The Trials of October 20, 2017

Veil Of Maya Releases Albums For their Nonbelievers

The Chicagoan quartet has returned with their sixth release False Idols through Sumerian Records. The contemporary marks the end of their 2-year hiatus and unlike the years prior, the band has decided to feature more DJent than the metalcore brand they’re used to strutting.

The album opens with the brief intro “Lull” and immediately transitions with “Fracture.” The song is a prime example of the DJent subgenre adopted by the band and the song features erratic guitar play and programming by Marc Okubo with some double kick action from Sam Applebaum. Another good example of docile DJent influences are  “Whistleblower” and “Graymail.”

The band returns to metalcore with “Doublespeak” which featured Lukas Magyar clean vocals a bit more. The same could also be said about “Overthrow” and “Echo Chamber.” The bassist Danny Hauser shines really bright with the tracks “Pool Spray” and “Manichee,” his bass sounds similar to that of Meshuggah’s Dick Lövgren.

The latter features Magyar performing nothing but clean vocals as opposed to incorporating some growls in between. “Follow Me” has the band feature some subtle deathcore. This album caps off with “Livestream” which has the group featuring more metal than DJent but still features some core nonetheless.

This album was a bit of a surprise since it showcased the band experimenting a bit before completely taking the DJent banner. The Klown is definitely not a fan of VOM but will admit that this contemporary was alright. The Klown felt like this album was used as a lure for those who are legit fans of DJent but also made sure not to exclude their faithful fan base. You can check this out on Spotify or take the plunge and get it here.

3 out of 6, The Veil Has Been Lifted for the Nonbelievers

Hail Dali?

Trivium Shall Punish The Non-Metalheads

Last year the Klown featured this quartet’s EP/reissue. Now they make a return this year with their eighth album titled The Sin and The Sentence which was released through Roadrunner Records. For those still suffering from the In Waves PTSD, this album features more of Matt Heafy’s screaming vocals mixed with his strong thrash and groove style.

“The Sin and The Sentence” is a really great example of this return and happens to be the first track of the album and so were “Betrayer” and “The Wretchedness Inside.” The former would contain clean chorus vocals from Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto.

“Beyond The Oblivion” feature some groove metal which is something that the band is not normally known to do. In “The Revanchist” the band takes on thrash and Heafy lays out aggressive clean vocals but, for the most part. The backing vocals, on the other hand, features growls and other range of vocals. The album caps off robustly with “Thrown Into The Fire” and features Beaulieu’s powerful opening guitar riffs and some awesome solos.

The album, aside from the tracks that were mentioned, doesn’t feature much that stands out. The one thing the Klown can say is that Heafy and company may have decided to revisit the old sounds from the Shogun album combined with Silence In Snow. For the dedicated Trivium fan, this is good news. The Klown actually enjoyed the album and it felt nice to hear some new Trivium. You can get your copy here and check out this potential comeback.

4out of 6 Move Over TriviuT, Trivium Has Returned

Not sure what that is but TriviuT is oust!

Xipe Totec Are On a Role with Their Newest

The Aztec death metal duo known as Xipe Totec have been on a releasing spree as of late. The Klown regrettably didn’t get the chance to check out their previous release four months prior. So without further ado, the fifth release is titled Axomimitl  through Defox Records.

The album kicks off with some Nahuatl spoken word with the sounds of tribal drums courtesy of Martin Martinez which would transform straight into some brutal death metal with “Cihuateteo.” The song would feature Martinez’s all around instrumental prowess with Alejandro Camacho’s aggressive growling vocals. The same concept is featured “Ahneli Tlahtolnemiliztli” but instead of Nahuatl, it would be a Spanish narrative instead.

“Axomimitl”  and “Tonalyecantoc”on the other hand, turns a 180 and feature sounds similar to that of Behemoth mixed with Aztec flutes, drums,  a rain stick, and a killer guitar solo. The band features deathcore in “Cuauhxicalli” and “In Mimiqueh in Tlatohl,” the latter would feature some tribal drums. The band showcases some brutal death metal with “Miquitohtl.” “Tlachihualiztli” was more on the technical death metal side and featured  Aztec flute aside from the tribal drums.

The album closed with “In Tequihuahyotl Itlantica” which was an outro that featured Spanish and Nahuatl narratives with the same native instruments mentioned earlier and included soothing acoustic guitars. This album was a pleasant surprise and totally different. Usually Ugh Metal is pretty good at finding you a link  to purchase these albums, depending on your perspective,  BUT this band has this album available digitally through all major sources such as Amazon, the Apple or Google store.

