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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

The Black Dahlia Murder

Unhallowed
Metal Blade (2003)

There seems to be a horrible trend sweeping the lands of America like The Plague. Kids everywhere are going to salons to get their hair done, wearing silly white belts, and whining more than the emo kids we all used to hate two years ago. This trend has been labeled with the misnomer "metalcore." It seems that these bands fail to incorporate any metal or hardcore into their music, yet are still labeled as such. However, disregard all of what I've just said because The Black Dahlia Murder is NOT that. In fact, if you haven't noticed yet, they've moved from Lovelost Records to none other than Metal Blade Records. If you don't know how big of an honor it is to be on Metal Blade, then perhaps you should just stop reading. This album is metal. It's not just metal, actually; it's FUCKIN' METAL! Yes, there's a reason why you don't see the so-called metalcore kids with this band's shirts. Although they've been attached to the "metalcore" genre on several occasions, mostly by writers and reporters who don't know what they're talking about, they have a sound which more closely resembles that of Gothenburg, Sweden's death metal scene. However, … Read more

Over My Dead Body

Sink or Swim
Indecision (2003)

Throughout the 1990s, San Diego, California, became well known for its lucrative pop-rock scene. Notable artists such as Blink 182, … Read more

Beneath the Ashes

Nailed To Your Ruins
State of Grace (2003)

First reactions as much as they shouldn't matter, really in fact do. For the most part, the first reaction with … Read more

Roy

Big City Sin and Small Town Redemption
Fueled By Ramen (2003)

The whole "ex-members of" marketing campaign is starting to get out of control. The hype that surrounds these types of … Read more

Her Space Holiday

The Young Machines
Mush (2003)

Let's get this out of the way first, like always. Her Space Holiday is the name of Marc Bianchi's project. … Read more

Majority Rule

Emergency Numbers
Magic Bullet (2003)

Intensity and passion are two integral parts of music that can be very hard to convey in a recording. Live … Read more

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One from the archives

Ancient Wisdom

Deathlike
Prosthetic (2013)

A lot has been said about Ancient VVisdom, not all of it positive, and for many just letting the music do the talking isn’t enough. Heck, it should be more than enough, because Ancient VVisdom’s second shot at the full length is a deadly and distressing thing of beauty. Deathlike does exactly what it says on the tin, and this time around instead of a deep undercurrent of the occult, Deathlike instead treads a path of questioning and discovery. The album still continues in the vein of it’s predecessor, A Godlike Inferno, in it’s gentle waves of acoustic melody but that love for all things Satanic and fiery seems to have given way to a larger mystery – that of death and possible rebirth.Vocalist Nathan Opposition (ex-Integrity) uses his gentle … Read more

More album reviews

The Darkness

Permission To Land
Atlantic (2003)

The Darkness couldn't have arrived at a more bizarre time in mainstream rock music. With scores of pedantic nü-metallers, insipid garage rock revivalists, and happy-go-lucky mall punks currently occupying the charts and airwaves, a ragtag bunch of English boys with a fondness for the grandiose, lighthearted classic rock of yesteryear would seem unlikely candidates for success. But, lo and behold, … Read more

All Night Radio

Spirit Stereo Frequency
Sub Pop (2004)

Imagine driving down an endless highway in a thunderstorm while listening to your favorite AOR station. Suddenly lightning strikes the antenna and the gaps between the songs are erased. The songs of the Beatles, the Doors, Pink Floyd, Three Dog Night and even the Gypsy Kings all begin to coincide with one another, creating intricate, lengthy tracks. Through some variety … Read more

Iron Maiden

Dance of Death
EMI (2003)

Iron Maiden has built one of the most reputable legacies of modern music. There is no doubting that. From such a legendary band, the fans can only expect the best. Having said such a thing, I'm issuing the following disclaimer: This review will be extra tough considering Maiden's history and importance to heavy metal music. First thing's first; the artwork … Read more

