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This week we will be looking at Basement's new release, "Promise Everything". I think I have heard of this band before, but perhaps I am mistaken. Either way, it seems like the one to review this week. My first impression comes from the cover. The second is the fact that this album is only 28 minutes long. It seems interesting enough so let's just get on to it!
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Track 1 - Brother's Keeper
Well, it's not what I expected but in this case, that's a wonderful thing! It kinda has a Sunny Day Real Estate meets Blink 182 meets Weezer kinda vibe to it. I'm digging this song pretty hardcore so far. It sounds like my new favorite album to drive nowhere to! I can already tell i'm going to like, if not LOVE this band by the end of this album. I have already played this song 5 times. It has just the right amount of heaviness and just the right amount of chill. GREAT SONG!
4/5
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Track 2 - Hanging Around
This song is just as good as the first! How in the hell did I miss these guys? They sound like a 90's band and seeing how it is now 2016, it's great to hear something like this again! This is the type of song that makes you want to shake your head to the beat. I really can't believe how good this band is! This is already going to be a hands-down candidate for album of the year with me just 2 tracks in!
4/5
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Track 3 - Lose Your Grip
Usually when the first 3 songs of an album are good, that's a sure fire way to tell that it's going to be a great album. This song is catchy as fuck and after about 3 listens, you'll already be singing parts of it along with them. So far, this album has been absolutely GREAT! I have not heard a song I didn't LOVE yet. The music is absolutely phenomenal. I may have to rearrange my top 100 list soon. Very soon.
4/5
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Track 4 - Aquasun
I absolutely love the harmonics at the beginning of this song. This is already BY FAR the best album of 2016. Every song i've listened to has gotten 4 plays more or each and I RARELY do that with an album right off the bat. I still don't know how these guys slipped past me, but this is the kind of band you want to look up on Wikipedia to find out more about them. After doing so, I never would have guessed they were from England. It is also cool as fuck to see that every member has always been in the band.
4/5
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Track 5 - Submission
So it's official... this is my new favorite band, minus Twenty One-Pilots who have also made a huge impact on my listening recently. I really like how 90's these guys sound. That makes me incredibly happy! You can hear all of their influences extremely well and it really translates into something special. I feel like I should be able to turn MTV on and see their music video for this song on the tv. I hope these guys hit it big over here. I have a feeling they would resonate very well with people my age longing for another glimpse of their past. The only bad thing I can really say is that there is nothing bad to say at all. Which is pretty good.
4/5
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Track 6 - Oversized
So we have hit the half-way point and if anything, I like this band more with every listen. This album is way too short and makes me want to hear more! I love how every song sounds completely different, yet still the same. You'll get what I mean when you check it out. That's usually thanks to the guitarist, who is exceptionally well in this band! But don't get me wrong... every member of this band plays their part perfectly. Their drummer is pretty amazing too. This band is too good for words!
4/5
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Track 7 - Blinded Eye
In this song they go all Weezerish and really show a wide range of 90's influence. I am now convinced this is the best 90's band that never existed in the 90's. I have really enjoyed every track on this album so far and with only 3 tracks to go, i'd say at this point it's safe to say that everyone is going to be just as wonderful as the rest. I am literally blown away by this album. I did not expect this at all!
4/5
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Track 8 - For You The Moon
Sitting here listening to this album, I really never expected it to be as good as it is. Like I said to begin with, I think i've heard of them, but I wasn't sure. I am completely impressed with this album though. This song, is a little slower than the rest, but it's nevertheless just as good as the rest of this perfect album. The guitar solo in this song is reminescient of Incubus' "A Crow Left Of The Murder" album. I see this band broke up briefly only to reassemble to release this masterpiece. I have to listen to their older albums now, because this band is ridiculously amazing.
4/5
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Track 9 - Promise Everything
This song is by far my favorite one! I love the quiet subtlety of the singers voice and powerful raw energy he brings when he decides to scream the chorus. Whoever recorded this album for them did a wonderful job with the mixes. They are all FLAWLESS and wonderfully sound. Definitely my favorite album of 2016 so far.
