Psychostick "Do"

Now, if you've already listened to Psychostick's fifth album, then you know that no intro I write will compete with the opening track of "Do". The self-proclaimed "Humorcore" band set the tone immediately with their latest addition to my music library. If you were unsure of what Psychostick are, the opening track "We Are A band" should clear that up for you. The track itself has an excellent build up with Rob Kersey taking a personal call in the middle. WIth great comedic style, he cuts the call short explaining that they've hired an orchestra. I was already grinning by the end of the "We Are A Band" and the rest, as they say, is history.

"You Can (Maybe) Do It" really had me laughing. I don't know if it's because its relatable and I can picture many circumstances where this song could be applied. Mostly to those "Inspirational" pictures you get on social media. You know, the one with a sunset in the background with "Stay Strong" or "If you get knocked down, always get back up". I found this song poked a massive hole in those pathetic pictures to my enjoyment. One lyric in particular states "If I get knocked down, I get up. Sad about it". The humor is simple but brilliant.

Now the next track is fairly pointless but that it appears to be the point itself. The song is entirely about "Tuesday", the day of the week if that was unclear. Whilst Kersey is clearly very enthused about the day as he "Has no responsibilities", the other members of the band are not quite as keen. The difference and constant conflict of vocal styles are entertaining. I like this track for its simplicity but it doesn't rank particularly high for me within the album.

"Adulting" is the following and fourth track of Pscychostick's "Do". This song is riddled with references to video games and television shows. It also has a little shout out to "Obey The Beard" from their fourth album "IV: Revenge Of The Vengeance", one of their most popular tracks and one of my personal favourites. For those who are unsure or are over the age of 30, "Adulting" is completing an adult task. For a topic that is extremely uninteresting, Pyschostick go to great lengths to make it enjoyable. It is very relatable to any listener as no one wants to pay bills and do mundane tasks, but we all have too. Listen to this track whilst completing all your responsibilities makes it a lot easier. Hell, you may smile when your bank balance hits zero but, probably not.

The next track, is hands down, the best track on "Do", if not one of their greatest tracks to date. "From The Heart" had me crying with laughter over and over. I would describe this track as an excellent break-up track or simply a track for someone you really do not like. I mean, really do not like. No obviously, no one wants harm for anyone else. At least, they won't ever say it, "From The Heart" does that for you. Now, don't get the wrong idea, this song is hilarious but with its constant name calling and the stories of what would happen to the person whom you dislike, it is fucking brutal but as much as it's brutal, it's funny as fuck. It has an excellent acoustic intro which, along with the lyrics, set the scene and prepares you for what is to come. If you can only listen to one track on this album, let it be this one. But really, you could probably make the time to listen to this whole album so don't be a "douche canoe".


"Do" which is the name of the next song, same as the album, holds a lot of similarities to "NSFW" which is also a track from "IV: Revenge Of The Vengeance". As we already know, Kersey is able to make a whole song with only one word. This track is not a genius, nor as good as "NSFW" but it has an excellent sound which you can't help but bob your foot and nod your head too. Unlike its counterpart, Psychostick has made their own music to "Do" and it's great and consistent with who they are, which is funny as fuck. At the very end of the song, you can hear the band laughing themselves which is something I always love to hear. The music isn't just for the listener. It's a lot about the listener but it's about the band and to hear that they are having fun and enjoying themselves makes this track legit.

Now I shall not review each and every track or skit in this 22 track album. After listening to the album several times, I will review the best ones or at least, the ones I think are the best. after all, I like this band a lot and want you to spend your money on their album so they make more and I keep laughing.

Psychostick is known now for the "humorcore" style and the skits within each album. "Keys" is certainly one of the best skits. It's something we have all lived through at one time or another. Maybe each day if you're like me. It's a slow, beautiful song for which we live through the bands perspective. It's hard to big up a skit which is essentially just about finding your keys. But, having said that, this skit speaks to the listener. It is certainly one of the more entertaining skits on "Do".

The following track to "Keys" is "Gurrrrrr". The best way to describe this track is to say when I am listening to heavier bands such as Cannibal Corpse, or other artists with a similar vocal style, this must be what my parents or anyone who doesn't "get it" hears. If anything, this skit is an infomercial and a dig to people who don't listen to any sort of metal. "Gurrrrrr" is the gift that keeps on giving.

