Other music reviews
Beggars Ball :: Fight This Town (2006) CD [True Grit]
Tracklisting: 1. Low Life Blues (04:07), 2. Starbanger (04:20), 3. Live out Loud (03:44), 4. Fight This Town (02:57), 5. Life in a Lie (03:30), 6. Deadman's Lullabye (04:51), 7. American Vocal (03:22), 8. Anti_Hero (04:29), 9. Demon Seed (03:52), 10. Famous & Filthy (03:56)
Los fucking Angeles, the mecca of money and plastic human beings. Beggars Ball are here to fight that crap. But then again, none of the guys are a native-born LA dude. I think you've guessed it already, that BB aren't wanking around with glam rock?!
BB's streetrock on a piece of plastic has the energy of a thunderbolt and is as dirty as female crotch not washed for a week. This sounds more "southern" than "western", just check out bluesy 'American Vocal'. Well, heavy 'n' groovy guitar playing is something like Dimebag Darrell loved to do sometimes; let the rock flow. 'Starbanger's chorus is actually fucking close to Pantera's Walk' with its "walk!" shouts, heh, I think I don't need to mention the song is heavy as fuck? Straight from the first riff, 'Low Life Blues' makes you thristy as fuck for beer. 'Anti_Hero' is like driving on yer motorbike through hot dusty desert road, and the title song itself like having a freefall from high sky. Vocalist sounds like he has drunk something else than milk for last month, but he does his job well. BB doesn't invent the wheel, but they have energy and vibe and what I like; they're heavy! Plus they got a bunch of good tunes.
One thing on this album sucks and it is the drums sound. They don't punch enough. However, it's predictable, as this was recorded on 8-tracker at the band's rehearsal place. The last three songs have more punchy sound actually, especially 'Famous & Filthy' sound very warm.
One to crank up when you are drinking beer like you never drank before or cruising with your car. Something to empty your mind from everyday crap in life to. Crank it up and drink it up! - Reviewed by Lane 06-28-2006
The official Beggars Ball website: www.beggarsball.com
Dropkick Murphys :: Blackout (2002) Digipak-CD + Bonus DVD [Hellcat Records]
Tracklisting: 1. Walk Away, 2. Worker's Song (Handful of Earth), 3. The Outcast, 4. Black Velvet Band, 5. Gonna Be a Blackout Tonight, 6. World Full of Hate, 7. Buried Alive, 8. The Dirty Glass, 9. Fields of Athenry, 10. Bastards on Parade, 11. As One, 12. This Is Your Life, 13. Time to Go, 14. Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced
I saw Dropkick Murphys' older video on a telly and it grabbed me. Punk, real punk, with Irish folk being the other part of the band's music. Yay, really cool, indeed. I've always liked this bagpipes and drunken sing-along songs. Okay, the band come from Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. The band's roots lying deeply in the soil of Ireland, it can be surely heard.
So, punk it is. First 20 seconds of 1st single cut 'Walk Away' sound soft, but then some harsher and harsher vocals start coming in. Okay, we're getting there... Guitars get more biting and soon it explodes into a male choir chorus. What a build-up for a song! I wanna go to a pub now!!! Fuck, I can't, there's soon Iron Maiden live from Roskilde on a radio and can't miss it. Next monday I go see them here in Finland. But, my point is that this is a fucking party record, even though lyrical subjects might be partly anything else than something to party about. Workers' anthem, a father leaving his family, people sent to Australia, knotty relationships, miners trapped under dirt waiting to die etc.
Musically, this varies from straight punk (eg. 'The Outcast') to folk songs (surprisingly when looking its title, 'World Full of Hate'). And everything between the two. I certainly like songs with Irish touch more. Harder songs are great bursts of energy, calmer are beautifully emotional. 'Black Velvet Band' (a tradiotional song), 'Worker's Song' and 'Fields of Athenry' are covers. There is no boring moment during this 47 minutes. Sound is great and transmits the energy of the performance well. Vocals are varying, because of two lead singers and 3 backing vocalists plus female vocals on 'The Dirty Glass'. Some are clean, some are more "whiskey", if you catch my thought. And a lot of shout-along -choruses!
