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Wormhole Media
Midwest music advocate. #217music #midwestmusic
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Abaddonia's debut album is out now and it rips.
Abaddonia is a 5-piece symphonic deathcore band from the midwest USA. They just released their debut album titled "Dawn of the Serpent" on all major streaming platforms and on CD. It's a total ass-beater of an album and you need to check it out if you enjoy deathcore.
At 5 tracks clocking in at just over 20 minutes, this bite-sized release is the perfect length to give you a dose of what Abaddonia is about while leaving you wanting more. There's no clean vocals to be found here, but a wide range of screams. From high-pitched black metal shrieks to low death metal growls, you're gonna hear some seriously gnarly vocal sound on this project. Very "Lorna Shore-esque" in terms of vocal range and variety of sounds.
One thing I often find lacking in this style of music, is a groovy or catchy guitar to accompany the vocals. Too often, it's just technical virtuosic playing to show off skill. Abaddonia has no shortage of guitar chops and tasty riffs to go along with the skill. That's what I'm looking for. Sick riffs. They have them.
Deathcore isn't my "main" genre, but one I find myself enjoying pretty often. So take my opinion for what it's worth to connoisseurs of the style. This is a killer record, especially for a debut. I will absolutely be coming back to this record. Find all their info below.
Overall: 8.5/10
Favorite track: Holy Water
For fans of: Lorna Shore, deathcore
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Lunchbreak review: Firebreather - Dwell in the Fog
Firebreather is a 3-piece stoner/doom metal band from Sweden. I first heard about them when Monolord brought them on tour. They were on tour promoting their new album called "Dwell in the Fog". I decided to check it out. I may be a little biased, as this is pretty much my favorite genre of music.
This album has everything you need for a killer doom album. The riffs are awesome, the guitar tone is HUGE. The huge chords and tasteful licks in between are really the best part for me. The vocals remind me of some kind of wizard or shaman from a fantasy world. Very cool vocals, although it did take a short while for me to warm up to them. The compositions are long, but they feel like a journey that's worth taking. Have a listen below.
For fans of: Riffs, Electric Wizard, Sleep
Favorite track: Dwell in the Fog
Overall 9.5/10
#illinois#midwest#217#blog#hiphop#music#spotify#album#media#review#doom#metal#doom metal#stoner doom#stoner metal#tune low play slow#Sweden#band#heavy metal#heavy
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Rakshak - Bloodywood: A Review
First off, I'd never heard of Bloodywood before this, and that was pretty lame of me (even though I can't help it). Regardless, I listened to them and now I want to tell you about it. Bloodywood is a metal band from India known for seamlessly fusing Indian folk instruments with metal.
Rakshak is Bloodywood's most recent album just dropped in 2022, and it totally rips. The sound reminds me of nu-metal, but with an Indian spin. There's a nice mix of rapping, singing, and screaming vox throughout. There's also some electronic elements that fit really nicely.
One thing I really look for in metal, is catchy riffs. I'm all about the riffs. This album is slightly lacking in the types of riffs I look for, but makes up for it with the addition of some instruments that are a little unconventional in most metal. They use flutes, sitars, and other instruments with select scales to really instill a Indian vibe to the songs. There's even a super sick flute solo. I never thought I'd be saying that.
Sick album, if you dig nu metal, or metalcore, or just hard rock I think you can get down with some Bloodywood. Listen to the album below.
Favorite track: Aaj
Overall: 7.5/10
#metal#heavy#heavy metal#metalhead#bloodywood#rakshak#flute#sitar#review#album#new#journalism#217#illinois#blog#music#spotify#media
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Jacc Breeze has made himself a staple artist in the 217 Hip-Hop scene, and there's no doubt we're witnessing his next level with this new album, "Death in December".
This project is clearly an ode to struggle, pain, and loss. You can feel it in the music, before you even read into the lyrics. As I was jamming it, I found myself surprised at some of the melodies Breeze came up with, he's on a new level. His bars and singing parts are all on point. It's got something for anyone who's into hip hop.
The album has some really strong opening tracks, but doesn't let up as some albums do by the halfway point. There's also a few mystery features on this project who I couldn't pinpoint based on their sound, but all the features were good and fit the vibe perfectly. You can check out the album for yourself below, I highly recommend it. Bangers.
My favorite track: Push Start
Overall: 8/10
#music#review#spotify#album#media#217#illinois#midwest#blog#jacc#breeze#december#hiphop#hip hop#rap#rapmusic#217music
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Today I checked out "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand" by DevilDriver. I wasn't really familiar with these guys before this listen, besides hearing their name every now and again. Boy do I regret that.
