Havok "Time is Up" 2011

Artist:  Havok
Album: Time is Up
Genre: Thrash Metal

Facebook: Havok

Tracklist:

1.       Prepare For Attack

2.      Fatal Intervention

3.      No Amnesty

4.      D.O.A.

5.      Covering Fire

6.      Killing Tendencies

7.      Scumbag In Disguise

8.      The Cleric

9.      Out Of My Way

10.  Time Is Up

Last.fm: Havok Formed in February of 2004: HAVOK is the thrash metal powerhouse reigning from Colorado that continues to win over thousands of fans from various parts of the world. Incorporating blisteringly fast guitar riffs, machine-like drumming, groovy bass lines, searing leads, and hard-hitting vocals, HAVOK is able to maintain that *punch-you-in-the-throat* style of music. Although there are many other thrash bands out there, there is one thing that sets HAVOK apart from the others. This band puts their own stamp on the genre by employing a more technical side of music, while maintaining the feel. HAVOK’s live show is where the band really catches peoples’ attention, with their non-stop energy level and their ability to get the audience involved. They are a must-see for any fan of live music! This Denver outfit has had their name compared to the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, Testament, Overkill, Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, Motorhead, etc… And for good reason! They possess a distinct approach to thrash: one that emulates the abrasive styles of classic 80s thrash metal, but with a much-needed fresh edge.

Overall Sound:  If you’ve never heard Havok and you like bands in the Thrash Metal genre you’re sorely missing out. Even though often labeled a “Retro” thrash band, Havok creates a sound of their own with the previous thrash metal structure layed before them and let me tell you it is relentless.

Guitar:  Blistering riff after riff, there is never any way to expect what’s next from Havok. Even after listening to their previous effort “Burn” I was blown away much like I was after hearing the first demo from Warbringer. If you’re a fan of thrash you know that once you hear this album you’ll keep coming back for the headbanging goodness that is “Time is up”. The production as well is amazing!

Bass: astonishing work on the bass, its like listening to Overkill sped up. I love it!

Drums:  Amazing Amazing Amazing! You remember ever listening to some old school thrash like Death Angel or Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace” and remembering how amazing their drummer was? Well Havok’s new album, Time is up is on par with thrash classics. The drumming is phenomenal as you’d expect in most thrash album but it just keeps the flow of the album it is just so amazing.

Vocals/Lyrics: pretty much proudly shouted and bellowed, but still again remains a awesome listen every single time. Best song moment is in “D.O.A” where the vocalist hit’s an absolutely epic power metal shriek, totally amazing!

Overall Impression: punishing, amazing and just overall worthy of your time. Havok’s “Time is up” isn’t just a throwback to bands like Slayer, Megadeth, Testament,or Metallica it is more of a reason to be proud of American thrash metal in 2011. Pick This Cd UP!

Rating: 10/10

One of My Top Albums of the Year for Sure!

Evan Brewer "Alone" 2011

Artist:  Evan Brewer
Album: Alone
Genre: Instrumental

Facebook: Evan Brewer

Tracklist:

1.  Actualize    

2.  Contraband    

3.  Currency    

 4.  Altered Perspective One    

5.  Altered Perspective Two    

6.  Vertigo

7.  The Decline    

8.  Degenerate    

9.  Looking West    

10. A Climate for Change  

Last.fm: Evan Brewer is an American electric bassist. He is currently the bassist of The Faceless and was a former member of Animosity and Reflux.

The metal genre certainly has no shortage of overly skilled guitarists and drummers who garner the majority of the spotlight as bass players continue to get overlooked, but this is all about to change. Sumerian Records is extremely excited to introduce the world to the musical dynamo, Evan Brewer (ex-Reflux, Animosity), whose ground-breaking, innovative bass playing is destined to create a huge impact within the extreme metal genre . Brewer recently joined the Sumerian Record’s family as he was just announced as the new bass player for The Faceless, but Brewer will first showcase his impressive skills and songwriting prowess through his debut solo album, Alone, set for a June 28th release.

This debut offering is a very progressive and unique release, and the first of its kind, as everything you hear on it was created with the bass. Brewer makes a bold statement with this release and undeniably proves that he is one of the genre’s most musically proficient bass players around today. The world hasn’t seen such a forward-thinking metal bass player since the Cliff Burton era.

Overall Sound: an Amazing instrumental album by Evan Brewer who not long ago was signed by Sumerian Records. Evan plays bass currently for “THE FACELESS” which makes this release even more worthy of you checking it out. The overall sound is all bass-guitar the entire album but at times you feel like you’re listening to a guitar/bass album but that is not the case.

Bass:  Evan Brewer obviously has some talent to pull off some of the amazing bass lines he produced within this album. The only thing I truly dislike is that at times the effects used on some tracks like particularly contraband get on my nerves but that’s after 4 listens today. There is not much to say besides it is all bass and he took the time to make every minute worth every cent.

Overall Impression: A must have for any instrumental lover and bassist alike. Absolutely astonishing production and sound and dexterity, nuff said….

Rating:  9.5/10

Marvel at the Talent!