Various Artists
Talk Show Host/Cluttered - Enemy Us
Independent (2022)
First off, I’m not going to bother comparing this EP of Enemy You covers to the originals. Why? Because that’s not the point. A covers record that’s only about the originals is a novelty record that you play for a lark. I’m interested in records that hold up on their own merit. Lucky for us, Cluttered and Talk Show Host … Read more
Various Artists
The Bananas/Rivers Edge - split
Lifer Tapes (2018)
It had been a long time since I’d listened to The Bananas – and I have to ask myself why. It’s that peppy, poppy, yet underproduced DIY thing that I basically groove on. A few seconds of “La Touraine” is all it takes to get the leg bouncing and a smile on my face. I’m not going to say that … Read more
Various Artists
The Things That Shaped Us Together
Haum Entertainment (2022)
By the time I'm writing this review, I would like to express my condolence for all the families and the victims of the police brutality in Kanjuruhan (Malang) soccer match. And this time we have a submission music coming from Haum Entertainment. Haum Entertainment is a Malang (Indonesia) based label that is known for releasing local notable emo/melodic hardcore musicians. … Read more
Various Artists
Time x Heist / Without Love - Split EP
Best Life Records, Our Pride Records (2023)
Six songs a bit shy of 12 minutes, it’s the new split EP from Time X Heist and Without Love. They didn’t waste any time so why should we? Let’s get into it. Time X Heist, a straight edge band hailing from Colorado, take the first half of the album with an optimistic, but gritty, intensity. Opener ‘Keep On Fighting’ … Read more
Various Artists
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
Vagrant (2005)
Tempers of music fans ran high from the day stories were posted on various sites that specific bands were to be covering songs that are heralded as classics in the genres of punk rock and hardcore. A metalcore band covering Bad Brains? A pop-punk band covering the legendary Gorilla Biscuits? Surely this is some sort of joke. Surely not. Say … Read more
Various Artists
Tunes From The Underground Postcard Vinyl Series
GC Records (2022)
Sitting down at my well-worn Arts and Crafts Mission Style desk I ponder with a quill pen firmly grasped between my index finger and thumb properly. Occasionally I dip the tip of the pen into the black ink well and glance at the ceiling lost in transition until thoughts of bitter torrid times are washed away by welcoming waves of … Read more
Various Artists
United States of Hardcore
Hate Core (2007)
The title of this compilation speaks volumes about our nation. While there is an ongoing argument about who invented punk music - not that it really matters - the origins of hardcore are no secret. The U.S. birthed it and we still do it best (though there are some bands from other nations that do it well too). So what … Read more
Various Artists
Vestiges / Ghaust- Split
Replenish (2012)
So this is the immediate follow-up to the debut album The Dissent Of Man for Vestiges, sharing a split record with Ghaust (whom I had never heard of until this slab of vinyl came up to be ordered), and I distinctly recall being rather excited to hear this record based on how much I enjoyed the debut from Vestiges; but … Read more
Various Artists
We Reach: The Music of The Melvins
Fractured Transmitter (2005)
A tribute to The Melvins, in theory, is a great idea. Hell, all tribute records in theory are great ideas. They pay homage to talented bands that have been around for years and influenced countless artists. It's only fitting that they be showered with the respect that they deserve, right? Of course! Unfortunately, most tribute records don't turn out so … Read more
Vaura
Sables
Profound Lore (2019)
Vaura is an interesting act for multiple reasons. Firstly it is the brainchild of four incredible musicians in Joshua Strawn of experimetal, dark pop explorers Azar Swan, Kevin Hufnagel of technical death metal beast Gorguts, Toby Driver of elusive post-everything act Kayo Dot and Charlie Schmid, previously of extreme avant-metallists Tombs. What is even more intriguing however is that Vaura … Read more
Vaura
The Missing
Profound Lore (2013)
Comprised by members of great acts such as Kayo Dot, Dysrhythmia, Gorguts and While Heaven Wept, Vaura find themselves in a strange territory. Somewhere between post-punk, darkwave and black metal, they unleash their second full-length, entitled The Missing. And just about a year after their debut album, Selenelion. The title track is introducing the band in the most suitable manner. … Read more
Vektor
Terminal Redux
Earache (2016)
The progressive thrash band from Pennsylvania is definitely very ambitious with their concept in their latest album, Terminal Redux. Their two previous full-lengths,Black Future and Outer Isolation, have already established this ambition, and the fact that their logo looks suspiciously similar to (both) Voivod used, fuels the fire. Their latest album is coming out through Earache, and will definitely make … Read more
Venom
Metal Black
Sanctuary (2006)
Anton LaVey, Richard Ramirez, and Phil Knight. Three famous individuals who, despite being all about the evil and doing their part to ensure eternal damnation, they still don't hold a black candle to three young boys from the north of England, who've done more for Satan's public relations than anyone ever could. Conrad Lant, Jeff Dunn, and Tony Bray, otherwise … Read more
Venomous Concept
Politics vs the Erection
Season of Mist (2020)
People tell me all the time that they don't "get" politics. That they don't really understand them and try to avoid them whenever they come up. CNN contributors usually pan these types of people as "undecided voters," usually implying that lack of decisiveness in choosing a political candidate ahead of an election is due to them being too dumb, misinformed, … Read more
Verdunkeln
Einblick in dem Qualenfall
Ván (2007)
Black metal is one of the last bastions of progression and experimentation in the metal community. Fifteen years ago that statement would have been laughable, but with the first couple generations of purists either incarcerated, dead, or at least moving on to other musical interests, a new generation has been left to carry the torch. This wave of bands is … Read more
Verona Grove
Verona Grove
Pats Record Company (2007)
So I got my wisdom teeth out today and have nothing to do but sit around at home on painkillers and eat Top Ramen. So I figured, what better time than now to give this promotional album a real listen? I have the free time and attention needed to really review a CD, and it's a band I know nothing … Read more
Verse
Aggression
Bridge Nine (2008)
I think I've read more hyped up reviews of Verse's third album Aggression than I've actually listened to it. I keep seeing a reoccurring trend in these reviews on how Verse is a breath of fresh air in a rather stagnant scene when it comes to popular hardcore bands. There seems to be an influx of hardcore that would rather … Read more
Verse
Rebuild
Rivalry (2004)
As someone who always thought What Feeds the Fire was just "okay," I was hesitant to believe all the hype surrounding Verse. However, once I actually gave them a fair chance and listened to them myself, I found what all the commotion was about. Each time I listened to their four-song demo I heard something new that I liked about … Read more
