Ninth Circle - The Power of One (2008)

I like to think that once you hear the first few seconds of "Frontman", you pretty much know you're in for one hell of a ride.  What Ninth Circle bring to the table is a 80's metal sound for the 00's.  Imagine if early Iron Maiden and Journey made love, this is what would come out of the womb.   Three blokes from the LA area, with great musicianship and song writing.

When I saw Ninth Circle play in Pomona last month, they really blew me away with a kick arse live show.  So I bought their first two albums, and I like to think that "The Power of One" is a great way to introduce this band.  This album has a lot of songs that you can bang your head, and sing-a-long to in your car.  Once you get past the title track and "The Journey", you're pretty much hooked on this album forever.  "Our Last Days" has a pretty good guitar chug for anyone who's a fan of that.  The beginning of "Hour 21" has a Maiden feel, which I'm always a sucker for.  And speaking of Maiden, Ninth Circle does a cover of "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden.  How can you not love this album.

I have to thank Kantation's Martin DeBourge for bringing attention to these guys.  Their hooks are really great and do grab your attention.  Dennis' melodic vocals is perfect and doesn't sound like generic pop (i.e. Periphery, Monuments, TesseracT).  His guitar playing is also great.  And of course the rhythm section of Frank and Dave really back Dennis up.  These three really make Ninth Circle the well-oiled machine that it is.  When finding new bands, I always try to look for the ones who are pushing their sound forward.  But Ninth Circle has such a nostalgic sound that I really couldn't avoid them.  If you're one of many people who say that today's music sucks, then look up these guys.  I'm sure you'll dig these guys if your a old school fan or not.  "The Power of One" gets "5 Hitlers Punched In The Face"

For more info, follow Ninth Circle on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/NinthCircleBand

Girlflesh - "Almost Human" (2015)

I swear it seemed like it was yesterday, when "Nudes" came out.  An album that has been getting a lot of great feedback.  And of course brought attention to the one-lass juggernaut known as Girlflesh.  In January, Girlflesh's Roxxi Wallace released her 2nd full-length, "Almost Human".  Of course this was released on her birthday (Jan. 27), and it's pretty sweet that Ms. Wallace celebrated her birthday by sharing her art.

The first track, "I Want To Believe", starts off with Wallace singing through a reverb effect.  To me, those few first seconds does have a loneliness feel to it, before the beats start kicking in.  "Sad Birthday" is a song I wish I would hear on the radio.  The chorus is really catchy and does stick to me.  "I'm a Whore For the Fourth Reich" is definitely step forward to the Girlflesh sound.  A song that I know will be accepted at goth/industrial bars in L.A.  And I have to say I enjoy the Nazi-xploitaton- esque song title.  I wouldn't mind hearing more of this on the next Girlflesh album.

From the lyrics to the music, "Almost Human" does have a darker vibe than "Nudes".  Which is what I really wanted Girlflesh to go for, since there's more places to explore on that side.  And according to Girlflesh's bandcamp page, "Almost Human" is a "conceptual album telling a story of confusion, isolation and existential dread", which is a good way to describe this album.  Especially when hearing "I Want To Believe". That's a perfect track to start off this album.  For sure, Roxxi's production skills have improved.  And only 21 yrs old, the young Aussie still has plenty of time to grow even bigger.  But right now, I really enjoy where Roxxie is taking Girlflesh.  And I wonder, by looking at the first two album covers, if on the third album, will the torso be fully clothed.  Sort of a closure to this era of Girlflesh.  But anyways, if you enjoyed "Nudes", then you're really gonna enjoy "Almost Human".  Roxxie Wallace earns herself another "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

You can purchase "Almost Human" at the link below:

https://officialgirlflesh.bandcamp.com/album/almost-human

Highly recommended if you're into dark electronic music.

