Genre - Thrash Metal, Black Metal, Progressive Metal Legendary blackened thrash metal outfit Vektor crafted a unique sound and style on their debut. The guitars and drums both have a crunchy, thrashy tone, but the vocals are more black metal influenced. They may seem a bit high-pitched and off putting at first, but they pair well with the band's lyrical sci-fi themes and technical, tight performances. I especially love the band's variance in song structures, as the album shifts between straightforward metal bangers and longer, multi-phase epics. I do enjoy "Black Future" as the album opener, as it's an accessible metal song that manages to showcase Vektor's sound, but "Oblivion" is the show-stopper for me. The band's performance on this cut almost seems non-human, as the guitars flawlessly keep tempo through quickly shifting passages, and culminate in a bone-chilling thrash guitar solo. It's a bit dizzying almost, but these moments really compliment the narratives within the lyrics. Vektor keeps up this pace on "Destroying the Cosmos," but a huge turning point within the album occurs on "Forests of Legend." The band surprisingly comes forth with clean guitars on slower, melancholy passages, yet maintain their ferocity throughout the core of the song. "Hunger for Violence" and "Deoxyribonucleic Acid" return back to the simpler thrash blueprints, but the band finishes the album with a trio of blackened thrash epics. The song lengths may be long, but Vektor saves their best guitar-work for these last three, really bringing the album to a satisfying, memorable close. Overall, I'd probably listen to this album in two sittings. Listen up to "Forests of Legend," then finish the second half another time. I personally prefer Vektor's Terminal Redux - a sci-fi space opera detailing an evil protagonist who obtains power through controlling time. It's really a testament to metal music and Vektor's ambition as musicians. Black Future, however, is certainly the more accessible route into the band's catalogue. If anything, at least check out a song or two, they're really one of the most beloved thrash metal bands of our generation with their perfect trio of albums. If you like this I also recommend: Havok - Conformicide, Toxic Holocaust - Conjure and Command By Brody McElwain
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Agalloch - The Mantle
Genre - Black Metal, Folk, Post-Rock Black metal is widely considered to be one of the more challenging extreme metal sub genres to get into, but Agalloch provide their own unique niche within the style that is fairly accessible in my opinion. Blending elements of folk music with progressive song structures, Agalloch maintain their black metal status with their shrill, nearly indistinguishable blackened vocals. Although it may sound contrary, I find this music to be very relaxing, as their music involves a lot of orchestral strings and classical guitar. The Mantle features the band's folkiest songs, and is widely considered the band's best among fans. Listeners may be initially turned off by the song lengths, but Agalloch have a special talent of justifying eight-plus minute songs through use of dynamics, instrumental shifts, and breathtaking interludes. Take "In the Shadow of our Pale Companion" for example, with its soft, pulsating intro that is complimented by alternating classical and electric guitar leads. These guitars build in intensity as the vocals find space within the song, and the instrumentation soon comes to a stop with a very somber interlude. The third phase uses motifs from the first two phases, but with more fiery vocals and a reverb-soaked guitar solo. The first half of this album flows very well, as the longer compositions ("In the Shadow of our Pale Companion," "I Am the Wooden Doors," "You Were but a Ghost in my Arms") are broken up by folkier, shorter songs that are pleasant on the ears ("A Celebration for the Death of Man," "Odal," "The Lodge"). The longer tracks may seem monotonous on the surface, but each tune features very unique and enthralling moments, guitar grooves, and folk-inspired detours. It's a good record to have on in the background - I find that the more impactful moments catch my attention when it's not at the front of my mind. Although I personally prefer the slightly more abrasive, tremolo guitars and engaging songs on Marrow of the Spirit, The Mantle is a perfect gateway into the black metal sub genre. I would have never listened to bands like Mayhem, Emperor, Darkthrone without hearing Agalloch. It just so happens that their first three records were remastered last year, after the band's unfortunate break up (I cri erytim). If you like this I also recommend: Panopticon - Autumn Eternal, Ulver - Bergtatt. The long awaited debut from artist SZA is finally here! Recently SZA (pronounced “Sizza”) revealed that her album was supposed to be released in 2016, but instead decided to work on the album more before releasing it, and boy does it sound good. Honestly had no clue who she was until her name kept popping up on my Twitter feed, but she’s a huge sensation in the world of R&B as well as pop. Just to save you some research, SZA is a 23 year-old singer from New Jersey who has taken the world by surprise with her talented vocals. Another fun fact: SZA is the newest signee to Top Dawg Records, home of Kendrick Lamar (who features on the album) and Ab Soul. SZA’s debut, CTRL, is an album about love and romance, about being hurt and feeling lonely. However, the vocals do not come across as sad, in fact, none of the tracks are lovesick ballads. SZA’s lyrics resonate well beyond the confines of a diary or a recording booth to remind past lovers when the sorry’s are no longer enough, to say all of the things that end up left unsaid at the demise of relationships. SZA is honest, soooo brutally honest, and I think that’s part of the reason why her album’s really taken off. I could go track to track explaining the great and passionate aspects of this album, but instead I want you to listen to it and judge it for yourself. The only negative thing I have to say is Kendrick’s verse on “Doves in the Wind” is kinda weird. Like he sounds good, but the lyrics are a little strange. Rating - 9/10 Favorite Tracks - all Least Favorite - none Let me know your thoughts and opinions on this album! by Allie Holler
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