Kottin Trip - Down E.P.

1. Down

2. Fade Away

3. Bond Of Union

Kottin Trip have released their debut album titled "Down E.P." This album shows the band riding the line between Nu-Metal and Hard Rock. They have a similar sound to that of a Coal Chamber or or like earlier more raw Korn. If you like those bands, you could like this album. These guys have done an alright job here on this album. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty raw, dirty and grungy sound. This seems pretty deliberate to get the style for the sound they are going for. With the instrumentation here, the album has pretty standard playing on it. There isn't really anything thats going to make you turn your head here, but these guys can play. Not bad.

Not onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album seem to be pretty average as a whole here. Now the thing with this style, the vocals were not meant to be super musical or sound like this amazing singer is singing it. They do get the job done and he can sing, thats what matters. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about struggle, loss and relationships. These seem to be the standard subjects that the genre are known for. These lyrics hit the target audience pretty well. They have done a pretty good job here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one. We suggest listening to "Bond Of Union". This songs sounds a lot like Korn and shows you the best of this album.

Kottin Trip have made a three song E.P. that shows off the ideas and things the band wants to do in their music. This really sounds like three different styles on each song. We hope that with the next release we get more of a direct path in the music, and they decide on a specific sound. This isn't bad and you can see they have the makings of something here. We can't wait to see what they come up with next, and if it follows more of a distinct sound. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits. R.I.P. 

Genre: Rock/Nu-Metal/Hard Rock

Release Date: 2000

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Blind Eye Era - Blind Eye Era

1. Blackened Seas

2. Arm Of The Curse

3. Hellwish Massacre

4. The Dying Day

5. Sorrow Runs

6. No Heaven Just Hillsides

7. Between The Rows

8. Iron Wizard

9. Face The Forgiveness

10. Dancing With The Dead

Blind Eye Era have released their debut self titled album. This album shows the band in a very industrial metal way, complete with electronics, very reminiscent of early 200's nu-metal bands. These guys have a similar sound and style to that of bands like Orgy, Crossbreed and Pitchshifter. So if you like any of these bands, you could really like this band. They have done a pretty good job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this alum, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent quality. The vocals seem to have a bit of a lesser quality that you can hear within the album. these seem to have been recorded quieter and not as crisp as the instruments.  The instrumentation on this album isn't too bad to be honest. At times it feel pretty average, and then shows points of just going all for it. You can certainly tell that the band can play and has good solid work all over the album, so thats great. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad. There are hints of very powerful range, and being able to hold the notes for quite awhile, but all in all it feels like its right in the middle area. It may be the recording or the vocals themselves, but they sound like they are lacking in the tone or musicality of the singing. all in all not bad. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs of loss, relationships, loneliness, and death. These are topics that music heavier bands talk about, so it should be relatable to the listener. you can understand what he's singing about too so its nice that you can get the full understanding of the lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Face The Forgiveness" your attention, as this is the best song on the album, and really encapsulates the full fell of the album in one song. You will get the idea of the album with this one. 

Blind Eye Era have made a debut album that really introduces you to the band, and gives them something to work from. These songs also give them material to get out and play shows. These guys have gone a pretty good job on this album, and I'm glad to have heard it. Can't wait to see what they come up with next. Listen to this album for yourself to get your own view of these guys. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Industrial/Metal/Hard Rock

Release Date: October 12th, 2008

Location: Goderich, Ontario

Label: None

A Rebel Few - As The Crow Flies

1. Born Again

2. Rebel Few

3. Empires Fall

4. Dyin' Breed

5. Said 'N' Done

6. Serious

7. Who Knows

8. Bitter Man

9. Pure Revolution

A Rebel Few have released their debut album titled "As The Crow Flies". This album is one that shows off the band in a very dirty rock and metal way. They have that feel of being blue collar, east-enders, and it's portrayed through the music. These guys have a similar sound to that of bands like Hellyeah, Five Finger Death Punch, and even Texas Hippie Coalition. So if you are into bands like this, you could really like this album. They've done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded in a pretty average quality. This does however help with the sound that they are going for. The grungy, dirty feeling of their music is felt with the bit rougher recording. We feel that this is just the right quality, so you get the bar band feel with it. With the instrumentation, the band is also pretty average in this particular element as well. Yes the band can pull off solos, but for the metal they are doing, it feels too much and over done. The rest of it has a very par outing as a whole. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals have a bit of a raspy, and grungy feel to them. They are however clear, and you can tell just what the singer is saying, so this heals get the meaning of the songs. One of the things though is, the singer seems to hold his words, at the end of every sentence. The reverberation at the end of every sentence just kills the authenticity on the songs. Just hold the note. He can certainly sing, and props to that for sure, we are just not into it.  With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about finding yourself, giving into temptation, travelling around and spending money carefree. These feel like very typical topics, and have some very broad way of saying what they want. This could help many people have their own interpretation of the songs, but also doesn't narrow it down to exactly one thing, time or place. All in all, the lyrics aren't bad though. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Rebel Few" your attention, as this is the song the band decided to make a single, and show off their style and sound to the masses with. This should give you an idea of the band.

