Caught In The Grips starts off strong with “Had Enough” which really gets your blood flowing and ready for what is a fun, yet crazy adrenaline rush. At 2:49, this track happens to be one of the longest ones but certainly gives you the kick start needed to get your headbanging. Corey Donahue, vocalist, really brings back that old hardcore vocal style that everyone grew to love back in the day before people thought mixing death metal and hardcore was a good idea. Marc Gurducci and Pat DeFrancisci wield axes respectively and really bring a groovy swing to the band and some nifty leads in some tracks (i.e. “Fast Money”). Giavonni Escamilla brings the low tones with the bass and does a great job  keeping  up the tempo with Marc and Pat. (By the way, check out the track “16 Inches” if you love bass as much as me, Giavonni tears up a sweet bass break in the beginning!) Behind the kit, the listener gets to hear Steve Cieri help Giavonni keep the tempo up with those thrash-like beats that I ooze over.

The next few tracks literally fly past you as quick as they came but they certainly leave their mark on you. “Losing Grip” and “Darker Days” last almost 3 minutes between the two of them, while “Hard Luck” and “Culture Shock” do the same a few tracks later. One small thing that I kinda made a face at however was a lyric at the end of “Stray Dogs.” At the end during a breakdown, the lyric repeats a few times saying, “Will I ever make you proud?” and maybe I’m just overreacting but I thought it was pretty cheesy to be honest. But in my small little whining moment, “Dried Up” hits with a THUNDEROUS  guitar riff before speeding back up… faith restored! Oh and one of the few breakdowns of the album comes at the end of this same track and it’s not your dumb, same old breakdowns you here nowadays.

So on first play through, “Iced Tea” was one of those “uhhh really?” moments. But listening through a few more times, I just laugh hysterically at it because I now realize how much I love Iced Tea without ice in it! This song is now going to be played in my head every time I take a trip to the store and get some Arizona brand iced tea (or maybe an Arnold Palmer)! Honestly guys, it’s like you know me better than I do! As I finish that statement, I got to hear the gang vocals on the closing track “Rise Up.” This is just another one of those things in music I cannot get enough of: Gang Vocals. It doesn’t only get everyone in the band involved, but when performed live, the whole audience gets into it too. That is what can make a good performance become a GREAT performance. Write that down new bands out there, Gang Vocals are a must!

Overall this album was a definite breath of fresh air that the hardcore genre desperately needed! Caught In The Grips may not be from a world re-known hardcore act like Biohazard or Sick of it All, but isn’t it nice knowing that there is a fresh group of young guys that want to make similar music to the legends? I feel like this works the same way for the new thrash bands you see out nowadays as well! Back to the guys in 96 though, this is certainly only the beginning and I am sure they will be going far with their traditional sound that a lot of the Hardcore scene forgot about. Thanks go out to Cibrano Media for the tip off about these guys from Jersey, seems like a lot of good bands are coming from that direction (see my review on the latest releases from IKILLYA and Hung). Now excuse me as I go do the Milano Mosh in my mother’s living room.

Track Listing

1. Had Enough
2. Losing Grip
3. Darker Days
4. Fast Money
5. Hard Luck
6. Culture Shock
7. Stray Dogs
8. Dried Up
9. Walk About
10. 16 Inches
11. Iced Tea
12. Last Part
13. Rise Up

2012 is a thing of the past (and hopefully anymore predictions of the “rapture”). But there is one thing I need to reflect on, and that was an amazing year for the Metal world! Sure nothing is perfect and there are some wonderful blemishes on this beautiful Metal World’s face, but let’s be serious, how is 2013 going to top 2012?! And yes, I realize it’s February, but I needed time to reflect on the year that was. Now don’t get me wrong, just because some albums didn’t make the cut for the Top 10, doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. Check at the bottom of the page for a quick list of noteables that you all should check out.