5/5
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Track 10 - Halo
The last track on this album is titled, "Halo". It leaves a lingering overtone of suspense and mystery to this album. It leaves you wanting more. I would love to hear more tracks on this album and perhaps there are some b-sides hanging around somewhere. I will do my best to get those. This band has definitely stolen my attention.
4/5
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Overall - 41/50
Hands down, best album of January and possibly of 2016. I will be listening to this album for years to come. I came in not knowing what to expect and I leave having a new favorite album to add to my list. This ALBUM is AMAZING! Willowbee out.
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So I was looking at my sources website for an album to review this week and I was going to do the new Panic At The Disco album. It was ok, but then I checked one last time and found out that Megadeth's Dystopia had just leaked. Now, I figured, it had been awhile since I heard one of their albums and it would be nice to hear something from them. The last album I heard from them had the song "Crush Em" on it and it turned me off so much that I haven't listened to anything until now. THIS album was EXTREMELY hard to get my hands on, but as always, I GOT IT! So here we go... I present to you, Megadeth's, "Dystopia".
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Track 1 - The Threat Is Real
My first impression of this album, comes from the cover artwork. IT IS AWESOME! That aside, the first track starts of with what appears to be an arabian woman singing. That is immediately followed by sheer awesomeness! You can definitely hear that Mr. Mustaine has aged. That doesn't however take anything away from how great he is as a musician. There is lots of shredding on this track and it sets a great tone for what should be a great album from an all-time great band! I haven't heard anything this good from them in a long time. Needless to say, I am excited!
4/5
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Track 2 - Dystopia
This is easily my favorite track so far. The intro almost sounds like a heavy metal version of something from an old NES game like "Ninja Gaiden". It has a super pumpy, driving kinda feel to it. This is setting up to be an epic album. His lyrics thus far have been great at complementing the album's name. He really has a great grasp on what is going on in the world today. There is a ton of shredding on this album! The outro for this song is AMAZING! I would say they sound a LOT like "Avenged Sevenfold" but it actually is the other way around. Fans of them will absolutely LOVE this album. It has been great so far!
4/5
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Track 3 - Fatal Illusion
This is the first song that i'm somewhat disappointed in. It just feels different than the other songs. The bass line towards the beginning is fucking awesome though! Other than that though, this song isn't near as good as the first 2 songs were. I'm not as impressed. This is the kind of song that made me quit listening to them in the first place. This one sounds like it was rushed. Not horrible, but not as good.
2.5/5
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Track 4 - Death From Within
The intro is interesting so far. This song sounds a little better than the previous but it seems like this album could take a turn for the worst quickly. It's too much of the same and the background vocals on the chorus just don't do it for me. The guitar solo however, saves this song from being another sub-par track. The guitars on this album have been wonderful so far.
3/5
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Track 5 - Bullet To The Brain
This song starts with a very relaxing acoustic guitar riff. That is very short-lived though. When the song comes thundering in, it demands attention and brings them back on track! I am happy this one doesn't suck. After the last 2 tracks, I was really starting to doubt them again. This song is pretty good and like Meatloaf said, 3/5 ain't bad, or was that another fraction?
3.5/5
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Track 6 - Post American World
This song took a couple of listens to completely absorb just how amazingly epic it is. This almost sounds like something from COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION!!! This song really made me happy. This is easily the BEST track so far on this album! Just the lyric, "If you don't like where we're going, then you won't like what's coming next". Says something about the world we're living in today and the road that all of us are going down without even knowing it. THIS SONG IS AMAZING! THE BEST SONG OF 2016 SO FAR! PERIOD.
5/5
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Track 7 - Poisonous Shadows
Another acoustic laced intro that is short lived. This song is pretty damn good. It's not the last track, but it holds it's own just fine. The guitar work on this album has been simply beautiful! The chorus on this track is great! I really am beginning to love this album. Aside from the two dud songs this album has been as EPIC as I expected it to be.
4/5
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Track 8 - Conquer Or Die
OMFG. THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE MEGADETH SONG. It makes me feel like i'm ten years old all over again and playing Castlevania 2 on the NES with my brother blaring Megadeth in the other room! This is one of the most EPIC instrumental songs i've ever heard! It has a very strong tinge of "Simon Belmont" to it and if you know what i'm talking about then you deserve a, "hell yeah"! This album is quickly rivaling, "Countdown To Extinction". Yeah, I said it.
