Nirvana – Nevermind (1991) – Review

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Nirvana - Nevermind - Album Cover

Sometimes it is tough to give the past a real hard and unforgiving look. Especially when it comes to emotionally laden and much hyped-about albums like Nevermind from the long-defunct band Nirvana. And there are emotions galore in and surrounding this album and the band itself.

On top of that, one would think that pretty much all was already said, written, or otherwise dispensed of in relation to this album. In books, films, and in endless, sometimes contradicting articles on the news or on the never-forgetting internet.

Or was it?

So, it is somewhat of a challenging task to … [...] Click to raid more!

Epica – The Holographic Principle (2016) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Epica - The Holographic Principle - Album Cover

Epica are known for their penchant for super-epic, somewhat overstuffed, and choir-heavy productions. Starting as a Symphonic and Gothic Metal outfit with the astonishing The Phantom Agony, the band slowly evolved towards an orchestral-laden, bombastic style that left many of their earlier fans confused in their wake.

Over the last years, we have seen many of the major players in this genre move into a similar – if not the same – direction. Which means that what should be innovation turns out to be the new mainstream of sorts. It is a little like this drive to political correctness, [...] Click to raid more!

Lacuna Coil – Delirium (2016) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Lacuna Coil - Delirium - Album Cover

Looks like it takes an asylum visit and some lineup changes to kick things up a notch. After the two somewhat swell deliveries Lacuna Coil mustered before, the band now lets loose their newest full-length album Delirium in spring 2016 with renewed gusto. And it is some gusto, I can tell ya. 

What a change compared to Broken Crown Halo of 2014. This newly invented style is astonishingly good in more ways than one and an amazing feat pulling off such a record in a very reasonable time scale.

Loud, screechy, scratchy, dirty, but still unarguably Lacuna Coil, the record forges forward without looking left or right. I specifically like their ability [...] Click to raid more!

Van Halst – World of Make Believe (2016) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Van Halst - World of Make Believe - Album Cover

I can tell you what they are not. Van Halst are not some sort of an Evanescence clone, as was suggested by some.

Their debut World of Make Believe features some pretty strong similarities for sure. But they don’t imitate the typical sound of the latter, nor should they. If there has been a typical style left, that is, after the unhappy departure of the old band around Ben Moody.

Van Halst deploy a much fresher and – I daresay – a more thoughtful brand. Too tough and more varied than their alleged idols. And this is a good thing. … [...] Click to raid more!