A Rebel Few have made a debut album that shows off the band, and gives you a dive into the band and their music for the first time. The album gives the band something to go on, and be able to start playing shows to people and start to build a fanbase. We feel that the band could do a bit better here, and we look forward to seeing what the band comes up with next. All in all, its a start, and it helps tp be able to see where to go and how people react. Lets see what they do. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metal/Hard Rock/Rock

Release Date: April 22nd, 2016

Location: Cambridge, Ontario

Website: http://arebelfew.com/

Label: None

Porcelain Youth - The Therapy Sessions EP

1. Old Enough To Know Better

2. I'm Still Dancin' With You

3. Don't Stop

4. What I Meant To Say

5. On A Good Night

6. The Day That She Left Tulsa (In A Chevy)

Porcelain Youth have released their second album titled "The Therapy Sessions EP". This album shows the band in a very alternative 90's rock way. These guys have pretty radio rock feel to them, and could really go for it with this style. They have a similar sound as bands like Finger Eleven, Fuel or even a Chevelle, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent standard. This has a nice rock sound, and you can hear the words at the same level as the music.

The instrumentation here is pretty average, that isn't to say the band can't play. They have a standard overall rock playing on this album. Not bad all in all

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't bad either. He can certainly sing, and the words are quite clear as well. The vocal style sound pretty much what you expect from a radio rock band, nothing really unique going on here, but you can hear the lyrics so you can get just what they are singing about. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being called out and not wanting to believe it, relationships, and more. These lyrics are a little hard to quite get the jist of what they are actually singing about because they feel like multiple thoughts within a song. This will be hard for people to really grab onto the band.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the band. 

Porcelain Youth have made a debut album that shows off what the band is all about. Unfortunately when we listened to it, we didn't get enough uniqueness or anything that really stood out, to get this band to jump up ahead of the hundreds of other bands who sound pretty similar to this. Give this album a listen for yourself though so you can decide what you think.They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Hard Rock/Alternative/Rock

Release Date: 2006

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.porcelainyouth.com/

Label: V2 Records

Lava Dolls - American Girls/Now You See Me

1. American Girls

2. Now You See Me

Lava Dolls have released their debut two song album. These two songs are a sample of whats to come from the band, and gives you and idea of what the band is about. These guys have a sound thats a little different, with a faster paced rock feel to them. They have a similar sound to that of Mindless Self Indulgence if they were more of an alternative rock band. We think this sounds pretty good actually. When looking at the recording quality of these two songs, they have been recorded quite well. The songs have a nice hard hitting sound, and they have a great a power to them when you listen. The instrumentation isn't really something that is going to blow you away, but their fast hard playing, makes you want to know who they are. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals the singer goes for hard hitting, in your face vocals. He is clear with his delivery and you can tell just what he is singing about. This has a very generic, regular rock vocal to it which isn't bad. All in all, we like the vocals. 

With the lyrics on "American Girls" the band sings about drugs and not being able to get away from them, while on "Now You See Me" the band sings about getting stuck in a situation you can't get out of. These songs will relate to some people, but they feel more like an interpretation of what they feel a rock song is suppose to be about. 

If you are looking for a single, it's two songs, so just listen to both to get the idea of the band.  Lava Dolls have released a two song album that works as a sampler to get you interested in the band, and it certainly worked. We can't wait to hear what a full album will sound like, and whats to come from them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rock/Hard Rock

