Still Dead-Demo no.1

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Still Dead is a doom metal band from Israel that features former members of defunct melodic black/death metal group Sheamut within it's ranks. Those two fine individuals would be guitarist/vocalist Dima Katz and Shaked Oz (bass/drums). On the group's first studio release, "Demo no.1", they are joined by guitarist Cyrill Kravtsoff. Tracks include "Falling Asleep", "Endless", and "No Escape". That first number (my favorite one of the lot!) clocks in at eight minutes and six seconds while the other two songs have run-times of 7:16 and 6:20. If the long lengths of the songs don't give it away, "Demo no.1" is a wonderful tale of well-thought out and slowing developing doom. And it's vintage-infused doom at that! At only one dollar to download it is a absolute steal of a deal and I simply cannot wait to find out what comes next for this power trio!

Vicolo Inferno-Stray Ideals

Logic (il) Logic Records
2016

It's a strange occurrence, but I simply did not recognize the name at first. With a revamped line-up in place and a much improved tone, Vicolo Inferno didn't sound like the same unit that was responsible for "Hourglass". Having listened to the promo CD first (without the presence of album's booklet which would later fill in all the details and lead me to the truth), "Stray Ideals" finds Vicolo Inferno sporting a meaner style of metal and a darker edge. Let's call that a good thing...a very good thing. For the 13-track "Stray Ideals", which was released on November 11th and is digitally available at Amazon and CD Baby, Vicolo Inferno seems to have tuned out the background interference in order that the four-piece band could get right to the point. What was once a (rock radio-friendly) mixture of heavy rock, hard rock, and melodic metal has now become this intoxicating concoction of no-nonsense heavy metal, hard rock (Blackstone Cherry, Badlands, and Junkyard), gritty garage rock with classic rock licks, and top-shelf grunge (Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, and Stone Temple Pilots). Thanks to the addition of drummer Michele "Gollo" Gollini and bass guitarist Wallace (ex-Showstripsilence), Vicolo Inferno's founding members Igor Plattesi (vocals) and Marco Campoll (guitars) are taking the left hand path towards the fulfillment of their band's moniker. You see, Vicolo Inferno is meant to mean "hell alley". The band's second full-length recording suddenly finds this Italian quartet living up to the (somewhat) sinister implications of that cool name. Even the shared female vocals on the melodic "Two Matches" (feat. Caterina Minguzzi) can't erase Vicolo Inferno's edgy new persona. But there again, 2016-era Vicolo Inferno is a good thing. Other than perhaps radio-rock fanatics and those who only worship at the altar of melodic metal, who would want to change that?  

Free Metal Monday: Tiger Fight-Tigers Fight At Midnight

Swords and Chains Records
2016

Formed in 2015 by ex-members of band Ancient Dreams, Tiger Fight is a traditional heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois that takes it's cues from the eighties metal scene. This buzz-worthy demo was released on cassette tape by Swords and Chains Records. Now available as a name-your-price download, "Tigers Fight At Midnight" features three tracks from this hot new band that also includes musicians with ties to  Satan's Hallow.

Saturday Single: Jenner-"How Deep Is Your Greed"

Infernö Records
2017

Active since mid-December 2013, Serbian speed/thrash metal quartet Jenner have signed on with Infernö Records in order to release their full-length debut album, "To Live Is To Suffer". The intellectual "How Deep Is Your Greed" is just one of the band's original compositions that is set to appear "To Live Is To Suffer". It's a fast and fun take on vintage speed metal and thrash that shows off the many skills of this extremely-talented band. While this highly-anticipated album is not scheduled for release until February 20th, Infernö Records has been kind enough to offer a teaser look at what is sure to be one of 2017's most surprising hits! You can check out the clip for yourself by clicking on the image below. Afterwards be sure to head over to the band's Facebook page and hit that "like" button. And of course keep an eye out for my eventual review of "To Live Is To Suffer"! 

