WHITE NOISE ZINE - ISSUE 8

Issue 8 // AUG 2016

MARIANAS TRENCH SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER + A BOY NAMED JOHN + MAYBERRY + I PREVAIL + SURVIVE THIS! + MORE!

White Noise (noun) - A steady, unobtrusive sound, as an electronically produced drone or the sound of rain, used to mask or obliterate unwanted sounds.

S TA F F / / AU G US T Co-Founder - Art Director Crisanne Glasser Co-Founder - Features Editor Danielle Gittleman Contributing Writers Layne Edwards, Melissa Thayer, Casey Wolfe, Gianluca D’Elia, Danielle Gittleman, Ryan Pugh, Emily Klingman Contributing Photographers Sheri Berman, Alyssa Kromelis, Crisanne Glasser, Sam Polonsky, Ryan Pugh, Dominique Benedict, Dani Sacco We are currently looking to expand our team. If you would like to become a contributor to WHITE NOISE ZINE, please contact either crissy@whitenoisezine. com or danielle@whitenoisezine.com

Issue number 8! It’s so hard to believe that we’ve gotten this far. It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up to publish our very first issue. We’ve come so far, and I’m so proud of how much we’ve grown throughout this crazy journey!

We have a lot of great features this issue!

Check out what the guys of Marianas Trench are up to, and what’s next for newcomers, A Boy Named John. We also have some pretty cool reviews for Suppy Dudes’ debut album, and Toarn’s new EP. We’re about half way through the summer which means we are all about Warped Tour!

Keep an eye out for next month’s special issue, which will feature many Warped artists that we had the chance to chat with including The Maine, Young Guns, and I See Stars!

Thank you to all of our readers for your constant support! We would be nothing without you. We’d also like to give special thank yous to Marianas Trench, A Boy Named John, Mayberry, I Prevail, Survive This!, Big Picture Media, The Catalyst Publicity Group, BMF Media, Behind the Curtains Media, and Secret Service PR. We’re constantly working on cool things to include for you guys, so make sure you stick with us!

CONTENTS A Boy Named John

4

I Prevail

8

Marianas Trench

12

Mayberry

16

Survive This!

20

Album Reviews

24

A Boy Named John Taking Chances Words by Ryan Pugh // Photos by Ryan Sinisi & Capture This Bre

Hailing

from pretty close to home in Parsippany, New Jersey, we meet the band, A Boy Named John. Consisting of vocalist Christian Singh, guitarists Josh Lustig and Jack Lips, bassist Nick Spillert, keyboardist and guitarist Paul Singh, and drummer Dean Mulligan, the band is on the cusp of having released their debut full length album, So We Live | So We Die. “It feels so good finally having a full-length album out. It was definitely a special moment holding the actual copies in our hands and being able to thank people for what they’ve been saying so far.” says Christian.

“The making of So We Live | So We Die has been a huge experience for us as musicians and as people. Being able to write and record these songs as a group of friends was and still is something unexplainable. Performing the songs knowing that people will have an idea of what we sound like is exciting.”

Fans have been eating the record up.

From new members in the band, to the band’s first time in a proper recording studio, things

were really looking up for A Boy Named John for this release. “The reaction has honestly been amazing so far. From friends and people we have met at shows, it’s all been positive and constructive criticism; the support has been overwhelming in the best way possible.” says Christian. The band came together in the studio and really put all that they had into the album.

Some more so than others, however. “Everyone had different approaches, for instance Josh is a perfectionist and would spend hours getting his parts exactly right, where as I had twelve beers by 5 in the afternoon and hoped that my fingers worked that day. My only regret is that I wish I had more beer,” jokes Paul.

With being an unsigned band, A Boy Named John has got the DIY-ethic down to a T. Being able to do everything yourself is a relief without having a label or guy in a suit breathing down your neck during the writing/recording process. It can be tough, though, as the band has come to find out. “Being unsigned has its advantages because we get to do whatever we