"Moving Day" is a great song about exactly what it says on the tin, moving house or helping someone move. The song's intro is genuinely funny and realistic. When someone asks you to help move them, you know it's a pain in the ass but you're a good person. So, you will agree even though every fibre in your body screams no. The song is a great expression of the emotions one goes through when agreeing and helping someone move. The heavy riffs take you on a journey as Pyschostick state all the faults with helping someone move and all the barriers you face. The lyrics are incredibly sarcastic at times with constant humor throughout their descriptions. This track is hilarious at points as you hear the band slowly getting more pissed off. It goes from "Up and down the stairs again" to "Fuck that door. We didn't need it anyway". Inevitably, the moving truck is set on fire and the possessions are attacked with a chainsaw. It's beautiful and a real whirlwind of emotions. At 5:25, the song gets really "chuggy" with a sweet riff. Sadly, the band is interrupted by the cops and Psychostick's infamous humor.

We are once again blessed with the band's outtakes. If you're anything like me, you will enjoy listening to it. It confirms what I said earlier about the band enjoying what they do. This is really important and them sharing their outtakes makes you feel apart of that experience. Pyschostick is touring the US from October 24th 2018 until November 12th 2018. You check out the dates and their merch at www.psychostick.com. I'm gonna try an' get me a moose hat. Everyone should have a moose hat.

Metallica "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct"

You're probably thinking that it's a bit late to be reviewing Metallica's 10th studio album "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct". After all, it was released November 2016. You are wrong. This is Metallica. Their distinct sound has echoed throughout the years and undoubtedly will continue to do so. Generations after generations of people will sit down and enjoy what has to be one of the band's greatest albums and my personal favourite. Now, I know all you Black Album fans probably just shat a brick when I said that. I am not denying that the Black Album is one of the most incredible works of art for anyone to enjoy. But, that being said, you need to dedicate some time to "Hardwired...". You will not regret it.

First up, "Hardwired". A song, not to be questioned and rightfully the opening track. This track is the perfect introduction to this album. Longtime fans are reminded of their relationship with the band and soon to be fans are dropped in the deep end. The heavy introduction to this song will have every listener tapping along with its memorable rhythm and grunting "We're so fucked! Shit out of luck". James Hetfield's distinguished voice rings throughout the song in such a way that will make you believe that you really are, shit out of luck. Fortunately, we have another 11 tracks to enjoy.

The following song, "Atlas, Rise!" is a very busy track. It feels complicated and has a lot going for it at times but always returning to the consistent rhythm. I found this song to personally push the limits with its constant transitions to different tones. I felt I was on a journey. The iconic lyrics stand out and follow a similar pattern to the previous track, Hardwired. This is shown by James' renowned style. "Atlas". Pause. "Rise!". I tell you, it's a challenge to write and headbang. The guitar solo doesn't help either.

The next track is one of the best on the album. It is rare to ever describe a metal song as groovy, but I am going to do it anyway. "Now That We're Dead" is a beautifully composed track. The iconic introduction steadily building towards the first verse is amazing. Actually amazing. You feel every note surging through you as you try resisting to dance in public. As I said, this song feels groovy but in a very metal way. Listen to the track. Listen to the intro and tell me you aren't loving every single shred of detail. Get it? Shred. Also, it is worth noting at this point, James is in full swing. "Now That We're Dead my dear". "Dear" sounds like it's spelt Dear-aaaa. It wouldn't be Metallica without it and you know it.

"A Moth Into The Flame. BURN!" That's right. Next track is "Moth Into Flame", one of the more popular tracks on the album. It is indisputably one of the greatest tracks on this album and even in Metallica's arsenal. It was one the second track to be released as a single ahead of the full album release and for good reason. This song is Metallica personified. Without giving too much away as I want you to enjoy the album on your own accord, the lyrics are interesting and involved. Don't think, however, that the lyrics take away from the sound. This could have easily been an instrumental and you would have still been listening "Moth Into Flame" on repeat. Trust.

You may now think that I am going to half-ass this review. It's ok to think that. You're entitled to your opinion, as I am. I will not be reviewing every track on this album. This review isn't about the highlights of an album, it's an incentive to go out, purchase it, and form your own opinion.

