This veteran German group returns from the 90s with a new double-album full of retro-electro industrial aggression. Packed with pulsing sequences, gurgling glass distorted vox, and drums machines set to "crunch", amGod's sound is reminiscent of Front Line Assembly or Skinny Puppy, though not as complex. Enjoyable, but pretty generic when placed alongside their better-known peers like Wumpscut or Leather Strip. (Alfa Matrix)
The third album (originally released in 1999) from this Austrian artist explores more folk-oriented melodies and electronics, rather than their usual heavy-handed post-industrial military marching sounds. Tracks like "V" begin as elegant melodies before erupting into martial drumming and chanted vocals. Akin to In Slaughter Natives, but with more finesse, Der Blutharsch adds a distinctly European classical/historical element to their often bombastic and always percussive sounds.
Once upon a time, Ministry was a force to be reckoned with. They helped pave the way for bands like Nine Inch Nails and KMFDM's later successes. Now? "Undercover" is a pretty pale shadow of that. Led solely by Al Jourgensen, this album is packed with insipid and soulless covers. Metal and rock staples like "Iron Man", "Purple Haze", "Thunderstruck", and even Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" are slaughtered. Ugh. Sad. (13th Planet/Cleopatra)
Featuring 4 classic rock songs re-imagined by Chicago doom-weirdie-metal act Atlas Moth, this digital-only EP is a stopgap, proving that these guys have both a freaky sense of humor and the chops to drop thick, sludgy riffs among their low-and-slow doom metal.
Straight outta Dublin. Yes, this veteran Irish pagan metal act takes cues from their native country's folk music alongside more modern metal sounds. "I Am Warrior" sounds like Carcass' Jeff Walker fronting a Celtic folk act, but "The Column" is a superb and intense Irish-infused slice of near-black metal. "Thy Kingdom Gone" further shows that these guys have the chops -- a feverish assault of thrashy speed metal that easily holds its own. "The Voyage Of Bran" is a true example of Celtic metal, forging medieval melodies with driving guitars and drums. But, I'm not convinced on every track, though. When they're "on", Cruachan destroy. But some of the ornate medieval melodies sound downright silly when juxtaposed with the band's often-crushing riffs. Can't commit here, sorry. (Candlelight Records)
Solo album from Radiohead member who's not Thom Yorke or Jonny Greenwood. Drummer Selway proves his songwriting worth with a superb album of mature and folksy pop tunes. I get a little Beatles, a little Pink Floyd. Young God recording artist Lisa Germano and members of Wilco are present, as well, so you know this is an honest and tuneful set of songs. Good stuff! (Nonesuch)
I could expand on this album and do a full-on, in-depth review. But you already know whether you'll be picking this one up or downloading it. Right? So let's dispense with the formalities, shall we? Suffice to say, Radiohead don't disappoint with this brief (8-song, 38-minute) album. It's a laid-back, spacious affair overall, without any certain standout "pop" hits necessarily. Electronic, ambient, organic, psychedelic, krautrock...it's all there. Yorke and company are in fine form. (self-released)