DVD includes the band's new promotional video 'Gonna Be a Blackout Tonight', an usual "playing in the from of camera" stuff. Also two live pieces are included. Nice, but nothing special, at least for me. Why 'Walk Away' promo video isn't here puzzles me. However, didn't cost any extra.
Get some people around and do not forget whiskey, beer, whatever and have a party to this one! Excellent punk record and my only second (Relapse sent me Genocide Superstars' latest album, but that's very different to this one), but not the last one. At least I need to check out Dropkick Murphys' older stuff now. - Reviewed by Lane 06-29-2003
The official Dropkick Murphys website: www.dropkickmurphys.com
Electric Mary :: III (2011) CD (also limited edition with a bonus DVD) [Listenable Records]Tracklisting: 1. O.I.C. (05:04), 2. Stained (04:16), 3. So Cruel (03:41), 4. Long Time Coming (03:49), 5. All Eyes on Me (02:120), 6. Lies (03:44), 7. Nobody's Perfect (03:37), 8. Bone on Bone (04:19), 9. Waiting (03:12), 10. American Jam (04:55)
Australia's Electric Mary are destined for "other reviews" section of Archaic Metallurgy, because they just rock. I mean they play rock, heh. They do have a vocalist whose voice is perfect and sounds so classic, he's got some real bite in it. Plus, their music is a mixture of many familiar elements picked from wide spectrum of rock music.
Where as speedier 'O.I.C.' has some glammy bits in its classic rock, Led Zeppelin must certainly be one of the guys' main influences. Then they have a huge blues rock vibe to them, as well as a big stoner rock side. They also go for a bit of grunge, like on 'Lies'. While the band's performance is credible, something is still missing, and I definitely want more individual touch to music I listen to. Maybe it's that that songwriting-wise this is above average, but never truly shiny. The album is okay for background listening, but I cannot get too much out of it. Perhaps because it's just same old, same old.
These are the traits of Electric Mary; they know how to rock, but they surely don't invent the wheel. You know exactly what you get with 'III' and get it if you want to. Oh, the limited edition digipak of this comes with a bonus DVD with 40 minute live set. By the way, Electric Mary have supported Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, White Snake, Judas Priest and Glenn Hughes, so I gues there'ssomething to this band, then. Goes down with beer, some of it better, some of it not so well. - Reviewed by Lane 10-15-2011
The official Electric Mary website: www.electricmary.com
Genocide Superstars :: III (2003) CD [Relapse Records]
Tracklisting: 1. The Hateball Is Rolling..., 2. Destroyer of Worlds, 3. Mord II, 4. Final Descent, 5. Hatestomp, 6. Stairsweeper, 7. Air / A Prelude to Hell, 8. Superstar Destroyer, 9. Dangerdanger, 10. Superstar Confession, 11. In Misery Embraced, 12. Like Roadkill, 13. Warchild, 14. Outlaw Song
It reads on their official biography: "...punk in veins of Discharge, Motörhead, Misfits, Dwarves and G.B.H.". Sure, I agree, with my shitty smelling knowledge for punk rock. Might not be nothing new under the sun, but still very energetic and what's the most impotant: Dirty. Vocals are truly boozehound-ish. Three-throat (all except drummer) assault with nice duets and "oooo-oooo-oo" choirs.
Slight metal leanings are heard in many of these fourteen fuckers, best in twin guitar melody on 'Hatestomp' and 'In Misery Embraced' darker melodies and vokills. 'Air / A Prelude to Hell' is a Motörhead-like marching heavy rock anthem. Grindcore murderers' Nasum's Mieszko abuses the second guitar here, as he does his throat.
Genocide Superstars' rusty punk rock is best flushed down with massive amounts of something alcoholic. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I won't puke while listening this. And this my friends, is a good sign about the quality of Genocide Superstars. Only thing is that this is very familiar drunk punk mayhem. Everybody looking for a heavier punk album, try this beast. - Reviewed by Lane 04-22-2003
K+K-tactics :: Sub Specie Aeternitatis (2011) Demo - Limited 10" vinyl, limited cassette
Tracklisting: 1. Imperative Movement (04:26), 2. Random Mega Force (03:24), 3. Tacts of Life (01:38), 4. After the Storm I Stare at the Sun (05:18)
I can count with the fingers on my other hand, how many instrumental bands I find interesting. Let alone bands with just a bass and drums. K+K-tactics are one interesting entity, hailing from north of Finland. Bassist Kanniainen and drummer Kuorikoski are Depth Beyond One's' rhythm section. If you've been lucky one and heard that band's music, then you know that this is more than your average rhythm section playing A-B-C of rock or whatever stuff.
