Aurin-Catharsis

 

Way back in 2002, guitarist Andrew Wayne began an epic journey.  Then, in 2009, Andrew encountered the talented drummer Linda Medina.  The band was almost complete, except they needed a rockin' vocalist.  This is where the soothing, atmospheric, and haunting vocals of Sarah Anderson.  She became a perfect fit with this amazing band.  Sarah joined the band in 2010, and this machine was about to explode with powerhouse lyrics and a stunning vocalist.  Think of a haunting version of the band Flyleaf, or the International talent known as, Nemesea.  With the album completed, and the tracks are all laced up with inspiring vocals, pounding drums, and a blazing guitar-"Catharsis" is about to give the fans of music something to talk about.  My favorite track from their debut release is the song, "Over".  The intro of the song is well done, and the aspiring vocals are incredible.  The band has dealt with mental health issues, depression, and suicidal thoughts.  It's because of those issues that the music is dark, flowing, and such a force to reckon with.  "November", the lead song off the album, is a blast of energy.  The drums hit the ears so well in this track, and Sarah's dramatic voice does it justice.  You really cannot go wrong when you grab this up on it's release date of October 14, 2014.  I know you will enjoy the songs "The Other Side", "Hysteria", and the haunting of the song, "Last Wish".  With eleven tracks on "Catharsis", you definitely get your money's worth, I guarantee it!  "Stained" is an incredible release of energy, talent, vocals, and smooth transitions of the musical score.  "The Reprisal" and "Vermin" reached out and hooked me into the band's mind.  I mean, there is nothing wrong with this album at all, absolutely nothing.  Check 'em out with the links below, and hear/see for yourself what I am talking about! 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

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Come October 14th, you better be ready to rock to Aurin!!

3 Quarters Dead-The Cycle Of Dust

                        So, you like metal?  Well, you better...because 3 Quarters Dead will flatten your ass with this album!  The intro, titled "The Exodusters", is pretty sweet.  Then, you slammed face first with the first full length track they enjoy calling, "Oblivion".  My favorite song, on this entire CYCLE OF DUST effort is the third song, "Plaything".  There a bit more of a melodic rock effort here, and this is just the radio shortened edit, but fear not, there is some screaming....and it comes at moments in which you perhaps don't expect it.  This album caught be by surprise for a few reasons, to be honest.  One reason being that I honestly never heard of the band until another band, Screaming For Silence, brought them to my attention.  Second reason is that, well, they aren't signed to a major label right now, and after hearing this album, I cannot figure out how that is....lol.   This is one excellent band.  Lyrically, they are full of anger, sadness, heart break, emotional ups and downs, and life's struggles.  They can pull off the screaming like no other as well, which I personally enjoy.  A favorite lyric of mine that they have lies within the track, "Sometimes".  "Now can you see that the world doesn't care if you live or you die, so say your goodbyes".......also the pulse of the words....."I hate myself sometimes.....".  That song is strong, much like ones that follow it, like "Pinebox, "Cutting Myself", and "Tongue Of Razors".  If there is a weaker part of the album, I would place the track, "Divinity" in that position.  The song is good, don't get me wrong, but if one were to rank them, it would be on the weaker side.  I compare this album to early, and really good, Taproot.  If you have Taproot's albums GIFT or WELCOME, then you'd more than likely see some sort of connection.  That being said, I do see the lyrics and screams being a little better with 3 Quarters Dead, and hopefully 3 Quarters Dead will keep doing this like they do, and not end up like Taproot is..lol.  No disrespect to Taproot, I enjoy what they do now, but miss the old style as well.  Overall, I enjoyed this release, and would recommend it to anyone that wants to rock, if you're headed to Columbus, Ohio's Rock On The Range Show this year, or a vacation, or some trip, this would be a great album to take with you, It's worth the money whether you download it, or purchase a hard copy.  If they come around your area, definitely hit up a show.....I'm positive it will be memorable!!

RATING: 10/10

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