Whilst each and every song on "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" is great in its own right, "Am I Savage" is one that rises through the ranks. If you don't believe me, take it up with Triple H from WWE. At Wrestlemania 33, 2017, "Am I Savage" was the main theme for the event. It was used for the promotional video between Triple H and Seth Freakin' Rollins to which Seth was victorious and became crowned "Kingslayer". The song itself is quite different from the previous tracks mentioned. It is slower and more intense which only goes to show the range Metallica have and their musical prowess. The track, with its slow start, sets a tone like something is coming. Something big and powerful. I'm not just talking about "The Game", Triple H either.

Last, but most certainly not least, the final track of "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" is "Spit Out The Bone". I first saw the tracklist and knew that my favourite track on this album would be this. The title alone is metal as fuck. The most powerful intro on the album, "Spit Out The Bone" has an old-school Metallica feel, but on steroids. The pace of the track changes regularly making it the interesting. Then, with lyrics like "Remove your heart, it's only good for beating" you are in for a treat. Make sure you're wearing your white pants.

I can honestly say that this album holds a special place in my heart. It takes you on an incredible journey filled with emotions and suspense. I was fortunate enough to see the songs previously mentioned live at Birmingham, UK. Obviously, there was a mix of old tracks from their previous albums on the setlist. You couldn't go to see Metallica and not have "Enter Sandman". It's criminal. That being said, as I've previously mentioned, this album puts the Black Album on notice. Listen yourself and let me know what you think.

Reverted "Sputter The Worms"

I am really into this. Do you ever instantly get that feeling where you go “Oh yeah, this is the shit”. No? Well, perhaps you should be listening to Sputter The Worms.

Reverted is a four piece band from London, UK. Underground like most of the greatest bands were, this band is on the hunt for greater things. Listening straight from the off you can feel their inspirations. Slipknot, Korn, Metallica, Tool and I find perhaps even Nine Inch Nails but with less distortion.

“Don’t Try To Steal Me From The Inside”. Firstly what?! Is that possible? This song has a good intro. What I would call a “Get Set and Go” start. One, Two, Three and we’re off. You’ll understand when you listen to it. The point is it’s a good technique that I am personally partial too. I mean “Prison Song”. C’mon. We all agree that it’s awesome. They quickly release the low vocals, the deeper tone that perfectly sets the mood of the band. This contrasts immediately with the melodic rhythm of the guitar and drums. Well paced and with a consistency that is soothing. I promise. This is hard rock.

“Sputter The Worms” has the Nine Inch Nail factor. You take in the intro and I immediately recognise the feel and power of the band. Reverted have really hit such a good intro here. Perfect pace from the guitar that really empowers and controls the song. Tony Vega starts up with his duel lyrics. A touch that is always enjoyed. He consistently sings along with the music and doesn’t steer to far from the pace. This makes is easy to take in lyrics. Other bands spend too much effort having bland lyrics/vocals and try to have as many guitar solos you can fit into four minutes. It’s not a competition guys. Reverted really nail this one on the head. The second half of this song really picks up and makes an unexpected turn that I have enjoyed over and over.

If you could give yourself any job, I mean any job you could think of and you had to give yourself a really awesome job title, what would it be? Mangledonia (Harvester of Sin)? I think this would be pretty awesome to have on a business card. This song is immediately interesting. Immediately I think “where is this going?” and oh look. It’s a place that is awesome. Keeping their style consistent, you can already recognise the familiar feel of what Reverted serve. Great lyrics that have back up and are held at all the right moments. A “Chug” (Scientific Term) that is real head banging material. Heavy through out and music that you can just keep listening too. This song fades out really well at the end. It’s really good.

This next track is my favourite. I believe many would agree with me. “Tolerance” has a real feel to it with its immediate melody. Slowly bringing in the rest of the instruments to give it that build up it deserves. The vocals kick in and you understand what Reverted are about. This track is proof that this band is going places. Heavier than the rest of the tracks on “Sputter the Worms” but with the best mix of melody. It has three speeds that go from slow to medium to fast. It affects the whole song and then the cycle begins over. You’re constantly kept on your toes and each bit that they interest just makes you want more. This track is something special and you should have it. Trust me.