While not knowing much about different bass playing tactics, I can hear the bass (with frets) here is fingered and tapped. I'm brave enough to say, that most of the bass playing isn't very basic. The drums here aren't anything too basic, either, going from polyrhythmic work to double kick drum beats. The interplay of two is of course totally critical, and it works. It's wrong to say there is no other instruments, because there are some vocals (there goes the "instrumental" tag, then?!), theremin, accordion, tin whistle, shakuhachi, iPhone, door, cheeks, lighter, and of course, hands, used. In all, the demo sounds very organic. Anywys, K+K-tactic's musical style is instrumental prog.
'Imperative Movement' is pretty funky 'n' groovy, and sometimes reminds me of Tool. It's a pretty catchy song for drums 'n' bass stuff, with insane theremin/iPhone solo. Well, at least its main parts are, before all twists and turns towards the ending. 'Random Mega Force' begins with lame growled speech (these happen between each song). 'Random Mega Force' throws catchiness to a garbage bin, but advances with, ahem, force. It contains some double kick drumming and blasting for all us metal-eating/shitting folks. 'Tacts of Life' continues more aggressive trend, and its "melodic" part is like a soundtrack to some private-eye movie. I'm not going to comment on the song's funky part, which sounds as compatible as carbon monoxide and human lungs. 'After the Storm I Stare at the Sun' smells of Kyuss (especially during '...And the Circus Leaves Town' era [1995]). What a fine band that was! Well, this more camel walk paced piece feels like a fresh sea wind on bubic hair on warm, sunny day. And that equals to superb, if you didn't know!
You can read the delicate song histories and opinion on the band's website, written by K+K. The whole demo is also available there for listening, as is a full live concert from 2011 with other videos. You can order 'Sub Specie Aeternitatis' on a cassette, but the numbered 10" vinyl edition is already sold out. - Reviewed by Lane 10-08-2011 The official K+K-tactics website: www.dboband.com/kk
King Remedy :: Rock'n'Roll Is not Dead (2006) CD-single [Vallankumoustuotanto]
Tracklisting: 1. Rock'n'Roll Is not Dead (02:47), 2. Let It Go (02:46), 3. Feel Like You're too Old? (02:35)
Helsinki-native King Remedy are a pure rock band. There's no tricks, just driving music. The problem is, that King Remedy are too joyful for my liking. And even they promise to kick asses, they don't kick mine. While the main riff of the title track is pretty irritating, the others don't offer too much in the way of memorable riffs. Or even a bit individual, but I don't think they are trying to be that way anyways. The production of this single is too lame. It simply doesn't kick ass. King Remedy are definitely too tame for me, period. - Reviewed by Lane 12-05-2006
The official King Remedy website: www.kingremedy.com
NitroVille :: Can't Stop What's Comin' (2011) CD [Tijuana Brothers Records]
Tracklisting: 1. Cheating the Hangman (04:03), 2. Let It Roll (04:50), 3. Mississippi Wide Boy (03:36) 4. Dust Devil (06:03) 5. Cuts to the Bone (04:11) 6. Twist in the Chain (04:08) 7. Tell It Like It Is (02:46) 8. Killing Kind (03:18) 9. Bad Blood (04:11) 10. Got What It Takes (04:27) 11. Coming on Strong (05:48)
NitroVille hail from London, England, but sound like they'd come from the other side of the world. The band's hard rock is very Southern-inspired, very bluesy. On this debut album, NitroVille offer eleven cuts of to-the-roots rock 'n' roll, without much of gimmicks. They do have some good riffage and memorable melodies, but still it all feels quite faceless. NitroVille didn't re-invent a wheel. Mainly the songs are rockin' and bluesin', and there are no ballads heard.
Vocalist Tola Lamont, on the other hand, is a nice acquaintance, as she does possess a right kind of a voice for this type of rock music, but she also can sing. The sound is nothing like modern. The gear the band used is listed on the booklet, and does include names such as Gibson Les Paul 57 & 68, Fender Telecaster, Ludwig 1968 drums etc. etc.