TOP 10 of 2012

10: 3 Inches of Blood – Long Live Heavy Metal

Everyone’s favorite “old school” metal band, 3 Inches of Blood, returned in 2012 with, arguably, their best release to date! Tracks such as “Metal Woman” and “Dark Messenger” really helped put this album on a pedestal in the past year. From front to back, “Long Live Heavy Metal” puts you on an amazing journey that only Cam Pipes and Company could put you through. Oh and for you big hockey fans, “Leave it on the Ice” has become my personal hockey theme song before every Bruins game!

9: Whitechapel – Self-Titled

Whitechapel has always been that one deathcore band that I can listen to at any point without getting physically ill from the lack of originality. One of my biggest concerns with these guys is how will they be able to evolve enough to not be cookie-cutter deathcore, but also not completely leave their roots. With their self-titled release, I think they have found a comfortable media. From the get go, an ominous piano guides the listener into “Make it Bleed.” Every song continually beats your eardrums harder than the last up until the last note of “Possibilities of an Impossible Existence.” Some of my personal favorites is the politically hot “Faces” track and the extremely heavy “I, Dementia.” The six-piece was able to still have their roots to death metal but also not just filter the album with redundant breakdowns. I found the gang vocals sprinkled throughout this album, although small, a big factor in why this release still gets played in my car. Take a look at Thrash Mag’s view on Whitechapel’s self-titled right here.

8: Dethklok – Dethalbum III

Let’s be real, did anyone think Dethklok WOULDN’T make this list? Dethklok’s third release (with the predictable title, Dethalbum III) has cemented into the minds of the metal world that this isn’t just a late night joke on Adult Swim. Ok, they still make hilarious songs such as the opener, “I Ejaculate Fire,” but the songs absolutely slay! I had the privilege of catching them on tour in 2012 in support for this release and I think it’s safe to say that “The Galaxy” is one of the best songs I have ever seen live. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, and it’s damn epic as Hell! If you are more for the funny side of Dethklok, then I’m sure you have fallen in love with “Impeach God.” Something about cartoons and anti-religion just always brings a smile to my face. If you liked the first two releases from the almighty Dethklok, then this will certainly make your day. Remember: if Dethklok tells you to kill yourself you better do it!

7: Cannibal Corpse – Torture

If you haven’t given this record a spin yet, then you must not like Cannibal Corpse. But let’s say you do: go check out my review for this album here. I don’t grade graciously here at Thrash Mag, but these guys deserved a 4.5/5.0 with what was one of the best albums of the year.

6: Eluveitie – Helvetios

This friggen band can’t make bad music. Thrash Mag’s own Derek Rix would have to agree with me on that after a quick read up on his review of Helvetios. The Swiss folk-metal gods (and goddesses) have graced the world with another beautiful, emotional, and epic history lesson on the days of the Celts. If you haven’t given Eluveitie a fair shot yet, I highly recommend this album as it has something for everyone.

5: Deftones – Koi No Yokan

From what I have gathered, a lot of people actually aren’t okay with this newest release from The Deftones and I am quite baffled. I actually couldn’t stop playing this album front to back for weeks and weeks and now months. Koi No Yokan is another typical album from Deftones where you get your upbeat songs and a few slower ones; ballads if you will. You get a great opening track in “Swerve City” and then my personal favorite off the album, “Leathers” comes a few minutes after that. As for the “ballads,” there are two amazing ones that I look forward to on every play through this album. “Entombed” offers a very spacey feel while “Rosemary” is a more typical “slow song” from Deftones, but still pleases the ears. This album, despite what many say, deserves a spot next to past Deftones albums including the almighty White Pony.

