Fister "The Infernal Paramount" review.

"The Infernal Paramount" is the latest release from Saint Louis, Missouri's 'Fister'. This 2 track dronefest serves up some doom just the way I like it, sludgy, black and cold as fuck. You can feel the aggression in your veins; like shooting up while drowning in mud. What it lacks in originality is more than made up for in blood curdling intensity and overwhelming darkness. This is absolutely thee shit. If you're a doom fan and you haven't heard Fister, then its time for you to spread those cheeks and accept your fate.

Check out Fister on Facebook 
 
Listen to ALL of Fister's music on Bandcamp

Foreign Tongues Cult "Offerings" review.

When I was asked to review Tucson, Arizona hip-hop duo Foreign Tongues Cult's "Offerings" I knew that I would be listening to something much different from today's radio stars. However, I didn't think it would be much different from other underground acts. I was wrong. These guys are very different and I'm glad I got my hands on this album. The calm delivery, of IRONIC & Einstein, is a pretty soothing change since most rappers are almost yelling at you in an effort to make you believe that the characters they portray are non-fictional. These guys don't really have gimmicks and actually succeed in making you believe in them as well as their stories, aside from the song "Have Fun, Bye" (but who doesn't enjoy a little fiction from time to time?). While I find this to be interesting and soothing there is nothing on this album that really sticks out. This album is definitely not for everybody but I'd suggest you check this out if you're an underground fan. If you prefer the mainstream stuff, check this out anyway. This could open your eyes and ears to something completely different.

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Listen to Foreign Tongues Cult on Reverb Nation 
Download "Offerings" HERE 

Bottom Line "Black & White" review.

So I just got done with the "Black & White" demo by New Jersey Hardcore act Bottom Line. The sound on this 4 song release is not a unique one by any means and at times feels like it just came off an assembly line. The lyrics seem to lack direction as they bounce back and forth between several different angst-ridden topics. While this may not be a memorable release I must say there is definitely room for growth and a lot of potential but at this moment these guys are just one of the droplets in the torrential downpour of cookie cutter up and coming hardcore bands.

To be fair, I'm just a dude with an opinion. Check these guys out and judge for yourselves.

Bottom Line @ Facebook

Listen to "Black & White" @ Bandcamp

Homecourt "Inside My Mind" review.

"Inside My Mind" is the latest release from Homecourt. Homecourt is a more "traditional" sounding Hardcore Punk band from New Jersey. Although they list Merauder, The Doors, Nirvana & Terror as their influences I hear a more Crossover sound in the vein of D.R.I., Leeway & "Cause For Alarm" era Agnostic Front. This E.P. comes fully equipped with catchy, head nodding & fist banging riffs as well as thought provoking, head scratching, confusing tongue in cheek lyrics. I strongly feel that these guys can obtain a spot alongside other modern day Crossover mainstays such as Municipal Waste, A.N.S. (Homecourt's vocalist happens to vocally bare a strong resemblance to A.N.S. frontman Chris Wall), Cross Examination & Common Enemy as well as other thrash influenced Hardcore bands such as Rotting Out,  Down To Nothing & This Is Hell. If you're a fan of those styles then I suggest you check them out and hear what you've been missing.

Check out Homecourt @ Facebook
Listen to "Inside My Mind" @ Bandcamp

VICE "You Made Us This Way" album review.

"You Made Us This Way" is the debut album from Staten Island's resident hate spewers, VICE. When I first heard this album I looked like a complete asshole as I sat on my couch with my head nodding faster and harder than a prostitute who gets paid on commission. This Hardcore album is one for any fan of heavy music. You can hear hints of traditional hardcore, Black Metal, Grindcore, Powerviolence and Thrash. This a very heavy, very angry album and the anger resonates throughout the entire 33 minutes and 7 seconds. The opening track "Teenage Nightmare" is a hell of a way to start this mother fucker off. It kicks off with very heavy feedback followed by a haunting riff and screaming banter from the point of view of a modern day spoiled douche bag. The song quickly changes into a loud verbal and musical assault on today's materialistic parasites as well as the listener's ears. At just short of 3 minutes this loud, quick & angry piece sets the foundation for the rest of this album. With anger and hate being a recurring theme, in this album, many topics and groups are targeted from spoiled assholes to organized religion, shitty dads, self loathing and the bandwagon jumping, trend hoppers who have plagued the scene that these guys call their own. This teeth grinding, fist clenching, head banger has the power to turn the sunniest, brightest summer day into darkest, coldest winter night. I highly recommend you check out this band. The year is only halfway over and I would definitely name this my favorite album of 2012.


Check out VICE @ Facebook
Listen to "You Made Us this Way" @ Bandcamp
Buy VICE merch @ Big Cartel