Those into Southern rock (e.g. Lynyrd Skynyrd) and why not even AC/DC (especially 'Let It Roll') are invited to check NitroVille out. I've never liked either of aforementioned legends, so...- Reviewed by Lane 15-05-2012
The official NitroVille website: www.nitroville.com
One Eye Shut :: Last in Line (2005) CD-single [Vallankumoustuotanto]Tracklisting: 1. Last in Line (03:11), 2. Crash'n Burn (04:22)
One Eye Shut, who come from Helsinki, formed in 2003. The band's second strike is 'Last in Line' single. OES play heavy rock music, both sound- and feelingswise. Something like mixing North American rock (bits from glam to alternative) with Finnish melancholy. Although "melancholy" is too strong a word here, perhaps.
Both songs appearing here are OES originals. The title track is a rolling rocker, that sticked to my head right at the first listen. Something like a heavier and rougher newer Hanoi Rocks style song. 'Crash'n Burn' is slower bass-heavy roller, not as catchy as the title track. Not anything too original musicwise, but this trio seems to have indentity. Instruments are all well presented, thanks to the tight and sweaty performance. Vocals are pretty simple. Not much singing skill, but when it is kind of whiskey-rinsed it's good. Sound's also on rough side, but it should be that way. If OES have more music with this quality, it's time to start working on full-length album.
There's not much to write about this release, as it's this short a release. However, OES lifted up my spirit after wet Midsummer festivities. When listening to this single, it makes next weekend arrive faster! I'm sure about it. - Reviewed by Lane 06-27-2005
The official One Eye Shut website: www.oneeyeshut.org
One Eye Shut :: Days in the Sun (2006) CD-single [Vallankumoustuotanto]Tracklisting: 1. Days in the Sun (04:46), 2. Yearning (04:07), 3. World behind (03:50)
Helsinki's One Eye Shut plank down their second single. The band seem to have a straight flush of hard 'n' heavy rock building up in their hands. However, they don't seem to put out these releases very often (well, a year between these two singles), which might work against them.
The title song is a fucking fantastic piece of melancholic rock, coloured with some acoustic guitar, but ain't a soft song. It sounds a bit like the debut from The Black League, being one catchy song. A sure hit, if they can push this to right people. Jari's emotional vocals stand out like hell on this one.
'Yearning' and 'World Behind' sound like North American stuff, unhealthy mixing alternative rock and stoner rock. Definitely easy yet good beer listening session rock, or something to cruise your car to, but can't compete with the title song.
The sound is okay, but it could be heavier, definitely. The single's well recorded, no doubt about that, but I miss more punchy sound. - Reviewed by Lane 06-26-2006
The official One Eye Shut website: www.oneeyeshut.org
One Eye Shut :: Turds in a Punch Bowl (2005) CD-single [Vallankumoustuotanto]Tracklisting: 1. Everything Must Die (04:41), 2. Please Let Go (04:42), 3. Days in the Sun (04:50), 4. Yearning (04:08), 5. World behind (03:51), 6. Last in Line (03:09), 7. Crash 'n Burn (04:17), 8. Tonight (04:48) 9. Reflection / Last in Line (live) / Everything Must Die (live) (20:21)
Helsinki-based hard rocking trio One Eye Shut have released three CDs: 'Promo 2004' (demo), plus singles 'Last in Line' and 'Days in the Sun' (2005 and 2005 respectively). 'Turds in a Punch Bowl' compiles all three into same platter with two new songs (I should mention that 'Yearning' is the newer recording). Archaic Metallurgy has reviewed the two singles, so read them reviews, please.
It's weird, that on the band's website, 'Turds...' is assigned as the debut album, and on the Vallankumoustuotanto's site as a compilation. Well, whatever... I just wonder, why the shit the old songs weren't re-recorded, even though there's nothing badly wrong even with the oldest turds. Okay, 'Tonight' (a catchy, Finnish-sounding heavy stoner rocker with very familiar vocal melodies, but where from?!) and 'Reflection' (a heavy stoner stunner) sound demo level, even though good quality, recordings when compared to the newbiews. So, I'd like to call this as a collection of older material.
