STRUNG OUT – Blackhawks Over Los Angeles (Fat Wreck Chords) A surprising CD. At first it sounds like pop metal, coming on strong, but it settles down a bit and becomes more melodic. Quick-fingered guitar playing throughout. Check out “A War Called Home” in particular. – KH SYMPHORCE – Become Death (Metal Blade) This is their first album with new drummer Steffen Theurer. The band, with Theurer, 3 of the original members, and guitarist/songwriter Marcus Pohl, is still progressing, continuing their power metal devotion and generally making themselves indispensable. There’s also a lovely skeleton on the cover. - RB
SUPERDUDE – Pothead Punk (Ace Records) This is fun stuff. My favorite is “Junk Food Junkie” (“Junk food junkie and I need to score/Junk food junkie on the way to the store…”). These aren’t poses. Superdude must need a lot of caffeine and sugar just to stay awake! At least he doesn’t drink and drive. Superdude knew Andy Warhol and those guys – but no one shot him. He’s scheduled to perform at the 3rd Annual "Grass-A-Matazz" in Amsterdam during the High Times Cannabis Cup 2007 on October 13. High times indeed. - KH THE A-SIDES – Silver Storms (Vagrant) Wistful pop love/hate songs. Thanks anyway. - ZZ
TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY – Lethal Agenda (Demolition) Brutal and aggressive. All metal, all the time. Don’t look for anything else. - DS
THE FEELING – Twelve Stops and Home (Cherrytree Records/Interscope) OK I was not prepared to like this CD when I read the PR sheet that said “More Than A Feeling.” Or was it “Hooked On A Feeling”? Anyway there are echoes of the Bee Gees in their music, but still they kind of grew on me. Catchy like the Beach Boys, but newer. “Fill My Little World” is my personal fave. Supposedly they are secret Iron Maiden fans – well it’s no secret anymore. Hmm, 12 stops – are they friends of Bill? No, sorry, that’s 12 steps. Never mind. - KH
THIS ENDING – Inside The Machine (Metal Blade) The members of this lineup are technically experts at creating this grindhate sound. “Let The World Burn” was the demo that landed them on Metal Blade, which is obviously where they belong. This Ending is not over. TDS
TOTAL CHAOS – 17 Years Of Chaos (SOS Records) Wow has it really been that long? 28 tracks, including bonus tracks, one unreleased. All the rage and defiance that got them on Warped, here is a resume of this punk band’s enduring legacy. It’s also nice that the rereleases are identified by what album they were on originally. - ZZ TYLER READ – Only Rock And Roll Can Save Us Now (Immortal Records) The “Fire Away” intro sounds like a better version of the intro to “Strawberry Fields,” but then the vocalist starts whining about something. Then he gets ahold of himself and makes sense again. “Baby’s Got A Temper” is the most rockin’ tune on there. It’s different and interesting even tho he’s just complaining about his woman. Very danceable. - TDSimone
TIMBALAND – Shock Value (Mosley Music Group/Interscope) Many many featured artists including Dr. Dre, Fallout Boy, and Elton John. Timbaland says the songs in the CD tell a story, but I don’t know what it is, the genres are so mixed, fused, and re-interpreted. Maybe a story of the new directions in music. But I never said I wanted it to tell a story so it’s all good. - CC
UNKNOWN INSTRUCTORS – The Master’s Voice (Smog Veil Records) Great songs and lyrics, with titles like “This Black Hate is Rage” and “Tar Baby & the Rising Sun.” At different times recalls Sun Ra, Captain Beefheart, and yes, even MC5. A musical poetry slam-dunk. - KH THE UNSEEN – Internal Salvation (Epitaph) Yeah yeah we’re all gonna die - it’s like a continuation of State of Discontent and every bit as heavy. I think I hear Hard-style NIN influences at times. A good listen from our boys. - KH