Khemmis S/T Review:

 

 If you like Doom Metal, you will like Khemmis. I would find it hard to believe that you'd like metal and not know who they are by now with Dio and AIC covers having been out for so long now. If you like Mercyful Fate or Sleep you probably like Khemmis. The blast beats, the doom riffs, the vocals, the lyrics... all worthy of putting their records in your collections. Their newest slab is a self titled sonic death ride to oblivion. Having been out since June Ithink it covers ground that we need covered, musically. Instrumentation is in a fever pitch in a number of sonic harmonies and tones. Blending vocals and music together in their signature style of bass heavy 80's influenced metal. They are one of a handful of bands that truly define these sub genres. Already on a second press, if you're going to get it, the getting is good. My favorite track so far is "Carrion King" with a back of "Bemeath The Scythe". They did a set on KEXP that is just rad, if you can't get out to see them. 

Buy

X Weapon X - Demo 2 Review

 

If you're looking for new hardcore or straight-edge to get in to, look no farther than Louisvilles own Weapon X... because they hate you. 

That being said, "Demo 2" is where it's at and over a year old now. A newer offering that proves to be just as quick paced and to the point as previous offerings (demo), definitely proving consistency and drive. I appreciate this band a lot more than other bands in the genre, because they seem to be a bit more tuned up than other bands from this era. I'm not attempting to push nostalgia, but, they do have a certain ambiance about them from the original era. 

It's not reinvention or throwback, but perhaps, a next step for both staright-edge and hardcore. The instrumentation and vocals definitely get more harmonious and tighter with each outing. Kicks and open E string chugging get that big sound we all know and appreciate in this genre, and the bullet toms and almost blast beat style rhythm bring a melding of what hardcore is becoming to the forefront. The lyrical content is spot on for what somebody would want in a straight-edge band. Good marks in my opinion. If you like bands like Harms Way, Truth of Pain, Contention, World of Pleasure, or Magnitude you might enjoy Weapon X. 

Buy

Ruckus - S/T review:

 

If you're a fan of the original story of punk rock, this look back and reinvention of that sound is probably for you. No holds barred, and no censorship in relation to today's political morality exists in this record. It may not be a reinvention of the wheel but it definitely is a perfection of it. This is a good dose of what society needs, lyrically. Instrumentation is on point, as well. From guitar pedals and cabs, to spot on rhythm,  this is what you should want in punk rock. It's only an EP (sad face) but if all goes well, this will be a reason these folks continue to make great music. They do set the stage, and I do follow looking for what they do tomorrow. You should too. Easy to listen on music share sites but they have a physical release out, that needs to sell out. Hope you dig their music as much as I do. 

Buy here