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Song Review

Free Single, "Horchata," Sounds More Coldplay than Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend has shown that they know how to Westernize World Beat music, much like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, giving it a contemporary edge for a more trendy set. Trendy or not, I hope the trend continues. Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut lived up to the hype with some of the most interesting pop/rock sounds of 2008.

Dio's Work With Elf Should Not Be Ignored

The music of Elf is probably last in line when someone thinks of Ronnie James Dio's work over the course of his career. However, whether you are die-hard Dio fan, or simply an admirer of his strong vocal style, you should listen to his contributions to the band Elf. Dio was known as Ronald Padavona back then (in the early 70s) — not a very memorable name, but his vocals were top-notch enough to stay in your brain for a lifetime.

Joetown's "Lonely Town Blues" Displays the Best Sound

The song "Lonely Town Blues" on Joetown's Pills and Ammo is a good representation of what singer, guitarist, songwriter, Joe Delaney can create. It has the heart and soul of 70s-style hard rock ala Aerosmith. The rest of the album has more of the heart of Ted Nugent and soul of Marilyn Manson. Too weird of a combination for many, including myself.

Crystal Stilts Know How To Add Retro Feel to Contemporary Sound

Brooklynites Crystal Stilts mix a Cramps meets Joy Division appeal to listeners. Just check out the self-titled "Crystal Stilts" on debut album, Alight of Night for evidence. While the music rides along like a depressed surfer, the lyrics murmur about disturbing "the procession preserved in our mind."

Nice form.

Jet's "Look What You've Done" is One of the Best Rock Singles of the Era

Reviews

The new Aborted effective but uninspired

Belgian death metal band Aborted has gone through a tumultuous few years. After six albums and several E.Ps, the band appeared to be in the midst of its final death throes.

Black Sun Aeon and the soundtrack to despair

Finnish metal powerhouse Thoumas Saukkonen is at it again. Easily one of the most hard working musicians in the industry, he has released a staggering nine full length albums across numerous projects, in addition countless demos, EPs, and live performances since early 2000. With so much going on at any given time, it is a wonder that the material he releases is of consistently high quality.

Troll, and its newest released destined for obscurity

After a near decade long silence, Stian Arnesen (better known by his stage name Nagash), has reformed the always mediocre Troll to put out yet another candy coated mid Dimmu Borgir flavored slice of commercial black metal. The question is, with other more pressing, and frankly more desired projects under his belt (a collective sign can be heard from Kovenant fans across the world), why?

Mnemic retains electro-metal supremacy with Sons of the System

As many might know, Danish metallers Mnemic have been in the scene for a while now, and in their latest effort Sons of the System, they have made their presence known. Since the band's last effort, 2007's Passenger, Mnemic has been hard at work writing new material, promising loyal fans a great album. They succeeded.

Before the Dawn's new EP a surprisingly dense affair

It should be no surprise for anyone who knows anything of Tuomas Saukkonen, finish multi-instrumentalist and composer for numerous Finnish metal bands, that with another year comes another release. As one of the most hard working entities in the genre today, his track record for putting out consistently high quality releases is second to few, and his most recent release with melodic dark metal band Before the Dawn, the Decade of Darkness EP is no exception.