Royal Thunder - "Crooked Doors" (2015)

Anyone who's heard "CVI", the debut full length by Royal Thunder, should pretty much know already how much they rock.  Their Southern sludgy/psychedelic/hard rock sound, with Miny's voice won me over and turned me into a huge fan.  And they came in a good time when a lot of Georgia bands were making some noise.  Now they have released their 2nd LP, "Crooked Doors", a perfect successor to "CVI".  A album that is just as catchy and heavy as the last one.

"Crooked Doors" starts off with one of my favorite tracks, "Time Machine".  As soon as you hear it, you know something different is gonna happen.  And it's gonna be really good.  I love that Joan Jett-esque attitude in Miny's vocals on the chorus.  It's just awesome when someone who has a blues-y and soulful voice can take it up a notch.  Also a perfect choice to make it into a music video.  If "Time Machine" didn't quite did it for you, then "Forget You" should do the job.  It may not be "Whispering World" from "CVI", but it is just as heavy.  "The Line" has a nice guitar feedback and bass line to get your attention.  "The Line is another track that displays how well they mesh the heavy and mellow parts.  And it has some good solos in this one, too.  "Forgive Me, Karma" is a great title.  And I can only imagine that a title like that will have a psychedelic feel.  And hearing "The Bear II" just makes me want to cry.  Not because it's a piano balled, but because I know it's over.  Of course I can always play it back again (along with "CVI"

"Crooked Doors" has a great flow.  Especially hearing it on vinyl.  I knew what the band was capable of after hearing "CVI.  "Crooked Doors" escapes the "sophomore jinx" and accomplishes  in becoming kick arse record for 2015.  If you've been digging the indie rock influence in Kylesa, and enjoy Baroness or Red Fang, then Royal Thunder is the band for you.  Relapse has been putting out some awesome records this year.  And "Crooked Doors" is one of them.  Just a great album with heavy riffs and sweet vocals.  If you're tired of In This Moment and Butcher Babies, then please give Royal Thunder a try, and pick up their latest album, "Crooked Doors".  I promise you'll be rocking out in no time.

I rate this album "5 Hitlers punched in the face"

You can purchase "Crooked Doors" at:

https://royalthunder.bandcamp.com/album/crooked-doors-deluxe-version

Code 415 Podcast: 10-22-15

Today's episode will feature bands from Eye See Home Promotions Vol. 1 & 2 compilation.

https://eyeseehomepromo.bandcamp.com/album/eye-see-home-promotions-volume-2

Playlist:

Witchburn - "Der Hexhammer"

Sinicle - "Battleborn"

Socionic - "Epiphany"

Chaser Eight - "I Wanna Die"

From Light Rose the Angel - "The Grey Returns"

Pistol Ready - "Breakdown"

Code 415 Podcast: 10-22-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Faith No More - "Sol Invictus" (2015)

Well folks, it looks like we got what we wanted.  Not only getting the great Faith No More to get back together and play live.  But also put out a new album since 1997's Album of the Year.  Around the early 00's, I've noticed a huge demand for Faith No More.  Not sure if it's because of Mike Patton popularity (especially in Europe), but a lot of people were getting their hands on The Real Thing (1989) and Angel Dust (992).  10 years after their break-up, Faith No More have finally got back together, doing shows and festivals in Europe, before doing a tour in the States.  During that time, the band have been secretly writing material for their comeback album.  Finally in 2015, FNM have unleashed Sol Invictus to us, who've been waiting for new FNM material.

Roddy's piano opens up the title track.  It's a nice kickback song.  But things get rolling when "Superhero" pops up.  There's definitely a King For a Day vibe in it.  Not sure if anyone has mentioned that.  But hopefully you can hear it.  Unless it's just me.  "Separation Anxiety" is a perfect song that displays Patton's smooth jazz vocals and his more spastic style.  I know Decibel has mentioned that "Cone of Shame" has that "RV" sound.  And I do have to agree.  There is that bar room country sound, but by the end, it does get really intense.  Which is why I love this track.  And "Motherfucker" is definitely a track to sing-a-long.  The album finishes off with "For The Dead".  I like to think that if you enjoyed the last half of King For A Day, then you might this song.

Now let's be honest, it's been a while since these guys have gotten together to write an album.  So don't expect them to outdo Angel Dust, or another classic.  We wanted new Faith No More and we got it.  It isn't a bad album, so that's a good thing.  Everything that we know about Faith No More is in this album.  You got your soft and mellow tunes.  And you got your rock out/bouncing around tunes.  "Sunny Side Up" and "Matador"  mix both of those sounds really well.  As much as I love Patton's vocals, I have to say that Roddy Bottum's performance is just great.  His piano mixes really well with the songs, without sounding like he's trying to force it into the songs.  If you enjoyed most of Faith No More's catalog, then you should be able to enjoy Sol Invictus.  This is just a fun record to listen to, so don't expect any boundaries to be pushed.  I can understand why a lot of music mags and blogs are a bit disappointed.  Which is why you have to see it as Faith No More just doing another record, instead of trying to record the next classic.  Remember, the hype is that Faith No More have a new album.  There wasn't any claim that this was gonna be better than their earlier work.  So just enjoy and have fun with Sol Invictus.  And be glad that we'll be getting some new Faith No More.  Because it seems that these blokes are having the time of their lives.

