The music on I, Lucifer is almost impossible to categorize. Intended as a soundtrack to the Glen Duncan novel of the same name, the album is sort of a cross between a song cycle and a tone poem that depicts the Devil's attempt to return to earth and take another shot at mortality and repentance. There's something of a Tom Waits feel to the whole affair -- the song cycle's story line and the faint cabaret flavor that infuses many of the songs both hint at Franks Wild Years, and {&"Someday ...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

This is what metalcore should sound like. These guys start from a base of total hardcore and import a few things from metal (like the squealing guitar solo that opens "Bottomless," and the moody instrumental "IV," which is exactly the kind of under-two-minute track that has introduced a thousand thrash albums since the '80s), instead of watering down thrash or death metal with empty-headed hardcore bluster. In 22 minutes, the Creatures bash through ten songs, every one a burner filled with gang sh...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

Ahhh, the sweet, soothing sounds of screamo. One of the genre's more "scream-happy" bands of the early 21st century was Destroy the Runner, as evidenced by the group's debut, 2006's Saints. But on its sophomore effort, 2008's I, Lucifer, the band has pulled the reins in a bit on all the shrieking. And there's an obvious reason why this shift has occurred -- singer Kyle Setter has been given the old heave-ho, and has been replaced by new guy Chad Ackerman, who apparently favors using his natu...   [ read more ]

CD $13.28