Arkham Awaits - Razing An Empire

1. Welcome To Rapture

2. Visions

3. The Flame That Sparked The Fall

4. Empire To Askes

5. Vultures

6. Chimera

7. Oblivion

Arkham Awaits have released their third album titled "Razing An Empire". This album follows along the same lines as their previous two albums in style and sound. These guys do the sing and screamed metalcore vocals pretty well on here. This band reminds me of a mix between The Jettison Commitment and Searching For Satellites if you know those name. If you do not, a band Like Moths To Flames is similar as well. If you like those bands, give this a listen. They have done a pretty decent job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent sound and quality. Now the songs aren't quite as clear and crisp on the vocals as I personally would like them to be, but it still sounds pretty decent. The sung vocals could also be a littler louder and clearer, but you can make out what they are saying. 

The Instrumentation on this album is nothing too crazy, and it's nothing that is really going to wow you, but these guys can play, and they do it to decent standard. They have bits where you say, oh alright, but for the most part its what you would expect from this kind of music. Not bad though. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent. They can certainly scream, and the sung vocals are not bad. You can certainly hear the sung vocals, and voice is pretty good. We do like the screamed vocals, they just seem a little forced, but still fit right in with everything going on, and don't hurt anything. The lyrics are a little hard to make out, but if you listen a little closer, you can pretty much make out what the songs are about. Good job.

With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about life, failing, learning, love, relationships and more. These themes and lyrics feel like something the listener can get behind, and feel relatable to them. The lyrics have you saying, hey maybe I'm not the only one who feels this way. We think that the band gets their audience, and can attract more of the target, with these lyrics. Good job all in all here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't really one. We like the song visions the best, so we suggest you try that one out first, as it gives you the best feel of the album overall. Chimera is just instrumental, so don't pick that one unless you are listening to the whole album. 

Arkham Awaits have yet again written a pretty decent album that goes along the lines of the sound and style they developed on their previous albums.  This gives the band more to pull from and give a catalog to pull from when touring. We feel this band has really hit the sweet spot for the type of music they are playing, and with some luck, this band can really push through. Listen to this album to get your own opinion on it but we really like it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Post Hardcore/Screamo/Metalcore

Release Date: April 27th, 2015

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Label: None 

Absence Of Fear - We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit

1. Intro

2. Meaningless War

3. Breathe

4. Proctor

5. The Needle

Absence Of Fear have released their debut album "We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit". This album shows off the band in a heavy, core like way, but also classic metal solos. Thee guys don't really have a similar sound to that of anyone. They mix a few different things from different styles of metal, so it's hard to pin point bands they sound like, which is good.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a below average sound. These songs are not bad, but the vocals and the overall recordings seem to be very low and needing to be louder and more crisp.  The Instrumentation on this album is quite good however. We feel like this band shows off their ability, and there are parts that really show off the guitarists abilities. This band can certainly play, although at times it doesn't feel like the styles of the screaming and music meld together properly. Still good either way. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not too bad actually. The vocalist can certainly scream, and he's got a sound that most local screaming bands star out with. There are hints that really impress me here though. On the other hand, the background vocals could use some work. They seem to be a bit weak and out of tune at times. Not bad for a first release. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, dark themes of vengeance and where to go with things, and fighting for things. We feel that fans and people in general can get into these lyrics and themes, relate with this band. This really helps in gaining those fans. Pretty good job all in all here.

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. The bands songs are longer, so we suggest "breathe" as one to try out.

Absence Of Fear have made a debut album that really gives the band a starting point, and something to be able to play shows. These guys really have something here, as long as the recording gets better. You can tell the guitar and screaming works well, and could be shown with a better sound. We think there is potential here, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of them. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metalcore/Metal

Release Date: 2009

Location: Cannington, Ontario

Website: http://www.absenceoffear.com

Label: None

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

Of The First Born Son - Of The First Born Son

1. The Attack Of Dr. Robotnik

2. This Could Be A Drug

3. You Can't 2-Step In A Wheelchair

4. Paper Caskets

5. Playing Dodgeball With A Shotgun

Of The First Born Son have released their debut self-titled album. These guys have a very typical heavy core band feel to them. They have a similar sound to that of a band like Attila, Abacabb, and early All That Remains, so if you like bands like this, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright quality. It has some rough points, and the production as a whole could be a little clearer and more crisp, but it does give a certain metal vibe with it. The instrumentation here isn't bad either. they do show off their ability to shred and play guitar through the album. These guys can certainly play, and its showcased here. Not bad in all.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty good, They are more just deep screams, but the vocalist seems to be able to accomplish them. If you listen closely to the singer, you can make out most of what he is saying, so thats awesome he is clear enough to get the meaning of the songs out. He does need some work on his technique, but for a first album, this is good. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are stereotypical in metal. They talk about hate, relationships, and more. These lyrics don't really attach to the listener or really do anything in the meaning category, but they do give off a vibe and a feel that makes the music enjoyable. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen. We particularly like "You Can't 2-Step in a Wheelchair" so give them a listen so you get the idea of this band.

Of The First Born Son have released an album that shows off the style and sound of the band. This also gives them a base for people to get into them and something to start playing shows off of. They have done an alright job for a debut album, There are a few things that need to be fixed, but as a fist album we like it. We also can't wait to see what they do on the next one. Give these guys credit and listen to this album for yourself to decide weather you like it or not. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metal/Post-Hardcore/Metalcore

Release Date: November 6th, 2007

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: Year Of The Sun Records

Blind Mule - Blind Mule

1. Bend It

2. Day I Was Born

3. Pickin' Up Your Feet

4. Who Is Gunna Pay

5. Firehouse

6. Not Your Home

Bind Mule have released their debut album, which is self-titled. This album shows the band in a very all over the place way. They have a bluegrass feel to some of their songs, while others have a live pub band type of feel. These guys aren't really close to any bands because of their all over the place, and not sticking to one genre. Closest band we can think of is early Barenaked Ladies, so if you were into them in the early 90's, this band could be for you.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent quality, but the album feels like it could be louder and a bit crisper. The album has a bit of a rougher, not super produced feel to it, and that could hurt this in the end. Not bad thought. With the instrumentation here, the album feel like the band has just played pretty averagely on their debut. We don't feel this really matters much though, as the style of music they play, doesn't really call for crazy instrumentation, just good old ability to play. All in all, decent.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer sings pretty well, and you can hear just what he is saying, so you can get the message out of the songs. He can certainly sing and that makes the songs easier to get into. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about everyday life and just things you deal with from day to do. These are very relatable topics and things for people to latch onto. We think they are just complex enough that most people can get the message of the songs. Not bad 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so listen to the whole album or you won't really get an idea of the album since every song seems to be different here.

Blind Mule have made a debut album that gives the band something to play, and a base for people to understand what the band is all about. We feel the band needs to narrow down their sound and pick a style to go with so that the band has something defined that the fans can grab onto, otherwise they will only like certain sings. Not bad for a first effort. Give the album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Bluegrass/Country/Folk

Release Date: 2013

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.blindmule.ca/

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