Arkansas shawn: 2024

Friday, October 25, 2024

ARKANSAS MUSIC ALERT -Pallbearer -Mind Burns Alive

Pallbearer’s new album, Mind Burns Alive, comes across like an unexpected storm—slow-moving, but devastatingly impactful. Known for balancing crushing heaviness with profound vulnerability, this Arkansas-based band dives deeper than ever before into their signature doom-metal sound, weaving melancholic melodies and dramatic tonal shifts. There’s something borderline funeral doom about this release, a genre typically defined by the combination of somber moods and painfully slow tempos. Yet, unlike the traditional funeral doom, Mind Burns Alive has an almost uplifting energy beneath its dark layers, blurring the lines and setting itself apart.

The album kicks off with "Where the Lights Fade," a song that feels like an emotionally raw power ballad. The clean verses, followed by distorted choruses, reveal Pallbearer’s unique approach. This song is like a bittersweet ode to the fear of change, drawing you into a world where sorrow feels as familiar as sunlight filtering through trees. As you listen, it’s easy to picture yourself seeking shelter beneath a tree, contemplating life’s bittersweet changes. It’s as heavy on the heart as it is on the ears—a track that isn’t afraid to dig into the darker layers of emotion while still pulling you in with a strangely magnetic pull.

Then comes the title track, "Mind Burns Alive," a fitting name for the pounding intensity that unfolds. This song doesn’t just play out; it reverberates, hitting like a sledgehammer with its slow, forceful tempo. Every chord feels like a heavy sigh, a lament that digs deeper with each note. The song’s ending, with a tragic and abrupt melody, is like reaching out for comfort only to feel it slip away, leaving listeners suspended, caught between beauty and despair. By the time the song ends, you’re not just listening; you’re experiencing it, feeling the weight of its loss and loneliness.

“Signals,” the radio-friendly track, offers a moment of relative calm. It starts off clean and almost delicate before growing heavier, exploring the consequences of moving forward, even after everything feels broken. As the breakdown approaches, the energy builds in a way that feels both inevitable and gripping, drawing you further into the album’s introspective depths. Yet, it’s still accessible—something you could almost catch on the radio if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon it. Pallbearer finds a way to make the personal feel universal, and “Signals” is a track that sticks with you, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.

And then, "Endless Place" surprises with its acoustic intro, deceptively soft before plunging into one of the album’s more powerful progressions. There’s a timeless quality to it, a delicate sadness that’s carried along by distorted chords and resonant vocals. But just when you think you have it figured out, the song throws in a guitar solo, which is rare in this genre, and then—unexpectedly—a saxophone. The sax solo spirals into a chaos that feels both frantic and freeing, almost jazz-like in its abandon, pushing you to the edge before the album takes you through its fastest section. The freight train momentum of this track drives home the album’s theme of navigating lost landscapes, with every note both driving and despairing.

"Daybreak" lures you in with haunting melodies and lyrics, building a tension that’s almost unbearable before crashing into a harmonized guitar breakdown. It’s dynamic and captivating, pulling you into an emotional journey that feels both familiar and raw, like revisiting a painful memory you can’t quite shake. The guitars carry the emotional weight, lifting and sinking as if embodying a heavy, melancholic heartbeat, each beat tied to a moment of introspection.

Finally, there’s “With Disease,” a faster track by Mind Burns Alive standards, though Pallbearer’s “fast” still lingers at a pace that lets each note sink in. The song is hauntingly beautiful, with a melody that swirls through grief, anger, and a strange sense of closure. It’s a heavy farewell, merging the voices and guitar into a harmony that sounds like a final salute to something loved and lost. As the final notes echo out, you’re left with an emotional resonance that lasts long after the music fades.

As a whole, Mind Burns Alive feels like a profound evolution for Pallbearer. It’s an album dense with emotional layers, and each listen reveals more, like peeling back the pages of a novel that keeps offering new meanings. Pallbearer draws from classic doom influences—there are shades of Type O Negative’s dark romance and Anathema’s haunting introspection—but they refine these sounds into something uniquely theirs. With this release, they offer not only music but an invitation into an emotional landscape, where heaviness and vulnerability coexist in a way that feels cathartic.

