Fear Factory is back and ready to show all those wannabes how it's done
Fear Factory released their comeback album "MECHANIZE" in February. AS said in a previous post it's been over 8 years since Burton C. Bell (Vocals) and Dino Cazares (guitar) have played together. The end result of their return is outstanding. There isn't one ounce of filler or crap on their new album. The first release (leak) POWERSHIFTER was heavy as hell and unrelenting and gave lots of fans out there hope that the new record would be as good if not better than that one song, and it is. The addition of Gene Holgan (Death/Strapping Young Lad) on drums, Byron Stroud (Strapping Young Lad/City Of Fire) on bass and the improvement of Dino's guitar playing has sure made for a sonic orgasm for your ears. Burton's vocals and lyrics are in tip top form. From start to finish this album doesn't stop kicking your ass. From the heaviest songs (Christploitation, Oxidizer, Controlled Demolition) to the more melodic heavy songs (Designing The Enemy, Metallic Division) Mechanize captures exactly what Fear Factory is. Cheers to the guys for coming together and making a great album. One that will undoubtedly be on many people's top 10 lists at the end of the year. I personally can't wait to see them live and scream along with everything!!!
The Upcoming Releases of 2010:
The Dillinger Escape Plan- Option Paralysis (March 23)
Down- Diary Of A Mad Band CD/DVD (March 23)
Sevendust- Cold Day Memory (April 20)
Warbeast- Krush The Enemy (April 27)
Soulfly- Omen (May 4)
The National- High Violet (May 11)
Deftones- Diamond Eyes (May 18)
Stone Temple Pilots- Stone Temple Pilots (May 25)
Other Notable Releases:
The Sword
Beastie Boys
Bad Religion
Middle Class Rut
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Soundgarden???
Radiohead
Sunday, March 14, 2010
It's March and a lot has happened...Part 1: Shows
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a lot of amazing shows and lots of announcements of upcoming shows and releases. Not to mention the release of Fear Factory's Mechanize, which has top 5 albums of the year written all over it. So without further or do here is what's been going on with the shows...
Shows:
First up was Alice In Chains. Seeing them again was unbelievable. They truly are amazing. William DuVall has really come into his own as the groups singer and his voice is captivating and hypnotizing at the same time. The band still fires on all cylinders and it's almost like this new "rebirth" has totally invigorated them and their playing. The set list was chock full of the classics to the new songs. Their new album "Black Gives Way To Blue" was one of the best albums of 2009 and has brought them back to the forefront of heavy rock. Alice In Chains is one of the bands that if you've never seen and are/were a fan, you should go see. For all the people that say that it's not Alice without Layne, take my challenge and they will prove you wrong!!!
The Set List:
All Secrets Known (Black Gives Way To Blue)
It Ain't Like That (Facelift)
Again (Alice In Chains/Tripod)
Check My Brain (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Them Bones (Dirt)
Dam That River (Dirt)
Rain When I Die (Dirt)
Your Decision (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Got Me Wrong (Sap)
We Die Young (Facelift)
Last Of My Kind (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Nutshell (Jar Of Flies)
Sickman (Dirt)
Lesson Learned (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Acid Bubble (Black Gives Way To Blue)
No Excuses (Jar Of Flies)
Angry Chair (Dirt)
Man In The Box (Facelift)
Encore:
Love Hate Love (Facelift)
Would (Dirt)
Rooster (Dirt)
Next on the list was Bon Jovi. The band that got me into music at age 2 and has been going strong throughout the years. After attending my first show ever at age 4 (it was a birthday present for my upcoming 5Th birthday) and it being Bon Jovi, of course it left an impact on me. 1989 was the first time seeing them and they amazed me then just as they did in 2010. Those guys are all near 50 and still put on one hell of a great show. While at the show in my shirt from 89 it felt great to be there and wear it like a badge of honor. Recently they released a new album called "The Circle". While it isn't the greatest thing in the world and it seems like a few of the songs are old songs reworked, it still harks back to a time when simple yet rockin songs can really captivate a listener. After one listen to the first single, you will have that song in your head! Enough about the album, the show and the set list was wonderful and undoubtedly shows all the wannabes out there a true professional and amazing show. I was lucky enough to attend 2 out of 3 of the so cal dates and they will forever be ingrained in my visual memory. The shows set lists were:
