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| ADRENALINE 101 – Twelve Step Program (CD) | Switzerland | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 43:16 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| ADRENALINE 101 is a pretty young Swiss rock band, who was formed in 2005. The line-up of the band exists of Delon Cyclon (vocals), Hens (guitar), Pascal (bass) and Reto (drums). These guys released a 5 track EP titled "I Should Be The One" in early 2007. Now they are presenting their debut album "Twelve Step Program", which has been released on STF Records. First of all, what an ugly album cover. You only see the band logo on top, an injection needle in the middle and on the bottom the album title. Yes I know, most important thing is the music of course. Well, I can tell you that this CD contains freely accessible rock music. I can listen to it, but I must admit that it's an album which I wouldn't buy myself immediately. "Twelve Step Program" was produced by the band themselves and mixed by Fredrik Kjellin (MOTHER'S FINEST, GLENN HUGHES) and sounds good. On some songs the band reminds me bit of bands like NICKELBACK and INCUBUS. If you are curious about how songs like "Flush Nights", "Brand New Day", "When I'm Gone", "When Push Comes To Shove" and "Homicidal" are sounding, check them out on their MySpace page. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.adrenaline101.com
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adrenalineone0one |
72/100 |
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| BAD HABIT – Timeless (CD) | Sweden | August 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: AOR | Running time: 62:26 (Tracks: 16) | ||
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Bad Habit was formed in Lund (Sweden) in 1986 by American–born Hal Marabel and former keyboard player Doc Shannon. The idea was to create a musical concept that mixed hard rock with melodic tendencies. Influences for this new concept were bands like Journey, Toto, Van Halen and Boston but also other music genres such as Blues and Classical music. They released their first (mini-)album in 1987, Young & Innocent and they called their concept Bad Habit. Bad Habit was the first band in Sweden which got an independently produced music video on Swedish National TV. Since then, the band has released 8 albums; the latest was released in 2008 and was entitled Above and Beyond. At this moment, the band contains of the following members: Bax Fehling (Lead vocals), Hal Marabel (Guitars / keyboards), Sven Cirnski (Lead guitar) Patrik Södergren (Bass), and Jaime Salazar (Drums). With their new album Endless, Bad Habit returns with some kind of “Best Of” album. This album contains songs from 4 different albums, After Hours, Above and Beyond, Revolution, and Young and Innocent. The album starts with two new, previously unreleased songs. In my opinion, these songs are not the best that the album offers. They are a little bit too catchy. This leads to a general point of criticism about the album: some songs sound a little bit uninspired and recognizable while some other songs are great! An example with regard to the recognizable aspect is the song A lot to Learn. The bass riff during the start of this song contains in my opinion quite a lot similarities of U2`s With or Without You. However, the song Hunger (influenced by Toto, especially on the end) from the album Revolution sounds great! Fortunately, the quality of the songs gets better and better as the CD progresses. In summary it can be concluded that the level of the songs on the album varies fairly. Sometimes, parts of some songs sounds like they are used from other songs while some other songs are well composed and are also an evidence of good workmanship. The album is a nice introduction for people who are not familiar with Bad Habit, but I recommend you to listen to the album first before you buy it. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.badhabitvip.com
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/badhabitvip |
70/100 |
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| BANDITO – Bandito (CDemo) | The Netherlands | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Stoner Rock | Running time: 17:40 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| From Nijmegen, Holland comes Stoner Rock band BANDITO, and exists since February 2009. According to the delivered info sheet, the line-up of BANDITO on this self financed CDemo (or EP) exists of Jord (vocals), Joep (guitar), Tommy (guitar), Bart (bass) and Rolf (drums). This is the self titled debut EP of the band, which was released at the end of 2009, and features four fantastic Stoner Rock songs titled “For No One”, “Trent Boyett”, “Killing Black” and “Cubic Cycle”. When I looked at their official website I noticed that they also have recorded a second EP, which is the three track EP “Speedway”. On that 3-track disc is just one new song, which is the title track, the other two songs are “Killing Black” and “For No One”. On their MySpace page you can also listen to a song called “Veneno (Mexico City)”, but that song isn't that strong. Anyway, big influences of the band are bands like KYUSS, DOZER, CLUTCH, DOWN, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, HELLACOPTERS, ATOMIC BITCHWAX etcetera. Like the band says on their info sheet 'Rock as tight as the sweater of Bettie Page and as energetic as a Mexican fighting dog on amphetamine'. Very interesting band with potential. If you like Stoner Rock and the above mentioned bands, you'll have to check out BANDITO. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.banditoband.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bandito |
80/100 |
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| BARONS BALL - Push (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 47.16 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Thursday morning after waking up I get my lazy ass downstairs to have myself a well deserved breakfast. Coming in the kitchen I see that Barons Ball debut cd has landed on the countertop of the kitchen instead that it is still in my car. Curious I think, particular when it's attached by a written post-it by my wife that says “Very Good!”. Well okay, don't argue with the wife of course, but hey, she has a point in this one.
Rock Barons they call themselves and why not! Founded in 2004 by Snake, Matt, Dave and Rico these rockers carry on in the same stable line up and that's already something these days. In my cd player their debut album “Push” spins it's rounds for two weeks now and I must say that it's quite entertaining stuff what the Barons play on their first Ball. So welcome to a mixture of heavy rock in the fine tradition of (the heavier side of) Bon Jovi, Nickelback and AC/DC. Barons Ball plays catchy rock with lyrics that keep hanging on in your head. Certainly a fine band for a great party. The band has his highlights for me in the heavier tracks like “Do You Wanna Run” (certainly a live killer !), “You Make a Fool Out of Me” (both AC/DC based) and “Gasoline” where Maiden's “Wasted Years” riff comes by and perfectly fits in. They also have a fine resting point in the ballad “Fall to Pieces”. To be honest the band comes at steam from track 5 still holding to the end, just like a concert that needs a bit encouraging getting started, but when the Barons are on steam, nothing stops them from finishing a damn fine, steamy rock album that listens away very easily. When the Barons are playing their Ball in your neighbourhood it's certainly worth a visit. Rock on! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.baronsball.de
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rockbarone |
82/100 |
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| BASTARD – Aftermath (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 37:00 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| The band BASTARD was formed in the spring of 2000 in Pforzheim, Germany. The band describes their music as Melodic Death Metal, and they released their first 4 track demo “Bastard – Fetus of God” in 2002. Between the years 2002 and 2007 the band played a lot of gigs and festivals (Romersee Open Air, From Dusk Till Dawn,…) mostly in Germany and Austria. Summer 2007 BASTARD started to record their debut album 'Aftermath' at “Bastard Studio”, and the album was mixed and mastered at “Kohlekeller Studios” in Germany. In September 2009 the band signed with STF-Records who released the album earlier this year. After listening to this album I can say Melodic Death Metal covers it's load fully, with some thrash and heavy metal influences makes it a very pleasant album to listen to. Also this album has a great heavy sound and production, certainly for a debut album. With songs like 'Lord of Lies', 'Live After Death', 'Brain Corrosion' and 'Visions of Blood and Lust' we know what we have here, true Death Metal from the upper shelve, with a lot of variation in their music and songs. The heavy production and the great guitarwork makes this a debut album most bands can only dream of. Well isn't their anything bad to say about this album, actually the only thing I can say is what counts for most bands, that it is not all that original, but the way they do it stands out in my opinion! Favourite tracks are title song 'Aftermath', 'Lord of Lies' and 'Northern Lights'. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.bastard-music.de
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bastardgermany |
88/100 |
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| CALIBRE ZERO – Inmune (CD) | Spain | August 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 41:00 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| CALIBRE ZERO was created by Ricardo Lazaro (vocals) in March 2005 with his brother Miguel (Guitar). The band was completed with the joining of Pedro Pelaez (bass) in summer of 2007 and Antonio Cuenca (drums) in January 2008. With this line-up the band build their definite sound; An explosive mix between the rawness and velocity of Motorhead or Metallica, the dark and heavy sounds of Black Sabbath and the influence of Spanish rock bands like Barricada, Baron Rojo, Muro… In May 2007 the band recorded a demo cd named 'Derrotando Miedos'. June 2008 the band began recording their debut album 'Jugando con fuego' in the M20 studios, which was released October 1st. In 2009 they got signed by German STF-Records label, who released the album for the whole of Europe. Now CALIBRE ZERO strikes back with their new album 'Inmune', again recorded at the M20 studios in their hometown Madrid. First thing to notice is that all lyrics are in Spanish, which is no problem at all, if you understand Spanish, nevertheless the music of these guys is real oldschool rock/metal in the veins of Motorhead and Black Sabbath done in a Spanish way. It all sounds good, songs, production, they got some power in their music. After listening to the album it does sound a bit all the same to me, they don't offer anything new, they just do what they do, and they do it well. Nothing to say there, all musicians know how to handle their instruments, and even the vocals sound good. But it doesn't stick out in the stream of rock/metal albums released on us, so a good average metal album it is, nothing more, nothing less! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.calibrezerorock.com
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/calibrezerorock |
73/100 |
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| CHARLOTTE – Medusa Groove (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Metal / Hard Rock | Running time: 45:52 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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CHARLOTTE was a five piece Melodic Hard Rock/Metal band who was formed in 1987 and existed until the early nineties. The twelve songs on this album “Medusa Groove” were recorded between 1998 and 1992, and are now finally released on Eönian Records, which is, according to the info sheet, the world's premier Hard Rock & Metal archive label. Anyway, the line-up of CHARLOTTE existed of Eric Ganz (vocals), Nick DiBacco (guitar, backing vocals), Vinnie Cacciotti (guitar), Chris Colovas (bass, backing vocals) and Eric D. Brewton (drums & backing vocals). The first few times I listened to “Medusa Groove”, it gave me the feeling of an average melodic Rock album. But I must admit, the album grows after several times listening to it. Okay it's still not a superb one. And however it all sounds nice, I still wonder who's interested in a band who didn't make it at the time of their existence. Anyway, Ganz is a pretty good singer and the rest of the musicians are talented as well. “Changes” is the ballad on the album and is in my opinion very cliché. The best songs on “Medusa Groove” are “Woman Behind The Eyes”, “Little Devils”, “Miss Necrophilia” (reminds me of SKID ROW) and the last track “All Tied Up” (to bad of the fade away during the great solo). A part of the text in the booklet says 'The members of CHARLOTTE do no rule out the possibility of a reunion. Only time will tell if CHARLOTTE will one day rise again'. If you are into melodic Hard Rock/Metal and interested in this album, then you can take a listen to some songs on their MySpace page. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.charlotterockband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.eonianrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/charlottelamusic |
75/100 |
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| CHRIS LANEY – Only Come Out At Night (CD) | Sweden | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 30:47 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| CHRIS LANEY is a Swedish guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, who's playing in RANDY PIPER'S ANIMAL and ZAN CLAN. His first solo album "Pure", which I personally don't know, was released in March 2009. Now I got the promo CD of his second solo album "Only Come Out At Night". Well, the problem is, that officially the album features eleven tracks, but there are only 8 songs on this promo CD, and each song has several parts of a fade away in it as well, what makes listening to this album not really pleasant. The eight songs which are on this promo disc are "Love So Bad", "B4 It's 2Late", "One Kiss Tonight", "Gotta Run", "Playing With Fire", "Crush", "I Had Enuff" and "Daydream". The songs which aren't on this promo CD are the title track "Only Come Out At Night", "Rockstar" and "Eyes Out Poppin'". I can understand why Laney has put a song called "Rockstar" on this album, because he's endorsed and heavily promoted by Rockstar energy drink. Anyway, it all sounds nice, but not very spectacular, even not while he has invited some friends like Ian Haugland (EUROPE), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS, UNION, ERIC SINGER PROJECT), Brian Robertson (MOTÖRHEAD, THIN LIZZY), Conny Bloom (HANOI ROCKS, ELECTRIC BOYS), to name a few, to play on his second solo album. The quality of the musicians is okay of course, but the compositions aren't, even though they are catchy enough, that strong. It all sounds so familiar, like we've heard it all before and even much better. A song like "One Kiss Tonight" sounds, also because of the backing vocals, pretty much like DEF LEPPARD. And some other songs sound like a heavier version of BON JOVI. And the end of "Daydream" sounds pretty annoying. All I can say is that "Only Come Out At Night" is just a moderate melodic Hard Rock album. Still curious, well check it out yourself. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.chrislaney.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/chrislaney |
73/100 |
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| CRYSTAL TEARS – Generation X (CD) | Greece | August 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 43.17 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Greece Power Metallers Crystal Tears are letting loose their second attempt by this Generation X. Main man Chrisafis Tantanozis replaced former singer Natasa Pandreia, who did the job on their full length debut “Choirs of Immortal”, by, last but not least, the mighty voice of Ian Parry, also known from Elegy/Vengeance/Ayreon/Hammerhead. Originally the album was recorded as an instrumental but with the contribution of Ian the decision to add vocals was easily made. Crystal Tears offers us an album full of real Power Metal in the finest tradition. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less. Original? No, just prime quality. From the beginning till the end you'll find up tempo, foot stomping, fist pumping stuff that's made for your air guitar. It's the pure classic stuff you get here, played with full confidence, leaving no doubt you deal with a very skilled, energetic band. Guitarist Dimitris Goutziamanis proves that there are more talented guitarists in Greece, so if Ozzy should change his mind he doesn't have to look further. The album overall offers pretty good tracks but the Priest like “Heroes”, “Nightmare Serenade” and “Rock Until We Fall” stand out as I should pick some. Although it's a fine album the only thing to nag about are the vocals of Ian that dominate a bit too much. The man certainly has a great set of metal pipes but sometimes it's a bit overblown. It takes away the attention for the instruments that are played well. Certainly something to avoid next time, it's a pity. Nevertheless a fine accession for those who are into classic Power Metal. | |||
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Recordlabel: http:// www.7hard.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr |
78/100 |
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| FOE - Madness (CD) | Poland | August 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 39:40 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| In 1984 Polish thrash metal band Alkoholika was formed and even though they started soon they only released one demo in 2007. After that the band reformed and are now called FOE and they are playing a more harsh version of thrash metal. It didn't take them that long to release an album as well cause in the beginning of this year Madness saw the light. I consider myself a fan of thrash and death metal so I'm always curious about what new stuff is being made by bands I've never heard off. Well I must admit that I'm not that thrilled at all about this record. First of all the sound isn't to my liking. Whether it's because of lack of budget or intentionally the album sounds like it's recorded in a room that's just to big. Now a good band could still pull of a decent record with this sound but FOE sadly lacks the quality to stand out from the crowd. The riffs are really not that original, or that good for that matter and the vocals aren't that special either. The rhythm section isn't bad but it doesn't really get above average either. Overall I wouldn't recommend this band to anyone but you might want to decide for yourself. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.let-them-come.eu
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/foeband |
50/100 |
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| HANDS OF TIME – H.O.T. (CD) | Italy | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Sleaze Rock / Hard Rock | Running time: 42:21 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| I'm always afraid if I got an Italian band to review. Would it be something good, or, as most of the time, worthless? In this case, it's the last one. H.O.T., which stands for HANDS OF TIME, comes from Orvieto, Italy and exists of Leo Ariel (vocals, guitar), Nicholas Arianni (guitar), Simon B. (bass) and Nicko Rondinelli (drums). Simon B. replaced original bass player Paul Mchario in March of this year. Anyway, this is the debut album of these Italians, and is released on German label STF Records. There are twelve songs on "H.O.T.", but there isn't any song on it, which really impresses me. Musically it's some mixture of 70's Hard Rock, Sleaze Rock and kick ass Rock 'n Roll, but it all sounds very moderate to me. Sometimes I hear some influences of GUNS 'N ROSES, MÖTLEY CRÜE, QUEEN. But really, the worst of this album is the vocals of Ariel, which are just awful. On their Myspace page you can also hear a terrible cover version of the QUEEN classic "Bohemian Rhapsody". No, to me H.O.T. are NOT hot, hahaha. Then I prefer another Italian band, SKILL IN VEINS (see also this months update), who at least have a great singer and fantastic songs. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/handsoftimerock |
48/100 |
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| HELFAHRT – Drifa (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Pagan Metal | Running time: 52:21 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| The brothers Ludwig are busy bees the last months. Last month the album “Fallen Angel's Dominion” by their other band Thulcandra saw the light of day and a few months earlier the third album of Helfahrt called “Drifa” was released. While Thulcandra has more of a black/death metal style Helfahrt plays melodic pagan metal with death and black metal influences and German lyrics. One of the highlights of the album is the drumming. Andreas Mecker changes the tempos, he goes on blast beats, and even input some groove on some interludes. This is just fantastic, because on the longer songs the music never gets boring or displacing. The vocal department is another very strong part of this play. Rarely some guttural parts are used, but, in a melodic and atmospheric album like this guttural voices are not the aim to go. The vocals keep up the very good atmospheric sound developed by the other instruments. The bass is an instrument that often can not be heard in this style of music. With Helfahrt this is different. The bass can be heard clearly through the songs and is a big plus if you ask me. On several songs Helfahrt uses traditional instruments such as a juice-harp and a flute. I am glad that these instruments are only used when the songs asks for it. And when it is used it is not in a happy way. This is serious pagan metal. End conclusion: A really good German Pagan Metal album that fans of (German) black metal will absolutely dig. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.helfahrt.com
Recordlabel: http://www.trollzorn.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/helfahrt |
82/100 |
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| INNER TERROR – Behold the Inner Terror (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 48:37 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| The name Inner Terror might sound unfamiliar to most of you but there is some history behind this Ohio band. Inner Terror is the reincarnation of Axemaster, a legendary underground power metal band that presented numerous releases during the 80s and 90s. The band delivers a contemporary version of the Axemaster music, balancing between power and thrash metal close to the sound of bands like Manifest Destiny with a twist of Iced Earth and moderate speed Slayer. Inner Terror focuses on the groove rather than speed and melody. Some songs are interesting, others pass unnoticed. This is a record that has it moments but in my opinion fails to captivate the interest of the common listener during its entirety. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theinnerterror |
65/100 |
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| IVAN MIHALJEVIC – Sandcastle (CD) | Croatia | August 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 52:34 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Ivan started taking guitar lessons in Rock Academy when he was 14 years old. During the next years he played in several bands until he formed the band Forsaken. With them he played a lot of gigs and recorded also 2 demo's. In 2005 Ivan performed at Wacken Open Air with the famous Croatian hard rock band Hard Time. At the end of 2006 he became a full member of Hard Time, played a lot of gigs with the band and recorded 2 music video's. In 2008 Ivan released his first solo album “Sandcastle”. That same year he also played, for the second time, a show with Paul Gilbert, one of his guitar heroes. On “Sandcastle” we can hear a wide range of exciting guitar techniques. 8 of his songs are instrumentals, the 6 other have vocals. The songs have all different styles, from poprock till prog metal. I personally prefer his instrumental compositions, in which he let us hear that he's a very talented guitarist! The songs with vocals don't catch that much my attention, but every guitar solo that he plays is very good. Currently Ivan is an instructor at Guitar Master Class and working on his second solo album “Destination Unknown”. The best Ivan can do is to decide if he will release a solo album will only instrumentals/vocals and maby also to focus on one music style. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ivanmihaljevic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ivanmihaljevic |
75/100 |
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| LEGACY – Legacy (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Metal / Hard Rock | Running time: 56:24 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| LEGACY is a Christian melodic Hard Rock/Metal band, from Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. who was formed in 1987. Just like CHARLOTTE (see also this months update), also LEGACY's self titled album "Legacy" has been released by Eönian Records in April, 2010. The band existed (or exists????) of Doug Meacham (vocals), Matt Rice (guitar, backing vocals), Fred Blanchard (guitar, backing vocals), John D. Rice (bass, backing vocals) and John Jenkins (drums). All fourteen songs on this album are recorded between 1988 and 1990, and are now released on CD for the first time. While listening to this album, LEGACY reminds me the most of STRYPER, and secondly of DOKKEN. On the info sheet of Eönian Records is mentioned they would also sound like SCORPIONS! Well, personally I don't hear a resemblance with this legendary German Hard Rock band. But really, with songs like "Forever In Your Arms", "Red, White And Blue" or "Change Of A Broken Heart" it's just like your are listening to STRYPER. Meacham is a pretty good singer, and on those mention songs he sounds like Michael Sweet (STRYPER) as well. And LEGACY has in Rice and Blanchard two good guitarists. It's all not bad, but also not that great, and I still have my questions about who's gonna buy an album with old material. When you are very religious, well I'm NOT, and are into Christian metal, perhaps you already know this band? If not, well check them out on their MySpace page. I'm not sure if LEGACY is still active these days. But I guess they are not. ' | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.eonianrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/legacycolumbus |
75/100 |
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| LEVI / WERSTLER – Avalanche of Worms (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 41:19 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Levi / Werstler is an instrumental side project from Dååth guitarists Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler. Avalanche of Worms is their debut album and it is released by Magna Carta. Levi and Werstler work together with musicians Sean Reiert (Drums), Kevin Scott (Bass) and Eric Guenther (Synthesizer and Keyboards). I am pleasantly surprised by this album. The instrumental tracks are quite well composed; it takes a few listening sessions to discover all the structures and details of the songs. But this is something what I like. It is also not an album where you just choose a couple of songs to listen separately. The album seems to be a concept album, but I do not know if this was intended by the band. Nothing is known about a topic, etc. Musically, Avalanche of Worms is a mixture of classical elements and heavy progressive metal parts. One advantage is that the listener does not have to listen constantly to guitar solo `s where guitarists want to show how well they master their instrument. This is in contrast to many other musical outings from other musicians. Of course there are sometimes some heavy, freaky guitar solo's, but these are not annoying. Something else that amazes me too, is the contribution of the other three musicians. Of course the guitar playing of Levi and Werstler plays a central role, but the other musicians have ample space for their own contribution. For people who like complex, instrumental progressive metal, this is an album to pick up! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.leviwerstler.com
Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/leviwerstler |
88/100 |
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| MANIFESTATION – Burden Of Mankind (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hardcore | Running time: 33:06 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| MANIFESTATION is a five piece Hardcore band from South-western Germany and was formed during the mid nineties. The first few years were quite a struggle for the band due to some band related problems and major personal issues of its members. In 2001 the band released their untitled demo CD and in 2003 their debut album "Religious Madness" was released. In the meantime there had been some line-up changes in the band, and in 2005 MANIFESTATION released "F.T.W." as a colored 10", which included nine new songs. And in 2006 "F.T.W." was re-issued on CD. Then again there were some changes in the line-up, and in 2007 they released a new 3-track demo CD called "Destination Unknown". In August of 2009 the band entered the studio again to record their recent album "Burden Of Mankind", which is now released on Demons Run Amok. The current line-up of MANIFESTATION exists of Marcel Sauerborn (vocals), Oliver Lauer (guitar), Alexander Klein (guitar), Patrick Lauer (bass) and Steffen Levermann (drums). About "Burden Of Mankind", well it's not really innovative what the band does on this album. We've heard this kind of hardcore many times before. And I know, it's really hard to be original. But there a many bands with the same problem. Anyway, MANIFESTATION sounds like bands as MADBALL, HATEBREED, BACKFIRE!, BIOHAZARD, to name a few. The production of "Burden Of Mankind" was done by Kristian Bonifer and sounds really good. Some favorite songs are "The Spark", "My Vendetta", "Leave Me Alone", "Misanthropic", "Due To Friendship" and "Catch 22". It's absolutely not a bad album, only not very original. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.manifestation-music.de
Recordlabel: http://www.demonsrunamok.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/manifestationhardcore |
74/100 |
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| PERPETUUM – Gradual Decay Of Conscience (CD) | Chile | August 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Alternative Death / Black metal. | Running time: 40:34 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Well, what could you expect when a band calls its style alternative death/ black metal? I would say a lot of weird music. But maybe it's interesting to know how that it come this way?