4: Ensiferum – Unsung Heroes

Maybe it’s because of my growing obsession with the Elder Scrolls: Skyrim video game, but Ensiferum’s “Unsung Heroes” is one of the most epic albums to listen to in battle. After being kind of let down from the previous album, I was hoping for these guys to bounce back, and damn did they do that and then some! Some of my personal favorites are: “In My Sword I Trust,” “Burning Leaves,” and “Retribution Shall Be Mine.” Another added bonus to this album is the few acoustic songs that work as interludes that gave me the feeling like the battle is over and we are traveling to the next. “Celestial Bond” is a great example of this with guest vocalist Laura Dziadulewicz lulling you into a false sense of security that this album lightens up. It doesn’t matter if you play Skyrim or not, this album is a must own from 2012.

3: The Devin Townsend Project – Epicloud

I really couldn’t think of a better album title than The Devin Townsend Project’s newest release, Epicloud. It’s epic, it’s loud, and it’s damn fun! The newest album from DTP really brought out all the many sides they have to offer. You have the melodic, slow side with “Save Our Now” and “Where We Belong” only to go into a very “djenty” rerecorded version of “Kingdom.” And what would DTP be without a good song to laugh at? “Lucky Animals” answers this question with quite the funny music video as well. You also get some “feel good” songs in “Liberation,” “More!” and the very powerful but fun “Grace.” Devin has once again made an amazing album with a collection of great songs that touches upon every emotion. If you have liked the projects past releases, this is sure not to disappoint. If you haven’t even given The Devin Townsend Project a chance yet, well you have some catching up to do!

2: Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage

Gojira is one of those bands to me that, with every release, sound even better than they did before. Not knocking any of their past releases, but L’Enfant Sauvage really knocked it out of the ballpark for me. I haven’t stopped listening to this album since it’s release date. If you are familiar with Gojira’s past work, imagine the same style, but even more fist raising then before. Honestly, I bang my head through this whole album, even during the interlude track, “The Wild Healer.” From “Explosia” all the way until the last second of “The Fall,” this album will get you pumped up for anything and everything from a sports game, a concert, or even just heading into work trying to beat rush hour traffic. Some of my favorite tracks are: “L’Enfant Sauvage,” “The Axe,” “Liquid Fire,” and “The Gift of Guilt.” Oh and all of those fun pic scrapes and squeals are found throughout the album to keep your head spinning so don’t even think that Gojira is evolving away from what has made them the outstanding band that they are today. Don’t be a stooge, go buy this album!

1: Cattle Decapitation – Monolith of Inhumanity

And finally, my favorite album of 2012. Cattle Decapitation has come a long way to get to Monolith of Inhumanity, but they have put out an album that literally made my jaw drop. Travis’s bizarre vocal abilities really shine in this album while on a technical level, the instrumentals are flawless. I cannot choose certain tracks on this album to listen to as I can literally listen to every track and love each one. However, when showing some unsuspecting people, I like to play “The Monolith” as an intro into “Kingdom of Tyrants” since they mix so well together to close out a perfect album. Not only does this album absolutely destroys you, but some of the song titles give you the slightest giggle when you first read the track listing such as “Gristle Licker” and “Forced Gender Reassignment.” I actually had the privilege of reviewing this masterpiece in 2012 and you can head on over and read it here. If you enjoyed past work of Cattle Decapitation, then this album is sure to blow you away. If you are new to this band, just press play, buckle in, and get ready for a bumpy ride.

Honorable Mentions

Testament – Dark Roots of Earth
Enslaved – RIITIIR
Meshuggah – Koloss
Job For a Cowboy – Demonocracy
Alcest – Les Voyages de l’Âme
Abigail Williams – Becoming
Lamb of God – Resolution
Goatwhore – Blood for the Master
Shadows Fall – Fire From the Sky
Overkill – The Electric Age
Ex Deo – Caligvla
As I Lay Dying – Awakened
Wintersun – Time I
Fear Factory – The Industrialist
Biohazard – Reborn in Defiance
Kreator – Phantom Antichrist
Dying Fetus – Reign Supreme
The Agonist – Prisoners
Sybreed – God Is An Automaton
Soulfly – Enslaved
Aborted – Global Flatline

