Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Independent

It’s not something that I usually seek out, this kind of pop rock music. But I know Stephanie, kind of, and I told her I’d do up a review. I also mentioned that I’d be brutally honest.
And honestly, I really like this. It’s in the vein of Tegan and Sara, but Stephanie has a more melancholic voice, something like Natalie Imbruglia’s and Fiona Apple’s put together into a Canadian girl. The thing I love about her voice the most is that she’s not perfect. She sometimes goes out of tune a little.
Stephanie keeps the listener on their toes, on the edge of their seat, on a rollercoaster of emotion. And I love it. It’s great to hear real, honest, immediate pop rock again, especially in this age of pre-built, canned, robotic stars. I’ll be making repeat Departures for sure.
9 out of 10.

Stephanie Bosch on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genres: Ambient, Metal, Rock, Shoegaze
Label: Independent

A CD that was unexpected in my mailbox, Auternus was not unwelcome. Their soundscapes are very much reminding me of a cross between A Perfect Circle, whom they cite as an influence, and My Bloody Valentine, with some Isis for flavor.
According to their promo package, they’re playing a lot of shows, getting distributed, and just all-around trying to get their music out there. These guys are working their asses off, and I’m sure that if I didn’t review this CD, you’d still hear about them in time.
If you’re into ambient that’s not boring, or metal-edged rock that makes you think a little, check out Auternus.
7 out of 10.

Auternus on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genre: Viking Metal
Label: Black Bards Entertainment

Heathen Foray is an Austrian Viking metal band that was formed in 2005, taking their name from a Falkenbach song. They center their music around history, mythology, and nature, all with songs clocking in at radio-length to long radio-length.
Their sound is deep and dark, and epic as hell, and it’s garnered them a support spot on the Paganfest 2008 tour featuring Ensiferum, Moonsorrow, Korpiklaani, Tyr and Eluveitie. In other words, these guys aren’t just screwing around, they are serious about their craft, and it shows in the music too. The chemistry these guys have is heard clearly on songs like “Chants”, which is also my favorite on the album, as well as “Dragon’s Eyes”, “Winterking”, and “Northstar”.
In all, it’s a solid album full of great riffs, excellent musicianship, and some Metalgasmic solos. If you’re into Viking or folk metal, I’d say you should get this.
7.5 out of 10.

Heathen Foray on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genre: Goregrind, Grindcore
Label: Independent

These Lithuanian monsters are dual-fronted by a male and a female, and both of them are ripping their throats out. Some seriously intense stuff going on with P.K.I.K.T., and it’s fast as fuck. But, thankfully, it’s not generic grindgrindgrind-barkbarkbark-grind that seems to be dominating the scene right now.
It’s a simple review here, folks. I love it, and it stands up to repeat listens too. I’ve listened to it twice in a row now.
7.5 out of 10.

P.K.I.K.T. on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Rock
Labels: Armoury Records, Mystic Production

The second album out of three from Eagle Rock’s package, Black River is a very nice surprise. Especially considering that two of the members are from the Polish blackened death legends Behemoth, and this album is really nowhere near black or death metal.
In fact, it’s pretty much straight up cock rock right out of the pages of AC/DC’s Book of Writing. And damn it is an asskicker of an album. It’s hard, heavy, and pure fun. Lyrically, it’s about drugs, drinking, and fucking, so there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t own this.
8 out of 10.

Black River on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post