Ohhh look! Another Deftones side project. This time around it's guitarist Stephen Carpenter working with members from Cypress Hill and producers Richie Londres and Aj Cookson under the guise of Sol Invicto. The group provides a heavy Industrial mix with several creative elements. The EP also includes 50 samples submitted by fans adding to the chaos (awesome idea for this kind of project). If this sounds like a good time to you, look below where the whole party, entitled "Initium II", is streaming!
This has been the year for Deftones side projects. Singer Chino Moreno
has been rising with the ashes of fallen bands to make some new music. First off he worked with the instrumental corps of Isis to
create the incredible band Palms. Now he's working with members from the
defunct Far again to make more magic happen in Crosses (also known as †††). This isn't groups first rodeo. It will actually be their third release.
And it looks like they're gearing up to score the hat trick.
The first song from their upcoming record was just released. It provides some experimental alternative music with electronic touches and pop sensibilities. Not to mention Chino's brilliant, angular vocals. Give "The Epilogue" a listen along with the official teaser down below. If you enjoy, support the band and be on the look out for more.
Crosses just inked up a deal with the booming Sumerian Records
(seriously, they've had one helluva year). Should be interesting to see what the future brings... The new album drops November 26th.
This has been the year for Deftones side projects. Singer Chino Moreno has been rising with the ashes of fallen bands to make some incredible new music. First off he worked with the instrumental corps of Isis to create the incredible band Palms. Now he's working with members from the defunct Far again to make more magic happen in Crosses (also known as †††)
This isn't groups first rodeo. It will actually be their third release. And it looks like they're gearing up to score the hat trick.
Crosses just inked up a deal with the booming Sumerian Records (seriously, they've had one helluva year). And just to whet your appetite they released a little teaser giving you a very small idea of what may come. Should be interesting to see what the future brings...
We're honored to be hosting Palms (a crossover of members from the legendary Isis and Deftones) as our Artist of the Week! If you haven't heard their debut EP yet, it's more than recommended. The fusion of "Oceanic" era Isis composition with Chino Moreno's angular / atmospheric vocals is incredible.
In support of this, we're hosting a FREE MERCH CONTEST for you guys! One lucky winner will have a vinyl copy of "Palms" sent to their doorstep. Follow the directions below and jam some Palms!
ENTER TO WIN
1. Must like Palms
2. Must like The Circle Pit
3. Must share this post and tag both The Korea and The Circle Pit
BONUS
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This contest ends Tuesday 7/23 at 9 PM EST!
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Palm’s debut, self-titled album is due out next Tuesday, June 25th. Right now the whole thing is available for streaming over at Spin.com. So if you’re unsure about picking this one up or just can’t wait one more week, head over and start listening to this one right away.
Palms is the brainchild of former Isis players Aaron Harris, Jeff Caxide, and Clifford Meyer. These guys decided they wanted to continue writing together after the demise of Isis. These 6 songs are the result of that desire. Deftones singer Chino Moreno was subsequently recruited to add his signature angelic, atmospheric vocals over the top of what was already laid down.
Fans of “Oceanic” era Isis and Moreno’s softest vocals will be most attracted to Palms but these guys have definitely made an album that is greater than the sum of its parts. The band’s first offering will be released via Ipecac recordings and is available for pre-order if you’re ready to pull the trigger on this one. Also, the artwork is killer.
Palms, a band featuring three members of legendary Isis and Chino Moreno of Deftones, released the first single, titled "Patagonia", off of their new self titled album due out June 25th. The tune is quite relaxing and Chino’s vocals here provide the perfect palatable human aspect, lacking in instrumental music, to latch onto. His soothing voice, atop atmospheric guitar layered in delay and smooth bass lines, creates some of the most relaxing sounds I’ve heard in recently. Though never a huge fan of Deftones, this song reminds me most of the atmosphere and mood invoked by "Cherry Waves", sans the heavy bridge, which is my favorite track they’ve ever put out. It’s safe to say this slice of the album has gotten me pretty excited.
Click HERE to listen to "Patagonia" courtesy of Pitchfork.
We had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Deftones and Periphery at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA a couple nights back. Both bands delivered solid performances as to be expected and everyone had a good time. Sadly the crowd was somewhat lacking in energy, especially for Periphery. But we made the best of it regardless. You can check out the footage grabbed from both bands along with some music videos down below!
