Generally Impressed With Riffs
[Cover art by Jef Whitehead] Cognizance’s In Light, No Shape serves as a useful reminder that when it comes to our musical preferences, our whats are subservient to our whys. If, for example, you are a fan of the early …
[Cover artwork by Michael Cloutier] Prog, of course, is known for technical musicianship and songwriting complexity above all else, a reputation well-earned by the early giants of the genre and happily maintained by their progeny ever since. It’s also true …
[Cover artwork by Timbul Cahyono] In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that I’ve always found the concept of the split to be flawed. It works best when there’s a shared theme or the band’s involved cover each …
[Cover art by Mars Triumph] Petrichor, the sixth full length album from Greece’s epic metal stalwarts Battleroar, commences with the sound of rain and an invitation to reflect. That word, “petrichor,” is a relatively new one (coined by scientists in …
It’s not just you who gets spoiled by the riches of the internet in the modern age. Since that very first day he signed up for the OG TheDevil666@aol.com account all those many moons ago, …
Influential French philosopher Michel Foucault once said that his role was to make windows where once there were walls. I’ve always thought that’s the job of great music, too. Admittedly, it’s a complicated task. Legions …
Everybody wants a castle. Sure, they’re drafty, expensive to heat, nearly impossible to clean, and most likely filled with evil spirits of yore that died tragic, painful deaths on the steps of the throne room. …
Some albums require the tag team approach. The latest (and last) from Cosmic Church certainly pleased a lot of ears among our ranks. Ryan and Manny have the details… Ryan: Black metal. Scandinavia. The first …
Here we are in July, dear readers, and we at Last Rites Hope you’ve been keeping your grill hot, your beverages cold and your sunscreen liberally applied. For our American readers, we hope you made …
“Album Of The Day” is a Last Rites Facebook feature we started whose purpose is quite straight-forward: highlight one album per day and say a few words about it. Understanding that not everyone chooses to …
Most people who were lucky enough to be a kid in the 80s spend inordinate amounts of time attempting to explain to anyone within earshot why that particular Golden Era was so extraordinary. Just ask …
In music—as in life—expectations can cut two ways. Without expectations, there might be no disappointments. But without expectations, there’s also little chance for surprise. The relational structure of expectations, however, borders on tyrannical. As a …