To clarify, these “Honorable Mentions” are all fantastic albums on their own but I couldn’t quite put them above the Top 10 as you read above. Now I leave it up to you, leave your comments below. Tell me I’m wrong, let me know which albums you thought sucked, tell me of an album that I missed (I am sure I missed a ton). There is one thing that certainly looks great already, and that’s 2013! The Metal World is currently awaiting releases from big names like Ghost, Darkthrone, Rotting Christ, Soilwork, Finntroll, Killswitch Engage (with Jesse Leech back!), Rob Zombie, Amon Amarth, and Dark Tranquility just to name a few . We already have releases from Holy Grail, Suffocation, and Voivod… which I need to get my greasy paws on immediately! All in all, 2012 was an amazing year for Heavy Metal and 2013 looks just as promising.

Link Here

This might give Salo and Serbian Film a run for its money and its only 4 minutes, its pretty much snuff.

ENJOY!

Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family.  I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight- I am truly humbled.  I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said “We are glad you are home, Randy”. You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.
2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.
3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.

First of all, thanks to everyone who has reached out in support of Randy and each of us in this terrible situation.  It’s noted and very much appreciated.

We have been keeping our heads down and not speaking out due to the fluid nature of the situation and the constantly changing information that even we receive daily.
Within an hour things can do endless 180’s. It’s maddening to try and make heads or tails.

We’re taking the time to speak to you as it has been a significant period of time since this situation began and while nothing is immediately clear to any of us, we are not trying to keep anyone in the dark.

We have reached out and are making use of the resources we have acquired to help our brother who is still detained in Czech jail.

In the two years since, we were never notified of anything related to this incident.

Randy is our brother and we assure you, we are all staying very positive for him, working endlessly behind the scenes to provide any and all assistance possible.

The best we can do is to stay positive and continue to support our friend that we know is innocent.

We know that justice will prevail and we will continue to do our part to support our friend.

- LAMB OF GOD

Past updates and photos can be seen below.

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July 2 – According to blesk.cz, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe will remain in the Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic for at least the next days in connection with the death of a fan more than two years ago. According to novinky.cz, Randy Blythe’s bail money has not yet arrived at the court account. Lamb of God’s management is attempting to transfer the funds as soon as possible. Once the bail has been met, the prosecutor will have to approve Blythe’s release before he can leave the prison. Otherwise, the court will determine the conditions of the singer’s release.

The situation for Randy Blythe just keeps getting more and more complicated. According to novinky.cz, the funds for Blythe’s $200,000 bail has yet to arrive at the court. The bail was set Saturday, June 30, but could not be paid until the following Monday, July 2, due to most banks being closed for the weekend. Lamb of God’s management is attempting to transfer the funds as soon as possible. With the current situation, it seems Blythe will not see his freedom until next week, a total of ten more days in prison.

Randy Blythe was arrested on June 28 at the Prague airport on manslaughter charges, accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at Lamb of Gods’s May 24, 2010 show in Prague. A nineteen year old fan, Daniel N., had apparently ran on stage during Lamb of God’s performance, and was then forced off the stage. Two weeks later Daniel had passed away due to bleeding in the brain. Video footage of the apparent altercation has finally surfaced today which you can view below.

The TV Nova report did not claim that this was in fact the very incident in question, but it is being used to illustrate the behavior of Randy Blythe and the fans that night. With this video now surfaced, the actual incident or not, this will just complicate things further. Obviously this could seem as a natural reaction to us, as many metal bands and fans alike are still shaken by the death of Dimebag Darrell back in 2004. Unfortunately you can’t expect a Prague court to also share the same fear and concern. Everyone continue to hope that Randy Blythe will soon return home as a free man. #FreeRandyBlythe

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July 1 – Members of Lamb of God except for Randy Blythe, returned home to Virginia last night, less than four days after Blythe was taken into custody in Prague, Czech Republic in connection with the death of a fan more than two years ago. Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton wrote on Twitter,

Finally HOME! 4/5 of us anyway. I can’t wait to give Randy a big bear hug and kiss his pointy, stubbly face! Thanx for all the support y’all! Flooded with questions about Randy. I truly understand and appreciate concern. But it would be irresponsible for me to comment on any of it. Again….thank y’all SOOOO much for your love and support during these difficult times. It means the world to us.

