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[myremains]

As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis has picked up his side project Austrian Death Machine for their 4th album.

Album opener “No Pain No Gain” features guitar wizard Angel Vivado who has a stunning and technical solo, but also features world renowned body builder Craig Golias making his metal vocal debut, absolute carnage and brutality. Golias also features alongside Alarc on my favourite track from the album “Hey Bro Can You Spot Me?”, I know it’s about working out but it feels like it’s so much more, it’s emotive, the melody amongst the crushing waves, absolutely sold on it. Tim’s wife Danny Lakbesis lends her vocal talents aswell most notably on “Destroy the Machines” where we see a similar vocal style to that of Angela Gossiw or For I Am King’s Alma Alizadeh booming us through a tale of uprising, but also stands out on “Meatgrinder” which has the iconic “Hey Dylan, you son of a bitch” as a lyric which bloody love. Ov Sulfur lend a hand to torturing our beloved Arnie on “Judgement Day”, our mans begging them to stop but the crushing blast of beats gives nobody any peace!

I feel that this is one of the best albums they’ve put out to date, which has genuinely taken me by surprise, really wasn’t expecting it. the unique guests help draw interest but the material itself shines with or without them. Has definitely rekindled a love, reminds me why I loved ADM and As I Lay Dying for all those years.

[8/10]

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Modern day power metal heroes Dragonforce are taking a run at album number 9, I cannot believe they’re on their 9th album, 25 years they’ve been around, my first rock gig and they’re still powering forward, it’s phenomenal. You tend to know what you’re getting with Dragonforce by now, its going to be full of great and fast musical work and nice sweet tones and upbeat adrenaline fueling long tracks, but lets see where they’ve taken it this time.

By now we know what we’re getting with Dragonforce, generally speaking, and of course opener “Astro Warrior Anthem” is nearly 7 minutes long, very fast and extremely technical, the licks and solos are some of the best I’ve heard from them, Hudson’s vocals grow on me more with each big song like this that he carves through like a honey glazed knife through butter. “Power of the Triforce” is a textbook power metal tale of journey, talk of swords and a mystique, the sounds that these wonderful guitarists can make add another level to the sound. I wasn’t personally keen on “Space Marine Corps” at first, but it has grown on me quite rapidly, mostly its that tune that I can’t seem to stop humming, its so bubbly and bouncy, has its moments of being rapid and intricate but generally is a good one to sing along to, particularly I find whilst driving. They have a bash at covering Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams”, and if you didn’t know any better you wouldn’t know this wasn’t their own song, nothing more you can ever ask of a cover. The final song guest features Amaranthe’s Elise Ryd on vocals which natural got me really stoked, there is a version without her but why would you bother when her voice is so good, a happy rave to see in the end of the world, lovely guitar solos, very different but glorious addition to the back catalogue. A final mention to “Doomsday Party” guest featuring Amaranthe vocalist Elize Ryd, there is a version without her but I won’t ever need that, she adds a completely different layer to the fun chanty track with her gorgeous pipes, she flex’s those talents pretty hard on this track.

It doesn’t matter what the subject matter is there’s always a feeling of positivity and huge energy, the shift into the video game and space themes inkeeping with that power metal storytelling has been really big for them as it has given them a new lease of life and gives them that distinctive edge in a flooded genre. I will always be a Dragonforce guy, and I feel like they’re far from done yet.

[8/10]

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The Swedish are coming! Pop metal Scandinavians Dead By April are back with Album Number 5, “The Affliction”.

The moment I saw Self Deception were guesting on a “Feeding Demons” I was fired up, it’s a perfect combination of 2 Swedish groups, its energetic and extremely bouncy, the mix of vocals lace nicely into each other and it results in an incredible song that’s going straight into my regular playlists. THE DAY WE LEFT THE EARTH, a few guys from copenhaggen that mix a variety of different tracks, we see them on “Wasteland” (which absolutely slaps, whole different dimension in terms of sound and those sharp snaps are dangerous) but then again on “Hurricane” with Lex Press who is a Norweigen songwriter who write songs for various different bands, together with Dead By April they created this song and its amazing, so deep emotionally and there’s a crispness in the heavy side of the song because of the mixing that just makes it really compelling. They have a Karate stylist sing on a couple of tracks, Samuel Ericcson who is a globally respected Katate Practitioner features on vocals alongside Smash Into Pieces on “Outcome”, a steady rap tradeoff with those heavy teeth barking to remind you where you are. “Dreamlike” is glorious, a grand and infectious chorus with such ear pleasingly sweet musical work, up there on the top tracks that one for me. I initially hated “Save The Cheerleader” because the name reminded me of that stupid cheerleader song that an ex colleague used to irritate me with, but I admit it has since grown on me, a few minute ride through a story of saving the cheerleader to save the world.

