- KYS: 90
- User: 60
- 75
Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I
Ne Oblivisicaris present an album that justifies early praise and should serve as representation of a band doing things the right way. Perhaps it's an entirely subjective and early call, but this is one of, if not, the Australian metal album of the year.
- KYS: 90
- User: 100
- 95
Jack White - Blunderbuss
Since we are all fairly familiar with White's musical abilities and tastes, 'Blunderbuss' won't come as a huge surprise, but fans of his style will be in absolute heaven. As classic guitar based blues rock comes back into fashion, Jack White is unquestionably its fearless leader.
- KYS: 85
- User: 97
- 91
Pennywise - All Or Nothing
Fans of Pennywise will no doubt hear, and appreciate, the renewed vigour in the band's sound which undoubtedly has a lot to do with the addition of Teglas. Possibly the most exciting thing about 'All Or Nothing' is its intent, a statement saying that Pennywise are going strong and will more than likely continue to do so for quite some time.
- KYS: 75
- User: 82
- 78
Kettlespider - Avadante
Sometimes the unknown is compelling. Take away the blinkers, remove any narrow pre-determined judgements and give 'Avadante' a listen. There will be no expectations going into a first-up playing but the impact should ensure an engaging level interest.
- KYS: 90
- User: N/A
- 90
Death Grips - The Money Store
On ‘The Money Store’, Death Grips work hard to cut up and rearrange the laws of hip-hop. Their glitchy, industrialised take on the genre bears influence from experimental electronica producers like Flying Lotus, as well as the socially aware, macho-aggression of hardcore punk. The result is a strange beast of an album that will be very confronting to most, but highly rewarding to those who stick with it.
- KYS: 60
- User: 55
- 58
Marilyn Manson - Born Villain
‘Born Villain’ is okay, and will certainly keep diehard Manson fans happy, but those of us who feel that it is time for Marilyn Manson to evolve or die will probably note this as the beginning of the end.
- KYS: 75
- User: 25
- 50
Lostprophets - Weapons
‘Weapons’ is still nowhere near what the band produced in their heyday however it seems as though they have included their mainstream pop attempts in a more respectable way. You can’t deny that Lostprophets are capable of some great hooks and it would be near impossible for fans of the band to not find a few things in here they will like.
- KYS: 80
- User: 55
- 68
The Forecast - Everybody Left
Considering few have probably heard of this band, and the fact that they run their ship in a fairly DIY fashion, it is hard to believe that this mainstream-like sound is done for anything other than the purest reasons. This makes ‘Everybody Left,’ along with most other Forecast records, quite an enjoyable little listen.
- KYS: 85
- User: 57
- 71
Cancer Bats - Dead Set On Living
The interesting thing about Cancer Bats insistence on attempting this range of genres is that there isn't a single one that they don't do well. The fact that they have chosen to keep each style a little more separate from the others this time round is actually a good thing in a way, and makes 'Dead Set On Living' one of their finest releases.
- KYS: 85
- User: 53
- 69
Toy Boats - Diamond Teeth
Definitely not one to please the purist hardcore punters, whether Resist Records’ signing of a young singer-songwriter will pay off is yet to be seen. With artwork that looks great, a set of fairly accessible acoustic tunes, and the best label in Australian hardcore and punk behind it, “Diamond Teeth” might just be 2012’s most stylish first release from a songsmith impressive beyond his years.