Kaos Reign-Epiphany

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Formed in the winter of 2013 by guitarist/vocalist Bill Klopfer (Murder Castle, Penitentary) and drummer Chris Anderson (Murder Castle), Kaos Reign is a (heavy & harsh) groove metal/modern metal band from Norwalk, Connecticut that has three full-length albums to it's name. Due to drop on April 2nd, 2018, "Epiphany" is the latest (and possibly best to date?) release from this U.S. metal trio that also includes bassist Matt Dugan (Infinition). Starting off with the self-explanatory "Selfish Backstabber", Kaos Reign's new album comes along two years after the release of "Screaming for Salvation". It features twelve tracks in all and has a run-time of  fifty six minutes. At five minutes and twenty six seconds, "Punish Myself" the longest number on "Epiphany". Track number seven ("Under the Knife") is the shortest at 3:54. In addition to modern metal and (Pantera-inspired) groove metal, album number three from these Connecticut metal merchants features elements of  death metal, doom metal, nu-metal, and (primitive) thrash. While there are no bad tracks on "Epiphany" (everything seems nice and square) nothing really jumps out at you either. Does that make the album unworthy of praise? Admittedly, I actually sat and pondered that very question for quite awhile. Ultimately I decided that the answers is "Not really.". If anything, Kaos Reign is good at what they do. It might be compressed and not very colorful, but the metallic "Epiphany" still knows how to slay the proverbial beast. Fans of (underground) modern metal and (edgy) groove metal should find much to like about this twelve track release. So should Kaos Reign's loyal fans. I might have enjoyed a few more guitar solos and/or some wicked bass lines. To that end, a bit more "Pantera groove" would be another one of my recommendations as would raw thrash, but really who am I to judge a trio like this? With three albums to their credit since 2014, Kaos Reign seems to be doing just fine all by themselves...    

Owl Maker-Paths Of The Slain

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Owl Maker is a (doom-laden) hard & heavy/stoner rock rock band from Connecticut that is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Simon Tuozzoli (Vestal Claret). Formed in late 2016 by bassist Jessie May and drummer Chris Anderson, Owl Maker will release this 6-track EP on March 16th, 2018. Opening by way of the excellent "Ride With Aileen"*, the versatile " Paths Of The Slain" serves as the studio debut for this captivating trio. It is filled with extremely catchy material and a handful of songs that (blissfully) split the difference between riff-heavy hard rock and (dive bar-worthy) heavy metal. Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Code Orange, Power Trip), Owl Maker's debut EP showcases a up-and-coming metal band that is all set to chop down the competition, riff by amazing riff! The stunning string-work of Simon Tuozzoi is a thing of beauty. Matched only by Simon's stellar vocal delivery, Owl Maker's choice of a front-man is a stone cold duel threat as both a singer and musician. When combined with the (simply-gorgeous) bass work of Jessie May, Simon is an unstoppable force that is hungry for greatness. With drummer Chris Anderson keeping everyone in check (even as his bangs away on his kit in fine fashion!), Owl Maker has the potential to be your next favorite (doomed & slightly-stoned) hard & heavy rock and roll band. Easy on the ears and twice as good for your heart and soul, this release gets a A rating!



*"Ride With Aileen" is a song about serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Shadow Kingdom-The Reflection

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Shadow Kingdom is a up-and-coming/buzz-worthy heavy metal band from Milford, Connecticut that is lead by vocalist Robert Slater (Fear Apparent). The five-track EP, "The Reflection", is the debut offering for this five-piece metal band that features two highly-skilled guitarists in Anthony Quintiliano (M.S.W.) & Greg Alfonso (ex-Sick from Hate, ex-Sounds from Hell, ex-Necromansy). Nino Zazzarino (bass) and Carlos Zazzarino (drums) round things out for this killer Connecticut metal band that splits the difference between really heavy metal EP and U.S. power metal. With strong song writing skills and a cool metal sound that is both modern and vintage, Shadow Kingdom is a hot metal outfit that should do great things! So far this is only a digital release. As such you can find "The Reflection" on iTunes.

