Megadeth "Dystopia" (2016)

Its hard to believe it but Dave Mustain's Megadeth have been at it for over thirty years now. Once of Metallica, Dave was dismissed by the band in bad circumstances that left him soar and on quest of retribution to out Metal the giants of the genre. In the late 80s and early 90s the group saw a commercial peak with a string of well received records. In recent years Dave has been touring and pumping out record after record every two to three years. "Dystopia" is the groups fifteenth and I only decided to check it out due to requests to do so. I'm glad I did, its a solid, enjoyable Megadeth record that shows little sign of the group tiring however this meant the record had little new to offer.

If your familiar with Megadeth's sound its distinctive as ever on a tightly produced record. The distortion guitars have flair and speed, electric blazing lead tones and the rhythm sounds a touch Djenty and maybe over compressed. They sound fantastic when synchronizing with the sturdy bass kick drums which thud away mechanically with precision force. The bass guitar for the most part hides under the guitar, a common disappointment with records that don't utilize its potential. Dave's voice is often a turn off for potential fans and their is no break from his nazel tone. The age can be heard in his voice which can still be adventurous but the limits in his range and occasional gruffer vocals are apparent in moments where he sounds a step behind the instrumental intensity.

For the songs and music its typically metal, attitude and aggression circling around wild and excitable riffs, often busting out into lightning paced guitar leads. The record is held together with themes of societal disillusion, paranoia and government conspiracy. There is really little to fault and some of the opening songs would fit in well between the classics in a live show. On a personal level I don't feel like I'm getting any new spice or flavor which probably reflects my current apatite for new sounds as opposed to the monstrous amounts of Metal Ive consumed over the years. Solid record, wish I had been more in the mood to enjoy it.

Rating: 6/10

Erang "Land Of The Five Seasons" (2016)

This latest Erang record had me at a distance, in wanting to connect with it Ive been pushed away and when Ive made no attempt I have been sucked in. When live streaming the power of the music pushes through into focus at various points in the record, engulfing me in its persuasion. When listening intently, analyzing and thinking about my thoughts the magic is dispelled and In thinking of what this means I have come to my conclusion on what I think is the least progressive work Ive heard in a while. It is not without its charm and my undying passion for new and interesting sounds might make that sound a little harsh but I am speaking in the realm of meaningless expectation, to hear an artist find new ground, where as this one revisited.

Land of the five seasons could be considered a return to the roots, the "Tome" era, noticeably 13 tracks in length too. Simpler, melodies and song structures led by fantasy driven nostalgia for the imagination to drift away is where its magic lies. With a lower fidelity and with a touch more Dungeon Synth aesthetic, we sail through misty winds into the mysterious unknown. Its a calmer, slower record that sets its eerie accent gracefully. Its steady and balanced, conjuring its atmospheres with carefully chosen instruments to inspire and charm.

What makes this record is frustrating for me is its secrecy and lack of immediacy. I say this because most often I put on an Erang record and I'm there. However with this record I cannot get there if I pay attention, listen closely. But maybe that's just me, or my mood but when its on in the background it goes deep into the subconscious and unexpectedly creeps up on you with an explosion of magic. Two things I loved was to hear Erang's voice, clean and honest on "Deep Down Into Your Heart" and the fiery "The Red Snakes Of Amang" getting a great sound out of FL Slayer with its shimmering distortions. I have mixed feelings about this one, It has powerful subtleties and a strange transparency too.

Favorite Songs: The Tangerine Theif Of Tadyar, The Red Snakes Of Amrang

Rating: 5/10

Dan Terminus "Rêverie" (2014)

For my second dive into the small discography of French electronic composer Dan Terminus I thought this short twenty minute EP would be an interesting listen. "Rêverie"is a break from the norm as Dan stated he would have fun, taking a break from the usual dark themes and aesthetics in favor of something happy and upbeat. Luckily for me that form of "happy" vibe isn't overly chirpy, enthusiastic or free of balance, there is plenty of room for other feelings to populate these generally positive songs however Dan can't help but steer to darker leanings at times.