Welcome to the fourth installment of our Golden God Award predictions. Voting closes in about a month so feel free to look at the past installments if you haven't done so already. And now, drumroll please...
Best Vocalist
Chino Moreno - Deftones
Chris Cornell - Soundgarden
Corey Taylor - Stone Sour/ Slipknot
Maria Brink - In This Moment
Phil Anselmo - Down
Lzzy Hale - Halestorm
Fe's Predictions
The nominees are getting better and better. I don't have anything to complain about in this category. All of the vocalists have proved themselves to the metal community over the past few years or so so congrats to them.
Honestly, if we are treating this awards show as a popularity contest, I think Lzzy Hale will walk away with the win. Sure, her vocals are strong and she's a looker but is Halestorm really making any groundbreaking progress?
I would be content with anyone in this category winning but in all honesty either Chino Moreno or Maria Brink deserves this one. Deftones will always be a solid band and Maria Brink (as mentioned in last week's Women Who Mosh) obviously has a great talent.
Mike Thall's Predictions
There's some decent talent here but it's not a very hard decision for me... CHINO! Deftones had a huge year and are continuing to push forward like the pros they are. Chino Moreno serves not only as a front man, but as one of the major forces driving the band. He deserves major respect for his efforts.
Best Live Band
Five Finger Death Punch
Anthrax
Hatebreed
Lamb Of God
Slipknot
Volbeat
Fe's Predictions
While I've never had the great opportunity of seeing these bands live, I've heard stories of the incredible shows they put on. They pack venues to full capacity and leave fans begging for more.
I can't really judge in this category because I've never had the experience, but I have a feeling Hatebreed or Anthrax will take the award. Anthrax has been around forever and I'm sure many generations of fans will be voting for the band. I know Hatebreed is touring with Everytime I Die (Buffalo for the win) and I'm sure I will get to experience their show. From watching YouTube videos, I feel like all of these bands bring mind blowing sets to their fans.
Mike Thall's Predictions
Though I'm not the biggest fan of some of these bands *cough*FiveFingerDeathPunch*cough*, I can't deny their ability to deliver a big, entertaining live performance. Of these bands, I've seen Hatebreed and Lamb of God live. Both shows were awesome so those would be my personal picks. But in reality, I see either Anthrax or Slipknot taking the prizedue to their legions of loyal fans.
This
week we're taking the time to focus on two instrumental categories that
honestly don't receive the attention they deserve. I find the
instrumentals of a song to be far more intriguing than the vocal ability
of the vocalist (or their attractiveness level) and there are some very
talented players in the categories this year.
Best Drummer
Abe Cunningham- Deftones
Arejay Hale - Halestorm
Gene Hoglan - Dethklok / Testament
Mario Duplantier - Gojira
Neil Peart - Rush
Roy Mayorga - Stone Sour
Fe's Predictions
I've seen Halestorm twice and it's true that Arejay
Hale doesn't disappoint. His drumming skills are fascinating to watch
and listen to. Plus, he brings young fans onstage to play with him which
showcases his character as a person. However, this category contains
veterans that are more likely to take home the Golden God.
While Abe Cunningham and Neil Peart are legends all by themselves,
this category is a tough call. Young vs old, radio manufactured vs
actual hard hitting metal. There is more than one battle in the nominee
pool for Best Drummer.
I predict that Mario Duplantier from French metal band Gojira will
take the award. I find myself focused mostly on his musicianship while
listening to Gojira. Not to mention, these French metallers rose out of
obscurity and are now globally known in the genre.
Mike Thall's Predictions
This category is incredibly tight. Most of these drummers are extreme talents. As Fe mentioned, there's a mix of old and new here. I'd really like to see Abe Cunningham, Mario Duplantier, Gene Hoglan (aka Pickles), or even Neil Peart win this category. And I'm betting Neil Peart will end up taking home the award because... well... he's fucking Neil Peart.
Best Guitarist
Alex Lifeson - Rush
Brendon Small - Dethklok / Solo
John 5 - Rob Zombie / Solo
Kim Thayil - Soundgarden
Misha Mansoor - Periphery
Stephen Carpenter - Deftones
Fe's Predictions
I'm
pleasantly pleased at the nominees in this category. All of these
guitarists are respectable and can shred like their life depends on it.
It's great that Rush, Deftones, and Dethklok are receiving multiple
nominations in different categories. It truly shows that musical talent
is still considered.
Again, I respect all of the nominees especially Alex Lifeson of
Rush. Age has not deteriorated his ability to rock out and keep up with
the ever changing music scene.