“Perpetuum started in 2003 as Nocturnal Blasphemy. As the time went on, the most various influences that were taken on by their members, were reflected in the search of a sound and style of its own. This brought a new image for the band, restructuring of the old songs, re-conceptualizing the lyrics, taking some sounds from other styles that complemented this new vision” so says promo paper.
When listening to Gradual Decay of Conscience (GDOC) I can say that this is a mishmash of different style. The main course is (fast) death metal but all the other ingredients used in this melting pot such as industrial sounds, melodic parts and a shitload of drum ritmes makes this an interesting record for the more adventurous death metal listener. Right from the beginning, the album does not let up. Every following song is somewhat of unique and different, spewing forth one brutal riff right after the other, very reminiscent of Death, Morbid Angel, Atheist, Gojira you name it. Vocals, again, are very David Vincent-esque. The final product is production crisp enough (think of Morbid Angel – Blessed are the Sick era), yet not lacking the raw energy necessary in any good death metal release. Not that heavy but because of the technical riffs this is rather a good thing. As said percussion is a hugely important factor within this release. There are enough tempo changes in each song to create an easily recognizable sound within each song. As I find common with a lot of newer death metal, every song is filled with blast beat after blast beat, and the whole album could very well be one single song. With GDOC, that is definitely not the case. Perfectly timed blast beats one minute are replaced by drum-rolls, then to a short silence in percussion... and back to blast beats - a refreshing variety on a more than good record! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.australisrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/perpetuumchl |
81/100 |
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| POWERSTROKE – Once We Were Kings (CD) | Belgium | August 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 45:00 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| From Belgium hails POWERSTROKE, a 3-piece metal band that was started January 2008. Their intention was to make groovy metal that would stick between your ears. They build up a solid live reputation, and the more gigs they played, the more heavier their sound became. The music of POWERSTROKE contains influences from Rock, Metal, Stoner, Punk and Hardcore, all blended in one Hell of a cocktail as they say it. This is their full length debut album 'Once…We Were Kings' , recorded and mixed by Do de Vos at 'Catfight Entertainment Studio', Oudenaarde, Belgium. The album is mastered by Tom Klimchuck (Pro-Pain) at 'The Pickle Jar', North-Port Sarasota, Florida, USA. After the intro, the album starts off with a kick ass drive, which they keep up all to the end. Their influences in music are definitely Pro-Pain, Motorhead, and sortalikes if you ask me, kick ass Rock n Roll with songs like 'Up Yours', 'Out of The Blue' or the title track can't be mistaken, they are gonna rock your socks off! This clearly is a great debut album, although the vocals sound a bit monotone after listening to all songs, but isn't that the case with Lemmy either, and look what they achieved, so that doesn't mean anything. Another point is the production, in my opinion the drums could have sounded more heavier, now they sound a bit thin in most songs, but maybe it was ment to sound this way, but it would have made their sound more tight and heavier on the album I think. This is a band you really have to see live I guess, that's what this music is all about, straight in your face! POWERSTROKE is a band we re gonna hear more off in the future! Check them out on Saturday 2 October @ the Little Devil club in Tilburg, The Netherlands when they are playing Mario's Metal Meeting 4 festival!!! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/powerstrokespace |
78/100 |
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| SASQUATCH – III (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Stoner / Rock | Running time: 56:02 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Quite by accident I recently discovered this album of American Stoner Rock band SASQUATCH. When I listened to "III" at my local record store, I was really surprised and blown away by it, so I decided to buy this CD. The band reminded me of bands like KYUSS, DOZER, CLUTCH and SOUNDGARDEN. Anyway, when I got home, I put this album in my CD player and in the meantime I searched for some more info about SASQUATCH on the internet on my computer. Well, SASQUATCH was formed in 2001 and is based in L.A.. So far, the band released two albums, which are "Sasquatch" (2004) and "II" (2006). There have been some line-up changes in the band, so the line-up of SASQUATCH on "III" exists of Keith Gibbs (vocals, guitar), Jason Casanova (bass) and Rick Ferrante (drums). The title of this album speaks for itself of course, so I don't have to tell you that "III" is the third album of the band. There's also a special guest appearance on this album by MONSTER MAGNET's guitarist Ed Mundell, who's doing the lead guitar on “Took Me Away”. In my opinion there's no weak song on "III", because songs like “Get Out Of Here”, “Took Me Away”, “Complicated”, “Pull Me Under”, “Queen”, “Leave It Up To You” and “No More Time” are all awesome. The songs are heavy, have great riffs and fantastic guitar solo's, groove as hell and even some songs are very catchy. Besides a fantastic guitar player, Gibbs is also a great singer, who's voice reminds me very much of Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, TEMPLE OF THE DOG, AUDIOSLAVE). If you like bands as KYUSS, FU MANCHU, DOZER, HULK, SOUNDGARDEN, CLUTCH, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE etcetera, I'm sure you will like SASQUATCH as well. Great band and most of all a superb album. Now I know I'll have to buy the first two albums of SASQUATCH as well. Great work guys. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.smallstone.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sasquatchrocks |
90/100 |
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| SHATTERED HOPE – Absence (CD) | Greece | August 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Atmospheric Doom / Death Metal. | Running time: 1:03.00 (Tracks: 7) | ||
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Shattered Hope was formed in the summer of 2002. At their first gigs they mainly played cover versions of My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost and Saturnus. They waited until 2005 to record their first demo and it isn't until now that they finally released their debut album. Although unsigned this is not a cheap end product!
This is a surprisingly decent enough band. They are categorized at my promo paper as a funeral doom band. But I don't see it that way. The music they play is just slow, atmospheric and melodic but not that slow and harsh to call it funeral doom.
The first thing they do, and are very good in is setting up the atmosphere. The soothing piano play and the slow guitar riffs help out in this factor. When the piano or keyboards play they are on the foreground and you really feel the atmosphere that is such important within this music. The piano has a very soft and fragile sound to it which is good for this kind of music. It makes it sound depressive and melancholic…
Most of the vocals that are delivered are grunts and sometimes there are some spoken word parts as well as the pain filled screams. So enough variation on the vocals can be found here. I know it's good for the variation to also play some faster parts when most of the music is very slow but in those faster parts the band sounds too much like Cradle of Filth which I don't find necessary. The songs on Absence are all very long and two of them are even above the ten minute mark but thankfully, that mellow side is always flowing through their music, it's never overshadowed by the only rasping vocals or the sometimes furious percussion sections which don't have a place on this full-length. The lyrics can seem a tad 'cheesy' at times, but I suppose they suit the almost romantic feel the acoustic and piano sections make. I was glad to see a vast array of instruments being used. Piano sections, acoustics and synths are ideal for Shatterded hope. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.shatteredhope.gr
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shatteredhopegr |
78/100 |
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| SHINING LINE – Shining Line (CD) | Italy | August 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: A.O.R. / Hard Rock | Running time: 76:08 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Shining Line is a brand new Italian superproject featuring a stellar roster of worldwide famous musicians. Just a bit of name dropping will help you get the picture. Robin Beck, Michael Bormann (Zeno, Jaded Heart, Rain etc.), Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Michael Voss (Mad Max, Casanova, Voices of Rock etc.), Vinny Burns (Dare, Ten etc.) and many more comprise an impressive collaboration brought together with the help of fresh A.O.R. and hardrock label Avenue of Allies. The usual question in cases like this is if this team delivers. Fortunately the answer is yes. The songs are of high quality full of hooks and nice melodies and all the guests meet the expectations with their performances. My personal favorites among equals are the opener “Highway of Love” with Erik Martensson on vocals and “Heat of the Light” with Robin Beck. Definitely a release worth checking out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myspace.com/shiningline
Recordlabel: http://www.avenue-of-allies.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shiningline |
87/100 |
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| SKILL IN VEINS – Skill In Veins (CD) | Italy | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Sleaze Rock | 1Running time: 50:20 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| SKILL IN VEINS is a brand new Italian Sleaze Rock band which was formed in 2009. The band exists of Gabriele Gozzi (vocals), Andrea Lanza (guitars), Nik Mazzucconi (bass) and Francesco Jovino (drums). And with this self titled debut album, these Italians really surprised me. When I put this album in my CD player, I already liked it from the first song “Can't Ride My Soul” until the last track “We Don't Believe In Fables”. This is at least one of those few good Italian bands in the Metal scene. The band has in Gozzi, who's also singer of Italian bands MARKONEE and KILLER KLOWN, a great singer, and reminds me of a mixture of Axl Rose (GUNS N' ROSES) and Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW). Lanza is an excellent guitar player and songwriter, and his guitar solo's remind very much of Slash (GUNS N' ROSES). And the rhythm section is very good as well. So, it's not so strange that musically you can expect some fantastic Sleaze Rock in the veins of GUNS N' ROSES and SKID ROW. “Skill In Veins” features eleven songs, of which two are nice ballads (“I'm Living My Life” and “Don't Need You To Cry”). My favorite songs are “Can't Ride My Soul”, “Skulls On The Way”, “Sick Mind”, “You're Doing It Again” and “The Way Out”. A very interesting Italian band and a very good album which I really can recommend. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.skillinveins.com
Recordlabel: http://www.avenue-of-allies.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/skillinveins |
83/100 |
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| SNEW – We Do What We Want (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Sleaze Rock | Running time: 38:31 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| SNEW is a four piece Hard Rock band from Hollywood, California, U.S.A. and exists of Curtis Don Vito (vocals), Andy Lux (guitar), Cat Tate (bass) and Mark Ohrenberger (drums). The band's debut album 'Snew You” was released in 2008 and has received, according to the info sheet, critical praise. “We Do What We Want” is the second album of SNEW and was released in March of this year. When I put this album in my CD player and the first song, which is the title track “We Do What We Want”, blew out of my speakers, I immediately had to think of two bands, namely KROKUS and AC/DC. Yes folks, SNEW is also one of those many bands in the rock scene who are influenced by legendary Australian rockers AC/DC. And I must say, “We Do What We Want” is a pleasant rock album to listen to. Okay, SNEW won't win the prize for originality, but songs like the title track, “Feedback And Distortion” (with a small part of James Bond's movie theme), “Get Loud”, “Knocking It Out Of The Park”, “Who The Hell Are You” and “Shinebox” are kick ass rock and roll songs. What's notable to me is, that singer Don Vito sounds pretty much like KROKUS' Marc Storace. The production was done by Bobby Owsinki and sounds very good. So, if you like AC/DC, KROKUS or AIRBOURNE, then you have to check this band out. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.snewyou.com
Recordlabel: http://www.snewstore.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/snewmusic |
77/100 |
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| SORA – Desire And Truth (CD) | United Kingdom | August 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Hard Rock / Classic Rock | Running time: 43:55 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Erol Sora spent his formative years in Canada and like so many others, was inspired to pick up the guitar after seeing Kiss on TV in the mid '70's. He also cities guitarists such as Blackmore, Schenker and Sykes as early influences. In the mid 80's Erol moved to L.A. and played in several outfits. But Erol wanted to follow his British musical influences so he moved to England. There he met ex-Uriah Heep/Lucifers Friend singer John Lawton who offered Erol a job as guitarist/songwriter in the John Lawton Band. When that band stopped in 2004 Erol took the chance to start his own solo band, simply called Sora. The debut album “Demented Honour” was released in 2006 on MTM Music and received rave reviews. With his second solo album “Desire And Truth” Erol's goal was to recapture the spirit and sound of great British bands from the late 70's/early 80's such as MSG, Whitesnake, Rainbow, UFO and Gary Moore. The songs on his second album are certainly influenced by these bands. However, the album is not of the quality of albums that these bands released in the past. Erol's guitar playing is very good, but the songwriting and his vocals could be much better. The best Erol can do is to find a decent vocalist for his next album. For the moment just a bit above average for me. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.erolsora.com
Recordlabel: http://www.avenue-of-allies.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/erolsora |
71/100 |
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| SPARTAN WARRIOR – Behind Closed Eyes (CD) | United Kingdom | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 46:55 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| SPARTAN WARRIOR is an English metal band who's from the NWOBHM era. In the eighties the band released two albums, namely "Steel N' Chains" (1983) and the self titled album "Spartan Warrior" (1984). Now more than 25 years later the band is back with their third album "Behind Closed Eyes", which is released on Iron Age Records. The line-up of the band on this CD exists of Dave Wilkinson (vocals), Neil Wilkinson (guitar), Tom Spencer (bass) and Gordon Webster (drums), but according to the info sheet, they also have a second guitar player which is Mark Chapple. Anyway, I must admit that I'm not familiar with the first two albums of the band, but what I hear on this album reminds very much of the NWOBHM era, so they stayed true to their roots. And by the way, it's a nice album to listen to. Somehow the vocals of Dave Wilkinson reminds me of another singer, but I can't remember his name. "Behind Closed Eyes" is not a very spectacular album, but just a nice one. The best songs are in my opinion "Never Take Me Alive", "Tear Out Your Heart", "Behind Closed Eyes" and "As Good As It Gets". | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ironagerecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/spartanwarrioruk |
73/100 |
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| SVEN LARSSON – Sunlight and Shadow (CD) | Sweden | August 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: AOR | Running time: 45:30 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Ever since he started playing the guitar, Sven Larsson was listening to a wide variety of rock music, ranging from Queen and Genesis to Toto as well as Van Halen and Iron Maiden. His recording career as a guitar player started more than a decade ago, since he recorded three studio albums with Galleon (progressive rock) and two albums with Xinema (AOR). His best known work so far can be found on the albums of the band Street Talk. Larsson joined this band in 2000 and in the meantime he recorded four albums with this band. Sunlight and Shadow is Larsson's first solo album. On this album, he does not only play the guitar, he is also responsible for the main lead and backing vocals. However, the last two tracks on the album are sung by Thomas Eriksson who had also a vocal guest contribution on I`ll turn my Back. Larsson has written most of the songs, except I'll turn my Back again which contains also a contribution of Thomas Eriksson. The other musicians on the album are mainly musicians where Larsson often worked with in the past. Larsson produced the album together with Per Ryberg. If you analyze Larsson's guitar play, one will notice influences from famous guitar players like Steve Lukather (Toto) and Steve Morse. A characteristic is that Larsson is always playing in the sense of the song. Sunlight and Shadow is an alternating album that offers something for everyone. It contains a good AOR songs, some ballads and instrumental songs. The strongest songs can be found, in my opinion, at the end of the album. These last three tracks distinguish themselves by the somewhat rough vocals of Eriksson and the solid musical work. In my opinion, these numbers are more progressive rock than AOR. Sunlight and Shadow is definitely an album that transcends the gray mediocrity. It is definitely worth listening it! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.avenue-of-allies.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/svenhenrylarsson |
83/100 |
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| THY FINAL PAIN - …Of Life and Death (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 46:21 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I hate to admit it, but I judge bands I don't know by their name. Sadly I'm even right most of the time. Finally a band has come to prove me wrong. I suspected boring popular death core with a band called Thy Final Pain but these Germans are nothing like that at all. These guys play mid-tempo death metal the way it's meant to be played! Slow riffs that feel like being hit by a sledge hammer, a good rythmn section to support al of it and a deep grunting voice that's surprisingly easy to understand. Every once in a while the tempo gets pumped up a bit and a nice head banging piece fits right in between the slower riffs. They even put in some screams during the faster bits to make the changes stand out more. If you're into the older albums of Six Feet Under you will love this. Basically it's the same thing, even the vocals are a bit like Chris Barnes in his good days. I could go on and whine that there isn't anything new but to me originality is overrated anyway, never change a winning team! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thy-final-pain.com
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thyfinalpain |
78/100 |
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| VOID MOON – Void Moon (MCD) | Sweden | August 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Doom Metal | Running time: 16:10 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| Void Moon is a new Swedish band. This is actually a demo containing 5 tracks, 2 of which are small intros. Since Void Moon is a doom metal band one would expect that these 3 songs to be quite lengthy but instead all 3 combined don't exceed the 15 minute barrier. In my opinion this is an advantage because the band doesn't tire the listener with endless compositions. The band's style is close to Candlemass, old Veni Domine and traditional European doom in general. In my opinion Void Moon must work a bit more on the vocal department and obviously the sound needs improvement but this is a demo after all. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/voidmoonmetal |
70/100 |
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| WICKED SENSATION – Crystallized (CD) | Germany/The Netherlands | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock / Metal | Running time: 63:54 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| German Hard Rock band WICKED SENSATION was founded in 1999 by guitarist Michael Klein. The band released the following albums so far: "Reflected" (2001) and "Exceptional" (2004). Personally I'm not familiar with those two albums. WICKED SENSATION had several line-up changes and in 2006 the band called it quits due to musical differences. But in 2009 Klein and original singer Robert Soeterboek (who sang on the debut album) got back together again and started working on a new album. So, this third album "Crystallized" is my first acquaintance with WICKED SENSATION, and I must admit it was a very nice acquaintance, because the band reminded me mostly of WHITESNAKE. Anyway, the line-up of the band on "Crystallized" exists of Robert Soeterboek (vocals), Michael Klein (guitar), Dennis Ward (bass), Dirk Bruinenberg (drums) and Bernd Spitzner (keyboards). Dutch singer Soeterboek, who's a great singer and who reminds me very much of David Coverdale on this album, sang or is singing in Dutch bands/projects like VULTURE, HIGHWAY CHILE, BODINE, MY BROTHER JAKE, AYREON, COTTONSOETERBOEKBAND, but also with LANA LANE and ERIK NORLANDER. Actually, I don't have any complains on this fine album. Most of the songs are very good compositions, great vocals and excellent musicianship. Klein is a fantastic guitarplayer and a good songwriter. A few less songs are in my opinion "My Turn To Fly", "Love To Play" and "Gimme The Night". Best songs on "Crystallized" are "Better World" (superb), which easily could be on WHITESNAKE's "Good To Be Bad" (2008) album, "Fistful Of Dreams", "Give It Up", "Lost In A World", "Am I Right", "Lonely Is The Night", the great ballad "The Love I Used To Know" and "Running Through Your Veins". So, if you like good melodic Hard Rock of a high level, this album is absolutely worth checking out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.wickedsensation.de
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wickedsensationmusic |
80/100 |
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| WILD CHAMPAGNE – Fire and Water (CD) | Germany | August 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 46:48 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Wild Champagne is a newcomer comprised of members with quite an experience in the music business. The band's music is simple, groovy and entertaining heavy metal. Nothing fancy or groundbreaking; just music that guarantees a good time for the listener. It is essential to have bands like Wild Champagne around because they remind us that metal is also about partying and having a good time. Influence-wise the band delivers a mix of Iron Maiden meets Judas Priest with a bit of Accept and some 70s hard rock elements. They also reminded me of the French heavy metal legend Nightmare. Check this album if you are into classic 80s metal. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.wildchampagne.de
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wildchampagne |
70/100 |
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| WISER TIME – Beggars And Thieves (CD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Roots Rock / Blues / Folk / Americana | Running time: 39:19 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| WISER TIME was formed in a small town of Millington in the spring of 2002 by singer/songwriter/guitarist Carmen Sclafani, who had a love for the classic Rock and Roll sounds of 60's and 70's bands like LED ZEPPELIN, AEROSMITH and THE ROLLING STONES. In 2005 WISER TIME released it's first product, which is the 5 track EP “Introducing Wiser Time”, followed by the full length debut album “There And Back Again” in 2006. In the meantime Sclafani met drummer Steve Decker, who became a permanent member of the band. In the winter of 2007 they entered the studio again, which resulted into the second album “All For One”, which was released in May 2008. During the work on their third album, they completed the line-up of the band by adding lead guitarist Jimmy Somma and bass player Damon Trotta. And here it is, the third album of WISER TIME, titled “Beggars And Thieves”. The album features nine songs, of which the last track of the album is a cover version of BAD COMPANY's “Seagull” (from the self titled album “Bad Company” of 1974). “Beggars And Thieves” opens with a fantastic bluesy song called “Love And Devotion”. And when I heard that song I immediately had to think of a band like THE BLACK CROWES. Other bands of which I also had to think of, because of some acoustic/bluesy songs on this album like “Take Me Back Home”, “Revolution 09” and “Working Man's Blues, are LED ZEPPELIN, THE FREE and RORY GALLAGHER. But like I said, WISER TIME reminds me the most of THE BLACK CROWES. also because the voice of Sclafani sounds exactly like Chris Robinson of THE BLACK CROWES. I must say that all songs are fantastic and most of all very beautiful compositions. The album was produced by the band themselves and sounds very good. My favorite songs are “Love And Devotion”, “On Our Way”, “Take Me Back Home”, the piano ballad “It's Hard Letting You Go” and “Keep It On”. My conclusion is that “Beggars And Thieves” is a very good and beautiful album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.wiser-time.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wisertime |
81/100 |
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| WITHHOLD - Shelf of Society (MCD) | Belgium | August 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 32:19 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| Withhold is fairly new metal band from Belgium. They formed in 2004 as a group of friends covering their heroes. After lots of live shows in the local metalscene of the Benelux and a demo in 2007 they have released their first EP in March of this year. Shelf of Society contains 5 songs that are a mix between thrash metal and modern heavy metal. It's not simply thrash but there are some added elements and the good quality of the vocals makes these guys stand out of the crowd. The songs are all nicely built up and consist of some nice riffs supported by decent heavy drums and nice solo's. As already said the vocals are really good for a thrash metal band and are a nice refresher between all these new bands that are looking for a front man but are forgetting that the man has to be able to sing as well. All in all this EP never gets boring and it makes me want to check these guys out live. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/withholdmetal |