Anaheim Show Set List:
Blood On Blood (New Jersey)
We Weren't Born To Follow (The Circle
You Give Love A Bad Name (Slippery When Wet)
Get Ready (Bon Jovi)
Born To Be My Baby (New Jersey)
When We Were Beautiful (The Circle)
Superman Tonight (The Circle)
We Got It Goin On (Lost Highway)
Bad Medicine (New Jersey)
It's My Life (Crush)
Homebound Train (New Jersey)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Cover)
Bed Of Roses (New Jersey)
Something For The Pain (These Days)
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Cross Road)
Keep The Faith (Keep The Faith)
Work For The Working Man (The Circle)
Who Says You Can't Go Home (Have A Nice Day)
Love's The Only Rule (The Circle)
Encore:
Thorn In My Side (The Circle)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Slippery When Wet)
Livin On A Prayer (Slippery When Wet)
Staples Center Set List:
Blood On Blood (New Jersey)
We Weren't Born To Follow (The Circle
You Give Love A Bad Name (Slippery When Wet)
Whole Lot Of Leaving (Lost Highway)
Born To Be My Baby (New Jersey)
Lost Highway (Lost Highway)
When We Were Beautiful (The Circle)
Superman Tonight (The Circle)
We Got It Goin On (Lost Highway)
Bad Medicine (New Jersey)
It's My Life (Crush)
Homebound Train (New Jersey)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Cover)
I'll Be There For You (New Jersey)
Something For The Pain (These Days)
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Cross Road)
Keep The Faith (Keep The Faith)
Work For The Working Man (The Circle)
Who Says You Can't Go Home (Have A Nice Day)
Love's The Only Rule (The Circle)
Encore:
Runaway (Bon Jovi)
Thorn In My Side (The Circle)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Slippery When Wet)
Livin On A Prayer (Slippery When Wet)
So far it's been one hell of a great year for shows. 2 of my all time top 5 favorite bands live, sure does put a smile on my face. After those 3 amazing shows it's going to be really hard to top them.
Not long after those Killswitch Engage was next up. Due to some uncertain circumstances Howard Jones the vocalist for Killswitch couldn't participate in this tour so Phil Labonte from All That Remains stepped in for him. Once Phil was in, Killswitch became "PHILSWITCH ENGAGE." The show itself was good and Phil did a great job filling in (no pun intended) but there seemed to be something lacking. Perhaps whatever really happened had really hit the band hard. They did manage to play a bunch of my favorite songs during their very short headlining set. I must say I've always been more of a fan of them during the Alive Or Just Breathing time then now. Jesse Leach, their original vocalist was great and provided something special in the lineup. With whatever happened to Howard, this would've been a great chance (at least for this tour) to get Jesse back in and give the fans a chance to see Killswitch with Jesse. That's just my two cents though.
Killswitch Engage Set List:
Rose Of Sharyn (The End Of Heartache)
Reckoning (Killswitch Engage 2009)
Fixation On The Darkness (Alive Or Just Breathing)
A Bid Farewell (The End Of Heartache)
Self Revelation (Alive Or Just Breathing)
My Last Serenade (Alive Or Just Breathing)
When Darkness Falls (The End Of Heartache)
This Is Absolution (As Daylight Dies)
Prelude (Killswitch Engage)
Vide Infra (Killswitch Engage)
Temple From Within (Alive Or Just Breathing)
My Curse (As Daylight Dies)
Take This Oath (The End Of Heartache)
Life To Lifeless (Alive Or Just Breathing)
The End Of Heartache (The End Of Heartache)
Encore:
Holy Diver (Dio Cover)
The most recent show was Sevendust. One of the most hardworking and dedicated bands of the last ten years. While they never received a ton of commercial success (they had the material to do so), they have always been a band that's gives its all onstage every night. Tonight was no different even with the onstage sound problems. Playing songs like Black, Denial, and Trust the crowd was into every minute of it. Morgan Rose (drums) is one of the most entertaining people in rock music to watch live. His style in which he plays drums and his general presence is quite captivating. Sevendust is releasing a new album Cold Day Memory in April and it marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowry. Since his departure Sevendust seemed to have lost a step or two and struggled a bit to keep it going. If the new songs Forever Dead and Unraveling are what's in store, then the upcoming album should be a return to form for Sevendust.