In comparison to "The Wrath Of Code" we have a very similar production style but with more space in the mix to breath as the textural synths are used more sparingly. They still pack a punch with some deep wave forms but the lack of depth in layers frees the listener of the demanding density. Breaking away from the dark sound Dan still has a heavy retro inspiration that paints techno-electro fantasies with colorful dancing synthesizers. The 80s vibes course through these tracks, most noticeable when the Phil Collins style synth toms come punching into tracks with their rigid tumbling tom rolls.

Between the five tracks there is plenty of variation mainly in themes and leads. Most the tracks take on a similar tempo with momentous rhythmic patterns, as if hurtling down the cyber highway, sun glasses and hair blowing in the wind like a bad ass. Unlike the previous record I checked out the leading instruments shuffle through many more passageways and moments, rarely repeating back on themselves which made for much more progressive and organic tracks that held my interest for longer. Its a warm, breezy record knee deep in the retro-electro nostalgic fantasies that could be associated with early home console era in the mid 80s, however much richer in quality and dexterity. Dan shows a different side of himself here, one I think I prefer.

Rating: 5/10

Dead Can Dance "Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun" (1987)

This may be the one, "my" Dead Can Dance record. So swiftly and immediately did it command my interest with mystical enchanted bells playing over a foggy and eerie choral synth that chimes in a moment later. It set the tone for an ancient, dark an deeply nostalgic experience of fantasy music with a similarity to the likes of Erang. In its first half this record borders on Dungeon Synth many years before its primitive inception in the 90s from the likes of Burzum and Mortiis. Unlike its predecessors the bands recreational element is yet to be developed and the visions and atmospheres here tell tales of the land of the dead and forgotten mysticism with a remarkable touch of color and vibrancy.

The records second is my favorite, a short and stunningly crafted piece to send your imagination soaring. Rhythmic synths echo the chimes of war as secretive strings expand and contract through a fog. More instruments chime in to add to the cryptic, mystical atmosphere and I feel as if I'm lost on the foggy moors of forgotten lands, safely observing a supernatural event. The rest of the record has a stronger human element through the sturdy, soft voice of Perry on the first half of the record and Gerrard's on the second, sounding as always like she is from another era of time.

Where the duo take two half's of the record there is a split that can be felt as the gears shift from fantasy to a strikingly dark and serious tones of remorse and suffering. On "Cantara" the mood is lifted with tribal rhythms and more stunning vocals from Gerrard. The other three create sorrowful, grave moods of funeral and loss with little respite for any melodic charm in the wake of heavy, burdening compositions that hold a great immediacy within the musics momentum. From the technical perspective this is a well produced collection of instruments for 1987. Its rigidity of timing may be noticeable but does little to dispel the magic that emanates through the speakers.

Favorite Song: Windfall

Rating: 8/10

Porcupine Tree "Fear Of A Blank Planet" (2007)

Being an avid fan of Opeth, its hard not to hear of this band who are frequently discussed and cited as a big influence on the Swedish bands sound. Porcupine Tree are a four piece British Progressive Rock group who formed in the late eighties long after the genres heyday. Beyond that there isn't much I can tell you about them, however they have certainly stirred my interest with this stunning record. Its remained on my playlist for several months and has resisted my understanding, my reach to put feelings into thoughts and this is a sign of its weight, its value, its strengths. There is so much to digest in this dense lavishing of musical passageways and emotional narratives that one is continually indulged and at the mercy of its evolving direction. With every listen I have wished to better understand my experience, yet each time I find their is more to be learned and discovered.

Having heard a fair share of lush and expansive music like this, I found myself most fascinated by the lyrical content which was starkly blunt and different from my exceptions. Fueled with teenage angst and the line "My Xbox is a god to me", this procession of youthful thoughts referencing school, anger, isolation and pornography was initially confusing but eventually it clicked that of course its conceptual and the subject weight is being expressed through the perspective of adolescence. Its quite dark and deals with the problems of youth in such a technologically charged society that causes its share of mental health problems in young people both connected and isolated through technology.

Behind it a continually unraveling flow of luscious instrumentation plays through its share of striking, memorable moments between lengthy, relaxing mellower periods. The most noticeable traits is the depth of sound behind the core instruments and the metallic tenancies that take over moments in these songs. At all times through this record synths, organs or strings can be heard layered in the backdrop, stepping forwards sometimes to enrich a climactic moment. There's a main direction to follow but always depth in the details these additional instruments add. The guitars on occasions dip into some heavy, sometime Djent guitar tones and heavy, crunching moments which personally felt dry as the other instruments drop out of focus for underwhelming, agressive grooves.

Despite a minor quibble this record is a striking effort, possibly their best investigating the critical acclaim of their discography. I do wonder if the title is a reference to Public Enemies 1990 record of the same name and on a final note the production quality of this record is practically flawless, sublime in all measures, a fine piece of work.

Rating: 8/10

Black Sabbath "The End" (2016)

Black Sabbath, a legendary band that needs no introduction but if you happen to not know who these guys are you need to educate yourself, Sabbath are thee band that pioneered Heavy Metal with its most distinctive and lasting qualities in comparison to other bands, ie Led Zeppelin, that were pushing the Hard Rock boundaries at the time. Sabbath put out their self titled debut in 1970 and nothing has been the same since. The distortion guitar tone, the melodic yet doom and hellish atmosphere and Ozzy's remarkable voice shaped the future of Metal to come, having a listing influence on modern bands as well as inspiring the Doom Metal sub genre with "Master Of Reality". Much of Metal's history can be traced back to them and a string of fantastic records with singer Ozzy before his departure in 1979. "The End" is the group's final record, a short four track EP of leftovers from their last full length "13" released three years ago, one that I am guilty of not listening to yet. It's been 48 years since the group first formed, they leave behind a legacy that refuses to be forgotten and this is where the curtains close with the band doing their final round of shows this year.

For a collection of left overs "The End" is surprisingly solid record. The record opens with a thick, strong guitar tone laying down a tight groove at that slower, doomish, Sabbath pace. Ozzy's voice drops in as if It never ages, still youthful, on key and with his distinct tone in full force. The song goes through its seven minutes steadily with a set of riffs that play through a few repetitions in a simple song structure, Gezzer Butler also throwing in some snaky baselines to spice it up with some variety.

The other three tracks follow this rather straightforward song writing and "Take Me Home" adds in an inspired Spanish guitar lead to give a climactic moment it what is a very steady and consistently paced record. Its strengths are almost to a fault, the rigidity of the riffs playing over and over gets a touch stale with many listens but its undeniably a good collection of riffs and grooves that show these guys still have it. Of course nothing to beat the classics, but something you can get behind and rock out too!

Favorite Song: Isolated Man

Rating: 5/10

Tory Town Poets "TTP" (2014)

Along with Kate Tempest this is another gift I received for Christmas. Its a short 18 minute spoken word piece, performance poetry enhanced with a few lingering sound effects to help set a tone. Poets Olmo Lazarus and Sioni Richards present us with food for thought through word and rhyme as they express their disenfranchised situations. Through topics of war, work, money, youth and suburban disillusionment we muse on their thoughts. The duo have similar styles and tone, complimenting one another from track to track with their deeper, common voices, spoken as if talking directly to you. With a silky flow of organic rhymes and sturdy pacing their words suck one in to the clear and cohesive narratives laid down around the points expressed. You can sense the emotion and anger, its behind calm and calculated expressions but the weight of each point hits home heavy and as the pace of delivery whizzes by as a whirl of mental activity stirs inside on the many observations and points touched on. Its a very socially oriented piece, relative to the human experience, as opposed to any political alignment or ideology, however the groups name may give you a sense of where their politics fall. Its short, rammed with substance and an expression to tune into for a touch of sanity.

Favorite Track: C.V.