74/100 |
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| ZZ TOP – Live In Germany 1980 (DVD) | USA | August 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Blues Rock / Boogie Rock | Running time: 1:32:19 (Tracks: 22) | ||
| My first acquaintance with ZZ TOP was when I saw a concert of them late at night on German's television station WDR at the legendary program ROCKPALAST in 1980. At that time I was fifteen years old, and watched many times to Rockpalast. I still remember that I liked that concert very much when I watched it on televion and that I was very impressed by ZZ TOP. So, I actually discovered ZZ TOP way before their world wide breakthrough with their classic album "Eliminator" in 1983. And I'm glad also this show, which was filmed on April 19th/20th 1980 at the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany, is released on DVD. This DVD "Live In Germany 1980" was released on June 7th, 2010, but there's also a 2-set DVD titled "Double Down Live 1980-2008". And that 2-set version, which was already released in October 2009, also features this same concert on disc 1, and on disc 2 are songs filmed during shows in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. (2007), Paris, France (2008) and Bixby, Oaklahoma, U.S.A. (2008). Anyway, the set list of this show contains all songs but one of the, at that time, current album "Degüello" (1979). During this concert we'll get some real ZZ TOP classics like "Waiting For The Bus", "Jesus Just Left Chicago", "Heard It On The X", "Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings", "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers", "La Grange", "Tush" and "Just Got Paid". But also the songs of the "Degüello" album, like "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide", "Fool For Your Stockings" and "Cheap Sunglasses" are awesome. As always, every show which was broadcast on Rockpalast, has been fantastically filmed. Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons are both great singers, but somehow I always liked the vocals of Hill a bit more. After "La Grange" the band left the stage and after a few minutes they come back for, yes, seven encores. First there are five encores, of which the first two ("She Loves My Automobile" and "Hi Fi Mama") are with THE LONE WOLF HORNS, which are Gibbons, Hill and Beard themselves as a horn section on a video-screen behind the drums. Then we'll get "Dust My Broom", the ELVIS PRESLEY cover "Jailhouse Rock" (which is on the "Fandango" album of 1975) and the classic "Tush". After "Tush" the band left the stage for the second time and came back for the last two encores "Tube Snake Boogie" and "Just Got Paid". "Live In Germany" is a fantastic DVD of an outstanding concert. A real recommendation. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.zztop.com
Recordlabel: http://www.eaglerock.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/zztop |
94/100 |
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| '77 - 21st Century Rock (CD) | Spain | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 45:16 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| '77 is a four piece Hard Rock band from Spain and exists of the brothers Armand Valeta (vocals, rhythm guitar) and LG Valeta (lead guitar), Raw (bass) and Johnnie Dolphin (drums). '77 is one of those many bands who are sounding exactly like AC/DC. With this debut album "21st Century Rock", which was produced by the band themselves, they sound the most like AC/DC during their albums "High Voltage" (1976) and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (1976). So, it's not very original, but it sounds good enough to me. For example, a song like "Your Game's Over" sounds very much like a mixture of AC/DC's "Jailbreak", "Problem Child" and "Go Down". Anyway, Armand Valeta's voice sounds perfectly like Bon Scott (R.I.P.) and LG Valeta sounds just like Angus Young. In my opinion the best songs of this album are "Gimme Rock N' Roll", "Hardworking Liar", "Big Smoker Pig", "Wicked Girl", "Your Game's Over", "Double Tongue Woman" and the title track "21st Century Rock". Well, it's not a very original album. I must admit that I've heard many worse albums in my life. But to me, "21st Century Rock" is a nice album anyway. ' | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.listenable.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/seventysevenrocks |
78/100 |
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| BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA – The Godless, The Godforsaken And The God Damned (CD) | USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Doom / Gothic | Running time: 59:57 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| First of all I have to say that I never had heard of BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA before. B.M.O. is just a one man project of Sidney Allen Johnson. So far, this guy from Greenville, Alabama, U.S.A. has released the following albums “Divine Right Of Kings” (2003), “On Earth As It Is In Heaven” (2004), “The Great Apostasy: A Conspiracy Of Satanic Christianity” (2006) and “Axis Of Evil” (2008). So, “The Godless, The Godforsaken And The God Damned” is his fifth product, and to be honest, it's boring as hell. It's just a real hard job to work your way through this album. From the first song “Catspaw” until the last track “The Twelfth Imam” it's completely boring. I really can't find any interesting song on this terrible album. Sidney Allen Johnson has a very dark voice, which is very boring as well. After four times listening to this album, I really had enough of it. If I had to make, let's say, a Top 25 of worst albums ever, well, then this one definitely would be in it. I really can't believe that there are people who like this kind of stuff. There are much and much more better albums for sale. Anyway, my advise is 'don't spend your money on it'. Next album please! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/babylonmysteryorchestra |
10/100 |
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| BAT RACERS - Big Cash (MCD) | USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Symphonic Rock | Running time: 27:19 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| When I got this 6 track EP of BAT RACERS, and looked at the album cover, I immediately had to think of bands like REO SPEEDWAGON (because of the band pictures) and BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE (because of the logo of the band). So, I knew I could expect some classic '70's Hard Rock. And indeed, I was right, because when I listened to this EP, the first song "Big Cash" reminded me of a mixture of early RUSH and STYX. Anyway, the line-up of BAT RACERS exists of Bill Rennie (lead vocals, bass), Mike Enright (guitar, vocals), Robbie Payne (drums, vocals) and Jimmy Enright (keyboards, vocals). Don't ask me how long the band exists, because I can't find any information about that. Anyway, the second track of this EP, which is released on BPO Records, "She Might Be" reminds slightly of KISS. "All The Same" is another song which reminds very much of STYX and "Shayron" is again a mixture of STYX and RUSH. The last song on this EP is a cover version of "I Thank You", which is originally recorded by SAM AND DAVE in 1968, and also covered by ZZ TOP on their 1979 album "Deguëllo". Anyway, "Big Cash" is not a very spectacular EP. It's just a nice one, which is only interesting for all "old" rockers among us and for anyone who's interested into seventies Rock. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.batracers.com
Recordlabel: http://www.slwpromotions.com |
72/100 |
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| BLEED FROM WITHIN - Empire (CD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Metalcore | Running time: 45:49 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Being stuck in traffic sucks! But it is a lot more doable when you have an awesome record to listen to like 'Empire', the second album from the Glasgow based Metalcore band Bleed From Within. I took notice of this band about a year ago when they released their debut album 'Humanity'. This contained fast, aggressive and above all 'In your face' Death/Metalcore and I still listen to this album from time to time. Now, album number two is released and I can easily say: they did it again! 'Empire' offers eleven brutal Metalcore songs that show that Bleed From Within has grown as a band. The songs are more balanced, more diverse and they're not blasting full speed the entire time unlike a lot of other bands in the genre. In fact, the most noticeable aspect of the music are the heavy, mid-tempo parts which gives the album a really aggressive vibe. But then I believe that's the idea. For the people who are not familiar with Bleed From Within: you can compare them with the Black Dahlia Murder. Although I don't think that they need this comparison anymore. 'Empire' is the second album of a five album deal with Rising Records, so I guess I will be reviewing their third one in about a year from now. If the band keeps making records like this, I wouldn't mind that at all. Let's just hope that the band is not going to repeat themselves and the songs stay memorable. On 'Empire' this is certainly the case. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/risingrecordsuk
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bleedfromwithin |
82/100 |
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| CROSSROAD TO DAMNATION – Frozen In Time (CDemo) | The Netherlands | July 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Progressive Death Metal | Running time: 19:16 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Crossroad To Damnation is a melodic progressive death metal band that came into existence at the beginning of 2008. The band name is based on the main road that led into ancient Rome were criminals were crucified and hanged to rot in the sun as a warning to people who wanted to enter the city with ill intentions! The band started out as a mainstream thrash metal band, but due to some changes in the line up their music became more progressive and death metal orientated. The main influences for Crossroad To Damnation are bands like Death, Megadeth, Opeth, Graveworm, King Crimson and Dream Theater. This release is their first demo, and currently they are working to complete their first album. This release contains of 3 songs, and show that these musicians are well skilled in handling their instruments. The songs are all quite long, and are not all very strong, the weakest part is again in the vocal part, the singer doesn't really make an impression. During the songs the vocals loses power and strenght, and in combination with the lenght of the songs it gets boring, although the grunting makes up for the 'clean' vocals in some parts. There is a lot of experimenting going on in the songs, but this makes it not all good, because the tempo gets out of the songs. More power and tension in their music would make it much more interesting, my favorite track would be 'Crossroad of Damnation' which is also the shortest one! If you are into some experimental progressive music, with a hint of death in there, try this out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://crossroadtodamnation.com
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/ctdamnation |
65/100 |
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| DAVE EVANS – Judgement Day (CD) | Australia / USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 38:12 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| "Judgement Day" is the second solo album by DAVE EVANS, who was the first singer of Australian Hard Rock band AC/DC. For more info, see also my review below of his first solo album "Sinner" of this months update on MMM. Anyway, this album features 10 songs, of which one (the last track of the album) is a cover version of the classic hit "House Of The Rising Sun". The most well known and successful version of this song is of course the version by THE ANIMALS. Well, it's nicely done by Evans, but if it would not be on this CD, I would not miss it too. In my opinion, Dave Evans made a slight progression with his second album, which officially was already released in 2008. This is, just like "Sinner", a re-release by STF Records. Anyway, "Judgement Day" is still not a great album, but in my opinion it's a way much better album than "Sinner". Okay, it all still sounds not very original. This album sounds in it's total more like AC/DC than "Sinner" does. However, "Shoot On Sight" sounds more like LED ZEPPELIN to me. A few songs which I like are "Little Headbanger", "You Talkin' To Me?", "Band Molls" and "Helluva Night". So, if you are curious about both albums of DAVE EVANS to make your own judgement, well, then check out his official website or MySpace page. On both you can listen to some songs of him. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.daveevansrocks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/daveevansrocks |
63/100 |
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| DAVE EVANS – Sinner (CD) | Australia / USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 45:17 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| DAVE EVANS is mostly well known as the first singer of Australian Hard Rock band AC/DC. Evans was a member of AC/DC for one year before he got replaced by the legendary Bon Scott (R.I.P.) in October 1974. With AC/DC Evans only recorded just one single, which is "Can I Sit Next To You Girl" (with "Rocking In The Parlour" on the B-side). After his AC/DC period, he joined the band RABBIT, with whom he released two albums "Rabbit" (1975), "Too Much Rock 'n Roll" (1976) and several singles. In 1984 he formed DAVE EVANS & THUNDER DOWN UNDER, and in that same year he released the self titled album "Dave Evans & Thunder Down Under". "Sinner" is Evans' first solo album, and was actually released in 2006. But now it's re-released by German label STF Records with also a new cover. Anyway, after listening several times to this album, I only can conclude that "Sinner" is just a very moderate Hard Rock album. Okay, Evans is a nice singer, and the musicians are fine too. And although some parts of the songs remind a bit of AC/DC, I still can't say that songs like "Rock 'N' Roll Or Bust", "Only The Good Die Young", "Sinner", "Out In The Cold" or "D.O.A." are very strong. Actually they are sounding very cliché. Well, you better keep it with AC/DC or AC/DC inspired bands like AIRBOURNE, '77, KROKUS or RHINO BUCKET. See also my review of Evans' second solo album "Judgement Day" on the July update of MMM. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.daveevansrocks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/daveevansrocks |
52/100 |
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| DIVIDED MULTITUDE – Guardian Angel (CD) | Norway | July 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 61:01 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Divided Multitude was formed in 1995 and Guardian Angel is the band's fourth studio album. To be honest I never had the chance to check out any of the older releases so I didn't really know what to expect. The band originates from Norway which is a safe haven for progressive metal in general and many talented bands hold the flag of the genre up high. Guardian Angel is a good album of guitar and keyboard driven progressive metal with interesting songwriting and skilful playing. The vocals are not in the typical technical and high pitched style and might seem strange to some but I got used of them rather quickly. In fact they reminded me of the majority of German prog bands during the mid 90s. There are some very nice songs like Sense, Something for Someone and the ultra heavy My Dying Hour that will leave you satisfied if you decide to check the band out. 60 minutes of decent progressive metal without any non metal experimentations. | |||
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Visit their website: http://fhovd.tripod.com
Recordlabel: http://www.silverwolf-productions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dividedmultitude |
75/100 |
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| DR. SLAGGLEBERRY - The Slagg Factory (MCD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Instrumental Progressive Metal | Running time: 22:24 (Tracks: 5) | ||
|
The Slagg Factory is a new release from Dr Slaggleberry, a band coming from Oxford, UK. Dr Slaggleberry is a trio consisting of Bateman (Drums), Pethers (rhythm guitar) and Turnbull (lead guitar). They have no bassist. The band is the coming together of three drummers who have a passion for rhythm, beats and hard riffs. Two of the drummers turned to guitarist and as their technique evolved, the music developed and the riffs became heavier and more experimental. Dr Slaggleberry was founded early 2008 and the song Scat of their first release (the self-titled EP Dr Slaggleberry) was immediately awarded for “Single of the Week” by the Organ Magazine. It's not easy to describe the style of Dr Slaggleberry. In my opinion it is a mixture of progressive rock, jazz, funk and metal. The album “The Slagg Factory” contains five instrumental tracks with a high experimental character. As described above, it is a mixture of different kind of styles. If you do not like experimental music and the music styles mentioned above, I do not know whether this album is something for you. It is sometimes intense, sometimes chaotic, and it is not always easy to discover a structure. You will need an experimental mind to like it. I still not know if I like it or not, however, it is unique! If you are interested in The Slagg Factory, it is among others available from iTunes and different major download sites. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.crash-records.co.uk MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/drslaggleberry |
70/100 |
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| ELIMINATION - Destroyed By Creation (CD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 1:02:17 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Thrash metal is very popular these days and you can see that with the tons of new bands and releases. Since most recent releases of the older bands suck nowadays I'm pretty with that since old school thrash metal is one of my favourite genres. Elimination is a british band that was formed in 2005 and had their first EP released in 2008. They did some live shows with other “new old schoolers” suchs as Evile and Gama Bomb which gave them enough attention to create their first full length Destroyed By Creation. These guys deliver a very decent debut but unfortunately for me the album should have 8 tracks max. The album has 12 songs who are all good on their own but the lack the variety to stay interested the entire album. There aren't that many thrash albums with a playing time over 40 minutes and these guys make one that lasts more than an hour. So basically the album is pretty good, all songs are nice thrash anthems who deserve to be played live in front of an amazing crowd but they just should have skipped a few to keep for a next release. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.risingrecords.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eliminationband |
64/100 |
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| EXHALE - Blind (CD) | Sweden | July 2010 | Corinne van den Brand | ||||
| Style: Grindcore | Running time: 29:15 (Tracks: 15) | ||||||
At first I thought: oh grindcore , that can`t be very original. But I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Yes they use hypersonic blastbeats, screaming vocals,a blurred guitar sound and the typical short songs but I kinda like it. Their drummer Gustav kicks ass. He`s really fast. But there`s enough variety on this album. A song like Fools has a more death metal feel to its but halfway it changes in a hardcore song. The vocals aren`t too bad either. Peter screams his lungs out while guitar player Johan takes care of the lower vocals/grunts. They start out in 2004 and this is their second full length album after releasing Prototype in 2006. Not a very productive band so far. But like all grindcore albums half an hour is more than enough. But to all your grindcore fans: check this out!!< tr>
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Visit their website: http://www.exhaleswe.com |
Recordlabel: http://www./darkbalance.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/exhaleswe
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80/100 | |||||
| EYE FOR AN EYE – Downfall (CD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Rock / Stoner | Running time: 40:06 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| From Swindon, England comes four piece metal band EYE FOR AN EYE. The band exists of Tom Norris (vocals, guitar), Tom Bull (vocals, guitar), Chris '4D' Ford (bass) and Rich Cowdry (drums) and was formed in late 2007. The first line of the enclosed biography says 'Please welcome England's latest hopefuls EYE FOR AN EYE'. Well, when I'm listening to this debut album of the band, titled "Downfall", I doubt if EYE FOR AN EYE will be England's latest hopeful band. At least, I am not that impressed about this album. Okay, I can listen to it, but that's all. To me, all ten songs are sounding pretty moderate and all of the same. The vocals are okay, however Norris and Bull aren't that great singers. Anyway, their sound is a mixture of Metal, Rock and some Stoner, and sometimes you can hear some influences of bands like ALICE IN CHAINS, METALLICA. Oh yeah, before this debut album, the band already released a untitled EP, when they were a three piece band. According to their bio, they already have played with bands like NAPALM DEATH, VIKING SKULL and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD. If you are curious about EYE FOR AN EYE yourself, well, take a listen to some of their songs on their MySpace page to make your own impression. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.risingrecords.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eyeforaneyeband |
69/100 |
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| FOLK STONE - Damnati ad Metalla (CD) | Italy | July 2010 | Corinne van den Brand | ||||
| Style: Folk Metal | Running time: 50:24 (Tracks: 13) | ||||||
Folk metal is pretty popular lately and there are a lot of good bands in this genre like Eluveitie or Arkona to name two so I was very curious about this CD. But I`m a bit disappointed. It`s too much folk and too little metal. I like the use of traditional folk instruments like bagpipes, flutes etc. But when the guitars only play a few chords in the background it gets a bit boring after a while. They also recorded the song 'Vanita di Vanita' the song from Angelo Branduardi that a lot of folk bands like Rapalje play. So I hope that on their next album they add a little more heavy guitar parts so it becomes more metal. Maybe this is a band who you have to see live but on CD it`s a bit disappointing.< tr>
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Visit their website: http://www.folkstone.it
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Recordlabel: http://www./fuelrecords.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/folkstone
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69/100 | |||||
| GRAND MAGUS – Hammer of the North (CD) | Sweden | July 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 61:40 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Grand Magus from Sweden is a band with a growing popularity among all kinds of metalheads. Since its creation, the group has been offering works of high quality and the past two (Wolf's Return and Iron Will) are considered their best to date. Roadrunner Records discovered the band's potential and signed Grand Magus giving them the opportunity to make that extra step towards worldwide success. Will the Magus deliver? Well, after the first two listening sessions I am pretty confident that Grand Magus is in the right direction. Hammer of the North meets all the expectations created after the release of Iron Will two years ago. The band isn't trying to sound modern but the result isn't dated either. Grand Magus delivers classic heavy metal with doomy overtones as taught by Dio's Black Sabbath, Manowar, Judas Priest and other masters of the early 80s metal sound with a fresh touch, a fine production and excellent musicianship. The band leader, singer and guitar player JB owns a great epic voice that gives that extra push to heavy tunes such as “I, the Jury”, “Hammer of the North” and “Bond of Blood”. The album doesn't follow a certain pattern. The speed varies from a tune to another. For example the opener “I, the Jury” is one of the fastest the band has ever written followed by the heavy epic “Hammer of the North” and the similar “Black Sails” and “Mountains be My Throne”. On “At Midnight They'll Get Wise” Deep Purple meets Judas Priest, “Bond of Blood” brings Candlemass to mind, “Savage Tales” is dangerously close to Dio and on “Ravens Guide Our Way” Dio meets old Manowar. Don't get me wrong though. Grand Magus is not about copying others. This is original music inspired by the legendary heavy metal past. Trust the Magus and let the Wolf guide you to an epic metal journey. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.grandmagus.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/grandmagusrocks |
85/100 |
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| GRAVE - Burial Ground (CD) | Sweden | July 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 42:06 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| As a big fan of old school Swedish death metal I'll always be curious whenever a new record of one the old bands comes out. Since Grave is responsible for one of the best albums in the genre a small part of me never can stop hoping that this will turn out as good as “Into The Grave”. Unfortunately this isn't 1991 so the possibility of awesomeness this big still coming out is non existing. But since Grave also never turned out a bad album I just knew this one was going to be good as well. Turns out I was right again! "Burial Ground" is a more then decent album for the old school fans as it has everything we love about music: brutality, decent guitar work, filthy vocals, good aggressive drumming and an overall filthy production to make it sound like it's still being recorded in some Stockholm basement. This record goes on like that for 8 of the 9 tracks and ends very nicely with the title track which just sounds like a personal doomy tribute to Asphyx. If you're into the older death metal, the name of the band should have convinced you already to go buy this record but let's just hope this little piece of text will help you along the way. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.grave.se
