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Iced Earth – Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked Part 1

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This year saw the return of Iced Earth with ‘Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked Part 1’, their eighth studio album to date. This is the first of two albums ‘weaving a thrilling Sci-Fi tale of mankind’s invasion of Earth, the planet occupied by the direct descendants of the Grand Architect of the Universe.’ This concept was first formed in the bands classic ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ back in 1998, and I have to say that this first part of the double bill of concept albums does not disappoint. There is a lot to take in here, so it does take a few listens in order to allow for the album to sink in, however once you’re able to do so it is absolutely amazing. Complication is the name of the Iced Earth game, and without their intensely complicated, highly technical music – they just wouldn’t be the same band and would fail to possess such a high level of depth and dexterity.

The band blast their way through 70 minutes of musical brilliance here, with a Metal album that has been intelligently written and remarkably well crafted. There is never a dull moment, with the band keeping you hooked for the full 70 minute experience. Jon Schaffer has always been the musical mastermind behind Iced Earth, and with ‘Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked Part 1’, he certainly doesn’t disappoint. Over the past 23 years Jon Schaffer has proven himself as a musician and a songwriter, and never once have he or Iced Earth let us down yet. With every album Schaffer just seems to grow and grow in song writing ability, and this latest album shows a greater development than ever. In this album, Iced Earth have created a great album of epic proportions, not just in terms of the albums length but in terms of song depth also. A lot of hard work, time, and effort has clearly gone into the writing and recording of this album, and thus the end result is truly phenomenal.

There are 19 tracks on display here, each of which contributing equal amounts to the album; take one track away and the album just wouldn’t work as the great tale it is, leave all tracks here and the album is faultless. With each and every track providing such a contribution to the album, it is therefore extremely difficult to pick out tracks that stand out most from the album, however it would be criminal for me not to mention the tracks of ‘Ten Thousand Strong’, ‘A Charge To Keep’, ‘The Clouding’, ‘The Domino Decree’, and ‘Infiltrate and Assimilate’. All of these tracks are extremely finely crafted and the more you listen to them; the better they sound and the more you gain from the listening experience.

‘Ten Thousand Strong’ is quite possibly the best Iced Earth track I have ever heard. Intensely powerful and supremely well written; ‘Ten Thousand Strong’ I can guarantee will be a favourite with Iced Earth fans the world over. Clocking in at just under four minutes in length, this is a fine piece of music and it is clear that a lot of time and effort has gone in here. It is perhaps the album’s crowning glory, and with every listen to the album is a track I always thoroughly look forward to hearing. ‘A Charge To Keep’ stood out to me for another reason; here it is not the track as a whole that captured my attention, but instead its chorus which is reminiscent of a battle cry in sound. ‘The Clouding’ shows a whole new side to the band as here they launch into a full on ballad and successfully accomplish it with apparent ease. ‘The Domino Decree’ however is a soaring track with strong guitars, powerful vocals, and some stomping drum beats. This one has a musical interlude around half way through which lasts a good couple of minutes, and truly is an epic Metallic masterpiece. Finally then of the tracks I could not go without mentioning; we come to ‘Infiltrate and Assimilate’. It is right from the opening of ‘Infiltrate and Assimilate’ that we know it is going to be something special. The crashing introduction of the drums and guitars leave you knowing that this is going to be one to remember, and as the track progresses it certainly does not disappoint.

This said; I still would not recommend listening to any of these tracks individually however as to be fully appreciated, they really do have to be listened to as a part of the album as a whole. It is by listening to the album as a whole that you realise just how much Iced Earth have accomplished here as a band. In ‘Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked Part 1’, Iced Earth have shown how diverse they can be as a band, showing here that they can produce not only Power Metal but also ballads and mid-tempo tracks alike. This album can be seen to be an experimentation from the band, and in my opinion it has 100% worked out for them. Schaffer’s abilities as a songwriter have here been shown to be greater than we first thought. Lyrical strength is more impressive than ever here, and Iced Earth truly do seem to be at the top of their game. Songs here have been created and crafted which are more melodic and memorable than ever before, and ‘Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked’ as a two part collection will no doubt be talked about for years to come.