There’s a huge variety, a large amount of special guests, the writing is spot on, they sound the best that they’ve sounded in years. It’s reminded me what drew me to them in the first place, the simple concept but with phenomenal execution and exploration of different styles. It gives me great satisfaction to state that I felt this wasn’t going to grab me at all but it’s blown me away.

[9/10]

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Eurovision 6th Place finnish rockers Blind Channel are back with Album number 5. Since appearing on Eurovision their career has really blown up, they’ve toured relentlessly and this is their attempt to follow up on Lifestyles of the Sick and Dangerous which was a phenomenal album. Let’s see if the “violent pop” holds up the 5th time around!

“Where’s The Exit” is a quick 2 and a half minute blast that follows on from where Lifestyles of the Sick and Dangerous left off, a deep hip hop flow, little bit of auto tune which isn’t unusual for them, ridiculously catchy and a great reminder of why these guys have blown up. “XOXO” guest features from ashes to new which is a pretty perfect paring, rap metal at its finest, with a very addictive melodic chorus, mostly I love the playful nature of it and a nice big sleazy drop at the end to slap that neck around to. It’s all about the vocals on “Keeping it Surreal” and “Die Another Day” which quest features vocals from RØRY, the first of which ranges from soft and smoothe to sleazy and punchy whilst the second is a powerful balladesque duet, both adding to the diversity of songwriting on offer. “Flatline” sounds similar to The Browning but faaar less aggressive with that ominous trance sound, but with some of that smash mix of melody and harsher rock, another one for the greatest hits.

I tell you what the more I’ve listened the more I’ve fallen in love with it. They’re not “heavy for the sake of it” it’s always appropriate and impactful. They’ve allowed themselves to expand and explore further, the worlds your oyster at this point guys.

[8/10]

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Swedish group Amaranthe have been going now for 16 years. I’m not going to get into catagorising them because there is so much going on but they are classified with words like symphonic, pop, power, death, melodic metal styles. I’ve been in love with them since 2013’s The Nexus and it’s never faded since. They’re most known for having 3 vocalists which may at first sound like maybe the too many but you’ll soon see it’s now.

Straight away after the building intro of opener and title track “The Catalyst” it’s abundantly clear this is going to be another top class release, the whispers add a level of menace, amongst the chaotic full sounding riffs and tones, the triple vocalist setup beyond justifying itself with a glorious chorus. “Re-Vision” has has a stupidly big chorus, such a blend of power metal, death metal and sunth elements that I truly believe you could fill a dance floor with. Vocalist Elize Ryd needs another exceptional mention for that insane set of pipes, you can spin “Insatiable” or “Damnation Flame” to see just how full and vast her reach is as a singer, she is a phenomenal musician. “Interference” is one of my favourites, they let resident screamer Mikael Sehlin prove again he could have a great career as a rapper, it’s so thick and crunchy with a lot going on, it’s the perfect recipe for me. “Stay A Little While” is a really powerful ballad, it’s a format that Ryd and Molin can really let their full vocal range off the leash, truly glorious operatic few minutes here.

I wouldn’t want or be able to put Amaranthe in a genre box, they’ve got the heart and storytelling from power metal, the sharp and heaviness of melodic death metal and some of that dance/industrial sounds that really make them a big package act. I used to think 3 vocalists may be a bit much but it absolutely isn’t they utilise it time and time again to produce absolute bangers.

[8/10]

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They’re back with the album! British rock trio The Alchemy are back with album number 3! The third album is notorious for being a difficult release, it will be very telling of what they manage to do with this one.

