Fox Reviews Rock

Hailing from Ohio, Beartooth is a dynamic rock band that emerged from the creative mind of Caleb Shomo, a former member of Attack! Attack! Initially, Shomo took charge of recording all the instruments himself, but the band was expanded to perform live.

The band has always been recognized for somber lyrics, drawing inspiration from the personal experiences and inner musings of their lead singer and songwriter, Shomo. Personally, I have appreciation for these kinds of songs as they possess authenticity and evoke raw emotions, allowing the listener to truly connect with the music. However, their latest track, Riptide, introduces twist to their usual style. While still staying true to their signature sound, this song carries a much more uplifting tone, which could be a pleasant change for those not fond of their previous works' gloomy lyrics. It's a refreshing change of pace that might just resonate with you.

Shomo explained that Riptide represents a new chapter in his life, showcasing a more positive outlook. The lyrics reflect a shift away from the darker themes for example “Don’t wanna sing another hopeless song”. By choosing to stop drinking, he has infused the track with more energy, resulting in a more upbeat and joyful record overall.

The track starts off with powerful bass guitar (Oshie Bichar) setting the tone, complemented by the ever incredible vocals (Caleb Shomo). The guitar riffs (Zach Huston & Will Deely) shine throughout most of the song, particularly right after the breakdown. Although while the drums (Connor Denis) have their shining moments, they sometimes fade into the background, which is a bit disappointing.

Beartooth tracks always feature a belter of a chorus , Riptide is no different. I admire how it emphasizes Shomo's journey of confronting his inner struggles in a new light, transforming what once felt like a burden into a source of strength.

“I'm done explaining my pain, this is way too much
I wanna feel euphoria, give me the rush
'Cause it's the last time that I romanticize
The riptide that's trying to drown me
Full of excuses for way too long
Don't wanna sing another hopeless song
'Cause it's the last time that I romanticize
The riptide, it's a riptide”

It's quite unfortunate that the breakdown in this song falls a bit short, as I believe it lacks the same levels compared to their other songs. Also the production of this track seems to be missing something, it had the potential to be remarkable and falls just short.

While I adore their earlier work, they tend to merge together due to similar themes and emotions. It's heartwarming to see the Shomo in a happier place, making this Beartooth song/album stand out against the rest. Despite maintaining their signature heavy sound, this track doesn't quite hit the same heights for me as some of their other songs like The Inbetween. However,rather poetically its nowhere near the bottom either.

8/10

In 2022, the LA-based rock band Dorothy unveiled their third album, Gifts From The Holy Ghost, following the success of their 2018 release, 28 Days In The Valley. Brace yourself for their latest single, Black Sheep, as it will get stuck in your head like a monstrous earworm!

Forming back in 2014, the same year Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 14th among the 50 best new artists, hailing them as a must-know band! These accolades are well-deserved in my opinion. I'd say their music is a fusion of blues and hard rock - a unique sound that's fantastic.

The track kicks off with powerful vocals (Dorothy Martin) emphasizing unity and kinship with the lyrics "We are blood we are family." Skillful drumming (Jake Hayden's ) and killer riffs (Sam Koltun) which set the energetic tempo of the song. The bass (Eliot Lorango) holds everything together seamlessly from beginning to end, making sure it's not overshadowed. But let's get one thing straight, the chorus is the heart of this tune - it's infectious, impactful, and will have you humming along all day long!

“Hail, hail the black sheep
We are blood, we are family

Pray the lord my soul to keep
Hail, hail, the black sheep

Thinkin' like water, think it speaks
Oh, how the river runs deep

We are blood, we are family
Hail, hail the black sheep”

This song truly highlights the band's talents from beginning to end. The first time I came across it was while listening to a playlist on Spotify, and I had to stop the car. I was determined to find out the artist and to write a review on it!

The one downside to this song is that the chorus in this song is so catchy that it overshadows the rest of the lyrics. You can't help but anticipate hearing “Hail Hail the Black Sheep” again and throwing up the horns. However, that’s somewhat unfair if you focus on the lyrics, there are some really powerful lines. Like when they talk about embracing being different with lines such as “Call me an outcast, call me a freak, watch those bullets ricochet straight off of me.” Despite the chorus stealing the show, those lyrics are definitely worth paying attention to.

It's quite a challenge to compare this band to others, but I can definitely draw some similarities to Halestorm (a band they've opened for in the past). The lead singers share some common traits, although I must say Dorothy leans more towards a bluesy style compared to Lzzy. I can't help but detect hints of "I Love Rock And Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in their music, but that could just be me.

Overall song is absolutely amazing! It's a fantastic tribute to individuality and highlights the unity within the rock and metal community. It exudes confidence, attitude, and an incredible amount of passion. It's the perfect anthem for all the outsiders and rebels who embrace their uniqueness!

8.5/10

Ice Nine Kills, the talented metalcore band from Boston have released “Meat & Greet” as part of the deluxe edition of the 2021 album “Welcome to Horrorwood”. The band's name comes from the deadly substance in the renowned novel Cats Cradle and they like to infuse their metalcore style with captivating lyrics from beloved horror films in pop culture.

The band thrives on exploring the depths of the human mind. Their mix of metal and horror storytelling is gaining momentum shown by tours with industry goliaths Metallica and Slipknot. As well as their latest album hitting 178 million streams and reaching number 18 in the charts. The horror material is far from being a gimmick to sell albums, the band even hosts their horror convention “The Silver Scream Con”.

Strap yourself into your straight jacket and brace yourself for a musical journey back to the unforgettable moment you first laid eyes on the 1991 Oscar-winning movie Silence of the Lambs. Which features the remarkable Anthony Hopkins as cannibal serial killer Hannibal Lector. The music video for this song is an amazing reimagining of the film and had to be cut down by 19 minutes due to its graphic nature! Fear not though if you want to watch the whole thing you can get an access code by purchasing select merchandise from the band's website. So, if a spine-tingling experience is what you’re after that’s for you!

The song has an electrifying start with piano keys setting a rapid pace instantly hypnotizing the listener. Just when you think you have caught your breath from the film's unforgettable scene of Clarice meeting Hannibal for the first time is skillfully recapped, fully immersing you in the experience. What follows can only be described as an all-out assault on the senses. Clean and scream vocals (Spencer Charnas) pummel you with a sledgehammer before vicious drums (Patrick Galante) and face-melting guitars (Ricky Armellino/ Dan Sugarman) leave you out of breath. The catchy chorus features my favourite lyrics “The silence is circling, like lambs to a slaughter, this dance never ends”. Although it's slightly odd how it sounds exactly like Alanis Morrisette’s Uninvited (don’t believe me give it a listen and tell me I’m wrong). Just as you thought this song couldn’t get any better the bassist (Joe Occhiuti) comes into his own during the breakdown!

Speaking of the breakdown it features a hilarious easter egg in the form of the lyrics “Put the lotion in the basket” which is a look back at the character Buffalo Bill from the film.

Typically, I wouldn’t include as many lyrics in a review, but in this case, I just had to. The band's extraordinary storytelling needs to be showcased. Plus, I’m slightly concerned they might plot my demise if I don’t. Here is some of the incredible writing that demonstrates their talents, detailing the captivating exchange between the film's main characters where Lecter agrees to assist Clarice in capturing Bill.

“No, my darling Agent Starling
These are not just thrill kills
Let my mind help you find the fiend who fits the bill
(Or blood will spill)
Contrast his nasty habit with my refined pallet
(Then tell me who kills in poor taste)
Don't let a good meal go to waste”

Front man Spencer describes Meat & Greet as the climax of the Horrorwood saga, I for one cannot wait to see what they come up with next. They are a band that seems to be gaining some traction and for the most part, they are simply killing the competition.