It would be great if Misha
Mansoor of progressive metal band Periphery took home this award. His
dedication to the band and musical talent are noteworthy to the
youngsters trying to make it in the music scene.
However, it's a huge possibility that Stephen Carpenter of Deftones
will win this one. His experience is crazy and his fan base is
dedicated.
This is one category where I would be happy with whatever outcome.
Mike Thall's Predictions
Yet another close category. Everyone here (besides John 5) is insanely good at what they do. I have major respect for all these nominees (except for John 5) and could see any of them walking away with the award. I'm personally gunning for either Misha Mansoor, Stephen Carpenter, or Brendon Small (aka Skwisgaar Skwigelf ) to win this one.
That's right, go ahead and shit your pants. Deftones and Periphery will be touring together. The bands aren't similar but to some this will be a match made in heaven. Either way, it's gonna be one helluva show. The tour kicks off in March. You can scope the dates on the flyer down below. Deftones will also have a few dates without Periphery. You can find them here. While you're busy getting stoked, also be sure to check out recent tunes from both bands.
It's finally here. These are our top 10 albums of 2012. It's been one helluva year for the heavy music community and now it's time to celebrate the cream of the crop. Here are the top 10 albums of
2012, no shits given about whiny elitist opinions. Also check out our
top 10 of 2009, 2010, and 2011.
1 PERIPHERY - PERIPHERY II: THIS TIME IT'S PERSONAL
This wasn't just an album, it was an event. The anticipation was so high for this record you could have cut it with a chainsaw. And when it hit, it hit hard. There's division amongst the metal community, but it's hard to deny the musical excellence without being an elitist (refer to the intro of the segment). "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" was damn near perfect. Every virtuosic member of this band progressed significantly, making serious contributions to form a masterpiece. Intelligently crafted and executed, every track offers something unique and awe-inspiring. "Periphery II" deserves album of the year. Easy.
From the very first time Sumerian Records announced The HAARP Machine, it was evident they would become a metal juggernaut. But at the time, there was no way of telling just how amazing they would be. "Disclosure" is everything you could hope for and some. Providing a cutting edge Progressive sound and a serious, shred heavy Technical approach along with Mike Semesky's amazing vocal work, Abdullah Al Mu'min and crew created one of the best albums to come out in 2012. This is a masterpiece through and through. This is evinced by tracks like "Pleiadian Keys", "The Escapist Notion", "Disclosure", and "Esoteric Agenda".
3 SKYHARBOR - BLINDING WHITE NOISE: ILLUSION & CHAOS
Coming out of India, Skyharbor made a huge debut. Featuring the flawless voice of Daniel Tompkins (ex-Tesseract) and boasting massive guest spots from Marty Friedmen (ex-Megadeth) among others, they formed a masterpiece. Actually it wouldn't be a stretch to call Skyharbor's debut, "Blinding White Noise", music of the gods with it's ethereal beauty and unique approach of songwriting. Split into two parts, "Illusion" for beauty and "Chaos" for heaviness, this album is so unlike what you've heard before. It's encouraged you give it a listen or seven. You'll thank us after hearing songs like "Dots", "Maeva", "Aurora" and "Celestial".
There's so much to say about this album. The Safety Fire made one of the strongest debuts all year with their full-length, "Grind The Ocean". Years in the making, they have managed to create a stand out masterpiece. Bringing next level creativity and writing some of the best riffs known to man, this UK musical unit is easily one of the most promising bands out there. "Grind The Ocean" covered so much ground both musically and thematically, making for an abundance of classics on this record. "Huge Hammers", "Circassian Beauties", "Floods of Colour", and the rehashed versions of "Sections" and "DMP (FDP)" are just a few greats among many.
Aliens, man.... aliens. Rings of Saturn write some of the sharpest, most technically proficient Death Metal that will ever bless your ears (...or shred them). "Dingir" is absolute brutal chaos from start to finish. This band shreds like no other \m/ Plain and simple. Actually they do it so well we're convinced they aren't human beings. Thus aliencore. Songs like "Objective To Harvest", "Faces Imploding", "Peeling Arteries", and "Hyperforms" should be locked up in Area 51. You can actually stream the ENTIRE album below and see why. This is definitely recommended if you have forty minutes to kill (bad Death Metal pun intended).
