Tag issue-3

Review: US Crush

US Crush ““Self Titled”” (Immortal Records) Wow, and I thought 80’s rock was dead— US Crush has certainly banished that thought from my mind (Damn). I almost mistook the first song on their Self Titled CD for an old Journey…

Review: Unit F

Unit F ““Hollow City”” (Finger Records) This Orange County five-some has a lot going for it.  While not nearly as overtly political as Rage Against the Machine or Propagandhi, Unit F is still able to come across as a band…

Review: Rotting Christ

Rotting Christ ““Khronos”” (Century Media) The latest from Greek black/goth metal group Rotting Christ is Khronos, a mid-paced tribute to their obvious influences, Venom, and Cradle of Filth.  Don’t expect anything to blow you out of the musical waters with…

Review: Straightfaced

Straightfaced ““Pulling Teeth”” (Epitaph) Straightfaced has a remarkably simple and honest approach to the process of songwriting.  First, begin with a twenty to thirty second heavy guitar intro.  Second, let lead vocalist Johnny Miller (not to be confused with the…

Live Review: That Damn Show

by Vennasa Lops The idea of sweltering in hundred degree heat for an entire afternoon at an open stadium is slightly mortifying, but once I saw the lineup for “That Damn Show”, organized by Phoenix’s The Edge, a radio station…

Review: Neptune Thomas

Neptune Thomas ““TrashcanSuperhero”” (Ugly Spot Music) A smooth blend of pop-punk and metal, Neptune Thomas’ self-produced “TrashcanSuperhero” is sure to appeal to faithful followers of the so-cal, pop-rock implosion. These Orange County natives have played together for 6 years and…

Review: Nevermore

Nevermore ““Dead Heart In A Dead World”” (Century Media) The newest release from Nevermore, titled Dead Heart in a Dead World, comes out amid the questioning expectations of whether their signature Seattle sound will remain intact despite the loss of…

Review: No Knife

No Knife ““Fire In The City Of Automatons”” (TimeBomb Recordings) Squeaky-clean and razor sharp indie rock with a penchant for the quick tight break.  Guitar pushed, but not dominating with an aggressive crush, more like coaxing with spiky wit.  The…

Review: Nocturnal Rites

Nocturnal Rites ““Afterlife”” (Century Media) Power metal is way oversaturated these days trying to be the next Iron Maiden or Judas Priest.  Nocturnal Rites is different in that they don’t even want to be like that. They do what they…