6 http://whitenoisezine.com

want musically and freely express ourselves. they’ve got pretty big plans. “Fans can expect a Technology today also allows us to promote lot of touring all over, and a lot of new goodies and distribute our music to a certain extent. We up our sleeves like music videos and bigger have created many helpful connections and shows, just stay tuned!” says Lips. Along with relationships in the local music scene, as well the new accomplishments the band has been as make new friends in fellow unsigned bands making and will make, they’ve accomplished a lot pursuing a similar goal as us. At the same in the past as well. From lending a helping hand time, it’s tough because we don’t have certain through their music, to having a deep connection advantages that can come from working with a with their listeners, A Boy Named John is a label. We’d love to tour further out and more often band that really puts the fans first. “Most of our with some influential acts. We still go to school greatest accomplishments stems from bringing and have day jobs so balancing it all is really a people together, helping a few people get over challenge. We’re definitely looking to get signed, some tough life situations with our music, and we want this to be our full time career and focus planting love and a feeling of connectivity within more on writing and the hearts of our performing.” fans. We have Unsigned definitely come a or not, the band long way since we has been making first started playing quite the leaps a few years back. and bounds. Back It’s really awesome in December, the to see how much band opened up for has changed The Academy Is… and the love and and it was definitely compassion we a highlight for the receive from our band. “That was a fans.” really sick show, it

Being from was the first time New Jersey, it’s that we played no surprise they Starland in over a take inspiration year, so the prefrom some of the show jitters were bands that come definitely there out of the state. and the energy From Thursday, was so different. to My Chemical Plus playing with Romance, and even a band of that magnitude, and knowing what Bon Jovi, New Jersey is a breeding ground for kind of impact they had on their genre was talented musicians. “One group that we’ve been something cool to be a part of. Sharing a stage compared to a lot, and actually take a great deal with The Academy Is... was fantastic!” says Chris. of inspiration from is My Chemical Romance, who Part of the band’s DIY experience is booking is also from New Jersey. We like to try our best to and playing their own tours. Recently, they’ve execute their punk vibes as well as their unique been touring the east coast, with shows coming theatrical aspects and different style of writing up on August 12th in Winchester, VA, August than what’s normal or mainstream.”

27th in Somerville, MA, and September 3rd in

With such a packed schedule and busy Manhattan, NY. “We’re hoping to see new and old times ahead, A Boy Named John made sure faces at all of these shows!” to thank their fans. “Thanks for sticking around

Going into the rest of this year and the new with us - We appreciate it more than words can year, fans can expect a lot from the band, and express!” http://whitenoisezine.com 7

I PREVAIL GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT Words by Casey Wolfe // Photo by Lindsey Byrnes

Hard

rock band, I Prevail, began their Strike the Match tour this month with The White Noise, My Enemies and I, and Bad Seed Rising. Lead guitarist Steve Menoian said that the band is anxious to be performing a=gain. “We’ve been locked in the studio for the past six months making the album, so we’ve really been itching to play again.” He added, “We’re putting on a totally new show and will be playing some songs of the new album. The lineup is solid from top to bottom. I’d say you shouldn’t expect to stand still for too long at these shows.”

While their set will consist of old and new songs, Menoian said he’s most excited to play their new material. “I think [the new songs] have a really good blend of heavy and melodic elements, with some pretty brutal breakdowns. That’s always key live!” He added, “So far, I’d say fans have loved a song called ‘Heart vs. Mind’ live the most. That one definitely gets kids jumping and moshing.”

I Prevail will be touring across the US, but a hot spot for the band is Denver, CO. “Denver has one of the best rock scenes around and those fans really know how to bring energy to a show. They will always be a priority to us... it’s like our second home.”

Although the band released a successful cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” Menoian said they are going to stick to their own material for a while. He also cites bands such as Linkin Park and A Day to Remember as an inspiration for their music. “Hybrid Theory was one of the most influential albums in my life and ADTR was

one of the biggest influences to all the guys in our band,” said Menoian.

Their new album, Lifelines, dropped July 1, and Menoian said recording the album brought them closer as a creative entity. “Overall, I feel like we got to know each other better as a band and as writers,” he said. “Our EP Heart vs. Mind was the first thing we had ever done as a band. I think we laid the groundwork for our sound with that, but this album definitely takes a step up in terms of songwriting and maturity. The hooks are catchier and the heavy parts are heavier. We also took some chances that were a little outside of the box. If you liked our EP, I promise that you’re gonna love this album.”

Collaborations are definitely a consideration for the future of I Prevail. “One guy we talked a lot about trying to work with was Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach,” said Menoian. “I was always a huge P Roach fan and think he has one of the coolest voices in rock. It didn’t work out this time but maybe next album!”

Although the future is a constant consideration, I Prevail is focusing on the here and now. “Overall, we just want to have our album reach a lot of people and play a ton of shows. That’s our focus right now,” said Menoian. With all the excitement of going on tour and releasing new music, the band wants more than anything for their fans to come and see the work they put into creating it. Menoian has one message for their listeners: “Come get rowdy with us at a show this summer!”