Recordlabel: http://www.regainrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gravespace |
84/100 |
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| GUNSLINGER – Earthquake In E Minor (CD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Space Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Metal | Running time: 44:18 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| GUNSLINGER is an English band formed by ex-HAWKWIND bass player Alan Davey, who was a member of HAWKWIND from 1984 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2007. Another famous bass player of HAWKWIND was of course Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister. It was 1971 when Lemmy joined space rockers HAWKWIND and was fired by the band in 1975. Most well known song of HAWKWIND with Lemmy during this period is of course “Silver Machine”. What happened with Lemmy is of course history. And believe it or not, this debut album of GUNSLINGER, titled “Earthquake In E Minor”, is a perfect mixture of MOTÖRHEAD and HAWKWIND. This album sounds very much like MOTÖRHEAD at times of their classic albums “Overkill” (1979), “Bomber” (1979) and “Ace Of Spades” (1980) added of course with some HAWKWIND influences. But really, it's just like you are listening to a MOTÖRHEAD album. Because not only Davey's voice sounds very much like Lemmy, also the bass sound sounds exactly like Lemmy's, the guitar solo's reminds very much of “Fast” Eddie Clarke, the vocals lines, the endings of the songs and of course the double bass drums, it all reminds of the legendary MOTÖRHEAD. This album was already released in March of 2008 on Davey's own record label Earthquake Records, and is now released on Belgium's label Buzzville Records. At that time the album was recorded by Alan Davey (vocals, bass, synthesizer), Nigel Potter (guitar, vocals, keyboards) and George Agent (drums, percussion). But the line-up of GUNSLINGER live exists of Alan Davey on vocals and bass, Louis Davey on guitar and Cat on drums. Okay, it's all not sounding very original of course, but I like it a lot anyway. It doesn't matter to me, songs like “Night Song” (3:39), “If The Bombs Don't Get Ya, The Bullets Will” (2:07), “Shellshocked” (3:34), “Cyanide” (4:50), “Going In For The Kill” (2:54), “Don't Need You” (3:43), “Warhorse” (7:38) or “Gunslinger” (6:08), I like them all. Although it's not a very original album, it's a good one. Okay, this can't compete with MOTÖRHEAD itself, and “Earthquake In E Minor” will not get the status of a classic album like the above mentioned classic albums of Lemmy & Co, but if you are a die hard MOTÖRHEAD fan, and especially one of the classic line-up Lemmy, Eddie and Phil, I would advise to check this band out. For all Dutch metalheads, go see GUNSLINGER on Mario's own metal party MMM4 on October 3rd, 2010 @ Little Devil, Tilburg. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.gunslinger.org.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.buzzville.be MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alandaveygunslinger |
80/100 |
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| I LOVE RICH – I Love Rich 3: Season Of The Rich (MCD) | USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 21:46 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| I LOVE RICH comes from Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. and exists of Rich (vocals, bass), Chuck E. Sleeze (guitar, backing vocals), Full Throttle (guitar, backing vocals) and Drewblood (drums, backing vocals). In the past there have been several line-up changes, but the current line-up on this CD is the longest lasting. So far the band released two cassette tapes, which are the self titled "I Love Rich" (1993) and "Hot, Wet, Drippin' With Sweat" (1994) and two CD's "The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Record Of All Time" (2001) and "Year Of The Rich" (2005). Like the title says, "I Love Rich3: Season Of The Rich", this is the third CD of the band. To me, it's my first acquaintance with I LOVE RICH, and I must say that it's not very spectacular what this band presents on this silver disc. The five songs on this EP, which are "Let's Fuck All Night", "I'm Only Here Cause Your Sister Said No", "Everybody's Getting Laid Tonight", "I'll Be Around" and "Rise Up For Rock And Roll", are just nice, and that's all. Okay the songs are well-played by the members and Rich isn't a bad singer, but they don't blow me away. As you can see the songs are all about partying and getting laid. All lyrics are written by Rich, and like they say on the back of the CD, 'because honestly, only he could come with lyrics this bad ass'. And really, after a few times listening, the fun is gone. Still interested in I LOVE RICH, well, then check them out yourself. Personally I love KISS, hahahaha. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.iloverich.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/iloverichrocks |
63/100 |
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| KIUAS - Lustdriven (CD) | Finland | July 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 48:44 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Kiuas. I've never heard of them before, but it turns out that 'Lustdriven' already is their forth full length and also the forth through Spinefarm Records. Wake up, Robin! The band was founded about ten years ago and their musical style was rooted in Heavy Metal. In fact, it still is to this day. Kiuas has the interesting ability to combine this style with extreme metal parts like Thrash and Death metal which is making the music quite original and diverse.The opening track 'Kiuassault' is a good example of this and grabs you by the throat. This track also gives a good impression of what the album is all about. 'Lustdriven' contains complex songs with a diversity of styles that are aggressive and melodic at the same time. The music doesn't give itself away very easy. It can sound very chaotic at the beginning because of the unexpected (and many) breaks. It has the grow on you. It took me about three of four times before it revealed it's quality and I got caught up in the awesome riffing and experimental songstructures. 'Lustdrive' is certainly an interesting album, but I would recommend a good listen before purchasing it. At this point, I cannot think of a band to compare Kiuas with. But if you like heavy, agressive riffing, freaky breaks and melodic clean vocal parts, than make sure you go to their MySpace and check the new songs out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kiuas.net
Recordlabel: http://www.spinefarm.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kiuasweb |
75/100 |
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| LYNCH – Window Of Your Soul (CD) | USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 26:54 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| LYNCH is not a new band from George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB), no….it's a Melodic Rock band based in the Chicago area and exists of Danny Lynch (vocals), Mike Burke (guitar), Deb Altman (bass) and Frank Pace (drums). The band recently released their album "Window Of Your Soul", which is available on iTunes, CD Baby and several other digital distributors, and features seven songs. I assume "Window Of Your Soul" is LYNCH's debut album. But to be honest, I can't really get excited by songs like "1724", "Wash Me", "Ceisha", "Heartless Beat", "Be There", "Slow Down"and "Sister Mary". To me they all sounds very moderate, to soft and sometimes even boring. And I'm also not that impressed by Danny Lynch's vocals. I can listen to it, but that's all. Check them out yourself, if you are curious about LYNCH. Well, I think I'm gonna listen to a classic DOKKEN album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lynch-rocks.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lynchrocks1724 |
60/100 |
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| MEHIDA – The Eminent Storm (CD) | Finland/Sweden | July 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Progressive Heavy Metal | Running time: 48.59 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Opening with a piano riddle followed by such a high scream that only can be made by turning someone 's balls into to many different directions, the first thing that entered my mind was … oh no, come on, not this kind of stuff. Further on the singer tries to sound a bit evil but doesn't succeed. Okay, this is going to be a long listening party. .. Well, that was my opinion after the first time I struggled through Mehida's second attempt (their debut was called “Blood and Water”) for conquering the world with a portion of progressive heavy metal. After the third time listening, I have to admit that my first opinion doesn't do justice to Mehida' s performance. Maybe I was just in bad mood, but this is certainly an album that takes a few rounds in your cd player for a fair judgement. Mehida plays progressive, melodic stuff with very much variation in exchange rates supported by ambient synths with a dark edge. Mikko Harkin, keyboards (ex Sonata Arctica) and Thomas Vikstrom , vocals (ex Candlemass, Therion) shouldn't be the least for putting an album together, but sometimes they exaggerate. Opener “Wrath of Flesh Fellowship” isn't bad, but Vikstrom tries just a bit to hard to sound a little bit “evil”, and about that scream, well eh, not for me. I must say that the good man further on gives us a very fine demonstration of his vocal versatilities. That is not the problem at all. The thing is that a few songs have some weird things like the rapidly spoken end of the pretty good “Oblivion”, the sudden end of “Dream Giver” and in “Draw Near to My Soul” there is all of a sudden some female vocal interaction and again that sudden end. That's a pity because just when you think that everything fits there is suddenly that sixth finger of the glove. The album certainly has it's moments in songs like ”Masquerade”, “Urban Scream” and smasher “A Block of Wood”. Wow, that's what I call brilliant stuff. Catchy as Hell, or should I say Heaven because we deal with mostly Christian lyrics here, so pardon me. Okay guys, with this one you prove you can do so much better. Let's hear that on your third attempt. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.bullroser.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mehida |
68/100 |
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| METHUSALEM – Unite and Conquer (CD) | Netherlands | July 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 40:11 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Methusalem was founded about ten years ago in the north of holland, all members had been previously involved in death and gothic metal bands, and they believed it was time to pay homage to the past. The band plays old school heavy metal in a modern way, influenced by the great bands of the eighties as their bio states, with Maiden as the biggest one. The band did some touring through Holland, Germany and Belgium and a short tour in Spain, also they released a mini album 'Sentenced To Rock' in 2005. They earned some good reviews on their mini album which resulted in a tour throughout Europe with Blaze Bailey (ex-Iron Maiden). Now the band delivers their first full lenght album 'Unite and Conquer', produced by Arno Krabman at Graveland Studios and mastered by Darius van Helfteren while finnish graphic designer Jan Yrlund was asked to create the artwork for the album. The album contains 9 tracks with a lot of variation between them, although recognizeable old school hardrock and heavy metal with an up to date sound and production. It's absolutely not that original nor do they try to be, just straight from the heart rock and metal, brought with great musicianship and enthousiasm. Well you might think by now that there is nothing bad to say about this release, cause it has everything you want in a good metal album, great guitar work and solos, great songs mostly, only point of criticism I can think of is their vocalist, not that he is bad singer, but in the ballads he sounds not that good, he makes more than up for it in the faster tracks though. This said I can state that the lowpoint of the album is 'Brothers in Arms' because of the weaker vocals in this one, strong point of the album are absolutely 'Thunder' and 'Lock & Load', which shows the power of this band, also songs like 'Hardrock Showdown' or 'Get Ready To Rock' speak for themselves and really rock, the finishing of the album is the title track 'Unite and Conquer', a well build up songstructure which is a perfect ending. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.methusalem.nu
Recordlabel: http://www.rockinc.nl My Space: http://www.myspace.com/methusalemband |
75/100 |
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| MUTINY WITHIN – Mutiny Within (CD) | USA | July 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Metalcore | Running time: 40:30 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| As I was listening to this record for the very first time, I could not believe my eyes when I read the biography of Mutiny Within. This because it stated that they started out as a Children of Bodom cover band. Ironically, the album does not lead any traces to this period. Due to a lot of live performances, they quickly developed their own style that sounds very little like their former role models. As soon as they were writing their own material, things developed rather fast for this New Jersey based band. A lot of shows followed, including some with bands like Soulfly and Prong. Their energy and hard work didn't stay unnoticed and so it happened that they've signed a deal with Roadrunner Records in no time. Though a lot of subgenres have been introduced to the metal scene over the past few years, Mutiny Within actually brings something new to the table. It's hard to describe their style, but the band combines Metalcore with aggressive breaks and make good use of spherical keyboard parts. But most of all they sound very catchy. Almost poppy if you will, but always in a heavy way. The complexity of today's riffing gives the album a modern twist, but also shows the love for old school death and thrash metal. But just to make it clear: this certainly is something totally different. So, all good things you would say. Yes, but there is one problem that a lot of band have, and that is the danger of repeating themselves. This is also the case with Mutiny Within. Songs like 'Awake' and 'Yar of Affliciton' are brilliant, but there are also a bunch of songs on the record that bring up the 'I think I've heard this one before' feeling. That is a shame, but nevertheless is 'Mutiny Within' an album that is interesting for the enthusiast of modern metal and Metalcore. This album shows an enormous amount of potential and musicianship. So if you like catchy and complex metal songs, be sure to check them out. It is definitely worth it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.munitywithin.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mutinywithin.com |
75/100 |
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| ORDEN OGAN – Easton Hope (CD) | Germany | July 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Epic Melodic / Power Metal | Running time: 65:10 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Orden Ogan was formed way back in 1996. The following three years they released every year a demo. In 2004 Orden Ogan released their first (self-produced) album “Testimonium A.D.”. With that album they became the biggest insider tip of Germany's metal scene and got overwhelmed with praises from critics. Their official label debut “Vale” was released by Yonah Records in 2008. This album featured the whole passion of this ambitious band fronted by singer/guitarist/producer Seeb. The album was well received again in Germany. Now, early this year, they released their second official album “Easton Hope” through AFM Records. Their songs are a quite unique mixture of German (melodic) power metal (Running Wild, Blind Guardian, …), folk, progressive and thrash metal. Orden Ogan have an original, but also complex style (Savatage), with a modern sounding production. There are several guests such as drummer Thomen Stauch from Blind guardian, ex-Running wild guitarist Majk Moti, and the Choir of Ogan. The choir parts were recorded in the cathedral of Wildeshausen and are integrated into the band context. Not a bad release at all, but personally not my cup of tea. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ordenogan.de
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ordenogan |
73/100 |
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| PARAMITE – Axis of Evil (CDemo) | The Netherlands | July 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 23:52 (Tracks: 5) | ||
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Paramite is an old school trash metal band from the south of the Netherlands (Heerlen) which was formed in 2008. They started as a quartet (Etienne (lead / rhythm guitars), Rick (lead and rhythm guitars), Reinier (bass) and Jasper (drums), but recently, vocalist Bram joined the band. Just after their foundation, they released their first titleless demo which was also reviewed by www.mariosmetalmania.com (May 2009). In May 2010, Paramite released their second demo called Axis of Evil. Bram is not active yet on the new album. Paramite is working hard to get a good name in the underground trash metal scene. For example, on 2 April this year, Paramite opened for Flotsam & Jetsam at the Dynamo (Eindhoven) and got some nice critics about this gig in the press. The demo Axis of Evil starts with the song “Have dinner on our Vomit”, an instrumental old school thrash metal song with a quite original intro. The second song (Tortured by the Beast) contains some real nice guitar solo`s (influenced by Slayer), something which also counts for the third song, Human Parasite. The guitar solo's run smoothly into each other. Characteristic for their sound is also the quite filthy sound of vocalist Etienne, but I have been told that the new singer has a great throat too. The last song which has the same title as the demo, suits me also. Generally speaking, the songs on the album are well composed. One small point of criticism is the production; I hope that they get the chance to produce a new album in a professional studio. Axis of Evil has become a nice demo cd, which will please people who like thrash metal how it was made in the 80`s. The album can be ordered on Paramite`s myspace website. | |||
| MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/paramitetrash |
82/100 |
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| RATT - Infestation (CD) | USA | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Glam Rock / Metal | Running time: 42:14 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| "Infestation" is RATT's seventh studio album. I must say that I liked the self titled EP "Ratt" (1983) and the albums "Out Of The Cellar" (1984) and "Invasion Of Your Privacy" (1985) very much, but I never considered myself as a real RATT fan. I'm really not familiar with all other albums by RATT. Anyway, RATT exists since 1976 (first named as MICKEY RATT) and broke up or went on a hiatus in 1992. The most well known and classic line-up of the band, existed of Stephen Pearcy (lead vocals), Warren DeMartini (lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Robbin Crosby (lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Juan Croucier (bass, backing vocals) and Bobby Blotzer (drums). In 1996 the band reunited again, only not in the complete classic line-up anymore, but with new bass player Robbie Crane. One member of the classic line-up, guitarist Robbin Crosby, who left the band in 1991, died on June 6th 2002. The current line-up of RATT exists of Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini, Carlos Cavanzo (guitar, formerly known from QUIET RIOT), Robbie Crane and Bobby Blotzer. "Infestation", which was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette, features eleven tracks and sounds fantastic. And I must admit that, with listening to "Infestation", you really get back in time to their heydays of the eighties. It sounds all very familiar like we are accustomed of RATT. It's a great album with fantastic songs, great riffs and excellent guitar solo's. The album opens very strong with the heavy "Eat Me Up Alive", which has a great guitar solo. Second track of the album is the catchy "Best Of Me" and has a great melody line. "Look Out Below" sounds also a bit like SKID ROW. Actually, there's no weak song on "Infestation". Time will tell if "Infestation" will also get the status of classic album like "Out Of The Cellar" or "Invasion Of Your Privacy". Some favorite songs are "Eat Me Up Alive", "Best Of Me", "A Little Too Much", "Last Call", "As Good As It Gets", "Garden Of Eden" and "Don't Let Go". My end conclusion is that, after eleven years, RATT is back with a great comeback album. "Infestation" is of course a must for all RATT fans and a recommendation to anyone who's into good melodic Metal and Glam Rock. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.therattpack.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/therattpack |
86/100 |
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| REAPER – Gardens of Seth (CD) | Germany | July 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Power Metal | Running time: 44:39 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Reaper is an old German band that has been around for 25 years recording numerous albums. After a long break the band returns with a new studio album. “Gardens of Seth” will appeal to fans of the traditional teutonic heavy-power metal sound since the music is a mixture of Lonewolf, old Blind Guardian and Grave Digger. Not exactly the sound that excites me though. The vocals are harsh, the overall playing is good but the songs are not that exciting in my opinion. Typical heavy metal from Germany, the kind of music thousands of bands play. This cd is only for those who look for the vintage teutonic sound and have a thing for classic European metal that will remind them of the 80s. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.reaper.de
Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fairiesreturn |
67/100 |
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| SABBAT – Charisma / 25 Years of Black Fire (2CD) | Japan | July 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black / Thrash Metal. | Running time: 2:12:17 (Tracks: 22) | ||
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This 2 disc special release celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Sabbat. Formerly called Evil but already in '84 they changed their name to Sabbat. Started mainly as a Venom coverband they quickly created their own songs shortly after. Just like that other band from Japan called Sigh Sabbat's sound can be described as Black/Thrash with that typical somewhat hysterical vocals, think of early King Diamond (without the high notes) Melodic and at times false guitar tones and a very audible bass sound. Old school as fuck. So if you're into modern deathcore shit etc. Read no further! Disc one of this anniversary album contains the “Karisma” album from '99 which was released in two versions, one with English and one with Japanese vocals. The English version was only available on vinyl until now. Having only a few items from their huge discography I must admit that I'm glad that this album finally made its way to the compact disc and so can be purchased for a normal price in stead of the usury prices on the public sale sites. The studio albums from Sabbat are all from a more than decent quality and “Karisma” one of their latest full length albums this is no different. All the songs contain fantastic melodic guitarwork with that typical thin, but great Japanese sound. People who like the very first Maiden albums and can listen through an underground production will absolutely love this! Some of the songs like “Den of Blades” or “Nekromatik” cross the 10 minute barrier but succeed to sound interesting until the very last tone. Fitting to the 25th anniversary of the band the tribute sampler “25 Years of Black Fire” with twelve songs is included on disc two. Sabbat itself begins with “Black Fire” in the original version of 1985 which was released on the single “Sabbat” 11 other (underground) bands pay tribute to Sabbat. The result is very satisfying with some bands like Holy Death and Battalion sounding almost “older” than Sabbat's versions. Some of the winners for best cover song are Deathhammer with “Black Metal Vulcano, Serpent Saints with “Darkness and Evil” and Stigma with “Bird of Ill Omen” Because this is a sort of best of album I'm not going to rate this. Unnecessary to say that this gem needs to be in any real underground collection. All hail Sabbat! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.welcome.to/sabbat
Recordlabel: http://www.iron-pegasus.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sabbatofficial |
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| SEROTONIN – Siempre Y Para Siempre (MCD) | United Kingdom | July 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 13:37 (Tracks: 3) | ||
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Serotonin is a three piece progressive rock band from the UK, the band presents their latest effort with this EP. The band started in 2007 and already released an EP in the spring of 2008 titled 'You don't know what you've got until it's gone'. Serotonin plays a kind of grunge rock, and they do have a Seattle sound, although they are from the UK. The three songs on this EP sound really mature, and are very well done by these skilled musicians, no doubt about that, but it's not really metal or anything like that. The first song 'Apologies to you' could well be done by Pearl Jam or something, they really fit in between the Seattle grunge sound bands. Not really my kind of music, but if you are into this kind of rock, you surely should check them out. The other two songs on this EP, 'Death from above' and 'Before tomorrow' proof that they know what the're doing, although the second song is a bit more up tempo and my favourite of this EP, it's unmistakeably quality grunge rock with a capital G. Maybe the production could be a little better, but it's sounds absolutely not bad at all, but for me, 3 songs is more than enough of this kind of music. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.crash-records.co.uk My Space: http://www.myspace.com/serotonineffect |
70/100 |
