CD Review: Corvus' 'Never Forget'

Corvus 
Never Forget
Self-Release

Corvus is Arizona's premier heavy metal band. Their new album, Never Forget, will be ingrained in your mind with all of the memorable riffs and guitar solos littered throughout. "Through Dead Eyes" contains heavy beats with loud vocals, but a killer guitar solo and loud percussion. "Deja Vu" opens with a synth-like quality before delving right into a heavy mix of guitars, drums, and vocals. The song is a bit more melodic than other tracks in a Three Days Grace format. "The Spider And The Fly" is equally-melodic, but the thrash metal approach is wickedly fast at times and the vocals dark and moving. "Never Forget" begins with church bell-type sounds that fade out and a string-like medley of atmospheric beauty takes over for a brief moment. However, Corvus' rock side takes precedence with fast percussion, choppy guitars, and a deep bass. There are thirteen tracks in all. Nothing is amiss if you like the hard rock or metal genre. Whether you call it speed metal, melodic rock, thrash metal, or hard rock, Corvus is bound to take your breath away...and then sing about it. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Lisa Eastman's 'Jubilee'

Lisa Eastman
Jubilee
Self-Release

Lisa Eastman's new release, Jubilee, is a catchy, symphonic, and magical production that creates a sense of warmth, fun, and reflection. The Hebrew-inspired songs are all in English. The music is rather reflective of Celtic Woman with vocals like Nina Gordon and Susan Aglukark. There are additional vocals that reinforce the new age presence of the production. The lilting piano, booming percussion, and symphonic strings with keyboards makes the entire release shine with happiness. There are fourteen songs in all, which are rather diverse. However, each song gives us something new with more contemporary dance, as on "Road To Me," or more quiet reflection, as on "Storm." Lisa's floating vocals are heavenly, clear, and penetrating. This is not your average pop/rock release. In fact, Lisa presents such a fascinating combination of melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation that make every song entertaining. Anyone interested in good music will love it. The album is based on a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every fifty years by the emancipation of Hebrew slaves for a season of celebration. Celebrate today with Lisa's remarkable Jubilee. ~ Matthew Forss