Beasts Of England are an alternative / punk rock band from Great Britain, consisting of members Alien A and Alien B, and Kill The Joy is their latest single, released on 31/03/2023.

At just under three minutes in length, the track is a combination of a multitude of genre that has resulted in a quirky and unique sound to the band.

With strong, funky basslines prevalent throughout the whole song, this is bass driven track that also uses heavy guitar riffs that add a certain groove to the song and pounding drums that keeps the whole thing together. Distortion is also used to give the track a slight grungey vibe.

The vocals are very interesting, with the singer having quite an individual style, that has an added grittiness that really makes the lyrics stand out. Layered backups accompany the lead vocals giving the track depth and dimension and distortion is used with the vocals too, adding to the fuzziness of the track.

This is a great, bombastic track with basslines that really will get stuck in your head. This track should get you bouncing around like a loon as it has an infectious vibe to it that really gets under your skin, pulling you into the track.

Awesome track and I look forward to more from them in the future!

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Foundry Town Survivors is two lifelong friends and veteran musicians, Mark Tomorsky and Tommy Johnsmiller, and the band name is a homage to their working-class backgrounds. And one thing this pair is not afraid to do is wear their classic rock influences strongly on their sleeves, as has been proved with previous tracks I have reviewed for this band.

In My Dreams, a moderately paced track, is their latest single and was released on 21/04/2023.

With its roots firmly in the classic rock genre, the duo also take influence from other styles of music, and this is incorporated into their overall sound.

The guys mix electric with acoustic instruments, throwing in some home-spun rock into the mix and the wonderful use of piano throughout the track really adds depth and dimension.

Once again, the guitar work is typical of the classic rock genre, with a little bit of blues thrown in for measure and the solos are expertly executed, showing the professionalism, talent, and experience of this pair of musical veterans. The drum and bass section keeps the song on track, and funky basslines intermingled with some groovy riffs also gives the track a hint of a swagger that is great to hear.

Vocally, once again, this track is awesome. The pair harmonize with each other and complement one another perfectly, especially when it comes to the choruses. Layered backups are also used to great effect.

This is another fantastic track from this duo and well worth everyone going to take a listen. Check out the rest of their music while you are at it!

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The Cookie Jar Complot is an instrumental duo from Luxembourg, who play post to math rock and consists of songwriters Sven Schmeler and Gilles Glesener. The band has been active since 2020 and they released their first EP Caviar Capital in December 2021.

Cicadas is the band’s latest single and was released on 21/04/2023.

This is a great blend of a multitude of styles of music, and this has created a unique sound for the pair. Mixing distorted heavy riffs with more a more plucking style of guitar playing, there is a stark contrast between the two that sounds really interesting for the listener. At certain points during the track the listener could actually be forgiven for thinking there was more than one guitarist playing and this is testament to the ability and talent of Sven.

But let’s not leave Gilles out of the equation as his drumming skills are just as excellent. Fast and energetic when it needs to be, his drumming is up there amongst the best in his field, and with pounding basslines the percussion side really do keep control of the track.

This is a really great instrumental track that I think will appeal to a wide range of listeners, so if instrumental math rock is your thing, then head on over to Spotify or Soundcloud and see what you think for yourself. I don’t think you will be disappointed!

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Teraton is Los Angeles based musician Phillip Jordan Brooks and The Offering is his latest single, released on 24/03/2023.

Blending different styles of rock from industrial to experimental to metal and post-punk, he has created a sound unique to him.

With a dark, almost apocalyptic sound, this track is full of atmosphere and ambience and, while having quite a nostalgic feel about it that is reminiscent of the dark wave sound of the 80’s, it also has a very futuristic vibe about it.

With clever use of electronic synths, the industrial sound is backed up with heavy guitars and pounding drums, and weighty basslines also gives the track a bit of groove.

The vocals are very futuristic, with slight distortion mixed with clean singing and atmospheric backups. At various points in the track almost spoken word is used and this also adds to the ambience before the distorted singing launches us headfirst back into the track.

The track changes pace throughout, keeping the listener engaged at all times, and there is so much going on in this track that just one listen through is not enough.

This is a track that can transport the listener to another time and dimension for just under six minutes and this shows just how powerfully effective the song is.

I absolutely loved this track, and although it is more synth based than anything else, I think there are enough elements of rock and metal that means it will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Excellent job!

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The Survival Code are a London-based rock duo comprising of Gary McGuinness on guitar and vocals and Simon Hartop on drums and vocals. The band has been around in many different formats since 2012 but it was in 2018 that they found their final line up and sound.

