Versatone Reviews
@versatonerev.bsky.social
Freelance album reviews because I love music. So I may as well share and offer a space for discourse.
Reposted by Versatone Reviews
🎯 We aimed for the stars… but pulled the trigger instead.
🤖 What if AI explored galaxies instead of targeting lives?
🪐 There’s still time to choose curiosity over conflict.
#AIforGood #NotForWar #FutureTech #IranUnderAttack #MurderNetanyahu #SpaceExploration
🤖 What if AI explored galaxies instead of targeting lives?
🪐 There’s still time to choose curiosity over conflict.
#AIforGood #NotForWar #FutureTech #IranUnderAttack #MurderNetanyahu #SpaceExploration
June 18, 2025 at 2:55 PM
🎯 We aimed for the stars… but pulled the trigger instead.
🤖 What if AI explored galaxies instead of targeting lives?
🪐 There’s still time to choose curiosity over conflict.
#AIforGood #NotForWar #FutureTech #IranUnderAttack #MurderNetanyahu #SpaceExploration
🤖 What if AI explored galaxies instead of targeting lives?
🪐 There’s still time to choose curiosity over conflict.
#AIforGood #NotForWar #FutureTech #IranUnderAttack #MurderNetanyahu #SpaceExploration
I have some reviews that I need to share here still, but 2025 keeps punching.
I just want to share a farewell for the best cat we could ever have asked for.
His name was Altair. He was 16, and he was my daughter's best friend. Also, he worried about me when I sang.
I just want to share a farewell for the best cat we could ever have asked for.
His name was Altair. He was 16, and he was my daughter's best friend. Also, he worried about me when I sang.
May 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
I have some reviews that I need to share here still, but 2025 keeps punching.
I just want to share a farewell for the best cat we could ever have asked for.
His name was Altair. He was 16, and he was my daughter's best friend. Also, he worried about me when I sang.
I just want to share a farewell for the best cat we could ever have asked for.
His name was Altair. He was 16, and he was my daughter's best friend. Also, he worried about me when I sang.
I haven't got a lot of albums I'm looking at in May, but there are some heavy hitters here.
May 2025 Release Radar
Summer is coming
open.substack.com
May 1, 2025 at 3:42 PM
I haven't got a lot of albums I'm looking at in May, but there are some heavy hitters here.
Sasami is not, truly, a #Pop artist, but this is a Pop album.
It's her third album, and she has yet to repeat a genre.
Sasami uses her classical training to study a genre, break it down, and reproduce it. And, in this album, it works so well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
It's her third album, and she has yet to repeat a genre.
Sasami uses her classical training to study a genre, break it down, and reproduce it. And, in this album, it works so well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Sasami - "Blood On the Silver Screen"
Top-notch Pop from a not-Pop artist
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Sasami is not, truly, a #Pop artist, but this is a Pop album.
It's her third album, and she has yet to repeat a genre.
Sasami uses her classical training to study a genre, break it down, and reproduce it. And, in this album, it works so well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
It's her third album, and she has yet to repeat a genre.
Sasami uses her classical training to study a genre, break it down, and reproduce it. And, in this album, it works so well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
One of my most anticipated albums of the year pulled through. It doesn't disappoint.
18 reviews in, and we have our first certified 8+.
#Spiritbox is a definitive act in the modern #MetalSky scene, and this is only their second album.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #Metalcore
18 reviews in, and we have our first certified 8+.
#Spiritbox is a definitive act in the modern #MetalSky scene, and this is only their second album.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #Metalcore
Spiritbox - "Tsunami Sea"
A highly-anticipated album that doesn't disappoint
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:31 PM
One of my most anticipated albums of the year pulled through. It doesn't disappoint.
18 reviews in, and we have our first certified 8+.
#Spiritbox is a definitive act in the modern #MetalSky scene, and this is only their second album.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #Metalcore
18 reviews in, and we have our first certified 8+.
#Spiritbox is a definitive act in the modern #MetalSky scene, and this is only their second album.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #Metalcore
This is the best #HyperPop I've ever heard.
Hands down.
#RebeccaBlack is really starting to find herself as an artist and songwriter. All of the songs here work really well, minus "Sugar Water Cyanide".
