Janis Joplin

The Black Wizards – Reflections Review

The Black Wizards – Reflections Review

“In the metal community, race is a somewhat awkward point. Metalheads are largely (though not exclusively) a socially-progressive sort, despite what the epidemic of NSBM would have you believe. Yet look around at any metal festival, and perhaps 1 in a 1000 visitors aren’t of a pallid complexion. The same goes for the musicians; you’ll be hard-pressed finding a whiter group of artists than, say, Nightwish. Of course, on some level this makes sense, considering where the majority of metal comes from.” Reflections on coexistence.

High Fighter – Champain Review

High Fighter – Champain Review

“High Fighter’s debut album Scars & Crosses was a largely laidback affair, according to a cursory listen from yours truly, featuring groovy stoner metal, played at a mid tempo, with its most distinguishing feature being vocalist Mona Miluski and her sardonic vocal style. Well, clearly High Fighter are coming down from their high and focusing on the fighter, because Champain is anything but laid back. The Germans are ready to get angry.” And that always goes so well for everyone.

The Riven – Blackbird Review

The Riven – Blackbird Review

“70’s revival bands pop out of the ground like hallucinogenic mushrooms in this day and age, but despite making up half the population of the planet, there’s a somewhat depressing lack of female-fronted material. It’s an issue that has plagued rock and metal for decades, but when the annals contain such timeless talents as Heart and Janis Joplin, it doesn’t feel like a counterweight for all the testosterone should be too much to ask.” More Venus, less penis.