Rating: "Five Hitlers Punched in the Face"

Ghost - "Meliora" (2015)

My, my, Ghost has really grown.  It seemed like it was yesterday, when I heard about a mysterious Swedish band, who singer looked like Satanic Pope.  And is accompanied by 4 blokes in black hooded robes.  As silly as their gimmick may be to others, to me, Ghost can back it up with their catchy song writing.  Which is why I think a lot of people feel in love the anti papal and his nameless ghouls.  When Ghost were to release 2013's, Infestissumam, fans from the underground were looking forward to that album.  Now that Ghost have become huge, the whole World is looking forward to their next release, Meliora.

I like how Meliora starts off with a old sci-fi/horror synth, before the band begins rocking it with "Spirit".  "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" has a sweet bass intro.  I also love that psychedelic guitar tone.  Very different from what we heard on the last two Ghost Albums  "Cirice", of course everyone loves that song.  From the opening chord to the first verse, this song already has you hooked.  After listening to this song, you know that Ghost have outdone themselves again. "Can you see that you're lost with out me", goddamn, I always have that line stuck in my head.  The Papal never sounded this great.  But the song that I hope will be their next single is "Majesty".  The guitar riff on that song just kicks arse.  "Mummy Dust", "Devil Church" and "Deus In Absentia" has that 70's pop rock feel, which sounds really nice.  And "Absolution" brings out that early Mercyful Fate-meets-Blue Oyster Cult sound, which is considered the band's signature sound.   

By each album, I find myself loving this band even more and more.  And the fact that they focus more on writing really catchy songs, does help a lot.  When I heard their first single, "Cirice", I pretty much knew that Meliora was gonna be another hit with the fans.  Really glad that this album exceeded my expectations, and that the band didn't feel a lot of pressure to write their follow-up to Infestissumam.  As long as Ghost doesn't rush to finish their next album, then I can see this band having a great longevity.  If you enjoyed the last album, then you're gonna dig Meliora.  So gathering around and rejoice the music, that is Ghost.  

Rating: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Code 415 Podcast: 1-15-15

Today's episode, I'll be playing some Kyng, Today Is The Day, and Cough.  I also got some news about C.O.C, the Jarboe + Helen Money collaboration, and Kantation.  And a rant about people asking me about Black Sabbath.  So hope you'll enjoy the show.

PLAYLIST

Kyng - "Big Ugly Me"

To purchase Burn The Serum

http://merchnow.com/catalogs/kyng

Today Is The Day - "Masada"

To purchase Animal Mother

http://todayistheday.bigcartel.com/

Cough - "A Year In Suffering"

To Purchase Ritual Abuse

http://www.relapse.com/ritual-abuse-62495.html

Code 415 Podcast: 1/15/15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Red Fang - "Whales and Leeches" (2013)

My my, Oregon.  The bands that you've been exporting lately.  You brought us Poison Idea, The Decemberist, Black Elk, Trees, Akem Manah, Agalloch.  And now Red Fang.  It looks like the entire West Coast has a music scene.

By now you're already familiar with them because their third album, "Whales and Leeches", made a huge buzz last year.  Of course you've seen their video for "Blood Like Cream" (with Portlandia's Fred Armisen.  And also saw them perform on David Letterman (in which band leader Paul Shaffer joined in on keyboards).

If you're familiar with Red Fang, then you'll hear how much they have grown with album number 3.  Aside from their production, Red Fang sound tighter than ever.  The musicianship is more perfect then the last album.  And a lot of the songs have become more catchier.  Of course Aaron and  Bryan still got the clean vocals and growls still going.  And John still kicks ass on the drums.

For those who aren't familiar with them, Red Fang is a band that has a real sound.  They don't sound like some watered-down radio-friendly band.  They're very high energy, not aggressive or "hardcore", so don't worry about soiling your slim jeans.

The opening track "Doen" has a awesome Mastodon vibe, but with a more stoner metal sound.  "Blood Like Cream has the most catchiest chorus.  "Voices of the Dead" is a song that I love turning the volume up when driving.  And "Dawn Rising" is a really sick Sludge track.

If you enjoy Mastodon or Queens of the Stone Age, then you'll really enjoy Red Fang.  They do a awesome of blending hard rock with a bit of Sludge.  They may not be a moshing band, but you can sure as hell bang your head to them.  And for you high school kids, while playing "Whales and leeches" in you're room, expect your parents to be banging on your door and telling you to put it louder.  That's why I give this album "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face.