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| SETHERIAL – Ekpyrosis (CD) | Sweden | July 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 44:39 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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So finally a new Setherial album! Where “Endtime Divine” and Death “Triumphant” failed to deliver “Ekpyrosis” seems to be a return to form. Setherial is one of those bands that honestly will never top their debut album. “Nord” is one of the most epic albums to ever come out of Sweden. On their later albums Setherial became a one trick pony by using blastbeats through all off their songs. The songs on most of their albums are convertible plus that people got tired of all this blasting. The term “norsecore” was invented and I thought Setherial was over and out. Until now! Setherial has a reason to exist again. How come? Are the blastbeats gone? No, definitely not. Setherial is still playing very fast on most parts of the album. But there's much more diversity presented here. The song structures are more balanced by using mid paced parts and slowly moving towards a climax. There are also some industrial samples and strange effects on the background of some songs , but they fit perfectly into the music and enrich the atmosphere of the songs. And also the bass plays a more important role – it's always audible (as all the other instruments) and makes the music more interesting. The vocals are outstanding: Kraath has a very angry scream. And the drums? They are incredible precise as always. And I rarely heard drums with so much diversity on a Setherial album. The only negative point of criticism is the guitarsound which sound too much like Dark Funeral at one hand and Abigor (later era) on the other. People who like the last two Abigor albums will maybe also like Ekpyrosis though it is not nearly as extreme progressive. So by using these tiny little new elements in their sound Setherial has made an interesting black metal album that as said is a return to form. Welcome back! Standout tracks: “A world in hell”, “Enemy of creation” | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.setherial.com
Recordlabel: http://www.regainrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/setherialsweden |
81/100 |
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| STIGMA - Concerto for the Undead (CD) | Italy | July 2010 | Corinne van den Brand | ||||
| Style: Deathcore Metal | Running time: 41:57 (Tracks: 10) | ||||||
I really liked the CD "When midnight strikes!" Stigma released two years ago so I was very curious for this CD. Well, Stigma didn`t disappoint me. "Concerto for the Undead" turns out to be a worthy successor for "When midnight Strikes!. Really energetic deathcore which holds my attention from the first notes. The aggressive screaming vocals by Stefano Ghersi are very brutal but I think the grunts they add in some songs are a good variation to the screams. Well written songs with enough variety and energy to really get me excited. It`s not pure deathcore but they add a lot of melodic guitar parts played by Andrea Bailo. Add an excellent bass player named Flavio Magnaldi and an animal on drums named Stefano Ghigliano and you have a brilliant album. Highlight for me is the song 'A Monstrous feeling. I like the technical riffing and the well thought out song structure. It`s not that it`s all very original but they really know how to play and write good songs so that`s why I`m so enthusiastic about this CD. "Concerto for the Undead" is recorded at the Fear studio and produced by Bring me the Horizon guitarist Jona Weinhofen. It has a very clean but good sound. I also want to compliment them for the CD cover with the comic illustrations which really illustrates the horror based song themes. < tr>
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Visit their website: http://www.stigmahc.com |
Recordlabel: http://www.pivotalalliance.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stigmahc
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93/100 | |||||
| THOM MATHEWS – Promo 2010 (PromoCD) | USA | July 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Metal | Running time: 16:32 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Thom began his musical career playing lead guitar for the technical extreme metal band Quinta Essentia. He played lead guitar on their debut album “Neutrality For Defined Chaos”. Soon after that, Thom's playing attracted the attention of Black Flame Records, who suggested Thom to record a shred album for them. So Thom recorded his debut instrumental album “Mindcraft” in only eight days! “Mindcraft” was released in 2007 and it got rave reviews from critics and fans. Thom again entered the studio in 2008 and recorded his second instrumental album. Unfortunately, it's release has been prevented by the demise of Black Flame Records and by Thom's own financial situation. On this “Promo 2010” are rough mixes of three songs of that album. Thom is a very technical guitarist, which playing reminds me most of 80's Shrapnel stuff like Cacophony, Apocrypha and Crimeny. Complex shredding, but with always a melodic twist too. Fans of especially Jason Becker/Marty Friedman will like Thom's playing very much!! He already wrote material for his third album, so I hope for Thom that soon a label will be interested, or that his financial situation will allow him to release his albums. | |||
| MySpace: http://www.myspace.com//thommathews |
83/100 |
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| THUNDERSTONE – Dirt Metal (CD) | Finland | July 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal / Progressive Metal | Running time: 48:05 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| THUNDERSTONE is a five piece Metal band from Finland, who was formed in early 2000 by guitarist Nino Laurenne. So far the band has released the following albums: “Thunderstone” (2002), “The Burning” (2004), “Tool Of Destruction” (2005) and “Evolution 4.0” (2007). “Dirt Metal” is the fifth album by the band and the first one with new singer Rick Altzi (also AT VANCE) and keyboard player Jukka Karinen. So, the current line-up of THUNDERSTONE exists of Rick Altzi (vocals), Nino Laurenne (guitars), Titus Hjelm (bass), Mirka Rantanen (drums) and Jukka Karinen (keyboards). “Dirt Metal”, which was released on Steamhammer/SPV on May 21st 2010, features 11 tracks and starts with the short intro “Rebirth” followed by the fantastic “I Almighty” (which beginning reminds me a little bit of DISTURBED and DREAM THEATER). Because “Dirt Metal” is also my first acquaintance with THUNDERSTONE, I was very surprised by this band when I listened to this album. It's a fantastic band with great musicians and most of all they have in Altzi an awesome singer with a great and powerful voice, who reminds me very much of Jorn Lande (JORN, MASTERPLAN). I like this kind of bands very much. In some magazines and on webzines they were very positive about the song “Star”, but to me it's the least song of the album. In my opinion it doesn't really fit between all other songs, which are all fantastic. The Thrash riff is to simple, only the chorus is good. Then I prefer the other fast one of the album, which is “Dodge The Bullet”. There are more songs on “Dirt Metal” of which some parts reminds me to the above mentioned DISTURBED and DREAM THEATER, but also, because of the vocals, of JORN. My favorite songs are absolutely “I Almighty”, the title track “Dirt Metal”, “Blood That I Bleed”, “Ghosts Of Youth”, “Counting Hours” and “At The Feet Of Fools” (superb). Anyway, “Dirt Metal” is a fantastic album. If you like great powerful Metal with fantastic vocals, then this album is a real recommendation. Mario this is absolutely something for yourself. Check it out mate!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thunderstone.org
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thunderstoneband |
84/100 |
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| V.A. (Various Artist) - New World man – A tribute to Rush (CD) | USA | July 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 55:09 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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New World Man – A Tribute to Rush is the third release of Magna Carta in a series to honour Rush for their contribution to the progressive rock. Earlier released albums in this series are Working Man (1996) and Subdivisions (2005). For the people who are not familiar with Rush (which I cannot believe!), a short introduction: Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968 in Toronto (Canada) and consists of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The band and its membership went through a number of re-configurations between 1968 and 1974, achieving their current form when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour. Since the release of the band's self-titled debut album in March 1974, Rush has become known for the instrumental skills of its members and its complex compositions. The lyrics of the songs deal with items like science fiction, fantasy as well as humanitarian, social, and environmental concerns. The musicians who are active on Magna Carta`s tribute cd`s are musicians who admit the influence of Rush on the progressive music scene as well as the influence on their own career. I didn't know what to expect when I saw the cover of the cd: members of bands like Dillinger Escape Plan, Korn, Testament and Sepultura (Andreas Kisser) contributed to the cd. I really like the music of Rush and I hoped that they did not violate Rush` songs. Fortunately, this is true. Only the cover of Tom Sawyer, performed by the Alex Skolnick Trio is a little bit strange. They have produced a strange, jazzy version of this song. The other songs on the album are nice covers of some good songs composed by Rush. The highlights are The Trees, Tom Sawyer (performed by i, omega) and Jacob 's ladder. In my opinion, it has become a nice tribute album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.rush.com
Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lysiakpr |
78/100 |
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| WELICORUSS - Apeiron (MCD) | Russia | July 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Symphonic Black / Pagan Metal | Running time: 32.43 (Tracks: 7) | ||
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Carried by the dark cold winds of Siberia this new piece of symphonic black/pagan has found it's way into my mailbox. I am not familiar with this band, but to me it's a welcome surprise.
Founded in 2002 by Alexey Welicoruss Boganov, the band WELICORUSS brings us a damn fine ep that is full with original breaks and sounds quite original and vibrant.
They also released “WinterMoon Symphony” in three (?) versions; a 2002 demo, a 2006 demo and a 208 cd. Well that's very weird, but maybe it's a Siberian standard …
Nevertheless, this ep gets off with 'Apeiron” and that's a good one to start with. A very energetic track with driven grunts and in the middle a black metal acceleration, so you can hear where they had their roots. The band has two man on vocals but the strange thing is, they are very often used. Almost all the other tracks are instrumentals. But that doesn't bother me at all. “To Far Worlds” sounds like it's a totally different band, this is a fine instrumental heavy metal track. The same is there for follower “Blud Flower”, which is a bit slower and more orchestral. Man, this band can play ! If you are capable of making such thrilling instrumentals that hold your attention then you have a big future ahead. “Slava Rusi” follows and here we have some vocals back on track. Strong piece of pagan with tremendous pounding drums and excellent guitar skills in it. Live, this certainly will cause a fine party. Follower is a remix (feat. Silenzium) of this same track, but it's totally different. Very atmospheric with only some esoteric female chants. But, hey it's beautiful done and also very enjoyable listening to. Just if you think that more diversity can't be done by one band in five songs “Salvanskaia Sila” (Elias remix) follows and takes you into the world of electronic. Well, I don't think they make much metal friends with this one, but it isn't that bad either. Last track “Flower of the Universe” is more cinematic and very symphonic and, you get it, instrumental. You can say that there is a bit too much diversity so this band doesn't really know wich direction they should take. Pagan, symphonic instrumental ? The fact is, I don't mind. For me it was a welcome surprise and I had a very enjoyable time listening to it from the beginning. The production is well done and the musicians are very skilled. The only question is: Who has the guts to sign this very promising, adventures band which definitely has a lot of potential! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.welicoruss.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/welicoruss |
82/100 |
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| AXEL RUDI PELL – One Night Live (DVD) | Germany | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock | Running time: over 75:00 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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Axel Rudi Pell's career began in 1980 with the band, Steeler, who sold over 30,000 copies of their commercially most successful release, Strike Back, and brought out their fourth and final album, Undercover Animal, in 1988. In November of that year, Pell formed his own group together with Jörg Deisinger (ex-Bonfire), drummer Jörg Michael, bassist Thomas Smuszynski (ex-U.D.O.) and the American vocalist, Charlie Huhn (Ted Nugent, Gary Moore, Victory). Their debut album, Wild Obsessions, arrived at the stores one year later, followed by Nasty Reputation, for whom Pell enlisted the American frontman, Rob Rock (M.A.R.S, Impellitteri), who was replaced during the subsequent German tour by former Malmsteen vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto. With Soto as a new member, the third album, Eternal Prisoner (1992), was undeniable proof that the band had found their own, unmistakable style. One year later, Pell brought out The Ballads, an album featuring his most accomplished rock ballads. With Between The Walls (1994) and the live recording, Made In Germany, the guitarist from Bochum held on to his typical style even in the post-grunge era. The subsequent Black Moon Pyramid (1996) was the second Pell album in succession to make the German album charts. 1997 saw the arrival of Pell's eighth offering, Magic, featuring a thematically consistent concept based on supernatural stories. Magic also entered the charts, followed by Oceans Of Time, the commercially most successful album at that time by the Axel Rudi Pell band, and the continuation of Pell's ballad concept (The Ballads II, 1999). Following the departure of Jeff Scott Soto, Pell enlisted American vocalist Johnny Gioeli (ex-Hardline) for the production of Oceans Of Time, The Ballads III and his 2000 release, Masquerade Ball. His characteristic voice also enhanced the subsequent releases, Shadow Zone (2002) and Kings & Queens (2004), as well as the highly accomplished Mystica (2006) and the covers album, Diamonds Unlocked. Tales Of The Crown (2008), the most recent studio recording by the ARP Band, surprised with a number of innovations and made no. 41 of the German album charts. Just before the release of his new album “The Crest” (see review below) the band releases their new live DVD “One Night Live” which was recorded during the Rock of Ages festival last year in Germany. This is the complete show filmed with 10 cameras in front of 5000 fans and an absolute must have for every ARP fan! I was not very familiar with his material because normally I forwarded this kind of rock to one of my reviewers who lately quit. Well the more I was surprised by this band and the power they produce! Especially singer Johnny Gioeli is singing excellent and has a very wide vocal range! Compliments! With ARP and drum-aholic Mike Teranna I was musically familiar so they both didn't surprise me that much. This is a great DVD with a nice mix of his material and also the Rainbow cover “Temple of the King”. This is a must have for all ARP fans!! Buy or……. | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/axelrudipellofficial |
88/100 |
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| AXEL RUDI PELL – The Crest (CD) | Germany | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Melodic Metal / Hard Rock | Running time: over 57:09 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| For a biography of Axel Rudi Pell I advise you to read the DVD review above. ARP is a very busy man; this is his 13th studio album and already his 20th release in 21 years which says enough about his drift for making music! I was not really familiar with the music of Axel Rudi Pell (even if ive seen him a couple of times live) but after the release of the great live DVD “One Night Live” last month; he has a new adorer! Im especially gripped by the fantastic singer Johhny Gioeli (ex-Hardline); what an incredible good rocksinger!! This new album is full of, mostly midtempo, rocksongs. There are also a great ballad “Glory Knight” and an instrumental “Noblesse Oblige” on this album. Together with the other songs they will make this album an awesome rock album in its genre! Axel you have a new fan from now on!! Great album!!! | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/axelrudipellofficial |
90/100 |
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| BATTALION – Underdogs (CD) | Switzerland | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 47:530 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Battalion was formed in 2006 by some friends and after several line up changes the band finally found a decent line up in which they released their first album “Underdogs” (produced by Tommy Vetterli (ex-Coroner and ex-Kreator) under the German record-label Silverwolf Productions. It looks like every label these days needs a retro thrashband? Nothing wrong with that as long as it sounds good. Well luckily Silverwolf Productions managed to sign a very good, but musically far from original, oldschool thrashband. Production wise this album is also very well produced. This kind of retro thrash is very popular these days but im curious if the band will be noted by the bigger audience because of the overdose of retro thrashbands these days. Personally I must admit that Battalion is one of the best in their genre but to break through im afraid they signed to a wrong label. Silverwolf is a very good label but if it has the opportunities to raise these kind of band up??? I really hope it for the band because they really deserve it. Very nice album with some nice variation between the songs, they are not, like we are used to with these kind of bands, all full speed ahead! Hope to see this band someday in The Netherlands! For fans of (old) Metallica, Bonded by Blood, Fueled by Fire & (old) Exodus. | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.battalionmilitia.com
Recordlabel: http://www.silverwolf-productions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/battalionofficial |
75/100 |
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| DESTINE – Lightspeed (CD) | The Netherlands | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Emo / Pop / Punk | Running time: 41:50 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| DESTINE is a five piece band from my hometown Tilburg, Holland, which was formed in 2006. The band exists of Robin van Loenen (lead vocals, guitar), Hubrecht Eversdijk (guitar, vocals), Tom Vorstius Kruijff (bass, vocals), Laurens Troost (keyboards, vocals) and Robin Faas (drums). These guys already released the EP “A Dozen Dreams” (2006). In their first year of existence, the band played 70 shows in Holland, Belgium, France, England, Germany and shared stages with bands like NEW FOUND GLORY and FALL OUT BOY. In December of 2008 the band signed with Sony Music. They first recorded the 5 track single “In Your Arms” in Orlanda, Florida, U.S.A. with James Paul Wisner (known of his work with bands like PARAMORE, NEW FOUND GLORY) and in September of 2009 these guys went back again to the States to record their debut album “Lightspeed” with Wisner, who did by the way an excellent job. And I must admit, “Lightspeed” is a very accessible album. To me, the album doesn't have any weak songs, because they are all very catchy. And most of the songs (“Everything In Me”, “Stars”, “Forget About Me”, “Wake Me”) can really get a lot of airplay on radio stations. And when you've heard this album several times, almost every song get stuck in your head. But I also can understand that for some people it's sounding a little to soft or to poppy. Anyway, the band has the looks and especially the potential of achieving international success. I'm sure DESTINE will gain especially young female fans. If bands like PARAMORE, FALL OUT BOY, SIMPLE PLAN belong to your favorites, then I'm sure you will like DESTINE too. Anyway, “Lightspeed” is a fantastic album, which will sell very well I guess. My favorite songs are “In Your Arms” (superb), “Burn”, “Stars”, “Spiders”, “Forget About Me” and “California Summer”. What else can I say about “Lightspeed”, it's just a fantastic debut album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.destinemusic.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sonymusic.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/destinedestine |
80/100 |
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| DETÈNTE – Decline (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash / Crossover Metal | Running time: 35:09 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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DÉTENTE was formed in 1985 by vocalist Dawn Crosby, drummer Dennis Butler, guitarists Ross Robinson, and bassist Steve Hochheiser, with the addition of guitarist Caleb Quinn the line-up was set. The group was becoming a favorite with fanzines around the world and such notable publications as Kerrang and Rock Hard and also began garnering much attention on various college radio programs quickly catching the attention of the various labels including Combat, Music for Nations, Metal Blade Records, and Roadrunner. After signing their record deal with Roadrunner, DÉTENTE recorded “Recognize No Authority” a classic masterpiece in its genre! Instead of the typical lust and hate lyrics that were offered by many of the 80's thrash metal bands DÉTENTE focused on the political and social edge of metal and searched for meaning by asking unpopular questions. Sales where good in Europe but the band was licensed to Metal Blade in the USA where virtually no marketing was put into the album; resulting in weak sales. DÉTENTE plays a few more gigs, ending with a show at the Country Club in Reseda. Then the band decides to take a break. In 2007 after the successful reissue of “Recognize No Authority” the band reformed and continues to play live and write new material. I had the luck to see Dawn Crosby live once with her band Fear of God but as far as I know she never played with Détente in Europe. Dawn Crosby died of liver failure from substance abuse in 1996. A few years ago I, again, had the luck to see the band finally at the mighty Headbangers Open Air in Germany with Hellion vocalist Ann Boleyn. They gave an incredible show that day! Now, after again 2 years, Détente is back with a new singer named Tinna Teal. At the end op April 2010 I saw the band at our local metal pub Little Devil in Tilburg, The Netherlands. My expectations where very high and I have to be honest when I say that I was a bit disappointed that evening. Tinna was not singing that bad but her stage performance didn't look very professional. Nevertheless bassplayer Steve Hochheiser gave me their latest release for reviewing on MMM. Well, here it's finally is! Luckily I was shocked positive by the first notes of the band; musically the band stays true to it roots and on CD Tinna sounds very aggressive even if her sound is more modern than Dawn's voice ever was. The album is full of crossover metal with a few modern thrash influences. Personal fav. songs are; “In God we Trust”, “Predator”, “Decline” and the remake of “Blood I Bleed” as a hidden track. The only weak song on this album is to my opinion “Degradation Machine” which sounds to boring. Nevertheless a well produced (by legendary Bill Metoyer) album with a lot of energy!! Check them out; even if you didn't like the older stuff of the band…..good album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.detenterna.com
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/cognitiverecords MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/detenterna |
85/100 |
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| EDGE OF FOREVER – Another Paradise (CD) | Italy | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: AOR / Melodic Rock | Running time: 50:21 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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After their first two successful releases "Feeding The Fire" and "Let The Demon Rock'n'Roll" this is the bands 3rd release "Another Paradise". This CD shows their usual hard hitting rock style renovated by a new powerful line-up: Alessandro Del Vecchio on vocals and keyboards; Walter Caliaro on guitars; Nik Mazzucconi on bass; Francesco Jovino on drums. The new album also features amazing performances by Bob Harris (Axe, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai and former Edge Of Forever singer) who contributed the backing vocals on "What I've Never Seen"; Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth, one of my all-time fav. singers) who sang on the title track in an emotional duet with Alessandro Del Vecchio; Jgor Gianola (U.D.O., Gotthard, Jorn) who played a hi-test guitar solo and Carsten "Lizard" Schulz (Evidence One, Domain) who did background vocal work on the song "Edge Of Life". The album has all that an AOR record needs: strong melodies and impressive backing vocals; sophisticated arrangements; power-house drums; stunning guitars and keyboards; bombastic production and big sing-along choruses. All members have impressing curricula vitae with reference names such as: Ian Paice, Glenn Hughes, Andre Matos, Eden's Curse, Carmine Appice, James Christian, Robin Beck, Axe, Ken Hensley, U.D.O., Michael Bormann, Harry Hess, Steve Walsh, Paul Shortino and many others. Production of the new record was also handled by Alessandro Del Vecchio, another crucial step for the band, leaving him with some big shoes to fill since in the past the band was produced by none other than the late Marcel Jacob and Bobby Barth. The mastering was done by well-known award-winning German producer and engineer Michael Voss from Casanova, Bonfire, Mad Max and Voices Of Rock. “Another Paradise” is a great rock album and makes me personally thinking of bands like John Norum (Europe-solo band), Bon Jovi, Glenn Hughes & Joe Lynn Turner. Normally I don't review much melodic rock anymore but this album was sounding so great that I had to review it on my own! Especially the addition of one of my favorite singers Roberto Tiranti of Labyrinth was worth doing the review by me! This is great melodic rock which I can appreciate very much; especially because all the musicians are awesome!!! This is an outrageous album which every AOR /Rock fan should have in his collection!!!!!!!!! Even the Flashdance cover 'What a Feeling' sounds awesome!! Check them out if you don't believe me!! | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.edgeofforever.it
Recordlabel: http://www.7hard.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ edgeofforeverofficial |