This is an album that demands attention; it doesn’t let you just passively listen. Instead, Mind Burns Alive engages you with a blend of heaviness and introspection that pulls you under, making it a journey worth taking for fans and newcomers alike. With each track, Pallbearer shows that they aren’t just playing music—they’re capturing moments of human experience, from the weight of grief to the quiet beauty of acceptance. It’s a compelling addition to their catalog and a testament to their growth, one that will linger long after the last track fades.

Monday, October 21, 2024

RIP Paul...

RIP...

Paul Di'Anno, the original lead vocalist for Iron Maiden, was born on May 17, 1958 in Chingford, Essex, England. He joined the band in 1978 and was a key figure in their early success, contributing to their debut album, "Iron Maiden," and "Killers" as well as the EPs "Soundhouse Tapes" and "Live!".

Di'Anno's powerful, raw vocals and energetic stage presence were a defining characteristic of Iron Maiden's early sound. However, his tenure with the band was relatively short-lived. He left Iron Maiden in 1981 due to personal and touring issues.

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di'Anno continued to pursue a music career, forming his own bands such as Battlezone, Gogmagog and Warhorse. He also released several solo albums throughout his career. Despite facing challenges, Di'Anno remained a beloved figure among Iron Maiden fans and continued to perform live well into his later years.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Psychlona - Warped Visions

Psychlona's Warped Visions is a sonic tapestry woven with intricate guitar work, ethereal vocals, and a psychedelic undercurrent. The album's distinctive sound is anchored by a heavy reliance on delay effects, creating a hazy, atmospheric backdrop that complements the band's dynamic riffing.

From the opening track, "Jasmine," Psychlona wastes no time establishing their signature style. The song's driving rhythm, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar work immediately draw the listener in. The album's subsequent tracks continue to explore this dynamic approach, seamlessly blending heavy riffs with melodic passages and creating a sense of constant evolution.

One of the album's most striking features is the use of delay on the vocals a space rock staple that delivers so sweet on this album. Giving the album unique, almost ethereal quality to Psychlona's sound, as if the lyrics are being carried by a gentle breeze. The delayed vocals often create a haunting counterpoint to the heavy instrumentation, adding depth and complexity to the music.

While Warped Visions may not be heavily reliant on traditional melodies, the album still incorporates memorable themes and hooks. Tracks like "Smoke" and "Magic Carpet" showcase Psychlona's ability to craft atmospheric and evocative music, even without relying on conventional song structures.

Overall, Warped Visions is a remarkable album that showcases Psychlona's talent for creating intricate, atmospheric music. The band's masterful use of delay effects, combined with their dynamic riffing and unique vocal approach, results in a truly captivating listening experience.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Coyotes II by EGB

EGB's "Coyotes II" is a daring exploration into the realms of experimental drone music, devoid of vocals or lyrics. The album pushes the boundaries of sound and composition, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a world of intricate textures and hypnotic soundscapes. Through a series of ambient drones and decaying effects, EGB creates a mesmerizing sonic landscape that ebbs and flows with a spellbinding intensity. Each track on "Coyotes II" is a testament to EGB's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to sculpt sound in a way that evokes a wide range of emotions. The absence of vocals on the album allows the listener to engage more deeply with the intricacies of the music, drawing them into a meditative state of mind. Each composition unfolds like a journey, unveiling layers of sonic intricacies that captivate and mesmerize. While experimental drone music may not be for everyone, "Coyotes II" is a bold and innovative release that showcases EGB's prowess as a boundary-pushing artist. The album is a testament to the power of music to transcend traditional confines and immerse listeners in a world of pure sound and emotion. Overall, "Coyotes II" is a thought-provoking and immersive listening experience that challenges conventional notions of music and invites the audience to explore the depths of sound in a whole new way. EGB's ability to create a rich and dynamic sonic landscape without the need for vocals or lyrics is truly impressive, making "Coyotes II" a standout release in the realm of experimental drone music.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Celebrating Rik Emmett: The Voice and Guitar Behind Triumph

For fans of classic rock, Triumph stands as one of the most iconic bands to emerge from the 1970s and '80s. Known for their powerful anthems and electrifying live performances, the band carved out a place in rock history, often drawing comparisons to fellow Canadian rockers, Rush. At the heart of Triumph's sound was Rik Emmett, the guitarist and vocalist whose talents helped propel the band to international fame.

