APPLEHEAD is the side-project for Greg Minier, the guitarist for the Hardcore/Crossover Christian band THE CRUCIFIED. They have always been well-respected in the Christian and secular community for their influence on the heavier side of Christian music.
Minier put out the first APPLEHEAD album in 1992 when grunge was taking off. The new material picks up where that album left off to some extent. It’s been over 30 years so of course there will be differences. Minier has the ability to mix heavy music genres quite well, to the point he almost creates a new genre to some degree.
“Raze Hell” starts out the album with a nice groove that somehow blends decades of rock together to make a universal Modern sound. The song is in the pocket like something Black Label Society might do, but Minier’s voice (in my opinion) is more palatable than Zakk Wylde’s nasally delivery.
The first single “Down” has Alternative Metal vibes as Minier sounds a bit like M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold… wait, Shadows is much younger, it’s more likely he sounds like Minier. Either way, it’s a cool track with heavy thick guitar and a great groove.
“Worthless Words” was much easier to define as a strait up Classic Metal song. Minier still gives the music his own little twist, but for the most part this is just old-school Metal track.
“Pretty Creepy” is another track that’s obvious Rock, but not sure what else to call it. There’s something interesting going on, it’s a little Gothic, there’s some modern elements too as it’s another one the genre-bending tracks.
I’m not sure how to classify “And Then The Rain Comes Down”. There’s some ALICE IN CHAINS in the song, but Minier can’t help himself but write great hooks and melody. I don’t sense the overall darkness that bands like ALICE IN CHAINS portrayed, there’s more “hope” behind what APPLEHEAD is doing.
“In Pouring Rain” goes nicely with “And Then The Rain Comes Down”, I can’t confirm it, but the tracks could be related, almost a “before and after” track. The latter is more of a hard rock jam.
“A Harmonic Matter” is another track of Classic Metal, but still done in the unique style of APPLEHEAD. You hear some guitars licks that you might hear with his main band THE CRUCIFIED. There’s a killer solo, big chorus and great hooks. One of my personal favs on the album.
The final cut is “The Destiny” and it’s broken into three parts. It’s epic for sure, some nice breakdowns too. It would be a nice, “close your eyes and listen” track if you have the time. Part of the song sounds like it’s written through the eyes of Jesus Christ during his resurrection. It’s done in an interesting way that I havn’t heard before, There’s a PINK FLOYD vibe during the last track. It’s heavier than the British band, but it still brings you to a deeper place of your consciousness.
I will admit I’m biased since I am a devout Christian, but I honestly think you could be an atheist or anything in between and enjoy APPLEHEAD’S “The Light Side Of The Apple”. Minier does a fine job of storytelling without preaching. And throw out all the theology and it’s still an project that shows talent and conviction. I honestly think any fan of heavy/hard music will find something they can really appreciate here.
Applehead Releases Highly Anticipated Album, ‘The Light Side of the Apple’
With the successful release of the single, Down, Applehead returns after a 30 year hiatus to deliver the new album, ‘The Light Side of the Apple’ via Roxx Records the indie label that specializes in new rock and metal from favored legacy artists and new artists from across the globe.
Applehead’s first release, ‘Meaning’ was recently reissued as a limited run vinyl/cd on Roxx Records and ‘The Light Side of the Apple’ is more than just a return to form.
Inspired by personal challenges and unanswered questions, Greg Minier guides the listener through a metal onslaught that flows through musical genres and styles that create emotional connections harkening back to the original days of hard rock.
True to the original Applehead concept, Greg Minier played all the instruments with the exception of the bass lines that were done by Jaymi ‘Pinkbassman’ Millard (Mark Slaughter Band, Slaughter).
The album will be released on all streaming and digital platforms as well as CD on September 1st, 2023. There will be a limited vinyl run and the preorder options will be available soon!
The apple tree has grown heavier branches and the fruit of those branches will rock you!
