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| Orange Goblin is back...back from the abyss. |
Orange Goblin
*Back From The Abyss*
(Candlelight)
“Sabbath Hex,” the opening song on Orange Goblin’s
latest 12-track album, is pure hard rock anthem. The chorus “If you understand
/ raise your right hand / repeat after me / we are stone free,” later joined by
“freedom wears a crown / dogma wears you down,” comprise one of the catchiest
hooks ever by these stoner metal peddlers. “The Devil’s Whip” bears a touch of
Motorhead, especially with vocal delivery, and a whiff of High On Fire, most
notably for quick tempo and thematic material (think “Fury Whip”). “Heavy Lies The Crown” shows the veteran UK
band’s firm bluesy roots, as does “Into The Arms of Morpheus,” only with an
appropriate slower and groovier tempo and extended (over 6 minutes) running
length.
8/10
Link to original published version for Illinois Entertainer magazine; navigate PDF file to page 24:
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| American Heritage is ready for another Chicago winter. |
American Heritage
*Prolapse*
(Solar Flare)
Relentless, distorted, raw and unflinching are the best
terms to describe this veteran Chicago hardcore band’s musical sound and
thematic content. “Eastward Cast The Entrails” and “Anxious Bedwetter”
punishingly grind away, with occasional changes in tempo and screams of “PTSD!”
It’s unclear whether the songs are cause of
or cause for that condition.
“Constant and Consuming Fear of Death and Dying” actually slows the tempo and
incorporates dizzying twin guitar leads where only distorted power chords reigned.
Six original tracks are joined by three shredding punk covers: the frenetic
“Hurtin’ Crue” by Descendents; a chaotic “Thirsty and Miserable” by Black Flag,
and, most interesting, “Bulletproof Cupid” by Girls Against Boys.”
6/10
Link to original published version for Illinois Entertainer magazine; navigate PDF file to page 38:
http://www.joomag.com/magazine/illinois-entertainer-january-2015/0722486001420139638?short