I recently reviewed the band’s single For Right, Or Wrong, For Better, Or Worse and was eager to hear more from them. We Are Just Fooling Ourselves is their latest single and was released on 14/04/2023.

Once again, the guys have produced a big sound with guitar riffs that are heavy when they need to be yet more melodic at other times. The use of distortion on the guitars gives the track a grungey feel but the solo is clean and well executed.

The drum and bass section is solid and keeps the song on track perfectly. The drumming is energetic, once again showing a punk influence, and the bass lines are funky and give the track a certain groove.

The vocals are rooted firmly in the alternative rock genre with influences from a few other genres. With layered backups and twin lead vocals, the song has a great depth to it and the vocals have a certain grittiness to them that really makes them stand out.

The song is very melodic and catchy, and the riffs, melodies and lyrics will all get stuck in your head. In fact, you will be humming this track long after you have finished listening to it. It is upbeat and will get you tapping your foot, at the very least.

This is another great track from this London duo that I highly recommend others listen to.

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Ok, before I say anything else about Benjamin Corson and his latest single, Gemini (Parts 1&2), which was released on 12/04/2023, can I just say this? Absolutely wow!!!!!

Right, now I have done that let me tell you about Benjamin Corson. He is a guitarist from France and has joined forces with fantastic vocalist Tim Pitchford to create this ten-minute absolute masterpiece.

A song of two halves, the first part of the song is a great rock song. With roots firmly in the rhythm and blues genre of rock, influences from classic rock, AOR and soul are also evident. There are also elements of experimentation and psychedelia interspersed throughout the track.

The guitar work is heavy when it needs to be, with riffs reminiscent of the likes of Led Zeppelin, and it is clear that Benjamin takes his influence from 70’s classic rock, albeit with a modern twist. The solos are superbly executed, and this really shows the talent that this guy has. The drum and bass section work perfectly together and really drive the song.

Tim’s gritty vocals really add another dimension to the track, creating a nostalgic trip back in time, while also keeping bang up to date. His voice is strong and enormously powerful and the emotion that he emits from the lyrics really is evident to hear.

Some female backups, haunting and beautiful, are added as the song changes pace and tempo and indicate the beginning of the second half of the song.

The latter part of the track is completely different to the first. Slowed down and mainly instrumental, with just some floaty lyrics, this part really is a lesson in guitar virtuosity. Influences here can range from Pink Floyd to Gary Moore to King Crimson as the track takes a completely serene stance.

The guitar work on the second half of the song is nothing short of beautiful and this guy could hold his own against David Gilmour and the like, showing just what an amazing talent he really is.

A totally compelling and captivating track, this is a must listen to song for fans of classic rock, progressive rock, and even alternative rock. Please, please, please go and check him out and see for yourself!

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Love Like War are a five-piece metal band from Central Kansas, US, consisting of members “Chewy” on vocals, Geoff on guitars, Wayne also on guitars, Jeff on bass guitar and Trent on drums. Although veterans to the music scene, they have been writing and recording music together since early 2020 and Affix Bayonets is their latest EP, released on 01/04/2023.

I loved this EP from the very first song, its something that is definitely right up my street. With a totally in your face sound, Affix Bayonets, is a hard rock / metal EP that is solid, strong, and totally epic.

The guitars are dirty and heavy, the pounding riffs giving way to intricate and technical solos and melodies. The guitarists are able to speed up and slow down their playing at will and this shows an incredible talent on their part.

The drumming is energetic, with lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums and funky bass lines show their head from time to time throughout the EP. The drum and bass sections work really well together and keep the structure of the songs perfectly.

The vocals are raw, with the singer’s voice being hoarse and gritty. He can switch from growls to clean singing at the drop of a hat and seems quite comfortable with both styles of vocals. He is accompanied by quite shouty backups and this creates a hint of a punk vibe to the EP but this mixed with the classic sound that also has a touch of metalcore to it, really does create a sound unique to the band.

At just under thirty minutes in length, this is a great EP that is full of energy, power, and attitude. I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend you all go and listen to it and see what you think for yourselves. I really don’t think you will be disappointed.

Track Listing:

1 Shattered

2 Leech

3 The List

4 Banquet For The Damned

5 Geanice

6 Affix Bayonets!!!

Photo Credit: Daniel Scott Films

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DCxPC is a collaboration that books and releases music from live shows for multiple bands and Vol 15 presented No Coffin Live At Lou’s, released on 31/03/2023.