As a side note the band's first album will be available on both CD and cassette. The CD version is limited to 1,000 copies. The cassette one will be only 100 copies. Even though they will likely feature the same track list I still hope to snag both formats. Why you might be asking? Well, since I am a fan first and foremost, Jenner sounds as if it will be a great new addition to my personal collection!

Tribulance-The Aftermath of Lies

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Tribulance from Tucson, Arizona (vocalist Mike Vidal, guitarist/backup vocalist Sal Flores, bassist/backup vocalist Gino Silva, and drummer/backup vocalist Brandon Lee) released the long-anticipated "The Aftermath of Lies" this past November. With their 1995 debut, "Trials & Tribulations", almost a faded memory by now, "The Aftermath of Lies" looks to reestablish this HARD and HEAVY metal band and to set things straight. For this tough quartet that means uncompromising lyrics and a straight-up powerful presence that will not back down from it's beliefs! As a matter of reference, Judas Priest, Disturbed, Megadeth, ("Testimony of Apocalypse"-era) Sacrament, Pitts Vs Preps, Sevendust, Exhorder, Damage Plan, (Black-era) Metallica, and Avenged Sevenfold. A run through the smart "The Aftermath of Lies" had me thinking about all of these bands and/or albums. When you set that down next to a vocalist like Mike Vidal (a great front-man whose powerful voice blends the legacy of Rob Halford with the urgency and angst of Mike Patton!) you end up getting a fist in your face recording that it destined to get the pit going! For more information on this four-piece band or this nine-track CD be sure to head over to Tribulance's official Facebook page.

Sweeping Death-Astoria

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Sweeping Death is a German metal band that has been around since the start of 2012. The group's debut EP, "Astoria", was released a little over a week back. Available on CD and as a digital download (courtesy of iGrooveNext.com) Sweeping Death's first effort just fell into my lap thanks to my good friend Markus from Metalmessage Global PR. Make your way past it's awkward artwork (what in God's name is that all about?) and you will find a really solid mash-up of classic heavy metal and progressive thrash metal. No, I wouldn't have guessed that would be the case either, but damn it all if this isn't a fine as wine, six pack of technical fury then I don't know what is! Lead vocals are properly handed by one Elias Witzigmann and the fast, fun, and (above all!) high flying leads come from the hands of Simon Bertl and Markus Heilmeier. In addition to serving time behind the drum kit (where he excels!), Tobias Kasper provides some perfectly-placed piano! Andreas Bertl (bass) is the last piece of this clever puzzle. His bass work shines on the group's powerful debut. Other than the previously-mentioned cover art, "Astoria" is without any real faults. That should be  cause for excitement. Not just for the progressive-minded fans of heavy/thrash, but anyone that just loves good German heavy metal!

Painful Pride-Lost Memories

No Remorse Records
2017

Originally formed back in 1983, Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band Painful Pride will at long last release it's full-length debut on February 17th, 2017. The album comes along some 31 years after the group's only other release, 1986's "Rehearsal" demo, and it now finds Painful Pride fronted with style and absolute class thanks to sensational voice of lead singer Peter Ljungqvist. Only the two guitarists, Örjan Härdig and Tommy Carlström, remain from Painful Pride's original line-up (which was initially active until 1989), but given the beautiful chemistry that is shared between it's members, Painful Pride sounds as if it has had all of it's key players in place for years! Peter Nilsson (bass) and Mathias Pettersson (drums) round matters out on this hit-filled release which, come next December, will make dozens of "Best Of" lists!!   

Painful Pride back in the day!

Opening with the heavy metal gem "Visions", Painful Pride's "Lost Memories" is a brilliant mix of eighties hard rock and heavy metal, vintage Swedish melodic metal, and first class AOR. The album includes ten songs (two of which, "What You Give Is What You Get" and "Somewhere", look as if they might have been re-worked versions of songs from the band's 1986 demo) and while you sit and wait for what you assume would be filler material it never happens! All ten tracks on Painful Pride's debut are A+ in quality and substance. Exquisite solos, catchy riffs, and fantastic melodies are the norm on "Lost Memories" and you can literately feel the passion that this five-piece band has for the material! And speaking of passion, "Lost Memories" certainly stirred up mine!! Along with longtime favorites Praying Mantis and Danger Zone, Painful Pride has made my desert island list for must-have hard & heavy albums! Our loyal readers will understand what that means, but for everyone else I will try to spell it out. Italy's Danger Zone and the N.W.O.B.H.M. turned AOR Praying Mantis are stunning examples of how to combine hard rock, AOR and melodic metal into something that will penetrate your heart. It's high class songwriting and memorable numbers all the way and that is exactly where I put this band's dazzlingly debut. For other reference points you could imagine Europe's long overlooked debut or even "Diamond Mistress" by Madison. There's even splashes of bands like Rainbow, Van Halen, and Def Leppard. Keep in mind that as far as those last two go we are talking about the times when they were still relevant! Up until now this talented Swedish band has been a mystery. With this instant classic now under their wings, Painful Pride wont have to worry about that unfortunate situation for long!! 

Crime-First Crime

Shadow Kingdom Records
2017

In 1977 the British band The Flys gave us "Love And A Molotov Cocktail". The first two lines of this punk rock single are "Two fingers poking at the world. The one golden rule, no rules at all". I couldn't help but think about that classic song after hearing the EP "First Crime". Opening up with "Highway Robbery" (a six minute smasher that starts off by sampling the video game Silent Hill!), the no holds barred  "First Crime" is the debut offering from Santiago, Chile duo Crime. It is a LOUD and PROUD three-track recording that lovingly blurs the lines between punk, raw metal, the rock and roll of Motörhead, and the rougher edges of the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement! Besides the (simply-great) "Highway Robbery", "First Crime" features the slick cuts "Give Your Life To The Ruin" and "We Shall Destroy". While they both start off in similar fashion fashion to "Highway Robbery", "Give Your Life To The Ruin" was the only other track where I could recognize the sample used. Cleverly enough, "Give Your Life To Ruin" samples The Warriors (or more specifically the scene in the movie with the baseball goons). Talk about a perfect choice! Here we have a pent-up slab of fury (it's kind of like a cross between the N.W.O.B.H.M. band Tank and Cleveland's Midnight) that has been given the optimal starting position. By using sample clips to open their songs, Crime has successfully breathed extra life into what are already incredible compositions. By the time "We Shall Destroy", the shortest and meanest cut here(!), slams the door shut on this demo EP you have the real sensation that you've just witnessed something that is urgent, powerful, and above all, dangerous! Currently available for download by clicking on this link, "First Crime" will be released on cassette in mid-March. Seeing as there will only be 100 copies it is sure to become a hot ticket item so it you want a copy be sure not to sleep on it's release. Now, as of this writing it does not appear as if Crime has it's own Facebook page or official website. My guess is that will change soon enough. Especially with the news that the duo will soon start work on Crime's first LP, "Second Crime". The album promises to follow in the same footsteps as this brute. If that does happen, Crime will become the next big thing in your life and mine. Honestly, there's a sentence I never thought I would type up!

Morlok Von Grimorog-Friends and Relatives

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Released on October 1st of last year, "Friends and Relatives" is the second full-length album for the Spokane, Washington-based Morlok Von Grimorog. On the nine-track (nod to the old school) recording this horror-obsessed & costume-wearing band does a good job of blending traditional heavy metal, progressive metal, U.S. power metal, and dark metal with the King Diamond-like lead vocals of it's front man (and the group's namesake) Morlok VonGrimorog. Songs titles include "Vlad", "Skorzeny", "Buckets of Blood", "Tall Man", "Hell Priest", "Fuccubus", and "Crystal Lake" so you just know that you're going to have a good time! This is a fairly righteous beast in and of itself, but seeing as Morlok the masked madman composed, performed, recorded, and mixed this sinister album by himself....well, that just makes "Friends and Relatives" all the more impressive!