Sevendust Set List:
Black (Sevendust)
Driven (Alpha)
Alpha (Alpha)
Crucified (Animosity)
Hero (Next)
Trust (Animosity)
Suffocate (Seasons)
Xmas Day (Animosity)
Angel's Son (Animosity)
Unraveling (Cold Day Memory)
Praise (Animosity)
Denial (Home)
Forever Dead (Cold Day Memory)
Pieces (Next)
Bitch (Sevendust)
Encore:
Master Of Puppets/Walk (Cover Songs)
Born To Die (Sevendust)
Face To Face (Seasons)
Shows:
First up was Alice In Chains. Seeing them again was unbelievable. They truly are amazing. William DuVall has really come into his own as the groups singer and his voice is captivating and hypnotizing at the same time. The band still fires on all cylinders and it's almost like this new "rebirth" has totally invigorated them and their playing. The set list was chock full of the classics to the new songs. Their new album "Black Gives Way To Blue" was one of the best albums of 2009 and has brought them back to the forefront of heavy rock. Alice In Chains is one of the bands that if you've never seen and are/were a fan, you should go see. For all the people that say that it's not Alice without Layne, take my challenge and they will prove you wrong!!!
The Set List:
All Secrets Known (Black Gives Way To Blue)
It Ain't Like That (Facelift)
Again (Alice In Chains/Tripod)
Check My Brain (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Them Bones (Dirt)
Dam That River (Dirt)
Rain When I Die (Dirt)
Your Decision (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Got Me Wrong (Sap)
We Die Young (Facelift)
Last Of My Kind (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Nutshell (Jar Of Flies)
Sickman (Dirt)
Lesson Learned (Black Gives Way To Blue)
Acid Bubble (Black Gives Way To Blue)
No Excuses (Jar Of Flies)
Angry Chair (Dirt)
Man In The Box (Facelift)
Encore:
Love Hate Love (Facelift)
Would (Dirt)
Rooster (Dirt)
Next on the list was Bon Jovi. The band that got me into music at age 2 and has been going strong throughout the years. After attending my first show ever at age 4 (it was a birthday present for my upcoming 5Th birthday) and it being Bon Jovi, of course it left an impact on me. 1989 was the first time seeing them and they amazed me then just as they did in 2010. Those guys are all near 50 and still put on one hell of a great show. While at the show in my shirt from 89 it felt great to be there and wear it like a badge of honor. Recently they released a new album called "The Circle". While it isn't the greatest thing in the world and it seems like a few of the songs are old songs reworked, it still harks back to a time when simple yet rockin songs can really captivate a listener. After one listen to the first single, you will have that song in your head! Enough about the album, the show and the set list was wonderful and undoubtedly shows all the wannabes out there a true professional and amazing show. I was lucky enough to attend 2 out of 3 of the so cal dates and they will forever be ingrained in my visual memory. The shows set lists were:
Anaheim Show Set List:
Blood On Blood (New Jersey)
We Weren't Born To Follow (The Circle
You Give Love A Bad Name (Slippery When Wet)
Get Ready (Bon Jovi)
Born To Be My Baby (New Jersey)
When We Were Beautiful (The Circle)
Superman Tonight (The Circle)
We Got It Goin On (Lost Highway)
Bad Medicine (New Jersey)
It's My Life (Crush)
Homebound Train (New Jersey)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Cover)
Bed Of Roses (New Jersey)
Something For The Pain (These Days)
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Cross Road)
Keep The Faith (Keep The Faith)
Work For The Working Man (The Circle)
Who Says You Can't Go Home (Have A Nice Day)
Love's The Only Rule (The Circle)
Encore:
Thorn In My Side (The Circle)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Slippery When Wet)
Livin On A Prayer (Slippery When Wet)
Staples Center Set List:
Blood On Blood (New Jersey)
We Weren't Born To Follow (The Circle
You Give Love A Bad Name (Slippery When Wet)
Whole Lot Of Leaving (Lost Highway)
Born To Be My Baby (New Jersey)
Lost Highway (Lost Highway)
When We Were Beautiful (The Circle)
Superman Tonight (The Circle)
We Got It Goin On (Lost Highway)
Bad Medicine (New Jersey)
It's My Life (Crush)
Homebound Train (New Jersey)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Cover)
I'll Be There For You (New Jersey)
Something For The Pain (These Days)
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Cross Road)
Keep The Faith (Keep The Faith)
Work For The Working Man (The Circle)
Who Says You Can't Go Home (Have A Nice Day)
Love's The Only Rule (The Circle)
Encore:
Runaway (Bon Jovi)
Thorn In My Side (The Circle)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Slippery When Wet)
Livin On A Prayer (Slippery When Wet)
So far it's been one hell of a great year for shows. 2 of my all time top 5 favorite bands live, sure does put a smile on my face. After those 3 amazing shows it's going to be really hard to top them.