10 http://whitenoisezine.com

MARIANAS TRENCH CREATING A FANTASTY WORLD Words by Danielle Gittleman // Photos courtesy of BMF Media

HAILING

from Vancouver, British Columbia, rockers Marianas Trench have been going strong for over a decade now. Josh Ramsay (vocals), Mike Ayley (bass), Matt Webb (guitar), and Ian Casselman (drums) have just released their fourth studio album, Astoria, in October 2015 to eagerly awaiting fans.

“[The reception] has been really good. We pushed the envelope with this album with the music and style and our fans’ reaction has been very strong,” said Ayley. “It’s great to have support like that. It is what has made it possible for us to continue making music that is interesting and fun to play.”

Much like some of their previous albums, Astoria is a concept album. This one, in particular, is based around 1980s fantasy adventure movies. Ayley notes that having some sort of direction to go in while writing makes things a whole lot easier, and once they had their idea, the ball was immediately rolling. “With this particular album, one day Josh came up with the idea of having the album take place in an action, coming of age, adventure style movie. So many of the great ones of those seemed to come out of the 80s so we went with that direction with all aspects. That genre gives us a lot of room for style, art and definitely the music,” Ayley explained.

Marianas Trench has taken a liking to writing and recording concept albums, so much so that with the exception of their first album, each record has had a different story behind it. “The first album was written over such a long period of time. There was a catalogue of more than a decade worth of songs to pick through,” said Ayley. “Trying to put music inspired from so many different times of life would have made it difficult to have one theme throughout. It really does enhance the album experience, in my opinion, having a world to have the album take place in and inspire the creative juices.”

And the guys of Marianas Trench not only got those creative juices flowing, but became one with the world they’ve created — literally. “During this album, we went deeper into the experience of living the album while recording it. We turned Josh’s apartment into a studio and the whole place was decorated to be in character with the album. Lots of 80s music playing on the turntable for inspiration as well,” said Ayley.

The guys have gotten so into the world of the 80s that they’ve taken that same theme on the road this summer. The band kicked off the SPF 80s tour this month, and they’ve been bringing the heat. “One week into the tour and we’re having a blast,” said Ayley. “It’s been hot as fuck though. When we played in Austin, it was so hot and humid that our mixing console stopped working. We still managed to put on

a show, but played in our swimsuits. SPF 80s, right?

I’m just looking forward to whatever show is next. I love being on tour!” Once the band has gotten their fill of North America, they’ll be heading out to tour the UK and Europe in the Fall for the very first time. It’s both exciting and nerve wracking for them. “We’re really excited to go. When you go somewhere you haven’t been, and those tickets go on sale, it’s always a bit nerve wracking but with the UK and Amsterdam shows, most of them were almost sold out in less than a week. They have moved a bunch of the shows up to bigger venues and they will likely still sell out. That’s such a nice surprise for us!”

Also staying true to the 80s theme, the band released a music video for the single, “This Means War” back in May. The video was fun and energetic and features some pretty sick dance moves. “We thought it would be fun to take some 80s inspiration from The Warriors and mix it with West Side Story and do this fun dance fight video. The choreography was a lot of fun to learn. We had Hok from “So You Think You Can Dance” as the choreographer and he did such a good job taking four guys who can’t dance and making us look as good as possible,” said Ayley.

He does also note that the band has plans to release another 80s themed music video, they’re just not set on a final idea yet.

The guys of Marianas Trench have had a rather action-packed year so far, and it’s definitely not time for them to rest yet. The band has these next few months packed tight and they couldn’t be happier about it. “This year is pretty much booked up. We have this US run to finish, the Europe tour and then another Canadian tour where we will hit most of the cities we missed on the first run,” said Ayley. “We’ll have that new single and video out as well. We’re hoping to get back to Australia early next year, and then we’ll see what comes after that.”

For now, the guys will be touring for the rest of the summer and you can catch them in a city near you. Make sure you break out those parachute pants, leg warmers and any other 80s gear you might have laying around. “Have fun this summer, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. SPF80s!”

14 http://whitenoisezine.com

http://whitenoisezine.com

15

MAYBERRY CREATING A BEAUTIFUL MESS Words by Gianluca D’Elia // Photos courtesy of The Catalyst Publicity Group

Coming

from the small town of Edinburg, Texas, the poprock band Mayberry is ready to make a global impact this summer.