When bands take on concept albums, the end result is not always too successful. Here however, Iced Earth have created a fantastic album in the form of ‘Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked Part 1’, and I for one can’t wait to here the second part. The second instalment is due in February 2008, and Schaffer claims that it is even better than this first offering. Iced Earth are an incredible Power Metal band, and will surely show their worth when the second album is released and their Sci-Fi concept is complete. I feel that it is not just fans of the genre that can get something out of this album. There is something here for everyone due to the fact that such an amazing story is told in the albums process meaning that it is easily accessible to everyone; even those that wont enjoy the music will be able to appreciate this as the story in itself is entertainment enough.

Label: Steamhammer
Release Date: 10th September 2007

Rating:
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Our Dying Concept – Death Of An Age

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Having formed a mere 12 months ago; Our Dying Concept are a five piece Metal band from Peterborough who have already built up quite a reputation for their explosive live shows. The band recently captured the attention of Rising Records, however have decided to go it alone and are to release an EP in January 2008. On evidence of what is on display here with track ‘Death Of An Age’, the EP will surely be eagerly anticipated in the UK Metal scene. The track here shows the band to be greatly talented at what they do, firing their way through three and a half minutes of unadulterated Metal glory. The guitars are strong, the vocals powerful, and there’s also some super slick drum work on display here. Our Dying Concept are definitely a band to look out for come early next year as their EP is bound to be a stormer.

Rating:
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Kate Nash – Made Of Bricks

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Kate Nash is a 20 year old singer songwriter from Harrow, London. Making her début through record label Moshi Moshi in February 2007 with double-A side ‘Caroline’s a Victim/Birds’, she was soon snapped up by Fiction Records the following month. How Kate Nash made the transition from an independent to a major label in one month is beyond me as in my opinion Kate Nash music has to be the most irritating to have graced the UK charts since Crazy Frog hit the number one spot in 2005 with ‘Axel F’.

‘Made Of Bricks’ starts promisingly with the short musical opening of ‘Play’, however things quickly turn sour as ‘Foundations’ kicks in, quickly followed by the soon to be released ‘Mouthwash’. ‘Foundations’ is a catchy track, however it has to be said that its catchy for all the wrong reasons. I think that with ‘Foundations’, Kate Nash was on a mission to write and release the most irritating track she possibly could. With lyrics such as ‘You said I must eat so many lemons, cause I am so bitter/I said I’d rather be with your friends mate cause they are much fitter’, it is clear that lyrical intelligence here is at a minimum. It’s not just the lyrics to tell you the truth; it’s also the way in which they are sung. The voice of Kate Nash grates on me no end, and the fact that this track is played so extensively depresses me somewhat. Every time I hear the opening note of ‘Foundations’ I voice my frustration, and swiftly change stations. ‘Mouthwash’ is equally irritating a track, and clocking in at just over five minutes it makes the listening experience feel like an eternity. The lyrical content here is so mundane that it puzzles me how anyone could possibly give the go ahead for this track to be included on a major label album, let alone to be released as a single.

As the album progresses it is clear that the quality of the tracks is not going to improve at all, and the lyrics continue to disappoint. From third track ‘Dickhead’ with its copious amounts of swear words right through to irritating closer ‘Merry Happy’, Kate Nash never once portrays herself to be a talented singer songwriter, and in my opinion never justifies the hype that surrounds her. Sure her music is often catchy, but there is no sense whatsoever of any intelligent thought process having gone into any of the twelve songs here and to me ‘Made Of Bricks’ is a complete disappointment. I see no real musical talent here, and it certainly doesn’t take much vocal talent in order to talk your way through an album.

So many of the tracks on display here never seem to get going, and the album proves to be packed mainly full of fillers. Tracks such as ‘Shit Song’, ‘We Get On’ and ‘Nicest Thing’ have no lasting impact on me whatsoever and are soon forgotten as the album comes to a close. It is not often that I listen to an album and fail to recall more than a couple of the tracks that I have just listened to; however this was most definitely the case with ‘Made Of Bricks’. As background music the album works quite well as for the most part what is playing here fails to register as the music is just so disposable. If you’re looking for music to play at a party, then Kate Nash is a definite no-no. If you’re tired and looking for an album to make everyone leave your party on the other hand then by all means reach for ‘Made Of Bricks’.

