“With a vivid range of both influences and sound, A WORLD DEFINED offer originality in what is an otherwise heavily diluted scene”; an arrogant statement some would say, but this ambient, alternative rock 5-piece from Derby are full of self-assurance and exude complete confidence and pride in their craft. Having recently released a brand new EP; “In Absence”, does it define the originality stated, or is the very originality they claim altogether absent?

Kicking off with “June”, we’re met with some light guitar work and some gentle reverberated percussion before we burst into the song proper; the song is thrust forward and it’s a lively introduction to the band, it’s a great track. The title track is a gentler affair but no less passionate, the vocals on display are hard to pin down, there’s a certain warble to front man Liam Reeves that’s unique yet recognisable at the same time, just as with “The Void”…on first listen picking up hints of JEFF BUCKLEY but with the angst and frustration akin to the likes of Brock Lindow of 36 CRAZYFISTS for example, in places (minus the intense screaming), it makes for an interesting and captivating listen.

“Gild The Lilly” starts off as more of an acoustic, bluesy number, before descending into a torrent of gang vocals and an increasingly intense sensory journey, before “Brothers” takes us back to square one with a really up-beat rocking number. A clear EP highlight, it’s a heartfelt indie rock anthem in the making, multi-textured, it would make for an ideal climax had it not been for “Outro”, which really just ends things awkwardly really. The idea is nice, but it adds nothing to the EP, leaving you with a feeling of “oh?” instead of “wow”.

A World Defined claim to be original, but really, the concept of originality is quite the myth in this modern day and age, especially in music. It’s so very hard for an artist of any genre to break the mould and appear to be brand new and unique, and in all honesty, A World Defined don’t quite do this, but, they have coloured outside the lines just enough to stand out from the generic indie scene. The band is currently still unsigned and in a way, that benefits them musically. There’s a raw passion that carries through the music that otherwise might be lost elsewhere, and it’s this combination of passion and complete freedom that allows for EP’s like this one to see the light of day. The only thing absent from “In Absence” is a record label’s backing…but quite frankly it doesn't need one. [7]


"In Absence" is available on iTunes for just £4.74: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/in-absence-ep/id819231982

NINE INCH NAILS. This is a name that when mentioned in music circles unanimously gets a nod of respect. Regardless of your background, be it rock, metal, industrial, punk, goth...Trent Reznor and co's band have maintained an almost cult like status amongst various fans of music of various age groups from all walks of life. The last time we saw an official release was 2008's "The Slip". Originally intended as an EP, it grew to become a full length album and was originally released for free via the bands official website. Other than that, numerous other projects aside, Nine Inch Nails have lain dormant, until now.
"Hesitation Marks" is the 8th straight-up studio album to be released by the band and also see's NIN on a major label for the first time since 2007's "Year Zero". The fact that we've waited so long for a new NIN record means we run the risk of over hype and over excitement. Too many bands these days are built up for a massive fall, but Trent Reznor is smarter than that. This is classic NIN, do NOT expect an easy ride.
"The Eater Of Dreams" opens up the new album. At less than a minute in length and being no more than a few subtle notes coupled with some light distortion, it's an eerie reintroduction to the band, before "Copy Of A" kicks in. A simple yet hypnotic beat, Reznor's vocals shifting between harmonious and almost whispered, it's a beautiful track, occasionally picking up tempo, the electronic pulse of the song rising in intensity but never truly taking off.
"Came Back Haunted", the first single to be taken off the album, is again, simple yet unmistakably NIN. A subtle energy, underlying tones of anger and frustration creeping from within Reznor. He wants you to know he means business but refuses to give too much away. There is always a certain enigma surrounding NIN but in a way that, the less you know, the better.
"Find My Way", "Disappointed" and "Satellite" are typically melancholic, subdued affairs, full emphasis on mood and atmosphere. A full, audio journey. Each path different for every listener; your subconscious allowed to roam freely through each song, finding your own conclusions.
"Everything" is a more guitar driven track, slotted in mid-album like a quick adrenaline rush, where as "Various Methods Of Escape" in places sounds reminiscent of Reznor's cover of "Dead Souls" which he did for THE CROW soundtrack.
I could go on, but it's best to let the music do the talking. Trent Reznor / NIN may not have changed their formula much / at all over the years they have been around, but they have this knack of forever sounding not only timeless, but relevant. Current fans will love this unconditionally, if you are yet to immerse yourself into the world of Nine Inch Nails, don't expect to skip through fields of buttercups and fall head over heels in love at first listen, it doesn't work that way. What is at first glance, a depressing, self-destructing example of one man's troubled mind, is in fact another beautifully crafted chapter in the bands already iconic career. Give this album a chance. You'll understand. [9]


