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What if Fear Factory and Strapping Young Lad combined forces...yeah I know that would be insane, but those bands blended together would best describe Survivors Zero. Survivors Zero has a unique sound from some of the other newer metal bands that have surfaced these past few years. Not only do  they use their double kick bass and their abrasive speed to their benefit they utilize their sound in a captivating way. They're one of the very few metal bands that incorporate many different styles of metal in one song let alone the entire album. There are to many metal bands that base their music around speed and they have no structure behind it, and then 20 seconds into the song it falls apart. Survivors Zero pace themselves and use different styles to keep you guessing what are they going to do next. The riffs and solos on this album are amazing; crystal clear and built to perfection and one thing that stands out the most on this album is the harmonic pinching which will blow your brains out as soon as it erupts on your speakers.

LoopedEyeless

Past Works:
N/A

Track:
Fortress Of Lies
 
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Scottish singer-songwriter, Paolo Nutini is a testament to the fact that soul is not lost in translation (even though he does sing in English). The 23 year old exhibits a rare talent; he is ahead of his time in a way. This is the second studio album from one of the more dynamic artists signed to Atlantic Records (UK). There is an instrumental tone on most tracks that is of a western European/Irish origin, though other tracks seem to be taylor-made for the American music culture. Paolo sings about love mostly; relationships at different stages, and overcoming obstacles that threaten to derail true love. There are also elements of folk and jazz present on this work that will prove to be a favorable mix of the respective genres. The album as a whole shows great inspiration and artistic expression, particularly lyircally. The lyrics are heart felt and wreak of an underniably poetic sincerity that I find very endearing. This is an artist with a soulful voice and a passion for the music he creates; a true talent to be watched closely.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
These Streets

Track:
Coming Up Easy
 
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This is the first of two solo releases from a man widely regarded as a musical and artistic genius. He is also well known as the lead singer of Thrice. "Please Come Home" has been received a bit differently, being an entirely acoustic album. Kensrue exhibits a wide vocal range and prowess, with a bluesy-soul element one may not have known about until this record. The lyrics have a biblical undertone, but not nearly as prominent as on his work with Thrice. It's symbolic at times, but in simple ways. There are themes of longing, drug abuse, firearms, deeply fulfilling love, and truth. With only eight tracks, it is a shorter album, but displays a variance of musical styles from slow acoustic, to folk, to a sort of vintage rockabilly. Kensrue really lets loose on this album, in a way, breaking free from the way he's been musically typecast by his work with Thrice. There are many similarities, but if you're not a fan of Thrice I'd still encourage you to listen to this album. It's more inspired, and soulful, with a cleaner acoustic delivery.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
This Good Night Is Still Everywhere

Track:
Please Come Home (title track)