95/100 |
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| GLASS HAMMER – Three Cheers For The Broken Hearted (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 51:44 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Glass Hammer is currently known as the leading band in the American prog-rock scene, and one of the top symphonic-progressive rock groups in the world, with nine studio albums, one live album (Live At NEARfest), and one DVD (Lex Live). They have dabbled in music inspired by Tolkiens beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy (The Middle-earth Album), much to the delight of Tolkien fans and scholars around the world. But they are first and foremost a progressive-rock band in the tradition of 70s giants YES, ELP, Genesis, and Kansas. The GH sound is built around the keyboards, guitar playing, a solid rhythm section, and a unique vocal style (Susie Bogdanowicz) that their fanatical fan base has named the 'multi-vox'. Often employing choirs and pipe organs, Glass Hammers sound is unique within the world of prog. But uniqueness is not always the factor that makes listeners to be appreciative. I am a fan of prog, but there is little in these songs that can hold my attention. As unique as Susie's voice may be, as virtuoso the musicians might be, the music, to me, is obviously mislabelled. It all sounds very experimental, although of high musical quality, I can't complain in that department. But please listen before buying; if you like mysterious sounding, female fronted prog, this is your thing. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.glasshammer.com
Recordlabel: http://www.arion-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/glasshammer11 |
70/100 |
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| HATCHERY – Forced to Fight (CD) | Germany | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 36:36 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| In September 2009 I already reviewed the predecessor “Birth of a Bomb” CD. So no biography this time. The main problem I also had with “Birth of a Bomb” is still the singers voice; some people like it; others don't. Zottel is not the best thrashsinger but he HAS a remarkable voice which is quite unique these days! Musically its again great oldschool thrash in the vein of their German models Kreator & Destruction. Last year I booked the band as opener for my own festival; Mario's Metal Meeting 3 (Thrash edition) and the reactions of the audience & press where mostly very positive. This is again a very nice album of these German thrashers and I have to note that even the running time is oldschool, hahaha (36:36 minutes). Nevertheless this is again an album that every oldschool thrasher should check out!! Thrash till Death!!! | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.hatchery-band.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hatcherymetal |
79/100 |
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| KILLING ADDICTION - Fall of the Archetypes (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 39:28 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Killing Addiction is an American death metal band formed in 1988. Even though this band was formed in the times that all classics were formed I've never heard of them so I was pretty curious why they never became as well known as so many others from their generation. Their new record is only their second full album ever and their last release before this one goes back to 1998. Suffice to say it took them long enough to record this one. The album it self is a nice old school sounding brutal death metal album. There is nothing special about this band but they really aren't that bad at all. The drumming isn't that super though in my opinion and the vocals could use some work. There are practically 2 sounds in the vocals, a grunt which is great but lacks variety and a scream that kind of worked on my nerves later on. Overall this record isn't bad for a brutal band but just like so many others lacks the variety that would make this truly awesome. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.xtreemmusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/killingaddiction |
68/100 |
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| KINGS OF MODESTY – Hell Or Highwater (CD) | Finland | June 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Heavy Melodic Metal | Running time: 50:11 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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This Finnish band was formed in 1994 by guitarist Samuel Hjelt and drummer Raino Simoinen and was then called “ Face Of Modesty”, up until 2006 when singer Jason Flinck joined the ranks and the name was transformed to “Kings Of Modesty”. Although this is their actual debut album, back in 2007 the band released an EP, produced by long-time friend Emppu Vuorinen, with 4 songs that got the band airplay in the USA. As their influences, the band droppes names like Dream Theater, Queensryche and Kamelot; to me, it is more a crossover between Queensryche and Symphony X. The music is fast, mean, melodic and at the same time quite catchy. Opener “ Never Touched The Rainbow” is a good example of what this band is about and this particular song already did quite good in the UK. The keyboards sound a little strange within the bands music; I had preferred a distinct keyboard-wall-of-sound but it's a bit too much piano-sound. The songs are very good, and when the band developes more, I think these guys are in for a big surprise to you, listeners. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kingsofmodesty.com
Recordlabel: http://www.escape-music.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kingsofmodesty |
80/100 |
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| M.S.G. - Rockpalast: Hardrock Legends Vol. 2 (DVD) | Germany | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 64:00 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| I still remember that, from the time that I was 15 years old, I watched a lot of times to Rockpalast on German television station WDR. The broadcasting of the shows was always very late at night. Some of those shows, which I still can remember, are of RORY GALLAGHER, THE POLICE, RAINBOW, STRAY CATS, RICK JAMES, THE KINKS and ZZ TOP. Now there has been released a show of M.S.G. (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) on DVD, which is Volume 2 in the "Rockpalast: Hardrock Legends" series. Volume 1 is a DVD of UFO, the band with whom Michael Schenker got famous. Anyway, Michael Schenker belongs to one of my all time favorite guitar players, since, I think it was late 1979 / begin 1980, I discovered him on the SCORPIONS album "Lovedrive" (1979) and the classic live album of UFO "Strangers In The Night" (1979). And M.S.G.'s debut album "The Michael Schenker Group" (1980) is a real classic and in my opinion still his best album ever. And the nice thing about the show on this DVD is, that M.S.G.'s debut album is almost entirely and in the exact same order on this excellent DVD, added with four UFO classics in the set. The two songs of "The Michael Schenker Group" album which are not played on this show are "Bijou Pleasurette" and "Tales Of Mystery". This fantastic show was filmed on January 24th, 1981 at the Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany. Well, on this DVD we can see a 26 year old Michael Schenker (born January 10th, 1955) in action on his Flying V, together with Gary Barden on vocals, Paul Raymond on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Chris Glen on bass and the legendary Cozy Powell (R.I.P) on drums. Anyone who knows M.S.G.'s debut album, knows that, after the intro, the band opens with the classic "Armed And Ready". It speaks for itself of course, that it's followed by "Cry For The Nations". After "Victim Of Illusion" we get the first UFO classic "Natural Thing". Then back to M.S.G.'s debut album with the next two songs "Feels Like A Good Thing" and the superb instrumental "Into The Arena" (with Gary Barden also on rhythm guitar). After "Into The Arena" we get another UFO classic, namely a killer version of "Rock Bottom" with of course a great guitar solo by Michael. Again back to the debut album with "Lookin' Out From Nowhere" followed by the mighty "Lost Horizon". This fantastic DVD ends with two other UFO classics, which are "Doctor Doctor" and the encore "Lights Out". All is fantastically filmed, with great shots, the sound is good. Well, you understand that I'm glad this excellent concert is now available on DVD. For all Michael Schenker fans, this DVD is a real must. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com
Recordlabel: http://www.bertus.com |
92/100 |
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| PHANTOM-X – This is War (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power / Speed Metal | Running time: 51:33 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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PHANTOM-X originally started out as a group of musicians from the Dallas, Texas music scene to become a RONNIE JAMES DIO tribute band. So, the band was initially formed just for fun. Little did they know just how things would take shape and how quickly PHANTOM-X would grow into recording artists and a sought after live act. Although, having fun still remains a very important requirement for PHANTOM-X. PHANTOM-X features KEVIN GOOCHER, the charismatic vocalist, who also used to sing with OMEN. Kevin needed to explore his own musical horizons with PHANTOM-X and wanted a more active band with which he could tour and record outside of the OMEN format. ” Rise of the Phantom” , the debut album of PHANTOM-X album was released in November of 2005. In the spring of 2006 they camped out at the NOMAD RECORDING STUDIOS, in Dallas, Texas, and assisted by J.T. LONGORIA, recorded their follow-up album, “Storm Riders”. Both albums where released by Belgium's cult label Mausoleum Records. Finally after a too long break here's the follow up to “Storm Riders” named “This is War” and this album is released on Perris Records. Again this album is full of the typical Phantom-X music; melodic oldschool metal in the vein of bands like Savatage, (old) Iced Earth, New Eden, Vicious Rumors, Iron Maiden & Dio. If you're into this kind of metal than please check this great album out or better; come over to the 2nd warm-up show of Mario's Metal Meeting 4 this year where they will headline with Anger as Art (with Abattoir members). Place of happening: Little Devil club, Tilburg (2 October). Very good album again guys!!! Looking out for October!! | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.phantom-x.net
Recordlabel: http://www.perrisrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/phantomxmetal |
82/100 |
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| RAVEN – Walk Through Fire (CD) | United Kingdom/USA | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 57:20 (Tracks: 15) | ||
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Raven is one of the oldest and best NWOBHM bands for many years now and due to private circumstance (see booklet info for more info about this) the band wasn't able to release a new album for nearly 10 years!! Their latest studio album “One For All” was released way back in 2000. Im not gonna bore you all with a biography of this legendary band because every true metal warrior should know this band already! The band where co-headliners of the 1983 Aardschokdag and already blew everybody away with their power and enthusiasm! The same problem the band had during the last 10 years with releasing some new stuff; the same problem they had with touring. I personally had the honour to book the band as the headliner of my first Mario's Metal Meeting festival in 2007. It was that year also around 10 years ago the band did play in The Netherlands. Im still thankful that we could work it out because honestly; they where the best headliner I booked so far! Funny enough the band thanks me on their “thanks to list” on the new album. So the honour was from both sides, hahahaha. What to expect after such a long period? Honestly I lost my interest in the band after their mediocre “Stay Hard” in 1985. Well luckily the band did a great job on this album and listening to it gave me again an 80's feeling! Most of the songs are full speed ahead and production wise it also sounds very good! Not all the songs are from the same high calibre but meanly this is a great album! John Gallagher still has his typical “love it or hate it” screams which is a big part of the bands sound for many years. There is a Montrose cover added “Space Station No. 5” and as bonus this version consist an extra bonus in “The King (Live)”. Very good album guys which will be liked very much by the oldschool Raven fans (just like me)! | |||
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Visit his website: http://www.ravenlunatics.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ravenlunatics |
85/100 |
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| SLASH - Slash (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Rock / Metal | Running time: 60:34 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Who doesn't know SLASH, the lead guitarist known with almost always his high hat on? Of course everyone knows Slash, who's real name is Saul Hudson, mainly as the lead guitarist of the legendary GUNS N' ROSES, with whom he released fantastic albums like the classic "Appetite For Destruction" (1987), "G N' R Lies" (1988) and "Use Your Illusion I" & "Use Your Illusion II" (both released in 1991). The only GUNS N' ROSES album with Slash on, which I don't know, is "The Spaghetti Incident?" (1993). After Slash's departure with GUNS N' ROSES in 1996 he released two albums with his SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, namely "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" (1995) and "Ain't Life Grand" (2000). Also with these two albums I'm not familiar, and also not with the two albums, "Contraband" (2004) and "Libertad" (2007) of Slash's current band VELVET REVOLVER (with his former GNR members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum). Anyway, this is SLASH's first solo album, simply titled "Slash", and features 14 tracks. There's just one instrumental song on this album, which is "Watch This" (with Dave Grohl and Duff McKagan). On each other song SLASH collaborates with some of the world's most vital contemporary artists of the music scene for doing the vocal parts, like Ian Astbury (THE CULT), OZZY OSBOURNE, Fergie (BLACK EYED PEAS), Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE), Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, TEMPLE OF THE DOG, AUDIOSLAVE), Andrew Stockdale (WOLFMOTHER), Adam Levine (MAROON 5), Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD), KID ROCK, M. Shadows (AVENGED SEVENFOLD), the for me unknown Rocco DeLuca (ROCCO DeLUCA AND THE BURDEN) and IGGY POP. Actually, "Slash" is a very accessible album for a broad public. Musically, the album really doesn't sound like a GUNS N' ROSES album. It's a varied album with Rock and Metal songs. The song "By The Sword", which Andrew Stockdale of WOLFMOTHER is singing, sounds very much like LED ZEPPELIN. I only know some songs of the BLACK EYED PEAS (which is really not my type of music) from the radio, but FERGIE sounds really great on "Beautiful Dangerous". On that song she's a real rock chick with a great voice. Myles Kennedy is the only one who's singing two songs ("Back From Cali" and "Starlight") on "Slash". The above mentioned instrumental "Watch This" and "Saint Is A Sinner" (with ROCCO DeLUCA) are nice. In fact, there are no weak songs on SLASH's debut solo album. Anyway, my favorite songs are "Ghost" (superb) with Ian Astbury (this song could easily be on any CULT album), "Crucify The Dead" (with Ozzy Osbourne), " Beautiful Dangerous", "By The Sword", "Gotten" (with Adam Levine), "Doctor Alibi" (with Lemmy Kilmeister) and the last track of the album " We're All Gonna Die" (with Iggy Pop). Okay, "Slash" will not get the status of a classic album, but nevertheless it's an excellent solo album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.slashonline.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/slash |
87/100 |
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| SODOM – Agent Orange (re-release) (2CD-digipack) | Germany | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 44:25 + 25:47(Tracks: 9 + 6) | ||
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What to tell about this legendary German thrashers? Together with Kreator & Destruction they where the leading thrashbands from Germany and nowadays they still are. Personally I preferred the other 2 bands much more because of the better musicianship and the better releases these bands offered us. Nevertheless its good to see that SPV re-releases their best album so far! Together with 'Persecution Mania' this album are their best releases ever and ive seen the band several times in the past. Sodom is still one of the leading German thrashacts and im sure they will go on for many years! Tom Angelripper has a rank in the German metalscene; not only for the band Sodom but also for his other projects. This album was originally released in 1989 and is now re-released with some bonus songs. On the 1th cd you will find a extra song named 'Don't Walk Away' (originally from MWOBHM veterans Tank) and on the 2nd cd you will find 6 (most of them are live recordings) extra songs. This is a must have for the die-hard Sodom fans but for the less fanatic the extra stuff does not lift the album up to a more special level. The original album was already a classic one in its genre but with the extra songs on this re-release the album even sounds better…… Because it's a re-release I will not rate the album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sodomized.info/ Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.de/sodom |
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| STEEL PANTHER - Feel The Steel (CD) | USA | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Glam Rock / Metal | Running time: 41:23 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| STEEL PANTHER is a four piece parody Heavy Metal/Glam Metal band from Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., who were formed in 2000. The band has formerly been known as DANGER KITTY, METAL SHOP and METAL SKOOL. In April of 2008, these four glam boys decided to change their name finally into STEEL PANTHER. Anyway, the line-up of STEEL PANTHER exists of Michael Starr (vocals; real name Ralph Saenz), Satchel (guitar, vocals; real name Russ Parrish), Lexxi Foxxx (bass; real name Travis Haley) and Stix Zadinia (drums, vocals; real name Darren Leader). Saenz has been the vocalist of Glam Rock band L.A. GUNS between 1997 and 1998 (he sings on the 1998 EP "Wasted") and of VAN HALEN tribute band ATOMIC PUNKS. Guitarist Parrish has been played in FIGHT (on "War Of Words" of 1993) and also in ATOMIC PUNKS. When looking at the picture of the band on the cover of this album, you'll have to think immediately of a band like POISON. They have the same looks, with hair-sprayed hair, spandex pants, scarves, bandanas, make-up etcetera. In fact, "Feel The Steel" is musically full of clichés, but man…..it sounds so brilliant that it's a real masterpiece. With this album you just go back in time to the eighties, which was the most popular period of the Glam Metal (also know as Hair Metal). All songs are awesome, catchy and very addictive. You can hear influences of bands like VAN HALEN, WHITESNAKE ("Fat Girl"), BON JOVI ("Party All Day (Fuck All Night)"), EXTREME (last track "Girl From Oklahoma", which is a rip-off of "More Than Words"), DOKKEN, DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE, SKID ROW, METALLICA. There's no weak song on "Feel The Steel". About the lyrics, well they are very funny and are about hookers, sucking balls, fat women, skinny girls, metrosexuals etcetera. So, it's not strange that there's a warning "Parental Advisory - Explicit Content" on the album cover. Some guest singers/musicians on this excellent album are Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Allison Robertson and Brett Anderson (THE DONNAS), M. Shadows (AVENGED SEVENFOLD) and Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR). Although I like all songs very much, I would say my favourites are "Death To All But Metal", "Asian Hooker", "Eyes Of A Panther", "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)", "Eatin' Ain't Cheatin'", "Party All Day (Fuck All Night)", "Turn Out The Lights" and "The Shocker". Superb album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.steelpantherrocks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.universalrepublic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steelpantherkicksass |
90/100 |
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| THE RUNAWAYS - The Mercury Albums Anthology (2CD) | USA | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Punk | Running time: CD1: 73:33 (Tracks: 22) / CD2: 76:40 (Tracks: 20) | ||
| Well, on April 9th, 2010 was the worldwide release of the movie about America's first all girl Hard Rock band THE RUNAWAYS. In this movie, simply titled "The Runaways", are playing actresses KRISTEN STEWART (of the TWILIGHT saga movies) as Joan Jett and DAKOTA FANNING (also known of the TWILIGHT movies, parts "New Moon" and "Eclipse") as Cherie Currie. The film is based on Cherie Currie's memoir, "Neon Angel: A Memoir Of A Runaway". I think that's the reason behind the release of the album "The Mercury Albums Anthology" by Hip-oselect/Mercury Records. Anyway, for all the young rockers among us, THE RUNAWAYS existed from 1975 to 1979 and released the following albums: "The Runaways" (1976), "Queens Of Noise" (1977), "Live In Japan" (1977), "Waitin' For The Night" (1977) and "And Now…The Runaways" (1978). The line-up of the band on the albums "The Runaways" and "Queens Of Noise" existed of Cherie Currie (vocals), Joan Jett (rhythm guitar), Lita Ford (lead guitar), Jackie Fox (bass) and Sandy West (drums, who died (R.I.P.) in October 2006). After those two albums Cherie Currie left the band and Joan Jett took over the vocals. And bass player Jackie Fox was replaced by Vicky Blue. Somewhere in 1978 Blue was replaced by Laurie McAllister and THE RUNAWAYS finally broke up in April 1979. But mainly JOAN JETT and LITA FORD did have a very successful solo career after THE RUNAWAYS. Especially JOAN JETT, because who doesn't know her mega hit "I Love Rock 'N Roll"? Even Michael Steele (bass player of THE BANGLES) was a member of the band in the early days (1975). Anyway, this double CD, which is available in a limited edition (quantity of 7000 copies) and in a very nice packing, features the four albums "The Runaways", "Queens Of Noise", "Live In Japan" and "Waitin' For The Night". You can hear the band has really developed themselves from the first album to the "Waitin' For The Night" album. In my opinion, "Waitin' For The Night" is the best RUNAWAYS album ever. On the "Live In Japan" album you will find, besides songs of "The Runaways" and "Queens Of Noise" albums, also five previously unreleased songs, which are "All Right You Guys", "Gettin' Hot", "I Wanna Be Where The Boys Are", "C'mon" and the cover "Wild Thing" (originally from THE WILD ONES, but most well known from THE TROGGS). If you ask me what the best songs of THE RUNAWAYS are, I would say "Cherry Bomb", "You Drive Me Wild", "Thunder", "Rock & Roll", "Lovers", "American Nights", "Blackmail", "Queens Of Noise", "Take It Or Leave It", "Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin", "I Love Playin' With Fire", "California Paradise", "Little Sister", "Wasted", "Gotta Get Out Tonight", "Wait For Me", "Fantasies", "School Days", "Don't Go Away" and "You're Too Possessive". My score for each album would be: "The Runaways" (78), "Queens Of Noise" (79), "Live In Japan" (77) and "Waitin' For The Night" (82), which gives an average score of 79. Anyway, it's a fact that THE RUNAWAYS were a great inspiration for other all-girl bands like THE GO-GO'S, SAHARA HOTNIGHTS and especially for THE DONNAS. One thing is for sure, this double album "The Mercury Albums Anthology" is going to be a collectors item. Also my compliments for the great packing of it. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.therunaways.com
Recordlabel: http://www.hip-oselect.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/therunawaysmusic |
79/100 |
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| TRIPTYKON - Eparistera Daimones (CD) | Switzerland | June 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Black Metal / Doom / Gothic | Running time: 72:45 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| TRIPTYKON is the new band of Thomas Gabriel Fischer, also known as Tom Gabriel Warrior, founding member of legendary metal acts HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST. Both bands still have a cult status. And HELLHAMMER's EP "Apocalyptic Raids" (1984) and CELTIC FROST's EP's “Morbid Tales” (1984) & "Emperor's Return" (1985) and the legendary debut album "To Mega Therion" (1985) are real classics. After the first breakup of CELTIC FROST in 1993, they reunited again in 2001. The band released their highly acclaimed fifth album "Monotheist" in 2006, but on April 2nd, 2008, Warrior announced on CF's official website that he would leave CELTIC FROST. Anyway, the line-up of Warrior's new band TRIPTYKON exists of Tom Warrior (vocals, guitar, programming), V. Santura (guitar, vocals; also DARK FORTRESS), Vanja Slajh (bass) and Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion; formerly of FEAR MY THOUGHTS). Well, TRIPTYKON's debut album “Eparistera Daimones” is a real MONSTER album, which has a very dark atmosphere. The album was produced by Warrior and Santura and sounds awesome. Also the album cover is a real beauty, and is, just like CF's “To Mega Therion”, again from H.R. Giger. This times it's the “Vlad Tepes”, which Giger painted in 1978. And all illustrations in the booklet are also from Giger, and are a real pleasure to look at. But also the group portraits in the booklet, which are done by Vincent Castiglia, are nicely done. “Shrine” is a short (01:43) instrumental part, and sounds like it could be in any “Alien” movie. “My Pain” is a beautiful song with beautiful female vocals. And I could go on and on, but actually all 9 tracks on this album are real masterpieces. My favorites are the eleven minutes lasting “Goetia”, the ultra heavy doom “Abyss Within My Soul”, the faster “A Thousand Lies”, “Myopic Empire” and of course the monstrous “The Prolonging”, an ultra heavy song of almost twenty minutes. CELTIC FROST's last and final album “Monotheist” was already a great album, but in my opinion “Eparistera Daimones” is even much better. This debut album is a real masterpiece and a recommendation to anyone who liked CELTIC FROST, but also if you like bands as MY DYING BRIDE or PARADISE LOST for example. Absolutely one of the best albums of 2010. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.triptykon.net
Recordlabel: http://www.centurymedia.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/triptykonofficial |