Totally impressed by this album. It's got everything. It's got songs that sound kinda black metal, some like death metal, some like nu metal. It sounds sorta-of like a bastardization of tons of metal thrown together (in a good way). I'm pretty sure if you're a fan of metal in general, there's something for you in this album Riffs are usually my main interest when listening to metal, often making or breaking the release for me. There's tons of riffs on this album I loved. I did not expect to enjoy this album this much, and will likely revisit in the future.
Overall 8.5/10
Favorites Tracks:
End of the Line
Sin & Sacrifice
Before the Hangman's Noose
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Hempress is a stoner doom metal band from Gatineau, QC Canada. Formed in 2021, the lineup consists of Kurtis Labelle (guitar/lead vox), William Gunn (bass/backing vox), David Lamonthe (guitar), and Jeffrey Ponce-Carre (drums).
On May 1st, Hempress released their debut album titled "Masters of the Trade". With huge fuzzy riffs, slower tempo stomping grooves, trippy leads and haunting vocals, fans of Electric Wizard will find everything they're looking for in this album.
It kicks off with groovy riffs, and a swinging beat to start the head nodding on the very first track. Those with short attention spans will be pleased at the lack of many long intros, as all the tracks are in full swing before the 1-minute mark.
The actual songwriting is there as well, proven by the dynamic soundscapes. The riffs hit hard, and the more trippy sections are the perfect setup for a huge riff to slam in right afterwards.
The production on this album is really top notch. The mix sounds modern, while retaining that huge wall or sound that stoner doom is often known for. Guitars sound massive, drums punch, vocals sit perfectly in the mix. Hats off to whoever recorded and mixed this project.
I'm a huge fan of this genre, and this album is probably a 9/10 for me. It's an absolute killer album, besides the fact that's only their first. Super excited to hear what these come up with in the future. I expect we'll see their next project released through a label, because these guys have massive potential. They're moving merch, making content, playing shows, and writing music. They're checking all the boxes on the to-do list for success.
If you're near Ottowa Canada, you can catch these guys playing with a few other bands at the Rainbow Bistro on June 15th. Check the Hempress Facebook for details.
Favorite Track: Distress
Added most of the tacks to my regular rotation.
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Engine Huey is a 3-piece punk rock outfit based out of Peoria IL. Their sound can best be described punk rock with blues overtones sprinkled with grunge.
Their debut album "Tight, But Whole" released in April, and displays their various influences that all combine into the sound of Engine Huey. The project starts out fast and hard with "Eh" and "Murder Trust". Murder Trust in particular delivers everything you'd expect from a punk song, but with the Engine Huey spin. The halfway mark of the album "Fly Away, Go Away" really showcases the bands ability to stray away from their punk roots while staying true to their sound and maintaining a consistent sonic identity. The pacing and order/sequencing of the album is perfect. Each song flowed into the next nicely, and there were no abrasive transitions between tracks. The production quality is also perfect. Polished enough to be easily digestible to pretty much anyone, but raw enough to maintain the DIY feel that's often associated with punk. The recording of the album was done with Steve Albini at Electrical Audio.
I'm not typically into much punk, but I still wanted to check this out and see what Engine Huey is all about since they're from my general area. By the 3rd track, I was fully on-board and excited to hear the rest. Clocking in at seventeen-and-a-half minutes, you can easily listen to this whole project on your way to work, going for a jog, working out, pretty much anywhere. Will be listening to this album again. If you manage to get your hands on a hard copy CD, you also get an additional bonus track not on any online streaming services. Check below for a preview of the album, and you can find all their online info at https://www.enginehuey.com
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Favorite track: Go Away, Fly Away
Honorable mention: Murder Trust
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The beginning of this album pulls no stops, and comes in hot. Tons of bars, catchy hooks, and sick beats. Springfield IL artist Xtortion Tha Don brings tons of old-school flavor and style and pairs it with modern production quality for a union that any hip-hop lover will enjoy. It’s got everything to appeal to the old heads, while lacking none of the elements also essential for todays mainstream radio hits.
This album also has some great features from other 217 emcee’s, including Junior Pasare (of Zippir Collective), Dre Madison, and more.
All the features are killer, but Junior Pasare’s R&B-like vocal style is often the perfect contrast to Tha Don’s chopping bars, creating tracks that stand against any of todays radio hits.
At 18 tracks, this project is almost double the length of some artists albums. It’s a welcome listen for anyone who prefers listening to music in album-format, rather than hitting shuffle on a playlist. Even at 18 tracks, it’s all killer, no filler.
Favorite track: Money and Stuntin’
#217HipHop#217#illinois#springfield#xtortion#tha#don#rap#midwest#midwestmusic#blog#music blog#music#chopper#wormhole#media#review#album
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Formerly known as Truth aka Trouble, and one half of the dynamic duo Trouble Chasin’, Illinois artist Sandman Slimm is back with his debut solo project, the Beautiful Chaos EP.
