Nothing More-Nothing More ©2014 Eleven Seven Music
Found this band while traversing through Youtube. With the band's first video for 'This is the Time (Ballast)', it had me hooked. The band is obviously a bit more modern in sound, but to me, that is the fun of it. I love stumbling on new albums and this one to me is a hit. There are great rockers and some pretty cool melodic stuff as well. As older bands that I have listened to for years are starting to wind careers down, I look for the new blood in the genre. To me, Nothing More could be one of the next big bands . I hear they have a very energetic live show and they definitely have the music as well. Solid!
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Hellyeah-Blood for Blood ©2014 Eleven Seven Music
I'm finding that Hellyeah's latest 'Blood for Blood' is one of my favorites by the band. Definitely continues the bands heavy trend in music. What I typically like from this band is evident with this album as well. Heavy driving riffs mixed with a good thumping low end. Chad's vocals fit the music perfectly as well. Some of my favorite tracks include the title track, 'Cross to Bier (Cradle of Bones)', 'DMF', and 'Moth'. Overall, there is a pretty good flow to this album. It's mostly heavy with a few melodic tinged tracks here and there, but this album for the most part goes for the throat. Good stuff once again!
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Hell's Chopper-First Ride ©2014 Hell's Chopper
'First Ride' by Hell's Chopper is basically that, their first ride into an album of groove laden rockers. The band hails from Italy and has put together a pretty decent record. To me, the music sounds like it will translate very well to the Stage. The same raw feel you get from a live show is evident with this album. Sure, there is obviously some studio polish, but this album has some great energy. After checking this release out, it's obvious the band have a lot of fun not only performing, but in their approach to songwriting. A bit of a unique feel with alot of familiar influences mixed in. Give 'em a listen!
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AUG-Be Careful What You Wish For ©2014 ARRT Records
Always great to hear a band that does things in an old school fashion. New Jersey Based AUG had me thinking mid 80's with this great release. At times I was thinking Ozzy and other times I could hear some classic Nugent. I found the album to be complete with some good hit potential. I really liked the band's cover of the hit 'Africa' from Toto. A little juiced up and heavier, but still retains the respect and sound. A personal favorite track of mine was 'The Devil's Rejects'. Also liked what the band did in the extended version of the title track. Good hard rocking record from a very promising band!
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Overwind-Illustrator ©2014 M&O Music
Hailing from Russia is is Overwind with their album 'Illustrator'. This band in terms of sound is heavy metal with progressive influences. Not a pure progressive sound, maybe more like Circus Maximus and bands like that. The album is pretty steady as far as tempo and showcases some pretty proficient musicianship as well as writing. I found the release to be quite consistent in terms of sound and quality. It really is cool when you think of how small the world has become where bands such as Overwind get a shot on the world stage thanks to the internet. Good solid record worth checking out!
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