I SAID FAREWELL EP REVIEW

I SAID FAREWELL

        
BIO:

" I Said Farewell " is a 5 Piece Unsigned Metalcore band out of Virginia, although I do not see them being unsigned for long. I recently got a chance to hear one of the bands songs ( FELICIA ) and was stunned at the quality of METAL that was feeding my starving metal soul. I immediately wanted more and got in touch with them about doing a review on an EP called " SHADOWS " they were working on. It was not just any review, I felt honored to have the chance to write it, because I loved the sound so much. With 60% screams and about 40% cleans you are given a broad range of vocals that should appeal to just about every Metal fan. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the quality of the cleans, which is not always the case with Metal Bands. This Quality of this EP is well made and the sound is superb, but its the overall feeling of hearing something GREAT that makes this EP so DAMN GOOD. If you have not had the chance to hear this group and you dig the sound of groups like WE CAME AS ROMANS & WAR Torn Angel, then prepare yourself for an SHADOWS an EP that you will be playing forever.


MEMBERS:

• Lead Vocals - MIKE PATTERSON
• Guitar 1 / Backing Vocals - JAY CONKLIN
• Guitar 2 - TBD
• Bass - DREW JOSLIN
• Drums - KYLE O"NEIL

                                                  FELICIA

ALBUM REVIEW :  SHADOWS  

1. BY THE WAY - This is a hard hitting fast paced song straight out the gate. Dominated by Screams,with a well placed dosage of cleans in the middle and end of song. The track is awesome and they could not have picked a More Kick@ss song to start this EP. You find out quickly this band is something special and you realize not only do they want you to truly feel what they are about,but they want you to let everyone else know also.
2. THIS PAST - The drumming on this track is punishing and really gives this track the relentless edge of aggression while the cleans make you feel that everything will be okay. This song is at its best when the CLEANS & SCREAMS are voiced out together. Their is so much power in the vocals. Towards the end you get to hear some OUTSTANDING GUITAR WORK that helps bring the song to close. You can almost feel the sadness in the cleans and the screams are their to give you support.
3. FELICIA - The song that started it all for me. You don't just listen to FELICIA you feel it. With an intro of keyboard or piano play that slowly drifts into an all out barrage of heaviness from the band, THIS SONG DEFINES " I SAID FAREWELL'S " signature sound.  This is what they are all about. The feeling of losing someone you love and trying to deal with the hurt that goes along with it. This song is GUT WRENCHING. Imagine believing in someone to the fullest and realizing its all a LIE. The EMOTION you feel in this song is the lasting Impression you are left with when this well designed METALCORE song comes to a close. One of My favorite tracks.
4. JUST - " SHADOWS " ends just like it started, with another KILLER aggressive track with a few added cleans. The song is smooth and flows at a pace that ends to quickly. You want more, not only  more of this song, but more of this album. Ascending from the sounds of nothing guitars slowly bring this song to life. Everything seems so balanced with this song and nothing really overpowers anything else. It is the band coming together at their best to send us on our way. I LOVED THIS ALBUM,I LOVED THEIR SOUND and I REALLY ENJOYED WHAT THEY HAVE CREATED!!!!!!!!

I GIVE THIS ALBUM 4.5 / 5

Links :

• FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/IsaidF
• REVERBNATION - http://www.reverbnation.com/isaidfarewell
• TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/ISaidFarewell
• YOUTUBE - http://www.youtube.com/isaidfarewell11

                          THE PIT UNSIGNED

NECESSARY EVIL ( BAND OF THE WEEK)

                                         NECESSARY EVIL

Necessary Evil is a Extremely Talented 4 piece Hard Rock band out of SC. This past week they were nominated for BAND OF THE WEEK at The Pit Unsigned. It was a close battle to the end until their fans catapulted them to the top of the poll in the final days. Their fans came out in massive support of the band they love so much.I have been covering this band for awhile now and once you hear their music, you fully understand why they have such a strong following. They are humble and the songs they play seem to connect with a lot of people. Getting their videos uploaded to youtube is something they are working on and should have them up by summer. A band blog is also coming soon (Video and Written) so that is something we can all look forward to right around the corner. Some of the bands Influences are Muddy Waters, The Beatles, Ozzy, Pantera Slipknot and STP.


MEMBERS:

• T.J Johnson - Vocals
• Adam Walker - Guitar
• J.D. Cadden - Guitar
• Skyler Mitcham - Drums

LINKS:

• FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/necessaryevilmusic
• EMAIL -  ne_music@yahoo.com

                          THE PIT UNSIGNED

Temptation's Wings (Legends Of The Tusk) Album Review

                                      
                                      LEGENDS OF THE TUSK
                                             ALBUM REVIEW

Temptations's Wings is a three piece Metal Band out of the mountains of NC . The band was founded in 2009 and this Friday (MARCH 1st), they will be releasing their new EP LEGENDS OF THE TUSK. It will be at THE ODDITORIUM in Asheville NC, along with Through The Fallen and Scent Of Remains. I was given the chance to hear the album and I can tell you this EP is solid and definitely a BREATH OF FRESH AIR. It is so much different than anything I have reviewed up to this point. Their style is UNIQUE and gives you a Viking Metal Style with an HARD ROCK ATTITUDE. The Ep is Strong from the start but ends with a Fury and their is no let down in between. Temptation's Wing's has put out a Great Album and their fans and new fans to come will surely be grateful for this Incredible Effort.

MEMBERS:

• MICAH - Guitars & Vocals
• Wilford - Bass
• Jason - Drums

                                         CRUSH THE WEAK
                                              LYRIC VIDEO

ALBUM REVIEW:

1. CRUSH THE WEAK - Its a Killer opening track. It has an Old School Hard Rock Sound from the opening lick,but then shortly after the journey begins. The vocals are on point and as you listen, you quickly get wrapped up in the story of the song. The band is Outstanding and the guitar play grabs a hold of your soul and seems to give them their signature sound.
2. AND DEATH RIDES WITH US - If you wanted to go into Battle listening to a METAL song,this is your track. Imagine riding across a field with a 1000 other riders on horseback and looking to your left and DEATH is looking at you, while singing into a MIC. That is how this song makes you feel, like your going into WAR and you cannot loose. Another great song!!!!!!!!
3. FROZEN WASTE OF DEATH - This is a short Instrumental Intro for THE LAST TITAN. Although short it has a prepare yourself sound that something big may be brewing on the Horizon. It feels like its a time to heal between battles before the last ride begins.
4. THE LAST TITAN - This song has a PANTERA feel about it and is dominated by Punishing Guitar work. This is the heaviest song on the EP and is a great way to end it. The drum play also sounds BRUTAL. The Last Titan has a different feel about it than the other tracks and is definitely my favorite song on the EP. 

I Give This EP 3.5/5 


LINKS:

1. FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Temptations-Wings/118467771548665?fref=ts
2. STORE - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Temptations-Wings/118467771548665?sk=app_150178545006427
3. REVERBNATION - http://www.reverbnation.com/temptationswings

                         THE PIT UNSIGNED

Shadow Of Myself EP REVIEW (SINGLE)

                                    SHADOW OF MYSELF

Recently Shadow Of Myself  put out their new 3 song EP and although I had already heard the Super Addictive song YOUR ADDICTION, I was smiling from ear to ear when I heard the companion songs that went with it. When I think about this Ep it reminds me of albums you hear by such bands as Breaking Benjamin, Five Finger Death Punch , Eve To Adam and Three Days Grace, where you start the album and just let it roll to the end. There is absolutely no let down in this short but fully packed EP. Its the type of album that garners attention from the moment it starts and the band has gained my RESPECT as serious up and coming band that will soon be presented to the world. What is even more incredible is the fact they are working on a full length for later on in 2013 which will most likely end up being someones Album Of The Year, if it keeps up the pace this EP has began. I am really excited for everyone to get a chance to purchase this album and I will post a link to it at the bottom. This 5 piece unsigned  band was formed in 2009 and are based out of Charlotte NC,but I do not see this band unsigned for long. That is if the right people just get to hear a taste of what they are serving in the rock community. Several radio stations in the region have already played their tracks and when it comes to putting crowds in a venue, they know how to bring them in with high energy shows.


MEMBERS:

• VOCALS - Travis Keziah
• LEAD GUITARIST - Brian Baker
• RYTHEM GUITARIST - John Conway
• BASSIST - Brian Riley
• DRUMS - Dustin Foley

                                         YOUR ADDICTION

ALBUM REVIEW:

1. SUPRALIMINAL - From the start the band is HEAVY as hell, you already realize this is going to be something special. The cleans are superb and every once in awhile you get to throw your horns up with some screams. This is a song you play loud and you throw down till the end. When its over you pick up the stuff you threw down, start the song back over and do it again. It is that Damn good. The guitar work stands out and the drums are being beat at the highest level. At least once while you were listening to this song you blasted those drums also, because you were so wrapped up. Perfect song to open with.
2. UNTIL THE END - I would say this would be my favorite song on this album. It gives you  a couple changes in TEMPO and I love the way it blends in out. Towards the end it  becomes the perfect sing a long song and I can just imagine how awesome it would be to hear and see the band singing this song live. I really hope I do get to see them soon. Although the vocals are great in this song, its the bands relentless playing in the beginning and unified  togetherness in the end that stands out in this track.
3. YOUR ADDICTION - The first song I ever heard from the band and it was also a part of the COMPILATION DISK Struggles From The Pit that The Pit Unsigned put out. I was so happy when the guys sent the track to me, because it was one of those tracks that I really wanted to be on it. This is a BRUTAL song about a girl that you can not do without, but obviously she does not have the same feelings about you and you are about to go crazy. The song gets harder and harder escalating to a breaking point in the end and you can feel the energy in the song build to its breaking point. Its powerful and brings to a close the best album I have ever reviewed.

