Ludicrously perfect, this sophomore release from All That Remains has been stuck in my stereo for months now. The band, fronted by ex-Shadows Fall screamer Philip Labonte, are at the forefront of the rising metalcore/American thrash movement, if such a thing exists outside of my mind, that is. And damned if these guys havent surpassed the mighty Shadows Fall with this release, also checking out God Forbid in their rear view mirror as they ride those wonderfully crafted melodic thrash riffs and dual leads into the sunset. Its not too often metal is this catchy, hooky and memorable, either; it was once upon a time, though, and ATR are bringing that back as well. The band take a lot of what made metal enjoyable in the 80s, and add in modern hardcore sensibilities. Although Labontes lyrics get a bit tiring by albums end, the emotional aspect of the album is still what makes it a cut above; this just feels cathartic to listen to, a great morning album. Im still left feeling a teeny bit cold by the production sound, in ways I cant really explain, except by saying its maybe a bit too slick (same goes for the last SF album, oddly enough). And, like any gaggle o short hairs playing metal, theres a slight element of cheese wafting around some of those copped Maiden riffs. But hey, this aint Avenged Sevenfold or anything, this is the real deal. As of 11:28 a.m. on May 13, 2004, this is my favourite metal album of the year, hands down. (Prosthetic)
New and Forthcoming Release Dates In Canada All information is tentative and subject to sudden change
Check out the hottest new releases in Canada this week, including: The Clientele Minotaur, Deep Dark Woods Charlie's, Hot Panda How Come I'm Dead, Interpol S/T, Parkas You Should Have Killed Us When You Had the Chance, Philip Selway Familial, Rae Spoon Love Is A Hunter...
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The Magic Kids - Memphis 5536
From their sunny harmonies and chipper arrangements, Magic Kids appear to be the offspring of a Wilson brother or three. Like Big Star before them, these sprightly 20somethings sound more like your standard pop act from California, but instead call Memphis, TN home. Magic Kids are proud of their...
Full Review
Margaret Cho
Comedian Margaret Cho adds another hyphenate to her career this month with the release of her first all-music album Cho Dependent. Working in the comedy music world forged by the likes of Weird Al Yankovic comes naturally to the 41-year-old, who describes herself as a "longtime backstage staple."...
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Check out the hottest new releases in Canada this week, including: The Clientele Minotaur, Deep Dark Woods Charlie's, Hot Panda How Come I'm Dead, Interpol S/T, Parkas You Should Have Killed Us When You Had the Chance, Philip Selway Familial, Rae Spoon Love Is A Hunter...
From their sunny harmonies and chipper arrangements, Magic Kids appear to be the offspring of a Wilson brother or three. Like Big Star before them, these sprightly 20somethings sound more like your standard pop act from California, but instead call Memphis, TN home. Magic Kids are proud of their...
Comedian Margaret Cho adds another hyphenate to her career this month with the release of her first all-music album Cho Dependent. Working in the comedy music world forged by the likes of Weird Al Yankovic comes naturally to the 41-year-old, who describes herself as a "longtime backstage staple."...