“Die My Saint” has a slow start but quickens up almost instantly. Followed by Tony it just gets better. Keeping the pace, they introduce aspects that haven’t been on the previous tracks. There is also a massive Slipknot connection in this track. The distorted shouting, the repetition of it and the way it affects the mood of the song. This is very inspired. Lyrically this track is my favourite. The words are sharp and in brilliant timing with the hard rock.

             Tony Vega, Ozzy Preciado, Luis L Valle and Daniel Ruiz have formed something brilliant. Consistent throughout this whole album and providing hard rock that just makes you want more. Melodic that mixes perfectly with the overall heavy feel of Reverted. It's daring but they dared and the came out the other side with hard rock that can't be faulted.

The Great Gamble "Book 1"

Progressive Metal is becoming a huge part of my day to day listening and The Great Gamble is on my list. From Scranton, PA, The Great Gamble has recorded their new concept album “Book 1”. Instantly upon flicking through the tracks, you can tell that they love what they do. Once I found myself with a spare hour, I quickly removed myself from the outside world and involved myself in their music.

“Release The Kraken”, the opening track to “Book 1” is a lengthy 10:06 long. Instantly, I could tell that I had stumbled upon something brilliant. Starting off slow but strong, the song is the definition of progressive rock/metal. It is unpredictable, but as each layer unfolds, you get a pleasant surprise (An exciting version of pass the parcel). There is so much going on but each layer is as intense as the next. A remarkable opening to what feels like an awesome album.

The second track is purely instrumental. It starts off mellow and maintains it (To a certain degree. “The Marketplace” is short and is mostly there to set up the following track.   

“Legends Of The Symmetria” continues on from track 2, but you can hear the build up rather quickly. At 8:56, we have another long track. This pleased me very much as I knew we would be blessed by progression once again. The Great Gamble did it so well in the first song, why not do it again? I would also like to make note that by now, you should have got a feel for the vocals. I thought it was a similar style to Gojira, but we all think differently. It is nice to hear such good lyrics with awesome music. They truly compliment each other to make something better.

“The Ghost Of Three Reflections”. I would just like you to notice how fucking awesome that song title is. This song starts off with the feel of a power ballad. Everyone enjoys a good power ballad, so I was pleasantly surprised by The Great Gamble. With beautiful vocals to begin this song, but after a short while, the progression begins. It keeps the power ballad feel but steadily gets heavier. This is my favourite track on “Book 1” if you were interested. I just love the ending as it picks up the pace and gets brutal. Progressive metal/rock at it’s finest!

“Breach At Fort Mycenae” reminds me a lot of Avenged Sevenfold, especially with the backup vocals. It’s a good track. I can imagine a theatrical music video and lots of screaming metal chicks (Metal band’s dream right?). The vocals are mesmerizing is all I can really say. I got lost in the music. Taken from my world and placed in theirs.

To finalize “Book 1”, they have a 16:35 song. I was half expecting an advert for car insurance to pop up halfway. Luckily, that wasn't the case. It’s quite a long song, people could argue too much. I enjoyed it for sure, but it was long. This is once again, a rather theatrical song.

The band consist of Al Joseph on lead guitar and vocals, Christopher Joseph doing back up with vocals and bass, Steve Michael also doing back up vocals as well as drums and finally Matt Weaver on keyboard and Violin (Nice touch by the way).

I recommend them and now when asked: “Progressive metal band you recommend?” I say “Oh, listen to The Great Gamble”. Once you've listened to them, I think you’ll be saying the same. Once I had listened to all 6 tracks, I may have decided I was going to sit there and do it all over again. It was 2 hours well spent.

Balor's Eye "Lorcan"

Lorcan, crafted by "Balor's Eye" is really something. From Baltimore, Maryland, this progressive metal band is redefining the term "Progressive metal band". Still a new, upcoming band having only formed March 2010, they are quickly making a name for themselves with the help of their label "Dark Harvest Records". One band I want to see go far.

I fell in love with the first track "Pissing Rainbows". Not only is that a side effect of eating too many Skittles, but what a cool track name! The song itself is really good. I wasn't expecting it to be instrumental though. I thought "It's the first track, some bands don't add vocals to the first track" but to my surprise, not a single word was spoken during this album. This is the point I am trying to make though. THIS ALBUM DOESN'T NEED VOCALS! (subtle, I know).