96/100 |
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| X-TINXION – Act the Injured Innocent (CDemo) | The Netherlands | June 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: over 24:43 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| X-TinXion from The Netherlands plays old-school thrash metal with a modern spicy sauce. X-Tinxion's first steps originate somewhere in the year 2003, only to evolve into the smooth adult sounding thrash metal formation it is today. After the release of the demo "Twisting the Knife" X-Tinxion receives several promising reviews in magazines such as "Aardschok" and various E-zines, resulting in a variety of performances at many different venues, festivals such as Borstrock and Occult Fest and a place in some metal competitions like the Dutch "Metal Bash" and the international "Wacken Metal Battle". This female fronted thrashband reminds me a lot to a band as Decadence but rawer and less melodic than Decadence. The 5 songs on this Cdemo are all full speed and sound very good and even quite original. That's a big plus nowadays! Singer Monica Janssen has a brutal voice which sometimes leans a bit to deathmetal. Musically it also sounds very good and production wise this demo is very good. If you are into female-fronted thrash; check them out (online or live)!! Good job guys & girl!! | |||
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Visit his website: http http://www.x-tinxion.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/xtinxion |
80/100 |
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| ZENOBIA – Alma de Fuego (CD) | Spain | June 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic (Power) Metal | Running time: 50:52 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| This Spanish band from Rioja already exist since 2002, but “Alma de Fuego” is only their second album. “Luchando Hasta El Final”, their first album, was released in 2005. For this album they invited several guests. It took some years and some line-up changes before they released their second album. And that new album is sure one of the best Spanish melodic metal albums with Spanish lyrics from the last years!! For me, Tierra Santa and Avalanch released several very good albums, but their latest albums weren't that good anymore. So luckily now there is Zenobia to follow them up!! Most of the songs are fast uptempo played, but there are also a few melodic hardrock orientated tracks, and even a ballad. Both of their albums were produced by Dan Diez (Red Wine guitarist), who delivered a superb job. “Alma de Fuego” is the best Spanish melodic metal album which I heard lately. They replaced Tierra Santa successfully, but fans of (early) Avalanch, Saratoga, Valhalla and Rata Blanca will like the album too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.zenobia-metal.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ grupozenobia |
89/100 |
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| ABADDEN – Sentenced To Death (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 44:25 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| ABADDEN is a new British thrash band consisting of Bill Robinson (guitar), Dan Pool (vocals/guitar), John Blunt (bass) and James Bell (drums). ABADDEN were the winners of a competition organized by Metal Hammer, in which bands had to send in demos, and the winner was awarded time in the studio with Trigger the Bloodshed/Orange Goblin producer Mark Daghorn, who was so impressed that he signed the band to his label. The band aims to inspire the British thrash scene to give the world and its headbangers a run for their money! Well they started off alright with this debut album, old school thrash metal that sounds really up to date. Vicious fury of twin axe attacks is what is fired upon you from the start of opener “Sentenced to Death”, followed by “My Misery” which is as fast as if they had to catch the very last train. Nice melodies and riffs, and lots and lots of speed, and not the typical high pitch vocals but a more dark screaming sound. Great soloing like in “Violent Assault”, its not totally renewing or something like that but very well performed old school thrash with a modern edge, brought with fury and enthusiasm by these fanatics. Really good song structures, enough variation and plenty of energy with a good production makes this a album a must for the true thrash fan. Ofcourse you can hear their influences like Slayer, Metallica, Kreator or Death Angel, but still they give it their own (good) twist. Songs like “Resurrection” or “Atomic Devastation” are impressive, and could well be compared to the authentic eighties thrash of, for instance Kreator, Deathrow or…you name it! The band plays as tight as can be, and won me over for sure, definitely one of the better releases this year! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.risingrecords.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/abadden |
92/100 |
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| AIRBOURNE - No Guts. No Glory. (CD) | Australia | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 60:41 (Tracks: 18) | ||
| In July of 2008 I reviewed the fantastic debut album "Runnin' Wild" of Australian rockers AIRBOURNE for MMM. Since that album, which got very good reviews worldwide, I've been a fan of this band. "Runnin' Wild" still visits my CD player regularly. Now, Joel O'Keeffe (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Roads (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Justin Street (bass, backing vocals) and Ryan O'Keeffe (drums) are back with their second album, which is titled "No Guts. No Glory.". And man, what a brilliant album it is. Okay, it's still not sounding very original, because they sound 100% like AC/DC (with Brian Johnson), but the songs are so damn good and addictive. And the fact that AIRBOURNE sounds like AC/DC is not a problem for me. In fact, they can be seen as the "new" AC/DC. Actually, I don't have anything negative to mention about the album. I have the special edition version with 5 bonus tracks, which are "Loaded Gun", "My Dynamite Will Blow You Sky High (And Get Ya Moanin' After Midnight)", "Rattle Your Bones", "Kickin' It Old School" and "Devil's Child". The album was produced by Johnny K (DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, STAIND, MACHINE HEAD etc.), and the bonus tracks by the band themselves and Craig Harnath. What else can I say, "No Guts. No Glory." is again an awesome album of these Australians and it's absolutely a recommendation to anyone who likes AC/DC of course, but also other AC/DC related bands like KROKUS, RHINO BUCKET, ROSE TATTOO and early DEF LEPPARD. My favorite songs are "Born To Kill", the first single of the album "No Way But The Hard Way", "Blonde, Bad And Beautiful", "Raise The Flag", "White Line Fever", "Steel Town", "Chewin' The Fat", "Get Busy Livin'", "Loaded Gun" and "Rattle Your Bones". I've seen the band live on March 23rd in De Pul, Uden, Holland (see also live reviews) doing an awesome show. They also will be playing on the 15th anniversary edition of Graspop Metal Meeting (Belgium) this year and on the Zwarte Cross festival (Holland). So, go see them, you won't regret it. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.airbournerock.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/airbourne |
90/100 |
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| AMBASSADOR GUN – When In Hell (CD) | USA | April 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Grindcore | Running time: 28:57 (Tracks: 16) | ||
| 'When in Hell' is the first Ambassador Gun album with Relapse Records and the third one in general. Relapse Records is known for their love for extreme noise and with the signing of Ambassador Gun, they've proven this once again. Don't let the peaceful artwork fool you, because 'When in Hell' contains 16 songs that can be described as Grind, Hardcore, Metalcore, Death Metal and Punk all in one extremely aggressive mix. I'm not much of a Grindcore fanactic, but the variety of styles are making the album a nice listening experience. Damn, what an aggression do these guys have created. The song quality is yet a bit unstable, but with songs like 'Ignorance is this,' 'Animal fight' and 'Death nail,' you have an interesting album on your hands. Go check out their MySpace and turn up the volume! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.relapse.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ambassadorgun |
70/100 |
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| ANIMO AEGER – Impuls (CD) | Germany | April 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 56:12 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Animo Aeger is another quality black metal band coming out of Germany this days. It is unbelievable how many sub-genres black metal represents this day and I don't know how to name this style. At all events it's low-fi and it's eerie sounding. “Impuls” has seven lengthy tracks varying from 4:38 to 11:47 minutes and consisting of German BM played in the atmospheric and raw way, meaning a bit rough, somewhat demo-like but with a clear enough production done by Dutch label owner Arjan Peeks (Heidens Hart). The songs are mostly slower mid-tempo with a lot of tremolo guitaring producing buzzing walls of sound backed by a drummer of flesh and blood. Most bands that play this kind of black metal use a drum computer which most times I am not quite fond of. “Impuls” has quite reasonable use of synths and echoing, distorted screams. As said this is some eerie sounding black metal, ladies and gentleman. Listen to that riff in the song: “Veheissungsvolle Felder, Geschutzt Von Ebenjenem Eis” and you know what I mean. Maybe not truly original, I know, but I still feel kind of liking it, even though it also feels a little sloppy, demo sounding. I can't right exactly bring to my mind who this reminds so much of, besides some other German acts like for example: Nocte Obducta. Anyway, it has more feeling to it than the average Ashen productions release, sounding desolate and cold. Most people will have problems with the thin production but on the other hand the people who love this kind of black metal would like it no different. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ashenproductions.net
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80/100 |
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| APHELION – Franticode (CD) | Italy | April 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 45:56 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Aphelion is an instrumental band formed in Italy by 4 extremely talented musicians who handle the guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. You can tell how good musicians they are by the first few seconds of the first song. The band delivers a complex and demanding kind of progressive metal, mixed with jazz, fusion and experimental elements in general. Unfortunately I am not the guy who can appreciate their music 100%. Although I like progressive, this sounds often too abstract for my ears and mind to follow. The band has put a lot of effort though and it shows. The fretless bass parts are simply amazing. Franticode is an album that needs to be heard by the fans of that kind of music. I have the feeling they will discover something great here. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.aphelion.tv
Recordlabel: http://www.lizardrecords.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/aphelionspace |
70/100 |
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| BLACK CANDY STORE – Back to the Wall (CD) | France | April 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Alternative / Rock | Running time: 42:23 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| The ongoing success of Pearl Jam and the reunions of Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots show that the so called 'Seattle Sound' is still a big hit to this very day. Not only are the bands active with their own music, but they are also an inspiration to a lot of other bands. Black Candy Store is one of those bands and with 'Back to the Wall' they will be releasing their debut album very soon. Hailing from France, Black Candy Store was founded in 2008 and almost immediately started writing their first material. With those songs in their back pocket, they've signed a deal with the German 7Hard label. As expected, the musical style of Black Candy Store refers to the above mentioned bands, but not as I expected it to be. If an comparison has to be made, it would be with the Stone Temple Pilots. Also the modern sound of Velvet Revolver is noticeable, which off course has a direct link with the STP. But enough with the comparisons, because 'Back to the Wall' has a lot of authentic material to offer. On the album the band has found a good balance between straight forward rockers and a somewhat more melodic approach with great vocals. Especially the beautiful 'Swine seed,' 'Recall' or 'Wounded' have really made an impression. As stated in their biography, the band hopes to break new ground as their music evolves to new artistic levels. I think that with 'Back to the Wall' they've made an excellent beginning. They are definitely not there yet, but nevertheless is Black Candy Store a band with a lot of potential. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.7hard.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackcandystore |
75/100 |
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| BLACK THOUGHTS BLEEDING – Stomachion (CD) | Germany | April 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: Metalcore with a splash of Thrash | Running time: 40:02 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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What to say about this debut album by this German 5 piece? Lets start by saying that I have a big range of interests in music. And I must admit that the emo/metalcore area isn't my favorite corner. But then again, I do have favorites in the genre just as I have in almost every other genre. I guess that when your interests have this big a range it comes down to originality to impress me. And that's my biggest problem with this album. Though it does sound pretty good and the technical skills are there as well, it doesn't really have a face all of it's own. It's never that far away from the formula of established acts like Bullet for My Valentine. Though there's nothing really wrong with that, the album isn't exactly what I had hoped for after reading the accompanying bio/promo leaflet. It tells me that this band has seen a lot of success in it's relatively short exsistance. The leaflet is filled with facts and statements that got me the idea that this could be the next big thing in metalcore land. And the album simply doesn't live up to those expectations. Well, that being said, I also need to say the following. Fans of the emo/modern metal genre will definitely get a kick out of this album. Although the production is exactly what you'd expect it to be it is fitting and it does sound great. The songwriting is quite good and often pretty catchy with enough surprising passages available that got me back into the experience whenever I started to drift off. It's mostly the thrash elements of the album that I enjoyed the best. The growl of singer Dominik Szelinski doesn't impress enough but the more melodic parts are much stronger although sadly not consistantly throughout the whole album. The problem is that it isn't a solid album that could compete with those already out there. And it all seems a bit too safe, too flat, like they have been drawn in too quickly and the recordcompany rushed out this album just to have it out there. On the other hand I have a feeling that this band could get quite successful because there is definitely a market for it. The band knows how to present itself and the video for 'Beloved Vampire' does impress. As do their websites and the artwork for the album. The bandmembers also seem to enjoy themselves and I think that is the most important aspect of being a musician. Because you never know where this all will go in the future. This is a young band and there is quite some potential, I'm sure about that. Should I have been a fan of the genre it would get a fair 80 points but taking all of the above in account I have to extract 10 points from this number. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blackthoughtsbleeding.com
Recordlabel: http://www.silverwolf-productions.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/blackthoughtsbleeding |
70/100 |
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| BLACK WREATH – A Pyre of Lost Dreams (CD) | Denmark | April 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Doom Metal | Running time: 50.30 (Tracks: 4) | ||
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I'm glad it's Sunday today …. Why, I hear you thinking … is that because it's a fine day to listen to Funeral Doom? No, not particularly, it's because there is no shop, and especially a so called “do it your own” one as we called them in the Netherlands, that is open today in my neighbourhood. What the hell has that to do with a cd review ? Well, as simple as it is, Black Wreath, formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2002 by Kim Larssen (Saturnus), Peter Mesnickow and Dave Muller, presents me over 50 minutes of the most depressive kind of music I have ever heard. So, I can't go out and find myself a decent rope if you got my drift …… Okay, that is an exaggeration, but Black Wreath exactly delivers you what they pretend; pure, bleak, desolate darkness forged in heavy, depressive, monotonous doom metal. So for the “rope” thing they have to take that as a compliment ! To be honest it's not really my thing. 4 tracks (!) that last over 50 minutes that turns your happiness into a depressive mood is too much for me, so I had to listen to them one by one alternated with some “happier” stuff. Nevertheless, what they do, they certainly do very, very well. The songs are real hypnotic epics in an icy, oppressive atmosphere and they sound if they were recorded in an old church. If you are into Funeral Doom, this is really something for you and I can imagine that this album is worth much more for you than the score I have given it. Black Wreath has delivered an excellent (debut) album in it's genre, that's for sure, for me I take the “middle” of the road by the figure below, as a fan you can easily count 10 points extra. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.vme@vme-group.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackwreath |
80/100 |
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| COMMANDMENT – No Mercy (CD) | USA | April 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 53:57 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Commandment is a legendary band, part of the glorious American power metal scene of the 80s. The band recorded its debut album called “Engraved in Stone” in 1988 and released it on tape. 11 years later the album resurfaced as a vinyl release while in 2009 it finally came out on cd. “No Mercy” is actually the second album of the band. It was recorded right after the debut but remained unreleased until 2009. The listener can't expect something less than molten U.S. power metal with wailing high pitched vocals, steaming guitars and rock solid rhythm section. “No Mercy” is actually a bit better than the legendary stuff featured on the debut. This is a wet U.S. metal dream coming true for all of us who love American steel. I feel ecstatic when forgotten jewels like this one find their way to a proper release for the world to enjoy. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/commandmenttheband |
88/100 |
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| DERDIAN – New Era Part 3 Apocalypse (CD) | Italy | April 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Symphonic Power Metal | Running time: 64:48 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Derdian from Italy started in 1998 as a thrash metal band, playing covers from bands such as Metallica and Megadeth. When they started to write their own songs they changed their style into power metal. They released a demo called “Revenge” and some time later, in 2003, they released their mcd “Incitement”, which caught the attention of Steelheart/Adrenaline Records. For this label they debuted with their album “New Era Part 1” in 2005. Thanks to their myspace and the success ot their debut album, they got in contact with the famous Magna Carta label, which released their second album “New Era Part 2” in 2007. Now that same label released “Apocalypse”, the third part of the New Era story, that chronicles the plight of the people of a mystical land, Derdian. The clash of good and evil, the rise and fall of kings, and the like are themes explored by Derdian. Musically Derdian plays typical Italian bombastic symphonic power metal, with (neo) classical influences. Very catchy and melodic compositions, with epic, baroque, medieval and symphonic influences. Also the vocals from Joe Caggianelli are theatrical, and there also some parts/songs with operatic, female vocals-duets from guest Lisy Stefanoni. Derdian is especially comparable with Rhapsody Of Fire, but also with DragonForce, Fairyland, Time Requiem, Majestic, Zonata and Dark Moor. So typical, but also very good European symphonic power metal. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.derdian.com
Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/derdianmetal |
81/100 |
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| DIVINE EVE - Vengeful and Obstinate (MCD) | USA | April 2010 | Corinne van den Brand | ||||
| Style: Oldschool Death Metal | Running time: 17:06 (Tracks: 4) | ||||||
This Texas based band started out in the early nineties and had one release in 1993 named "As the Angels Weep". They split up in 1995. They reformed in 2008 with Michael E sleavin on guitars/vocals, Xan Hammack on guitar/vocals and Matt Killen on drums and released a new EP with 4 true oldschool death metal songs .Because that`s what it is. Nothing less, nothing more. They stay true to their roots. It`s very influenced by Hellhammer/Celtic Frost but it sounds very good. If you are into oldschool metal like Hellhammer or Winter you must check this out but don`t expect something spectacular. I saw them a few months ago on their tour with Incantation, Hate and the crowd loved it. I was kinda bored after a while but they didnt have a great stage appearance. Rather boring to look at. But the sound is good and this is oldschool death metal how it`s supposed to be played.< tr>
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Recordlabel: http://www.ibexmoonrecords.com
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/divineeve2008
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75/100 | |||||
| ENGRAINED – Anger, Roots and Rock 'n Roll (MCD) | Germany | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hardcore / Punk / Speedrock / Rock 'n Roll | Running time: 15:39 (Tracks: 5) | ||
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ENGRAINED is a four piece band from Sarstedt, Germany and exists of Fenne (vocals, bass), Schorse (guitar), Carlos (guitar) and Gonkel (drums). According to their MySpace page the band already exists for a long time. In the past they've recorded several self released EP's, which are all sold out. Well, this EP “Anger, Roots And Rock n Roll”, which is released on SPV/Steamhammer, is my first acquaintance with ENGRAINED. The band plays a mixture of Punk, Hardcore and kick ass Rock 'n Roll. Well, this is just a fantastic EP. I like all songs on it. “Traitor” is a fantastic opener, followed by the fast “Pretty City”. The vocals of Fenne, who are raw and sometimes hardcore style, fits perfect for this music. Also “Leave You Behind”, which reminds me a bit of FRANKIE AND THE WONDERBOYS (FWB), and the sing along one “Rock n Roll Scum” are fantastic songs. The last track of this EP is a cover version of POISON IDEA's “Plastic Bomb” (from the "Feel The Darkness" (1990) album) and is a very nice version as well. My favorite songs are "Traitor", "Leave You Behind" and "Rock n Roll Scum". Anyway, this EP is absolutely a must for fans of PETER PAN SPEEDROCK, AGNOSTIC FRONT, MOTÖRHEAD, FWB, SHEER TERROR, RANCID etcetera. On their MySpage page you can listen to some older songs like "Sweet Vampire Girl" (superb), "Devils Don't Dream", "The Rules Of Time", "Presentation In Life" and "Music Of The Night", which are all sounding awesome too. Fantastic band and superb EP, which really tastes for more. So, next time a full length album on SPV/Steamhammer guys!! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/engrained |
85/100 |
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| EWIG FROST – Rust (MCD) | Austria | April 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 27:19 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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Black/thrash metal band from Austria that sounds as old as the hills. With titles like: “The Anti Nazi track” and “Pirates of Black Metal” it is hard to take this band serious. Just like the later albums of Darkthrone this is as true or as untrue as you want it to be. The use of a saxophone in the strange song “Sunken in the Sun” makes this release somewhat of a mishmash. Carpathian Forest is a band that was really good at this on their first releases but with Ewig Frost it rather sounds inconsistent. Okay, the band plays pretty straightforward, rocking black/thrash that I think is derived largely from bands like Carpathian Forest. There's certainly a lot of '80s influence mixed with early '90s Norwegian black metal. The tracks are brutal and to the point: lots of punk beats mixed with blasting, thrashy riffs and your typical screeching vocals. I kind of take issue with the production; I get the whole old cemetery principle of 'loud, raw, and forward', but hey: it just comes off sounding kind of amateurish. The primary issue with ”Rust” , though, beyond sound quibbles, is that it isn't very memorable. I understand that the album is essentially a tribute to the old styles of black and thrash metal, and Ewig Frost try to cultivate that sound by using strange song titles, the above mentioned saxophone and some weird intro's but I wonder if that's enough to outstand the crowd. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ashenproductions.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ewigfrost |
64/100 |
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| FM - Metropolis (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 63:56 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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In the summer of 1984, FM was founded. At that time, the band consisted of the Overland brothers Chris (lead guitar) and Steve (vocalist/guitarist)), keyboardist Philip Manchester, bassist Merv Goldsworthy and drummer Pete Jupp. In December of that year, FM signed a contract with the major record label CBS and their debut album, Indiscreet, was released. They toured as support for artists like Tina Turner, Foreigner and Meat Loaf.
