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Andrew BlackieFeatures
Nu-Metal’s Not Dead!August saw a resurgence of nu-metal glory for 2008, with several former figureheads dropping their new releases. And instead of these bands dying off like the genre they ostensibly belonged to, most proved there's still life after the spotlight moves on. [24 September 2008] Taking Their Passion Play to the Road: An Interview with NightwishIf bassist Marco Hietala laughs easily, it's because his band's back where they want to be after a period of gloom and change. [5 March 2008] Reviews
Alice in Chains: Black Gives Way to BlueTheir first studio album in 14 years, Alice in Chains do no disservice to anyone with Black Gives Way to Blue. Its value, then, depends on how one hears it. [7 October 2009] 
George Harrison: Let It Roll: Songs by George HarrisonNot quite the definitive tribute that rediscovered George deserved, Let It Roll is a patchy albeit always listenable collection [19 June 2009] 
Touch Me, I’m Sick by Tom ReynoldsEver the philanthrope, Reynolds hunts through the archives of music history to find 52 of the most chillingly unhinged love songs. [19 August 2008] 
John Lennon: John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band [DVD]The Classic Albums series manages to faithfully remember and do justice to John Lennon's solo masterpiece. [16 June 2008] 
Disturbed: IndestructibleOn their introspective fourth album, Disturbed manage to envision an apocalypse of sorts without needing to militarize anyone else's tunes. 
Pretty Vacant: by Phil StrongmanStrongman makes a determined case for punk’s longevity, proving that the genre’s spirit will never die. [12 May 2008] 
Panic at the Disco: Pretty. Odd.On their sophomore effort, Panic at the Disco make the vast, illogical leap from two-bit, 'in-with-the-emo-crowd' sensation to Beatles tribute band. But hey, wait, it suits them! [10 April 2008] 
Dream Theater: Greatest HitthiasListening to this compilation is a little like watching Revenge of the Sith... you knew it had to exist to bridge the gap, but you can't find another reason for its necessity. [4 April 2008] 
Earth: The Bees Made Honey in the Lions SkullThese drone metal stalwarts turn in a wordless masterpiece with their sixth album, making music that is cryptic, evocative and gigantic all at the same time. [26 February 2008] 
Bullet for My Valentine: Scream Aim FireBullet for My Valentine's second record is an embarrassing slump that shoots at heavy and political targets and makes a disastrous mess of it. [11 February 2008] 
Smashing Pumpkins: American GothicBilly Corgan celebrates the beauty of an acoustic guitar after the big bang of Zeitgeist... to little effect [8 February 2008] 
Nights Like These: Sunlight at SecondhandTennessee outfit reinvent themselves as doom metal and impenetrable, but fail to hide their impressive potential. 
StoneRider: Three Legs of TroubleMore songs about fast cars, booze, and women … done right this time. [7 February 2008] 
For the Fallen Dreams: ChangesAnother powerful Christian band joins the metal ranks. [4 February 2008] 
The Mars Volta: The Bedlam in GoliathGet out some incense, and a ouija board, if you have one... The Mars Volta has a new album out. [29 January 2008] 
Crime in Stereo: Crime in Stereo is DeadCrime in Stereo's third album pushing their punk origins into something diverse and accomplished. [28 January 2008] 
The Forms: The FormsPut aside your cynicism for indie rock: The Forms' sophomore album is required listening. [24 January 2008] 
A Taste of Ra: Morning of My LifeObsessive Swedish musician Nicolai Dunger fondly cherishes youthful mornings in a forty-minute, one-song album. [23 January 2008] 
The Format: Live at the Mayan Theatre [DVD]As far as intimate live concerts captured on DVD go, it’s hard to top this -- a live show done right and with absolutely no creative restraint. [8 January 2008] 
Arise and Ruin: The Final DawnThere are no surprises to be had on this Victory Records outfit's sophomore release, but there's a lot to be said for a band with all the right influences who dish them out with their own gusto. [17 December 2007] 
Oslo: The Rise and Fall of Love and HateCalifornia-based, Norwegian-named fivesome get out their inner Brit on their sophomore. 
