Rise Against

Bokassa – All Out of Dreams Review

By GardensTale on February 27, 2024 in Reviews, Stoner Metal, 25 comments

“On the surface, the perceived lethargy of stoner metal doesn’t seem like a natural match for the reckless energy of punk. But the two genres have been roommates since college and still bunk together regularly. The soundtracks of Jackass and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater mixed them up freely, and bands like Clutch and Fu Manchu have plenty of popularity on both sides of the fence. When I saw Rise Against in March of 2011, they brought Coliseum, who fused stoner, hardcore, and punk into one. So I wasn’t particularly surprised at Bokassa’s self-appointed genre of stoner punk. I was more surprised, and apprehensive, at Lars Ulrich of all people giving them the seal of approval.” Big friends, dumb punks, and stones.

Flidais – Pathogen Review

By GardensTale on February 1, 2023 in Reviews, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, 20 comments

“I have been waiting for this one for a long time. Way, way back in late 2016, when I had only been with the staff for less than 6 months and reviewing EP’s was not yet outlawed, I picked up Kazador by Flidais, a bite-sized portion of energetic prog-power with a cover so lilac as to be blinding. I enjoyed it quite a bit, thanks to the snappy hooks and enthusiastic vocal performance, and ever since I’ve been on the lookout for a proper debut full-length. Well, a plump 6 years in the making, that release is finally upon us.” Monkey pawed.

Holy Tide – Aquila Review

By Diabolus in Muzaka on June 27, 2019 in 2019, International Metal, My Kingdom Music, Power Metal, Reviews, Power Metal, 23 comments

“Musically, Holy Tide sounds a lot like Pyramaze, specifically Immortal and Disciples of the Sun. Vocalist Fabio Caldeira reminds much more of Disciples’s Terje Haroy than the inimitable Matt Barlow, largely due to the lack of Barlow’s gruff edge. The main reason for the Pyramaze comparison, though, is the keyboards. Both Pyramaze and Holy Tide make heavy use of that once-maligned instrument, smartly toning down the guitars when the keyboard takes the lead and vice-versa.” Big stuff is big.

Down to the Bunker – Misery Review

By Lokasenna on February 23, 2019 in 2019, Alt-Metal, Hardcore, Reviews, Swiss Metal, Tenacity Music, Alt-Metal, Hardcore, 75 comments

“There are a few genres that tend to be whipping boys in reviewer circles, hard as we might try to weed out such partisanship. Alt-metal in particular tends to be somewhat divisive, with kvlt types eschewing it as mainstream hackery, and more refined types likewise eschewing it as lowbrow idiocy. Yet others like myself, due to the diffuse nature of the subgenre and its near-universal tendency to approach metal from outside rather than from preexisting archetypes, find it difficult to frame both aesthetically and critically; it also doesn’t help that like with its distant cousins, nu metal and post-grunge, the quality control is often poor at best.” Misery seeks company.

Gorgon – The Veil of Darkness Review

By Mark Z. on January 23, 2019 in 2019, Black Metal, French Metal, Osmose Productions, Reviews, Black Metal, 79 comments

“I first heard of Gorgon several years ago, when someone posted their song “From Red to Violet” in a forum thread titled “Worst Metal Songs Ever.” After listening to the song, I found I actually liked it, leading me to download their album The Jackal Pact and do a bit of research on the group. It turns out Gorgon were a cult French black metal act who released four albums in the 90s before ceasing activities in 2001. After “From Red to Violet” fell out of my listening rotation, I all but forgot about the group until I saw The Veil of Darkness pop up in our promo bin.” Gorgon will eat you.

Atlas Losing Grip – Currents Review

By Jean-Luc Ricard on January 22, 2015 in 2015, Black Star Foundation, Hardcore, Not Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Hardcore, Not Metal, Punk, 16 comments

“Historically I’ve not been awfully big on punk, particularly in its more melodic forms. More recently, though, I’ve been warming to the genre. I’ve always loved grindcore, am increasingly enjoying crust and hardcore, and the past year has seen me revisiting – and, swipe me, enjoying – The Offspring.” Looks like it’s time for an intervention at AMG. Now where are the spiked bats?