Release Date: November 6th, 2016

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://lavadolls.com/

Label: None

Sumo Cyco - Opus Mar

1. Anti-Anthem

2. Free Yourself

3. Move Mountains

4. Passengers

5. Brave II

6. Sleep Tight

7. Rivalry

8. Kids Of Calamity

9. Won't Put Me Out

10. Words

11. The Broadcasters (Murdering By Radio)

12. Rally

13. Building Castles

Sumo Cyco have released their second album titled "Opus Mar". This basically means future destruction. With a title like that, there is a lot to live up to. The band seems to have a ska and rock sort of feel to the band, while giving off a weird music vibe. They say the closest band is Skindred to their music, so if you like those guys, you could like this album as well. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality, the album has been recorded fairly well here. This album is fairly crisp, and you can hear everything, so that is great. The instrumentation here isn't anything to turn your head, as the vocals outweigh the music. This doesn't mean the band can't play, they can, but it doesn't bring your attention to it. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on the album are pretty clear, on point, and you can hear everything she says. Skye can certainly sing, and she shows it all over this album. All in all, great job. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about love, feeling the power, going and getting it, and no sitting around, to go grab what you want. This feels like topics, someone who doesn't really have a theme or direction to latch onto. We like the lyrics, but they seem to have been done over and over. Not a bad job though, we just wish more meaning was in the songs.  If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Move Mountains" your attention, as this is the best song on the album, and it really shows off the band the best. This song also features Benji from Skindred. Sumo Cyco have made an album that seems to be getting more attention, and brings their sound ahead. This album certainly rocks, but it rides the line of a bar band, and a solid rock band. Not a bad job here, we just feel it's all over in sound. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hard Rock/Rock/Alternative

Release Date: March 31st, 2017

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Website: http://www.sumocyco.com

Label: None

Bleeker Ridge - Four

1. Go Home

2. Last Cigarette

3. Sleep

4. Alright By Me

5. Shine

6. She Said

7. Livin' Like This

8. Love Sick

9. This Is All

10. I Feel Like I Belong

Bleeker Ridge have released their second album titled "Four". This album took three years to come out. As the band was the last ditch effort to save Roadrunner Records, the label was sold, and therefore Bleeker Ridge was forced to search for a new label. The band attempted to bring the same sound and style that came out on their debut, unfortunately they were unable to capture the same vibe in the songs. The band has a very radio rock sound to them, one much like a Three Days Grace or a Chevelle, so if you are into the alternative radio style rock, this in in your wheel house. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded quite well. The album sound really good, crisp and clear. You can hear everything well, and the vocals aren't overpowered too much with the music. The instrumentation is pretty average, the band can certainly play, but it isn't anything within the style of rock they play, that is really going to get you noticed over another band. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals are done pretty well here. There are flashes of the singer being able to hit higher 70's style rock notes, and you can hear him pretty clearly so you can get the meaning of the songs. With the lyrics, the band sings about a lot of traditional rock music themes like relationships, and different actions with loved ones. These are your pretty standard topics that rock bands sing about. This is a pretty straight forward rock album, so we aren't really surprised that this is the theme of the album.  If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Last Cigarette" your attention, as this is really the only stand out song here. The rest of the album feels very much like filler songs, in hopes that this song hits huge. With the span between records and the behind the scenes things with the band, unfortunately this album has been received as a flop in most circles. We are happy however to know the band is still around, and didn't just disappear. This seems more like a sophomore jinx, than the band looking it after one album. Hopefully the band can come back from this, we are looking forward to seeing the next step. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rock/Alternative/Hard Rock

Release Date: June 4th, 2013
Location: Orillia, Ontario
Website: http://www.bleekerridge.com/

Label: Black Rose Communications

High Holy Days - It's Not Ok

1. Fly

2. Surreal

3. Damaged On A Plane

4. My Couch Is A Train

5. Fallen

6. If I Could

7. Wasted Life

8. Today Was Meant For Something

9. Strangers In Valhalla

10. Hey Now

11. Terras Finitas

High Holy Days have released their second album titled "It's Not Ok." This album is the long awaited second release from the band. It was released nine years after their debut. The album sounds just like a continuation of their previous album, with the same sound and style. They have a similar sound as Theory Of A Deadman or a Bleeker Ridge, so if you are into those bands, you could like this album. When looking at the recording quality of the album, this album has a pretty solid sound to it for sure. The album sounds just like it should have been released on roadrunner . We like how it sounds. The instrumentation is however nothing much to look at, the guys can certainly play, but its nothing you haven't heard from a hundred other alternative rock bands. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done pretty well. They are nice, clear and you can tell just what he is singing about. We feel he has a pretty decent voice here, talented for sure. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about life being hard, trying to get through things, what ifs, wasting your time, and pain. This is pretty much the standard for most rock songs, but we think they did a good job not just blatantly saying them right out. Not a bad job here. If you are looking for a single to this album, as this is an unreleased album, this one doesn't have a single. Just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. High Holy Days have released their follow up album, and it holds up to the same line that their other music does. We wish this would have helped see the band playing more and getting out of north bay, but it is still cool to see what else they were doing. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Alternative/Hard Rock

Release Date: 2012

Location: North Bay, Ontario
Website: http://www.highholydaysonline.net/
Label: None

