This east meets west split release is a great way to check out some new local hardcore that you may not have heard of whilst also being a nice taste of what both bands may have in store for their upcoming full lengths.

Like the relics of the past that adorn the album artwork, it’s as though Soundgarden have emerged from some snowy cave after years in hibernation, reinvigorated and ready to rock again. King Animal may not reach the same peaks as previous albums, but it’s a solid start to a new chapter in Soundgarden’s career.

The full gloss and appeal of ‘House of Gold & Bones Part 1’ should become more complete when coupled with next year’s Part 2 offering. In isolation, this studio album is again polished and has some signature Stone Sour moments. It’s probably not the most complete album in the Iowa rockers catalogue, but it’s made up for by its sincerity.

'Moments' is an enjoyable, well-rounded listen, discarding all genre debates. Where it falls short however, is the degree of difference from their peers. Because, if you're heard Periphery, this will feel like Deja Vu. It's good, but it doesn't really bring anything new to the plate. With the state of heavy music as it is right now, it's probably a bit much to expect something groundbreaking to separate every new release, but it just feels a little bit old hat. This is an album that's worth having in your collection, but it's not one that's going to strike you as anything remarkable. Worth a listen if you've got time, not going to change your life.

Sunday Driver are no more. ‘Across The Sunshine State’ is by no means the piece of work they want left as their legacy. Instead, it is more like the final reveal, a way to tell fans “Now we’ve told you everything.” Sometimes however, things are better left unsaid.

Although Such Gold’s debut doesn’t entirely live up to its hype, it comes relatively close. The band’s songwriting on Misadventures is both aggressive and uplifting, sustaining a feeling of positivity. As a whole, the album overflows with energy, and fans of Such Gold won’t be disappointed by their first full length release.

Call it a timely reminder, a fresh introduction or maybe a simple fusion; ‘Antennas to Hell’ is an ideal overview of Slipknot over the years. It highlights the band’s longevity and similarly reinforces their obvious popularity. While there have been conflicting accounts regarding future material, this CD/DVD reveals that either way, the fan has already been the beneficiary.

Shadows Fall embody the genre they exist within. The sound and identity fits with its aesthetics and for the most part 'Fire From the Sky' delivers in a purposeful manner. There is a sense of repetition present, but studio album number seven still has enough emotive and entertaining moments to keep the neutral appeased.

'Neck Of The Woods' is a well thought out album, especially from a dynamics point of view, which makes it extremely enjoyable from start to finish. Silversun Pickups are ready for you to hear them, they actually have been for awhile, and they will just keep releasing great records until the rest of the world to catches up.

I’ve heard bad records before, and this isn’t necessarily one of them. It’s just a few strokes below par for a clearly capable Shinedown. It has one or two songs that might resonate with you, but other than that, it’s as forgettable as it is disappointing.