Album Review: Daughtry's Baptized

Daughtry has done it again with their fourth album release to date. This time around they have added not only electropop sounds, but also some southern rock and country sounds, while maintaining that element that makes them who they are. It is a welcoming addition to Daughtry's history and a nice change from other songs they have done. Though, it is not perfect. There is a song that has repetitive lyrics that is not a fun to follow along to compared to the rest of the songs, but that is really the only problem I have with it. Lyrics wise, it is symbolic and can be beautiful. It is also fun to just sing along to, like the rest of Daughtry's work. As things stand now, hopefully this will open the door to more Rock bands that are trying to make a living. They have found that middle ground between keeping the same sound and completely changing the sound that other bands have tried to do and failed. My final verdict is a 9/10. I recommend this album to Daughtry's hardcore followers (like myself) and people who are new to his material.

First impression: Daughtry, Waiting for Superman and Long Live Rock &Roll

I have been a follower of Daughtry since Chris' time on American Idol. So far, I have been impressed by him and the band. For the hits that have came out prior to his upcoming album, this is going to be an impressive album compared to their other works. Waiting for Superman is a more synthesizer driven song, which he has never done before, but Daughtry's main elements are still there in the song. Long Live Rock & Roll is a throw back to the old days of Rock & Roll and the great time that was and how much people like me miss it. I'm going to be honest, I love both songs for different reasons. If all the songs are as good as these two, this album could possibly bring Rock back into the mainstream. I am not kidding. Do not disappoint me, Chris! I am buying this album.

Album Review: Korn's The Paradigm Shift

Korn has become an image in today's Metal society. Not only did they helm a new genre into the public eye, but have also maintained some kind of image for themselves throughout the years.With Brian "Head" Welch back in the band for the new album, there was a lot of suspense for the new album. But how is the new album, The Paradigm Shift? Compared to their last couple of albums, it is a great improvement. Compared to their earlier music (Follow The Leader for example) it falls a little flat. Instrumentally, it is great, though some digital sounds throw it off for me. Lyrically, some songs are dark and others are perverted. Language wise, it is like an R-rated movie. I don't really have an issue with fowl language, except if it is over the top and continuous. If a band does this they sound rather immature. It's not as bad as a teenager that doesn't know how to swear, it's more like he is continually stubbing his toe and swearing in frustration. Overall, I should accept that Korn is not the same band as they were in the 90's. But I still can't recommend the entire album to people. My verdict is a 7/10. Check out the songs on Spotify or Pandora, then buy the ones you want.

Songs I recommend: What We Do, Lullaby for a Sadist

Songs I didn't care for: Paranoid and Aroused, Prey For Me

Album Review: Avenged Sevenfold's Hail to the King

To be honest, I didn't care for Avenged Sevenfold's previous album, Nightmare. However, this is their redemption album. They got their chemistry back on track and gave us something I haven't heard much in the world of metal for quit awhile, variety. With some gothic sounding songs, some songs that are a nod to classic metal and even some very melodic songs, Avenged Sevenfold has again proven that they are not a typical metal band. Aside from one song having a swear word in it, it is also rather clean, at least more than previous work they have done. However, that is the only real killjoy of the album is that one song, so I can't give it a perfect rating. My verdict is a 9/10. Avenged Sevenfold has brought back a fan with this album and have reminded me why they are in my top 10 favorite Metal Bands.

2 songs I recommend: Hail to the King, Crimson Day
1 song I didn't care for: Doing Time

Album Review: Skillet's Rise

I was right! My fiance pre-order this album for both of us and I can't stop listening to it. With new guitarist, Seth Morrison, Skillet has continued to remind me why they are my favorite band. Every song is unique and had a different style to each one. Not only that, but this album tells a story and keep a constant theme without getting boring like others have done. It's clean, has a good message, and is hard to get bored listening to it. I love Skillet and I am not surprised to hear people calling them one of today's best talents in the music industry today. I have nothing bad to say about this album at all. My Verdict... 10/10!!! I'm not even going to do the songs I recommend list, because I recommend all of them!

Announcement

No new post for awhile. My focus right now is on getting ready for the wedding of myself and my lovely fiance. Expect me to make up for it when all that is over.

