Massachusetts

New At Sonic Cathedral: Review of Anarchangel’s Debut EP

/ saraletourneau

Anarchangel Without Armor EP cover

I’m always up for reviewing local female-fronted metal bands for Sonic Cathedral. So far, I’ve covered three Boston-area bands for the Zine: Avariel, Era For A Moment, and Evince Ethos (who changed their name this summer to Anaria). Now it’s time for Anarchangel,  one of the most unique metal acts I’ve ever listened to.

On their self-released debut EP Without Armor, Anarchangel blend a wide range of subgenres and influences together and use the talents of four singers (both male and female) to create a homogenous style that’s grungy, gritty, and colorful. The songs range from heavy and psychedelic (“Monster”), to anthemic fist-pumping (“Good vs. Evil”), to slick and groovy (“Trojan Horse”), to semi-acoustic heartache (“Skinless”). I’ll admit that Without Armor isn’t the best-sounding record I’ve heard this year.  (The poor sound quality muddies the experience and exacerbates any execution flaws.) However, I do hear a lot of potential in Anarchangel’s music. So I’m interested in hearing what else this band has to offer down the road.

Click here to read my review of Anarchangel’s Without Armor.

New at Sonic Cathedral: Evince Ethos EP Review and Triosphere Interview

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Better late than never again, I suppose? Anyway, here are my two most recent articles at Sonic Cathedral!

First is my review of Evince Ethos’ self-titled EP. Like Avariel and Era For A Moment (which I’ve discussed here in the past), Evince Ethos is from my local area. They began as a darkwave project in 2005 and gradually evolved into something grander and heavier. The EP I reviewed was recorded in 2009 but never fully finished, as three of Evince Ethos’ six members left due to creative differences. That didn’t stop the remaining members from releasing the EP, a “sea of stormy, majestic symphonic power metal” that’s equally impressive and refreshing.

Click here to read my review of Evince Ethos’ self-titled EP.

Also new at Sonic Cathedral is my interview with Ida Haukland, the vocalist and bassist of the Norwegian progressive heavy metal band Triosphere. What’s exciting about this article are its exclusive details about Triosphere’s new music video, “Marionette,” as well as the band’s plans for their upcoming third album. So it was neat to be the first to learn the news and then pass it on to the world! Ida also talked about what led her to play the bass, people’s reactions towards Triosphere’s music, and the band’s desire to play in North America. It’s a thoughtful glimpse into one of female-fronted metal’s most powerful and promising bands.

Click here to read my interview with Ida Haukland of Triosphere.

Now, for your listening and viewing pleasure – and since I still think it’s gorgeously done – here’s the video for “Marionette”!

Field Trip: 1st Annual Boston Book Festival!

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So I braved the wind and the rain on Saturday to go to the first annual Boston Book Festival.  It was an all-day event held at and around Copley Square, with exhibits, lectures, readings, free food, and interactive events for people who write or enjoy poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.  Oh, and there were plenty for kids to do, too.

So below is a report of my “field trip,” complete with photos.  Pardon my photography – I’m not the best, but I try!

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