Author Archives: Mark

Review: The Haunted – Unseen

A while back I was moaning that I couldn’t find The Haunted’s latest album Unseen in my local CD store. Well, a few weeks have gone by and I finally spotted it in another shop and thought why not pick it up? So that’s exactly what I did. After letting the album sink in a bit, it’s time to pen my review of the album.

Since the release of 2006’s The Dead Eye, the band have been facing continuous criticism from both fans and critics alike, and 5 years later, 2011’s Unseen is no different. This is the band sticking up their middle fingers to those that criticize, and actually delving deeper down the less thrashy, and more “experimental” and melodic path they began with The Dead Eye. It was obvious that this would be the case, as frontman Peter Dolving has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t give a fuck what people think, and that The Haunted would continue down this route regardless. In a sense, it’s almost quite commendable of the band, although it leaves Dose of Metal in a tricky spot. I mean, as a site we dislike anything that isn’t Metal, and The Haunted are barely Metal anymore. Yet we also love to stick our middle fingers to the critics and stick to our guns, and I can’t help but praise The Haunted for the same.

That’s enough rambling for now though; make the jump instead to read the review.

Kiss studio footage

In case you haven’t been keeping up with the news, Kiss have official entered the studio to  record the follow up to 2009’s crappy Sonic Boom. Don’t worry though, because this album will apparently totally “leave Sonic Boom in the dust.” I mean, can’t you tell how awesome this album is going to be from the amazing riff being played above?

More information can be found at Blabbermouth.

Weekly Dose of Metal: Esoteric

I’m writing for Dose of Metal, so obviously I’m a fairly big fan of Metal. However, I have a bit of a confession to make, I’ve never been a huge fan of Doom Metal. It’s just not depressing enough for me, and way too cheery. I mean Jeeze guys, not everything is all fun and games you know?

Not to worry though, because in Esoteric, I found a Doom Metal band (Progressive Doom Metal even) that are not only awesome but also really, really depressing. Fantastic stuff!

Esoteric formed back in 1992, and have been going strong since despite a few line-up alterations over the years. The band incorporates highly acute, somewhat distorted vocals and samples over slow paced riffs and atmospheric melodies. And I’ll be honest, I just stole that from Wikipedia, because I’m way to lazy to describe the band myself.

The band’s song ‘Circles‘ taken from 2008’s The Maniacal Vale can be found below.

Foo Fighters still play in garages

You thought Foo Fighters were one of the biggest bands around? They are, but it seems playing in random fans’ garages isn’t beneath them. A video of the band playing in some pizza man’s garage can be viewed above.

That’s great and all, but why the fuck weren’t they playing in my garage dammit? Oh well, I’m too busy listening to Napalm Death and masturbating to care.

Reissues sell… but who’s buying?

Reissues sell… but who’s buying? Those that are interested in reading liner notes written by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich in a Megadeth album perhaps.

Yes, the arch enemies are all buddy buddy again, with Lars writing liner notes for a 25th anniversary reissue of Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying, expected to hit stores in July. I seriously can’t wait, that’s going to blow my little mind when I read it.

Apparently, Lars and Dave were always good friends, even after Dave was fired from Metallica, but as both bands got bigger (*cough* Metallica), the press really started to stir shit up (*cough* Dave), but with the whole Big Four tours going on, I guess they’ve kissed and made up now. N’aww isn’t that lovely?

As for the reissue, according to Metal Hammer, it will be available in a 2CD lift-top box, digital album, and a deluxe 5Disc+3LP box set, all including a previously unreleased 1987 concert from the band’s first world tour and new liner notes written by Mustaine and Ulrich.