#NewMusic
Being an online outlet, it's never fun when a series of technical issues hampers your content. We've had a few of these in the first part of this year, something we've hopefully now gone beyond, but in this time there are some albums we'd like to add to the reviews section which we were unable to get to closer to their release.
Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons - The Age Of Absurdity
Teaming up with three of his sons, Phil Campbell's new project has really started to kick on since the release of their somewhat forgettable initial EP releases. Gaining a larger level of focus and initiating a series of influences, whether it be a rougher edge taken from Phil's longstanding stint in Motorhead or tracks like Dropping The Needle and Gypsy King delving in to Motley Crue territory, the result is ultimately a very enjoyable listen from start to finish. The family connection with such a legendary figure at its core proves important musically and we can't wait to hear some of these tracks on the forthcoming tour. (10/13)
Black Moth - Anatomical Venus
As the touring cycle for Condemned To Hope started drawing to a close there was a real anticipation beginning to build as far as what Black Moth were going to be able to deliver next. As far as the stoner/doom scene is concerned they've definitely proven themselves to be one of the more interesting outfits already and with Anatomical Venus they've absolutely stamped their authority once again. The heaviness is still there in spades but there is just something about the full picture this time round which has just elevated things. This is a band continuing to grow and on this cycle they are not to be missed. Tracks like Sisters Of The Stone and Severed Grace are going to be monsters live. Check out our live review from their album launch show here - http://roomthirteen.com/live_reviews/7474/Black_Moth_Black_Moth_UK_Tour.html (10/13)
Judas Priest - Firepower
Holy shit. We're almost embarrassed to say that we simply didn't expect this album to be as good as this. The build-up for the new Judas Priest has been relatively muted, and with that the expectation didn't seem to be at the nuclear level a band like Judas Priest usually garners. Fact is, it sadly is a little rare in recent times for some of these legends of the game to unleash a real zinger but it's all in the title here - Halford and co. fly out of the blocks from the start and maintain a consistent level of Firepower throughout. Picking out certain tracks, when you listen to the likes of Lightning Strike, Necromancer or Flame Thrower it just sounds like a band rejuvenated and genuinely enjoying their rich new vein of form. The songs themselves are strong but the difference maker here is the overall production - performances for all members in the band are high and collectively it just sounds absolutely fucking massive. When you're putting out your eighteenth studio record and it sounds as good as this it's damn impressive with one of the true originators of Heavy Metal highlighting quite clearly that they've still got some legs in them yet. (11/13)
Turbowolf - The Free Life
With the release of their third studio album it is difficult to sway from the fact that this is a huge moment in Turbowolf's career. The strength of Two Hands and its ability to reach in to more commercial avenues boosted the anticipation for The Free Life whilst also setting some lofty expectations as to where exactly it should be leading them. As far as the content itself then, it is very strong, but doesn't quite have the bite that came with both the self-titled debut and Two Hands - the standout tracks for both of these were incredibly obvious straight away but not so much this time round. That isn't to say this album doesn't have some BIG tunes, but Cheap Magic and Domino aren't quite A Rose For The Crows or Solid Gold. There are guest slots in abundance across the record and on the most part they really add to the tracks rather than hinder it in any way - Death From Above's Sebastien Grainger and Vodun's Chantal Brown being the real highlights. Another high point on the record comes with the track Up & Atom which needs inserting in to their live sets as soon as possible. So plenty of bombast, riffs in abundance and groove that'll encourage even your oldest relatives to get up and jive, but there's just something missing which was anticipated somewhat to kick them in to truly boot them in to the next level. (10/13).
Ministry - AmeriKKKant
In case you hadn't already gathered from the album title, Ministry have very heavily gone with the political themes on their fourteenth studio record, launching their always ferocious breed of Industrial Metal in to an absolute tirade from beginning to end. Being one of the true originators for this particular sub-section of metal, as far as their sound is concerned it doesn't stray too far away from what you'd be used to hearing from them but there are attempts at bringing in slightly new aspects. A key example of this comes with the track We're Tired Of It which adds in doses of Electronic. Al Jourgensen hasn't lost any of his fire over the years, lyrically attacking pretty much everything that is pissing him off about modern day USA adding a real feel of anxiety and despair. Music has always been such an important outlet for political rage and Al has never shied away from it despite the apparent risk of polarising certain fans. It's a strong Ministry record and definitely one to throw on for a bit of cathartic therapy for any anger you may be feeling. (10/13)