I have previously reviewed albums and EP’s from DCxPC and the main difference with this album to the rest is the genre of music that it is presenting. Where the previous offerings were mainly punk bands, No Coffin are a three-piece doom thrash / death metal band from Miami.

Playing over 160 shows in 2022, No Coffin is a prolific touring band and aim to top that number this year, and releases like this should certainly help them to do that.

The album has six tracks of pure, unadulterated doom thrash metal mixed with elements of hardcore and punk rock and as it was recorded live it really does highlight the rawness and energy of the band that makes them such a sought-after band to see in a live setting.

With aggressive riffs, the guitar work switches from fast and energetic to doomy and heavy and the contrast is an absolute feast for the ears. There is distortion on the guitars too which gives the album a fuzzy feel which is synonymous with live recordings, but the solos are clean and expertly executed, before the guitars launch you headfirst back into the moshpit and you are banging your head like a loon once more.

The drumming has the energy of punk, frenetic and fast, but also the heaviness of death, thrash, and doom metal. Slow beats back up the guitar work, but there are also lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums too and the basslines are solid and strong and keep the song on track perfectly.

The vocals are typical guttural death metal growls, raw and totally in your face, just as death metal vocals should be, and mixed with the music behind them, it really does create a big, atmospheric sound. To think that this album is live and that the sound produced has been done so by just three guys really is hard to believe, but this shows the talent and professionalism of the band on display.

This is a great album that mixes influences from any bands and genres, from grindcore, to doom metal to death metal and classic heavy metal and shows that No Coffin has no fears in experimenting with their music or creating things that go slightly against the grain.

I am certainly going to be checking this band out and looking for any other music they have produced, and I think fans of death metal, doom metal and thrash metal should all do the same too!

Awesome job! Loved it!

Track Listing:

1) No Coffin / God Killer

2) Reverse Prayer

3) .45

4) Fires Is The Cleanse, All Life Must End

5) Over

6) Money Brings Tragedy

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Blueburst is the brainchild of guitarist / vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, a “new” artist who is releasing his debut album at the age of fifty, reviving a music career he had previously written off. But after connecting with legendary guitarist Marty Willson-Piper (The Church, Noctorum and All About Eve) Craig has found a trusted mentor and collaborator and set up Blueburst.

Supernova is their latest single and was released on 17/04/2023.

With its roots firmly in the 80’s post punk era and 90’s rock, this is a great nostalgic throwback to the music of those times.

Retro in style and starting with a funky bassline, its not long before the whole song erupts into a lush, guitar-based alternative rock track.

The guitar riffs are melodic and will definitely stick in your head after just one listen, and combined with a funky rhythm guitar, the layered sound created is simply awesome, with clean solos that are perfectly executed.

The drumming is energetic and there are plenty of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums to get you tapping your foot along to, and the funky basslines continue throughout the entirety of the track.

The vocals have a slightly quirky feel to them, but they are strong and completely command the track. Combined with harmonious backups, the track has a great vocal arrangement from start to finish.

This is a superb track and with a theme of turning fifty and grabbing “life by the balls while you can” this is something that a lot of people will resonate with. It has a very upbeat vibe and it certainly a track that will get you moving in one way or another.

Awesome job and I look forward to hearing much more from Blueburst in the future!

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Annakye are a six-piece alternative rock band from Australia and Too Far South is their latest single, released on 14/04/2023.

Starting off with some funky electronic sounds and shouty vocals, the track soon kicks in with all its glory!

The guitars are heavy, slight distortion giving the track a slight grungey, fuzzy feel to it and riffs are thrown at you from all angles. The drumming is energetic and frenetic and there are plenty of crashing cymbals and pounding drums to keep even the hardened drum enthusiast happy. Strong basslines shine through and the electronic sounds from the start of the song are carried forward throughout the track creating a pulsating undertone to the song that you can barely hear yet know it is there.

The vocal arrangement combines classic alternative vocals with some shouty, punk-inspired backups that really do create a contrast with each other. The singer’s voice is powerful, strong, and packed full of emotion, and there is slight distortion at various points during the track that adds to the fuzziness of the track.

This is an absolute stomper of a track and one that should be heard by everyone, so head on over to Spotify and give them a listen. If you are a fan of alternative rock, indie rock, classic rock, or even punk rock, you are going to love this track as much as I did!

Photo Credit: Jessica Cox

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum