Hellyeah – Hellyeah (Epic) It’s great to see ex-Damageplan and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul stepping back behind the kit with a new band. Hellyeah is a supergroup or sorts, featuring two members of Mudvayne, two members of Nothingface and Paul, but it isn’t a fly by night venture. The band will tour with Family Values and plans to record more in the future. Their self-titled debut album is a slammin’ blend of thrash, hard rock and southern rock that should appeal equally to fans of Pantera and Stone Sour.
Bleed the Dream - Killer Inside (Warcon) They combine elements of metal, emo and alternative to form pained, melodic songs that rock with conviction and commercial appeal. There’s a fair amount of screaming, but there’s even more self-cosciousness whining through the carefully crafted choruses and not-so-subtle arrangememts.
From Autumn To Ashes - Holding A Wolf By The Ears (Vagrant) Furious, tumbling, and harsh as an unfiltered cigarette, the band’s new album is an exercise in primal scream therapy. Even though there are plenty of catchy choruses here, rage is the overpowering emotion, and when the band latch into a cool, metallic groove, be prepared to get pummeled.
Karnivool - Themata (Bieler Bros.) These Aussies seem to be fans of Tool, Disturbed and, perhaps, System of a Down, and their songs are mystical and thunderous enough to remain interesting, even when mired in the thickest, most syrupy melody.
Liferuiner - No Saints (Tribunal) This Canadians outfit plays punishing hardcore metal that’s sometimes redolent of Pantera. Liferuiner’s slow, serrated rhythms are merciless and hostile, and when they ramp up the tempo they’re a bulldozer heading for your sleeping skull.
April 14th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Hell Yeah is the best stuff i heard in a long grip. Keep these metal gods on the tube.