German metalcore legends Caliban are back with their new e.p. I must admit that I have never been an avid fan of metalcore, but I love music of Caliban because it has something other bands of the genre does not have. What I love is how they perfectly mix metal, thrash metal, death metal blast beats and melody. Growling and screaming vocals with clean fantastic voice and having many modern almost industrial solutions in the song structures. There are eight songs plus kinda intro on this one and I enjoyed it so much. Lyrics are in German but I speak the language fluently so I had no problem relating to the themes being sung about. My personal favorites are Herz and Intoleranz, but e.p. as a whole is great and I can´t wait for the new full length.
Canadian veterans Belvedere are back with new record helped by Thousand Islands Records and Lockjaw Records. This new effort offers thirteen songs of breakneck speed melodic punk hardcore with lots of technicality, yet at the same time retaining anthemic and melodic approach and appeal. The musicianship is fantastic, songwriting is by far one of the best in band´s long time career. Songs like Elephant March or Camera Obscura are bound to be your favorites for a long time. Steve´s vocals are better than ever and guitar solos, harmonies, catchy hooks and metal and hardcore influenced breaks and slower parts are superb, returning as again to beauty and basis of plain punk rock. Lyrics deal with topics that everyone can connect to. Song called Comrade featuring guest performance by Roger Lima from Less Than Jake is also one of my favorites on this one. Memento Mori features guest appearance by Dylan Toews from Wolfrik, also Rody Walker from Protest The Hero appears on Automate and these are really stellar guests on this record. But, Belvedere are real stars of this record. And it shines brighter than ever.
Misgivings are in no way strangers to the pages of this zine, I reviewed their debut record couple of years ago. Now it is time for their sophomore release with Lockjaw Records. Misgivings are celebrating their tenth birthday and what better way to celebrate it than with releasing new album and also documentary about studio time, featuring interviews with the band. This new one contains ten songs and I can safely say that band evolved further in songwriting making this one even stronger than debut album. What do we get here? Melodic, heartfelt and emotional punk rock with superb vocal melodies, guitar work, backing vocal harmonies and smart and beautiful lyrics which address mental health, endurance in today´s world, dependency and similar topics that I as a listener can totally relate to. My personal favorites on this record are Loyal Souls, Sober Forever and Token Gesture, but you must find yours. I love how this record plays with listener´s emotions, bringing joy and melancholy at the same time. Great second effort.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 