Not long after those Killswitch Engage was next up. Due to some uncertain circumstances Howard Jones the vocalist for Killswitch couldn't participate in this tour so Phil Labonte from All That Remains stepped in for him. Once Phil was in, Killswitch became "PHILSWITCH ENGAGE." The show itself was good and Phil did a great job filling in (no pun intended) but there seemed to be something lacking. Perhaps whatever really happened had really hit the band hard. They did manage to play a bunch of my favorite songs during their very short headlining set. I must say I've always been more of a fan of them during the Alive Or Just Breathing time then now. Jesse Leach, their original vocalist was great and provided something special in the lineup. With whatever happened to Howard, this would've been a great chance (at least for this tour) to get Jesse back in and give the fans a chance to see Killswitch with Jesse. That's just my two cents though.
Killswitch Engage Set List:
Rose Of Sharyn (The End Of Heartache)
Reckoning (Killswitch Engage 2009)
Fixation On The Darkness (Alive Or Just Breathing)
A Bid Farewell (The End Of Heartache)
Self Revelation (Alive Or Just Breathing)
My Last Serenade (Alive Or Just Breathing)
When Darkness Falls (The End Of Heartache)
This Is Absolution (As Daylight Dies)
Prelude (Killswitch Engage)
Vide Infra (Killswitch Engage)
Temple From Within (Alive Or Just Breathing)
My Curse (As Daylight Dies)
Take This Oath (The End Of Heartache)
Life To Lifeless (Alive Or Just Breathing)
The End Of Heartache (The End Of Heartache)
Encore:
Holy Diver (Dio Cover)
The most recent show was Sevendust. One of the most hardworking and dedicated bands of the last ten years. While they never received a ton of commercial success (they had the material to do so), they have always been a band that's gives its all onstage every night. Tonight was no different even with the onstage sound problems. Playing songs like Black, Denial, and Trust the crowd was into every minute of it. Morgan Rose (drums) is one of the most entertaining people in rock music to watch live. His style in which he plays drums and his general presence is quite captivating. Sevendust is releasing a new album Cold Day Memory in April and it marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowry. Since his departure Sevendust seemed to have lost a step or two and struggled a bit to keep it going. If the new songs Forever Dead and Unraveling are what's in store, then the upcoming album should be a return to form for Sevendust.
Sevendust Set List:
Black (Sevendust)
Driven (Alpha)
Alpha (Alpha)
Crucified (Animosity)
Hero (Next)
Trust (Animosity)
Suffocate (Seasons)
Xmas Day (Animosity)
Angel's Son (Animosity)
Unraveling (Cold Day Memory)
Praise (Animosity)
Denial (Home)
Forever Dead (Cold Day Memory)
Pieces (Next)
Bitch (Sevendust)
Encore:
Master Of Puppets/Walk (Cover Songs)
Born To Die (Sevendust)
Face To Face (Seasons)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Korn 2010
A rough mix of a new track by Korn has surfaced online. Filmed during their recording sessions of their new album tentatively titled Korn III: Remember Who You Are. Their new album is said to be a "return to their roots" and with producer Ross Robinson back behind the boards it sounds like they've returned to their "raw" sound. The band has been quoted in multiple interviews saying that this album has a "real heavy yet kind of funky vibe to it" After listening to this track a few times I'd say it does go to back to that sound. Ray Luzier has transitioned in smoothly as their new drummer. Jonathan Davis is back to doing what he does best. Munky seems to have learned to play well in his new role as their guitarist, and Fieldy still sounds like himself.
I will admit I lost my want to listen to Korn a longtime ago but after seeing them again a few years ago, I gave them another chance and was pleasantly surprised. Their last album was actually a good record as it wasn't a typical Korn record, rather a nice departure from their norm. Well I can say I look forward to hearing this new record and seeing them this summer on the Rockstar Mayhem Tour!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan are gearing up to release their latest album Option Paralysis on March 23. Already being toted as an album guaranteed to make numerous Top 10 lists, this record is sure to garner some much do attention. As more of an "underground" band over the the last few years Dillinger has managed to build a loyal and rabid fan base. Their stage show is one of the most alluring and dangerous around. With fans such as Trent Reznor who himself has beaten the hell out of numerous instruments, stages and band members, it's no wonder he has taken them under his wing a bit. The release of their new album is their first off their newly formed Party Smasher Inc label. Farewell Mona Lisa the first track and first single is a straight up heavy yet semi melodic new take on what Dillinger has become, and it's rather good!!! They will be at this years Coachella Festival on the first night as well as this summers Warped Tour. Go see them if you get the chance!!!Farewell Mona Lisa
Coachella 2010
It seems that the people who organize Coachella have come to their senses and put together a fairly decent festival this year. With the exception of a few bands (Portishead, Mastodon, Henry Rollins, The Cure, etc) over the last couple years, the Coachella experience as a whole was rather lackluster. Seriously why in the hell would you put Paul McCartney at Coachella or for that matter Prince. Someone really dropped the ball. This year minus the addition of the way overrated Muse the organizers have put together a solid bill that encompasses all aspects of music. Jay-Z a shocking but welcome surprise (well to me, not sure a lot of people really dig his addition) and Gorillaz will provide a great headlining night. The long awaited Faith No More reunion as well as Public Image Ltd. Thom Yorke solo should be a great addition to a so so Sunday night. Not to mention the best "supergroup" Them Crooked Vultures. As well as the addition of The Dillinger Escape Plan who are sure to be the most dangerous act of all 3 days. I've got my days all lined up already and can't wait for all the fun that comes with a great 3 day weekend.
