Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Anthrax: Worship Music


Anthrax
Worship Music
Reviewed by Rob Acocella

     
Anthrax is back with Worship Music, their first studio album of all original material since 2003’s We’ve Come for You All. It also marks the highly anticipated return of Joey Belladonna to the band. For an album that was originally started back in 2007, it’s safe to say it’s gone through a few revisions over the years, but the end result is one of their strongest albums of their career. It’s probably the album that everyone wishes they’d put out in 2011. It shows everyone that Thrash is still alive and well and that the older generation can still kick ass like they did when they first got started. The first song on the album is “Earth on Hell” which is a sonic assault of blast beats and ripping guitar tone. After that is the one-two punch of “Devil You Know” and “Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t” which are probably 2 of my favorite tracks on the album. “I’m Alive” finds vocals that are very reminiscent of Jeff Scott Soto on Yngwie Malmsteen's Marching Out album. The song that really is going to hit fans hard is “In The End” which was written about the deaths of Dimebag Darrell and Dio. There is also a song on here called “Judas Priest” which is obviously a tribute to the band of the same name.
        The production of the album sounds absolutely awesome, which is impressive considering that the band didn’t really record most of the album together; rather they all recorded near their own homes in different places around the country.  Overall, this is a powerhouse of a record for Anthrax, with amazing playing, signature vocals, and some of their most epic and anthemic songs. If only all bands could put out the kind of quality music that Anthrax did with Worship Music, the music scene and its community of fans and artists would all be better for it. Until that happens, we can rely on bands like Anthrax to reliably put out masterpieces, even if they do take a while in between them.

Rating: 5/5

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Empire Hideous: The Time Has Come

The Empire Hideous

The Time Has Come

Reviewed by Lisa Selvaggio
            The sad news is this is the last album for The Empire Hideous, a band lead by the talented and controversial Myke Hideous.  If you’re into Gothic music, The Misfits, and especially if you’re from NJ and you haven’t heard of these guys, something is wrong.  Definitely check out his previous releases with The Empire Hideous, ‘cause you’re missing out. 
            The good news is this album does not disappoint.  It’s a throwback to the Goth of yore with polished production to bring out every instrument and Myke’s haunting vocals.  In other words, it’s indie Goth/Rock as it should be.  From “Dance Dead Rhythms” that you can certainly dance along with, to the melancholy “Pretty Faces,” from “Stand Off” which is reminiscent of songs off Victim Destroys Assailant—proving that here is a musician who holds true to his sound—to the ethereal “Sahara,” there’s variety here, in songs discussing loving and losing.  Every song has something unique to offer yet all of them come together perfectly.  My only complaint is there are a few tracks of soundscapes that, I feel, could have instead been more music from this engaging, versatile musician whose project we will sorely miss. 
As an independent artist all these years, Myke has struggled, but there is no doubt that he has acquired an audience that respects him for all that he has put out there of himself, and this music certainly will not be forgotten in the Goth/Rock underground. 

Rating: 5/5