I GIVE THIS EP 5/5 BEST EP I HAVE EVER REVIEWED TO THIS POINT

LINKS:

• Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/shadowofmyself704
• PURCHASE EP - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shadow-of-myself-single/id603001942
• REVERBNATION - http://www.reverbnation.com/shadowofmyself
• WEBPAGE - http://www.shadowofmyself.net/

                         THE PIT UNSIGNED

KELEN HELLER (BAND OF THE WEEK)

                                            KELEN HELLER

With a massive following of supportive fans and music that seems to appeal to everyone, Kelen Heller has become a topic of every one's conversation in the Rock scene. The 5 piece Rock band out of Greenville SC was nominated by their fans to be this weeks BAND OF THE WEEK at THE PIT UNSIGNED. The band was formed in 2009 with all the members coming from other bands and creating the Regional POWERHOUSE they are today.They are respected by other bands and loved dearly by their fans. Kelen Heller has played with some of the best bands in the business, including In This Moment, SHINEDOWN, SEVENDUST, HALESTORM, Rob Zombie, Godsmack and Staind. They have been working on their new album and will be having a CD Release Party at The Handlebar in Greenville on MAY 24th. They have some very cool merchandise that can be purchased HERE . You can also purchase a very cool VIP Package at the same link that is loaded with cool stuff for their CD Release show.


MEMBERS:

• Ricky Shuler - Vocals
• EFRUM - Lead Guitar
• Mark Frey - Guitar
• Brandon Moore - Bass
• Kevin Wall Drums

                                                REDEFINE

LINKS TO THE BAND:

• FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/KelenHellerOfficial
• EMAIL - kelenheller864@yahoo.com
• TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/kelenheller

                         THE PIT UNSIGNED

MEMOIR OF A MASSACRE (IMAGES) Album Review

                           
                                  MEMOIR OF A MASSACRE
                                                  "IMAGES"
                                            ALBUM REVIEW

MEMOIR OF A MASSACRE is a 4 piece METAL band formed in 2008 out of VIRGINIA. They are signed with PROJECT: RECORDS and are in the midst of releasing their new EP IMAGES. I was recently sent a link to the album to do a review and knew mid way thru the first song that this was going to be one of the easiest reviews I have ever had the honor of writing. Once I heard the album from beginning to end I quickly realized why PROJECT: RECORDS wanted this band to be part of their label. It is SIX of some of the best METALCORE tracks that you could ever feed a brain that is starving for superior metal.

MEMBERS:

• ANDREW BELMONT - VOCALS
• RACHEL SCOTT - GUITAR
• RYAN BAGGETT - GUITAR
• BRITTANY YARNELL - DRUMS

                                              POSSESSION

IMAGES ALBUM REVIEW:

1. NOTHING LEFT - Before the blistering barrage of guitar play comes in,they take you to a world of tranquility with the calming sounds of piano play. It is like they want to comfort you before they shove you into an atmosphere of relentless metal greatness. The reign of heaviness pursues you most of the song before getting back to a happy place with some well played guitar work that you wish would just play for ever.The screams during the song are not over bearing and should satisfy many genres of metal fans.
2. PUSH TO BREAK - This song is dominated by a lot of cleans,which was a surprise after hearing the first track, but not a bad surprise at all. Although it starts out with screams and then a few more well placed throughout the song, it is the cleans that makes this song so addictive.The quality of guitar and drum work is also apparent in this song. I love this song and can easily see this track being one of the bands songs that connects with a broader audience.
3. HOUSE OF THE WICKED - If you are a fan of SLIPKNOT I believe you are going to be digging this track. It has that vibe throughout the whole song, but still feels fresh in its on way. Once again its another KILLER song and gets you to the middle of the EP with 3 continuous hits.
4. PARANOID SUICIDE - HEAVY, HEAVY ,HEAVY guitar work in this song.This is the shortest song on the album and feels even shorter because you get so wrapped up in the flow of the song. Screams and low growls takes you back to a heavier tone on the album, which is were I think the band is at its greatest. This track is masterful and the sound of the bass drum states that they not only want you to hear what is going on ,but they want you to feel it.
5. POSSESSION - You can tell at the start of this song, that it is building up to the point where it is ready to explode. When it finally kicks in, it is in your face and does not disappoint. The vocals could not be any better when the band is in full assault. With so many good songs on this EP it is starting to feel like a GREATEST HITS ALBUM.
6. CONFLICT - A Metalcore song at its finest and a PERFECT way to end the album. It brings a little of all of ANDREWS vocal ranges together for one last, okay hear it is and this is what we are all about. The band is brutal and they seem to put their heart and soul in making sure this EP leaves one final lasting impression before they end this POWERFUL and KICK@SS ALBUM. It was without a doubt one of the best EPs I have heard.