Capture the Flag

Start From Scratch
Go Kart (2003)

Growing up in the Toledo, OH area, I have seen Capture the Flag mature throughout the years. Starting off as the Oven Mitts years ago, they have definitely put in their dues to this scene. Their previous efforts, Time and Again and Walking Away From Everything were everything you could need from a 3 piece punk rock outfit. Unfortunately, it … Read more

Elliott

Song In the Air
Revelation (2003)

It's always sad to see a pioneer go. Especially when it feels like they have reached the peek of their game. This was the case for Elliott. Since their birth back in 1995, Elliott has cemented themselves as a trailblazer in the "emo" game. With every release, they set new standards on how the game should be played. Your first … Read more

The Long Winters

When I Pretend to Fall
Barsuk (2003)

The Long Winters started up a few years ago after vocalist John Roderick's other project "The Western State Hurricanes" split up. He began writing songs for a solo project and proceeded to go on tour with ex-Harvey Danger member Sean Nelson. Shortly after his tour, he recorded his work, and around the same time, he formed The Long Winters. Before … Read more

The Decemberists

Her Majesty, The Decemberists
Kill Rock Stars (2003)

My dear Isabella, It has been an unduly extended period since my previous communication, and I apologize for my unproportioned replies to your correspondence. I cannot but carry doubt that your yearnings to set your eyes upon the ink of my quill have been uncountable. Oh my dear, I have recently alighted with a peculiar piece of American art! A … Read more

Motion City Soundtrack

I Am the Movie
Epitaph (2003)

OK, picture the following: Reggie & the Full Effect are traveling east in a train going from California at 120 MPH. Third Eye Blind are traveling west in a train that is headed west from New York at 80 MPH. When will they hit? I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that. However, I can tell you that … Read more

Pelican

Australasia
Hydra Head (2003)

Pelican flirted with my heart earlier this year when they released their self-titled debut. And now with the release of their first full length, Australasia, they have completely taken me. It's been quite some time since a band has been able to garner my attention away from all other happenings in the musical world. They have pieced together a heavy … Read more

Jason Molina

Pyramid Electric Co.
Secretly Canadian (2004)

My initial fascination in Jason Molina and the Songs: Ohia crew began with a small, albeit inaccurate description of his music. It explained his songwriting past, including but not limited to blues, country, and metal. Although I still don't understand the last genre comparison to this day, the point it was trying to make was plenty clear to me. Jason … Read more

The Offspring

Splinter
Sony (2004)

This was always going to be a difficult record to make. Offspring have a strange legion of fans ranging from Orange County punk rockers remembering their sun-kissed punk beginnings, to the 'hey-look-its-those-pretty-fly-guys' fans who would be amazed to learn that this record is their seventh. Their last few records have been hit and miss, and Splinter is no exception. Originally … Read more

Stars

Heart
Arts & Crafts (2003)

There are few things worse in this world than a record composed by a group of people that are intensely passionate about the contents, but that doesn't live up to the enthusiasm with which it is crafted. Such is the case with the latest release from Stars, the Montreal pop group most widely known for their ties with Broken Social … Read more

Yaphet Kotto/This Machine Kills/Envy

Split
Sonzai (2004)

Whenever I listen to the type of record that Yaphet Kotto or Envy would make, I always play the TV at full volume to supplement the chaos. Sometimes I'll change it to something like an MTV awards show or a shitty sitcom to add my own sort of psuedo-ironic soundtrack. It works even better in this case, because the record … Read more

Atmosphere

Seven's Travels
Epitaph (2003)

"Atmosphere finally made a good record, yeah right, that shit almost sounds convincing...." Almost. Actually, not at all. Sometimes underground hip hop boggles my mind. I'll admit, there are lots of great artists that remain 'underground' or at least avoid regular MTV video rotation and major success. Not to say that either being hugely successful or "staying true to the … Read more

Reviews by score
Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)