Having hit number one in the album charts, it is clear that a fair amount of people went out and bought this bilge; however for me this does not detract from the fact that this is still an awful album. With the albums début single having been in the charts now for a good three months, it is no surprise then that the album has therefore sold so well, and in my opinion Kate Nash has already more than outstayed her welcome.

For me the enduring of an hour of Kate Nash was a nightmare, and it is not something I will be doing again in a hurry. At no point in ‘Made Of Bricks’ did I ever feel that I was enjoying what I was listening to, and although I can see why Kate Nash is popular as some of the music she is producing is catchy; her music is definitely not for me. There is no doubt in my mind that Kate Nash will be a one album wonder and in fact this time next year Kate Nash will surely be a distant memory for most. Kate Nash is a second rate Lily Allen, and Lily Allen isn’t even very good to begin with.

Label: Fiction Records
Release Date: 6th August 2007

Rating:
Review Star

Goldspot – Friday

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‘Friday’ is the second single to be taken from the band’s ‘Tally of the Yes Man’ album which was released on June 11th. The video for the track is at present seeking fans on TV, currently gracing the playlist of The Box, Hits, Q, and MTV Hits. The fact that this track was picked as Radio 2’s Record of the Week pretty much sums it up; this is middle of the road monotony at its most uninspiring.

Label: UMG Recordings
Release Date: 6th August 2007

Rating:
Review Star

Enter Shikari – Take To The Skies

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Enter Shikari have enjoyed a great deal of success this year and they have no one to thank for that other than themselves. I truly respect the band for the way they have achieved everything off of their own backs, and really made a success of themselves without the need for major label backing. It is a testament to the changing state of the music industry nowadays that bands are able to do this and it truly is a great thing to see. ‘Take To The Skies’ was released through the bands own Ambush Reality imprint back in March and has been selling extremely well.

On display on this album are the singles ‘Mothership’, ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner/OK, Time For Plan B’, ‘Anything Could Happen In The Next Half Hour’, and the most recently released ‘Jonny Sniper’ as well as some other great tracks mixing the two different forms of hardcore. It is well worth noting that 5 of the 11 tracks on display here have already been released as singles, highlighting just how strong an album this really is. Although on paper not the album’s strongest single, ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’ was a definite silent success – enjoying extensive airplay at Rock clubs across the country for many months. It’s not hard to see why this single was such a success on the club scene; the track was made for making a drunken fool of yourself, clapping along in time to the record. I myself have a definite softspot for this one, there’s just something about it that makes it incredibly enjoyable and listenable. It’s the sort of track you’ll have on repeat and happily sing (and clap) along to for hours on end.

I think that ‘Labyrinth’ is probably my favourite non-single album track here; the synths sound great, and the track as a whole just all seems to fit together perfectly. Right from the exciting synth opening, you know that this one is going to be something really rather special and it certainly doesn’t disappoint as the track progresses. At just under 4 minutes in length, this one never fails to impress and maintains all it’s energy and excitement throughout.

If I were to have one qualm with the band; it would be with their screaming. They sound so much more at home when they are singing as opposed to screaming, and to greatly reduce the use of it would definitely benefit them I feel. At times it just seems that the band are overplaying the screaming element of their music a bit and they are just so much more than this. It is often the case that bands scream a lot in order to compensate for the fact that vocally they aren’t up to much, however Enter Shikari have great vocals that should definitely be forefronted more. It is for this reason therefore that I love the track ‘Adieu’, a track that is completely free of screaming. This is a nice, relaxed, chilled out track forefronting the bands fine vocal talent that works incredibly well. The track builds and builds, leading up to an impressive finale – a great way for the band to say goodbye and bid us farewell from the album. Why therefore the track doesn’t close the album is beyond me, as after this one we get the incredible ‘Ok, Time For Plan B’, followed by the outro.