THIS IS BY FAR MY HIGHEST RATING OF AN ALBUM REVIEW EVER: 4.5 out of 5

                         THE PIT UNSIGNED

MANAMANA ( BAND OF THE WEEK )

                                                MANAMANA

 Manamana (Muh-Nah-Muh-Nah) is a three piece Rock Band out of NC that is known for their Intense,High Energy shows. They have dug their captivating mixture of Blues,Hard Rock and Metal into the hearts of fans from the East Coast to the West Coast. Now those same fans have said they need to be recognized and should be The Pit Unsigned Band Of The Week. Right now the band is rocking up and down the U.S. with their "PARTY ON WHEELS TOUR" . Party On Wheels will also be the name of Manamana's full length album that is due out later this year, but for all you fans that cannot wait till then,they will have an EP called "PRELUDE TO THE PARTY" coming out February 26th. I posted a link below to many of the bands upcoming shows with links. For those of you that do not know the band was formed 3 days before a show needed a band to fill an empty spot. They practiced for two days with songs that Butch Bobcat had written several years earlier and the High Impact band that we know as Manamana was born. 3 DAYS ,which Ironically is about the same amount of time it took for their fans to put them in the lead for BAND OF THE WEEK and never look back.

MEMBERS:

• Butch Bobcat - Guitar / Vocals
• Mr. Saturday Night - Guitar / Vocals
• P. Shway - Drums / Vocals

                
                                                  WRATH

LINKS TO THE BAND:

• Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/manamana42
• Reverbnation - http://www.reverbnation.com/manamana
• Website - http://www.manamana.org/
• EMAIL - manamanarox@yahoo.com

                                             IMAGE BY : Metal Warlokk Photography

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. 2/11/2013 Cleveland Ohio - The Barking Spider - http://bit.ly/XvD8nb
2. 2/12/2013 Canton Ohio - Buzzbin Art & Music Store - http://bit.ly/XvDcn1
3. 2/13/2013 Columbus Ohio - Bernie's Bagels And Deli - http://bit.ly/XvDfiD
4. 2/15/2013 Kent Ohio - Checkers And Trophies - http://bit.ly/XvDdY8
5. 2/22/2013 Cincinatti Ohio - Baba Budans - http://bit.ly/XvDjyV
6. 2/23/2013 Memphis Tn - P&H Club - http://bit.ly/XvDiLA
7. 2/28/2013 New York NY - Recoup Lounge - http://bit.ly/XvDlaa
8. 3/1/2013 New York NY - Desmonds Tavern - http://bit.ly/XvDp9Y
9. 3/3/2013 Pittsfield Ma - Chameleons - http://bit.ly/XvDquq
10. 3/8/2013 Chapel Hill NC - The Cave Tavern - http://bit.ly/XvDtX4
11. 3/16/2013 Ocean Springs MS - The Squeaky Lizard - http://bit.ly/XvDxWK
12. 3/20/2013 New York NY - Otto's Shrunken Head - http://bit.ly/XvDB9a
13. 3/21/2013 Manchester CT - Allstars Rock Bar - http://bit.ly/XvDHNZ
14. 3/22/2013 Brooklyn NY - Goodbye Blue Monday - http://bit.ly/XvDLgD
15. 3/28/2013 Dover DE - Dovr Downs Hotel And Casino , Rollins Center - http://bit.ly/XvE2jM
16. 3/30/2013 Fredricksburg Va - Q-Balls - http://bit.ly/XvE4rO
17. 4/4/2013 New York NY - Desmonds - http://bit.ly/121mQKq
18. 4/17/2013 Burlington VT - Radio Bean Coffee House - http://bit.ly/121n04o
19. 4/26/2013 New York NY - Desmonds - http://bit.ly/121nasM
20. 5/25/2013 Manheim PA - Lasrdome - http://bit.ly/121nfMR
21. 5/31/2013 Spindale NC - The Ultimate Basement - http://bit.ly/121nlnG
22. 6/1/2013 Rock Hill SC - Firewater 110 - http://bit.ly/121nW91

                             www.facebook.com/ThePitUnsigned