9/10

This week ive decided to start a new weekly post type Polls!

Every friday at Foxreviewsrock.wordpress.com you have the chance to vote on something meaningful in the rock community , so head on over and have your say!

Canadian punk rockers Sum41 have been rocking out with rebellious fast-paced hits for the past 27 years. It was inevitable that when they decided to call it quits it would be on their terms with the band's upcoming world tour marking the end of the Sum41 era. “Waiting on a twist of fate” serves as the second single from the highly anticipated album “Heaven :x: Hell” and caters more to die-hard fans than the radio-friendly first single “Landmines”. This tune will get you moving, in a good way! The album, which is being released on the 29th of March 2024, is split into two halves that showcase the band's two signature styles. Heaven highlights their pop-punk sound, while Hell delves into their metal influences. Get ready to be blown away by the music video for this song! Filmed at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, it’s a visual treat that perfectly complements the song. Keep an eye out for the special guest appearance of CJ Ramone (Ramones) who plays a security guard which adds an extra touch of nostalgia. The video sees the band and their fans completely take over the museum, seriously don’t miss this one watch it below! If you're a fan of the band's early style then this is bound to be up your alley. It's got that fast pace that you will be used to, with shout-in-your-face vocals and an addictive chorus (Deryck Whibley), hard-hitting drums (Frank Zummo) and heart-pumping bass (Jason McCaslin). The sound is rounded out by rhythm guitar (Tom Thacker) and the incredible as-always lead guitar (Dave Baksh). The riffs on this track are seriously spectacular. Lyrics from the song “In life, it seems we fade away” are hilarious to me, there is no way a band like Sum41 could simply fade away. It appears they will go out like they always have done, swinging from the hip with full power. I for one cannot wait to see them for the final time this year at Download 2024. 8.5/10

Fresh off an electrifying performance at Download 2023 which showcased the band's evolution as well as the festival's willingness to gamble on the next generation. Bring Me The Horizon has returned with their latest track “Kool-Aid” which will feature on their now-delayed album “Post Human: Nex Gen”.

This is the first single released by the band since Jordan Fish (Keyboard/Backing Vocals) departed the band. Perhaps the Church of Genxesis adverts at Download 2023 should have inquired “Anyone know where I can get any good Jordan Fish and Chips”, yeah maybe you needed to be there for that one. Fish’s arrival in the first place marked a change in their sound so maybe we can expect another one now?

In the past there have been moments where you would be forgiven for thinking Bring Me The Horizon was an Oli Sykes (Vocals) solo project. However, I am thrilled that Kool-Aid has taken a monumental step back from that. It truly showcases the band's incredible talent for their respective instruments.

As the song kicks off Mat Nicholls (Drums) sets the stage with an eerie build-up, before a clap that brings Sykes into the action. Lee Malia (Guitar) and Matt Kean (Bass) not only hold their own throughout the track but there are moments when they shine, especially in the breakdown! But let us not forget about Sykes, his vocals, whilst clearly altered post-production in parts, are undeniably impressive with his screams harkening back to the intensity of their 2nd album “Suicide Season”.

The song delves into the depths of society's blind conformity, using the drinking Kool-Aid metaphor. Highlighting the disturbing reality of those in power being able to manipulate and exploit the masses without consequence. I feel this is highlighted in lyrics such as “Asphyxiating with a smile on your face while they pull your teeth out one by one”. In contrast, it is hard to ignore the cringe-worthy lyrics of “Kool-Aid by the jug/give me a hug”. Seriously who on earth came up with that monstrosity? Let us also file the final ten seconds into the same category!

After what feels like an eternity this, multiple-personality, band has returned to the metalcore scene, where I feel they truly thrive and create phenomenal songs. Hopefully, their phase of experimenting with pop-like tunes is behind them. This song is for fans of bands such as While She Sleeps and Asking Alexandria and rather surprisingly for me at least fans of early Bring Me The Horizon! 7.5/10

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