Having already played at Download Festival, Give It A Name, and Glastonbury this year – the band will also be playing at the Reading and Leeds festivals come the end of the month so if you’re heading along to either of these festivals then make sure you check out Enter Shikari as they are sure to put on one hell of a show. Enter Shikari are an extremely strong young band and given time will surely mature and progress as a band. I myself am already greatly anticipating what the band can come up with in time for album number two.

Label: Ambush Reality
Release Date: 19th March 2007

Rating:
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Sum 41 – Underclass Hero

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In 2004, Sum 41 showcased their heavier side with the release of ‘Chuck’; an album that I greatly enjoyed and considered to be the best of their career. ‘Underclass Hero’ however sees the band return to their Pop Punk roots, and was actually a welcome surprise when I listened to it for the first time. I was expecting this album to be ‘Chuck’ the Second; however it is far from being that and is once again a great album. In my eyes Sum 41 have now released four great albums, and will always remain to be one of my favourite Pop Punk bands. ‘Underclass Hero’ is fifteen tracks strong, giving us another blast of Sum 41 excellence that we have become accustom to over the years.

In ‘Underclass Hero’ the band here show off their fine talent for penning a near on perfect Pop Punk track. It’s almost as if they’ve gone back 6 years to the period in which they wrote ‘All Killer, No Filler’, only with the knowledge and experience that they gained from the proceeding years. The music definitely has a heavier edge than their first full length, however in many respects it is that album which ‘Underclass Hero’ is most comparable to. From the moment opening track ‘Underclass Hero’ kicks off, we know that this will be a return to the Pop Punk sound of old for the band, and when the guitar riff and chorus come through sounding extremely reminiscent of ‘Fat Lip’ we start feeling right at home. From here, the band launch into ‘Walking Disaster’, another instant classic of a Pop Punk track. The great thing about Sum 41’s music has always been its catchiness – once you’ve heard a Sum 41 track once you sure as hell won’t be forgetting it in a hurry, making them stand tall above the sea of other Pop Punk bands out there churning out disposable dullness.

The band takes on whole different angles in this latest album and move into unchartered territory; ‘Dear Father’ for example is an emotional message to an absent and unknown father, written in the form of a letter. Understandably the approach here is a lot softer than with the preceding tracks, this one therefore coming across extremely well with Deryck Whibley’s softly spoken vocals at the forefront. It is interesting to see the band in this light as it is not something that I ever expected of them yet they come across so strongly in this manner.

The fifth track of ‘Underclass Hero’ provides the album with an interesting twist as the band blast through ‘Count Your Last Blessings’ showing themselves once again in the heavier light they became known for with ‘Chuck’. It breaks the Pop Punk up nicely and shows that although the band have now moved on from the music that they were producing in their last album, it has not been forgotten. With a cutting drum backbeat, powerful vocals, and excellent guitar styling throughout – Sum 41 come out of this one looking better than ever. I can definitely see ‘Count Your Last Blessings’ being released as a single, as while the music is heavy it still retains the inevitable catchiness that this band are so easily able to put across.

‘Pull The Curtain’ has a powerhouse of an introduction, and is an extremely interesting track in the way that it develops. After the initial power of this one, it becomes vocally one of the softest tracks on the album all the while retaining great strength in the guitars and a slick drum patter. Halfway through the track Whibley’s vocals become reminiscent of those of Gerard Way and although it works well it doesn’t really make sense to me why the band chose to do this. Perhaps it was a record label marketing move, recognising the success of My Chemical Romance and trying to recreate this in part with Sum 41.

The band end the album on a high with the relentless ‘No Apologies’; a politically charged track informing ‘the underdog nation’ never to give up. This is a strong way to have ended ‘Underclass Hero’ and definitely does a great album justice in my opinion. Sum 41 definitely showcase their political awareness throughout the album, and do so without churning out a diabolically atrocious bore of an album a la ‘American Idiot’.