The Lovely Bad Things - "The Late Great Whatever" (2013)

Being in my 30's, it's always awesome when I put on a record from a young band, and it makes me feel 16 again.  I'm pretty sure that's what many people have said about The Lovely Bad Things.  This is a band that I found while browsing through Reverbnation.  Just a couple of month ago, I finally purchase some of their vinyl.  As much as I enjoyed the "New Ghost/Old Wave" ep, it's their first full length, "The Late Great Whatever...",  that I really enjoy.

"Hear or Anywhere" does get things going.  Hearing Laura's voice does take me to a happy place.  And "Fried Eyes" is a great follow-up.  I believe Camron does vocals along with Laura on this track.  "North Bend" has that 80's No Wave sound, which make me love this band even more.  I really admire the band's raw energy.  The whole garage rock production makes The Lovely Bad Things' sound feel so real.  Where other bands focus on a more on a more slick and polished production.  Not that it's a bad thing, but a lot of bands should really focus on making their songs have a heart.

"The Late Great Whatever..." is definitely a step up from "New Ghost/Old Wave".  For sure they found there own sound.  I like to think that if I hear a Lovely Bad Things tune, I know it's a Lovely Bad Things tune.  When Cam and Laura do vocals, they really stand out.  And I hope they continue that with the next record.  Of course I have to give props to the rhythm section.  I have to say that Brayden can pound those skins.  The guitar tone is just perfect, but I really love the song writing.  It makes me want to bounce on my bed while listening to this album on my headphones.  So if you want to feel young again, give "The Late Great Whatever..." a spin.  You'll totally become a fan of The Lovely Bad Things.  I rate this album"5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".  "Randall the Savage" alone makes me want to punch Hitler.

To purchase "The Late Great Whatever..."

https://volcomentertainment.bandcamp.com/album/the-late-great-whatever

Code415 "Birthday" Podcast: 2/6/15

Thanks for joining in on this special birthday episode.  On this episode I'm gonna play 6 tracks.  So hope you guys will enjoy.  This is also the last episode before I take a break.  The podcast should be back in early March.  So take care everyone.

Playlist

Hypocrisy - "Rosswell 47"

Vivian Girls - "When I'm Gone"

Faith No More - "Malpractice"

Napalm Death - "In Deference"

Death In June - "Heaven Street"

Anaal Nathrakh - "Blood Eagles Carved on the Back of Innocents"

Code 415 "Birthday" Podcast: 2/6/15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Lock Your Doors Podcast - Episode 4: Jukebox Spooks Vol. 1

Today is a special episode.  Planning on taking a break, so I'll leave you guys with some music by Necro Cult, Current 93, Hypocrisy, Akem Manah, and Graveyard Henchmen.  Hope you guys enjoy.

1. Necro Cult - "Glorification of Pure Evil"

http://www.reverbnation.com/necrocult666

2. Current 93 - "Lucifer Over London"

https://current931.bandcamp.com/album/sixsixsix-sicksicksick-2

3. Hypocrisy - "Compulsive Psychosis"

Buy "Virus" on Amazon

4. Akem Manah - "Apocalypse"

https://akemmanah-usa.bandcamp.com/album/the-devil-is-in-all-of-you

5. Graveyard Henchmen - "Night of the Werewolf"

http://www.reverbnation.com/graveyardhenchmen

Lock Your Doors Podcast - Episode 4: Jukebox Spooks - Vol. 1 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Code 415 Podcast: 1/30/15

Playlist:

Kantation - "Forget Me"

http://www.kantation.com/

The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Black Bublegum"

To Purchase "Ire Work", click here.

Gogol Bordello - "Start Wearing Purple"

To purchase Gypsy Punk: Underdog World Strike, click here.

Code 415 Podcast: 1/30/15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

NAMM IS...... RUTHLESS!!!

*NOTE - I apologize if the pictures didn't turn out right.  I didn't want to spend the entire show taking a bunch of pictures.   Just wanted to kick back and enjoy the bands that night. 

