On July 19th, 2003, melodic thrash punk masters Propagandhi played a benefit show for Grassy Narrows First Nation Blockade in Winnipeg, killing it as usual over 17 songs of blood-boiling, spirit-rousing anthems.
Hot Water Music guitarist/vocalist Chuck Ragan went solo acoustic after the break up, now focusing 100% upon what made the albums riveting: The melodies.
This young band from Arkansas plods and soars, a seeming oxymoron, but if you were to cross-breed Evanescence and Drain STH, you might have A Plea For Mercy.
Acoustic chords rife with subtext and vocal lines that kill you with their details. Songs of deep affection and choruses equally addictive and slightly awkward.
Rich male vocals, soaring, multi-layered female vocals, robust guitar thunder, some nice dark acoustic tinkering, and drums that thud or patter as needed.
Xecutioner’s Return, like the last couple of Gorefest and Grave records, is a no-frills old school trip with only one goal in mind: Stick to the basics.
Several Arrows Later hinted they were wishing they were more rockin’, here they sound like they’re trying too hard, and at the expense of the melodies.
Pretty much La Muerte Part Two, meaning that it’s classic Gorefest: Simple but punishing riffs, varying tempos, political lyrics, and bad-ass breakdowns.