'Everything Must Die' starts this bacchanalia with heavy flapping bass and slowish stoner groove. OES trademarks are present from the second one: catchiness and rawness, in all instruments and also in the vocals. 'Please Let Go' pisses in your glass of beer with faster tempo and almost heavy metallesque riff or two. 'Last in Line' and 'Everything...' are featured as live bonus after 'Reflection'.
If your world is rocked by such names as The Black League, Black Label Society, Backyard Babies and Peer Günt, even Alice In Chains ('Days in the Sun' owes something to 'em, I'm positive about it!!!) and such grungesters, you should check out OES immediately! I like this One Eye Shut, they're one of the few rock bands I can listen to. Especialy now when it's mandatory to tip some beers during hot summertime. OES doesn't sound at all so unique, as the mixture of all the other bands mentioned in this review could truly sound, but no matter if this the compilation or the debut album, it rocks. So, grab a lot of beverage of your choice, stick 'Turds...' in a player and blast loud! - Reviewed by Lane 07-12-2005
The official One Eye Shut website: www.oneeyeshut.org
Plan E :: Best Kept Secret (2003) CD [My Kingdom Music]Tracklisting: 1. Fool (04:27), 2. Pure as Snow (05:22), 3. Shadow in the Dark (04:07), 4. Today Is the Day (04:58), 5. Near Life Experience (05:30), 6. The Blue House (04:13), 7. Sick and Tired (03:50), 8. Lonely Hell (04:22), 9. Best Kept Secret (04:09), 10. Rockstar / We (bonus track) (05:16), Shadow in the Dark (bonus video track)
Third full length album from Plan E has been revealed upon mankind. This Oulu-based non-guitar band started back in 1995 as an instrumental project. Mainman Jani Lehtisaari (also in Impaled Nazarene in 1996-2000) is the only original member left today. He played basses, keyboards and sung, while drums were handled half by Sir Luttinen (The Black League, ex-Impaled Nazarene) and Heikki Haataja (March Maggot).
Plan E perform individual music. I quess it is rock with poppy as well as "schlager" elements. Quite simple all the way, but weirdly alien altogether. Also weirdly oldish yet something new (!). Every song is catchy. Plan E is so different from what I listen to (metal, that is). I thought it would be hard to get into, but it got me, insidiously. Simple (sometimes extremely) keyboard melodies above simple beats are warm, inviting, and there's different nuances. The keyboard sounds are oldish, bringing 1970s into my mind; some of the stuff is simply annoying, but most of it goes well. I thought I really can't stand them, but I do; it is hard to describe my sensations, but the music just grabs. Adventurous spirit is needed, though. The music is light, solitary heavier things are created by distorted bass. Mr. Lehtisaari's vocals are fragile, very calm. He hits the notes, but sometimes also searches for the right ones, but only when he sings higher.
This music makes me feel calm. Not a bad dose after five death metal albums, this one! While sounding like coming from 1970s, lightly artsy psychedelic trip, aura of something alien boosted my interest and this is definitely a grower. I soon found getting into those songs I first didn't like a bit ('Pure as Snow' still has tough, annoying keyboard melodies, he he)... Since everything is more or less keyboard-driven, I guess electronic music fans will find this very interesting. As well as those who seek music with individual touch. Adventurous ones should try this, definitely, too. That's what some of the lyrics (make your own conclusions about 'em) are about; "forget hard times for a minute and fly." - Reviewed by Lane 11-17-2003
The official Plan E website: www.plan-e-tarium.com
Rammstein :: Liebe ist für alle da (2009) CD [Universal Music Group]Tracklisting: 1. Rammlied (05:19), 2. Ich tu dir weh (05:02), 3. Waidmanns Heil (03:33), 4. Haifisch (03:45), 5. B******** (04:15), Frühling in Paris (04:45), 7. Wiener Blut (03:53), 8. Pussy (04:00), 9. Liebe ist für alle da (03:26), 10. Mehr (04:09), 11. Roter Sand (03:59), Special Edition bonusdisc: 12. Führe mich (04:34), 13. Donaukinder (05:18), 14. Halt (04:20), 15. Roter Sand (Orchester Version) (04:06), 16. Liese (03:56)
Except for the sonic pornfest that's 'Pussy', all of 'Liebe ist für alle da' from this industrial music institution locks the listener's balls in a vice. Because if Euro pop and techno (again, 'Pussy') isn't your thing then feel free to get an erection from the rest of the banging fare Rammstein serve on a sonic platter filled with goofy utterances (try the title track), chunky riffs, and melody galore. No doubt their new album is arch-camp extravagance and a ridiculously contrived affair (as always), but you're gonna love it to bits anyway.