The four-piece band released a new EP titled Beautiful Mess on July 22, produced by John Keefe and Morgan Dorr from Boys Like Girls.

“It has a variety of styles and genres that I believe will be able to branch out and attract new listeners to get to know us,” said lead singer Esteban Rodriguez. “New fans that give the EP a listen will find a few tracks they will fall in love with, no matter what genre or sound they’re used to listening to.”

On working with Boys Like Girls, Rodriguez said, “We hit it off perfect once we worked and recorded with them the first time that we knew there was no doubt we had to go back and do it again. Those guys know how to bring our ideas and visions to life.”

“Beautiful Mess” is the band’s third EP, but once the band feels ready and has a large enough audience, they will work on a full-length album, Rodriguez said.

Since releasing their first EP in 2012, Mayberry has been building up an audience quickly, having toured with Fall Out Boy, Rixton and Fifth Harmony. Additionally, they celebrated another “Mayberry milestone” when their song “Heartbeat” was featured in a spot for the NBC reality survival TV show “Running Wild With Bear Grylls.”

While Rodriguez is humble about the size of Mayberry’s audience, the band is already catching the attention of artists they toured with.

“As big as the artists are, they were super down to earth and even watched our set,” Rodriguez said. “We were very blessed to be able to say they were impressed with what they heard.”

The band’s most recent single is titled “Wildfire,” a pop rock anthem about summer love, inspired by “50 Shades of Grey.”

“To be honest, I never read the book,” Rodriguez admitted. “But I got inspired after watching the movie and knew I wanted to write something sexy but fun — not too graphic, but a song everyone can listen to and still get the point across of what the song is about.”

Aside from “50 Shades,” Rodriguez said

the band is influenced by other alternative poprock bands like Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5 and OneRepublic.

“I would love to collaborate with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic,” Rodriguez shared. “If I could write with him, my life would be made.”

An avid hip hop fan, Rodriguez hopes the band can also collaborate with G-Eazy. Rodriguez’s younger brother, who goes by his stage name J-Sea, is also a rapper, who is touring with the band.

For now, the band is planning to go on tour soon, release new songs, and make both original and cover music videos on their YouTube channel.

“We’re really excited for our fans to finally hear Beautiful Mess,” Rodriguez said. “We had a blast writing and recording it and we hope you enjoy what you hear.”

18 http://whitenoisezine.com

SURVIVE THIS! the Ups and Downs of Reality Words by Emily Klingman // Photos Courtesy of Behind the Curtains Media

A lot

can change in three years collaborations. However, Survive This! looked at — especially for metalcore one missed opportunity as the creation of a new band Survive This!, who in that time left their one. record label and independently released a new

“We would never pass up the opportunity full length album, Reality. to write song with him,” said Zyvoloski. “But it just

Vocalist Shawn Zyvoloski says going never worked out scheduling wise. I think for us forward on without a label has had its ups and we had something to prove, and I think a lot was downs. proving ourselves to Ronnie as well.”

“You have nobody to answer to so you

With the album finally out, Zyvoloski says have all the power and control,” said Zyvoloski. the strong response to Reality has brought the “But a label can be a great thing… as much as band relief and gratefulness.

Epitaph was a dream label independent seems to “We’ve been holding on to these songs for be the right choice for now.” so long we didn’t know what to expect,” he said.

With the positive reactions Survive This!

“When we finally got real strong feedback from has had to Reality, the change and time apart the release we were all relieved. People really from their last album has definitely paid off. Zyvo- seem to be loving the sound. The live shows loski says both allowed the band to grow as musi- seem to have more energy and the vibe seems to cians. be staying positive too.”

“We’ve never felt stronger or more con In addition to releasing the new album, fident about an album,” he said. “We wanted to Survive This! also released a new music video make sure on this record that we really represent- for “Save Me.” The video features behind-theed both our live sound and energy with writing scenes footage, plus clips of the band playing for and feel of the recording. We wanted to show the fans. Although the band is still editing a video for world we had something to prove.”

“Down,” Zyvoloski says he wanted to have some Zyvoloski credits the growth to learning thing to go alongside the release of Reality. process that came from the recording of and tour- “When I was going through my computer I ing for their first album, The Life You’ve Chosen. found all these videos that we shot randomly on

“TLYC had some really great moments,” tour that we never did anything with,” he said. “I he said. “The only thing we felt that was lacking started messing around with them and it seem to was the power from the recording. So I always just fit. I showed the guys and we ended up liking pushed myself making sure live we really reprethe final product.” sented the band’s sound. We would always hear

The video, says Zyvoloski, is a gift to fans things about how they loved our songs but they as “a way to sum up our gratitude and feelings for sound way better live.” the last three years.”

