AlexRox.com

The early to mid 90’s were a time of change. Particularly in the world of pop culture. Generation X were coming into their own and they had their opinions. And those opinions were strong. As evidenced from the grunge movement. As well as heavier, dirtier forms of metal: I.E. Pantera. Hip Hop was on it’s rise, questioning current social norms that revolutionized how future generations would think. And then there was the emergence of Nu Metal. Which made its nail in the coffin, we’re here to stay statement with Korn’s 1994 self titled debut.

As many know now, guitarist Richie Faulkner was rushed to the hospital a little more than a week ago with ‘major heart issues.’ As a statement from the band read. Leaving fans to speculate what the extent of the episode really was. Well now we have the facts. And the situation was about as bad as it gets.

Tobias Forge and co. are back with their first new material since 2018’s ‘Prequelle.’ Contributing to the new ‘Halloween Kills.’ It’s a match made in heaven for the Michael Myers saga. Bringing in appropriate theme’s and the music to go along with it.

It’s one of the seminal alternative metal releases of all time. And often regarded by many fans to be Tool’s finest hour. And a peak example of the direction that heavy music was heading in the late 90’s. I’m talking, of course, about Tool’s ‘Aenima.’

The Darkness are back! And with their strongest material since the killer ‘Last of Our Kind.’ It’s a perfect primer for what’s shaping up to be a totally badass Darkness record.

The anticipated new release from Dream Theater, ‘A View From the Top of the World,’ has yet another teaser. ‘Invisible Monster’ is a unique combination of heavy, chill and melodic. It contains a ‘Falling Into Infinity’ vibe that is more than welcome.

Guns N’ Roses continue their streak of new material with the much improved ‘Hard Skool.’ It’s the first ‘Gn’R’ sounding track to be released since the reunion with Slash and Duff. And despite it’s semi-lame title, the song is actually pretty good.

It’s become one of the most iconic debut albums of all time. Right up there with ‘Appetite for Destruction’ and the self titled Van Halen. It spawned what is arguably the most successful solo career of any post band artist. Usually when a member leaves a band, the solo outing can be a struggle. Such as the case was with the Joe Perry Project. Pulling not nearly the audience that their previous outfit did. But with a class A management and marketing team, Ozzy blasted down the doors of expectations. Starting with his eponymous debut, ‘Blizzard of Ozz.’

By the time the early 70’s had arisen, the rock and counterculture landscape had changed considerably. The United States had gone through a rocky, previous decade and the musical landscape started to reflect the turbulent times that had come to pass. Psychedelic rock and hippies were the order of the day. Meanwhile, In the U.K., they were dealing with the realities of hard work not paying off. Being doomed to work in the industrial world. And the musical response, ‘heavy metal,’ had taken full effect with Black Sabbath’s second album ‘Paranoid.’