Grindmother-Age of Destruction

Self-Release/Independent
2016


Socially-conscious/political three-piece band Grindmother, active since January of 2015 and featuring the mother and son duo of Grindmother (vox) and Rain Forest (guitars), released it's studio debut, "Age of Destruction", back in April of last year. For reasons beyond my comprehension I am only now hearing about this unbelievably trio (drummer Tyson Apex fills out the ranks) and their utterly sick EP. That's absolutely shameful on so many levels, but it's better to have been late to the party than to miss out on it completely!  Calling Windsor, Ontario home and fronted by a 68 year old singer that could have easily done guest studio work for bands like Napalm Death, Carcass, Brutal Truth, and Naked City (without anyone being the wiser as to who was really behind the mic!), Grindmother is (hand's down folks!) one of best new grindcore bands out there!! Yep, that sounds (out of this world and way past the end of the known universe) bat shit crazy, but the proof is right over here. I'll be honest and admit that I didn't think that it was possible. A grindcore band that is lead by a 68 year old woman? There's no way that could possibly work. Or at least that it what I though prior to hearing this 10-track EP. Now I would be the first one to step up to this BRUTAL vocalist and apologize and for ever doubting her skills. I mean that would be right after I asked her to autograph my CD copy of "Age of Destruction"!

Habitual Sins-Personal Demons

Pure Steel Records
2017

Habitual Sins is a new heavy metal band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that features two former members of Icarus Witch, Matthew Bizilia (vocals, percussion, bass, keyboards) and Steve Pollick (guitars, keyboards). Seasoned guitarist Jim Dofka (Dofka, Jim Dofka, ex-Brick Mistress, ex-Psycho Scream, Leather Leone, ex-Screamer) joins the pair on the just-released "Personal Demons".  It is a well-produced recording with occult lyrics and a dark metal vibe. With ten tracks in all and a near perfect run-time of just over 40 minutes, "Personal Demons" does well as the group's full-length debut...even if it does sound remarkably similar to (early) Icarus Witch! For fans of the aforementioned mentioned band that is obviously a good selling point, but a bit more originality down the line would only serve to help this three-piece band out. Irregardless, "Personal Demons" is worth taking a change on and one can easily see this band evolving into something special.

