False Icons
God Complex
13th Planet/Megaforce
Street: 11.11
False Icons = Ministry + Thrill Kill Kult + Revolting Cocks
What a surprise that a record produced by Al Jourgensen sounds like every project Al’s had a part in during his musical career. The problem is just that, however—False Icons is a band trying far too hard to be an Al Jourgensen’s project and falling short of the mark. Sure, it’s a decent listen for anyone who worships Ministry, but it’s not a release that should garner much long-term praise. The music is decent, albeit rather cookie-cutter, hard industrial with a habit of repeating itself, but the vocals are ultimately what leads to this record’s downfall. The vocal delivery sounds half-assed, like dual-vocalists John Bechdel and Brian Broadt are still learning how to sing and end up half-singing instead of actually forcing their points across. If you can snag a used copy somewhere, it’s worth checking out, but don’t lose any sleep over not owning a copy. –Gavin Hoffman

Fiasco
Native Canadians
Impose
Street: 12.09
Fiasco = Pixies + Nirvana + At The Drive-In
This album sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. But it’s the noisiest, most hardcore tin can of all time. The first track, “Steve Herman,” comes charging out like it’s trying to scramble your brains with the flashiest and most chaotic instrumentation of all time. The highlight of this post-punk mess is most definitely the drums. Julian Bennett Holmes must have a really unhealthy obsession with Zack Hill. He probably stands outside Zack’s window and imagines what it would be like to cuddle with him at night. These dudes are really good all around. I wish they would leave their home town of Brooklyn and come play a show here in SLC. –Jon Robertson

Gamma Ray
Hell Yeah: The Awesome Foursome Live In Montreal
SPV
Street: 11.04
Gamma Ray = Iron Maiden + a less wimpy version of Stratovarious
Fans of Germany’s mighty popular Gamma Ray will without question own this double-live album along with its companion DVD. For the non-followers, well, if you feel the need to jump into a gigantic experience of speedy classic-style power metal or just are generally interested in Gamma Ray, this is a worthy exploration. As far as live recordings go, this sucker is finely produced; you can hear crowd singalongs and every instrument is clear as day. And the band … well, they don’t mess up. Live albums sometimes can be a struggle, especially in the instance of Hell Yeah because of the double-disc nature of it; the length of both CDs together clocks in at just about two hours. That’s quite a bit of, well, I’d call it happy metal. The songs don’t stir up anger; they’re upbeat, full of great power chords, supercharged riffs and a hell of a lot of masterful solos. I’ll be listening to the album in bits from now on, since two hours of anything can be hard to stomach. –Bryer Wharton

Gates of Slumber
Conqueror
Profound Lore/I Hate Records
Street: 05.08
Gates of Slumber = Saint Vitus + Trouble + Rainbow
Simply put, this is one of the best records of the year. Initially released on Profound Lore, Sweden’s I Hate Records made a wise move in re-releasing this doom metal gem … although I’m still unsure why a re-release was necessary. Ranging from down-tempo, classic doom a la Saint Vitus on the title track to more upbeat and powerful heavy rock on tracks like Ice Worm and Children of Satan, Conqueror should be destined for “classic” status in doom-metal circles, and if you’ve somehow managed to allow Gates of Slumber to fly under your radar, do yourself a favor and track this release down. –Gavin Hoffman

Goddamn Electric Bill
Topics For Gossip
99X/10
Street: 10.04
GDEB = Red Sparowes + NIN + Mum
Goddamn Electric Bill is goddamn fantastic! As lush and colorful as Explosions in the Sky, the music builds as instruments and tenor layer. Elasticizing, songs crescendo and without crashing down, stay lively. All music is performed, written and recorded by Jason Torbert, who creates melodies for toy robots via “The Morning Commute” and “Hermits.” The second track, “Our History, Part 2,” includes vocals, which are sparse over the entire album. All the while, ambient electronic loops, drum beats and acoustic guitars dance with percussions and unusual instruments to meld into a more jovial harmony, like the epic “The Shallows.” Nothing on Topics for Gossip is really shallow, but quietly immense. GDEB has remixed Sigur Ros in the past and recently had a few songs played on MTV and Etnies commercials. There is no persona or politics to dilute the music on this sophomore album. Drift away into his ocean of sound. –Jennifer Nielsen