5/5
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Track 9 - Lying In State
This album is easily going to get 4 out of 5 star reviews across the board. I have really enjoyed listening to and reviewing it so far. This song is no exception. "Hell is turning itself inside out, to lead his path of the fears and we deliberately take a step, one foot closer to the grave". Dave's lyrics on this album have really chimed in to what is going on in the world today. He really hit the nail on the head this time.
4/5
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Track 10 - The Emperor
This song has a loud, thumping intro. They really outdid themselves on this album. They should call it quits after this cause it's going to be hard to match the success they should achieve with this album. If this is their "swan song" album than they have left us with a clear cut warning to get ready for the inevitable. This album fucking ROCKS.
4/5
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Track 11 - Foreign Policy (Fear Cover)
The last song they put on this album was a cover from a band called, "Fear". I have never heard of them so momentarily I am listening to their version before I check out Megadeth's version so I have a basis for comparison. It's not bad, very early 80's punk. Now onto the Megadeth cover of it... Definitely wayyyyy heavier than Fears version of it. Not nearly as punk. But equally as good! A good choice for them to close out an EPIC album with. This album falls just a hair under "Countdown To Extinction" as my favorite Megadeth album.
4/5
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Overall - 43/55
So far, this is EASILY the best album i've reviewed this year. An INSTANT classic, this will be a contender for rock album of the year. It's dark and gloomy with a side of thrash. I loved it! Willowbee out.
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I've always heard of this band, but never have taken the time to check them out. Well, today is that day! I've been listening to this album for a week now and it really starts to grow on you. But let's just get into it, track by track!
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Track 1 - World's Unknown (Part 1)
If this intro is any sign of what's to come, then holy shit! I am hooked! I'm always a sucker for pianos and their dreary guitar lingering in the background makes it all the more excellent. I expect big things from this album based on this intro.
4/5
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Track 2 - Broken Truth
I'll be honest. I expected this band to be a lot more darker based on that intro. I kinda feel like i'm at church watching a christian band. They're not bad at all, the singer just gives off that kind of "worshippy" vibe. That and the lack of darkness aside, it's actually pretty good. The band sounds tight and well rehearsed. I am digging them. This is definitely the best album i've heard this year so far.
3.5/5
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Track 3 - Back To Life
This band really reminds me of the band, "The Butterfly Effect". I really wish they were a tad bit heavier. I feel like if I blasted this in my car, I might be embarassed if someone pulled up next to me. I like them, but I don't love them. Their guitarist is pretty good. So far this is the weakest track.
2.5/5
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Track 4 - Bound
More of the same, this band likes to play it safe. I really expected a lot more from this album after that intro. Unfortunately, this is more like the band your best friends kid sister listens to. There's just still not enough to consider me a fan yet. Not bad, but not my cup of tea.
2.5/5
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Track 5 - Heavy Hand
I really, really like this song. This may be the best track on this album! A little heavier than the rest and it most DEFINITELY makes a difference. It's faster paced, more crunchy and just overall more enjoyable than the rest of this album has been. This song kicks ass. I wouldn't be embarassed at all listening to this one.
4/5
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Track 6 - Endless Road
This song is starting off pretty good, so maybe they can still redeem themselves. It really does seem like the heavier the guitarist is playing the better the singer sounds. I would LOVE to hear this band turn up that aspect tenfold. Still nothing groundbreaking though.
3.5/5
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Track 7 - The Now
I really want to like this band. But they just seem to slow for me. When I decided to review them, they were labeled "progressive rock" and so far, I still have yet to hear anything like that besides the intro. This is more like "easy listening, soft rock with a tinge of hard rock guitars". I want you to listen to this, but then again... maybe you should start with track 5 first.
2.5/5
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Track 8 - Guilty One
This vocalist sounds like Richard Marx leading a soft rock band. He almost sounds out of place. You can really tell the guitarist wants to play so much heavier. I really love their guitarist. His soloing is always on point and makes the songs so much better. This one is a little better.
