Published: September 17, 2023 at 2:06 PM est.
Corey Taylor’s “CMF2,” released on September 15 via Decibel Cooper / BMG, is a highly anticipated follow-up to his 2020 solo album “CMFT.” As a dedicated fan eagerly awaiting this release, it’s evident that Taylor continues to showcase his versatility and musical prowess, drawing from his experiences as the lead singer of Stone Sour and Slipknot.
One of the striking aspects of “CMF2” is the noticeable split between heavy and lighter musical elements, demonstrating Taylor’s ability to navigate different styles. The song “Beyond,” which served as the first single was a strong introduction, combining heavy guitar riffs with melodic elements, setting the stage and telling the world what’s to come on this new album.
“Post Traumatic Blues” stands out as a killer track on the album, delivering a thundering and aggressive sound that highlights Taylor’s signature intensity. It’s a reminder of his powerful presence in the rock and metal scene.
“We Are The Rest” continues with Taylor’s blistering punk attitude, showcasing his punk influences while maintaining his unique style. This track is full of energy and rebellious spirit.
“Breath of Fresh Smoke” offers a change of pace, presenting an acoustic tune that is softer and more upbeat. Taylor’s ability to seamlessly transition between heavy and acoustic elements demonstrates his musical versatility.
“Sorry Me” provides a softer, more vulnerable touch, drawing comparisons to Stone Sour’s “Bother.” In this track, Taylor’s lyrics delve into the ups and downs of his life, creating a sense of connection with the listener.
In conclusion, “CMF2” by Corey Taylor is a testament to his musical evolution and willingness to explore different styles and emotions. The album effectively balances heavy and light moments, offering a diverse listening experience. For fans of Corey Taylor’s work with both Stone Sour and Slipknot, as well as those who enjoyed “CMFT,” this album is a must-listen. It reaffirms Taylor’s status as a multifaceted artist and solidifies his place as a significant figure in rock and metal music.
Published: September 15, 2023 at 8:56 AM est.
Motionless In White, the acclaimed metalcore band, returns with their eighth studio album, “Scoring The End Of The World,” released on June 10, 2022. This album follows up their 2019 release, “Disguise,” and delivers a powerful sonic experience that has made waves in the hard rock and metal music scene. From the moment the album kicks off, it’s evident that Motionless In White means business. With tracks like “Werewolf,” “Cyberhex,” and “Masterpiece,” the band wastes no time in grabbing the listener’s attention. These songs are a testament to the band’s ability to craft heavy, hard-hitting music that resonates with their fan base and appeals to a wider audience in the hard rock and metal genres. “Werewolf” in particular stands out as a formidable track, showcasing the band’s signature blend of aggressive guitar riffs, intense drumming, and Chris Motionless’s distinctive vocal delivery. The song’s ferocious energy is matched by its memorable chorus, making it an instant favorite among fans. “Cyberhex” takes a slightly different approach, incorporating electronic elements into their heavy sound. This fusion adds depth to the album and demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment with their music while maintaining their core identity. “Masterpiece” is another highlight, featuring lyrics that delve into self-reflection and self-worth. This track not only delivers musically but also provides a lyrical depth that invites listeners to connect on a personal level. Throughout “Scoring The End Of The World,” Motionless In White showcases their musicianship and songwriting prowess. The album maintains a consistent level of intensity and heaviness, appealing to fans of their earlier work while also offering enough innovation to keep things fresh. One notable aspect of the album is its ability to capture a sense of urgency and unease, which aligns with the album’s title and thematic elements. It feels like a musical journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, and this atmosphere adds an extra layer of depth to the listening experience. While “Scoring The End Of The World” is undoubtedly a strong addition to Motionless In White’s discography, it’s important to note that it doesn’t necessarily break new ground within the metalcore genre. However, this doesn’t detract from its quality; instead, it solidifies the band’s position as reliable and skilled performers in the hard rock and metal scene.
“Scoring The End Of The World” is a powerful and engaging album that reaffirms Motionless In White’s status as a prominent force in the hard rock and metal music world. With its blend of intense tracks and a sense of sonic urgency, the album delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience that fans of the band and the genre as a whole are sure to appreciate.
Published: September 02, 2023 at 5:40 PM est.
Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters return with their 11th studio album, “But Here We Are,” and it’s an emotional journey that channels grief and loss into powerful rock anthems. The album begins with a poignant realization, as Grohl reflects on the suddenness of life’s twists and turns, setting the tone for a deeply personal and introspective record.
The matter-of-fact title, “But Here We Are,” immediately signals that this album won’t shy away from the complexities of grief. Grohl’s lyrics dive deep into the raw and tangled emotions that accompany loss, refusing to sugarcoat or offer easy answers. On “Under You,” he softly sings about the disbelief and heartache of never seeing a loved one again, all while the music moves through various sonic landscapes, from brooding guitar textures to moments of psych-power-pop, before culminating in an anthemic chorus.
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Under You,” is particularly striking. Grohl’s repeated refrain of “I’ve been hearing voices, none of them are you” is haunting and reflects the disorienting nature of grief. It’s a song that captures the essence of Foo Fighters’ ability to craft infectious melodies while dealing with heavy subject matter.
Tragically, the album marks the band’s first release since the untimely passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Dave Grohl, stepping in on drums for this album, acknowledges the weight of the loss in the music. The emotional depth of tracks like “The Glass” underscores the profound sense of unfairness that often accompanies the death of a loved one. Grohl’s lyrics, combined with an abundance of hooks, create songs that have the potential to join the Foo Fighters’ greatest hits.
While “But Here We Are” is undoubtedly crowd-pleasing, it doesn’t feel like a conventional rock album. It serves as a tribute to Hawkins and his legacy as a charismatic and crowd-pleasing performer. The album’s upbeat and anthemic qualities provide a fitting memorial, capturing the spirit of both Hawkins and the Foo Fighters as a whole.
In conclusion, “But Here We Are” is a testament to the Foo Fighters’ ability to navigate the depths of grief through their signature rock sound. Dave Grohl’s lyrics are emotionally charged, and the music is filled with memorable hooks. While it may not delve into the darkest corners of the soul, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to a fallen friend and bandmate. The album stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Taylor Hawkins and the resilience of the Foo Fighters.
Published: September 02, 2023 at 4:53 PM est.
Greta Van Fleet’s latest offering, “Starcatcher,” is a return to their rock roots, and it’s a refreshing departure from their previous orchestral-infused endeavors. As the band’s third studio album, (released on July 21, 2023) it follows up on “The Battle at Garden’s Gate” and exhibits a noticeable shift in both sound and style.
The album’s introduction and announcement came during their “Dreams In Gold Tour,” where they teased five new tracks from “Starcatcher.” These previews, along with the subsequent release of singles, hinted at a rawer, bluesy, and garage-rock inspired sound, which is indeed what the album delivers. It’s a nod to the band’s early influences and showcases their ability to embrace a more stripped-down, authentic approach.
One of the standout aspects of “Starcatcher” is Josh Kiszka’s vocal performance. His growth as a vocalist is evident, as he explores a more controlled and expressive range, moving away from the scream-like delivery that some fans found divisive on their previous album. This development contributes significantly to the album’s overall appeal.
The album ventures into new territory with tracks like “Runway Blues,” a short but impactful burst of energy that either baffles or excites listeners. “Meeting the Master” takes a psychedelic, slow-burning approach, while “Sacred the Thread” introduces the harp into the band’s sonic palette, showcasing their willingness to experiment. “The Falling Sky” features Josh’s harmonica solo, adding another layer to their sound.
“Starcatcher” offers a handful of tracks that stand out as modern hard rock anthems. “Fate of the Faithful,” the album’s opener, impresses with its composition and promises to be an electric live show opener. “The Indigo Streak,” “Frozen Light,” and “The Archer” deliver the kind of hard-hitting rock that will please fans craving a revitalization of the genre.
However, “Starcatcher” is not without its drawbacks. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and while it’s not necessary for every album to do so, some listeners may find the lack of groundbreaking songwriting a bit disappointing. If you’re not a fan of stadium-grade hard rock that doesn’t push musical boundaries, this album might not be your cup of tea. Additionally, some tracks, like “Waited All Your Life” and “Sacred the Thread,” may feel less compelling and lackluster in comparison to the album’s stronger moments.
