Aborted Earth "Hey Kid,Wanna Buy A Split" EP Review

 

    I always like when someone contatcs me to do reviews was absolutely over the moon when Aborted Earth vocalist Jamie asked me would i be interested in doing so for their absolutely devastating new Split EP Hey Kid,Wanna Buy a Split? they're about to release with the equally apocalyptic sounding Organ Blender suffice to say i'll be doing a seperate review for their part of this release.

   I've being paying close attention to this band for a few years now and they've evolved their sound by adding extra facets with each release and now on this it seems they have come fulll circle with devastating consequences, straight off we're treated to some relentlessly uncomfortable passages with Conspiracy to Kill the repitition throughout this track really creates a sense of a dark and prevelent impending doom with no means of escape whatsoever, Coolock Bodybag is executed with an extremely visceral vocal delivery combined with relentless pace for the opening 2 minutes of the track at which point they launch into some Sludgy and Apocalyptic sequences similar to early Godflesh,something that should be mentioned this also has some element of social strife,societal problem(referenced in the soing title,if you know you know otherwise i'm not explaining), Closing track Vicious Circle combines every element the band have been adding to their repetoire throughout the years and their arsenal has all the recipes to create an absolutely obliterating apocalyptic soundtrack.

   As mentioned earlier the advancemenst this band has made in the last few years is mind blowing,from a straight-up crazy Grindcore band with some tongue in cheek dark humour(it's still there) to adding Industrial Metal elements akin to Godflesh or Scorn which in turn adds a really scarey apocalyptic atmosphere to their sound,with Hey Kid,Wanna Buy A Split long term fans of the band are going to absolutely love what's on offer here.

RATING:10/10

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VHpCKARiFRVT7oyfW5PuR?si=yXrbNRDyQDeqmUCJXlK1Aw

BANDCAMP: https://abortedearth.bandcamp.com/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@abortedearth7074

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AbortedEarth

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/abortedearthireland/

12 Gauge Outrage "Siren" EP Review

 

   The brilliant Wexford based Heavy/Thrash Metal Stalwarts 12 Gauge Outrage have been cutting their trade for the best part of a decade with each release they've developed and honed their sound into something with an ode to the old school and something refreshing and modern, this is prevelent and noticable on their absolutely fantstic new EP Siren lets get into the finer details of this brilliant release.

   straight away you can hear the absolute razor sharp production,the atmosphere at the start of Control is extremely foreboding and dark the combination of the heavy riffing and twin vocal harmonies add a taut and concise element to the track, To Shreds is straight up 80's Thrash Metal that's an absolute ripping track can picture plenty of moshing and crowd surfing for this in a live enviroment, half way through and we're treated to some 90's Metallica-esque riffing with the brilliant My Ever Sleep the mind paced tempo makes this one a real fist thumper and bonafide headbanger.

   The Hanged Man is a real slow burner full of groove,heaviness and riffs for days,at times it sounds like the band have channelled the inner ghost of Dimebag Darrell and combined it  with ...And Justice For all era guitar tones and epicness, final track I See The Light is another quality headbanger full of groove laden hooks and stellar vocal arrangements giving the EP a somewhat dramatic and epic ending.

   At the end of the day 12 Gauge Outrage display their full arsenal of tricks ,even if you've never heard them before straight away you'll know they've being crafting and honing their sound for many years, on another note this band have the experience and longevity to keep getting better with each release,Siren has everything any true metalhead should enjoy,memorable tracks full of groove heaviness,ripping speed and all the nuances to make a great release and long may it continue.

RATING: 8.5/10

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Y7cz9J7AcIvHhw3zpzdXm?si=BTkaCXyzSuu0TBfMFBRmHA

BANDCAMP: https://12gaugeoutrage.bandcamp.com/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@12GaugeOutrage

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/12GaugeOutrage

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/12gaugeoutrage/

Sickened "Sickened" EP Review

 

   Let This serve as a bit introduction/recommendation piece and a short analogy from the excellent One Man Deathcore/Brutal Death Metal Project Sickened,unbeknowst to a lot of people within the Irish Scene there's something special about to explode from the county of Wexford with a few artist/bands working dilligently and under the radar included is the aforementioned Sickened who recently released their debut S/T EP.

    Although it is noticable that there's a rawness and a lo-fi approach to the production there is a certain charm to it albeit with a lethal dose of Brutality and Heaviness,the Intro is a quick instrumental track designed to create an atmosphere of what's to come, We Are Not The First plenty of crushing grooves with some lo-fi vocals that at times remind me of Viral Load or Putrid Pile, Fucked Up is possibly my favourite track on this release it's filled with crushing and visceral riffage combined with some guest vocals courtesy of Kris of Dead Memories, with better all round production the tecnicality would be alot more noticable on this track.

