MARCH 2008 Issue.pmd - RAG Magazine

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RAG’s CD REVIEWSAtreyuLead Sails Paper AnchorHollywood RecordsWhen I first listened to the newAtreyu disc, Lead Sails PaperAnchor, I was completelyshocked. Never really much a fanof the band, I still gave this disc a chance, and was morethan happy that I did. On Atreyu’s first disc on HollywoodRecords, the band did what they’ve always done: tookrisks. Though long-time fans may not be so keen aboutthe poorly polished (and somewhat more commercialsounding music), Atreyu’s, Lead Sails Paper Anchor,may be their best work yet, as it showcases the band’sability to keep their feet planted in the ground as a metalband, while still writing great songs with memorablemelodies.Still prevalent on Lead Sails Paper Anchor are thechugging guitars; it wouldn’t be metal without ‘em. Atreyugoes from hardcore to melodic hard rock on almost everytune. The disc’s first single, “Becoming the Bull,” is theperfect example. The guitars are catchy and the drumsare straightforward, and then you hear the big choruswith drummer, Brandon Saller, taking the reigns. Thereal surprise was how good a vocalist Seller is on “Bull,”and “Doomsday,” as well as the bubbly, “Falling Down,”which comes off like a hard rockin’ Stray Cats.it to be turn in a positive direction or you’ll becompletely turned off. Rather than go the route of yourtypical singer/songwriter (laying groundwork on guitarand building up from there), Maida instead takes poemsand pens music that feels right for them. Like Maida’srock band, Our Lady Peace, the music is far fromcomplex, but he makes up for it with his lyrics. If you’reone of the fans that purchased the Love Hope HeroEP, you’ll already be familiar with the tracks, “SexLove and Honey,” “One Second Chance,” and,“Careful What You Wish For.” The latter track havinga Middle Eastern feel via a repetitive piano melodyline accompanied by shakers, and a simple drum beat.The finger-picked arpeggiation of, “Earthless,” is PinkFloyd-esque with its violin, moody backing vocals, andtrickled piano; it’s truly an album stand out with thelyrics, “She’s courageous/but scared to death/butthat’s what courage means.” The off-measured, multitrackedvocals give, “Yellow Brick Road” a creepyquality, which is funny considering it’s probably thebest pop song on the album -its almost hip-hop qualityreminiscent of Toby Mac. The Hunters Lullaby is aninteresting album. It showcases the growth of RaineMaida, not just as a songwriter, but as a person.Though, if you have followed Maida’s career to date,this should be of no surprise. - Matthew PashalianAtreyu breaks out the eighties metal on, “Blow,” which,could easily be found on any of the old-school MotleyCrue records. “Blow,” represents the 80s, from the guitarsto the cowbell. And yes, I too am getting sick of hearingcowbells on records. In the end, it was the tune, “LeadSail (and a Paper Anchor),” that surprised me the most -which I can only describe as “Sgt. Pepper going metal.”It’s definitely an interesting track, and truly shows howmuch this band has grown since their release of SuicideNotes and Butterfly Kisses. - Matthew Pashalian○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○Raine MaidaThe Hunters LullabyKingnoise RecordsThough I’m a big fan of OurLady Peace front man, RaineMaida’s, I really feel like Ishould warn you: If you haven’talready heard songs from Maida’s EP, Love HopeHero, than the direction on his first full length, TheHunters Lullaby, may take you by surprise. Dependingon how open you are to change, you’ll either perceive12| DEC RAG MAGAZINE
Cavalera ConspiracyInfliktedRoadrunner RecordsDoes the name Cavalera soundfamiliar? If you’re a fan of thethrash metal band, Sepultura,than odds are, you know thename Cavalera is going to bringwith it something brutal! In late 1996, the news thatfront man, Max Cavalera, had left Sepultura shockedthe metal world. Many thought the band would breakup as Max was the driving force and principle riffwriter. Instead, Sepultura soldiered on with a newvocalist and Max’s brother, Igor, still behind the kit.However, when Igor left the fold, and the two brothersreunited once again onstage (less than two years ago),they felt that it might be time to get into the studio andsee what happened. What happened, was CavaleraConspiracy. Produced by one-time Machine Head axeman,Logan Mader (who was also in Max’s post-Sepultura band Soulfly), Cavalera Conspiracy giftsSepultura fans with a beautiful mix; add Soulfly leadsix-stringer, Marc Rizzo, and you’re in for it.With “Inflikted,” the disc’s’ title track, you are greetedby reverberated squeals as the guitars and drums syncupjust prior to the trademark single note and riff areheard. Off-the-wall bar pulls and Middle Eastern solointerludes make the track quite interesting. Thrashpunk drums and an animalistic nature permeate,“Sanctuary.” This is the Cavaleras at a creativity levelnot heard since Sepultura’s Roots. On “Terroize,” IgorCavalera and Marc Rizzo have an adrenalized frenzywith pulse pounding drums and remarkable leadmelodies. The experimental, “Black Ark,” sounds likeRoots and Chaos A.D. coming together as one, andit represents one of the best tunes on Inflikted.Cavalera Conspiracy is over 40 minutes of the sheermayhem that you could only expect from the Cavalerabrothers. I’m sure what long-time fans really desiredwas a full-on Sepultura reunion, but with an albumlike Inflikted, they should almost feel vindicated. -Matthew PashalianVIEW PAST ISSUES OFRAG MAGAZINE @WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COMwww.RAGmagazine.com | 13
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Page 15 and 16: Thursday, March 20Hplar & Ddot - So
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Page 23 and 24: CHRIS ROCKHARD ROCK LIVEPHOTO: SEAN
Page 25 and 26: VAN HALENFEBRUARY 12, 2008PHOTOS: S
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