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June 30 – According to the Czech news site blesk.cz, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe appeared in court shortly before 10 a.m. today for a hearing in connection with the death of a fan more than two years ago.

Blythe, who was arrested at the Prague airport on manslaughter charges, will reportedly be released on 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000 — an amount which, according to the site, Randy claimed was the equivalent of his annual income). Since most banks are closed this weekend, Blythe will be allowed to pay off his bail on Monday (July 2). The singer, who did not speak at his hearing and was “timid as a lamb,” was considered a flight risk by the judge and will reportedly have to remain in the country at least for the next two days.

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June 29 – Adrenaline PR, which handles publicity for Lamb of God, has released the following statement regarding the reports that the band’s vocalist Randy Blythe was arrested yesterday (Thursday, June 28) in the Czech Republic and charged with manslaughter over an incident that happened more than two years ago:

Lamb of God management will be issuing an official statement on Monday regarding the charges made against singer Randy Blythe. As no formal charges have yet been made and the case is only in the investigation stages, it would be premature to make an official statement filled with false truths or innuendos. Having said that, management wished to address today one false piece of information that has been included in many of the news stories released so far. Under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head. Again, until the investigation is concluded this weekend, nothing more will be released, but clarity and the facts needed to be addressed on this one reported point which is totally inaccurate.

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June 28– According to the Czech news web site Novinky, vocalist Randy Blythe of Richmond, Virginia’s Lamb of God was arrested earlier today in the Czech Republic and charged with manslaughter over an incident that happened more than two years ago. Blythe reportedly got into an altercation with a fan who had come on stage during the band’s show at the Prague club Abaton in May 2010 and the fan later died of his injuries.

When Lamb of God arrived on Thursday to play a show at the Rock Café in Prague with Skeletonwitch and All Shall Perish, the local police brought the musician in for questioning. Lamb of God’s appearance at the venue was canceled later in the day. Lamb of God’s representatives have said that Blythe is wrongly accused and that they expect him to be fully exonerated. Randy’s brother, Mark Blythe, told CBS-6 that he’s awaiting further details and said the charge is “bogus and outrageous and will be dropped immediately.” Shortly after 9 p.m. EST, the #freerandyblythe hash tag was posted on the @lambofgodband Twitter account (which is run by a fan and not the bandmembers themselves).

Statement made on Forged in Flame’s official Facebook page:

We would like to let everyone know that due to reasons beyond our control we will not be at Shockwave Fest 2012 this year and we aren’t the only band whom had to drop off. We have a fall tour in the works and hope to see a lot of you again real soon. Keep following along. – FIF

Statement made on Vildhjarta’s official Facebook page

dear north americans, we can confirm that we are off the Shockwave Festival due to reasons beyond our control. the festival will probably do an announcement about it soon since the word is already out and we´re not the only band that is affected when the bill has been scaled down.

we have looked forward to an opportunity to play in north america for a long time and will do our best to get us on another tour as soon as possible. hope to see you soon ♥

thall

Statement made on Dirge Within’s official Facebook page

Sorry to all our fans that we are not taking part of “Shockwave Festival “due reasons beyond our control,On a good note we just wrapped up filming all day the new video for Memories!!!

Well this just sucks. I’m not really a fan of Dirge Within, but I would of loved to see Forged in Flame and Vildhjarta live. Revocation is by far one of the more impressive and great up and coming metal bands out there today, and they put on a great live show. Does this mean that the bands remaining will be able to play a longer set? I wouldn’t complain if Cattle Decapitation added a few songs to their setlist.