Kyng - "Burn The Serum" (2014)

Finally, Kyng has put out their 2nd full-length, "Burn The Serum" (Razor & Tie Records).  Ever since "Trampled Sun", I've been waiting for Kyng to put out some new material.  And with "Burn The Serum", things have gotten even better.  They sound better.  There's some new elements into the mix.  This album did not disappoint.

The opening track ("Burn The Serum") is a favorite.  Love how it has that classic rock sound with a bit of 90's alternative.  And then it transcends into a much heavier sound.  On "Lost One", I don't remember Eddie and Tony playing anything like that.  It sure had a lot of energy.  It's great to something like that from Kyng.  "Electric Halo" had a ZZ Top feel, mixed with Judas Priest's "You have Another Thing Coming"  It's very throwback.  A song I was happy to see was "In the Land of Pigs".  If you remember in their old myspace page, their headline says "in the land of pigs, the butcher is Kyng".  But of course it was a awesome track.  And what's that, that I hear on "Big Ugly Me"?  Why it's a synth choir.  DUDE!!!!!  That is awesome.  Hope they decide to use a hammond organ on the next album.

Glad to see that Kyng didn't suffer the "sophomore jinx".  Their fan base is getting huge.  They got a good label behind them.  And coming soon, Kyng are gonna put out their first muisc video.  So be sure to catch Kyng when they're at a town near you.

"Burn The Serum" Gets "5 Hitlers punched in the Face".

Ghost- "Infestissumam" (2013)

It was about a few years ago that Ghost took the underground rock world by storm.  Was praised by Darkthrone's skin man, Fenriz.  Later a lot of major acts started to take notice (Phil Anselmo, James Hetfield, etc).  They were signed by Lee Dorian's label, Rise Above.  And Metal Blade made sure their debut album, "Opus Eponymous", got a decent distribution here in the US.  And of course there was the mad love they were getting from Decibel magazine ( who had them on the cover, twice).  

Last year, it was reported that Ghost got signed to Republic Records for a lot of cash.  Fans were now wondering if Ghost will outdo Opus.  And people who weren't familiar with them, were wondering if they were worth the hype.  Despite the over-the-top Satanic image, Ghost can really write some really catchy tunes.

As soon as I put in the cd, I knew I was going to enjoy this album once I heard the opening track.  One thing I notice was that the production didn't have that old school sound like the first album.  But it still had that Ghost feel.  "Secular Haze" is a way better song than "Ritual".  And "Year Zero is now my favorite Ghost track (before that, it was "Satan's Prayer").  And of course the chorus for "Monstrous Clock" was a great way to end the album.  Of course if you have the deluxe version, you also get two bonus songs (which includes a ABBA songs).   The lyrics still have a Satanic theme, but there are more church/Hammond organ than in the first one.

If you're a fan of Mercyful Fate and Blue Oyster Cult, you will dig this.  Most metal fans will be put off because they aren't a death metal/black metal band.  But if you can get pass their image, you will really like this band.  And I do have to admit, their image does bring something to their live shows.  "Infestissumam" totally gets "5 Hitlers punched in the face".  Come together, together as one.  Come together, for Lucifer's Son.

Kyng "Trampled Sun" (2011)

For a long time I've been following Eddie Veliz and Tony Castaneda musical journey.  And I have to say it looked like a bumpy ride.  In Steel Remains, they're vocalist left.  They continued as a four-piece, but changed their name to Ounce of Self so they won't get confused with another band called Still Remains.  And then I haven't heard from them again.

Years later, I saw in my Myspace bulletin, that Eddie and Tony started a new band called Kyng.  They were playing at the Blue Cafe in Huntington Beach, so I went to go check it out.  I was a little disappointed because I wanted it to be heavy just like Steel Remains/Ounce of Self.  But I couldn't deny that the songs were really rocking.  So I had to accept that Eddie and Tony  have moved on to a new direction.  After a few more shows, I really opened up to what they were doing with Kyng.  And I'm really glad they've hit it off.  It was a long journey.  I remember going to their shows and seeing how their wasn't much of a crowd.  It was disappointing to see, but Kyng kept riding.  Then their music was being played on Liquid Metal, thanks to Jose Mangin.  Since then, Kyng has been going on tour and supporting some very well known-establish acts.  And around mid-late 2011, they put out their debut album, Trampled Sun.

Trampled Sun is indeed one rock'n album. "Falling Down" really kicks things off. And this album continues to kick arse all the way through the epic "The Beauty of the End of Shoreline, Pts. 1 & 2".  "Porcelain" is a favorite of mines.  It just has a Alice In Chains vibe.  And that is why I'm a huge fan of Kyng.  They really bridge the gap between classic rock and 90's rock/metal.  The Pantera influence is still heard with some Soundgarden and 70's rock.  To me these elements is what makes Kyng really stand out from more mainstream rock and metal.  And with Pepe Clarke, they add some heavy power which compliments Eddie and Tony's playing.  Really looking forward to the new album.  And hope they continue to reign.

https://www.facebook.com/KyngRocks?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/kyngband

Purchase "Trampled Sun" Here