My buddy Marco G has been sending Alternative Control albums to review for a couple years, and Downward Spiral’s self-titled debut EP is my favorite so far. It builds on the musical ideas from his previous group Stikpin and the production is radio-ready. Marco plays guitar in the current incarnation, joined by Stikpin vocalist Chris… Continue reading EP Review: Downward Spiral
Tag: music review
Album Review: Phat Astronaut Live
In a world that’s recorded to a click track and run through autotune… Where the sound of instruments is replaced with electronic imitations of the sound of instruments… One local band had the courage…. To release… A LIVE ALBUM… Recorded… At their FIRST SHOW. Okay, end movie trailer voice. Seriously though, who does that? Great… Continue reading Album Review: Phat Astronaut Live
Baldwin’s Choice: Moonsorrow
Glowing praise needs to be stated for a band who never seems to be confused about their musical direction. I’m not talking merely on an album to album basis, but song by epic song. For a band who defines themselves on ambitious pieces of Viking metal of exceeding song length, Moonsorrow’s track record is almost… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Moonsorrow
Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum
Continuum, n: “A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.” Before reviewing this recent release from one of Connecticut’s most prominent local metal bands, I looked up the definition of “continuum” for shits and giggles. What I found was an entire article… Continue reading Bair Grills… Civil Lividity by Continuum
SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY
It was my maiden voyage to the seminal Brooklyn metal club Saint Vitus, and my GPS told me that I had “arrived.” There was no marquee, no sign… Only a few long-haired dudes in jean jackets standing outside of a bodega, next to an unmarked black door with a cross over it. Was this the… Continue reading SHOW REVIEW: Khemmis, Crypt Sermon, and Sanhedrin, January 14, 2017 // Brooklyn, NY
Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega
Heavy metal has been known for its extremity and controversy for a number of years, almost as long as it’s been a genre. Ever since Black Sabbath’s debut album in 1969, it’s challenged society’s acceptance and moralistic tolerance. Yet as years go on and once taboo facets of underground lifestyles become conventional, shocking the system… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Deathspell Omega
Album Review: Verena von Horsten’s Alien Angel Super Death
In her new album Alien Angel Super Death, solo artist and multi-instrumentalist Verena von Horsten tackles the difficult topic of her brother’s suicide. The ten synth-rock tracks are dark but still strangely catchy — especially for such a depressing topic. “Fire” and “The Believer” will definitely be stuck in your head. Working out of New York… Continue reading Album Review: Verena von Horsten’s Alien Angel Super Death