It just needs to be longer. And have a conceptual throughline.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Hands down.
#RebeccaBlack is really starting to find herself as an artist and songwriter. All of the songs here work really well, minus "Sugar Water Cyanide".
It just needs to be longer. And have a conceptual throughline.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Rebecca Black - "Salvation"
I don't know what she's saving us from, but I enjoyed it
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
This is the best #HyperPop I've ever heard.
Hands down.
#RebeccaBlack is really starting to find herself as an artist and songwriter. All of the songs here work really well, minus "Sugar Water Cyanide".
It just needs to be longer. And have a conceptual throughline.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Hands down.
#RebeccaBlack is really starting to find herself as an artist and songwriter. All of the songs here work really well, minus "Sugar Water Cyanide".
It just needs to be longer. And have a conceptual throughline.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Arion is a #SymphonicMetal and #PowerMetal band that had a promising start last decade, but in this album they've kinda buried the lead. Ya know, the 'Symphonic' bit. It's literally buried in the mix.
The songs here are still good for what they are, though.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
The songs here are still good for what they are, though.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Arion - "The Light That Burns the Sky"
Symphonic Power Metal which has misplaced its symphony
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Arion is a #SymphonicMetal and #PowerMetal band that had a promising start last decade, but in this album they've kinda buried the lead. Ya know, the 'Symphonic' bit. It's literally buried in the mix.
The songs here are still good for what they are, though.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
The songs here are still good for what they are, though.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Lisa's debut album is full of potential and production. I don't think it's much of a reach to say that #KPop is overproduced by default these days. There's so much money in that industry.
Some of the album's early songs are BANGERS. It just also dies halfway through.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Some of the album's early songs are BANGERS. It just also dies halfway through.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Lisa - "Alter Ego"
The K-Pop Invasion continues
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Lisa's debut album is full of potential and production. I don't think it's much of a reach to say that #KPop is overproduced by default these days. There's so much money in that industry.
Some of the album's early songs are BANGERS. It just also dies halfway through.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Some of the album's early songs are BANGERS. It just also dies halfway through.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
I've been physically unable to do a few things this month, but I've still gotten a few reviews out, starting with this somewhat disappointing effort from Tobias Sammet's collaborative #PowerMetal project, Avantasia.
It has its moments.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
It has its moments.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Avantasia - "Here Be Dragons"
Dragon on the cover = Power Metal
open.substack.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:12 PM
I've been physically unable to do a few things this month, but I've still gotten a few reviews out, starting with this somewhat disappointing effort from Tobias Sammet's collaborative #PowerMetal project, Avantasia.
It has its moments.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
It has its moments.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
I love Chappell, but this sums up pretty well my thoughts on recent comments she's made.
To be clear: being queen *SHOULD NOT* be political. That's what the fight is all about. Whether we like it or not, though, it is -- because some bigots make it so.
To be clear: being queen *SHOULD NOT* be political. That's what the fight is all about. Whether we like it or not, though, it is -- because some bigots make it so.
From the popculture community on Reddit: Drag queens like Plane Jane, Tillie, and other performers have started calling out Chappell Roan, accusing her of exploiting the LGBTQIA+ community for profit ...
Explore this post and more from the popculture community
www.reddit.com
April 3, 2025 at 11:58 PM
I love Chappell, but this sums up pretty well my thoughts on recent comments she's made.
To be clear: being queen *SHOULD NOT* be political. That's what the fight is all about. Whether we like it or not, though, it is -- because some bigots make it so.
To be clear: being queen *SHOULD NOT* be political. That's what the fight is all about. Whether we like it or not, though, it is -- because some bigots make it so.
I hope the April showers are full of good music!
April 2025 Release Radar
Hopefully derailing the 2025 Disappointment Train
open.substack.com
April 3, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I hope the April showers are full of good music!