There is never a dull moment with this album, and given the departure of Dave ‘Brownsound’ Baksh last year, it could have been a completely different story. Baksh was always considered to be the main songwriter for the band, however ‘Underclass Hero’ is testament to the fact that Baksh was not the be all and end all of this band, and although his presence will be sorely missed – the music of Sum 41 shall not suffer. Every track here with its own individual merits; Sum 41 are still very much a band in their prime and as far I’m concerned there are still plenty more albums to come from the band. ‘Underclass Hero’ should see the band once more claim an RIAA Gold, or perhaps even rekindle the success of breakthrough album ‘All Killer, No Filler’ by going Platinum. It may take another 3 years in the making, but mark my words; Sum 41 will be back.

Label: Mercury
Release Date: 23rd July 2007

Rating:
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Hanoi Rocks – Fashion

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Finland’s finest export Hanoi Rocks finally storm back with a new single in the form of ‘Fashion’ and I have to say that it was well worth the wait. With a highly memorable chorus, strong guitar riffs throughout, and the fine vocal styling we have now come to expect from the band – ‘Fashion’ is a fine slab of rock gold. It is not hard to see why the track went straight to number 1 when it was released in Finland back in May. This track is everything you could possibly want from a Rock single, consistently pressing all the right buttons for the entirety of the 3 minute duration. The single is completed with a fantastic cover of the Billy Bremner hit ‘Trouble Boys’, a track they make their own in fantastic style. Hanoi Rocks seem to have found their ideal line up now and are in my opinion sounding better than ever.

Label: Demolition Records
Release Date: 30th July 2007

Rating:
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Zico Chain – Anaemia

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Zico Chain’s ‘Anaemia’ is to receive its digital release today through Hassle Records, and will also receive a limited physical release on 7” on the 23rd. ‘Anaemia’ follows on from last single ‘Where Would You Rather Be?’, once again showcasing some impeccably strong guitar work, top vocal styling, and deadly drum beats. I wouldn’t say this is as good as their last release, but it is still an extremely virile track showing them to be a formidable force with intense power and precision displayed here throughout. The track doesn’t in my opinion portray the band at their best, but then again they don’t come across badly here either. Zico Chain are a three piece all in their early twenties, and I for one can’t wait for them to release an album. They’re touring heavily at the moment, but when the album is given a release later this year it is bound to be a musical powerhouse. Zico Chain are without a doubt one of the most exciting and intriguing of British bands out there at the moment.

Label: Hassle Records
Release Date: 9th July 2007

Rating:
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Bright Eyes – Hot Knives

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‘Hot Knives’ is the latest track to be lifted from Bright eyes top 15 charting current album ‘Cassagada’. A lot of people seem to rate this band extremely highly, however to me Bright Eyes have always been one of the most over rated bands going. There is never any substance to their music, the lyrics are always nonsense, and the voice of Conor Oberst grates on me no end. Oberst has a horrible whiny drawl which comes across dreadfully over the prosaic instrumental backdrop here, and with lyrics such as ‘So let us rejoice in all this pink noise’, I fail to see how anyone could ever possibly see this man as a talented lyricist. It is clear that the lyrics endeavour to be intelligent, but really when dissected are meaningless expressions of nothing at all.

Label: Polydor
Release Date: 9th July 2007

Rating:
Review Star

Fall Out Boy – The Take Over, The Breaks Over

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The third single to be taken from their ‘Infinity On High’ album, and yet it could still easily be the first; ‘The Take Over, The Breaks Over’ is an extremely fresh, exciting and energetic track that will have you singing along in no time. Fall Out Boy have been a favourite of mine for some years now, and never fail to impress with their slick Pop Punk anthems. The band have already had two top ten successes with their previous two releases from this album, and this one looks set to become their third. There’s a reason why their latest album is platinum selling, and that’s because Fall Out Boy are a band with the most tremendous of pop sensibilities, catchiest choruses, and finest guitar hooks. With every release the band seem to be growing in confidence and fully deserve their current status as ‘America’s Hottest Band’ as determined by Rolling Stone magazine. Make sure you check this one out if you haven’t done so already as it truly is a great track, as is the case with most of their ‘Infinity On High’ album in fact.

Label: Mercury
Release Date: 2nd July 2007

Rating:
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