Dario Lorina-Death Grip Tribulations

Shrapnel Records
2017

Fans of top-tier instrumental heavy rock, shred, and hard & heavy metal be sure to drop what you are doing and listen up. This one is for you. Primarily known for his solid work with Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society, highly-skilled hard rock/heavy metal guitarist Dario Lorina (ex-Cyrus Zain, ex-Lizzy Borden, ex-Eric Martin Band, ex-Jani Lane Band, ex-Karneval) with issue the twelve-track recording, "Death Grip Tribulations", on February 24th. Engineered and mixed by well-known producer Fred Archambault, Dario's forthcoming release is a clinical lesson in the fine art of guitar playing that is not only bound to be a sure fire hit for fans of the genre, but is (hands down!) one of the best instrumental albums that I have ever had the pleasure of covering! Staring off with a bang by way of the righteous "Rituals" (a great rock/metal number that sets the pace for the amazing album that is to follow!), "Death Grip Tribulations" is Dario Lorina's second instrumental album since 2013 and (hopefully) it will be the one to finally put this talented musician on the map!! In addition to special guest guitarist Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons) this simply-stellar recording features contributions from not only drummer Dan DC Conway (Dario's longtime friend and musical partner) and bassist Marten Andersson (Legacy, Lizzy Borden, ex-Lynch Mob, ex-Starwood), but Dario's Black Label Society band mates John JD DeServio (bass) and Jeff Fabb (drums). Highlights include (but are not limited to) the aforementioned "Rituals" as well as "Echos of A Stone Heart", "Two Fifty", "Heart of Night", "Same Dice", "Hollowing", "Perigee", and the title track. While the album could be considered a mixture of heavy rock, hard rock, traditional heavy metal, and shred there is a lot of versatility going on between numbers. On the heavier end of the spectrum we have "Two Fifty" (the heavy rock/hard rock gem with guest guitarist Phil Campbell) where we are treated to a tasty mash-up of modern day rock and roll and the old school magic of Black Sabbath and Motörhead! Then there are lighter moments such as "Same Dice". This classy numbers instantly wins you over with it's killer saxophone intro and before you know what has happened you are left standing in awe of Dario's vast skills. Here is an artist (and yes, Dario is a artist when it comes to his skills with the guitar!) that can easily switch between the smooth sounds of fusion and the riff heavy, furious leads that are associated with heavy metal. What's more, Dario Lorina plays with heart. With a lot of instrumental albums you get the feeling that the guitarist is simply trying to show of (no names mentioned but we know who you are!), but with this young musician you can actual feel the emotional love that he has for his instrument! The fittingly-titled "Echos of A Stone Heart" is proof of this. In-between wonderfully complex lines and guitar solos that are second to none, Dario finds a way to inject his passion for the six string instrument he holds. Along with the almost sorrowful (yet brilliantly beautiful) "Heart of Night", "Echos of A Stone Heart" is one of those rare instrumental cuts where you get the sensation that Dario is also thankful for his skills. This to is seldom experienced on a release such as this and it goes a very  ways towards making you appreciate the hard work and effort involved with the creation of  "Death Grip Tribulations". Ultimately I simply cannot say enough good things about this record and the man responsible for it. Though it is obviously geared towards instrumental rock and metal enthusiasts, Dario Lorina's second solo disc is an adventure that everyone should experience. It's brilliantly played and passionate to the core. Really, "Death Grip Tribulations" answers the age old question as to whether or not you can have instrumental rock albums that speak to you as clearly as lyrically rich records do. That being said, Shrapnel Records' latest goldmine of a release does leave me with one important question. And that is
why is Dario Lorina wasting away in Zakk Wylde's shadow?

Killin’ Kind-Dying Earth

Underground Symphony.
2016

Four-piece heavy/power metal band Killin' Kind comes from Novara, Piedmont (Italy) and they are lead by singer and guitarist Tito. Despite forming all the way back in 1996, "Dying Earth" is (for some strange reason) only the second album that this talented Italian band has ever put out. It was released on November 30th of 2016 and with a run-time of over fifty minutes(!) the album serves as the long-overdue follow-up to Killin' Kind's 2008 debut, "Metal Rage". The well-written and skillfully-performed "Dying Earth" is a solid affair that recalls German metal bands like Rage and Grave Digger. It has ten tracks* on it and, grade-wise, it easily falls somewhere in-between a B+ and a A-. For more information on this band and their newest album be sure to head over to the group's official Facebook page.


*The promo version includes a cover of Mike Oldfield's "Moonlight Shadow".

