Having started Document Fanzine less than a year ago. We really haven’t gotten to the point where we’re getting a whole lot of submissions for reviews. (Something I sincerely hope changes in the near future.) Interesting how the ones we’ve received have either come from publicists peddling music we, or at least I, have no interest or intention of taking the time to review. Or, as in this case. Bands from far away with something more up our alley . On what I believe is the band’s debut 7 inch. Power Face get right t
o the point and up in your grill with a fast paced, raw Hardcore sound that’s sprinkled with elements of Speed Metal. (Most evident in the bands potent guitar assault.) With six of the seven songs coming in at under two minutes. There’s really little room for any break downs or mosh parts, which is fine. Not bad for what it is. Still, nothing that would really inspire more than a casual listen. On the down side. Power Face have some of the worst vocals I’ve seen in quite a while. Something I would have most likely missed if the actual lyrics weren’t included. “Come with me if you want to live. Walk the road of fire and sin.” Lead me to think this band is either in middle school or just don’t have a lot to really talk, or in this case, sing about. Not that I’m saying a Hardcore bands lyrics should change the world. Personally, I just prefer a little less role-playing in my Hardcore music. Not bad, but nothing special either. Proceed with caution. Power Face don’t really offer much in the information department on their social media pages. Regardless, I’m leaving a link to the bands music. This way, you can form your own opinions. JD
Tag: Metal
Morality Crisis – MASH
Having followed the path of Minnesconsin’s Morality Crisis loosely for almost ten years now. I’ve come to expect certain things when agreeing to expose my ears to any and all offerings from the band. For me personally, Minority Crisis have always been a hard band to describe, or even fit in to any square or hole. Musically churning out noise that can be traced to Death Metal, Doom, Screamo and ever Power Violence. Dark, dissonant and downright scary at times. Powered by bowl shaking screams and growls that find light in the frequent chord changes and muscle bound riffs. The kind of stuff that makes you want to study the underbelly of society. The perfect soundtrack for a documentary exploring mental health issues. Featuring four songs, including the ambitious title track MASH which comes in at a ridiculous twenty two plus minutes. These noise warriors somehow managed to keep this listeners attention. Take it or leave it. It is what it is. And while MASH doesn’t seem to break any new ground for Morality Crisis. It more than fits in with 2006’s “Pharos Imperos” and 2013’s “Boats” in being the most notable releases in the bands catalog. And while the four song “MASH” didn’t make an immediate impact on me. Like much of their previous work. It definitely grew on me. If you like to swim in the muddy side of the lagoon. This just might be your kind of thing. J.D.
Jersey City’s Monty Hall Delivers The Metal Goods
Last night I had the rare opportunity to see one of my favorite bands “Kylesa” play an intimate show at Jersey City’s Monty Hall. The Savannah Georgia band has been a favorite of mine since I saw them perform at Hoboken’s Maxwells a few years back. While I had attended Monty Hall’s screening of the documentary “Salad Days” just weeks prior. This was the first time I had the opportunity to see live music. As we drove just a short distance to the show. We found ourselves sharing out memories of the original Maxwellls shows and how they always seemed to get booking right by simply not over booking. Thankfully, Monty Hall immediately reminds show goers of that friendly, well run venue.
Without much of any wait. Ontario Canada’s duo Indian Handcrafts got the party started. As their set progressed, I found myself regretting thinking Kylesa would be the only reason to show up that night. The band played an impressive set that served as a reminder of how you can make a lot of noise with a minimal approach. Drummer Brandyn James Atkins and Guitarist Daniel Brandon Allen traded vocals and their minimalist approach to Metal with impressive results. All while keeping my attention on high and my curiosity regarding their name guessing.
As Inter Arma began to take the stage like vikings ascending on a European village. I felt the energy that eluded me entirely during the day rush back. “I’m not too old for this.” “I’m not too old for this.” overwhelmed by thoughts as I surveyed the crowd to find more people of my age range than not. Visually, Inter Arma fir the profile of most of the Metal bands I’ve seen on milk cartons and in magazines over the years. The hair, black clothes, tattoos and dungaree jackets. You know, the usual suspects. Musically however, the Richmond quintet are a sound worthy of both praise and deeper investigation. While my eyes and ears were firmly devoted to Inter Arma’s set. I couldn’t help but think of seeking out any and all of their recorded history once the night was over. All the great qualities of the best metal I’ve heard in recent years. The night was just getting better and better.
Throughout much of the night I experienced something that seems to occur less and less at shows . Members of each band thoroughly enjoying and participating each of the other bands set amongst the crowd. Though that can easily be traced to the spaces intimate nature or perhaps the lack of a large enough room for the bands to chill out in between sets. Regardless, I felt it worth both mention and praise. I can’t begin to stress how hard it was to keep myself from walking straight into guitarist Laura Pleasants and revealing “I’m you figgest ban.” Lucky for all involved, that embarrassment never took place. Instead, I waited until Kylesa’s set took flight before completely losing my shit. While it’s important to note that Savannah, Georgia’s Kylesa are responsible for rekindling my appreciation for Metal and in particular Sludge Metal and Stoner Metal. Watching the band perform such deviant noise live is pure fucking magic. The bands latest album “Exhausting Fire” Here worth more than it’s weight in metallic elements. One can only hope that their tour (Dates Posted Here) them back our way before it’s done.
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