Photo credit: Kevin Westenberg
Legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big) says that the death of Chris Cornell was “a terrible, unnecessary loss” and he blamed the U.S. pharmaceutical industry for Cornell’s death in a new Metal Wani interview.
“I was quite angry about it, ’cause I do believe — and this is just one man’s opinion — based on what I’ve seen in media… I believe his wife [was] bringing this up that the pharmaceutical situation in the world is so dreadful and so many people are dying because they mistakenly take two [pills], or they forget they took one and they take another one, or they forget to take it and they go into withdrawals.
“When you see a warning on a pharmaceutical that says, as a side effect, ideations of murder and suicide, I would think twice before… I just can’t believe that stuff is on the market, and there’s gotta be a better way,” he continued. “I’m not sure what that better way is, but we’ve got an amazing world with a lot of intelligent people and incredible science, there’s gotta be a better way than these particular substances, which are just so dangerous. You accidentally forget and have a drink on top of it and you could die. And more people die now from pharmaceutical drugs, taken according to the directions, prescribed lawfully and legally, than traffic accidents. An amazing statistic.”
Sheehan added: “So I feel for [Chris’] family and friends and fans. It’s a terrible, unnecessary loss. And I hope… The only good that can come out of it is people stepping back and saying, ‘We’ve gotta do something about this.'”
Sacramento post-alternative trio Ghost Color have released a new EP entitled American Book of the Dead that is sure to appeal of fans of Soundgarden and other 90’s rock.
The EP kicks off with “In Other Words.” The track has a melodic heaviness that brings back memories of The Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream. It sounds very modern, yet it also is a bit reminiscent of great 70’s classic rock like Rush and Queen, especially during some of the triumphant vocal hooks.
“Endeavor” kicks off with a hook immediately, and lyrically deals with overcoming fear and emotional trauma: ‘Pour out your heart you almost shed a tear.’ The riff definitely has shades of My Bloody Valentine.
“Stay Asleep” opens with a studgy distorted Trent Reznorsque riff before going into a dream like verse. The distortion comes back for the chorus, which has the soaring sound of a Freddie Mercury fronted Nine Inch Nails.
“Drives” bookends the EP, and it features some of Ghost Color’s best bass playing. The chorus is frenetic bliss, with a soaring hook and Deftonesesque riffage. There is a portion of the track with an ocean sound combined with distant haunting vocals, it then leads into a Billy Corganesque huge guitar solo. The hook is definitely the best on the EP.
Overall American Book of the Dead sounds very fresh, there are elements that call back the 70’s vocally, but also sound like modern radio rock, while musically the sound is equally diverse, with lush beautiful riffs followed by NIN heaviness. Alternative Nation highly recommends you check it out!
