8STOPS7-Fables

 

8Stops7 have been around since the mid-90's.  The band had released an indie

album titled, BIRTH OF A CYNIC, before signing onto California's Warner Brothers Records, to release their biggest selling effort to date, IN MODERATION.  The album featured the hits "My Would-Be Savior", and the reluctant smash, "Question Everything".  The album is still considered a classic to some fans, and, at the time, was a sign of big things to come.  However, the band and their label split, and some wondered if that were the end of 8Stops7.  The band independently released another record, their best album, in my opinion, titled BEND.  The first single from the album, which was mainly played more locally than nationally, was called "Here Among The Wicked".  There was a music video to go along with this, though not well produced, I will admit.  Another breakthrough from BEND, was the song called "Breathing Room", and another ditty called the rocking "Satisfied".  However, things were just not panning out for Evan, the vocalist, and the band of 8Stops7.  So, after a small break, they began playing live again, got into a groove, and started a program, which was mainly fan-funded, kickstarter.  This effort is what began what is now know as one of the best independent records out there, in FABLES.  The first single from FABLES, was the smash hit "The Sting".  The video can be seen below for "Satisfied" and "The Sting" as well.  I highly recommend you digitally picking up the albums of this band that are only available as digital downloads right now, and grab up those that you can get as hard copies.  These albums are all a no-miss deal, highly suggested, and each song is unique, and lyrically deep and personal to the band's own experiences.  This is a must!

RATING: 10/10

                                           "The Sting"

"Satisfied"

 

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Element A440-Whips, Knives, Candles, and Quills

 

Element A440 aren't new to the scene at all, and you can tell right off the

bat by their sounds.  If they remind you of a more industrial version of a pissed off Marilyn Manson, then you are headed in the right direction.  This band was introduced to me a bit back, by a former friend of mine, and I've been hooked since.  Their latest release, not simply titled, WHIPS, KNIVES, CANDLES, AND QUILLS, is a powerhouse of rock, industrial, and addicting music!  Their first single from the album, and my favorite from the effort as well, titled "Kookie Kutter", is fantastic!!  It is well put together, and lyrically stabs at you in every imaginable way.  The music video is featured below, and there are three versions, including one live cut, of the song on video, I've featured version one.  It's a simple lyric theme for "Kookie Kutter", the basic, "...if you like violence...say ya....if you like...."and so on, but the groove is catchy, and reminds us so much of Manson, you cannot help but get hooked somewhat to most of the fourteen track on the album.  Another highlight of the effort is "Something Cruel", which is a more dark and twisted song, somewhat slower than others on the album.  "The Sore" is an infectious track, with a hook the reels you in, and a disease the you just fucking love!!  The worst track on the latest album, if I was to pick one, would be "Godidiotocracy".  The title is just stupid, and it doesn't really catch my attention at any point in the song at all.  However, that being said, I would definitely grab the whole album at a digital outlet, it's worth the "infectious hook" it brings with it, and you'll enjoy it overall, I'm pretty certain of that much.  Oh ya, there is no doubt :)

RATING: 9/10

 

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Ice Nine Kills-The Predator EP

          This band seems not recognize the word, "quit".  They have spun out more than a few albums and EP's, and with their latest effort, there is no sign of letting up.  Ice Nine Kills show us the most diversity that they've shown, in previous releases.  "The Predator" EP glows with five great tunes, and awesome riffs.  They even cover the sensation they call, Adele.  In fact, the video for their cover of Adele's, "Someone Like You", has gotten many views on youtube, and other facets.  The lead track, titled "The Coffin is Moving", will get you moving quick.  With an extraordinary introduction in the track, the band shows it's power and range.  Lyrically, I would consider this their best song to date, with all previous releases combined.  Ice Nine Kills released this EP for the fans, and ironically, it is the fans that pushed and helped this EP be released.  Through a popular program called, KickStarter, the band managed to exceed it's goals, and rewarded those who contributed, and even those who couldn't, with this amazing EP.  Speaking of amazing, I would have to say that my favorite song on the release has got to be, "What I Never Learned in Study Hall".  The song features famed vocalist, Tyler Carter.  It goes down many different avenues in the track, and the brutality of Ice Nine Kills is still evident with the song.  The remaining two tracks on this EP, which can be purchased as a physical copy on merchnow (see link below), or at most digital retailers, are still strong.  "A Reptile's Dysfunction" and "Father's Day", are groove-laced tracks that will get you jumping.  I typically play "Father's Day" and "The Coffin is Moving" the most, but as a whole, this EP is worth every cent.  The band currently are touring with bands like The Color Morale, For All I Am, and soon with Capture the Crown, I see Stars, and For All Those Sleeping.  If they come near your area, I highly suggest you catch them live.  They are touring machines, relentless in what they love, and passing up this EP, would be a musical mistake on your part.  Watch for a full-length release later this year, 2013.

RATING: 9/10

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