Matthew Schmid

The switch up in style and sound was off putting for several people I know and there was confusion as to why they didn't replicate What It Is To Burn. Rather than play it safe, Finch pushes further into hardcore leanings with more complex melodies and a more mature, self assured Nate taking on songwriting and singing/screaming duties. There is a ton to love in terms of musicianship and song writing. This is the album Finch made on their terms and if you give yourself the opportunity, there is an amazing listening experience waiting for you! Tracks to check: Ink, Insomniatic Meat, Revelation Song, Bitemarks and Bloodstains, and the epic closer Dreams of Psilocybin. A step up from their debut in almost every way, regardless of the lack of pop punk radio friendly singles. Solid 9 for me although nostalgia and personal preference do play a part.

Holy Diver is all killer no filler. Dio and Co. deliver the goods on an essential Heavy Metal album that all metal heads should listen to. He had a spectacular 3 album run, and his best was yet to come with The Last In Line (in my opinion) Solos are technical wizardy, the riffs are heavy and fast, packed with power from a booming and extremely talented rhythm section. Long Live Dio! 🤟🏼

This album walks the tightrope of vicious breakdowns and melodic lyricism with remarkable ease and clarity. This band still sounds hungry and clearly loves making music. A musical statement of going through darkness to finding one's self in the light again. Suggested tracks: Retrograde, Ghost, Mirror Box, The Afterglow

Dark, moody, and as atmospheric as a David Eggers film. Voices, the second and final studio album by Matchbook Romance is their greatest work. They leave at the pinnacle of their powers. These songs are dark, catchy without the sugar, and display an amazing amount of technical proficiency for a band lumped into the has been of early 00's emo. Give this a listen. I don't think you'll regret it. Seems influenced by Radiohead and The Smiths.

Took the time to revisit this record after spinning Ultra 85 for a few days. It didn't connect with me when it first dropped (then again personal life was tumultuous during that period) - but now, knowing how this fits into the bigger narrative has really made listening to this an extremely enjoyable experience. Flows are impressive, production is always 🔥, and I love the concept of Ultra 85 that Logic has been building towards for years. A well executed and solid hip hop record that offers something different from the norm. Clocking in at well over an hour could be a demanding listen for some but if you're up to the task you'll find some great music with an inspiring message.

Up there with the best live albums of all time! (yes I know the authenticity of this being a pure live album is debatable) With this record, KISS is able to bring so many of their killer riffs and vocals to the forefront (production on the first 2 records was sub par - although the hints of greatness and what this band was to become were there) and display their talents not only as musicians but as a more than capable stage show. This is a record for those who want 75 minutes of pure rock and roll fun. Early KISS is at the top of their game here. What followed this was an era where they truly were among the biggest and hardest working rock and roll bands on the planet and after listening to this it's easy to see how they arrived there.

A powerful record that has AFI wearing their influences on their sleeves. Slick post punk production, incredible musicianship in all phases, and Davey singing his beautifully dark and poetic lyrics (no surprise there) make this an absolute banger of a record. No skips on this. While Bodies didn't quite reach this same level of greatness, it shows just how strong this record is.

The time between Crash Love and Burials was 4 years. A lot can happen in 4 years. Rather than rest on their laurels or burn our with endless touring, the members of AFI seemed to have made the most of that time. After seeing various side projects blossom and feeling reinvigorated to come together again, Burials is an incredible album and possibly the band's strongest since Sing the Sorrow (although I'd place Crash Love slightly above this.) The atmosphere and tone are set from the brooding opener "The Sinking Night" , a beautiful post punk gem that makes you wish the track were 2 minutes longer. "I Hope You Suffer" is catchy enough for a single although Havok's passionate vocals save this one from being a skip for me. Although the first 6 songs are great, the last 7 seem to build off the intensity and emotions of the previous tracks leading to the beautiful and climactic "The Face Beneath The Waves". Gorgeous production, dark and brooding, this is AFI at their best. Repeated listens really open this up. Having a dark day? This is the perfect musical companion. Top 5 AFI project in my opinion and well worth the run time.

This album manages to encapsulate what Led Zeppelin did best. And what they did best was play amazing live shows that built off of the studio cuts in brilliant and imaginary ways, taking 6 minute songs and stretching them into soul altering jams that showcase just how incredible each of these musicians were. Any fan of Zeppelin has to listen to this disc. The setlist is STACKED.

What this album is NOT in my opinion: a 5 star masterpiece of pop punk rock. What this album IS: an extremely fun listen with catchy riffs and vocals that wraps up in a concise 29 minute listen. They didn't reinvent the wheel but Weezer also reminds us that they don't have to in order to make fun music.