Gravebreaker-Sacrifice

Gates of Hell Records
2016

Active since 2011 and fronted by a lead vocalist named Nightmare, Gravebreaker is a three-piece band from Gothenburg that (lyrically & musically) seems to live and die by the sword of eighties heavy metal*.  The full-length "Sacrifice" is the debut album for this Swedish band and it finds Nightmare backed by two solid musicians in their own right, guitarist/bassist Fury and drummer Devastation. There are also keyboards and synthesizers on this (old school metal worthy!) 10-track album, but it's not exactly advertised and there are no guest musicians listed in the credits. Those synths come in real handy when Gravebreaker is (essentially) paying homage to the early years of solo-Ozzy ("At the Gates of Hell"), but have no fear as this slick disc covers a lot of ground by the time it's all said and done! Along with some of the more obvious/well-known names like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, (eighties-era) Black Sabbath, Saxon, King Diamond/Mercyful Fate, Witchfinder General, Satan, Omen, and (pre-1987) Running Wild** this is a three-piece band whose influences run wild and free! On the highly-recommended "Sacrifice" there are also hints of Heavy Load, Gotham City, Cloven Hoof, Stormwitch, and Oz. In a strange way this up-and-coming act also reminds of the cult Swedish band Witch, but it's entirely possibility that it has more to do with this album's underground/slightly-sinister vibe than the actual music itself. As for the album's previously-mentioned lyrics? They are every-bit as slick as the band's musical style! With a somewhat rough (if not completely appropriate) production job that proves beneficial to this album's success, "Sacrifice" features subject matter and imagery that has been snatched right out of history! While we could go track by track on this album that could easily pass for a long lost classic(!), "Road War 2000" is a good number to point out. This Mad Max-influenced ripper has some cool sound effects and it instantly transports you back to the days of video stores and arcades. It's just one of this album's ever so sick moments. As in one out of ten of the awesome tracks you'll find on "Sacrifice"! Speaking of which, "Sacrifice" can be heard by heading over to Gravebreaker's bandcamp page. And really folks this is one of those gems that has to be heard to be appreciated. If you're a fan of classic heavy metal, N.W.O.B.H.M., and/or eighties metal then that is what you need to do. You need to stop what ever it is that you are doing and go over to this band's bandcamp. Hit play, turn it up loud and proud and then settle in for the ride as "Sacrifice" works it's magic....  



*As countless bands like Angel Sword, Satan's Fall, Rotör, Seven Sisters , Tower, Axe Crazy, and Demon Bitch have shown us there is nothing wrong with the decision.


**Given how much Nightmare sounds like Rolf Kasparek (Running Wild) it is hard not to think of this German band's first two albums! 

The Press Gang-Medusa 5

Wiener Dog Records
2016

Formed by lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Colin McCulloch, The Press Gang is a eleven year old band from Calgary, Alberta that has four full-length albums and one 7-track EP to it's name. The group's latest recording is the 10-track "Medusa 5" and it was released back in late October of 2016. With Chad Laing (lead guitar), Lindsay Arnold (bass), and Derek Lindzon (drums) rounding out the line-up for this energetic  four-piece band, "Medusa 5" proves to be one hell of a lively event where (dive bar-worthy) hard & heavy riff-rock gets nice and toasted with snotty seventies punk and garage metal! With influences that range from The Ramones and the Sex Pistols to Motörhead & (Paul Di'Anno-era) Iron Maiden (to name just a few), The Press Gang is certainly onto something with it's crazy cool sound and it is absolutely mind boggling that they are not more well-known!! Given how much fun the group's new album is maybe that will change...

Windshades-Crucified Dreams

Atomic Stuff Productions
2016


Active since mid-2015, Italy's Windshades just released it's first official recording, "Crucified Dreams", this past November. It is a (digital only) three-track EP that combines the opera-like voice of lead singer Chiara Manzoli with elements of hard rock, melodic metal, and guitar-driven traditional heavy metal. In addition to the craftily-assembled title track (which is arguably the best song of the lot!), "Crucified Dreams" features the numbers "Metafora" and "Resurrection". With guitarist and composer Matteo Usberti, guitarist Riccardo Soresina, bassist Andrea Bissolati, and drummer Carlo Bergamaschi rounding things out for this new band, "Crucified Dreams" is a solid B+ recording that points towards better things to come.

Free Metal Monday: Hellthrasher Productions-2016 Digital Sampler

Hellthrasher Productions
2016

Poland's Hellthrasher Productions has released a free digital sampler. It is available as a name-your-price download by clicking here and it features the following songs:


1. Gjendød - Evig Svart Røyk
2. Serpents Lair - Circumambulating the Stillborn
3. Paroxsihzem - Isolation
4. Ljosazabojstwa - Kamunija Ahniom
5. Desolate Shrine - Crushing Darkness
6. Desecresy - Ritual Ruins
7. Chaos Moon - Amissum
8. Endalok - Englaryk
9. Gespenst - Min Sjael Raadner
10. Decaying - One To Conquer

Saturday Singles: Rockstar Frame-"Dark Necessities" (Red Hot Chili Peppers cover)

Rockstar Frame is a hard & heavy rock band from Italy that is fronted by lead singer Faith Blurry. I had high praise for the band's debut album "Rock 'N' Roll Mafia" and I expect more of the same when this group releases it's sophomore album, "Bullet For Birthday", in March. This hot new single is a choice cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' song "Dark Necessities" and it is all set to appear Rockstar Frame's forthcoming release. So far it is only available to view on YouTube*.