6 BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME - THE PARALLAX II: FUTURE SEQUENCE
Between The Buried And Me always seem to expand and improve with every release. Which is saying a lot considering they're practically gods of Progressive Metal already. This is true as ever with their epic full-length "The Parallax II: Future Sequence". The band's sixth studio album is also the second part of the band's interstellar space saga. And it's safe to say it expands upon the concept of the original EP brilliantly. The release is teeming with master level classics. "Astral Body", "Telos", "Goodbye To Everything", and "Extremophile Elite" are just a few examples of the absolute greatness on "The Parallax II". Welcome to hyperspace.
The Contortionist are certainly standing out as one of the premiere bands of the metal underground. They have expanded and grown much since their debut, moving away from their Deathcore roots in favor of a Progressive approach and pure creativity. Not to say there isn't extreme heaviness to be found on "Intrinsic", just twice as much genius. This album is mind-blowing on so many levels (more puns). "Intrinsic" is a high-octane adventure through the inner workings of the human consciousness, providing captivating soundscapes for brains to explore. "A secret dimension of noise" - That lyric pretty much sums it up.
The masters of Math Metal never seem to disappoint. We're actually fairly convinced Meshuggah are robots, void of humanity, designed by the Swedish government to decimate the eardrums of metal listeners worldwide. Listening to Meshuggah is like receiving a heavy brain massage. Listening to "Koloss" is like having your brain massaged by a robotic titan. Expect massive grooves, mechanical technicality, and unparalleled polyrhythms. This is a prime example of Meshuggah doing what they do best. They crank out goods like "Do Not Look Down", "Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave It Motion", and "Demiurge" for this colossal experience.
The Faceless came back as strong and creative as ever with their third full-length "Autotheism". This album seemingly took forever to be released, but was well worth the wait when it hit. There were serious line up changes, but The Keene Machine raised the bar with Evan Brewer and Wes Hauch in the mix. In many ways, this is really a side step for the band. "Autotheism" is an unexpected treat to listen to with an increased focus on melody and a theatrical approach. It opens up with singing for christ sake. Who honestly expected that? When all the factors are added up, it makes for a phenomenal listening experience.
Deftones has been in the business of making awesome music for over two decades and they haven't even come close to losing their spark. Their tenth studio album, "Koi No Yokan", is perfect evidence of that. This record delivers in all the ways that matter. It is the complete package from flying through the air with "Swerve City" to the genius, floaty closer "What Happened To You?". All the songs in between are outstanding as well. "Leathers", "Tempest", and "Entombed" just to name a few. This album is just plain amazing. It's recommended you give it a good listen but watch out... you may end up falling in love after listening (get it?).
In the weeks leading up to the end of the yearand our top 10 list of 2012, we're giving credit to the past couple years too. Here's the top ten albums of 2010, no shits given about whiny elitist opinions. Also have a look back at 2009.
1 PERIPHERY - SELF TITLED
Periphery's debut was more than just an album, it was the the trigger of the entire modern tech-metal movement. Love it or hate it, this is what largely popularized the "djent" tone. That aside, the album itself is just plain incredible. It offers such a diverse variety of music from the lighter end on "Jetpacks Was Yes!" and "All New Materials" to the heavy chaos of "Zyglrox" and "The Walk" along with everything in between. Every track had something unique and genius to offer. Other great examples are "Icarus Lives!" and the 15 minute epic "Racecar". Add it all up and you get the top album of 2010. This is a metal classic through and through.
Rings of Saturn writes music on an apocalyptic scale. This is massive, crushing, tech death centered around the xenocide of the human race \m/ The band could be described as The Faceless on crack. The Rings of Saturn debut was an absolutely world crushing experience. "Embryonic Anomaly" is fast, focused, and coldly calculated with a great deal of complete insanity in the mix. When you get down to it, this record is scary good. Stand out tracks include "Seized and Devoured", "Abducted", and the title track among many other greats. If you consider yourself a fan of Tech Death, "Embryonic Anomaly" is a must. Aliens man, aliens.
Easily described as an alternative to Animals As Leaders, Poland's very own Gru aka Piotrek Gruszka is an amazing artist in his own right. His debut "Cosmogeneis" is a mind blowing, virtuosic ride across the universe and back again. This record comes across as genius level art in every way. From the intro to the amazing "Zeta Reticuli", the album is an awe-inspiring musical experience. There are several other classics such as the explosive opener "Nebula", aural giant "Stellar", and the galactic pleasures of "Andromeda". "Cosmogenesis" is filled to the brim with tasty, intellectual ear candy. This record is highly recommended!
