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A LA CARTE – Born to Entertain – REVIEW

 

I’m not a big turkey guy when it comes to Thanksgiving. Sure, I’ll savory some on the day but for me the real stars of the meal are the abundant offering of side dishes available. Among my favorites are mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce (but only if it retains its traditional dog food can shape.)

If A La Carte’s new album is any indication, I will be trying a few new sides this year. “Ashtray Souffle,” “Chamber Pot Pie,” and “Maxi Pad Thai,” are just a few of the scrumptious options available on their latest release, Born to Entertain. 

A La Carte out of Lima, Ohio accurately describes itself as “Brutal gruesome food porn with a beat.” Beyond the humorous gimmick is an incredible band that has already upped their game from their debut album, Soup Dejour. Opening with the title track, A La Carte waste no time with thunderous beats, devilish dual vocals, some killer riffs.

The sound bites are the perfect palate cleanser as you move on to the next dish (or track). While the song titles and lyrics are goofy and fun don’t let that cause you to sleep on the band’s incredible musicianship as the songs are incredibly technical and savage. The dual vocals really up the game from their previous release. “Chamber Pot Pie “is one of the best offerings from this meal.

There are also plenty of good ol’ monster and caveman riffs to keep even the most jaded Death Metal fans happy. These cannibalistic cooks certainly know their way around a recording studio just as well as they know their way around a kitchen. Born to Entertain does just that and you will find yourself going back for seconds (and thirds).

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IAPETUS – The Body Cosmic – Album Review

 

Most of the time, I like my Death Metal fast, aggressive and unrelenting. But sometimes I need to change the pace a little. With The Body Cosmic, Iapetus add plenty of atmosphere and progressive and technical touches to make this album a complex and satisfying listen. Don’t worry fans of extreme metal. This isn’t a snobbish prog record. There is plenty essential Death Metal aggression to spare.

What works best here is the seemingly easy fusion of both Death Metal and Black Metal to a Progressive background. The Body Cosmic is the first track and runs over 10 minutes. Most Grind fans can listen to entire discographies in this time, but don’t let the run time scare you away. The track blasts off with harsh vocals and heavy guitars. About halfway through the song takes an atmospheric turn. This change doesn’t feel jarring or abrupt. It just works. Many reviewers have this release near the top of their lists for 2019, not for nothing, this is dynamic and different release that has little something for everyone. Just when you think a part of a song is starting to feel tired, they change it up with a different style or a different pace.

And this where The Body Cosmic really shines, in it’s instrumental structures. Progressive music often gets a bad wrap for it’s complex and longer songs. Iapetus have mastered the prefect balance to keep both fans of Progressive and Extreme Metal happy. The Body Cosmic is so full of atmospheric energy it sets itself up for multiple listens.

Be sure to give this album and do not let the 70 minute run time intimidate you. This is an epic, almost spiritual and reflective piece to listen to. Sometimes it’s good to slow down. Pure yourself a nice cup of (Black!) coffee and give this a spin.

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Spectral reveal a new single from Neural Correlates of Hate

Romanian Progressive Technical Death Metal act Spectral reveal a new single from their recently released debut album, Neural Correlates of Hate, the track Nihilist, with guest guitar solos by Christian Muenzner (Alkaloid, Eternity’s End, Spawn of Possession, ex Necrophagist, Defeated Sanity)

The band’s first opus was released March 12th in collaboration with Loud Rage Music and is already making big waves among fans of Technical Progressive Death Metal and specialized media outlets.

Neural Correlates of Hate is now available for orders here:

– jewel-case CD: http://shop.loudragemusic.com/spectral-neural-correlates-of-hate
– digital: http://www.spectralmetal.ro/#/merch

The album was recorded in the following formula: 
Andrei Calmuc (vocals – CodeRed, ex Indian Fall)
Ciprian Martin (guitars and bass)
Romain Goulon (Benighted, ex Necrophagist, Disavowed)

 

Spectral
https://www.facebook.com/SpectralOfficial
https://spectral-official.bandcamp.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/user/SpectralOfficialRo

Loud Rage Music
www.loudragemusic.com
loudragemusic.bandcamp.com