Rating: 6/10

Kanye West "The Life of Pablo" (2016)

 

After waves of internet hype and social media buzz, one of the worlds most popular artists drops his newest ambition exclusively through the unpopular, high fidelity Tidal streaming service. Its his eighth full length record and a distant memory of his illuminated arrival into the Hip Hop scene through record like "The College Dropout" and "Late Graduation". I was vaguely excited for this one, the promotional tracks were mediocre, my expectations were in the balance... but not what did we just get?

King Midas of Greek mythology comes to mind, everything he touches turns to gold and that's his curse. Unfortunately in Kanye's case everything he touches is not turning to gold, and he is oblivious to it. Yeezus gave us a taste of Kanye's growing ego, but on this record its stretches far beyond the over bloated, obnoxious lyrics, hollow and shameless for most of this recorded verses. The record itself shows no signs of a purpose or ambition. The records changing name, the last minute shuffling of tracks, adding an additional eight at just before release and using the outro track as an intro? Where is the idea, the inspiration, direction? It's all an apparent mess. "Name one genius that isn't crazy" says Kanye, I'm convinced he is talking about himself and this sporadic behavior is no work of art.

Track listening and last minute changes aside, its the music that counts and I'm sorry to say this was a sorely disappointing slue of unpolished and sporadic ideas that lacked flow, theme or identity. Instrumentally the beats felt average, they could hold a flow, decorate their environment and on occasions showed a spark of light but there was nothing here to challenge or surprise the listener. Lyrically... well Kanye open's with a few lines about a model bleaching herself? And well... Use your imagination, this record is a unfiltered onslaught of Kanye's over inflated ego going through some loathsome self indulgence. The track "I Love Kanye" seems like a love letter to himself, hes in love with himself, he loves hearing his own voice say his name... I'm poking fun, jokes aside I don't know the man but I want to hear some substance of thought and reflection, I don't care how many sneakers hes sold.

Alongside Kanye's raps there is a fair gripe of irritating autotune that I didn't get along with and I could go on moaning... so I will! Whats with the two Pablos? Which one? Picasso, Escobar? Perhaps this mad, directionless, unfiltered record is some brilliant expression of the obscure parallels between art and crime? There is no lyrical content to suggest it is tied in anyway to the title. I'm done, rant over.

Rating: 2/10

Abigail Williams "The Accuser" (2015)

American Black Metal band Abigail Williams has stormed through a catalog of band members in over a decade of history. Led by lasting front man Ken Bergeron, their forth full length record shows signs of stability for a band that's changed its identity a couple of times within the context of its genre. Formed as a Deathcore Black Metal crossover, Ken's true intentions have been made clear over the years having used the once popular Deathcore scene to kick start his bands career to a hungry audience. On their debut record the sound of the trending scene was lost to a lush Symphonic Black Metal sound, which has gradually shed its symphonies in favor of a rawer, darker sound.

"The Accuser" is an unfocused and messy onslaught of vicious black aggression. Furious blast beats and shredded tremolo picked guitars barrage the listener through a menacing, claustrophobic wall of noise. Dark, dingy and mammoth in scale the perpetual plunging is met with shrill hate filled screams and cries that bleed into the haze of sound. It can be uninviting for an already difficult sound and as one grows into the record its best moments are where it takes a moment to breath, slow down and try some different ideas from the atypical bludgeoning. The songs structures do enough to keep the record flowing but it does through flawed aggression that holds it back from the sparks that crop up between its hate fueled onslaught.

Its a rough, sloppy production, bleeding instruments and buried sounds don't aid the low fidelity aesthetic but through its glaring flaws, ie the imbalanced tom drum sound, it does find some charm, especially in the screams that are illuminated by their descent into the warmth of guitar distortions. As the album stretches on the diabolical-ism lets up for more interesting, atmospheric moments and the final track has to be the records best with a unique fusion of styles that offers some brilliance you wont find elsewhere. "Nuumite" lets reverb soaked acoustics moan out over oozing ethereal synths, like a cross between Ethereal Gothic Rock and Black Metal's "evil" quality. Its a stunning song, like a darker Lycia, lost in a swooning dark movement. Enjoyable but flawed record. I hope the final track defines a new sound for the next record, whenever it may be, but that is quite unlikely.