Tarja: My Winter StormAfter climbing to fame with Nightwish, this talented Finnish singer's solo album can't break free of the looming shadow cast by her ex-band. [7 December 2007] 
Various Artists: The Unholy Alliance [DVD]Musically, of course, it doesn’t get much better than this – some of metal’s biggest names are on the bill, and in fine form, too, so the main fault with The Unholy Alliance is the compilation. [6 December 2007] 
Enter Shikari: Take to the SkiesPopular music comes to an interesting crossroads on this British band's adventurous debut. [3 December 2007] 
Sick City: NightlifeIf emo ruled the world Nightlife, the debut spin by Canadian newcomers Sick City, would be the best album ever. [20 November 2007] 
Madball: Infiltrate the SystemNew York hardcore veterans do their worst to bring down the powers that be. [19 November 2007] 
Soldiers: End of DaysThe ultimate select your own breakdown hardcore punk album. [13 November 2007] 
Avenged Sevenfold: Avenged SevenfoldEven Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses will be hard-pressed to be as bad as this, the sorry result of a band who caught on to some initial success and let it run away with them. [9 November 2007] 
Coheed & Cambria: No World for TomorrowCoheed and Cambria have crafted a surprisingly uplifting depiction of apocalypse. [8 November 2007] 
Seether: Finding Beauty in Negative SpacesThe boys in Seether are both angry and hopeful on Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, looking for any outlet after a particularly unhappy year. [2 November 2007] 
Gregory & the Hawk: In Your DreamsWith nothing but bedroom production and a guitar at her disposal, what has been created with In Your Dreams is a truly striking musical journey. [1 November 2007] 
Jimmy Eat World: Chase This LightJimmy Eat World have never sounded as happy or as well-produced as they do on Chase this Light, which is why it disappoints. [16 October 2007] 
Nightwish: Dark Passion PlayNightwish has retained a fierce level of instrumental competence but has lost their incredible lead singer, Tarja Turunen. [4 October 2007] 
Scorpions: HumanityDesmond Child's big-budget production makes the Scorpions' 21st full-length sound noisier and more vigorous than most musicians their age... but the music doesn't do anything much but flounder. [26 September 2007] 
At the Throne of Judgment: The Arcanum OrderAt under 20 years of age, At the Throne of Judgment are tipping their hats to Iron Maiden and Nile, plus playing metal that looks inward with a savage eye. Hail the pagans! [12 September 2007] 
Ash: Twilight of the InnocentsIf this is to be the final full-length chapter from this Irish band, they’ve given their parting salute with an impeccable album. [4 September 2007] 
As I Lay Dying: An Ocean Between UsAs I Lay Dying really tighten the screws on their fourth album. [28 August 2007] 
Sum 41: Underclass HeroUnderclass Hero finds Sum 41 confused about whether they want to be punks or lovers... and which band to rip-off next. [22 August 2007] 
Morningbell: Through the Belly of the SeaMorningbell presents the world's very first choose your own adventure album. [16 August 2007] 
Fuel: Angels & DevilsWith a fresh line-up and new singer, plus a mini-promotion from Chris Daughtry that put them back on the map, Fuel's fourth album is still one of the gloomiest rock you'll hear all year. [15 August 2007] 
Or, the Whale: Light Poles and PinesA band with a weird name, from San Francisco, playing country. How cool is that? [7 August 2007] 
Bedlight for Blue Eyes: Life on Lifes TermsEmo on good terms... their numbers have a charm and wit to them that separates them from the rest of the pack. 
Josiah: No TimeThe rock gods of the '70s are saluted on the back of an imitator... again. [3 August 2007] 
TME: Worlds CollideVintersorg guitarist Mattias Marklund raises some serious horns with his side project [2 August 2007] 
Korn: UntitledComing off the back of a hugely busy schedule, Korn turns up the experiments and rage against global warming on their eighth album, but forget how to engage us. [31 July 2007] 
Dark Tranquility: FictionFiction contains, without question, some of the best death metal out there, no less than we've come to expect from these long-serving veterans. 
Turisas: The Varangian WayThe fierce Finnish crew throw in some spice on their sophomore effort, making for a truly vast and grand slab of battle metal. [30 July 2007] 
Paradise Lost: In RequiemGothic metal's underrated founders head to the studio for part 11. Pay attention or suffer eternally! [27 July 2007] 
Within Temptation: The Heart of EverythingWithin Temptation nail down the first female-fronted metal spin of 2007, and are prepared and well-equipped to lead the way. [25 July 2007] 
Velvet Revolver: LibertadLibertad demonstrates how little flair an elite breed of rockers can play with, but finds them playing together anyway, so thank goodness for that. [19 July 2007] 
Hopewell: Beautiful TargetsMercury Rev keyboardist Jason Russo has lots of wisdom to share with his new band. For example, life is like a tree. [12 July 2007] 
The Destro: As the Coil UnwindsAnother band declare themselves outcasts of society and saviors of blasting, in-your-face metal. [27 June 2007] 
Dream Theater: Systematic ChaosSystematic Chaos does not represent chaos, but the backwards progression of a formerly great band. You heard that right: this is the worst Dream Theater album yet. 
Various Artists: Metalmania 2006 [DVD]2006's DVD edition of Metalmania establishes why it remains the most popular metal festival in Europe. [5 June 2007] 
Porcupine Tree: Fear of a Blank PlanetDream Theater and Rush better watch their backs; Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet is a strong contender for the progressive album of the year! 
Mêlée: Devils & Angels"Cos this is real, and this is good, it warms the inside just like it should..." [29 May 2007] 
Linkin Park: Minutes to MidnightLinkin Park are no longer the enraged adolescent's friend. They really want to start again. 
