'Chapter 1: A Long Time Coming' Profane And The Sacred Album Review

Record Label: Cargo Records
Release Date: 23 February 2015

It is not often that the opening track from a stoner metal band leaves you hooked, but Profane And The Sacred have managed to hit the nail on the head with 'Bench'. The acoustic introduction is unlike anything that you have heard before: the beautiful yet ominous melody contrasts perfectly with the following coarse and hard-hitting riffs. Although it takes over three minutes before the singing begins, the London-based metalheads are able to keep your attention with their impressive musical skills.

'Bleed That Stone' is undeniably a fast-paced metal anthem. Lead singer Luke Alleeson's vocals are powerful and full of emotion, allowing the listener to become fully-immersed in the band's musical talents. One of the reasons that Profane And The Sacred sound so appealing is that they have managed to incorporate all of the passion that is featured in old-school metal songs, along with their own unique and fresh ideas.

One of the most impressive songs on the album is 'From The Top'. The band have been able to combine features from genres all across the metal genre and fuse them together in a new and exciting way. It is easy to forget that this is a debut album as all aspects of the songs are polished to perfection.

'All For None' is a gritty and doom-riff laden track that will keep making you want to come back for more. The guitar solos are not only technical, but they will also allow those who have given up hope for the metal music industry to take back their words.

If you want fast-paced and nostalgic-sounding riffs, then you need to listen to penultimate track 'Words'. The seven minute song is constantly changing pace, allowing you to stay fully focussed and excited about what could happen next.

It is often thought of that stoner metal has a niche market, however, 'Chapter 1: A Long Time Coming' has definitely challenged this view. Profane And The Sacred are one of the few bands around that are able to bring something new and fresh to the metal music scene. They are undeniably extremely talented musicians with the potential to become your new favourite band.

Rating: 9/10

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'Soft' Rathborne Album Review

Release Date: 16^th February 2015

Record Label: True Believer

Rathborne are an indie pop/garage rock band from New York, fronted by Luke Rathborne. After releasing 'After Dark' and 'I Can Be One E.P./Dog Years E.P. ' on his own, he decided to try his hand at creating music alongside three of his friends, resulting in their new album 'Soft'.

Opening track 'Last Forgiven' gives you an instant insight into the theme of the album: fast-paced, catchy indie music. Luke Rathborne's vocals are similar to those of Luke Pritchard's from The Kooks, with a garage-sounding twist.

One of the most memorable songs on the album is 'Deal'. Although the lyrical content leaves something to be desired, the ambient chords and harsh vocals prove that Rathborne are halfway towards becoming a memorable indie pop band.

The electrifying guitar riffs in title track 'Soft' allow the listener to almost be transported to a dingy venue in the middle of nowhere: the effortless and atmospheric music includes everything that a strong indie track needs. Luke Rathborne is able to use his voice as more than just a way to make money, he uses his unique and emotion-filled vocals to their full potential. If you only get a chance to listen to one song by Rathborne, then this should be it.

Electronic song 'Eno' is one of the least impressive songs on the album. Despite only lasting for just under two minutes, the constant wailing and overlapping vocals are enough to give the biggest indie pop fan a headache. It's hard to understand why this song was included on the album, especially as out of context it sounds like a children's television show theme song.

It's hard to judge Rathborne's debut album as either good or bad: there are certainly some memorable indie songs, however, mixed amongst them are some mediocre and even quite boring songs. One thing that is definitely certain is that there is something missing from every song on the album. Whether it's passion, unique riffs or lyrical content, it's hard to imagine this album bringing any new fans to the indie pop genre.

Rating: 5/10

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