ALBUM REVIEW: Atriarch - "Dead As Truth"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 11/08/2017

Label: Relapse Records

There is so much to enjoy about the new Atriarch release. You have heavier cuts like "Dead" and "Devolver" to mix among the more pensive songs. The songwriting is superior. And, best of all, you have a talented group back for a release that is sure to remind you why you enjoyed its brutal sound when they debuted.

“Dead As Truth” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Inferno

2. Dead

3. Devolver

4. Void

5. Repent

6. Hopeless

The Review:

Atriarch are one of those bands that cuts across a ton of subgenres. For many outfits, that can go lots of ways, for better or worse. There are more than a few examples of times this does not work. Too many metal performers trying to be too much to too many people, and it can be exasperating. Similarly, in this Portland-based group, you can hear hard rock, gothic, post-punk, black metal and doom, but it is altogether better than all that sounds.

On their fourth full-length recording, "Dead As Truth," Atriarch does so famously because its members build upon a series of well-received releases with a sound that, for all it is advertised as, does the core parts so remarkably.

Atriarch bills itself as classic death rock, but there is a good chance you will hear tinges of old-school death metal here. From haunting singing to touches of dirge and, in truth, a lot of heavy, sludgy guitar, you will catch the screams of some of death metal's originators in Atriarch's blast. Instead of the screeching, indecipherable C-list material you can find anywhere, though, Atriarch paints some ghastly images without the nonsensical bombast. "Dead As Truth" continues the growth of the group's sound and, in many ways, makes it far more intimidating because it is more cerebral than most.

Fans of the band's past recordings may believe this new package sounds toned down compared to past collections. Such an observation is largely true, but rather than chill, this one feels like a more sophisticated entry. The restraint you hear from the opener, "Inferno," to the closer, "Hopeless," is used to support savage storytelling. "Void" taps a similar lyrical delivery, until it unleashes the full bore of anguish on the listener.

There is so much to enjoy about the new Atriarch release. You have heavier cuts like "Dead" and "Devolver" to mix among the more pensive songs. The songwriting is superior. And, best of all, you have a talented group back for a release that is sure to remind you why you enjoyed its brutal sound when they debuted.

"Dead As Truth" is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Turbowolf - 'Two Hands' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 26/05/2015

Label: Spinefarm Records

‘Two Hands’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Invisible Hand
2). Rabbits Foot
3). Solid Gold
4). American Mirrors
5). Toy Memaha
6). Nine Lives
7). Good Hand
8). MK Ultra
9). Twelve Houses
10). Rich Gift
11). Pale Horse

Turbowolf is:

Chris Georgiadis
Andy Ghosh
Blake Davies
Lianna Lee Davies

Review

When a band combines elements of different genres in their music I’m instantly intrigued and I’m even more impressed when they can do it successfully. I love a good genre cocktail because it keeps me engaged and interested in what I am listening too; the skill it takes to cohesively combine different elements shows the talent of the musicians. Staying pure to a genre is great, but honestly, I prefer the former. That being said, it is also a double edged sword. Too much at once can ruin a band’s sound and come off as cluttered. I’m very pleased to say that Turbowolf’s ‘Two Hands’ is a remarkable mixture of punk-rock and alternative metal.

Turbowolf has crafted quite an experience, the guitar riffs have a great fuzz effect and the drum rhythms are always upbeat and kicking ass. The vocals on this album have a unique rock feel and are always driving the music forward. The band also experiments with more electronic sounds this time around, mostly felt on tracks “Solid Gold” and “Nine Lives,” more so than their previous albums. My favorite track is “American Mirrors.” It has a great punk rock vibe to it and ends with some psychedelic progressive riffs. Overall this album jams really hard; it’s a great album to rock out too with your buddies or even at a party. I had a blast listening to this album and I’m excited to hear more from this band. Notable Tracks: “American Mirrors” “Solid Gold” “Nine Lives” “Good Hand”

Words by: Jihad Nasser

‘Two Hand’ is available here

For more information:

Official: http://www.turbowolf.co.uk/ | Like: https://www.facebook.com/turbowolf

Follow: https://twitter.com/turbowolfband

OWNER - Shame Face (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 21^st January 2015

Label: Self Released

Shame Face – Track Listing

1.Cryptocrat 05:37

2.Beef on the Hoof 08:47

3.Fad Quiz 03:04

4.Gulch 06:20

Bio

We've known each other since before puberty. Well...except Ben. We think Ben was born post-pubescent. But, we've all been friends for a long time. Been in a bunch of bands together and been in a bunch of fights together. One by one, we all found ourselves in the same city again. We've been playing as OLD HAND for the last few years with different players, but now have found our forever home as OWNER. We're a little obsessive. We're a bit awkward. We play the songs that we want to hear.

Members

Dylan Regier (guitar/vocals)

Ben Sorensen (bass/vocals)

Ray Hughes (drums)

Review:

OWNER is a very peculiar kind of Stoner Rock band as they include elements of Noise Rock, Post-Punk, Goth and even Fuzz Rock for one groovy different kind of riffs. Their debut EP – Shame Face – feels it was recorded in the legendary Goth/Post-Punk Scene as the vocals aren't you're usual kind for a Stoner Rock band. I feel OWNER are a Dark Alternative Stoner Rock band with a truly original sound of their own.

Opening track – Cryptocrat – has all the hallmarks of a band saying a big FUCK YOU to convention and playing by their own rules. OWNER become Stoner Rock outlaws bursting with dark violent ideas where it feels good to be different. Hints of Blues Rock interlaced with Fuzz Rock appear towards the end with bleak vocals that come from the Nick Cave school of hard knocks. Dylan and Ben perfectly capture the bleak existence of life itself. And then OWNER throw a Truckfighters style curve-ball to the mix. I did say these guys were different.

Second track – Beef On The Hoof – is an epic almost 9 minute affair with OWNER blending depressing blues rock with slabs of heavy fuzz. The vocals take a more a Satanic turn with OWNER providing a thrilling tale packed full of mysterious riffs. The song has a superb slow-paced blues rock feel that gives OWNER the chance to play with your emotions and still surprise you with each passing moment.

Third Track – Fad Quiz – is a more straight forward Stoner Rock offering with OWNER still adding different sounds you wouldn't expect for a Stoner Rock song. The last track – Gulch – starts off with a creepy intro before bleak vocals add a more painful vibe compared to the EP's previous tracks. It's a slow paced affair before OWNER slowly start to add different noises for one final hurrah of experimental Stoner Rock.

Check it out for yourself as Shame Face is available to buy now on BandCamp Buy Now Download.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

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