Sonick Plague-Sonick Plague

Pavement Music
2015

Initially formed in West Virginia in 1984 by Tim Meehan (guitars) and Ken Cuccaro (drums), Sonick Plague is a re-formed and (by all accounts) re-invigorated thrash metal band that now calls hails Connecticut home. This self-titled CD (which can be (and should be) pre-ordered on the band's official website) was originally released back in 1988 on Anthrax Records. At the time it was known as "What’s the Purpose" and it had been released hot on the heels of the band's only other known release, 1987's "Everyone's Got A Disease". Of course that was only a four-track demo and those particular songs eventually ended up "What’s the Purpose" anyway. Sure, Sonick Plague did play with some of metal greatest band's during their all too short time together. After all they shared the stage with Death Angel, Gwar, Pantera and the almighty Voivod! They even played alongside crossover acts such as Ludichrist and Crumbsuckers!! But studio wise? Well, let's face it folks. There just isn't that much there when it comes to the studio history of this band. "And why is that important in the grand scheme of things?" I hear you asking. Well, it's worth mentioning for one reason and one reason only. And that would be the HUGE impact that "What’s the Purpose" would have on the scene! This is raw, crazy good thrash and even in it's re-recorded form here you can hear the influence that Sonick Plague's sound had on a generation of thrash metal bands! They might not get the credit they so rightly deserve, but there's little doubt that Sonick Plague's wild and crazy take on thrash paved the way for many a band to come. This updated (and super slick!) version of the band's debut album was recorded at the legendary Carriage House Studios and finds newcomer Matt Dupre (guitar) joining long-time members Ken Cuccaro, Chuck Crilly (guitar) and Sean Donnelly (bass and vocals). Matt takes over for guitarist Tony Teodoro who sadly passed away in 2012 and Chuck Crilly replaced Tim Meechan on guitar in 1987 . It was the tragic loss of Tony that compelled the original members of Sonick Plague to reunite and with new material in the works this album should do a great job of re-introducing this band to a scene that is always in need of real, unapologetic, take no prisoners and take no shit THRASH! You can check out the album's first single, "My Gun", by heading here and to further understand what I'm talking about when I say how important 1988's "What's The Purpose" be sure to check out the video below!

When The Deadbolt Breaks-Drifting Towards The Edge Of The Earth

EarOne Productions
2013

What exactly does happen when the deadbolt breaks? If we're talking about this Connecticut-based band, and more specifically their upcoming, forth full-length release, the answer is sludge-filled doom. Lots and lots of sludge-filled doom. Like a out of control and slowly approaching landslide it eventually breaks down the door and wrecks utter and complete havoc. That's about what it's like to listen to this (strangely) appealing band that has been going about such business since 2005. On their aptly titled new album the band seems to pride itself on unloading drips of doom-drenched despair onto everyone and everything in any way that they can get away with. Such an uncaring approach is the stuff of melancholy dreams for the gloomy Sunday crowd no doubt. While the three musicians involved here do seem as if they could easy laugh at the thought of such unflinching and darkly-coated metallic slime rolling over and destroying the unsuspecting  it's not all doom and despair. Or at least not all the time. Ex-Cable guitarist/vocalist Aaron Lewis and company (bassist/vocalist Mike Parkyn and drummer Rich Kalinowski) do inject a bit of "normality" into the mix by way of classic rock riffs and the unexpected melodic moment or two. It chances the dynamics a fair bit, but even so this one is not for the squeamish! When The Deadbolt Breaks are more about encasing the listener in a solid block of mysterious black goop then taking it easy on anyone who purposely or not stumbles upon their existence! Sure, fans of Sleep and the like might find reason to celebrate a band like this, but what will it do for everyone else?  It's sink or swim friends. Sink or swim. If you dare then track it done. But realize this friends-When The Deadbolt Breaks lives by their name. They are formed from nightmares and are likely the very thing your mother also warned you about. If, and only if, you understand that notion would I suggest plugging into this one.