We start off with “Birdsong”, it’s slick and steady, infectious groovy crashing tones and it’s in your face and in your face, brilliant song. Sun Bleached”. Tugs on your emotional heartstrings, powerful vocals of impressive range injecting passion over a punchy yet gentle musical accompaniment. “Summer” is a really gentle sweet ballad like track, they’re very good at putting together a song like this amongst the punchier material. “Brothers ” has punky side to it, it’s thick with a bit of twang, chaotic but soothing, found myself really vibing with it as it reminds me of The Damned Things.

The third album, if history has taught us anything, can be a tricky one to get right. You’d never have noticed that here, sailed through seamlessly. I really have enjoyed having this on whizzing around in the car at the day job. I feel like it levelled out my blood pressure, they’re definitely going places these guys, mark my words.

[8/10]

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Pennsylvania’s From First To Last are back with album number 4 of what I’m already assuming is going to be some fantastic modern Nu-Metal.

“Heartache” sets the bar high, splits me between the 90s and the present day, big Linkin Park and Hollywood Undead residue styles yet very distinctively their own concoction, spitting rap through the verses hyping up to a huge chorus, off to a flying start. I can really feel the late great Chester in “Nightmare”, Danny Case really has an incredible voice, the aggression and venom in that scream in the breakdown is powerful. “Hate Me Too” threw me off, this song needs to be blasted out in an arena, much gentler approach, gives you involuntary dance moves with a big punchy chorus. “Hope You’re Happy” lyrically very deep and powerful, relatable for society in general about depression and peoples interactions with it, loved the whole thing. Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins guests on “Until We Break”, he gives an incredible performance, absolutely all out on those gnarly screams I’m loving life with this. “Dead To Me” spits anger and spite, it’s like a big release of pent up frustration, brace your necks.

I could have talked about this album forever, there are no bad songs at all I love all of them. It’s definitely quite a big step from their last album which if I was honest really didn’t capture my attention and focus, but this is a different story altogether. Once you settle from enjoying the retro feel it’s a big album for the modern age of new metal fans to get stuck in to.

[9/10]

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New York’s VRSTY are dropping more R&B infused post hardcore in the form of their 4th full length album Levitate. VRSTY were one of my lucky random Spotify finds, and I’ve been absolutely hooked ever since. Before I even start can I just say 15 songs man, you don’t see that a lot these days, got some work to do here.

They’ve got Monuments frontman Andy Cizek to lend them a hand on “Kill The Rich”, it’s like a match made in heaven, eerie undertones, low but crisp riffs, crushing waves of tones through the chorus before Cizek brings chaos and growls to thump the point home. I adore “Dangerous”, that riff rapidly smacking you in the face, then I will admit I did think this was a Michael Jackson cover when I heard “It’s close to midnight”, but whist it’s got the same spooky feel about it, it’s much more sinister and dramatic particularly when the violins hit, nice big drop at the end and I’m beyond satisfied. “Fuck You Forever” is an anthem, relatable feelings and thoughts, stunning vocals and a nice bit of a deep bassy string work. I’m always up for a good mash up, but I couldn’t get into “Black & Blue” with Monochromatic Black, I just didn’t feel like the styles meshed well together. Where as “Powerless” with ballerina turned pop artist LEXXE is much more of a match, her breathtaking and strong vocals bounce very well off Valera’s, very strong song on the album. It’s full of enticing hooks and gorgeous melodies, full of different emotions and struggles, it often sways between poppy and metal like a wave.

I think it’s good they’ve put so many songs on the album, it’s let them have a lot of space to have a play around but still have enough for each of their drastically different fans to leave them satisfied. Certainly incredible bang for your buck, I will say I am a sucker for the heavier ones, that’s my jam, pray they do retain it as they progress!

[8/10]

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Silent Planet are a Californian metalcore group who have been kicking around for the last 14 years. This latest album is their 5th, I don’t know an awful lot more about them than that, so I guess we will find out the old fashioned way.

