12 Stones’ album Beneath the Scars has some scars of its own, having been delayed about a year and changing its name from Only Human to its current title. It’s also been completely remixed. There’s the athletic cliché, ‘no pain, no gain,’ however, and this patience-testing release appears to be well worth the wait. Producer Skidd Mills, who has worked with the band in the past, brings out the best in this veteran group. Perhaps Mills’ best work is displayed in the way he’s tempered Paul McCoy’s gravelly vocals. On past efforts, McCoy’s voice could be harsh to the point of distraction. And yet, on “That Changes Everything,” McCoy’s voice actually sounds pretty. With that said, however, ‘pretty’ is likely not what any self-respecting rock band ultimately attains to and Beneath the Scars includes plenty of hearty hard rock. From the grunge-inspired “Infected,” to the bass-driven, propulsive “Bulletproof,” 12 Stones shows no difficulty in cranking it up. Lyrically, the group behaves like the voice of reason in a crazy world. Songs such as “Psycho” and “Pretty Poison” highlight the world’s darkness, while “Infected” is a reminder of just how hard it is to be in the world, but not of it. Indeed, 12 Stones rises above it all with Beneath the Scars.
Features
Evolution Beyond Dissonance
Two years since the release of Hands Like Houses' latest album, 'Anon,' the band should be on the road supporting the release. Instead, the band has leveraged their local presence, government help, and new platforms like Patreon to stay afloat in the COVID-age.
Full Feature More from Hands Like Houses
Becoming Comrades
The trio of Comrades – husband and wife Joe and Laura McElroy alongside drummer John Gaskil – is used to living in a van and touring the country. Now, their new normal has provided them with a moment to "be adults" for once. We recently sat down with the McElroys to talk more about the spiritual reality within life, how soon they'll be able to release new music, and how koalas are their new normal.
Full Feature More from Comrades
Between the White Noise
My Epic's last full-length album came out in 2013; despite a number of EPs along the way, the band's dedication to their craft, lyrical approach, and unyielding approach to let the music come naturally has made them critical darlings. Now, they're learning to interact and feed a rabid fanbase in between albums and in a new normal.
Full Feature More from My Epic
HM Magazine Turns 35
In 1985, Doug Van Pelt photocopied a letter-sized sheets of paper, bound them together, and handed them out in person on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. It's all digital now, but, along the way, Van Pelt stirred up quite a few waves, played some seriously heavy music, and made a few friends along the way. Here: A quick look back at the magazine's 35-year history with Van Pelt and new owner, David Stagg.
Full Feature More from HM Magazine
