Norris – The Great White North
Jason Wellwood reviews the latest output from Thunder Bay’s NORRIS. An album worthy of a perfect score? He thinks so.
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MAAX – Six Pack Witchcraft
“‘Six Pack Witchcraft’ is a full speed ahead, red lining, sing-a-long track that will have you pounding your fist on the bar, and possibly your pint glass as well. For ‘Go F*** Yourself’ the band moves back into a more old school black metal feel with production so thick you’d almost think the band had recorded with the microphones set up on the other side of a mattress.”
Jason Wellwood reviews the latest album from MAAX, a blackened rock and roll album reminiscent of Motorhead vs Darkthrone.
STAFF PLAYLISTS: March 2011
Back by popular demand, here are the Staff Playlists for March 2011!
Titan’s Eve – The Divine Equal
“Titan’s Eve manage to sound like seasoned veterans, no subtle nods to the old school or blatant attempts to make ‘nouveau’ thrash are present although it’s obvious that the band has done its homework. It’s also obvious that the band is ambitious: their debut album is a concept album based on The Book of Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost.”
Jason Wellwood reviews the independently released debut from Titan’s Eve, entitled “The Divine Equal”.
Cleveland, Ohio–my home away from home
Don’t get me wrong, there are parts of Cleveland where I’d be dead if I set foot in. I’m told that the local nickname for East Cleveland is “Mad Max,” which says it all, really. But when you’re busing it into town with the sole purpose of seeing a metal gig, it’s the best place I can think of within a seven-hour drive.
Blasphemous Meals #2: Jailbreak Jambalaya and a Date With the Devil
“Hellbent for Cooking is a compilation of culinary classics of every culture from metal bands and artists around the world… I have decided to record my thoughts and experiences while cooking my way through Hellbent for Cooking, also providing my view on the bands that graciously donated their recipes.”
Ola Mazzuca serves up some delicious meals straight from the Hellbent for Cooking in part 2 of “Blasphemous Meals”.
Kalmah / Warcall / Woods of Ypres / Bolero @ The Mod Club, March 13th 2011
“I am not sure I have ever been to a show, barring Iron Maiden, where more members of the audience were wearing the headlining band’s shirts. There were Kalmah logos as far as the eye could see, and as soon as the lights went down, the crowd went bonkers.”
Natalie Zed reviews the Toronto stop by Kalmah, supported by Warcall, Woods of Ypres and Bolero.
Bloodiest – Descent
These guys (and gal) frolic in the post-metal fields ploughed by Neurosis, though they definitely do their own thing. That being said, their thing is a little too weird for me.
Black Space Riders – Black Space Riders
Black Space Riders certainly know what sound they are going for and with only one minor misstep on this album I’d say they’ve found it. The music isn’t too spacey to deter fans of more doom styled stoner rock nor is it too doomy for the rock crowd. Is the music a case of trying to please everyone? Perhaps, but in this instance it really works.
Rhapsody of Fire – The Frozen Tears of Angels
Rhapsody of Fire are true storytellers on the record, and the music works well in conjunction with audiences familiar with everything from Middle Earth escapades to the grand picture power metal paints in our minds, resulting in an experience that is both aural and visual.