Architects' newest album showcases an update to the band's #Metalcore sound, bringing in more Death-like harshness, and their trimmed lineup. It grew on me through a few listens, but I also still don't enjoy it as much as their last two albums.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Architects - "The Sky, The Earth & All Between"
A review that almost didn't happen
open.substack.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Architects' newest album showcases an update to the band's #Metalcore sound, bringing in more Death-like harshness, and their trimmed lineup. It grew on me through a few listens, but I also still don't enjoy it as much as their last two albums.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Tate McRae's dance pop is incredibly boppy. So boppy that you might find yourself bopping along even if you don't enjoy the song. But "So Close to What" is overproduced and grossly inconsistent.
On the bright side, the best tracks all have a familiar name as co-writer.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
On the bright side, the best tracks all have a familiar name as co-writer.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Tate McRae - "So Close to What"
Tate McRae is one of those ‘next big stars’ you hear about.
open.substack.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Tate McRae's dance pop is incredibly boppy. So boppy that you might find yourself bopping along even if you don't enjoy the song. But "So Close to What" is overproduced and grossly inconsistent.
On the bright side, the best tracks all have a familiar name as co-writer.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
On the bright side, the best tracks all have a familiar name as co-writer.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Lacuna Coil has always been a favorite, but Sleepless Empire feels like a final confirmation that they just aren't the same band anymore. They're still #GothicMetal, but that approach is firmly in the backseat.
It's great if you want something heavy, but that's it.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
It's great if you want something heavy, but that's it.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Lacuna Coil - "Sleepless Empire"
Sleepless because the future holds no hope of a good LC album
open.substack.com
March 28, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Lacuna Coil has always been a favorite, but Sleepless Empire feels like a final confirmation that they just aren't the same band anymore. They're still #GothicMetal, but that approach is firmly in the backseat.
It's great if you want something heavy, but that's it.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
It's great if you want something heavy, but that's it.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Marko Hietala's second-ever solo album is one that I picked up out of respect for his legacy. It beat my expectations, though, and is currently one of my favorite listens of the year.
If you like classic #HeavyMetal or #PowerMetal, give this a listen.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
If you like classic #HeavyMetal or #PowerMetal, give this a listen.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Marko Hietala - "Roses From the Deep"
Marko Hietala is very highly-regarded in the Metal world — arguably in contention for “Legend” status, depending who you talk to.
open.substack.com
March 26, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Marko Hietala's second-ever solo album is one that I picked up out of respect for his legacy. It beat my expectations, though, and is currently one of my favorite listens of the year.
If you like classic #HeavyMetal or #PowerMetal, give this a listen.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
If you like classic #HeavyMetal or #PowerMetal, give this a listen.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Ukrainian #Metalcore and #GrooveMetal stars, #Jinjer, are as wildly aggressive as ever in their newest album.
If you're looking for something upbeat and angry, this might do.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
If you're looking for something upbeat and angry, this might do.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Jinjer - "Duel"
Slava Ukraini
open.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Ukrainian #Metalcore and #GrooveMetal stars, #Jinjer, are as wildly aggressive as ever in their newest album.
If you're looking for something upbeat and angry, this might do.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
If you're looking for something upbeat and angry, this might do.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#DreamTheater is a goddamn titan in the world of #ProgMetal. There's no getting around it. And while their formula has grown stale, the return of one of their founding members has brought fresh vivacity to their newest album.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Dream Theater - "Parasomnia"
Beware the shadow men in the dark
open.substack.com
March 17, 2025 at 2:41 PM
#DreamTheater is a goddamn titan in the world of #ProgMetal. There's no getting around it. And while their formula has grown stale, the return of one of their founding members has brought fresh vivacity to their newest album.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Ethel Cain's "Perverts" is nothing like her main album trilogy-in-progress. It's a unique sort of beautiful torment. If you like #Slowcore and ambient droning, you might love this, but don't pick it up expecting "American Teenager".
It's a dismal as its cover suggests.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
It's a dismal as its cover suggests.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Ethel Cain - "Perverts"
It's happening to everybody
open.substack.com
March 10, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Ethel Cain's "Perverts" is nothing like her main album trilogy-in-progress. It's a unique sort of beautiful torment. If you like #Slowcore and ambient droning, you might love this, but don't pick it up expecting "American Teenager".
It's a dismal as its cover suggests.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
It's a dismal as its cover suggests.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Can't believe February is over already. Time MARCHes on...