   Infernal Feast continues with some fantastic technical ability,there's also a larger amount of Groove prevelent throughout this one which adds another positive element to the overall product, final track You Got Nothing From It was one of the first tracks to be released by this project and suffice to say is an absolute banger,visceral and crushing riffage combined with the lo-fi vocals give this a brutality and sickness that is so addictive to listen to.

  Overall there's plenty of potential on offer with this project,yes the production may not be to everyone's liking but hell the musicianship,technical ability and amount of work put in deserves to be lauded and praised to the hilt, this is a really enjoyable and worthwhile listen and with further releases this project will definitely improve.

RATING:7.5/10

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/65ZTWTT9yhLwYwp4MYkyoS?si=jRbszgRXRR6Y0gCtlkZsXA

BANDCAMP: https://sickened.bandcamp.com/album/sickened

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@cal669/featured

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sickened_official/

Frayed Ends "Belfast HC" EP Review

      Frayed Ends offer an absolutely relentless short sharp shock with their obliterating debut EP Belfast HC, the band combine elements of Crust,D-Beat,NYHC with an unrelenting aggression and punch to the gut,we're treated a fercious 4 tracks in 11 minutes of  raw,angry unrelenting fury with a few guest appearance along the way.

  As soon as that first notes of Carve Your Name hit you can hear all the nuances of NYHC like Leeway,Sick Of It All,Cro-Mags and even elements of early Biohazard,the dual vocals throughout this track(along with the whole EP) add a really visceral and nasty feeling to proceddings, Came Into This World dissects and obliterates with crushing precision and the urge to make you smash the place up, No Shift In The Paradigm (Ft Brian J Harrington of Congenital Abnormalities,Ex-Jenova Vocalist) on Guest Vox gives an absolutely Obliterating persistence to the track ,that breakdown near the end is nothing short of devastatingly crushing, Worthless (Ft Jude McIlwaine of Acid Age) is an absolutely ripping track ,the trademark wretched screams of McIlwaine give the track something unique and different to what was on the EP already while still maintaining the unrelenting fury.

   Overall Belfast HC is an absolutely quality offering from the band especially considering it's a debut,it is obvious that the members have a wealth of prior experience to draw on from the past even so this makes this EP all the more better for it,dare i say it this may well make my short list for EP of the year,yes it is a bold statement to make but it's going to be hard to match the overall ferocity,aggression and rawness on offer here.

Rating: 9.5/10

   

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/39BHR7TYt7Ml1gThIpqH7T?si=ir91doxhRvGxKUriFx6mSQ

BANDCAMP: https://frayedendsbc.bandcamp.com/album/belfast-hc

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090471172803

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/frayedendsbc/

Words That Burn "Cut Throat Culture" Album Review

 

   Recently i made a post on Facebook about specific types of bands i would've been extremely reluctant to listen to,growing up in an era were Thrash,Death and Black Metal were the undisputed kings for me,for want of a better word and been somewhat of an edgy jerk in my youth with regard to what i listen to(if it ain't fast or brutal enough forget it),ever since i've started doing my weekly segment on Metal Messiah Radio about two years ago i've discovered numerous bands from array of different genres and one in particular has really changed my opinion of some of the modern acts delivering some absolutely quality tunes and that is the ridiculously brilliant Words That Burn,with the release of their third full length album Cut Throat Culture the band have honed and crafted a really spectacular opus.

   

   

Straight from the gates the band launch into the absolutely brilliant Den Of Lions like a pheonix rising from the ashes and unleash a barage of emotions combined with metaculously crafted riffs with electro pop sensibility, Sunshine hits with unrelenting aggression,the switching between harsh and clean vocal delivery gives the track an underlying dark atmosphere, possibly my favourtie track on the album is the sublime Play God which hints at the topic of maipulative relationships,the aggression throughout this adds a really emotional element ,there's also a brilliant anthemic feel to the track.

   We're treated to the upbeat nuances of the excellent Sirens ,there's a nice rock element to this track,the vocals have a great anthemic feeling to them, this one really grabs your full undivided attention with the groovy hooks and the continous switching between aggressive and anthemic vocals, the anthemic atmosphere continues with the fantastic The Cavalry Ain't Coming the fills in between the chorus are nothing short of relentless combined with those heartfelt emotional vocals, You're On Your Own really pounds home the underlying  mental health issues throughout the album and how horrible society can be, the atmosphere gets that little more darker on the hauntingly eerie Fire At Will this is possibly the heaviest track on the album and delivers a combination of absolutely devastating and emotional vocals.

