Arsis - Unwelcome (Nuclear Blast)
The fifth album from Virginia Beach metalheads Arsis shows the quartet in top form. Recent lineup shakeups might be a concern for some bands, but this has always been singer/guitarist James Malone's show, and he's got things under control, dishing out another helping of the group's stock in trade--excellent technical death metal. (AN)
The rest of the record reviews from the new issue (all 23 of them!) are after the jump.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEW ISSUE OF RVA MAGAZINE!
Black Milk - Synth or Soul (fatbeats.com)
This collection of jams from Black Milk showcases his love for synthesizers, in contrast with his usual style of sample-heavy hip-hop. Tracks progress chronologically from G-Funk influenced beats full of retro synths to the classic Detroit sound made famous by Jay Dee. Definitely worth a listen if you need a new instrumental hip-hop fix. (WW)
Conditions - Full Of War (Good Fight)
This RVA post-hardcore group returns with the followup to their excellent 2010 debut, Fluorescent Youth. Since scaling back to a single guitar, they've polished up their sound and dialed back a bit of the aggression. However, their knack for anthemic, emotional hooks remains intact, and fans won't be disappointed. (AN)
Cooh - ReBirth (Position Chrome)
This dark drum n’ bass full-length is much heavier than most of the stuff you’ll hear on the dance floor. The diverse sound design and occasional changes in tempo keep the pace interesting. Comparable, but not at all identical, to artists such as Silent Killer and Gien, this is great example of darker, harder EDM. (AHW)
Defeated Sanity - Passages Into Deformity (Willowtip)
Good old chunky brutal death metal reminiscent of bands like Suffocation or Malignancy. Better production than previous albums, which does their riffs a considerable favor. Technical without getting noodly, and sloppy in all the right places. If you like brutal cookie monster vocals, blast beats, and groovy, downtuned guitars, you really can’t go wrong with this one. (WW)
Eddie P and Big East - Self-titled EP (self-released)
If you want to get your summer started right, look no further than the latest showing from Eddie P and Big East. “Sixteen” and “Bombz Away” are surefire anthems that will never leave your subconscious. This collection of excellent club jams should have everyone grinning like an idiot over the next couple months. (SC)
Fun Size - Since Last We Spoke (funsize.bigcartel.com)
This 90s RVA pop-punk mainstay has returned for their first album in nearly 15 years, and it's a doozy! A touch of maturity has infected these admittedly-no-longer-teenage punks, but when all it does is add a tinge of Smoking Popes and Jawbreaker to their upbeat early-Green Day sound, I doubt anyone's complaining. This rules. (AN)
Hot Dolphin - Hotter Dolphiner (hotdolphin.bandcamp.com)
Temper tantrums and garage rock influences are an easy way to sum up what makes Hot Dolphin great. On their debut release, the group does a fine job showcasing songs that they’ve been playing since their inception. “In Between” is a strong contender for best song by a Richmond band this year. (SC)
Hypocrisy - End of Disclosure (Nuclear Blast)
Pretty much the same Hypocrisy we’ve been hearing since 2004’s The Arrival - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. They deliver catchy, melodic death metal as usual, but the lyrics focus more on conspiracy theories than aliens this time around. Satisfying instrumentally, but the New World Order is mentioned more often here than by pro wrestling fans. (WW)
Intalek - The LA.VA EP (intalek.bandcamp.com)
Titled in reference to this Tidewater MC's recent move to Los Angeles, this 41-minute “EP” features a deadly first single in “What’s Next.” But that's not all it has to offer--with consistently displayed lyrical gifts and EOM’s funky, sample-heavy production, this is an extremely solid release. Come back to VA! (AN)
Iron Reagan - Worse Than Dead (A389)
This RVA hardcore/metal supergroup will offer no curveballs for fans of the members' other bands (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Darkest Hour)--however, that's not a bad thing. With its furious vocals, accelerated tempos, and aggressive, stripped-down riffing, Worse Than Dead is the perfect soundtrack for a wicked skate session. (AN)
The Low Branches - One Hundred Years Old (thelowbranches.bandcamp.com)
This album is yet another testament to the reason people become spellbound over The Low Branches. One Hundred Years Old travels distances to unveil how fragile we all are, and reveal the rewards of truly understanding one’s mortality. Christina Gleixner’s voice should surely send shivers down the spine of any listener. (SC)