"Door Fuhrer" was an alright track. It was shorter than the rest and as good as it was, It didn't sound like the first one as much as I has hoped. It is still a good listen, but I think the following track is a hell lot better. This song does however, keep a good pace but progressively changes sound 3 to 4 times throughout.

The third track, "Lobotomy Please" is my favourite on this album. For starters, it's a nice long track and if you enjoy the whole thing and not get bored or distracted by butterflies whilst it's playing, then you know you're onto something brilliant. I also found myself thinking back to my point. it's instrumental, yet vocals couldn't keep up and would therefore ruin this fine piece of craftsmanship.

I think this is the point where you go out and buy "Balor's Eye".

The next three tracks which completes the 6 track album, are good. I enjoyed them a lot. I listened to them a few times and defiantly decided they are good. I recommend listening buying the album purely for "Pissing Rainbows" and "Lobotomy Please".

Bloodtribe “Repulse”

I had never heard of Bloodtribe before I was asked to review them and I have one question. “Why the hell was I not told about them before now?” I was actually a little annoyed by the lack of sharing throughout the metal scene. So, here I am telling you about Bloodtribe, and I assure you, you’re going to want to listen to them.

I was sent the album “Repulse” in the post and was quite excited when I opened my package. I immediately played it and the second it finished, I was already uploading it onto my iPod and throwing it in a playlist with “Bloodbath” and “Cannibal Corpse”. This 5 track E.P. is quite simply astonishing. It has deep growling vocals which, if turned up loud enough, could shake the very foundations in which you stand upon.

With Drew on vocals, Tom and Danny on guitar, Clay drumming and Matt on bass, they have formed a band which could rip the head off your staggering body. Bloodtribe proves that they have practiced and conquered their sound because I can’t help but listen from start to finish whenever I hear them.

The first song on “Repulse” is “Reflections”. My favourite by far and slowly becoming one of the highest played songs I have in my collection. This song is phenomenal. I enjoy the dark intro which introduces the drumming brilliantly. There is no beating around the bush with Drew’s vocal work. He’s straight into the savage vocals and some great, memorable vocals. “Reflection of your imperfections double in numbers as your body decays”. I love this track. Listen to it now or else.

“Manipulated Sexuality” is interesting. The intro contained a lot of symbol work which I wasn’t expecting and didn’t really think much of it. I was then getting into the mind-frame that “Repulse” would only have one decent song. Luckily, I was wrong. This song has some duel vocals with the heavy shouting vocals which we all love, but it also had screaming and strained vocals which was an awesome mix. “Manipulated Sexuality” also contains a great breakdown which I recommend that you indulge yourself in.

The third song is only 2 minutes 20 seconds which I thought was rather short considering how awesome the song is. There is a great opening verse in “A Scar for Every Sin” which is quickly paced and savage. You’ll be aware of the terrific drumming almost immediately. This song is just immense.

“Force Fed Suffering” is pure chaos. 30 seconds in and you can already feel a sense of an evil doom creeping down, past your ear drums to eradicate any happiness which remains in your soul (In a good way). Seriously, this song is the reason why metalheads exist. Pure suffering and brutality awaits those who listen to this. This song is awesome!

The final song on “Repulse” is smart. I like how it includes good imagery and some personification “From the dawn that dies”. This makes it easier to picture and as a result, makes this song memorable. It also contains some contrasting vocals and music to go with it. At one point you’ll have a heavy yet slow style of metal but in a seconds notice, we will be listening to a double bass pedal, quick riffs and a screamo vocal style. Love it!

If you hadn’t noticed, I really enjoyed “Repulse” and all of its content. Pure heavy metal here which I cannot fault. You’ll catch the “Bloodtribe Bug” the second you get into Drew’s vocals. Oh, and there is no cure, so good luck.

"Shark Bites and Lightning Strikes" by Loss of Reaso

Loss of Reason is a five-member band who are raising the standards of metal everywhere. Ian Tobey/Vocals, Chris Love/Guitar, Clarence Freeman/Guitar, Ryan Ware/Bass, Andrew Hess/ Drums have made an EP, “Shark Bites and Lightning Strikes”, that is astonishing and just plain savage. Their influences vary from “Rage Against The Machine” and “God Forbid” to bands such as “Muse” and “Eric Johnson”.

The opening track, “I’m an F.18, bro”, is a great intro that grabs the attention of the listener and encourages them to continue on. It has an enticing melodic sound that, in partnership with its heavy guitar riffs, gives promise of an epic sounding EP. One track in and I was already suggesting Loss of Reason to friends.

“Party, Jannetty, til the Break of Dawn, Michales” introduces Ian Tobey’s contribution to the band as a brilliant vocalist. With his ability to use clean vocals as well as screamo, he has proven to be an essential part of the band. The song itself drew a picture for me. I can easily imagine myself at the front of a crowd, climbing the barrier with the rest of Loss of Reason’s fans. I can just picture myself moshing with the rest of them and enjoying a great performance.

The following two tracks show off this band’s drumming and guitar techniques as well as the level of skill in which they are played. Loss of Reason is competent when synchronising their instruments with vocals. It really gives this band the credentials to be up there with the best.

This EP has already been put onto my iPod but “Helpful Phil” is the most played song out of the six songs which form “Shark Bites and Lightning Strikes”. I just love this song. Its intro is genius without effort but also introduces breakdowns which cause the listener to unknowingly tap their foot and headbang along.

It is always great to finish on a high, which is exactly what Loss of Reason have accomplished. Kurtrusslecrowe is an epic finish to an epic EP. This track alone shows the potential of this band. They show promise and this is one band which I would love to see live on stage.

This EP, in my opinion, is just overall awesome. I have it mixed into my regularly used playlists. They have joined my “Savage” playlist alongside bands such as All That Remains, Dead By April and Bring Me The Horizon. Loss of Reason is one band I will recommend when asked “Name an awesome metal band with dual vocals.”          

"Decades" by Saving October

This is Saving October’s first album that has been released. It is a serviceable first album which I enjoyed listening to. They’re a heavy metal band who deal in a mixture of screaming and heavy vocals backed up by the expected chugging riff-age. They have a memorable guitar riff which is suitably heavy and the foundation of most of their songs. They deploy this style of guitar riff often which at first gives the album a dynamic and cohesive feel, but I thought that perhaps they're over reliance on it smacked of playing it safe. This being their first album it is understandable that they may not want to take risks but this does lead to this effort sound over familiar to anyone who is a fan of the genre.

Saving October consists of 5 members Danny Scythes/Lead Vocals, Seth Cordrey/Guitar, Ross Elliot/Guitar Zane Maxwell/Bass and Patrick Liberatore/Drums. There have been a few switches with band members since they begun in 2009, but all of the members have live show and recording experience. The band has written two EP’s, “Cut your Losses” and “Hail the Captain”. Decades is their first full album that screamo band has produced.

“Striking an Artery” has to be my favourite song on their album. It’s intro is melodic which stood out from the rest of their album. It has Saving October’s preferred riff present and correct within the song but I found that the contrast between it and the melodic side really made this song brilliant.

Another stand out track is “Roger Rabbit What’s Your Habit?” With its double bass and duel vocals this song really kicks the album off and sets out Saving October's stall early. Lyrics like “I need you like I needed sleep” really stood out in this song. They gave out some emotion which worked well with the gloomy guitar, which lasts throughout the song.

Most of Saving October’s song are similar. They all sound the quite similar with one or two standing out tracks, as mentioned. If you enjoy their style of music (Which I do), then there is not an issue, but others may criticise this and be put off. “Infamous” is one that, even though it sounds similar to the others, is a song that can be recognised. Apart from the vocal style, I felt like I could be listening to Pantera. I enjoyed this track because the guitarist and drummer sync. It sounds epic. I highly recommend this song.

Another thing I found with “Decades” is they have a intro and an outro. If you listen to the album from start to finish then you’ll get to enjoy it more. I like the way the radio broadcast bookends the album pulls it together. I am not sure of the broadcast itself, but the fact that the style is there at the beginning and end means that I earns a few bonus points.

“Decades” is an enjoyable album, not a masterpiece, but defiantly a starting point for a band which I would like to see a lot more from. I hope that “Dark Harvest Records” have plans for Saving October.

You can listen to “Decades” by Saving October at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/decades/id494464869