songs, and that’s why “Get Up” and “Special” tug at my heartstrings and claim positions one and two of my favorites from the album. However, I was also delighted by the head-bobbing funky bass and beat during the verses on “The Human Radio,” and the slow then blistering ride that is “Brilliant.”

From start to finish, there is nothing about Attention Attention that I did not like. I give this record 5/5 stars without any hesitation.

5 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following

May 7, 2018 — Leave a comment

I decided to start doing this once a week. I am following so many bands/artists on my various social media, and I think y’all should be too! Also, if you have recommendations of your own, feel free to comment!

1. Skellington

A metal band from Sweden, Skellington is currently working on new music. You can hear all of their music on Spotify, but to make your lives easier:

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

2. Devils Envy

I shared their most recent single, “Psycho,” not too long ago. Devils Envy is a kick-ass rock band from Orlando, Florida. Here is the video for “Look At Me Now.”

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3. Evestus

Evestus is an industrial rock/nu-goth/dark grunge band from Estonia. You can search for them on Spotify or just listen to this:

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4. 9Electric

9Electric is an electronic hard rock band from Los Angeles, California. Front man Ron Underwood was formerly in the band Opiate for the Masses.

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5. Throne of Eden

I’ve gotta share at least one band from my home state of Alabama. Throne of Eden is a rock band, for fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, etc. Their debut album, The Final Days, is now available on Spotify, iTunes, and the like.

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