It would be a crime not to include The Dillinger Escape Plan's fourth studio album on this list. The anger, paranoia, anxiousness, expressed on "Option Paralysis" are far beyond most anything you're accustomed to hearing. As to be expected, they bring the heavy, off-time chaos and creativity and excel at doing so. This record is a trip into complete insanity. The drumming, guitar, and bass work are psychotically good as the vocals seethe with raw, unchecked emotion. "Farewell, Mona Lisa", "Gold Teeth on a Bum", "Good Neighbor", "Crystal Morning" and "Widower" are several reasons why this record is a Mathcore classic.
The Contortionist's huge debut "Exoplanet" certainly caused quite a commotion as it spread through space and every corner of the metal underground. This isn't an album, it's an interstellar adventure. The excellent balance between extreme heaviness and beautiful melodic segments on this record is undeniable. And the musicianship displayed by the band from song to song is phenomenal. Tracks like "Flourish", "Primal Directive", "Oscillator", and the three epic parts of the title track stood out especially. "Exoplanet" is a brilliant album with a brilliant concept behind it, putting The Contortionist on the map in a big way.
Businessman by day, polyrythmical genius by night, Cloudkicker aka Ben Sharp never fails to impress with his brand of complex music. Some would consider the record "Beacons" to be his best work to date. It's the first full-length in which he really began to move away from his "Melodic Meshuggah" sound in favor of a more progressive, ambient approach. And it yielded some amazing aural results. "Beacons" is filled with melodic tension and pure greatness from beginning to end. Must listens on this record include "Push It Way Up!", "We're Going In. We're Going Down.", and "It's Bad. We're Hit, Man, We Are Hit." Great titles, even better record.
While we agree with much of the metal community that After The Burial's follow up to the classic "Rareform" didn't quite compare, there's no denying that "In Dreams" is one helluva album. Not to mention it has the best album artwork ever made. "In Dreams" brought a big time groove with it, punishing the listeners ear with pure metal greatness from track to track \m/ There were huge stand outs like the vicious opener "My Frailty", "Bread Crumbs & White Stones", "Encased In Ice", the emotionally charged "To Carry You Away", and someone gets hit by a train in "Your Troubles Will Cease And Fortune Will Smile Upon You". Great stuff.
Coming off the legendary "Common Man's Collapse", Veil of Maya made a very strong return with "[id]". This album is a heavy as hell journey through the human consciousness, pushing technicality to it's extreme limits. VoM also took the strangeness and creativity they're known for and went all out with them, making "[id]" anything but a linear musical experience. With synapse ripping tracks such as "Unbreakable", "Dark Passenger", "Mowgli", "Namaste" laced between some hard hitting interludes, there's a risk of permanent brain damage while listening to this record (in the best way possible \m/) Get with the Veil or get out of the pit.
Deftones have been making top notch music for a long time now. And their sixth studio album "Diamond Eyes" lived up to their reputation 100%. This album is just as enjoyable today as it was back in 2010. Unique in it's fusion of rage and beauty, Deftones entwined Progressive Rock and Metal damn near perfectly on this album. There were no limitations as they experimented in several directions from track to track. Stand outs include the title track opener, "You've Seen The Butcher", "Beauty School", "Sextape", and the dangerous "Rocket Skates". "Diamond Eyes" flows seamlessly all the way through and leaves you wanting to listen again.
There's a lot to say about this incredible record. The Ghost Inside's sophomore effort "Returners" is a staple of the modern day hardcore scene. Packing a heavy punch on every track, this album is filled with mosh worthy segments. There's also great use of melody in the mix. And it's hard to deny the powerfully uplifting lyrics from Johnathan Vigil. Tracks such as "Between The Lines", "Unspoken", "Greater Distance", "Chrono", and "Overlooked" are just plain strong and inspiring. This is a band that literally gives their all in everything they do. And they do it all for their fans. "Returners" is heavy music with meaning backing it.
Ohhh look! Another Deftones side project. This time around it's guitarist Stephen Carpenter working with members from Cypress Hill and producers Richie Londres and Aj Cookson under the guise of Sol Invicto. The group provides a heavy Industrial mix with several creative elements. The EP also includes 50 samples submitted by fans adding to the chaos (awesome idea for this kind of project). If this sounds like a good time to you, look below where the whole party, entitled "Initium II", is streaming!
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