This project is packed with 6 hip-hop bangers. The EP touches on many of the current events from 2020, and manages to bring a thematic consistency despite all the different styles Sandman delivers. The sound is definitely different, in a refreshing/good way, compared to most other hit-makers in the 217. No two tracks on this EP sound the same, but they all have a sound that leaves the impression that Sandman has refined his signature sound.
As you progress through he EP, the vibe goes from aggressive/hard bangers to more gentle vibes, without losing any of the energy or intensity. This EP has everything, from bars to melodies to groovy basslines, to catchy lyrics. It’s the perfect length, giving you a good taste of what Sandman has to offer, while leaving you wanting more when it’s finished. You’re really missing out if you don’t give this a listen. All killer, no filler.
Favorite track: I AM NOT OKAY
#217HipHop#217#hip-hop#hiphop#midwest#midwestmusic#blog#music#EP#trouble#chasin#sandman#slimm#new#release#apple music#spotify#soundcloud#illinois#wormhole#media#press
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Another artist from the rural 217, is producer/musician “Inoka”. Recorded during the covid 19 shutdown in early 2020, Inoka released his album, “March of The Wanderer” on Bandcamp in April 2020.
As you listen through this album, you feel as though Inoka is taking you through a fantasy-based apocalyptic adventure that leaves a memorable impression, often striking the listener with a feeling of dread. Definitely different than what you’re probably already listening to, but worth it if you’re into dark themes, black metal, or any combination of those.
All the songs were written, performed, and recorded by the entity that is Inoka. Inoka posted their release onto a subreddit (r/dungeonsynth) where it quickly started spreading in the Dungeon Synth community. Soon after, he was approached by Dungeon Tapes (a Dungeon Synth Label) and offered a product deal to release the album on cassette. Be on the lookout over at outofseasonlabel.com to pick up the album on cassette, or purchase digitally over on Inoka’s Bandcamp page (linked at the top of this post).
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Dungeon Synth (probably all of you), it’s a subgenre of dark ambient music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The genre employs aesthetics and themes typically associated with black metal and applies it to dreamier ambient songs. The use of dark soundscapes suggests medieval or fantasy motifs, often with a nocturnal aesthetic. The style fits flawlessly with many rogue-like RPG games from the 80′s and 90′s, and is often used as their soundtracks.
The tracks heavily incorporate atmospheric, sometimes dreamy textures, and features synthesizers typically for melody or ethereal "shimmering".
#217#midwest#illinois#electronic#dungeon#synth#video#game#music#video game#soundtrack#roguelike#rpg#vintage#Inoka#dungeon tapes#out of season#cassette#release#label#2020#blog#dungeon synth#ambient#black metal
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On July 4th 2020, 217 emcee and CEO of Static MOB Records (his own record label that doesn’t do anything but upload his own music onto already-free platforms), ZBØW3 released his latest mixtape, titled “Rebirth” on YouTube and SoundCloud only because he can’t hold a job long enough to maintain actual distribution, and he thinks it’s cool to be “underground”. Rebirth touches on many different sounds and styles throughout. From horror-core to more old school boom-bap type songs, to emotional songs, this tape has a little bit of everything. His rhyme schemes and cadences are totally dogshit, allowing ZBØW3 to notch out a sound that’s consistent despite all the different styles he touches on.
The tape has a clear theme involving life, death, reincarnation, and really creates a soundscape that takes you along for a journey as you listen. Invoking many emotions throughout, as the final track closes, you’re left wondering, “How has he went this long without someone telling him this is horrible?”. This tape really gives you a glimpse into what ZBØW3 all about. He’s been in the game for 5+ years now, hand hasn’t made any progress whatsoever.
Save yourself the time and skip this one.
#217HipHop#217#midwest#zachary#bowen#blog#rebirth#midwestmusic#independent#mixtape#soundcloud#free#download#zbow3#zbowe#zbow#illinois#hip hop#hiphop#hip-hop#rap#boombap#horrorcore#horror
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The talent-filled 217 continues to produce underground hits. Paper-Dividend-Profit artist Jacc Breeze is back with another single, “Pray for It”, now available on most music streaming platforms.
This track is the latest in Jacc Breeze’s consistent release pattern, and proof that he’s been honing his craft and improving with every song. Pray For It is a dark, soulful track through which Jacc talks about his close friend passing while he was locked up, as well as praying to help him make positive changes to his life. He recalls some of his past misdeeds, as well as the improvements he’s made and continues to make.
Pray For It is truly an anthem for all those trying to make it out of the trap life, as well as those who’ve already made it out.
A banging beat, with a catchy chorus, and almost chopper-like sections in the verses, Jacc really showcases his entire talent kit here. He raps, sings, and flows with the best of them. This track is riddled with not only technical skill, but an artistic/creative touch that really separates good songs from great songs.