A lot of their growth can be credited to the

“Thank you guys so much for the warm support Ronnie Radke of Falling In Reverse has reception to our new album,” he said. “Thank you given Survive This!. The band supported Fallfor sharing our message.” ing In Reverse on the Bury the Hatchet tour and Radke had a hand in helping in produce The Live You’ve Chosen.

“I will be the first person to tell you that we wouldn’t have had any of the success from our careers without the help from Ronnie,” said Zyvoloski. “I think between the life lessons and the coaching from Ronnie with TLYC we brought a well-rounded record to the table that we could personally be proud of.”

Radke was also originally going to be included in the writing and recording of Reality, but unfortunately schedule conflicts prevented the 22 http://whitenoisezine.com

A L

BLACK CROWN INITIATE

B

Selves We Cannot Forgive

U M

Words by Ryan Pugh

R

Black Crown Initiate is a progressive death quick that the bangover you would have would be metal band from Reading, Pennsylvania consisting worth a trip to the chiropractor. The tracks “Again” of James Dorton (Vocals), Andy Thomas (Guitar and “Belie the Machine” are so groovy and chill and Vocals), Wes Hauch (Guitar), Nick Shaw that it sound’s like something Tool would write.

(Bass), and Jesse Beagler (Drums). Selves We

Whether you’re a fan of sweeping guitars Cannot Forgive is their sophomore album. and crushing drums, tremolo picking and double

Coming right out of the gates of Hell, kicks, or groovy licks, this album has something Black Crown Initiate bring a sound that fans of for you. Be prepared, however, as these are some all different sub-genres of metal will love. With long songs. Like most in the genre, however, hints of tremolo guitars and galloping double kick, it’s important you listen to the song all the way the black metal fans are satisfied, but so are the through to get the full picture that is being painted. technical and progressive metal fans. If you were You can’t get the basics or gist of this album just a fan of Black Crown Initiates self-released EP, by looking at the album art and listening to half Song of The Crippled Bull, and their debut full of a song. It’s much more brooding and darker length, The Wreckage of Stars, then you’ll be material from the band, but it might turn some happy to know that there is no decline or drop off fans away from it due to it’s unpredictability. When on this new record, which is somewhat common listening and feeling like I was about to lose focus, around the sophomore album release of bands the song would change and I would instantly be of similar styles. From crushingly heavy riffs, hooked back in. It’s almost as if Black Crown paired with atmospheric breaks and almost jazzy Initiate knew that would happen. bass-lines, this band is definitely putting the term

That being said, Black Crown Initiate rose “progressive” to good use. to popularity very quickly and with this record they

There’s only one gripe I have with this are making sure they stay. As mentioned before, record, and if you’re a metal fan you can probably if you liked the band’s previous releases, you’ll guess what it is. It’s the clean singing. Now, I don’t definitely appreciate this record. But, if you’re like have a problem with clean singing at all, it’s just me, then it might take you a second or third listen in some places on this record it felt a little forced. to really get into it and get past the forced feeling I don’t particularly care for it in these places, but of Andy Thomas’s clean vocals. If you haven’t on the calmer breaks and and interludes it fits heard of Black Crown Initiate, give this record a try perfectly. That being said, the album is good. It’s and see what you think. You’ll be taken on quite no secret that the band worked very hard on this the journey. album and had lofty goals that they achieved. The track “Transmit to Disconnect” is so fast paced and 24 http://whitenoisezine.com

E V I E W S

L B

A

SCREAM OUT LOUD Scream Out Loud

U M

Words by Melissa Thayer

R E V I E W S

Scream Out Loud, a Florida based band who formed back in 2009, have spent the last few years touring and working on their muchanticipated new album. This self-titled album is set to release this summer and we have your first look at it.

“Go For It” was my favorite track off the album. Right from the beginning I knew it was going to be my favorite. The song begins with strong guitar riffs and a fantastic drum beat. The vocals are crisp and work perfectly in unison with the melody of the song. It’s one that fans are going to be singing and dancing along to.

“When I’m Alone” was another track that I enjoyed because of the guitar sound. The song begins with a great guitar solo before bringing in the vocals. What stood out for me about this song was the band’s ability to have incredible versatility throughout the album. No two songs sound the same, and while some of the other songs off this album have an All Time Low type of sound, this one felt a bit more like something that fans of A Day to Remember would enjoy.

