Category: Reviews
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We Hunt Buffalo – Living Ghosts
Man, what is it with B.C. bands and Bison americanus? Not only is the biggest East Van metal band not founded by Devin Townsend named after this majestic creature, but the next big buzz band happens to hunt ‘em when not playing heavy rock. OK, so their name might scream emo, but We Hunt Buffalo…
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Venom – From The Very Depths
Venom have always been weighted down by a very metal millstone: that of their own legacy. The classic Mantas, Cronos, Abaddon line-up is the one everyone thinks of when Venom is mentioned. Since that era, Venom have been all over the place, with various line-ups, none of them achieving any great success. The Welcome To…
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Van Halen – s/t
The thing about albums which are truly progressive (to be clear, I’m referring to albums which break new ground – not necessarily prog rock albums) is that their impact on pop music as a whole takes a bit of time to really register. Sure, there’s a chance that they might break through, win fans and…
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Kadavar – Berlin
Kadavar has really cut its teeth on the road since the release of their last record, 2013’s Abra Kadavar. On their first North American trek, they blew Scorpion Child off the stage on what I can only assume was a regular basis, judging by the Toronto show. And their 2014 headlining gig at the Horseshoe…
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blackQueen – The Directress
Originating in San Francisco and now calling Seattle home, blackQueen invade the psyche with new album The Directress. The band is led by original Assuck bassist Pete Jay (guitar, vocals, synths, samples), and is rounded out by Brandon Fitzsimons (synths, keys, samples), Ursula Stuart (bass) and Alex Bytnar (drums). Just now finding their way onto my…
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Grime – Circle of Molesters
As far as sludge bands go, Grime is aptly named. These Italians play a dirty, gritty blend of downtuned doom, taking the foundation that Eyehategod built, and making it even more unpleasant. Case in point: their sophomore album, which boasts a title even more offputting than its artwork. Curiously enough, the song titles seem more…
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Graveyard – Innocence & Decadence
Finally got the chance to see Graveyard live in Canada this year, and they did not disappoint. But when it comes to their recorded output, I felt that Hisingen Blues was the band’s high-water mark; its successor, Lights Out, turned me off a bit. That said, it’ll be a full three years between albums by the…
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Witchsorrow – No Light Only Fire
That’s right kids, it’s another doom band with Witch in its name! They may not be playing Witchella next year, but Witchsorrow has done alright for themselves, with their third album dropping on Candlelight after a couple records with Rise Above. Their association with the latter label naturally brings comparisons to a band with Wizard…
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Pentagram – Curious Volume
Having had the honor of meeting this entire band and getting to have a long conversation with Bobby (Liebling, vocalist), might make me a bit biased. However, I can honestly say without a doubt that Pentagram is one of my favorite bands of all time. As far as my personal rating, I would put them…
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Dark Buddha Rising – Inversum
If this sixth album is the first you’ve heard of mysterious Finnish sextet Dark Buddha Rising, you’re certainly not alone. Four of their first five records were released either independently or on an obscure Finnish label, before 2013’s Dakhmandal, released on not-so-obscure Finnish label Svart Records, led to an appearance at Roadburn and subsequent signing…