Finding Strength in Sound: A Year of Discovery and Recovery
These albums provided more than just a distraction; they gave me a sense of discovery when I needed it most.
Reunion or Tribute? Thoughts on Pantera’s Upcoming Activitiy
I am glad that these songs are going to be played live. But I cannot, in good conscience, agree to the use of the Pantera name. Without Dime and Vinnie, the “band” is not there, but perhaps the “brand” still is.
Roger Taylor – Outsider (Album Review)
I don’t know if I am having some recency bias here, but this might be my favorite Roger Taylor solo album. There’s a mood on here that I never found in any of his past releases.
Testament – Titans of Creation (Album Review)
Titans of Creation does not steer too far from the last few albums with regards to genres explored. It is, however, a bit more melodic, most likely due to a larger contribution from Alex Skolnick. Today’s Testament has one of the best line-ups of any metal band. Every musician is at the top of their game. They all have slightly different tastes in music, which, when mixed in their melting pot, creates some of the best metal you can hear.
Annihilator – Ballistic, Sadistic (Album Review)
Jeff Waters is one of my favorite guitarists. It’s not even funny how underrated he is and how unique his style is. Ballistic, Sadistic has a good diversity in song structure, riffs, melodies, and vocals and established a new chapter in the band’s rich history.
Death Angel – Humanicide (Album Review)
It’s great to see the band active and stronger than ever. Rob and Mark still got it, and the musicians that have now become a part of the Death Angel family are certainly up for any task the duo may throw at them.
Dream Theater – Thoughts on Distance Over Time and More
My overall feeling with Distance Over Time is that Dream Theater has gotten its magic back! I’ve heard so many elements of what made me love this band in the first place that I can’t help but enjoy the music. I see this as Dream Theater acknowledging they write better music when they compose together, rather than making the entire project the undertaking of one or two people. If this album isn’t proof of that, I don’t know what is.
My Tribute to Rolf Kasparek and Running Wild
This is my tribute to an iconic metal band. I hope more people become aware of their discography. I can’t remember when I first heard of Running Wild, but it must have been around 1999-2000. I was already a huge fan of Megadeth, Metallica, and Iron Maiden and I was hungry for new discoveries. I …...
Judas Priest – Firepower (Album Review)
I almost want to say Judas Priest is back, but then again, they never really left! Their newest studio album, Firepower, is just so good that I think it’s their best since Painkiller (1990). The songwriting, production, guitar-work, drums, vocals… everything is stellar as far as I’m concerned. It is truly remarkable that this...