The Nervous Ticks - A Loathe Supreme (thenervousticks.bandcamp.com)
This is a perfect representation of The Nervous Ticks. Reeking of filth and full of snotty attitude, A Loathe Supreme oozes with pop sensibilities, hidden just underneath all of the frenzy. “Rat Brat” is so good that I challenge anyone to not fall head over heels for this tune instantly. (SC)
Nick Coward and The Last Battle - Thieves (nickcowardandthelastbattle.bandcamp.com)
After a long wait, Nick Coward and the Last Battle have finally unveiled a debut full-length that doesn’t disappoint. Layered with tales built around fantasy and a delicate sense of musicianship, Thieves helps cement this local outfit’s reputation as one of the best, and indicates that they have a promising future ahead. (SC)
Phoenix - Bankrupt! (Glassnote)
Expectations are a tough thing to compete with. Having taken a lengthy break to focus on their next step as a band, Phoenix has returned with Bankrupt!, a focused release mixing sentimental sounds with the current European musical sphere. There is elegance to what Phoenix pull off here and longtime fans should appreciate their attention to detail. (SC)
Sodom - Epitome Of Torture (SPV)
Kreator in issue #11, Destruction in #12, now Sodom--it's a German thrash metal renaissance! How these bands, three-decade veterans all, continue to pump out quality records year after year is a mystery to me, but I'm sure not complaining. If you're into solid, no-frills thrash, this record is right up your alley. (AN)
Splendid Suns - That’s Why We Cross Our Fingers (splendidsuns.bandcamp.com)
The first full-length effort from Richmond’s own Splendid Suns is a deep melodic sprawl, with penetrating harmonies and rhythms that toss you around the room. Thoughtful, heavy content and an overall cohesiveness make this album a truly impressive debut, from start to finish. (DM)
Strictly Ballroom - Collected Recordings 1994-99 (Tenderness)
Featuring future members of The Postal Service, Beachwood Sparks, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, and many more, Strictly Ballroom may be more notable for its legacy than its recorded output. However, fans of 90s midwestern emo (Christie Front Drive, Mineral) are encouraged to investigate the undiscovered treasures this collection has to offer. (AN)
Suffocation - Pinnacle of Bedlam (Nuclear Blast)
The latest album from brutal New York death metal legends Suffocation is a crowd-pleaser for seasoned fans and new ones alike. It’s catchy, well-orchestrated, and memorable enough to stand on its own--not necessarily something I would say for their past two albums. It’s actually good, not just mandatory because of the name it carries. (AHW)
Thee Oh Sees - Floating Coffin (Castle Face)
Floating Coffin is 10 solid tracks of beach-fuzz, some-nonsense rock. It starts out with fast-paced, manic pych-pop riffs and carries the mantle well throughout. "Toe Cutter - Thumb Buster" stands out as a solid summer jam. While some songs sound like they could have been on previous albums, it's a decent addition to an outstanding band's catalog. (BK)
Tyler, The Creator - Wolf (Odd Future/Sony)
You either love or hate him, but you can't deny that Tyler, The Creator is a talented individual. On Wolf, he is at it again, and tonally, he isn’t as despicable on this release. This early in his career, it’s impressive to see how much variety he offers. Wolf is definitely worth a listen for listeners willing to give him a second chance. (SC)
Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats - Mind Control (Rise Above)
This mysterious throwback conjures the spooky underside of the 60s free love movement and adds a big dose of 70s gore/exploitation films, brilliantly recreating the darkest sounds of the early 70s proto-metal and late 60s acid-rock eras. Psychedelic doom metal as horror movie soundtrack. Absolutely brilliant. (AN)
Vicious Rumors - Electric Punishment (SPV)
Fine, I admit it--I'm a sucker for 80s thrash metal bands I remember from my youthful days reading RIP Magazine. And Vicious Rumors throw enough dated high-note abuse into the vocals to push this over the line into ironic enjoyment for some. But I sincerely enjoy the hell out of this album. METAAAAALLL!!! (AN)
Way, Shape or Form - Person, Place or Thing (Worthless Junk)
When scoping the local scene, Way, Shape or Form easily stand out. On this second full-length, the electronic pop journey singer/songwriter Troy Gatrell invites you on is mesmerizing. A release with infinite potential and a carousel of impeccable talent can only mean this is an act worth coveting. (SC)