ST. JAMES & THE APOSTLES – Via Delarosa

apostlesOn ‘Via Delarosa’, the third release from Philadelphian blues rockers St. James & The Apostles, their heavy guitar and organ driven sound ensures plenty of old style chops are at the forefront of almost everything, allowing listeners with a retro ear a chance to really let their hair down.   In terms of grittiness, the analogue sound of this LP’s ten heavy rollers just couldn’t be improved: if you like music to have a live in the studio feel, then look no further…

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ENGRAVED DISILLUSION – The Eternal Rest

engraved disillusionFollowing the release of Engraved Disillusion’s 2011 release ‘Embers of Existence’, there were a few upheavals within the UK metalcore band’s ranks. Parting ways with vocalist Chris Pugsley and bassist Matt Thomas left the band at a potential loss – parting ways with band members is often hard, but to lose a vocalist can be extremely difficult – but some excellent new blood was eventually injected into Engraved Disillusion’s ranks with the addition of Matthew William Mead and Aaron Preston.  These new members, as well as being more than up to the task of tackling the band’s older material, have very much helped a move forward with the inclusion of both throaty and clean vocals, giving the band a broader appeal than before.  Also, having noted producer and musician Karl Groom (best known for his work with progressive metallers Threshold and neo-prog supergroup Shadowland) on board for their second release has boosted their profile, not to mention given ‘The Eternal Rest’ a superb sound.

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DELUXE EDITION DREAMLAND: Metallica – Metallica (aka The Black Album)

In the late summer of 1991, Metallica unleashed an album that would change their fortunes forever.  Their fifth album, a self-titled record lovingly nicknamed ‘The Black Album’ by fans and critics alike, pushed the band from being a successful thrash metal band to the big leagues. The record made them a band with a record that was far broader in appeal and helped by a handful of hit singles, the album went on to sell tens of millions worldwide.

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