6 out of 6, No Human Sacrifices Needed

Not Even Trump Can Stop this Mexican export

GWAR Has Emerged from Metal Valhalla with Latest

C: The Klown isn’t entirely 100% for this but he supposes he can share this segment. This album, The Blood of Gods,  is and was highly anticipated. After all, GWAR’s future was uncertain since the unfortunate passing of frontman Oderus Urungus because of Mr. Perfect… the futuristic creature, not the late great wrestler Curt Hennig.

J: Sharing is caring, ya filthy Klown! GWAR is back baby!! And no force, nor selfish Klowns nor evil creatures are gonna hold these scumdogs back or the J-Ohster from throwing in her two cents! The scumdogs from Planet Home are ready for battle right in the beginning with “War on Gwar.” I especially love those Black Sabbath-esque riffs Pustulus Maximus slapped on this track.

C: Talk about the soundtrack to our doom. Either way, it sounds kinky as hell. The Klown loves the catchy and groovy sounds of “Viking Death Machine.”

J: Ah yes! This track was on fire! It was a lot more lit than my mixtape! And my mixtapes are pretty bitchin’ and totally available if any of you want ‘em *winks* Hey Klown, GWAR gives a little shout out to your fave rancid Cheetoh humanoid.

C: Ah yes… the clown president gets a tribute song “El Presidente.” You know greatness is yuge when the scumdogs of Planet Home already made a song celebrating the greatness that is his duty!

J: Giving rich Cheetohs like him “taco salad” induced diarrhea? That is true! Like we need more reasons to crash in his golden pad when we were on our fancy Vegas trips. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear orange toupees. But enough about your clown in arms, and let’s talk about the legends. GWAR took a stab at ACDC’s “If You Want Blood (You Got It)” which we had the pleasure of seeing it live at this year’s Warped Tour. Also, I gotta say this Klown, but their latest hit “I’ll Be Your Monster” is an instant classic and dare I say it reminded me of a rougher version of a Lordi song.

C: One of the things the Klown enjoyed about this album was a revisit to their punk rock roots with “Auroch” which was pretty awesome. To quote the old timers,  you can “slam dance” to this. They even picked up the pace for a Sunday special just for us heathens with “Crushed by the Cross.” Of course, they provided a perfect song for when we feel like when we no longer live on this planet anymore.

J: Speaking of revisiting, GWAR pumped out another beautiful ballad “Phantom Limb.” *Tears up* This is an ode Oderus would approve. Oh gaaaawd! It was love at first “Play,” who said these Scumdogs don’t have feels?! Hands down, one of my fave songs from this album.

C: Yeah… it was the first time GWAR made the Klown feel the feels. The Klown was glad he waited to see what meaningful tribute the fallen leader would get with adequate time. This album was worth the ear, the wait, and emotional investment. The void is there, sure but Blothar did Oderus proud filling in and leading the pack to further glory. If you want to disprove the exaggeration and be a good bohab and look up Metal Blade Records Bandcamp to really check out The Blood of Gods.

6 out of 6, There Will Be Blood!

Nectar of the Gods!

The Trials of April 7

Note: It seems that the world is getting crazier and crazier by the days. As in the crazies are out and about and trying to kill our mellow. On that note, our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with our Swedish, Syrian and Egyptian peeps and anyone who has family in those places.

Bear Has Released Its Most Accurate Album

The Belgian quartet known as Bear has come out with its third installment titled III through Basick Records. How appropriate, right? This current installment has the band busting out the DJent style. The band kicks off their album pretty strongly with “Blackpool,” which the Klown can describe like a Norma Jean track with more chorus and edge. The band takes their sound down a notch in the track “Mask,” and sounds like a combo of Prong and The Dillinger Escape Plan. “Knives Are Easy” was a pretty good track to listen to which tuned made an ambient turn towards the middle feeling like an experimental version of Ministry.

Going back to the D.E.P comparison, “The Oath” had the Klown thinking that he was listening to a very edgy sounding D.E.P song. “Constrict.Construct” had a lot more punk-like influences and a harmonious chorus. The Klown is glad that this album wasn’t all over the place and remained rather consistent like some other DJent groups that he’s listened to. This album is a treat for those who enjoy the DJent brand of metal that is sprouting.

4 /6, Still Doesn’t Answer If They Shit in the Woods

Wear Your Wounds Has Debuted

If you love the hardcore icon Jacob Bannon, or his label Deathwish Inc, then this album is no surprise to you. For those who don’t know, the vocalist of Converge has now released his solo project Wear Your Wounds’ first album titled WYW. The Klown didn’t know what to expect he just knows that Bannon was going to be experimental in this side project and incorporate his piano skills. Bannon kicks off his brainchild with “Wear Your Wounds,” which sounded more like an ambient doom song with Bannon on auto tune. The piano in this track was a nice touch and gave it a nice harmonic and meaningful touch.

“Giving Up” was very harmonic, experimental and inspirational. “Iron Rose” starts off like a soothing but climactic revelation, morphs into a melancholic lullaby, and ambushes you with a sudden clash of drumming, cymbals and is topped with a sweet wailing guitar. Going back to the soundtrack type of song, “Hard Road to Heaven” definitely fits the bill for an ending involving a sense of relief or an accomplishment while “Best Cry of Your Life” ditches the piano away and brings us some good ol’ fashioned industrial similar to that of NIN. “Shine” brings back the piano and auto tune, whereas “Heavy Blood” sounded more like a song Warner Brothers should have looked into for their superhero flicks.

Lastly, “Goodbye Old Friend” was not only an appropriate ending but also felt like an ending credit track that highlights a sacrifice. This album was pretty good as far as experimental go because not a lot of artists can pull it off. After listening to this album, the Klown wouldn’t be surprised if Bannon were to one day take the same path as Trent Reznor and starts composing music for movies.

6 /6, Wounds Are In Fashion, Brenda! 

Deez Nuts Will Indulge You with Their Latest

For those who voted in the Presidential race, the name sounds familiar for all the humorous reasons. In fact that’s who the Klown originally voted for till the first clown president won and was sworn in! But alas, it’s not the same Deez Nuts. In fact dee nuts that the Klown will be talking about is the hardcore band from Down Under. The last time the Klown ever heard of doze nuts was when they were here in San Diego as an opener for Hatebreed in 2012. If you ever see them live, they are a treat.

And now onto their latest release Binge & Purgatory which came out through Century Media Records. Unlike the first time the Klown indulged on Deez Nuts (teehee), they seem to have taken a much serious approach. Their secondary track, “Purgatory” immediately shoots off testosterone the way most hardcore bands do. “Commas & Zeroes” is also pumped but contains a chorus and borderline rapping from vocalist JJ Peters, which the Klown definitely dug! “Discord” almost felt like a hardcore anthem and briefly features Sean Kennedy slapping the bass like it owes it money!

If you want to hear a “true” hardcore song, the band will treat you to “Lesson Learned” which starts angry and stays ansgry all the way to the chorus lines. “For What It’s Worth” and “Remedy” bust out some hardcore punk elements. This album felt like a pretty good comeback for the boys from Down Under. If you love hardcore than you will love this, no funning!

6 /6,  Deez Nuts Should be Anya Ears! 

*Uh oh! Jenny Oh will put in her 2 cents….Bye bye life savings 

Prepare to Obsess Over The Obsessed

Doom legends are back with their first full length album since 1994! Whoa. After several compilations and live albums, The Obsessed make a strong comeback with their latest titled Sacred through Relapse Records and HALLELUJAH we believe! The Obsessed return full force with a fresher sound full vigor and full blown rock n’ roll!

The doom metallers unload their well paced tempo and riffs with “Sodden Jackal” and is cushioned by “Punk Crusher” which has a nice little build up and turns into a cool song you’re gonna wanna blast while you hit the road on your tric. The catchy as hell and current single “Sacred,” will make the devil do a sexy little dance and shake what its creator gave him!

“Razor Wire” will cut deep into your skulls and will set up shop in your brain, you WILL be humming this chorus. For the alumni of the school of Hard Knocks, “It’s Only Money” is the song for you, but if you want less sing-y and more play-y (?) vocalist/guitarist Scott “Wino” Weinrich, bassist Reid Raley and Brain Costantino’s drumming chops got you covered in the sweet ass jamming sesh in “Cold Blood.”  “Stranger Things” may not have Eleven making a guest appearance but it certainly gets so deep, you’ll see the upside down along with “My Daughter My Sons,” one of yours truly’s favorite tracks.

I can go over and dissect all 12 tracks from Sacred but hearing is believing! The Obsessed may have taken a 20+ break from the recording studio but it seems to have done them some good, not that they weren’t before. This album oozes cool and will create excitement to see what these gentlemen will do next.

6/6, AMEN!