It’s absolutely crushing, I can pick out generous helpings of prog, industrial, djent, metalcore, Deathcore, a rather fulfilling cocktail. Straight away from “Offworlder” we start out having a little macabre rave to being whipped hard by that ridiculously deep twangy bass and piercing screams and growls, absolute shivers. We get into a deep groove through “Collider” being smacked around by the heaviness a bit more whilst enjoying a dark melodic chorus. “Dreamwalker” comes for your neck with a sledgehammer, I couldn’t easily snap my neck off to that, but then it slows down tricking you into dropping your guard with some semi melodic vocals, bang bang and it’s back again with a vengeance, absolutely quality. I’ve just been on one trippy journey with “Antimatter” and I feel amazing, such an odd but enticing energy. Scarypoolparty (Alejandro Aranda) helps out on “Euphoria” giving a very Deftones vibe to that chorus which is nice and wavey. “The Overgrown” is a spiritual journey that eventually collapses into a nightmare, as you can tell I’ve had a bit of a moment with this song because it’s just so bloody good!

For my first outing with Silent Planet I’m definitely going to commit to them. I wanna get in a really dark venue with a fantastic lighting rig and let the energy loose live, picturing this on stage is bringing me a lot of anticipation!

[8/10]

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Atlanta’s Deathcore prodigies Left To Suffer have been making quite the name for themselves in such a short space of time! This only being their second album, they’ve already shown they can throw a damn strong punch. I’m excited to see what they’ve done with this one.

Title track “Feral” sets the bar extraordinarily high, with that creepy eerie Korn sounding synth sounds teeing them up for those crushing screams and growls backed with a crisp crunchy clean backing, the chorus has group clean but solemn vocals making way for Taylor Barber to come through with a sermon of aggression. They have Kim Dracula join them for “Artificial Anatomy”, that bass tone alone is cause for celebration nevermind the fact vocals sound like a toxic lava demon melting it’s way up from hell, makes for some interesting faces. The minute I saw Fit For An Autopsy’s vocalist Joe Badolato’s name against “Primative Urge”, I knew it would be a reaaaally brutal song, and what do you know it is, but it’s also very methodical in its approach to eerie atmospheric sounds to back it up. Whilst they’re absolute brutal and skull crushing, it’s the little symphonic elements and twisted evil story telling through suspenseful build ups that really takes them to the next level, try “Illusion of Sleep” if you don’t believe me. Closer “Consistent Suffering” makes more great use of the group vocals and had this clangy funky interlude before a thunderous breakdown which really does add a layer of excitement and intrigue to the track. I’m sorry but it’s “Dissappint Me” that takes the gold for me, absolute carnage in its purist form, spot on crisp and sharp growls and screams, barrage of heavy riffs and beats, lyrics spitting like venom, one whopper of a sleazy drop giving it a strong groove, I can almost feel the dopamine trying to get out of my skull.

This is one ridiculously heavy album, I’m beyond impressed. The way they’ve stuck to what they do best at heart but have been able to experiment and play around with it, it has paid off. I am now exponentially more excited now for Impericon Never Say Die Tour this month!!

[9/10]

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Bad Wolves have had plenty drama in recent memory with this intense fallout with ex vocalist Tommy Vext. Hopefully here on their 4th album they can move past it all and get back to business.

As soon as “Bad Friend” hit I was in a happy place, the crispy metal edge I loved appears to be making a return, off we chug a long, Laskiewicz has really shown he can step up and into that big light left by Vext with these vocals. “Hungry For Life” is quite a raw song, very emotional and you can really feel it in those chorus vocals, wonderful. Whilst I am glad their heavier edge is resurfacing, they appear to have experimented a little with some of those screams on “Die about it”, it’s more of the thing you’d expect from a doom or death metal band, fair play it’s nice to see people stretching their range, but that one I didn’t feel really fit, “Move On” has a bit more of it but otherwise that’s a great track showing it really doesn’t fit. “Saviour” was much more appropriate for me and I’d say sits at the peak of this album, certainly has provoked the most physical reaction anyway, it’s a head banger, it’s a singer, it’s a groover, it’s everything I love about Bad Wolves original sound. “Turn It Down” and “Set You On Fire” are close behind as well. They have KILLBOY provide gorgeous vocals on “It’s You (2 Months)”, it’s a very gentle song but that last chorus in particular with the duet and crashing waves of accompanying tones in perfect harmony.