Album Review: Thirty Seconds to Mars- Love Lust Faith + Dreams

I am a fan of most of the things Thirty Seconds to Mars has done in previous years. In fact, when I started listening to this album, I was really enjoying it. Then I noticed something... Most of the songs sound the same. It's one thing to be completely different on an album, but it's another extreme to have every song the same. It lacks variety, and for someone like me it's boring. It's sad because they have had some good songs. I did like it at the beginning. It does have a nice sound to it, but it's that song on repeat. I can't recommend it. Get the big hit off the album and one other. My Verdict is a 4/10

2 Songs I recommend: Up in the Air, City of Angels
2 Songs I didn't care for: Do or Die, Northern Lights

First Impressions: Sick Puppies' There's No Going Back

Sick Puppies has material that is unique to say the least. They are very bold to release a song like this to promote the new album coming out. It is a softer song and most of the time, an artist will save those kinds of songs for later. I think it is a good thing that someone is breaking the mold and trying something new. The song still has the Sick Puppies sound to it, with a minor difference from the last album.

Final Thought: Looks Promising

First Impressions: Skillet's Sick of it, American Noise, and Rise

It is very bold for Skillet to release three songs before the album's release which will be soon actually. From what I can tell with these songs, it will be an album focusing on making a stand for what you believe in. That is a positive message compared to what other artist have done. Skillet is my favorite band of the modern day and these songs remind me why.

Final Thought: I AM SO EXCITED!!!

First Impression: Avril Lavigne's Here's to Never Growing Up

I just recently heard this song and I have to say, I am impressed. In the last ten years she has kept the elements that have made her a pop-rock sensation and this new song continues to maintain that, plus add something new. This is another album I will be reviewing and looking forward to. I will try to maintain an open mind with this album just like I have done with other ones I have reviewed.

Final Thoughts: Looking Promising

Album Review: Ungrateful, Escape the Fate

Escape the Fate is a Hardcore Punk band that has gone through quite a few changes over the years. From the new vocalist and the lose of a guitarist in 2008 to another guitarist for the new album. In my opinion, the newer vocalist is actually better than the old vocalist with this kind of genre. He has a good range from screaming and growling, to a soft, melodic singing style. They are still doing new things, but still keeping the elements that made them a popular band in the Punk community. At the beginning of the album, it does sound a lot more Metal than Punk, which may turn off some of the old Escape the Fate fans. However, other might like it more. I'm open to both, I enjoy both the old and new styles with this band. I cannot look past the swearing though. It has quite a bit of swearing mixed into the album, which bothers some people, myself included. My verdict is a 7/10. Listen to the album on Pandora or Spotify, then buy the songs you want.

2 Songs I recommend: Forget About Me and Picture Perfect
2 Songs I didn't care for: You're Insane and Live Fast, Die Beautiful

Album Review: Stories, The Bunny The Bear

The Bunny The Bear is one of the few metal bands I want to see live just to see them. They are a Techno Metal band that uses kind of a furry inspired appearance, which is kind of funny. But don't get the wrong idea across, they are a heavy sounding band with a lot of variety. Their new album titled, Stories is one of those albums that proves it. With the tag teaming of both vocalist and the use of synthesizer and heavy guitars sounds makes this a very enjoyable band to listen to. However, there are times in which a synthesizer can be a little more over powering over everything else, in my opinion. If you don't care for that, you might not like this album. My verdict is a 9/10!! I really enjoy this album and I can recommend it to people who want some clean metal.

2 Songs I recommend: In Like Flynn and Another Day
2 Song I thought less of: Your Reasons and Sadie

Album Review: Goth Metal is one of those genres for me that is very hit or miss. However, a band that had a fair variety of good songs on every album, HIM, has released a new album by the title, Tears on Tape. This is a band that is experimental with their sound, but still keep the elements that makes them Goth Metal or Love Metal as you would rather call it. Each song is unique on it's own. There is a lot o variety on this album and I love that! HIM has really impressed me with this new album and it makes me excited to see what else this band can do. I had a hard time giving this one a final verdict, but people who don't like Goth Metal won't like this album or this band to be honest. To top it all off, it comes with a second disc with commentary behind each song. But I can't deny how amazing this album turned out and even if there are songs I don't like as much, I can still recommend it. I give it an 8/10 with the ROCK ON!! Seal of Approval.

2 Songs I recommend: Love Without Tears and All Lips Go Blue
2 Songs to be careful towards: Lucifer's Chorale and Kiss the Void

Album Review: Iggy and the Stooges, one of the early punk bands of the Seventies, has released a new album, Ready to Die. First of all, kudos to them for continuing even with the death of their lead guitarist back in 2009. However, they haven't changed their sound at all. It's like AC/DC, they keep to the same formula and it can really hurt a band. I hate to say that about someone as old as Iggy Pop too. But I couldn't get into this album that much. Classic Rock lovers with probably like though, it does have songs that one who loves the 70s can enjoy. my verdict is a 6/10, it is decent. Listen to it on Spotify or Pandora before making your purchase and judge for yourself.