*Warning! The above video features quick flashing videos!!

Saturday Singles: The Aftershow-"Kilmister"

Afterlife Music Publishing
2016

The Aftershow is a (killer) new heavy rock/hard rock project from Roxy & Maxine Petrucci. Their debut single, "Kilmister", just came out on December 28th and it finds Roxy (drums) and Maxine (guitar) joined by vocalist Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) and bassist Michael Pisculli. This highly-recommend track (which is available for download on iTunes and Amazon) pays tribute to Motörhead's Lemmy and it is everything that one could hope for given the key players! Hopefully this is more than a one and done deal. 

Inconvenience Store-Kallisti (or Goodbye To The One You Knew Before I Found Him and Had To Let Him Go​.​)

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Needham, Massachusetts' experimental band Inconvenience Store has been around in one form or another since late 2011. It doesn't happen very often, but interestingly enough this was a band that I had Interviewed before ever hearing any of it's music. That all changed in early June of 2013 when I covered the group's first studio offering, "Our Ambivalent Everything". That particular EP was dubbed "experimental rock/alternative rock by way of post-punk rock and progressive hardcore" by yours truly and while the experimental part of this young outfit hasn't changed all that much in the years that followed the rest of that description needs to be updated. Crafted by the line-up of Kcutnief Rehsa Hanoj (lead vox, noise electronics, guitar), Mica "On HP" Phones  (guitar, vox), Darren Strange (bass), and Funnels... (drums), "Kallisti (or Goodbye To The One You Knew Before I Found Him and Had To Let Him Go)" is a five-track EP that ends up falling somewhere between (raw) punk/hardcore, post-alternative rock, and flat-out noise rock! Recorded, mixed, mastered by Zach Weeks, Inconvenience Store's latest studio output is fairly abrasive and should get plenty of love from fans of The Jesus Lizard, Big Black, and the Butthole Surfers!! As a fan of all three of those acts (especially Gibby Haynes' outfit!) I make that declaration with a huge smile on my face and hope in my heart that is ultimately the direction that this one-time high school band will go in. When correctly assembled (see the aforementioned trio) punk-fueled noise rock can be a thing of beauty. While they are not quite ready to fill in for any of those three named outfits, Inconvenience Store is headed that way and something deep inside tells me they are not that far off. If your mind's eye is open to it then by all means give this EP a shot. 

R.I.P.-In the Wind

Self-Released/Independent
2016

Originally released back on March 14th, 2016 on vinyl courtesy of Totem Cat Records, "In the Wind" is the full-length debut from Portland, Oregon's R.I.P. It looks as if it was just released on digital last month (which is where I came across it) and if you think that cover is something...well, you should hear the actual music! Available for download by heading here, "In the Wind" is like the bastard offspring of Black Sabbath and a fuzzed-over Motörhead all grown up and playing in a smoked-out, down and dirty 70's hard rock/stoner rock biker band!! Sure enough it isn't a pretty thing to look at, but man oh man do those doom-laden grooves every feel good.......

Static Tension-Out of Reach

Buried By Sky Records
2017

The brainchild of lead guitarist Greg Blachman, Static Tension is a four-piece band from Cincinnati, Ohio that competently answers the age old question as to what Alice In Chains would sound like if they added more progressive metal elements to the mix. Initially active between 1999 and 2001 (during which time the group released the album "Paint By Number"), Static Tension was reformed in 2014 and, as of this writing, is rounded out by vocalist Rob Rom, bass guitarist Richie Paik and drummer Anthony "Tony" Sager.  This forthcoming EP is the band's second release since 2014 and it is due to drop on January 6th of 2017.