Last Bullet - 80-69-64

1. Sin
2. Gimmie Time
3. Bright Lights
4. Southern Lips
5. Smoke & Ashes
6. Little Miss Filthy

Last Bullet have released their third album titled "80-69-64." This album follows along the same sound and style the band created on their last album. This one took quite awhile to come out, so we are happy to see that the band has new music to give all their fans. They have a sound that is quite the classic hard rock feel, with such bands as A7X and My Darkest Days are bands that are similar to the music these guys create. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent standard here. The instrumentation on the album is not too bad, the band has really put that mix of older and newer rock into their music. They are able to play decently and add the solos in every so often. Not bad overall. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent, the vocalist has that bit of raspy older rock voice. He is clear for the most part so you can hear what he is saying and he really tries for that rock style in his vocals. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are the most dirty rock topics and songs you can think of. The band goes for songs about girls, doing bad things and living the rock & roll style. These are very typical for a band like this to sing about. We would love to see the band use their platform to sing a little bit more about real things the listener can connect with, but sometimes the listener needs an escape too. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Sin" your attention as it is the best song on the album and really gives you a good idea of how the rest of the album is. Last Bullet's third album is one that really shows you how the band has progressed from their first album to now. They have a classic and new rock sound that seems to work. The only t hing now is for this band to actually get out there more and have people hear this music, that is the big thing for this band. Not bad all in all. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of this album. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Hard Rock/Classic Rock
Release Date: July 14th, 2017
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://LastBulletMusic.com/
Label: None

Freeways - Cold Front

1. One For The Road

2. Cold Front

3. New Drag City

Freeways have released their debut album titled "Cold Front." This album is one that has that mix of hard rock and classic rock which seems to be popular right now. These guys have a similar sound to that of Monster Truck or even The Sword, that type of music. It is interesting to see bands try to straddle this line. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright standard. It is a bit grainy and has a lower quality sound, but it helps with the older rock style they are going for. The instrumentation is alright as well, the band can certainly play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals here are done well. They are nice and clear, while still being a little bit of that old style to fit in with everything the band is going for. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about saying things to someone before they leave for awhile, not waiting till things are too late, act on it, and relationships. These are things people can get behind at times, so we think these lyrics really work. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song or listen to the whole album, as it is only three songs, then you will get the feel of the album. Freeways have made a debut album that really shows the band and what they are trying to do. They have that classic rock sound that is becoming popular again and they have the talent. We hope to see more soon. Hopefully the band can get out more some people can get turned on to them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hard Rock/Classic Rock/Metal

Release Date: September 4th, 2017

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Label: None

Scratching Post - Demo

1. Speedo

2. The Park

Scratching Post have released their debut album, which happens to be a demo. This album is filled with just two song, titled "Speedo" and "The Park". This band has a more 90's female sound to them more than anything, but with a darker side. The bands we think this sounds like, is a mix between Tuuli and The Birthday Massacre, so if you like those bands at all, you could like this one. They have done an okay job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, it has been recorded very poorly, but then again, it was done in the early 90's and it is a demo. The instrumentation is nothing really to write home about either, although they can certainly play, it's nothing to blow you away. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on these two songs are not bad, you can certainly tell the singer can sing, but with the quality of the recordings, it's hard to even really hear her. With the lyrics, the band has gone for a song about meeting someone in a park, while the song speedo is about being at the beach. These two songs are just fun songs that you can listen to without really thinking. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just listen to both songs honestly, as it's only two and they are pretty short. Scratching Post have made two fun songs that really just let you know what the band is going to sound like and give you something fun to listen to. Hopefully we get a bigger sample of the band and can see what they are really about. Listen to these two songs to decide for yourself what you think about them.

Genre: Alternative/Hard Rock/Nu Metal

Release Date: 1994

Location: London, Ontario

Label: None

Sparrows - Cold Ground

1. Coffin Fever

2. Belly Full Of Hell

3. Apostasy

4. Sever Your Roots

5. Sights & Sounds

6. Sleepwalker

7. White Flag

8. Static Prevails

Sparrows have released their second album titled "Cold Ground." This album follows along the same lines in terms of style and sound that the band came out with on their previous album. The band has a heavy radio rock feel to them which is really awesome. We get the feeling of a band like Thursday or something like Thrice when listening to this album, so if you are into either of these bands, you could like this album. They have done a solid job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, this album has been recorded to a pretty decent level, but could use a little bit more production. The instrumentation on this album is nothing to really get excited over, but the band can play and it does sound good. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad, nothing really to write home about, just your typical hard rock singing. He certainly can sing though and he is pretty clear, so you can hear all the words. With the lyrics, the band sings with messages of getting down, being sad, severing all the ties from the negativity and being more positive. They also sing about giving up on things that are not worth the time. Theses are things we think a bunch of people can get behind and relate to. Pretty good job overall. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album. Sparrows have made an album here that continues their sound and gives the band more material to play live. They have gone a solid job making longer songs and having them really rock. We honestly really like this album. Now we just need to see them play more so more people can find out about them. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Punk/Hardcore/Rock

Release Date: July 30th, 2013

Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Website: http://www.sparrows613.com

Label: None