Music Releases for July 3rd, 2012

Hope all my fellow Canadians enjoyed the extra long weekend (and hoping American readers get themselves a nice 4th of July tomorrow).  Now back to the releases, videos, and the plethora of articles hitting my inbox today.  Well, despite the atrocious amount of news to seep through, I'd rather take that then no news at all.  Anywho, for those checking out the blog today, make sure to head down to your local record store or online retailer to pick up some killer albums dropping across North America today (as well as Europe, give or take a day).  Cheers!

(CD/DVD)

"There is something so youthful and refreshing about this band. Milestone stands out lyrically and musically in comparison to recent releases from both secular and Christian bands. Listening to Milestone is like a breath of fresh air. Gideon is hands down the band that has renewed my faith in Christian hardcore. I am still expecting a lot from this band. This will be on repeat and I can’t wait for the next one. 'Let this fire burn and never die.'" -Indie Vision Music

"Asia’s fans will lap this up, and I dare say there are a great many who after listening to this, will discover Asia for the first time, and they’ll love it just the same. It has mass appeal, and if there’s any justice in the world, it will sell by the bucket load. If you like the lighter side of rock, then give this album a listen, to hear exactly how things were done 30 years ago. I’m probably gushing, but I’m not ashamed of being a fanboy, it just means I have exquisite taste….. This album is one of my essential albums for 2012, you simply shouldn’t miss out on it." -Pure Rawk

(Single)

(EP)

"Laborintus II may come as a shock to listeners who know Patton through his other bands. But those who have been following his previous solo work might know what to expect – a very abstract work that runs the gauntlet from quiet, jazzy atmospherics to brazen, unsettling primal noise. At first glance, it’s easy to brush off Laborintus II as half an hour of experimental drivel, but those that stick with it and let it soak will be rewarded. The jazzy breaks and sonic freak-outs of the 15-minute centerpiece “Part Two” are especially satisfying. It may be unlike anything else you’ve ever heard, but give it a chance (or two), and you may end up with a better appreciation for not only Mike Patton, but Luciano Berio as well." -Consequence of Sound

"While this is a move in the right direction, I’m still underwhelmed by what Bonded by Blood does. Good playing does not good albums make, and The Aftermath proves that. While a band like Havok is just as talented musically, they also have that “it factor” that makes their material work and draws you in. Until these guys unearth that crucial ingredient, they’re forever stuck at the lower levels, but at least they’re still trying. Keep climbing that ladder boys, and never say 'impossible.' Just say 'I’m possible!' Steel Druhm is supportive because he cares." -Angry Metal Guy

"When it comes to building a big sound, this metalcore outfit doesn’t bother with half-measures. Guitarists Zack Hansen and Tony Pizzuti not only provide massive crunch and harmonized leads but further fatten the sound with backing vocals and programming, an arsenal that can swell the sonics to near-symphonic grandeur, as with the intertwining guitars, keys, and vocal lines on the densely layered 'Hidden Lakes.' But it’s not all bombast. “Astral Plane” takes an almost ambient tack, with ghostly guitars and reverb-laden drum machine, before finally dropping the hammer midway through. If they ever write melodies as memorable as the arrangements, this band would rule." -Revolver Magazine

"It’s really a matter of stepping a bit away from the pulsing nature of palm mutes and harnessing Sotelo in a way that doesn’t sound forced. "Facepalm Mute", “The Gods Must Be Crazy!” and “Scarlet” all show a band that is adamant about keeping its musicianship top-notch while giving us a infectious melodies vocally and instrumentally. It’s a very progressive leaning sound that still keeps the band’s heart – including some slick and immersive programming laced throughout ('Epoch', 'Ragnorak') – giving Periphery II the ability to appeal even further than the first did. There’s just something that clicks this time around, whether it be Sotelo's first true chance to meld in writing with the band or the addition of guitarist Mark Holcomb, that makes the very sporadic nature of this album palatable – even for someone that isn’t overly familiar with the band or what they’ve done in the past. 

Even as the band’s sophomore release, Periphery II ups the ante and leaves any doubt in the dust. Technically stunning and catchy to boot, the band’s second chapter only reaffirms their collective talent and assures us they have a bright future as they progress both as musicians and songwriters. It would only be naive to bet against this band right now, as Periphery II is sure to define the band’s future as one of this year’s best records." -Absolute Punk

"Primate’s Draw Back A Stump is as raw as its title and artwork make it out to be. Some may be bothered by the lack of uber-professional production and short song lengths but those people should probably stick to their skinny jeans and flat brimmed hats. Despite their rather obvious roots, Primate has given us a ravenous group of songs that absolutely rip and tear at the very fabric of space time. Okay, maybe just your ear drum flesh, but I digress. This is fantastic punk-grindcore and should not be missed." -The New Review

"We have a few great songs here. My personal favorite, and by quite a margin, is the epic “The Gods Who Light Up the Sky At the Gate of Sethu”, another tongue-twister with great and catchy riffs running all over the pace but in a seemingly focused direction. “The Inevitable Degradation of Flesh” is another speed-fest with face-melting stop-starts and blasts. The rest of the tracks are also good, except the second half of the album kind of slows down, which to me isn’t Nile’s strong suit. The acoustic interludes, as usual, are very cool with traditional Egyptian instruments completing the band’s natural vibe.

This is par for the course for Nile. While At the Gate of Sethu isn’t the band’s best work, this is still a satisfying release." -The New Review

"In a word, Wolves At The Gate are versatile. For only a debut record, Captors sounds like the third release of other bands of the genre, showing how skilled the guys are at such a young point. Musically, the guitar and drumming define the record, as it’s the instrumentation that is the meat of the album. The potatoes, so to speak, come with the combination of Detty’s roar and Cobucci’s Dustin Kensrue-esque clean vocals. This is everything we love about Thrice mixed with Oh, Sleeper. Captors catches your attention from the begging and holds it until the final note of the melodic “Man Of Sorrows” in a way that is rare among debut heavy records. The Wolves are on the prowl, and they are tearing apart the forest limb by limb." -Absolute Punk