Triumph’s Rise and the Influence of Rik Emmett

Rik Emmett joined Triumph in the mid-1970s, and it didn’t take long for his presence to be felt. The band quickly gained a reputation for their high-energy shows, often featuring elaborate stage setups complete with pyrotechnics and light shows. Emmett’s ability to seamlessly blend technical guitar work with melodic songwriting became a defining feature of Triumph’s music.

Albums like "Allied Forces" and "Never Surrender" are often cited as the pinnacle of Triumph’s success, showcasing the band’s ability to create music that resonated with a broad audience while still maintaining a level of complexity that appealed to more discerning rock fans. Tracks like "Magic Power" and "Fight the Good Fight" became anthems of the era, with the latter featuring one of my all-time favorite guitar solos by Rik Emmett. The solo in "Fight the Good Fight" is a masterclass in emotive playing, capturing both the intensity and hopefulness that the song conveys.

Rik Emmett’s Solo Career and Legacy

In the late 1980s, Rik Emmett made the bold decision to leave Triumph and embark on a solo career. This move allowed him to explore a broader range of musical styles, from jazz and classical to blues and folk. Emmett’s solo work has been praised for its diversity and his willingness to push beyond the boundaries of the hard rock genre.

Despite moving on from Triumph, Emmett has always looked back fondly on his time with the band. In interviews, he often speaks about the challenges and triumphs (no pun intended) of those years. His memoir, "Lay It On The Line", offers fans a deeper look into his experiences, both within Triumph and beyond.

Today, Rik Emmett remains a respected figure in the music world, not just for his contributions to Triumph, but also for his work as a solo artist, educator, and author. His influence continues to inspire new generations of guitarists and rock fans alike.

The Enduring Power of "Fight The Good Fight"

For me, and many others, "Fight The Good Fight" remains a standout track in Triumph’s discography. It’s a song that encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and resilience, themes that resonate as strongly today as they did when the song was first released. Rik Emmett’s guitar work on this track is nothing short of brilliant, providing a perfect blend of technical prowess and emotional depth. It’s a reminder of why Rik Emmett, and Triumph as a whole, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of rock fans around the world.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Sons of Arrakis - Volume II

Sons of Arrakis have returned with Volume II, an album that skillfully blends stoner metal and rock. This latest release showcases the band’s knack for creating intricate guitar harmonies and fast-paced riffing, akin to the sounds of Black Sabbath and Queens of the Stone Age and kind of reminds a little of Gigax.

The album kicks off with the electrifying "Scattering," which sets a high-energy tone right from the start. The powerful guitar harmonies and dynamic riffing are immediate standouts, driving the album with relentless momentum. Tracks like "High Handed Enemy" provide a contrasting bluesy, fuzz-laden stoner vibe, creating a hot-and-cold dynamic that keeps the listener thoroughly engaged.

Vocally, the album draws comparisons to Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, with clear, melodic, and emotionally resonant delivery that perfectly complements the band's heavy, yet melodic instrumentation. The vocals are high-pitched and clear, sailing smoothly over the fuzzy sludge and occasional psychedelic touches present throughout the album.

The production quality of Volume II is top-notch, with a well-oiled arrangement that ensures each track flows seamlessly into the next. The guitar work, whether through snazzy riffs or short-lived solos, hits all the right notes, creating a soundscape that is both hypnotic and exhilarating.

However, while the album is solid in its execution, some reviewers have noted that it stays within familiar stoner metal territory without venturing into new or exciting directions. Despite this, the overall package remains highly enjoyable, with memorable riffs and catchy melodies that will satisfy fans of the genre.

In summary, Sons of Arrakis' Volume It is a strong entry in the stoner metal genre, blending great guitar harmonies, fast-paced riffing, and emotive vocals into a cohesive and engaging album.

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