Reviews

Atmospheric, floating, literary and lush. Leem of Earth has completed their trilogy with the June 7th release of Chapter 3,  the third EP in their belletristic series: Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. In all three efforts, the band from Pensacola, Florida, creates a fragile wall of sound that hearkens between the fuzz and soundscapes of 90s 4AD shoegaze bands and the ethereal charm of Mazzy Star, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins and The Innocence Mission.

Right off the bat, it’s loud and energetic.  This is melodic, yet noisy indie rock, reminiscent of the classic 90s Britpop with hints of 70s glam (think the rock riffs of Suede meet the swagger of The Divine Comedy).  But don’t be fooled, this isn’t simply nostalgic stuff, stuck in the past. … Continued →

Chris Bernstorf is the poetic equivalent to a bowl of jelly beans. Well, unless you study those jelly bean guides, but that’s beside the point. Opening track “Swing” lives up to its name, offering a dizzying array of topics from water parks, to The Mentalist, to online classes, all pointing to the theme of overcoming personal vices.… Continued →

My Epic returns with their long-awaited follow up to Ultraviolet, and it's aimed to be one of their most provocative releases to date.

This 5-song EP contains 3 songs of melodic death metal (tracks 2-4) sandwiched in between 2 longer, unusual songs that genre-wise feature a hybrid of nu metal, doom metal and some classical instrumentation. Stylistically, the middle 3 tracks are similar to bands like Pantokrator, World to Ashes and similar melodeath bands (or In Flames and At the Gates from a mainstream perspective), but there is not a huge emphasis on the lead guitar.… Continued →

It'd be remiss to think Fair was simply Aaron Sprinkle's backing band. Subways on the Sun is fronted by Fair alumni and offer listeners an eclectic blend of grungey alt-indie that demonstrates their songwriting prowess.

Starflyer 59 are back. But, what does even mean when they never went away? Christian indie rock’s most prolific band have just released their 15th full-length album (not counting their 9 EPs, 4 live releases, 3 box sets/collections, numerous vinyl singles and LP variants or compilation appearances—I didn’t even mention the side projects: Pony Express, Bon Voyage, Dance House Children, The Brothers Martin, White Lighter, Neon Horse and Lo-Tom) making them probably the second most prolific band in all of indie rock (second only to Guided by Voices, who are at something like 100 releases).… Continued →

Kings Kaleidoscope has shifted gears a bit on ZEAL, incorporating a heavy focus on production and hip-hop elements.

American Arson's Facedown Records debut is a great entry point for new fans.

Death Therapy appeared on the scene for many with their debut album, “The Storm Before the Calm”, in early 2017. An album that just dripped of a mix of industrial and metal, it was met with a positive response from both fans and critics alike.… Continued →

Grindcore. You either love it or think it’s not music and wonder why it ever existed. There’s not a lot of in-between. It’s possibly the most extreme form of music that exists (it’s either that or some form of harsh noise).… Continued →

Sometime last year, Brandon was kind enough to introduce me to a band named Relent. At the time, the band only had a 2 song ep available called “Embers”, but it was more than enough to pique my interest. What we have in these guys is a what I’m going to call a new nu metal sound.… Continued →

So, it’s been a couple weeks since Zac reviewed Demon Hunter’s “War” album. If you haven’t yet given it a read, you can find it HERE. Go check it out, I’ll wait. Caught up? Good. Now that we’re all on the same page, it’s my turn.… Continued →

  When a band includes members carrying the names, Agent 57, Colonel K, Donnie Murdo, Isambard Sinclair, and Penfold, you know their music is destined to be far from ordinary. Their Throats are Open Tombs have returned with a follow-up to their 2016 self-titled debut.… Continued →

If you’re reading this review, chances are you’re aware of Nate Allen. Released a ton of folk-punk albums with wife Tessa as Destroy Nate Allen. DNA was energetic, fun, and although there was always a message, it was generally focused outward (“Jesus, Keep us Safe from the Cops” and “Boobie Bar” come to mind).… Continued →

Be Clean Again feels like a Sunday. The weather is somber, you’re feeling introspective, and everything just seems rather slow. Very little of Heath McNease’s latest effort (save for “Believe”) could be deemed upbeat from a musical or lyrical standpoint. This album is 54 minutes of slow hip-hop meets folk, never lacking in sincerity or seriousness.… Continued →

Check out one of Chroma Artist Collective's first releases of the year!

Hallowell is quick to capture listeners' attention but ultimately demands careful rumination to fully enjoy.

There’s really no need for any introduction to these giants. However over the years, Demon Hunter’s sound has slowly transformed from that signature “DH” sound to a cleaner vocal driven sound. With mixed responses, Ryan Clark has continued to showcase his pipes with an impressive vocal range and control.… Continued →

Most readers will know Stephen best as the founder/frontman for alternative metal acts Tantrum of the Muse and Unteachers. Where Tantrum and Unteachers ‘taught’ us how to rock out, solo Sarro efforts want to make us uncomfortable. Spirit Shrill is his second solo album, continuing to explore experimental and noise fields.… Continued →

I’ll Always Be the Same is a tiring listen. For an album that focuses on negative thoughts and emotions, the lyrics really accentuate the music. Human psychology is paradoxical in the sense that even when emotions and thoughts seem to repeat themselves, they can never actually be the same qualitatively, since they occur at different points in time.… Continued →

Christian Hardcore/Post-Hardcore act from Argentina, Lo Inconmovible (translated: The Unshakable) after 6 years of being a band, have finally released their official full length.

The Chairman Dances' latest release wrestles with the pain of life and death over brooding orchestral arrangements.

Valleyheart's moving debut is repentant, vulnerable alt-rock laced with explosive crescendos.

  The Tyranny of Things, the latest release from Dystopian Futures, builds on the foundation laid during the band’s debut self-titled EP, and Low Arts. This world is a dangerous place. And it’s not just the horrific scenes that appear on the evening news.… Continued →

San Antonio, Texas' Metallic Hardcore act Thin Ice has recently released demos for what would've been their full length follow up to their Blood & Ink records EP release "Revelation Through Tribulation". Needless to say, this doesn't disappoint in the least. Heavy and aggressive as expected.

There are albums that one finds out about and count the days in anticipation for its release. Young Oceans' "Songs of Christimas" is one album that I, myself was not aware was being worked out, but was exceptionally joyed upon hearing of it's release.

Eager Seas' latest release is composed of songs released consecutively throughout 2018. Does it suffer from being single-driven or does it maintain enough cohesion to be considered a proper album? Does this question even matter?

A while ago, I remember hearing a small snippet of a track from a band I would later find out was Amongst the Giants; just a few seconds in length really, but based solely on that, I already had high expectations of what was to come and was eager to hear more.… Continued →

Before I came to a place of faith in my life, I was really, REALLY into Marilyn Manson. Odd way to start this review? Maybe, but stick with me. When I finally did come to faith in Christ, I guess I really had little idea of the concept of Christian music and what it could sound like.… Continued →