Keep an eye on Jacc Breeze, he’s surely to have more masterpieces on the way. #217hiphop
#217HipHop#midwestmusic#music#hiphop#jacc breeze#jacc#breeze#single#official#video#music video#trap#illinois#wormhole media#blog#217
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Another 217 artist “Yung Death” has been busy in 2020. The end of this years release schedule yielded his biggest project to-date. 17 tracks to make up “Change of Heart”, a mixtape showcasing all of Yung Death’s talents, and we’re gonna break it down track-by-track.
1. Brood Witch is an ethereal track, showcasing a more classic Yung Death. A dreamy, melancholic instrumental (produced by Yung Death himself, along with every other track he’s done) sits perfectly under a delivery that suits the track impeccably.
2. Stevie Nicks is another track that showcases his ability to weave rhymes and wordplay so smoothly, you’ll most likely miss some references if you’re not paying close attention. This entire project needs a few listens to fully appreciate the word-play and analogies spanning the tape.
3. Blew It helps usher in a new sound for Yung Death. With just as much focus on bars as his other songs, this one showcases the ability to sing catchy melodies along with the clever lyricism. Any drainers will feel right at home queing this up in their rotation
4. One of the catchiest songs on the tape, the beat really sets this one apart. The rhythm of the beat, matched with the cadence of the rhymes, produces the epitome of what Yung Death has to offer.
5. Zoo is a track that some Yung Death fans have been waiting for since they heard him perform it as an unreleased song on July 4th at “Rebirth on the 4th”. One of his first ventures into the more melodic territory, Yung Death draws on his classic inspirations to produce this hard, yet melodic banger.
6. Rush is a short and sweet track that has hefty Yung Gravy vibes. Cited by multiple fans as their favorite track, this track will definitely leave you wanting more.
7. Diamond Dogs really cements the “Yung Death” sound, proving to be difficult to compare to any other hip-hop artist. The upbeat vibe, mixed with the some-what nihilistic lyrics contrast in a wonderful way that’s pure Yung Death.
8. The Change of Heart Freestyle is a top contender for one of my personal favorites on the project. The use of the negative space in between certain lines, gives this track a swing that forces you to bob your head, without even realizing it.
9. Similar to “Blew It”, Sun & Moon may throw some OG Yung Death fans for a loop. Another dip into the more melodic territory, he proves his skillset is constantly expanding by nailing this track. Between the melodic vocals, and the emotional lyrical content, this one is sure to be another drainer favorite.
10. Little Too is probably the most chill song on the tape. The plucking melody, paired with the overall vibe of the track, make for a fantastic soundtrack for a nice smoke session.
11. The chorus of Emily Elizabeth kicks in immediately with funny references and wordplay, then switches to a call/response ending before a seamless transition into a light-hearted verse. Definitely a classic in the making.
12. Kowloon starts off with a very spooky vibe, with a phat bassline and pounding drums. This one definitely has a signature Yung Death sound, further adding to his catalog of songs that are purely his own sound.
13. Akimbo follows up right were Kowloon left off, keeping the hazy/gloomy vibe going while switching up the instrumental, and offering some killer rhymes to go with it.
14. Blue Asics starts out with a bubbly/happy beat sliding right into the hook. The hidden gem in this track is a melodic segment in the first verse. Another track with some Yung Gravy vibes, mostly because of the instrumental.
15. Moby continues to deliver on the pillars of the classic Yung Death sound. Utilizing his own hand-crafted beats, and his own lyrics, he’s able to create a sound that’s all his own without getting stale.
16. Master P starts to close out the tape with a slower tempo, but doesn’t slow with the word-play, analogies, and general bars. The adlibs hit particularly well in this track, filling out some of the space perfectly.
17. The instrumental in V.R. has a spooky, yet cartoon-y vibe that fits the Yung Death sound well. With no shortage of all the things that prove Yung Death to be an exciting prospect from central Illinois, this is the perfect track to close out this project.
#illinois#midwest#217#young#death#yung death#album#review#writeup#write-up#music#hip-hop#hiphop#blog#wormhole#media
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In the midst of a pandemic, 217 artist Kxynggami still manages to work, proof being his single "Lifestyle".
With solid production quality, catchy vocal melodies, and flow for days, Lifestyle stands up to any modern day radio hit. The track also features 2 other midwest rappers, Kid Ziggy (of Zippir Collective) and 6randon to put the icing on the cake.
Kid Ziggy's verse is a perfect fit for the vibe of track, and delivers killer melodies as usual, then 6randon comes in to offer a chill vibe before coming back into the fantastic chorus that's just so catchy! This track is at home in any playlist that's got any form of hip-hop in it. Be on the lookout for more heat from the 217, and from Kxynggami!
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