Favorite Song: Nuumite

Rating: 5/10

Hüsker Dü "New Day Rising" (1985)

 This record peaked my interest when reading through several "Top 500" album lists. I'd never heard of this American Hardcore group before but given my interest in the genre I gave it a try. I'll be blunt, this record was not for me, the reason behind its high praise and acclaim alludes me and I'm left with a record that I've given months too and every time I give it a spin, I full into a lull, failing to engage. You can't expect to like everything and that always feel like a loss to me, a missed experience.

The record opens with its striking guitar sound, a thin, flat, buzzed out distortion tone tinging with an inharmonious quality floods the air. Its an uncomfortable vibration piercing through solid baselines and a tight powerful drum sound. On occasion it finds a moment with some well constructed riffs but for the most part falls flat on indulgence, its comparable to primitive Black Metal distortion, but not as appealing for me. To make things worse the vocals screech and yell off key, a rawness I'd usually go for but in this instance it made for sore ears. Voice cracks and miss hit notes are littered through the record, its got passion but I can't vibe with it.

The records production is pretty rough and varied too, many songs sound like they are from different sessions and some serve the record much better than the opener. The albums second song is a mighty fine track, showing off the bands ability to write catchy pop songs, unfortunately the aesthetics and performances strip many of the tracks of what is inherently good song writing, great choruses and sing along hooks, although this could only be said for a handful of tracks in the opening half. As the record drones on the musical ideas get less and less interesting and the guitar tone gets tiring.

Favorite Song: Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill

Rating: 3/10

Shabba Ranks "Greatest Hits" (2001)

Who is Shabba Ranks? For me he is the definitive voice of reggae music, said from a perspective of ignorance. Reggae is a genre Ive never dabbled with much but of what its name conjures is this mans voice. Deep, rugged and slick his steady flow swoons smoothly through a thick textural dialect of slang and lingo in his strong Jamaican accent. I wonder if he is actually the artist that populates my mind from where Ive heard this music before, either way the story of how i found him is mildly amusing for a music nerd like myself. Its from A$AP Ferg's "Trap Lord" "Shabba", "Two gold rings like I'm sha-shabba ranks, sha-sha-shabba ranks" and listening to my favorite A Tribe Called Quest record and a few others I caught wind that Shabba Ranks was not some trendy slang but a person. So I proceeded to youtube for a pleasant surprise and before long picked up this collection of his best songs.

Listening to an artist wildly different from my norms was a lot of fun and I picked up on a few stylish distinctions about Shabba's music. On the instrumental front the songs vary in degrees between Reggea and Dancehall but on occasions come with a Hip Hop production style of sampled beats or even a 90s Dance track in "Mr. Loverman". Although not a proper record it helped to keep the record moving and feeling fresh while showcasing the appeal of his vocal presence which could easily extend further than these styles alone. "Ting-A-Ling" was a shiner, a big spacious track with minimal sounds alongside an already bare percussive backbone that shuffles snare and hi-hat between deep base kicks that sparingly kick to emphases the the undying flow of Shabba's indecipherable word play. He notably won a Grammy for the record this lead single was from.

So who would I be kidding if I were to talk about the lyrical content? No one. It will take a fair amount of time before I learn to decode Mr. Ranks's lingual annunciations but in the mean time I am enjoying the persuasive nature of his sizable verbal presence. The shifts in delivery, pace tone don't come to often but as long as I don't leave it on repeat I can enjoy his voice and the instrumentals for the seventy minutes that make up an impressive highlight of his career in music, of which he's been silent with since.

Favorite Tracks: Mr. Loverman, Ting-A-Ling, Rough Life, Roots & Culture, Shine Eye Gal, Twice My Age

Rating: 6/10