I think we’re definitely back on the right track, the vocalist has really proved he belongs in the fold pretty much perfectly. Radio friendly arena Rock songs with a heavy edge to it, it’s what they do best. I’m all for experimenting too but I don’t feel it paid off this time around, but I hope they keep trying new things in the future.

[7/10]

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Swedish symphonic industrial beasts Rave The Reqviem are back with their 5th studio album EX-EDEN. Their blend of styles similar to the likes of Amaranthe and Beast In Black, instantly spotted straight into the catagory of “my sort of thing”.

Absolutely no holds barred, “Doombreaker” has a big title and an incredible track behind it to back it up, a tornado of tones and sounds with crisp growls and a thunderous female chorus, what a way to start! “God, Demon, Machine” encaptures the same spooky but funky sound typical amongst the likes of Rob Zombie, only with little complexities keeping it tied to the futuristic style. They get ex-Amaranthe clean vocalist Jake E to help out with “How To Hate Again”, which is funny because in my head those 2 bands are mortal enemies and this is a dig, anyway internal monologue aside, it’s really addictive song with very sweet chorus vocals that subtlety anchor into your brain leaving you unable to hum or sing it randomly. “Exit Babylon” is a really optimistic and triumphant track, feels like a fitting ending but then comes “Angry All The Time” which is an old fashioned sounding song, but it’s so creepy that such dark depressive words can be sang so sweetly, but that’s the best thing about it.

Another very successful outing from these guys, they’re consistently producing great albums time after time. I would love them to do a UK run, preferably with Amaranthe if possible, a man can dream.

[8/10]

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I was shocked when I discovered SiM were Japanese, from what I’ve heard of them I was adament there was Jamaican roots from the material I heard, never judge a book by its cover kids. This new album marks number 6 for them, now as I’ve not heard of them before I want to dive straight in and check it out.

“HIDE and SEEK” has this thick twangy riff, gives a nice slick groove feeling, then it switches up giving off a Skindred energy but applying reggae and metal together at completely different ends of the spectrum. “KISS OF DEATH” smashes out through the gate very aggressively then dropping the past dramatically into this slow amazing modern underground reggae style, it’s a rollercoaster this song with all the transitions, it’s amazing. “DO THE DANCE” utilises a ska and punk base with a heavy bite of crunch for good measure, quite the angsty combination, also where on earth did that demonic scream come from, goosebumps. “RED” has got an arabian flavour, if you can imagine Bloodywood crossed with Avatar, but with very gentle but energetic chorus, I think this one may be my favourite. “BBT” has that heavy punky Beartooth vibe at times, with a breakdown that is damn slow and thick, stank face ahoy. “Die Alone” has what I can only describe as that surfer dude riff but much crunchier, devastatingly demonic sounding screams and a punchy chorus. What a better way to end an album than with a really big orchestral track, “The Rumbling” is very theatrical and deep emotion; anger, sorrow, hope, fear, a full body and soul experience, feel like I need a cigarette after that.

I am absolutely sold on SiM, this has been a great listening experience because of the sheer vast amount of different styled tracks, it’s rare I’m genuinely surprised the way that I have, and all the credit in the world to them for this album, amazing work.

[9/10]

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Thy Art Is Murder + Whitechapel + Fit For An Autopsy - 24/10/23 - o2 Institute Birmingham

Fit For An Autopsy [9] are a really fierce present on that stage, with the heavy credentials to more than back it up. Those growls and screams are even more incredible live than they already are on record. The energy in the crowd is explosive, those pits and walls of death looked vicious and the electricity flowing through the room is amazing. After a set like that I can’t understand how they aren’t packing rooms bigger than this on their own.

Whitechapel [6] are unfortunately a victim of circumstance because for some reason Bozeman’s mic is way too quiet, you can barely hear him even when he’s talking between songs, how nobody picked that up and fixed it astounds me. They were clearly unaware and up on stage they were giving it everything and couldn’t be faulted, but then also something must have gone on with the smoke machine but it’s kicking out far too much, really started drowning the stage out. Honestly I was gutted because if it wasn’t for that this would have been an incredible set.