Friday: Jay-Z, Them Crooked Vultures, Public Image Ltd, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Baroness, Grizzly Bear, She and Him
Saturday: Faith No More, MGMT, Devo, Porcupine Tree, Sia, RX Bandits, Shooter Jennings, Muse
Sunday: Gorillaz, Pavement, Thom Yorke, Orbital, Spoon, Mutemath, Sunny Day Real Estate, Gary Numan
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Top 25 Albums of 2009
This year had so many great albums from bands new and old. We saw the return of greatness from Alice In Chains. An album of epic proportions from Mastodon. An album rich with real punk energy from Gallows. A new blueprint for those who have talent in Hip Hop to follow from Jay-Z. A supergroup that truly is super in Them Crooked Vultures. As well as new blood from Latitudes, Narrows, and Struck By Lightning. There were so many great surprises that I couldn't just pick 10. So without further or do... The top 25 of 2009!!!
1) Mastodon- Crack The Skye
1) Alice In Chains- Black Gives Way To Blue
2) Gallows- Grey Britain
3) Latitudes- Agonist
4) Silversun Pickups- Swoon
5) Jay Z- The Blueprint 3
6) Isis- Wavering Radiant
7) Pearl Jam- Backspacer
8) Depeche Mode- Sounds Of The Universe
9) Slayer- World Painted Blood
10) Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures
11) Rammstein- Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da
12) Placebo- Battle For The Sun
13) Dredg- The Parrot, The Pariah, The Delusion
14) Narrows- New Distances
15) Mudvayne- Mudvayne
16) Bon Jovi- The Circle
17) Devildriver- Pray For Villians
18) Mariachi El Bronx- Mariachi El Bronx
19) Struck By Lightning- Serpents
20) And So I Watch You From Afar- S/T
21) Sights and Sounds- Monolith
22) Baroness- Blue Record
23) Doomriders- Darkness Come Alive
24) The Empire Shall Fall- Awaken
25) Converge- Axe To Fall
Honorable Mention:
The New Regime- Coup
Coalesce- Ox
Big Business- Mind The Drift
Killswitch Engage- Killswitch Engage (2009)
Five Finger Death Punch- War Is The Answer
Darkest Hour- The Eternal Return
Spinnerette- S/T
Chimaira- The Infection
Biggest Disappointments
AFI- Crash Love
Brand New- Daisy
Hatebreed- S/T
Street Sweeper Social Club- S/T
Lamb Of God- Wrath
Static X- Cult Of Static
Julien K- Death To Analog
30 Seconds To Mars- This Is War
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Latitudes: Agonist
2009 has been a really great year for music new and old. Lots of great albums have been released and tons of amazing shows have been played. With all those things being said there are many bands that fly under the radar and go unnoticed. One such band from England called "Latitudes" is a perfect example. With a sound similar to that of Isis and Neurosis, they take it one step farther and delve more into the experimental. Their recent album "Agonist" is full of wonderful soundscapes that puts you in a mood that takes you away from everything. While the album is mostly instrumental, there are a couple moments of singing and the vocals fit in beautifully. Antechamber the second track on the album is one of those songs and a highlight of the record. The drums pound and groove away while the bass rumbles and syncs up perfectly. The guitar tone is dirty and gritty but is clear and crisp. This is definitely a band to check out and listen to on repeat. Everything about them is great.
Track Listing:
1) Myth Cathexis
2) Antechamber
3) Fluxes of the Womb
4) Steppe & Veiled
5) Braille
6) Hunting Dance
7) Agonist
7 tracks 41 minutes
Overall Rating: 9/10
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