2 years ago, Thrice released their third album entitled "The Artist in the Ambulance", which was nonetheless different from their previos ones. What many found in "The Artist in the Ambulance" was that it spoke from all different angles. "Paper Tigers" was nearly unlike anything before it, "Stare at the Sun" was deep and very instrumental and "Under a Killing Moon" should have been re-named to "A Song that Kicks So Much Ass". Now. Fast forward to 2005. Thrice has a new album out. Forget what you heared in their previous albums. None of that will help you when you experience "Vheissu".

From the very begining of the album, you can sense something has changed once the word "Vheissu" is tapped out in Morse Code to begin "Image of the Invisble". It's followed by riviting guitar work and some of greatest lyrics Kensrue has ever written. "The Earth Will Shake" makes a metamorphosis from light to heavy in ways never imagined. "Atlantic", probably the bands greatest (and only) ballad, is like something staright out of a one-hundred million dollar movie. So epic. So instrumental. "Hold Fast Hope" is the albums only screamed song and is simply marvelous. Teppei's music box opens up "Music Box", perhaps one of the greatest Thrice songs ever written. After all of this, the album finishes off with the vocally melodic (and personal favorite) "Red Sky", a beacon of Thrice's new respect.

When it's all over, you will be amazed by how much Thrice has evolved into something beyond everyones wildest dreams. After the amazement, you will most likely share it with your friends, and repeat the entire process all over again.

Great job guys, and watch out for Kensrue. He's shaping up to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Favorite List (In no particular order):

All of them

Transplants Sophomore album, "Haunted Cities", is nothing short of equal, if not greater greatness than their Self-Intitled first. Some special guests (Sen. Dog, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., B. Real) appear in some tracks, and make them sound more Rap/R&B than anything, but it sounds real Transplants like. Any fan of Transplants will welcome these guests with open arms.

The songs are written and played well. "What I Can't Describe" is a nice R&B tune courtesy of the Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. while "American Guns" is led by Tims famous vocals. Rob Aston is also on top of his game, as seen in almost everywhere.

Like the California Babylon before it, "I Want it All" is probably the albums most potential track to be recognized. It's easily one of the best on the album, due to the catchy opening and intruments throughout.

All in all, it's very good. 4.5 stars, easily.

Favorite List (In no particular order:)

Not Today
Gangsters and Thugs
What I Can't Describe
Doomsday
Killafornia
American Guns
Madness
Hit the Fence
Pay Any Price
I Want It All

Tim Armstrong (Operation Ivy, Rancid), Rob Aston (Rapping), and Travis Barker (blink-182) make up the pretentious group known as "Transplants", a Tim Armstrong side project. The album features Tim with his famous slury vocal style, as seen in such songs like "D.J. D.J." and the rapping mouth of his friend Rob Aston (who does some vocal work on Rancid's "Indestructible") who does incredibly well on songs such as "Diamonds and Guns" and "California Babylon".

The album is essentially Rap-Rock, and is pulled off extremely well. There is one full blown rap song, "D.R.E.A.M." which is pretty good even thiough I don't care for Rap. Catchy songs like "Down in Oakland" keep the album moving, which is always good. All in all, very good work from a high profile Punk-Rocker like Tim.

Favorite List (In no particular order):

Tall Cans in the Air
D.J. D.J.
Diamonds and Guns
Sad But True
Weigh on My Mind
California Babylon
We Trusted You
D.R.E.A.M.
Down in Oakland

Rancid's sixth album, "Indestructible", is nothing short of amazing, despite a horrendous ballard. The album is filled with punk intentions such as "Django" and "David Courtney" that make you appreciate the genre. Songs such as the ska filled "Red Hot Moon" and the well written "Memphis" make you want to sing the chorus in the slurriest Tim Armstrong voice possible.

Through all the Rancid goodness, there is a track that might have well been non-exsistent. In fact, It may have been better off that way. That failure is "Arrested in Shanghai", the song that pretty much falls flat on it's face before it really begins. It makes you think "Was Tim was drunk when he wrote this one?" It's just that bad.

Where there is horrible, there is excellent. "Fall Back Down", probably the pinnacle of the entire album, is Rancid's finest song since "Roots Radicals" and could easily be in any fans Top 5 Rancid Songs list.

Overall, Rancid delivers what most would consider their best album since "...And Out Come the Wolves", and that says a lot about a great band like Rancid.

Favorite List (In no particular order):

Indestructible
Fall Back Down
Red Hot Moon
David Courtney
Start Now
Out of Control
Django
Travis Bickle
Memphis
Spirit of '87
Ghost Band
Tropical London
Roadblock
Born Frustrated
Back Up Against the Wall
Ivory Coast
Stand Your Ground
Otherside

Trivium combines superb drumming with excellent guitar work and some awesome background vocals to avoid being thrown in the "Generic" pile. Too many times I have heared that they are a generic Metal band. Trust me on this one. Trivium is shaping up to be one of the greatest music groups of our generation.