Thy Art Is Murder [7] we’re always facing skepticism on this first tour since McMahon was let go. Replacing a vocalist is a hard thing to do so this was the first showing of what the bands future will look like. Tyler Miller is no stranger to this game, and he comes in and is just his natural self, not an attempted replacement but a new era for the band. Spot on with some of those vocals on the older tracks but it was strange for me at times on some of my favourite tracks. They brought a big set and an impressive lighting rig, very impressive visual experience, I did enjoy it but it’s difficult because changing the front of the band completely changes the experience and the vibe, I think it’s just something you need to get used to in time, I was impressed by them in the face of such a big change putting on a great performance so I will definitely be back again.

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Beartooth are back with their 5th album, it’s no secret that I absolutely adore Beartooth but after their sound being absolutely dreadful on their last tour, Ive not been able to enjoy them the same way since. And that really sucks, so what I’m hoping for here is they come out swinging to rekindle the flame.

Album opener and title track “The Surface”is a glorious way to start an album, instantly puts any doubts or worries to bed, what a glorious huge melodic chorus that very quickly starts snapping at you with thick riffs and aggressive growls. “Riptide” has been around for quite a while but it’s still one of the greatest songs they’ve ever written, a triumphant optimism we haven’t seen from Beartooth before, it allows Caleb to let his melodic vocals have the spotlight and it’s ridiculous how good that song feels, not just sounds but feels. I love the accoustic part in “Sunshine!” Because it makes that heavy and crunchy section that much thicker, what a gorgeous addictive track, arguably this is one of the best songs they’ve ever written. “Doubt Me” felt like a direct form of communication, because I was, but I will happily throw my hands up and admit I was extremely wrong, what a riff, emphatic and in your face, “how about a rope and a stone”, this track just cuts straight through you. Having country star HARDY guest on “The Better Me” was a big draw, and they absolutely smashed that collab, that’s a big stadium song if I ever heard one! There isn’t 1 bad song here, I wasn’t as keen on the ballad “Look The Other Way” but I can appreciate how powerful it is, other big props go out to “What Are You Waiting For”, “What’s Killing You” and “I Was Alive”, such belters and so different to each other!

That’s the main highlight for me the sheer range of material on offer, the way they’ve tried new thinks but used them to enhance their best qualities. I’ll be there for that October 2024 just based on my love for this album, but I tell you something they cannot let me down again, no matter how good this is.

[10/10]

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Annisokay - 13/10/23 - Nottingham Rescue Rooms

First of all it’s criminal that Annisokay [8] didn’t get a bigger venue, the confidence and the setup of visuals are crying for it and they seem ready. Vocalist Rudi Schwarzer getting in on some good old fashioned crowd surfing, jumping up and down on that barrier, gives me those same feelings I had as a 12 year old first going to rock and metal shows, bliss. The room is packed, the Linkin Park cover went down a storm, they’ve blasted some of their best new material, it’s been a great night I just pray their next tour can be even bigger.

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Who the hell doesn’t know who Skindred are in this day and age right?! The best British band for me of all time, they kill it live, their music is such a vibe all the time and quite frankly it’s just the most fun I’ve ever had. We’re on Album number 8 since 1998, it’s mad think about how long it’s been since I first heard “Nobody” on Need For Speed Underground 2.

“Our Religion” took me by completely surprise, that’s one evil crunchy dark sounding track really throwing me back to the Babylon days, yet in true Dred fashion it still manages to be bouncy as all hell. “Gimme That Boom” captures that whole it’s just fun vibe, its stupidly addictive, very simple chorus but lacking nothing, the breakdown has that very distinctive Skindred sounding riff that screams out for you to shake your ass round. “Set Fazers” is of a very similar nature but more forceful with it, this is one for the moshers to get stuck in to but really whatever your pleasure it’s got you covered. “L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)” slides right down deep into their reggae roots which is where this whole journey comes from, Bob Marley would be smiling down on the lads for this their versatility and bringing that age old style forward and capturing the very heart of the peace and love that the world so desperately needs. Take that style, add some crunchy riffs, let Benjii rap and put on a nice mellow clean chorus and you have “Black Stars”, that deep scream in the background injects pure adrenaline into me, it hypes me up to no end.

Some bands follow the trend of the time whereas skindred drop what they think the world needs, and I tell you what we needed this right now. Their first number 1 album and it is 100% well earned, they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve, praying to get to their tour in March!!

[10/10]