One notable characteristic of “Starcatcher” is its brevity, with a runtime of approximately 40 minutes. This conciseness ensures that the album doesn’t overstay its welcome, making it a manageable and enjoyable listen.
In comparison to “The Battle at Garden’s Gate,” “Starcatcher” represents a return to a more straightforward rock sound. While it doesn’t surpass its predecessor in terms of complexity, it successfully carves its niche in Greta Van Fleet’s discography. If you were underwhelmed by their previous albums, “Starcatcher” may not win you over entirely, but it does offer a glimpse of the band’s growth and versatility. It’s a testament to their commitment to their craft and their ability to explore various facets of classic rock.
In conclusion, “Starcatcher” is a solid addition to Greta Van Fleet’s catalog, providing a dose of bluesy hard rock that pays homage to their musical influences. While it may not reinvent the genre, it reaffirms the band’s status as torchbearers of modern classic rock, leaving listeners eager to witness their continued evolution.
Published: September 01, 2023 at 7:44 PM est.
“War Within” by Any Given Sin (CD released August 04, 2023) is a powerful debut album that encapsulates the band’s inner struggles and emotions, transforming them into caustic and catchy hard rock with metallic intensity and alternative intimacy. The album showcases the talent of the Maryland quartet—Victor Ritchie, Mike Conner, Rich Stevenson, and Mike Showalter—and their ability to craft arena-sized anthems with bold hooks and bludgeoning riffs. With nearly 22 million streams and a growing fan base, Any Given Sin has perfected their pummeling and powerful style on this 2023 release.
The band’s journey to this point is marked by hard work and dedication, with notable success in singles like “Another Life” and “Dynamite” generating millions of streams and radio play. These achievements attest to their ability to connect with listeners by sharing their trials and triumphs, offering a sense of communal catharsis. The band’s message is one of solidarity and hope, even within the darker and more introspective themes of their music.
“War Within” is an album that delves into deep and serious topics, maintaining a constant undercurrent of melancholy. However, it doesn’t drown in hopelessness; instead, it offers glimpses of positivity and resilience. Any Given Sin doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to modern rock, but they infuse their own unique moments into a familiar formula. The result is an album with eleven songs that are poised to capture attention and airplay, providing professional musical entertainment.
In summary, “War Within” by Any Given Sin is a solid debut album that showcases their ability to create emotionally charged hard rock. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it effectively combines familiar elements with their individual touch, making it a worthwhile addition to the modern rock landscape. Fans of alternative rock with a modern twist will find much to appreciate in this release.
Published: September 01, 2023 at 10:39 AM est.
Mammoth WVH’s “Mammoth II” is a remarkable album that showcases the immense talent of Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of the iconic guitar player, Eddie Van Halen. What makes this album truly special is the fact that Wolfgang played every instrument on it, demonstrating his multi-faceted musical abilities. It’s a testament to his dedication and artistry, and it’s clear that he’s inherited a significant portion of the Van Halen DNA.
One standout moment on the album is the guitar solo of “Take a Bow”, which feels like a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Eddie Van Halen. The guitar work throughout the album is nothing short of outstanding, with some of the best guitar tones I’ve heard in recent years. Wolfgang’s mastery of the instrument is evident in every note, and it’s a joy to listen to.
Another aspect that truly sets “Mammoth II” apart is the exceptional drum tuning in every song. This can be attributed to the incredible work of American music producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, who has brought out the best in the album’s sound. The drums provide a solid foundation for the music, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Lyrically, the album delves into themes of breakups and people who have wronged others, offering a relatable and emotional dimension to the music. Wolfgang’s songwriting skills shine through, and his vocals convey the depth of these emotions effectively.
“I’m Alright” is a standout track on the album, and it’s worth mentioning the impressive Wah-Wah pedal work by Wolfgang’s Uncle Pat. The addition of piano in some tracks adds a refreshing layer of depth and complexity to the music, showcasing the versatility of the album.
Perfect harmonies and a heavy guitar sound permeate “Mammoth II,” making it a must-have for any rock music fan. Wolfgang Van Halen has not only paid homage to his family’s musical legacy but also carved out a unique space for himself in the music world. This album is a testament to his exceptional talent and a reminder of the enduring power of rock music. “Mammoth II” is an essential addition to any music collection and a captivating journey through the world of Wolfgang Van Halen’s musical prowess.
