review: Spylacopa (debut EP)

Spylacopa is that rare supergroup that lives up to its members’ pedigrees. Masterminded by Candiria guitarist John LaMacchia, Spylacopa grew to include Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato, and later, Isis bassist Jeff Caxide and Made Out of Babies singer Julie Christmas. Its five-song debut EP never sounds like any of those individuals’ bands. Instead, we’re treated to the raging post-hardcore of “Haunting a Ghost” and the dark, moody rock of “Bloodletting,” two songs with lush, memorable choruses; an elegiac piano and synth instrumental situated perfectly at the midpoint, “Together We Become Forever”; “Staring At the Sound,” an up-tempo rocker that recalls Jane’s Addiction at its most aggressive; and finally, heady psychedelics on “I Should Have Known You Would.” LaMacchia’s consistent production keeps this from ever feeling patchwork, remarkable considering the sonic variety and the disjointed nature of the disc’s writing and recording process. At 23 minutes, this would feel like a tease if it wasn’t so complete – and that said, I’m still dying to hear more.

Spylacopa

Spylacopa

Rising Pulse

review: Metal Church--This Present Wasteland

Twenty-five years in the game have made Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof one of the elder statesmen of heavy metal. On This Present Wasteland, he plays with the dignity of an old timer, adhering closely to the classic style which established the group in the mid-‘80s. The guitar solos, the lyrics (which hint at social concerns, but remain largely ambiguous), and the middling falsetto of singer Ronny Munroe are all fairly routine, but the band distinguishes itself with its rock solid musicianship and song writing. This music is definitely dated, though the band and their fans would likely argue that the classics never go out of style; and the modern (though understated) production sheen does help considerably. Metal Church arrived a little later than Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and never approached the success of those groups, but they would be well received in an opening slot for either band.

Metal Church
This Present Wasteland
Steamhammer/SPV

review: Hackneyed--Death Prevails

The early buzz about Hackneyed’s debut album has centered around the band members’ ages—some of these guys won’t drink legally for a half-decade or more—but death metal fans will find plenty of promising material on Death Prevails. The German band’s use of dynamics and tempo changes gives them an advantage over many of their more experienced peers, who insist on playing fast and brutal at every moment. Hackneyed’s musicianship is adequate, but it’s their songwriting that impresses, as the band forges an identity for each individual track. “Symphony of Death” sways with an almost Egyptian vibe, and the goofy, cannibalistic lyrics on “Ravenous” are instantly memorable. The only stumble lies in the execution of the synthesizers, which sit awkwardly in the mix and sound tacked on. Beyond that minor quibble, it’s true that Hackneyed haven’t really tried anything new—yet. But Death Prevails hints at good things to come.

Hackneyed

Death Prevails

Nuclear Blast