Rob Zombie has been a hit or miss artist for years now. At least for me, nothing he ever produced musically after 2001’s The Sinister Urge has been as solid as his late White Zombie work and early solo releases. That’s not to say he’s put out bad albums or singles, it just felt like nothing had that spark or focus that his earlier output had. Perhaps directing was a distraction as well considering that Sinister’s… follow up Educated Horses took […]
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Sky Valley Mistress, the best thing you’ve never heard. EP: Album Review
the best thing you’ve never heard. is the best thing you’re likely to discover in 2013. I’m not sure if this UK 3-piece meant for their name to be an ode to Kyuss’ masterpiece third record but it certainly doesn’t hurt and the comparisons don’t end with the name thankfully. Fuzzed out and soaked in Blues For The Red Sun goodness, “The Day Of The Lion” rages out of the gate and sets the tone for the 5-song EP instantly […]
Metal Monday Volume 117 (4.8.13)
It’s embarrassing how much fun the debut from David Draiman’s Device is at times. I’m a casual Disturbed fan, owning the first three records at least, but you mention industrial metal to me and cite early Nine Inch Nails (Going so far as to cover “Wish” on the Deluxe Edition) and Ministry as influences on your latest project and consider my interest piqued. That said, Device is a solid debut that doesn’t stray too much from the Disturbed mold yet […]
The Soft Moon, Zeros: The Spin Cycle Review
Much like Ulterior from my first “I Read AP’s …..” post, The Soft Moon take goth to a new level. In the case of this San Franciscan band though, it’s as if The Cure went darker, more cold, and more mechanical after Pornography. And those lush vocals that Robert Smith provided? Gone, replaced with Luis Vasquez’s dark delivery. The instrumental “It Ends” ironically begins Zeros signalling the oncoming aural apocalypse with a cacophony of programmed beats and synthesizers culminating with […]
Killswitch Engage, Disarm The Descent: The Spin Cycle Review
The comeback album of the year is here and a sure contender for the top metal album of 2013 as well. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re already aware that MA metallers Killswitch Engage not only have a new album on the horizon but have reunited with original vocalist Jesse Leach. The resulting full-length, Disarm the Descent, is one pissed-off brutal masterpiece of a metal record. Somewhat jarring at first, “The Hell In Me” doesn’t even sound like […]
Mike D’Antonio of Killswitch Engage: The Popblerd Interview!
With the latest Killswitch Engage album, Disarm The Descent, finally available for public consumption bassist and unofficial art director Mike D spoke with Popblerd via phone recently about the new record and the return of original vocalist Jesse Leach along with what makes fellow MA metallers Acaro so great and what’s next for Overcast and Death Ray Vision. Read on for more: It’s been four years since the self-titled was released and there have obviously been some big changes […]
Mike Doughty Revisits Soul Coughing: Thanks To You!
The moment all Soul Coughing fans have been waiting for is here. Sort of. Former vocalist Mike Doughty has decided to revisit his past with the help of Pledgemusic.com for “Soul Coughing Songs: Reimagined”. According to the pledge page, not a note has been written and Doughty himself has no idea how it’s going to sound but if you’ve been a constant fan of his post-SC offerings (As we have been in the Popblerd office) then you have some idea of […]
Gozu, “Bald Bull”: The Viewfinder Review
Do you still not have Gozu’s The Fury Of A Patient Man? Oh, you do? Good, then the video for “Bald Bull” will just let you appreciate the band more (For all you others out there, there is no excuse for not boarding the Gozu train anymore!!!!!). The lead track off The Fury…. is already a barn burner but you add some visuals to an already scorching track and you’re playing with fire for reals (Like all the heat references […]
earthtone9, IV: The Spin Cycle Review
IV is the definitive album for a band that you’ve probably never heard of. For the uninitiated, earthtone9 has been defying the odds since the early aughts. With a trio of magnificent studio albums and a few EP’s, earthtone9 were ahead of their time back in the day and ever since their reformation in 2010 they’ve continued the trend. “March Of The Yeti” slays immediately and states defiantly that the band is indeed back with a heavy riff that complements […]
Metal Monday Volume 116 (4.1.13)
It might be April Fool’s Day but I guarantee that I’m not joking when talking about The Melvins upcoming covers album, Everybody Loves Sausages (Fer serious, this is the title.), and how essential it is to your Melvins collection. This isn’t like your recent Anthrax covers EP featuring familiar names, bands, and songs. This is a music lovers covers record with some known (David Bowie, Queen), some lesser known (Throbbing Gristle, Venom) and some, well, I did say it was […]
Bears! Bears! Bears!, “I Guess We’re Both Lonely”: The Singles Bar Review
Bears! Bears! Bears! “I Guess We’re Both Lonely” is just over three minutes of goth-soaked bliss that’s equal parts Interpol and She Wants Revenge. I have no idea where this band came from but I thank my lucky stars that the Popblerd Gods dropped this single onto my desk. Hailing from the Bay Area, Bears! Bears! Bears! take a fresh swing at a sound that’s been done once or twice before. In this trio’s case, though, they manage to tighten […]
