These album overviews were originally written for Metal Edge Magazine when I was a contributor to their “Hear Us Out” CD reviews section back in 2006-2007. With the magazine wrapping up publication a few months ago, I decided to add them to the context of our PiercingMetal presentation. I felt that by doing this I would not only be raising the horns in remembrance of the magazine but would also be able to showcase just how different writing for a major publication was when it all came down to it. Since “Hear Us Out” notations were usually “100” words in length, these posts will feature several reviews each until we run out of them. The freelance writing tenure at Metal Edge Magazine was discussed on THIS LINK so please check that out when done. Here are the reviews, so “Hear Us Out”.
Righteous Jams: “Business As Usual” (Abacus Records)
As much as I think elements of Hardcore truly work in the various brands of Metal as we have seen in bands like All That Remains, and I Killed The Prom Queen we are pointed out to how stagnant it can be if there is no change whatsoever. The RJ guys surely give it their all but there is nothing that stands out on this release and much of it comes across as repetitive. Similar riffs and vocals on top of a very short album make this as uninspiring as it was uninteresting for me. Want something original? Keep looking.
Sentenced: “Buried Alive” (Century Media Records)
Live recordings are not unusual these days but one that captures the final show in a bands career are rare. Presenting Buried Alive as it brings you the end of the band Sentenced who ended their life on The Funeral Album (their studio recorded suicide note to the world). The concert features most of that album as well as older material and allows their fans to pay last respects one final time before the casket is lowered into the ground. The intended purpose of this Dark Gothic Metal band completed, its members have moved on. May they Rest in Peace.
Continue reading Revisiting “Metal Edge” Magazine: The CD Reviews – Part 9
