I told you I’d be back…
This week’s got it all, punk, rock, metal, country, and an un-genre-fiable something something near the bottom that blew me away.
Enjoy!
Anti-Flag – American Fall
As someone who grew up on Die for the Government, over 20 years ago (that’s insane to think about), it was a welcome surprise seeing these guys pop up on the radar. Now, there’s no doubt about it, when I put it on, I was looking for Drink, Drank, Punk and Red, White & Brainwashed, this is not that album. But if you’re looking for a tight punk rock album with punchy as hell 2-3 minute songs, this’ll fill ya up.
Favorite tracks: “Liar & Digital Blackout”
Liima – 1982
The Finnish quartet is back with something even more lush and visceral than their first offering in 2016. If Stranger Things didn’t already have a soundtrack, this record could possibly be the perfect companion. If you’re looking for something a little darker, a little atmospheric, and something you can sway to, this will take care of you.
Favorite tracks: “David Copperfield & My Mind Is Yours”
Cannibal Corpse – Red Before Black
You can almost feel the blood on your fingers on this one. You’re not going to listen to Cannibal Corpse for a quiet night at home with a glass of wine, although that is an incredible visual. The album is heavy as hell, it’s drenched in blood, it growls at you, and it’s punishing. If you’re down with death metal, you already love this album. The further into it I got, the more I dug it.
Favorite tracks: “Destroyed Without a Trace & Firestorm Vengeance”
Blitzen Trapper – Wild and Reckless
No doubt about it, this is classic backwoods country rock. If you’re looking for the kind of country album you can get away with listening to without actually accepting the fact that you like country, this is your jam. It’s Bob Dylan meets Bruce Springsteen meets Tom Petty, in Texas… and it’s awesome.
Favorite tracks: “Baby Won’t You Turn Me On & Wild and Reckless”
Converge – The Dusk in Us
Just straight up pummeling punk rock gold. Dusk is a calm time for most, but apparently lead singer Jacob Bannon does not agree. Of the 13 tracks, there are only two that you have time to take a breathe during (The Dusk in Us & Thousands of Miles Between Us), the rest are just brutal, melodic, attacks on your senses. Prepare the mosh-pit.
Favorite tracks: “A Single Tear & Cannibals”
Annihilator – For the Demented
This record was apparently made just for me… With a 30 year track record of hard-hitting metal, you expect nothing but the best, and they deliver. For me, the album is a little top heavy, in that the heaviest, and best musicianship is at the beginning. By the last song, it’s sliding into an interesting mix of rockabilly, funk, and rock.
Favorite tracks: “Twisted Lobotomy & Not All There”
Like Moths To Flames – Dark Divine
After Chris Roetter left Emarosa, this is the group that emerged. I for one am thankful for it. From start to finish, this album rocks. You could consider this metalcore, but at the end of the day, it’s more than that. Chris’ vocals know no bound diving directly from sweet nothings to melodic screaming and the musicianship across the board is killer. Favorite album of the week.
Favorite tracks: “The Skeletons I Keep & Even God Has A Hell”
Duckwrth – an XTRA UUGLY Mixtape
There is NOTHING like this out there. At its core, it’s hip-hop, then all the rules are thrown to the side. It’s rock, it’s R&B, there’s experimental stuff, some soul, a good bit of electronic assistance, and even a chorus section that’ll make you question everything. Definitely the most interesting album of the week.
Favorite tracks: “MICHUUL. & WAKE UP!”
BONUS EP: BANNERS – Empires On Fire
This UK artist should be popping up on your radar any minute now. With a sound reminiscent of American Authors, it’s just deliciously infectious poppy alt-rock you can’t help but move to. The whole EP is just happiness delivered directly to your ear holes. Even if the empire is on fire, you’ll dance in the ashes. First two tracks are tied for the best on the album.
Favorite tracks: “Someone To You & Empires On Fire”
T-Minus one week, until I see you here again!
Love,
Jason
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