WIS(H)KEY - (2013) Manifesto of New Standards

WIS(H)KEY was born as an idea in 2011, after spending more than 10 years on the road sharing the stage with the most varied musical groups, both domestic and international. The members, being huge fans of styles that do not monopolize the lists of the most successful in the metal panorama as the blues or rock'n'roll bands like CLUTCH, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY & DOWN. They decided to undertake this project just for fun. Thus, by mid-2011 had 13 songs that began recording in their studio in Barcelona ARTEGRAMA STUDIO. They began the recording sessions for what will be an overwhelming first album to be released on November 2011. After that, they decided to test the project, and initiate a publicity campaign for social networks, obtaining a very rewarding result, joining nearly 1000 fans in different social spots they’ve opened. Without further claim that play and play what they like, WIS(H)KEY has passed from being just an idea, to become more than a real thing, more than powerful and more than a simple band. 

Spain's Wis(H)key aren't just another band with a clever name. They are without question a group a talented musicians dead-set on taking the world by storm with their brand of southern groove metal. No, its not gonna blow your mind, but its damn refreshing to hear some good metal these days. Whis(h)key take their roots and hold on tight. Bands like Vision of Disorder, Exodus, Testament and all that bay area thrash stuff from the 80's is present underneath a more modern groove metal and southern metal collision course with Pantera and Machine Head. 

Manifesto of New Standards is full of double bass drum kicks and face melting guitar licks that would make Dimebag smile with black-tooth grin. There are a few lighter moments on the album "Alone (Unreal Loop)" and "Life Grows Wild" (which has an almost Alice in Chains vibe to it)that show the band is diverse and skilled enough to do more than just beat the listener over the head for nearly 50 minutes. Not that there's anything wrong with that.   

-Adam Walsh

Drone Hunter - (2013) Drone Hunter

The debut full length album by Croatian instrumental riff worshipers Drone Hunter. The idea was to create a heavy, distorted but above all catchy and groovy record that would capture the essence of what this band is all about - riffing and grooving. Without vocals. This piece is a sonic journey of the minds and hearts of three guys with a thing for simplicity and minimalism. The band feels that they have achieved their mission which was to make sure that the stuff you hear on the CD is the same thing you hear at their shows, without overproducing and 'surgically' polishing the sound. No effects pedals were used on this album on neither guitar or bass. The sounds are pure amps and instruments. It's dirty, raw and noisy, just the way the band likes it.

Review

Finally got around to giving this album the time it deserves today. I must say this is one helluva album. Normally instrumental bands and albums leaves me unfulfilled, Drone Hunter are the rare exception. This Croatian trio pummel the listener with heavy bloated riffs, lumbering bass lines and punch in the gut drumming that's right up there with Karma to Burn.

The band takes the formula of adding Doom and Stoner metal, with Industrial and Thrash elements at times. The production of the album is really good too. Meaty and raw, which adds to the over all experience. Grab a copy of the self released album on compact disc, digital download or there's even a limited edition cassette tape version available for people feeling nostalgic.  -Adam Walsh

Powdered Wig Machine - (2014) Supa-Collider

Southern Arizona’s Powered Wig Machine, (a.k.a) PWM, began crafting heavy, stoner-flavored desert rock in 2006/2007. PWM’s hard rock sound - described as heavy western rock n roll – contains elements of desert/stoner rock, classic rock, and blues combined with lyrics that dabble in sci-fi and comic book lore. Their oddball name spawns from track seven on Josh Homme’s (Queens of the Stoneage) The Desert Sessions Volume 9 album

PWM’s lineup includes lead singer/guitarist Wayne Rudell, guitarist Brian Gold, bassist Joey Rudell, and drummer Daniel 'the Ranchero' Graves. These dudes are all Arizona natives and have been playing together as a group since 2001. 

Powdered Wig Machine release their second album on March 6th. Supa-Collider is the title chosen by the band, and it makes perfect sense. Full of fuzz and heavy blues licks. A nod to the 70's rock is unmistakable. Yeah, sure there's 100 other bands out there doing the same thing, but PWM do it with flare. Some people might think I'm stuck in some sort of proverbial box musically. I like what I like, and I like this. If you herald Devil to Pay, Corrosion of Conformity and Brain Police as your jam, then this will fit right in with your music collection.   -Adam Walsh