Posts Tagged ‘The Sword’
Black Pyramid “Black Pyramid” Album Review
Every riff and every band in heavy metal owes its existence in some part to Black Sabbath, the originators of the genre. So it’s no wonder that so many current bands model their sound after that of their musical forefathers.
Some just take it a bit further than others.
And if imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, then Black Sabbath should be feeling pretty exalted these days.
Just look at Austin, TX’s The Sword, whose first two albums basically sound like Sabbath tribute discs (they still rock though!). And now we have Massachusetts-based Black Pyramid, who not only sound just like Sabbath, they even went so far as to ensure an appearance right next to them on my iPod – just so I wouldn’t forget, ya know?
2010 has already seen a good deal of solid albums be released, and it doesn’t look like the output will be slowing down anytime soon. Here’s a roundup of some the most promising albums set to hit shelves later this year (or early next year):
* Kings of Leon are in the studio working on their fifth album. Their last album shot them into the stratosphere as far as fame and popularity are concerned, so it will be interesting to see how they follow that up. Initial word is that the guys are “exploring their progressive side” on the new disc.
* M.I.A.’s new album has received a title but had its release date pushed back. It will be called / \ / \ / \ Y / \ (aka “Maya”) and will be released on July 13 rather than the original June 29 date.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the world of hard rock and metal:
*Kylesa, the sludgy stoner metal band that released one of 2009’s best albums in Static Tensions, is once again back in the studio for the time being demoing material intended for a new album. They are set to begin officially recording the new album at the end of May.
*Journalist Mick Wall is working on a Metallica book that will cover most of the group’s history. Wall was close with the band in its early days and has recently reconnected with them to conduct interviews. The book should come out in October.
*If any of you cares, here’s a tentative track list for Limp Bizkit’s new album Gold Cobra, and yes, it’s full of terrible song names like “Douchebag,” “GFY,” “Middle Finger,” and the awesomely awful duo of “Introbra” and “Outrobra.”
*The story of how Mastodon chose their name. Thank god they didn’t pick Savage Hamper.
*The Sword has finished work on its third album. If it’s done, why the hell won’t it be released until late this year?
*Serj Tankian’s new album, Imperfect Harmonies, is tentatively scheduled to come out in September. It will have 11 tracks, heavily featuring electronics. One song will be sung in Armenian.
-Sam
* Taproot has pushed back the release date for their new album, Plead The Fifth, from April 13 to May 11. I get the sense that their label (Victory Records) is really pushing them to get this record released ASAFP so they can’t be happy about having to push it back another month.
* Guitar Hero heroes DragonForce have confirmed that lead singer ZP Theart has left the band “due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion.” The remaining members have started writing a fifth album while they search for a new singer. Think you’ve got the soaring vocals to front this band? Well you’re in luck since they are holding an open audition for anyone who wants to enter. Here’s the deets.
* Speaking of auditioning for bands, Smashing Pumpkins (aka Billy Corgan) is holding an open audition process to find a new bassist and a new keyboardist who can play prog-rock styles. The band’s previous bassist, Ginger Pooley, left to be with her husband and new baby. You’ve only got until March 31, so if you think you’ve got the skills and the patience to deal with Corgan’s crazy personality check out this site.
* The Sword are about halfway through recording their third album. Singer J.D. Cronise said that the band’s sound on this new record will lean more towards Guns N’ Roses and Thin Lizzy than their prior Black Sabbath style sound. He also adds that the group’s traditional swords-and-sorcery lyrical themes will be taking a backseat to new science fiction concepts.
* Canadian heavy metallers BISON b.c. have debuted their new song “Stressed Elephant” (so metal!) over at ExploreMusic. I hadn’t really heard much of this group before this song, but I must say I am now VERY intrigued to listen to their new album, Dark Ages, which is set to be released on April 13.
* March Is Metal Month. So head over to Amazon to get your free 2010 sampler featuring bands like Fear Factory, Five Finger Death Punch, and Lacuna Coil. Did I mention it’s absolutely free?
-Sam
Metal Roundup: Tuesday, Feb. 16
Here’s a sampling of some interesting stuff going on in the world of metal:
* Sevendust have chosen the track “Unraveling” to serve as the first single from their new album, Cold Day Memory, which is set to be released on April 20. You can listen to it now on YouTube. It’s decidedly less heavy than “Forever Dead”, the first song they released from the album, and not as good, in my opinion.
* Godsmack is streaming their new single, “Crying Like A Bitch,” over at their MySpace page. There is some speculation that the song was written about Motley Crue’s member Nikki Sixx. It’s well known that Godsmack was very upset with the antics of Motley Crue during last summer’s Crue Fest 2, which Godsmack played on. As for the song itself, I’m not feeling the production values. It sounds a little hollow and it’s not a big change from their last album.
* The Sword have finally gone back into the studio to work on recording their third album. They have chosen Matt Bayles to produce the effort.
* Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland keeps it real when discussing the prospects for his reunited band’s new album, Gold Cobra: “I think that everyone who hated Limp Bizkit before will continue to hate Limp Bizkit. It’s not like we, all of a sudden, grew up and started making smarter music.” I’m not one of those people who completely writes off Limp Bizkit as a garbage band. I actually liked Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ and The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1). Those albums really let the guys behind Fred Durst shine and there’s no question that Borland, bassist Sam Rivers, and drummer John Otto are talented guys. Borland, especially, can write some serious riffs. He proved what a good musician he is with his side project, Black Light Burns. So I was hoping Limp Bizkit would continue on with the foundation they set before splitting up with The Unquestionable Truth. But Borland has thrown some water on that idea by saying the new music has a “party kind of vibe. It’s a little bit like the old stuff, but with a little bit of maybe a Daft Punk vibe thrown in on some of it.” Needless to say, my hopes are not high for this one.
-Sam