   Things begin to delve that little bit darker with To Night the feeling of dread is really prevelant which is pushed to the fore with the haunting atmosphere there's also a bit of pop sensibility to add a different feeling to proceedings, Thicker Skin has a really nice keys intro before it launches into killer groove laden hooks,there's almost a ballad type approach to this albeit with brief aggressive vocals, you also get the full repotoire of what the bands vocalist is capable of, closing track Michael delivers some killer riffs combined with a really dark atmosphere created by the keys/electronic elements,once again the vocal delivery is truly breathtaking switching effortlessly between harsh and clean vocals.

  Overall Cut Throat Culture shows a band not only progressing from previous releases but showing a confidence and maturity that's going to push them to another level of brilliance,we treated to plenty of memorable anthemic type songs,one of the main elements that won me over with this band is the ease with which they can switch between full on aggression and soaring and passionate vocal delivery, if you're sitting on the fence(like i once was) about this band do yourself a favour and listen to this album,you will find something that you enjoy about.

RATING: 9/10

SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ADo1iCVBg2hJgpKRCFajD?si=y-dXMSlfRWyWCO3E8Y40RQ

BANDCAMP: https://wordsthatburn.bandcamp.com/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@wordsthatburn

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wordsthatburn

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburn/

Shadows Calling "Spirit Shifter" EP Review

 

  

   Great no frills no bullshit Hard Rock bands have been a rare commodity these days be it down to chnages in society,the over abundance of the "quick fix" has become too common place with todays generation were many faucets in todays society being just repitive,bland and mundane, the brilliant Shadows Calling are here to reminds us all what great Rock tunes are all about with their debut EP Spirit Shifter.

    Straight from the get go the band launch into the adrenalin fueled nuances of the rip roaring Eraser .there's some great mid tempo riffing combined with the soaring & passionate vocal delivery, Spirit Shifter has a nice constant groove and plenty of killer riffs and once again the vocals are constantly on point and compliment the all arrangements perfectly.

  Midnight's Eye unleshes memorable hooks and a mix of smooth groove laden riffs and a varying array of vocal styles,the guitar leads are soaring with an absolutely gorgeous tone, closing track Our Own Escape has something different to offer from the previous tracks in that it goes to an almost ballad like structure,the rocking riffs and soaring passionate vocals are still there added with a somewhat epic structure,this offers the full capability of what the band are looking to capture.

   Spirit Shifter is a really solid debut offering from the brilliant Shadows Calling,the musicianship is stellar and full of memorable riffs and hooks,the production is absolutely quality and captures an essence of the band that you won't forget too quickly, would highly advise to keep a close eye on these as i can see room fro improvement and a really bright future.

RATING: 8.5/10

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1T4NZVz7bX6IzMH2VBnqKC?si=OKjLkaOMQgmRwYrLMtAxCA

BANDCAMP: https://shadowscalling1.bandcamp.com/album/spirit-shifter-4-track-ep

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@shadowscalling

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/shadowscalling13

INSTTING:AGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadowscalling/

Koma "Of Dionysus And The Vine" Single Review

   

Once again i've been treated to another quality offering from the fine folk of Melodic Metalcore oufit Koma in the form of their brilliant new single Of Dionysus And The Vine let's get into the finer details this track has to offer.

 Just like previous tracks The Betrayed & Dichotomy there's plenty of melodic parts,groove laden hooks and aggression on offer but there is an added dark atmosphere which also has an almost Thrash Metal feeling to it, the lead and backing vocals are pushed to a different level on this without going too far from the dynamics on the previous tracks.the lyrical theme is inspired by the Greek God of wine and revelry Dionysus,it touches on the intoxicating power of the consuming alcohol and is intended to capture the tragedy comedy and festivities when one is partaking in the revelry of drinking.

  Everything  Koma have done thus far oozes quality,passion and a hunger to deliver songs full of  catchy hooks, melody and memorable topics that also fit in with the trials and tribulations life has to offer,even the artwork on each single,done by the extremly talented Adam Brown of  Dead Flesh Tattoo tells a story in itself,the production is absolutely sublime thanks to the  midas touch of Josh Sid Robinson of JSR Audio,over all Koma have once again delivered the goods and i for one cannot wait til they releases an EP or Full Length Album,they have all the nuances to build something special that has longevity and constantly evolve their sound organically

RATING: 9/10

 

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yLoO1CPbeeojKSpD4KQua?si=WePx5I7FRBmccPEjYrtQ-g

BANDCAMP: https://komaofficialni.bandcamp.com/

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@KOMAOfficialNI

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/komaofficialni

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/koma_official_ni/