Seriously now, for this is a very serious album besides that anthem celebrating everyone's favorite part of the female anatomy (uh, 'Pussy'?), 'Liebe ist für alle da' is Rammstein par excellence, more 'Sehnsucht' (1997) than the epic, melodious 'Reise, Reise' (2004) but a far darker beast in its own right. Opener 'Rammlied' gets the juices flowing with its over-the-top bombast; the near religious treatment Rammstein give the song amid chants of "Ramm-stein!" inspires goosebumps. The next salvo 'Ich tu dir weh' is another orgasm of overwhelming metalness and the honeymoon continues for the malevolent 'Waldmann’s Heil' and the stripped down 'Haifisch' where techno elements add a little variety to Rammstein's crunchy metal repertoire.
'B********' is an ugly dirge whose heaviness plods along to a bare bones melody; its awful nature is contrasted by the tender 'Frühling in Paris' where Till Lindman softens his voice to add that special dramatic touch. 'Wiener Blut' and the title track is proof most undeniable Rammstein are at their best writing catchy, memorable metal anthems better than your favorite Primal Fear or Dream Evil. Then there's 'Mehr' providing the last salvo of balls-to-the-wall metal before 'Roter Sand' sashays in with the harmless whistling at its start. You can almost pictue a man enjoying a walk in the park, until of course, his menacing utterances starts to seduce your speakers. Once it's finished, Rammstein have made another vulgar display of power; they really kick more ass with age. - Reviewed by Miguel Miranda 12-01-2010
The official Rammstein website: www.rammstein.de
Rootwater :: Visionism (2010) CD (digiapk) [Mystic Production]Tracklisting: 1. Intro (02:47), 2. Venture (03:45), 3. Living in the Cage (04:25), 4. Closer (03:17), 5. Frozenthal (03:43), Freedom (00:38), 7. Timeless (04:20), 8. Realize (04:42), 9. Follow the Spirit (04:44), 10. Alive (05:44), 11. The Ministry (03:27), 12. Steiner (04:36), 13. Under the Mask (03:47), 14. Visionism (06:02), 15. Haydamaka (bonus) (04:29)
Damn, old metalhead like me trying to write sensible things about something modern. 'Visionism' is Polish band Rootwater's third full length album to date. The band formed in 2002 and it is safe to say they sound modern, but saying they are a metal band would be wrong, as there are different elements in their sound. That's why the review is in "other" section.
'Intro' is like game music, and Rootwater had a song on the 'Witcher' soundtrack (2007). It's okay, but still totally different when compared to the band's sound, even though big synths can be heard at times. 'Venture' shows a band inspired by North American "nu" movement bands, such as Slipknot (low tuned riffage plus double kick drum beats) and Disturbed (a-a-a singing, but here however effected, which is a bit lame, and vocals generally). Finnish genre-hopping weirdos Kyyria and Waltari also come to my mind, because there's some rap vocals with funk music, and then the band enters a chorus with memorable singing melodies and lead guitar work. Now, this chorus stuff is what I like, otherwise it does not hit the target here. And here's the ageless problem: For whom this music is made for? Not a metalhead like me. It is well made, but there is no enough substance nor feeling in it in my opinion. You can expect for some goth/pop stuff, and folk melodies from their area, just like System Of A Down utilize their local folk music (or at least the area's where they originate from). This allter works very well with modern sounds the band make.
It's all well performed with good, punchy production to give it an extra kick. Vocalist Taff deserves a special mention for his good voice and diverse styles he sings in.
At times Rootwater's music is very much written in pop music formula (verse-chorus-verse-chorus-whatever_part-verse-chorus). It is kind of catchy, but still it just goes in one ear and falls down the other, without leaving too much marks in my brain. I wish it was more like the title track, with a clear start and a goal. Are Rootwater a bird or a fish? Todays' world is a clone-world, but I must admit, that Rootwater have something own in their music, so if you enjoy modern "banging", why not try this? - Reviewed by Lane 05-03-2010
The official Rootwater website: www.rootwater.pl