The late 2000s and early 2010s had a surge of metalcore and melodic metal genres. As the genre reached its peak, there was no shortage of upper-echelon talented vocalists who were the hallmark of the era. Former Of Mice & Men guitarist Shayley Bourget‘s range, control, and warbling vocal vibrato caused his talents to stand out amongst the never-ending horizon of unclean/clean dual-vocalist bands.
What is it about our aching nostalgia for the eighties that finds us being drawn back to this magical decade? Perhaps video did not actually kill the radio star until the end of this era?
Amphetamine Reptile, remember them? The legendary Noise-Rock label home to countless legends such as Helmet, Melvins, The Jesus Lizard, Tar, etc etc. In later years a newer generation of bands emerged that includes Gay Witch Abortion, White Drugs, Hepa-Titus, and of course Mr Phylzzz.
Prior to last October, nobody could have foreseen a full comeback from the hit act Hundred Reasons, let alone it to be accompanied by their first album release in fifteen years. Nonetheless, the day has finally arrived, when the band responsible for some of the big rock hits of the early noughties have released some brand new music. The only big question leaving the fans wondering – has the ship sailed on the band, or are Hundred Reasons back to create more of those hits?
In the wake of the pandemic, and after nearly two decades together, Circa Survive had to take a look at themselves and reassess their existence as a band and direction musically moving forward. Two Dreams (Rise Records) is the culmination of this journey the band took. Unfortunately, it came alongside the tragic news of the group going on an indefinite hiatus as well, as the members venture into new creative avenues.
With a band name so obscure it’s like they don’t want to be found, a mocking album title and featuring a musical parody of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Mr. Phylzzz (pronounced “Mr Flies”) demonstrate on their latest album Cancel Culture Club (Amphetamine Reptile Records), that they aren’t taking anything too seriously.
All good things come to those who wait, and if there ‘s one thing Bay Area thrashers Heathen believe in, it’s making people wait. With a four year gap from their 1987 debut to the follow-up, followed by a nineteen year-long hiatus, a decade has now passed since The Evolution of Chaos (Mascot Records), so make the most of new album Empire of the Blind (Nuclear Blast Records) because who knows how long it will take for another one to appear.Continue reading