“Just Another Song” was a track that stood out to me from the rest of the album.

Like the rest of the album, it still had an early pop-punk sound that I loved, but seemed to focus more on the vocals. Specifically, the song started out strong with a really simple beat.

The lyrics are also strong on this album and it’s definitely going to be a fan favorite.

All in all, I enjoyed the album. It’s the perfect album for fans of bands like Forever The Sickest Kids and also A Day To Remember; it’s a perfect combination of the classic pop-punk sound with a bit of a sharper edge to it.

Top Tracks: “Go For It” “Just Another Song” “When I’m Alone”

http://whitenoisezine.com

25

A L

SUPPY DUDES

B

Josie

U M

Words by Lisa Smith

R E V I E W S

Hailing from Ohio, pop-punkers known as Suppy Dudes, are set to release their debut album Josie on July 29th via Luxor Records.

I first listened to “Another Song about High School,” the opening track of the album.

With roaring guitar riffs lifting the listener right into the album — like a gateway drug for the intense experience of their work — the song was filled with scandalous, rebellious and angst filled lyrics, that are belted in major melodies, with screams as the backing vocals to brighten the tone of the lead vocalist Chett Leitzinger.

This song is pure adrenaline, showing the lightheartedness of this punk band, it already gleams a unique streak of pure, youthful, energy on this track.

The third track, “Keep Dreaming,” already released as a promo single for the album, is an infectious pop-punk tune, tingled with hooky backing vocals and a killer chorus. Seemingly talking about the uncanny experience of living in a daydream, having no chance in a relationship, This song, personally is a favorite of mine. I feel an over the top music video would make this song a viral sensation, similar to a hit like Fountains Of Youth, the humor and good vibes come hard to resist with this band.

Another notable track was “This Song Sucks.” Straight to the point with raising vocals on the chorus the repetitious “Fuck you,” it leads with lyrics spouting from frontman Leitzinger as

this fast paced, raw, and emotionally vulnerable track that sends the listener into a spirit of letting loose, expression, confrontation and no measure of apologies. This band is skilled, highly evolved, dominant and is ready for a roaring release.

I really enjoyed the album as a debut, with songs still stuck in my head as I write this, I must credit them on their hooky pop melodies, infused with their own unique punk style. All of the songs had a similar mood, as if I were experiencing high school, all over again. It’s a tremendous piece of work, relatable and sure to be fire on social media to teenagers out there today, and others who need a band again, to glorify the struggles of underdogs in society.

Top Tracks: “Another Song About High School” “Keep Dreaming” “This Song Sucks”

26 http://whitenoisezine.com

A L

TOARN

B

Giant Killer

U M

Words by Emily Klingman

R E V I E W S

Hardcore and metal band, Toarn, focused much of their their six track EP, Giant Killer around heavy themes and classic heavy music techniques. They use their influences to create a chaotic yet clear sound with guitar breakdowns and growling vocals.

The EP starts off with the quiet opening of “Flanders Field,” creating a calm atmospheric setting before the guitars come in and break it up. Their guitars start out with an introspective tone and methodical before the vocals come in. This is where the song lost me, it was very difficult to understand anything the vocalist was saying and connect with the music.

The track “Inverted Cross” starts off with rolling drums and the repeated death growl chant “I am a martyr.” Guitars come in to fill the rest of the sound out with more death growl style vocals. The vocals didn’t impress me too much here either, but I did really like the drumming in the song and the guitar breakdowns it had. Towards the end of the track vocals became less of a main instrument and more of a tool to create a collective sound.

In the track “Sin I Know,” Toarn uses classic metal keyboardist style of guitar playing.

From there, the songs go into a series of rapid breakdowns. The vocals used here were also in the style of death growl but weren’t used much more than a tool for the collective sound.

Overall I wasn’t too impressed with Giant

Killer. It could be that it just isn’t my taste, but I thought the constant use of death growls didn’t add anything special to the sound. However, the vocals also weren’t a main aspect of Toarn’s music and was often interwoven in with the instrumentals. Much of the instrumentals I did enjoy, especially the parts that used the classic metal keyboardist stylings.

Top Tracks: “Inverted Cross” “Sin I Know”

http://whitenoisezine.com

27

STAY TUNED FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE VANS WARPED TOUR ISSUE WHICH LAUNCHES AUGUST 22!