Bang! Bang!: The Dirt That Makes You Drown"Goddam what I think we really need is love!" [24 May 2007] 
Machine Head: The BlackeningA true comeback album among the best, molten riffs and tricky melodies herald the arrival of The Blackening. [21 May 2007] 
Chevelle: Vena SeraChevelle should follow their own advice to leave "Well Enough Alone"; their fourth album scrapes to the bottom of the barrel. [18 May 2007] 
Heifer: The Judas BeltThe Judas Belt is smart, sour, and bruising Australian metal poised to break out to a worldwide audience [14 May 2007] 
Infidel: I, OathbreakerGreece's Infidel emerge with a respectable doom debut that suggests the only direction they'll go is up - oh, and the apocalypse is on the horizon! [4 May 2007] 
Grave Digger: Liberty or DeathJust how many successful fourteenth albums can you name, anyway? [3 May 2007] 
Hot Cross: Risk RevivalIf Hot Cross have not totally reinvented the essence of underground punk on Risk Revival, they at least give it a reassuring rush. [2 May 2007] 
Static-X: CannibalThe bitch is back. Static-X puts the pedal back to the metal on their fifth album. [23 April 2007] 
Sevendust: AlphaReady... Set... ROAR! Alpha is another fine, if stagnant, offering from a pack of alternative metal survivors. [19 April 2007] 
Krypteria: Bloodangels CryKrypteria are followers, and third, even fourth-rate ones at that. [17 April 2007] 
Karnivool: ThemataKarnivool emerge on Themata from the “apex of Western Australia” with a not quite hard-rock sound and a thinly veiled grand ambition: they want to break out in the US. [12 April 2007] 
Korn: MTV UnpluggedKorn's own Unplugged album shows they have some lessons to learn from Nirvana. [10 April 2007] 
Since the Flood: No CompromiseSince the Flood dole out an exercise in by-and-by impressively hook-ridden metal on No Compromise. Take it or leave it. [9 April 2007] 
Megadeth: That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires [DVD]That One Night, apart from being a spectacular live show that explodes from the screen, proves all haters wrong: Megadeth still have a fire at their core. [28 March 2007] 
A Day to Remember: For Those Who Have HeartIt seems Californian nü-punks A Day to Remember have stumbled upon something new with For Those Who Have Heart. No, really. [16 March 2007] 
Green Day: Under Review 1995-2000 : The Middle Years [DVD]There is, against the odds, stuff in here which may interest the curious fan, but others had best move on. [13 March 2007] 
Ektomorf: OutcastNothing is more tiresome in this world than a band who aren’t really angry, pretending that they are. A lesson Ektomorf could do with learning. [12 March 2007] 
Therion: Gothic KabbalahTherion was once a leading light in its genre, but now it's become lazy and let itself fall behind. Oh, and there are far too many singers to keep track of. [2 March 2007] 
Eyeless in Gaza: Plague of YearsPlague of Years proves itself to be a frustrating, difficult... ultimately pointless listen. 
Fall Out Boy: Infinity on HighWarning: Do not take this album seriously, or suffer from your own extreme idiocy. [5 February 2007] 
Saliva: Blood Stained Love StoryObvious feeling redeems a thoroughly cliched backdrop on Saliva's fifth album. [29 January 2007] 
HIM: Uneasy Listening Vol. 1Uneasy Listening is H.I.M.’s best album (that isn't really an album) ever! [18 January 2007] 
Metallica: Metallica - The Videos 1989-2004Is Metallica: The Videos 1989-2004 worth a solid viewing? The answer, happily, is a resounding yes. [12 January 2007] 
Slipknot: Voliminial: Inside the Nine [DVD]"I vowed to get to the center of what I know I’m a part of, which is one of the greatest bands in the world today". Brave words, Clown. [11 January 2007] 
P.O.D.: Greatest Hits: The Atlantic YearsThe Southtown boys go in blind for their first greatest hits compilation. [8 January 2007] 
Killswitch Engage: As Daylight Dies'The rise and fall of all we are stands here before us.' [30 November 2006] 
36 Crazyfists: Rest Inside the FlamesCan 'flaming' passion compensate for blatant unoriginality? [29 November 2006] 
Brand New: The Devil and God Are Raging Inside MeBrand New's third album is not a disc you want to check out if you’re looking for an overview of their first two: it's an innovation of the grandest kind. [28 November 2006] 
Staind: The Singles 1996-2006Definitive hits collection from one of the most misunderstood bands of the new millennium. [16 November 2006] 
Evanescence: The Open DoorEvanescence are showing their scars on The Open Door, but it's not just through the usual lyrical outputs. [9 November 2006] 
My Chemical Romance: The Black ParadePractically guaranteed (along with the shocking blond hair and gothic state of mind) to aggravate longtime fans, The Black Parade is, at best, an immersing concept album -- and at worst an uneven misfire. [8 November 2006] 
Papa Roach: The Paramour SessionsThis disc was obviously meant to be a batch of catchy, mature love songs from Papa Roach, but just some three minutes in, it all goes horribly wrong. [31 October 2006] 
A Fever You Cant Sweat OutWhatever your absolute threshold of catchy music is, Panic! At the Disco is challenging it. A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out adds new meaning and vigor to the words pop music. |
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