"Hesitation Marks" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hesitation-marks/id755885332

When a band comes along, influenced by the SEX PISTOLS, GREENDAY and ANAL CUNT, describe themselves as “Shitcore”, and has part of their biography that states “Being talentless is no obstacle for this 3 piece South Wales band”…it’s safe to say that either the band don’t take themselves seriously AT ALL, or they are seriously in need of some sort of therapy. Luckily, it’s the former that sums up BREAKDOWN FACE, who have just released their newest album; “Quarter Life Crisis”. Let’s see what’s troubling these Welsh youngsters…

Kicking things off with the album’s title-track, we’re greeted with a lengthy intro of sludgy, heavy guitars, its very doom and gloom, before it picks up and becomes this deep grungy punk number. It’s got some observational lyrical commentary on life, added with the angst fuelled punk style, it’s not original but it’s a relatively decent start.

“I Don’t Wanna Go To School” is a typically rebellious sounding piece you’d expect from young punks, pretty cliché and in all honesty, rather cringe-worthy lyrically. The band may just be primarily tongue-in-cheek but it doesn't mean they've managed to be amusing in the process here. “Kabuteri” and “I’ll Do It Tomorrow” keep up the abrasive slurry of noise, before we finish up on “Victorious”, a five minute, almost epic number. It chugs along, with its uncharacteristically jolly and positive message about friendship and sticking together, a dash of piano, again, unexpected, and the whole thing seems to be, well, happy.

If you have to break down Breakdown Face, there are one or two things that are evident. Despite claiming to be talentless, it’s clear that, should they consider trying, they have the capability of being a decent, old-school grubby punk band. They have the sound; they can play, here it’s almost as if they've dumbed it down. Even though you know they are only doing it half-assed, it’s almost annoying to see because instead of playing around amusing themselves, they could be more. What they've achieved in doing is made an album that’s meant to be pretty much pointless and a bit of a joke, but they've left out anything actually considered funny. The whole thing is a shame really. [4]


If you want to check them out, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreakdownFaceMusic

If somebody were to ask you, “What are the first things that spring to mind if when you think about Russia?” what would you say? Vodka? Rocky IV? Whatever you pick, I highly doubt your answer would be death metal…but a recently reformed 3-piece band by the name of TACIT FURY hope to add that to your list of go-to answers. With their brand new album; “A Social Berserker”, this Moscow based trio take no prisoners with their relentlessness and sonic savagery.

Opening track “Lacerated, Strangled, Impaled” more or less speaks for itself in terms of its brutality, setting the tone for the album as a whole. Meaty riffs, a barrage of drums and some intense, visceral vocals, It’s as though CHIMAIRA got even heavier and added some extra heavy for shits and giggles; impressive stuff.

“Run While You Can” continues with the callousness and cold blooded aggression that comes with such fierce, unforgiving metal, pummelling the listener into near submission, while “Release The Lions” is a hard, thrashing, animal of a song. There’s barely a moments respite and it’s clear that this is the Russian’s aim; it’s a hostile takeover of the senses, equally alluring and alarming at the same time.

“Ferocity Unleashed” needs little explanation really; it’s hard hitting, heavy and on the verge of bludgeoning the listener, with its near demonic vocal display and unstable blast-beat drumming, before “War Against All Living” ends things accordingly. It’s actually the most accessible the album has been, in places sounding like an angry AMON AMARTH, including some impressive melodic guitar work at the end of the song. It’s out of the blue but more than welcomed.

Ultimately, if you’re a fan of your ear drums being tortured (in a good way), and like your music to have little or no remorse for its consequences on your ability to hear, odds on you will appreciate Tacit Fury, especially if you’re already a fan of the likes of DEATH and such. If not, it’s still worth noting that Russia isn't particularly famous for its heavy music scene, so on that basis alone, this three piece deserves maybe more respect than most. Give them a listen; don’t be so anti-social…even if it does mean going berserk. [6.5]


You can purchase "A Social Berserker" via this link: http://tacitfury.bandcamp.com/ 


Tacit Fury on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacitfury