Fear Factory "Mechanize"

Fear Factory

Mechanize

Reviewed by Rob Acocella

     In case you hadn't heard (maybe you live under a rock), Fear Factory have returned. This sort-of-new version of the band features Burton C. Bell on vocals, rejoined by Dino Cazares on guitar, along with Byron Stroud on bass and Gene Hoglan on drums. This is the album, in my opinion, that brings Fear Factory back to where they really shined. The songs bring back memories and vibes from albums like Demanufacture, Obsolete, and Digimortal. From the initial kick-off of the album with the title track you instantly know you're in for a sonic assault. Gene Hoglan pounds the drums as if they owe him money, Byron holds down one hell of a bottom end, and Dino and Burton are Dino and Burton. If you need to be told what it's like when Burton and Dino record together then you probably shouldn't even be reading this. 

The album doesn't really slow down from its fast pace until the last track, "Final Exit," which was the perfect way to end this album. If I had to pick, I'd definitely say my favorites are: "Industrial Discipline," "Fear Campaign," "Powershifter," "Oxidizer" and "Final Exit."

If you are a fan of Fear Factory, you need to pick up this album, there's no question about it.

Rating: 5/5

Bullet For My Valentine "Fever"

Bullet for My Valentine
Fever
Reviewed by Tommy Wolff
      Bullet for My Valentine released their newest album, Fever, on April 27, 2010. This album keeps the band’s heavy roots, while including much more singing than their previous albums. For those who have always loved Mathew Tuck’s vocals, this is the album for them. The band has experimented with many different techniques on this album as well, including whispering vocals on songs such as “Your Betrayal.” Another song to look out for is “Alone,” which begins with an intricate tapping melody. Overall, Bullet for My Valentine has continued to impress with their heavy guitar riffs and driving drums.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Jamie Cullum "The Pursuit"

Jamie Cullum
The Pursuit
Reviewed by Lisa Selvaggio
     One word describes Jamie Cullum: Incredible. He’s a musical virtuoso; he can write stellar originals and yet also has the ability to take a classic or even recent radio hit and give it a brand new flavor and twist; he’s a crowd-pleasing dynamo on stage; and his ever-evolving sound does nothing but improve by leaps and bounds with each release. I personally fell in love with his sound from the very first time I saw the video for “All At Sea” when it was first released, and since then I’ve purchased every one of his albums and seen him live twice. NOTHING this man does disappoints me. He infuses multiple genres and musical styles into one cohesive whole while still maintaining his own signature, unable to be copied by anyone. The Pursuit is filled from top to bottom with addictive, meaningful songs that I only needed to listen to once to get hooked on. His remake of “If I Ruled the World” literally took my breath away--the piano in it throbs with life. And “Music Is Through” will get you dancing, without a doubt. Every instrument flawless, Jamie’s vocals impeccable, energetic, and full of heart, and every song offers something unique. This isn’t just Jazz, nor is it just Pop, it is so much more; something you have to hear to believe. If you haven’t yet become a fan of Mr. Cullum, you must get The Pursuit and let him properly introduce himself to your record collection.

Rating: 5 out of 5