CD Review: Islander Unleashes "Power Under Control" And Ruin Has Given The "Rite Of Passage"

Arriving August 5th from Victory Records is the highly anticipated sophomore release titled "Power Under Control" from the alternative hard rock band Islander. While it may be considered a concept album, each song can also stand on its own. The new twelve-song release comes blasting out of the gate with the hardcore, nu-metal appeal of "Darkness." This four-piece band from South Carolina threads the needle between the high-energy punk fury of "Green Slime Man" and hip-hop, alternative rock of "Better Day." They work up the chanting chorus of "Devil Red" amongst the screaming vocals, before slowing down for the soulful, frenzied ballad of "Beelzebub." HR from Bad Brains lends a hand on the rally cry of "Think It Over." Islander close their new album with the uplifting, mainstream hard rock appeal of "Wait For It." Islander are currently on a tour of the U.S., which runs into September. To find out more about their new album "Power Under Control," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/IslanderOfficial.

From Portland, ME comes the latest release titled "Rite Of Passage" from thrash metal band Ruin. Having recently opened for established metal bands Fear Factory and Soilwork, Ruin are quickly making a name for themselves in the heavy metal genre. The new six-song EP begins with the hard-hitting guitar riffs of "Reopen" as the band's energy is delivered into every word and every sound they play. Their music has an edginess to it that makes their sound exciting and aggressive as displayed in the tracks "Empty Prayers" and "Living In Fear." To find out more about Ruin and their latest release "Rite Of Passage," please visit ruinmetal.com.