Last night I attended the Post-NAMM show at Malones in Santa Ana.  Headlined by Ruthless and Kantation.  Of course this was also suppose to be Kantation's CD release party, but because of the delay of the new album, "Nephilim", the boys from Kantation decided to put out a Limited Edition Sampler, which included the Saxon cover, "Power and the Glory".

I left around 6:15, hoping that I'll make it there on time.  But had to drive back home to get directions to Malones.  Of course when I got into the 60 FWY, it was pretty pack.  And then of course I got off the wrong off-ramp in the 55, so I missed out on the opening band, Sentenced To Burn.  From what Martin DeBourge said, these guys were old school Thrash.  Really bummed out I didn't catch them.

(Sinicle)

When I got to Malones, Sinicle were already playing.  Pretty cool metal band that can genre shift.  That right there impressed me.  I really admire a band that can turn things left field.  I was able to pick up there CD, "Still In Mind".  Should listen to it later on and maybe do a review.

(Black Vulture Conspiracy)

These guys got things really rolling for me.  From Covina, CA, Black Vulture Conspiracy play the straight out, aggressive metal that I enjoyed in the 90's.  I remember hearing there songs on Reverbnation, but I didn't think much of it.  Mainly because I was interested in looking for experimental bands at that time.  Then they appeared on Martin DeBourge's "Throwback Metal Show" on www.koshermetal.com.  Really enjoyed their interview, but wasn't sure if I was sold.  That was until last night when I saw them live.  And holy shit, these blokes sounded WAY awesome live.  Actually listening back to the songs on their Reverbnation does sound really awesome.  But they really have won me over and really looking forward to the next gig.

(Crost)

Another band that brings me back to the 90's.  When listening to Crost, you do get a vibe that these guys were into Pantera.  But I also hear influences from old school Metal bands.  This was a cool set.  And it was cool seeing another band that was on the "Throwback Metal Show".

(Ninth Circle)

Just like with Black Vulture Conspiracy, Ninth Circle have also won me over with there set.  Of course their sound is more straight forward metal, but they actually sing than growl.  I guess that's why I ended up enjoyed them.  I was able to pick up both of there CDs at the show.  The merch girl who sold them to me said I can get them autographed by the guy in the band.  But I was a bit tired from recording my podcast earlier that day.  That and I do tend to get very shy.  But I really do like these chaps.  Hope to catch another show.

(Kantation)

(w/ Becky from Voidcrush)

It's always great to see Martin again.  For the second time, I got to see Kantation kick arse again.  And like always, these blokes from the high desert slaughtered.  It was a very Metal set.  Later in the show, Kantation will be joined by special guest.  First up was Becky from the band Voidcrush.  Hearing her voice live was quite the experience.  Then they were joined by Deke from Mindcage to end the show with the Saxon's "Power & The Glory".  Of course the Saxon cover fuck'n slayed.  And the only way you would get the song is from the sampler that was available at the show.

(Ruthless)

And to end the show was Santa Ana's (or Glendora, according to their FB page) very own, Ruthless.  It's sad to say that I never heard these guys before.  Of course they were brought to my attention by Martin DeBourge, when he had them on last year's Throwback Metal Fest.  But if you grew up in the local LA/OC Metal scene in the 80's, then you would be very familiar.  For sure they put on a great Metal set.  Seeing Ruthless live reminded me why enjoyed traditional Metal.  The crowd was really into them.  And it was awesome to see their fan base coming out and support.  I really enjoyed banging my head to their songs.

I really would like to check out another show at Malones.  The set up was really cool.  They had two stages in that venues.  Which makes it very convenient for bands to set up and not have to wait for the other bands to finish their set.  I rate this show "5 Hitlers Punched In The Face".  Too bad Hitler wasn't in that show, so I can punch him.  Because this show was fuck'n METAL! 

Kudos to Eddie of The House of Metal for putting on a great Metal show.