The number of bands that can come out of the gate with a near-perfect debut album is extremely limited. Xael’s The Last Arbiter doesn’t release tomorrow. It is unleashed. Fans of death and folk metal alike will find things that delight them in The Last Arbiter, from the fantastic vocals to the technical solos.
Death and extreme metal have always been somewhat of a niche genre in metal. It has nonetheless managed to attract a huge following over the years, with some of the biggest names becoming global brands. California-based Raven Black is a more recent entrant into the maturing genre with their new album 13.
Aftermath is an excellently composed and recorded album. It really showcases a combination of consistency and growth. KEVLAR is consistent in their drive for quality metal, but has grown in terms of composition and sound. It will definitely be a highlight release for this band, and showcases some of their best traits and skills.
Transience is the type of mature concept album that some bands take decades to master. Both musically and lyrically, it progresses through themes and periods until reaching a different sound and realization than the opening songs. SFAtF has developed a distinct sound that defines who they are as a group, and is sure to attract both their old fans and new listeners alike.
Review by Savanah Ruiz, photos courtesy of Embrace the Forever Embrace the Forever speak their truth with debut album Remember // Surrender. This album is raw, expressive, and sends a message. Embrace the Forever is a five-piece independent alternative band from Stanly County, North Carolina. With their music, Embrace the Forever’s goal has always been to impact... Continue Reading →
Review by Savanah Ruiz, photos provided by Greystone Canyon Greystone Canyon has marked their heavy metal debut with While the Wheels Still Turn. This LP is loud, explosive, and impactful. While the Wheels Still Turn features nine tracks of heavy metal that blast through your sound system and really make one excited for the future of rock.... Continue Reading →
Review by Savanah Ruiz, photos provided courtesy of Hayley Kiyoko Hayley Kiyoko has created a masterpiece with her debut album, Expectations. At the young age of 27, Hayley Kiyoko has made a name for herself with the gay anthem “Girls Like Girls”, which went viral with over 88 million views and counting, as well as... Continue Reading →
Review by Rose Estrada, photos provided courtesy of The Ghoulies When one considers what makes a band work, a lot of people tend to underestimate the value of proper theming. Drowned under the voices yelling “it’s all about the music,” is a harsh reality that a lot of musicians experience way too late - that... Continue Reading →
Review by Rose Estrada, images provided by Voices It cannot be overstated that music is, at its core, art. Much like painters carefully selecting their palette or sculptors digging through a junkyard for the right looking scrap metal, musicians have to make choices in how they craft their sound. Sure, there are the choices in... Continue Reading →
Album review by Savanah Ruiz, images provided by Asking Alexandria Asking Alexandria has marked the return of their beloved vocalist with their self-titled LP, Asking Alexandria. This album features a different side of Asking Alexandria, but still holds the roots that made them a force to be reckoned with when they started. Asking Alexandria is the... Continue Reading →
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