God Bless America!!

September 11... I am sure that those of us who lived through the attack on the World Trade Center can remember every single detail of that day.  I know for me, the day seemed to go by in slow motion after I watched the second plane smash into the tower.
Let me start things off by saying thank you to all of the men and women who faithfully served and gave their lives 10 years ago, and also saying God bless to all of the families of those who were lost.

Blink 182

That said... let's get to some music.  There was a plethora of news to pick from this week, as quite a lot of stuff is coming up.  Blink 182, for example, has released another single from their upcoming album entitled Neighborhoods.  You can download the song at www.get182.com.  The catch is you have to play a little game, which will make you want to punch your computer screen multiple times.  It's almost torture, so if I were you, I would wait until the album comes out on September 27th.  After an 8-year hiatus, I know that I am anxious to hear what the guys have to offer.

Michael Pedicone

In other music news, My Chemical Romance, affectionately known by the tight-jean wearing neo-goth crowd as MCR, has fired their drummer recently.  What for?  Stealing.  Seriously, what are you in a high school garage band?  Who steals from a professionally signed band?  That's like asking for a root canal, and another O.J Simpson trial... in other words, it's just plain dumb.  In the sense of fairness, however, Michael Pedicone did release an apology to the band.  Maybe now they can all kiss and make up...or just hire me as their drummer ;).

Davey Havok of AFI

As long as we are talking about that genre, let me also take a minute to say, "Shame on you!", to whoever decided that it would be funny to post as AFI's front-man Davey Havok.  You have no idea the amount of chaos that could have happened if this rumor were true.  Our eye liner wearing friends would have gone into a panic and hung themselves with their skinny jeans!  What were you thinking? Now before the emo-kids come after me, let me say that I am a fan of AFI.  I have been listening to their music since before Sing the Sorrow was released, unlike most of you.

Now to the fun stuff...

Leveler Album Cover

August Burns Red (ABR) released their latest album in May, but I'm a total slacker and spent most of my summer in Montana, so I didn't get the chance to review it until now.  The album, called Leveler, is appropriately named, in that it's precisely what happened to me when I heard it.  Many people have come to expect the rip-your-face-off type of metal that comes from ABR.  With this new album you get that as the core, for sure, but as an added bonus, you also get a sense of artistry and real talent.  Quite a few tempo changes, and style changes can be expected (and loved) without losing that edge we've all come to adore. The "noodling" on the guitar, and overall quality of musicianship tells the listener that these guys are more than just a noise machine.  They really do know what they are doing.  I would give Leveler a strong 8.5 out 10.  You can preview and buy the album at Amazon.com.  You can also connect with the band on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Pure Volume, and of course, YouTube.