No, wait, don't leave! I cope with reality through bad jokes and good music!
Speaking of music, here are the albums I'm looking forward to this month (plus a special reveal of Versatone's first ever advance copy!).
No, wait, don't leave! I cope with reality through bad jokes and good music!
Speaking of music, here are the albums I'm looking forward to this month (plus a special reveal of Versatone's first ever advance copy!).
March 2025 Release Radar
At least there are no tariffs on music
open.substack.com
March 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Can't believe February is over already. Time MARCHes on...
No, wait, don't leave! I cope with reality through bad jokes and good music!
Speaking of music, here are the albums I'm looking forward to this month (plus a special reveal of Versatone's first ever advance copy!).
No, wait, don't leave! I cope with reality through bad jokes and good music!
Speaking of music, here are the albums I'm looking forward to this month (plus a special reveal of Versatone's first ever advance copy!).
The final album under The Weeknd moniker is expansive and surreal... and kinda boring across a full listen. The album is artistic and ambitious, and art points it feels like the music itself got lost in the vision.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
The Weeknd - "Hurry Up Tomorrow"
Technically brilliant
open.substack.com
March 4, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The final album under The Weeknd moniker is expansive and surreal... and kinda boring across a full listen. The album is artistic and ambitious, and art points it feels like the music itself got lost in the vision.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Iniko's highly anticipated debut album is very good. It's great music, though I wouldn't call it a "great album".
The Michael Jackson influence is strong, otherwise she sounds wildly unique. She will be very influential in the #IndiePop space in the years to come.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
The Michael Jackson influence is strong, otherwise she sounds wildly unique. She will be very influential in the #IndiePop space in the years to come.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Iniko - "The Awakening"
It's not an agenda; it's reality
open.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Iniko's highly anticipated debut album is very good. It's great music, though I wouldn't call it a "great album".
The Michael Jackson influence is strong, otherwise she sounds wildly unique. She will be very influential in the #IndiePop space in the years to come.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
The Michael Jackson influence is strong, otherwise she sounds wildly unique. She will be very influential in the #IndiePop space in the years to come.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
I never imagined I'd find a blend of #DoomMetal and #BluesRock, but here it is. And the core sound absolutely works. Some songs here are better-conceived than others, though, so the album as a whole feels a little lackluster at points.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Avatarium - "Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead"
A unique stylistic blend of Doom and Blues
open.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I never imagined I'd find a blend of #DoomMetal and #BluesRock, but here it is. And the core sound absolutely works. Some songs here are better-conceived than others, though, so the album as a whole feels a little lackluster at points.
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
#MusicSky #MetalSky #AlbumReview
Post-Black group Harakiri for the Sky leans into darker subject matter and a harsher sound than my last Post-Black review. But if you can get past the abrasive vocals, there are moments of transcendental beauty, as well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #MetalSky
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #MetalSky
Harakiri for the Sky - "Scorched Earth"
Be the void you wanna see in the world
open.substack.com
February 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Post-Black group Harakiri for the Sky leans into darker subject matter and a harsher sound than my last Post-Black review. But if you can get past the abrasive vocals, there are moments of transcendental beauty, as well.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #MetalSky
#MusicSky #AlbumReview #MetalSky
Despite being the coldest month, February has had no chill. Still, here we are with the first review of 2025!
Larkin Poe is a really great #RootsRock and #BluesRock act from my home state of #Georgia. With a touch of #Country. It's #Rock with that GOOD good twang.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Larkin Poe is a really great #RootsRock and #BluesRock act from my home state of #Georgia. With a touch of #Country. It's #Rock with that GOOD good twang.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Larkin Poe - "Bloom"
They don't want your pearls -- or mine
open.substack.com
February 17, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Despite being the coldest month, February has had no chill. Still, here we are with the first review of 2025!
Larkin Poe is a really great #RootsRock and #BluesRock act from my home state of #Georgia. With a touch of #Country. It's #Rock with that GOOD good twang.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview
Larkin Poe is a really great #RootsRock and #BluesRock act from my home state of #Georgia. With a touch of #Country. It's #Rock with that GOOD good twang.
#MusicSky #AlbumReview