3/5
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Track 9 - Different Voice
I give this band a C. I really kind of secretly like them but I want them to be heavier. I can hear faint tinges in this song of what they could do, but neglect to, either because it's not them or because they feel like they can't pull it off. This song is actually one of the better tracks on it. The band is EXCELLENT on this track! The singer isn't so bad either.
3.5/5
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Track 10 - Solid Ground
I am starting to like this band a little more. They're not going to be a favorite anytime soon. But with songs like this, they could grow on you pretty quick. It's not too bad though. Kinda soft, kinda hard, the perfect band for your brothers kid sister. Haha.
2.5/5
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Track 11 - Worlds Unknown (Part 2)
The outro is just a continuation of the excellent intro. I still wish they would have been heavier and darker. But nevertheless, not too bad in my opinion.
4/5
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Overall - 35.5/55
So overall, if you are looking for something dark, progressive or heavy, this is not the band for you. However, if soft, Richard Marxish slightly distorted guitars are your thing, then this is right up your alley. For me. It's a car illegally parked in that alley. Not too bad, but not the album of the year. I actually just looked them up on google to find that there are members from Sevendust and Alter Bridge on this album. Kinda neat, had no clue about that. Still doesn't change the fact about your brothers kid sister loving them. Hey isn't Alter Bridge that same way? Haha. Once again, this has been fun. Willowbee out.
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So next up we have an Italian band that goes by the name, "Dryseas". Their album is titled, "Dryseaification". This album is only 7 tracks long, so it's a fairly short album. Let's get to it.
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Track 1 - Into The White Desert
This is the intro track to the album. It's pretty short clocking in at 1:43. The first thing that makes me happy is that it is in English... that's always a good sign! It's pretty relaxing and not too bad of an intro. I expect something super heavy next.
2.5/5
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Track 2 - Delicious
It immediately comes in sounding pretty grungey. This band almost sounds like it could be the love child of "Queens Of The Stone Age" & "Marilyn Manson". The singers voice is a little hard to understand due to his accent, but his pronunciation isn't horrible, just accented. The instrumentation is pretty tight, but so far it seems to be lacking something. Or it could just be the song. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not great.
2.5/5
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Track 3 - I Won't Make It Out
I like the intro guitar riff in this song. But once again, it's a little more of the same. This singer will take some getting used to. He's definitely got an "acquired taste" kind of vocal. It's really hard to make out some of the lyrics but the music is pretty good. Very dreadful, very dark. It sounds like something Dracula would listen to on poker night.
2.5/5
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Track 4 - Too Late
I love the intro to this song. If the last song was for poker night, this one would be his alarm clock ringtone. This band definitely has the whole "dread" sound down. The guitarist in this band is really the star. The vocalist needs a lot of work on his style. It's extremely hard to understand, but once again, not horrible.
2.5/5
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Track 5 - Rainy Day
The thing I hate about this band is how every song sounds the same. I guess that could be what they are going for, but it doesn't compute to success in these parts. People like diversity in their music and this band sounds overdone. It really isn't bad, I promise, it's just something that only some people will like, kind of like "Tool". The drummer kicks ass on this song however.
2.5/5
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Track 6 - The Ballad Of Lost Reason
Their first slower track, is also the best of their songs thusfar. It's chill and finally you can understand the singer a little more. So far this is definitely their shining moment. Guitars straight from the textbook of Manson and lyrics and vocals as dark as this bands music has been. I definitely like this song the most. With one track left, it's hard to say how this will all wrap up.
3.5/5
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Track 7 - Dryseaification
The final track on this album is also the title track. It is a 5 minute long jam session and also stands out as the best track on the entire album! If every track would have been as awesome as this, this would have been a great album! The vocalist is missing from this track and that's a shame. It would have been interesting to hear what he could have done on this track.
5/5
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Overall - 26/35
This album could have been a LOT better if it would have sounded more like the last track. If the singer would work on his pronunciation, it would help tremendously! I like it overall, but the last track will probably be the only song that makes my playlist. If you like "Queens Of The Stone Age" & "Marilyn Manson", you will love this album! Till next week, Willowbee out!