After a couple of hectic years of touring, writing new songs and releasing albums, Chris Overland decided to leave the band. In his place, FM recruited Andy Barnett. This leads to a harder guitar sound and together with him, FM releases “Takin` it to the Streets”. In the meantime, FM switched also from CBS to Music for Nations. Because of the influence of the grunge, people's interest in the music of FM diminished and in 1995, the band temporarily separated. In October 2007, FM finally played together for the first time in 12 years. Andy Barnett decided short after this reunion to leave the band and he is replaced by Jim Kirkpatrick. With Metropolis, FM has written an incredible comeback album. The album starts immediately with one of my favourites, Wildside. This song sounds refreshing but it has to be said that this counts for the whole album. The album never bores me and it is quite easy to keep my attention on the music. I think this says enough. Metropolis contains in my opinion music for everyone. What I like to mention is the guitar work of Kirkpatrick and the vocal performance of Steve Overland! They are great, but it has to be said that also the other band members are quite talented. The album ends with the sensitive ballad “Still the fight goes on”; in my opinion, Metropolis is one of the better releases in the AOR genre of recent times! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www. fmofficial.com
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fmukrock |
92/100 |
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| FORETOLD – In Rotting Memory (MCD) | The Netherlands | April 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 19:25 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| FORETOLD was founded in 1999 by Kim Sloothaak (drums), Harrie van Erp (guitars) and Mathijs Ansems (bass) and went through several name changes before settling as In Gods Hell at first. After years of line up changes and ending up without a bass player they decided to change the band name to Altered States, named after a classic cult movie. They recorded a four song demo in 2002 called 'Return to Zero' in Harrie's studio Freezing Factory, while the bass was filled in by a computer generated bass called Fritz. Then in 2002 Fritz was replaced by Marco Vermeegen on bass, but it would last until early 2004 till the line up was completed by William Nijhof on vocals, and the band name was changed into FORETOLD. In 2008 their drummer left the band and Fritz was reborn as a drummer, making the definite line up Harrie and Stijn on guitar, Marco on bass and William on vocals. FORETOLD released a 3 song demo in 2004, and their debut album 'Factor' in 2006 also reviewed by me (see MMM archive May 2006) and which I was very enthusiastic about and now after a way too long period their new 5 song mini album is released. The album starts off with 'Path of Misery' which has a kind of Chuck (Death) riff in the beginning, while William is grunting darker then ever before, and Fritz sounds a bit too mechanic, they play very tight and heavy. After a short horror intro 'In Rotting Memory' sets in, were they slow it down a bit, giving the song a bit more variation with some nice riffs. Then my favourite song is up, 'Tales From The Nordic Lands', it reminded me a bit of Six Feet Under, especially with William sounding like the Chris Barnes of The Netherlands, also Death comes (again) to mind in the guitar parts. The song has a kind of acoustic, dark intermezzo, and is full of variation, definitely the best song on this album! I do hope they find a drummer soon though, that can replace Fritz, cause I think that would give it a more dynamic sound, and less mechanic plus it would give them the opportunity to perform live again as a complete band. 'Cursed' is again a bit slower, but o so heavy and brutal song, while 'The Plague' ends this way too short album in the true death metal vane. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.foretold.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/foretoldnl |
75/100 |
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| GREAT MASTER – Underworld (CD) | Italy | April 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 48:40 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Great Master came to life in 1993. The band released some demos but split without producing a debut album. A few years later, some of the original members resurrected the band and recorded this album in 2000 without releasing it though. 9 years later, Underground Symphony signed a contract with Great Master and finally released the band's debut album. “Underground” is an Italian power metal album heavily influenced by Helloween. The good thing about it is that the band doesn't try to play ultra fast like most of the Italian power metal groups (only 3 out of the 10 songs are fast paced) but the album has that typical plastic sound mostly because of the drum programming. Vocals are good and so are the guitars. The songs will not change the course of heavy metal history but the tunes are enjoyable. Overall this is a nice release for those who are into Italian power metal and miss its glory days. Nothing more, nothing less. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.great-master.com
Recordlabel: http://www.undergroundsymphony.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/greatmasterit |
70/100 |
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| GUILTY AS SIN - Led To The Slaughter (CD) | USA | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash / Speed | Running time: 32:48 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| GUILTY AS SIN is a three piece band from Watertown/Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.. The line-up of the band, who was formed in early 2008, exists of Dan McAdam (guitar), Ryan Dilberian (bass) and Zak Ovoian (drums). As far as I know, "Led To The Slaughter" is the first album of the band, which was self financed. And to tell the truth, it's a BORING album. Not because it's a complete instrumental album, no, because the songs are boring as hell. The band plays Thrash and Speed metal, which sounds very dated. Also the production sucks and the drums of Ovoian really annoys me much. Nobody is waiting for such a release. So, my advise is, don't spend your money on this terrible album. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/guiltymusic2008 |
45/100 |
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| KALMAH – 12 Gauge (CD) | Finland | April 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 42:57 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Lost Children of Bodom out of sight after the “Hatecrew Deathroll” album? Than Kalmah must be a band you have already discovered. Maybe a bolt statement because Kalmah was formed in 1999 only two years later than COB but nevertheless the similarities are there, especially the sound of the synths, that sound the same as on those early Bodom releases. But enough comparing now because Kalmah's sound is mature and original enough to convince. Their bio and fans speak of “swamp” metal, a term that returns more than once in there albums and song titles. I think this has something to do with their finish origin? I am not familiar with the back catalogue of the band so it's difficult for me to compare this 6th album with the other ones in their discography. So let's not do that and fully stick to this new one “12 gauge”. The album was recorded in the famous Tico-tico studio in Finland (Impaled Nazarene, Amorphis, Belial) so soundwise so there's nothing to complain, a massive sound that fits the music perfectly. Absolute highlight of the album are the fantastic (twin) guitar parts and the constant variation between calmer parts and brutal parts. Even blast beats can be heard now and than. The vocals are the typical combination of screeching and grunting ones and do sound a tat monotonous at times if you ask me. So there's room to evolve here. Overall this is a good album in every way although this style has all been done in by other bands in the past. Whether you love Gothenburg, death, power, thrash or heavy metal, you'll like this CD as it combines them all in a good way, and more. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kalmah.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spinefarm.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kalmah |
78/100 |
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| KROKUS - Hoodoo (CD) | Switzerland | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 42:52 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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After 4 years Swiss rockers of KROKUS are back with a brand new album. And this time in a classic line-up, existing of Marc Storace (lead vocals), Fernando Von Arb (guitar, vocals), Mark Kohler (guitar), Chris Von Rohr (bass, vocals) and Freddy Steady (drums), which is actually the line-up of the "One Vice At The Time" album. The band, who exists since 1974 and had many line-up changes, celebrated their incredible comeback with a reunion concert in the above mentioned classic line-up on August 2nd, 2008 at the Stade De Suisse in Bern, Switzerland for no less than 10,000 fans.
Well, I discovered KROKUS way back in 1980, when I was fifteen years old, with their classic album "Metal Rendez-Vous", with fantastic songs like "Heatstrokes", "Bedside Radio", "Streamer", "Tokyo Nights ", "Back-Seat Rock & Roll" and the awesome "Fire". Since then I have the following KROKUS albums in my collection: of course the above mentioned "Metal Rendez-Vous" (1980), "Hardware" (1981), "One Vice At A Time" (1982), "Headhunter" (1983), "The Blitz" (1984) and "Hellraiser" (2006). And, except "Hardware", these are all fantastic Hard Rock albums. "Hardware" is just a bit a less album, because it does have too many weak songs. But if I have to choose my absolute favorite KROKUS albums, then I would say "Metal Rendez-Vous", "One Vice At A Time" and "Headhunter". KROKUS, who has been Switzerland's most successful rock export for 30 years now, always have been compared with Australian rockers AC/DC in the press. "Metal Rendez-Vous" was KROKUS' first album with Marc Storace, who since then made a big impression on me as a singer. Of course I have several favorite singers in the Hard Rock and Metal scene, and Marc Storace is one of them. He's just a great singer, who's voice always reminded me of AC/DC's Bon Scott (R.I.P.). In fact, in my opinion Storace could have been the perfect replacement for Bon Scott when he died in 1980 (February 14th). Anyway, "Hoodoo" is the sixteenth studio album and features eleven songs, of which one is a cover version of STEPPENWOLF's classic "Born To Be Wild". And, although that song is covered so many times by other bands (like RIOT, SLADE, THE CULT, RAVEN, STATUS QUO, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT etc.), I must admit that KROKUS' version is a very good one. The album was produced by Chris Von Rohr and sounds fantastic. The only song on "Hoodoo" that doesn't remind of AC/DC is the semi-ballad "Ride Into The Sun", which is a song that sounds more like LED ZEPPELIN. The first single of the album is the catchy "Hoodoo Woman", which is a great song. I must say that the songs are of a high and constant level, and that makes "Hoodoo" of the same level as albums like "Metal Rendez-Vous" or "one Vice At TheTime", in other words also a classic album. Songs like the opener "Drive It In", "Hoodoo Woman", "Rock 'N' Roll Handshake", "Too Hot" (the beginning of the song reminds me of KISS' "Lick It Up"), "Dirty Street", the up-tempo "Keep Me Rolling" (superb), "Shot Of Love" or the cover "Born To Be Wild" are all awesome. The digi-pack version of "Hoodoo" also includes a DVD with highlights of the above mentioned reunion concert in Bern. Although KROKUS never broke-up, "Hoodoo" is a brilliant comeback album in this classic line-up. Let's hope the band will stay in this line-up for years now and that they will promote "Hoodoo" by a large European club tour. If so, please don't forget The Netherlands. A show in 013 (Tilburg) or De Effenaar in Eindhoven would be fantastic (or just a few dates). Anyway, WELCOME BACK. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.krokusonline.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sonymusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/krokusonline |
92/100 |
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| METSATÖLL – Äio (CD) | Estonia | April 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: Folk Metal | Running time: 60:26 (Tracks: 14) | ||
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This is definitely the surprise of the month for me! Being a long time fan of their neigbors Finntroll, it was a great experience listening to this album the first time. Since the last few albums by the Finnish trolls failed to impress me I could use some fresh folklore metal. I am always interested in new territory, especially if it is music that is much more than just entertainment. Estonian native Metsatöll (which translates as 'wolf') provided me not only with a very impressive album but also with a very satisfying evening of absorbing their culture. Everything about this release made me wanna get further into the storytelling and wanting to know where it all came from. So I found myself cruising the internet and reading about a country, oddly enough not that far from where I live, with a rich history and a very different culture than mine. And it amazed me that I didn't know that much about this intriguing country and especially this amazing band which exsists since 1999 and released an impressive list of material throughout the years. "Äio" (which symbolizes the essence of sleep) is their fourth full length release, and the first for Spinefarm Records, but the band has released 14 titles in total. A handful of those are singles/videos but they also released some DVDs of which "Kõva Kont" (a double DVD package containing over 5 hours of material) seems to be a must-have for me. Much of Metsatöll's material used in the painting of the scenery, featuring flutes and various other native traditional instruments, is based on the wars for independence in the 13th and 14th centuries which makes you expect something grim and aggressive. While listening to the music the opposite mood is triggered. The songwriting is often very catchy and quite easy to get into but it also stays very close to the folklore of the region. For starters all lyrics are sung in the Estonian language. But before you start to think that Metsatöll uses metal as a gimmickery and should be classified as folkmetal with the emphasis on folklore I can tell you that is not the case. The balance between the two is spot on and are forged together in a way that makes the album compact and easy to swallow. Having the album mixed and mastered at the famous Finnvox Studios helped in that area too. Many of the songs have that typical "beerdrinking & hellraising" basis with the massive masculin runo-singing that is typical for the region. And the more traditional parts are never too long, dull or difficult to scare the average metalhead away. In fact, I think this album can reach a very wide range of metalheads. Although translations in English are provided some of the archaic history is difficult to translate. It doesn't really matter, it still speaks to me and I get a great feeling of joy and might out of it all. I guess this album is going to serve as a party starter many a time from now on and I am sure most of my friends want to buy the album after hearing it. If you are already used to the odd-sounding language and like Finntroll or Korpiklaani you're going to like this album I'm sure. If you are not sure, just listen to the songs either on their myspace or in a recordstore and you'll be surprised. Chances are you'll find a new world to discover just as I did. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.metsatoll.ee
Recordlabel: http://www.spinefarm.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/metsatoll |
90/100 |
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| M.I.C. - Out 2 Rock (CD) | China | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 54:50 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| In February of this year I reviewed M.I.C.'s (MADE IN CHINA) debut album simply titled "Made In China" (2008) for MMM. I really wasn't impressed by that album, which I gave 55 points. And like I wrote in that review, the second album "Out 2 Rock" would be officially released in February 2010. Well, here it is. Mario received "Out 2 Rock" and, because I reviewed the first album, he also send this second album to me to review. And to be honest, M.I.C. really have made a slight improvement. The band exists of Yvon Serré (vocals, lead guitar), Angela Renzetti (guitar, backing vocals), Huang Hong Liang (bass) and Zhao Qian (drums). Although the songs are still very simple sometimes, they do rock more then on the debut album, and some tracks are really nice compositions. The total time of the actual album is 47:30 minutes, but the CD contains also single versions of "Who Do You Love" (3:32) and "Something To Say" (3:32) for radio stations. So the complete running time of "Out 2 Rock" is 54:50 minutes. Serré is not a fantastic singer, just a moderate one. The production of the album is okay. Musically, the second track of the album "Who Do You Love" (4:10), sounds nice, but the chorus gets repeated to much, and gets annoying. "Something To Say" (5:26) is a reasonable ballad. The best songs on "Out 2 Rock" are in my opinion the up-tempo rocker "Hot Summer Day" (with a nice guitar solo), "Can't Live This Way", the rock 'n roller "Rockin' Lucille", "What Your Doing" and "Between The Eyes". Conclusion: "Out 2 Rock" is a better album then "Made In China", but it's still an album which I wouldn't buy myself. So, if you are interested in M.I.C., then check them out yourself. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.yvonserre.com/mic
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/madeinchine |
62/100 |
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| MORTICIAN – No War & More (CD) | Austria | April 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 60:25 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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As a huge fan of the NWOBHM music and sound, the recent discovery of Mortician (not the USA based Death Metal band) was a pleasant surprise to me. If you are an old school Metal head, there is a possibility that you've heard of them before. This Austrian based band was founded in 1983 and has released the following documents: The 'Street Warrior Demo ' in 1987, 'No War EP' in 1987 and the 'Break the Rules Demo' in 1989. Despite the quality of the music, Mortician never found it's way to a big audience and vanished in the late eighties. But true love for music never dies and in 2009 the band announced their comeback. Mortician is currently working on new material, but meanwhile they have put out the 'No War & More' album which contains all the band's previous releases on one disc. The album was released by Pure Steel Records. Wow, this really takes me back…not to the eighties itself, because at that time I was far to young to even be aware of this type of music, but it takes me back to my favorite NWOBHM records such as 'Angel Witch.' Even after more than twenty years, songs like 'No war,' 'Hot fight' and 'Break the Rules' are breathing that energy and excitement that was going on at the time. Fast riffing, crushing solo's and emotional vocals, it is all there. To bad that Mortician never made it big. Whatever the reason for that may be, I know for sure that it wasn't the lack of musical quality. In fact, I can recommend every Metal enthusiast to check out this great album. I think you will be just as surprised as I was. Long story short: the old school heavy metal of Mortician is worth listening to. As mentioned, the band is currently working on new material. According to the band itself, they will maintain their much appreciated classic style. I would say: Bring it on… | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/morticianaustria |
82/100 |
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| MYRAH – Six Feet Down (CD) | Sweden | April 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Melodic Dark Metal | Running time: 47.05 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Myrah saw the light in Northern Sweden in 2005. After some mcd's like “Death and Despair” they now have released this debut album “Six Feet Down”. Myrah plays dark gothic metal which is yet heavy but also melodic to keep it catchy. The desperate sounding voice of Patrick Essman gives the music a personal and more “darky” feeling. A bit more variation in his voice in the more up tempo songs shouldn't hurt the band, but in the slower, darker songs like “Six Feet Down” he definitely is the perfect man for this stuff. Delightful desperate you can name that. Overall they deliver a fine album with no real weak moments on it. Very stable, enough variation and provided with a good production, played by skilled musicians this is a fine debut album. Sometimes I miss a bit of power in the songs but I think that playing more live should solve this problem for the next album. Fans of Paradise Lost, Insomnium, etc. should check this one out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myrahband.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/myrahband |
75/100 |
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| NEVERLAND - Ophedia (CD) | Turkey / Greece | April 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Symphonic Melodic Metal | Running time: 60:00 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Neverland is a new band formed by Turkish powermetal band Dreamtone and the Greek vocalist Iris Mavraki and are now releasing their second album Ophedia. The band saw first light in 2006 when one of Turkey's most famous heavy metal band decided to join forces with Iris Mavraki, a woman who was in the music business for a very long time allready. The result is a band that plays progressive metal at a pretty high level. The songs on this album are higly layered and it takes a few spins to get them completely. There is a nice variation between catchy melodies and epic melodic musical pieces. Another nice addition are the guest appearances by Jon Oliva, Edu Falshi and Urban Breed. Overall it's very clear that we are dealing with extremely talented musicians here but I'm sorry to say that I'm not that enthousiastic about this album. First of all I don't like female vocals but since that is purely my personal taste I'm not going to whine about this any more than this. But the main reason for my dislike is the tempo of the songs. I was expecting some faster songs that pack a punch and have a general heavy sound but I couldn't really find one on the album and I think that's a shame since it all gets a bit boring near the end now. Even though if you like progressive bands like Dream Theater and the likes you should check this out, you'll probably enjoy it more then I did. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.in-neverland.com
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/neverlandofficial |
61/100 |
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| PANDEA – Soylent Green (CD) | Germany | April 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Melodic Progressive Metal | Running time: 59:15 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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This is an interesting project. Based upon the movie “ Soylent Green” from 1973, the story concept is used to look to the year 2022 and build an album around that. The intro is 100% Ayreonesque, the music isn't. More power, melodic, with a lot of diversity, changes in tempo and some nice musicianship.
The guys responsible for this project are Mario LeMole and Dan Uhden (whom we know from “ Mind Odyssey”). They invited a number of people to do some parts on this album, of whom guitarist Victor Smolski is the most wellknown one. Obviously, the influence of Ayreon and Avantasia is there, but I also hear some typical German influences (a touch of Gamma Ray) and some oldschool hardrock like Deep Purple. The negative factor is unfortunately the vocal parts. I feel that that the concept of the album is nicely translated into music, the music itself is very good, no doubts about that, but when you invite a number of people to join in (as should be when you make a rock opera like mr. Lucassen and mr. Sammett), find yourself someone with a charismatic voice that carries the music. That would have elevated the appreciation of this album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.pandea-music.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pandearockband |
80/100 |
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| SAMMATH – Triumph In Hatred (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 40:45 (Tracks: 7) | ||
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Formed in 1994 Sammath was intended to be one of the most violent and aggressive bands ever in our beloved metal scene. Jan Kruitwagen the founding member of Sammath grew up in Australia, the land where I think the most sick and twisted bands come from. Jan moved to Holland in 1989 and when he started Sammath for about 5 years later he combined the Aussie violence with the sound of the well known European black metal style that was at its peak that time. Dwelling deep in the underground for some years with the disorganized sounding first releases it was with the 2002 “”Dodengang” album that Sammath took a big step upwards. And it is with this new album “Triumph in hatred” that I can gladly say that this hasn't stagnated! For example listen to the great song: ”The dead lay thorn” whereon you can hear a fully mature sound. Just as on the other Sammath albums the songs are riff slideshows with only very occasional diversions to distinguish any one song from another but on “Triumph in Hatred” the songs are more well thought through. The music is preoccupied with tremolo riffs and blastbeats, very occasionally dropping to a slower tempo for some chunkier riffs. Mostly the music is of a binary and static nature. So with creativity in song structure mostly an abandoned element, what's left are riffs and the performance itself. The riffs generally hover somewhere around above average; there's nothing really stellar but there's an inherent grasp of how to make good bread and butter death/black/thrash riffs which maintain listener interest. Occasionally a more melodic one will sneak in amongst all the grinding, demonic ones, and it provides a good diversion from the somewhat less tonal nature of the rest of the music. The instrumental performances seem fairly vicious, but this is probably an element of the production, with very forward blastbeats and sharp guitar tones. The fairly typical black metal vocals are executed well and add the human element to hook the listener; the clear, well-rounded production puts them near the front, suitably aggressive and forward in nature. Music for maniacs! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sammath.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.folter666.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sammath |
78/100 |
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| SERPENTINE - A Touch Of Heaven (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 48:46 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| "A Touch Of Heaven" is the debut album of melodic rock band SERPENTINE. The band, who's from Cardiff, Wales, England, was founded by Gareth David Noon (keyboards), Christopher Gould (guitar) and Gareth Vanstone (bass) somewhere in 2007. After working together on several demos, the band was completed with American singer Greg Flores, but after awhile it proved that working with a singer based in the United States was difficult. Anyway, finally they found a new singer in Tony Mills, who's also known as the singer of bands like SHY and TNT. In the summer of 2009 SERPENTINE's line-up was finally completed by John Clews (guitar) and Charlie Skeggs (drums). "A Touch Of Heaven" features 10 songs and was produced by Mark V. Stuart, who's well known of his work with MAGNUM. Of course Mills is a fantastic singer and the other members of the band are very skilled musicians too. And about the songs, they are good, but not very spectacular. You can expect some rock songs like "A Touch Of Heaven", "Let Love Rain Down", the catchy "We Belong" and "Love Suicide", but also some ballads like "For The Love Of It All" and the TONI BRAXTON cover "Unbreak My Heart". "A Touch Of Heaven" is not a very notable album, but it's just an average melodic rock album to listen to once in a while. If you are into melodic rock and love bands like TNT, STYX, JOURNEY, SHY etc., then you can check this album out yourself. ' | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/planetserpentine |
75/100 |
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| SLAVES TO FASHION - Slaves To Fashion (MCD) | Norway | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | Running time: 14:08 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| SLAVES TO FASHION is a four piece band from Finland who used to be called P:O:B. (PEDESTRIANS OF BLUE) and released one album titled "Crossing Over" (2007), which according to their biography was critically praised in the underground press. SLAVES TO FASHION exists of Johannes Støle (vocals, keyboards), Torfinn Sirnes (guitar), John Henry Lind (bass) and Vidar Ingvaldsen (drums). This EP contains four songs, which are "Mrs. Hero", "Left Out In The Cold", "The Garden (Remix)" and "Out Of Here". And the first three songs are really good, especially "Left Out In The Cold". Only the last track "Out Of Here" is a very dull song. The production of this EP, which is released on Fish Farm Records, is excellent. The band is working on a full length album and looking for a record deal. When I heard the first song, "Mrs. Hero" it sounded like a mixture of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and LIVE to me. I understand that "The Garden" is actually a song of P:O:B., only this is a new and remixed version. And "The Garden" also sounds like LIVE to me, with a slight symphonic touch. Anyway, the band exists of good musicians and Støle is a good singer. SLAVES TO FASHION is a nice band. I'm curious about how their debut album will be. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.slavestofashion.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/slavestofashion |
70/100 |
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| SLEEPING VILLAGE - Fragments (MCD) | Italy | April 2010 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Ambient / Black Metal | Running time: 28:06 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Sleeping village started out in 2002 and so far they released 2 demo`s, an EP and a split cd with Isolation. This Ep Fragments is their second one.This project is M.(Mortifer) who is responsible for all music and lyrics and Tryfar who does the vocals. I don`t really like this music. It just isn`t my cup of tea. But they can`t help that ofcourse. But I can imagine there are a lot of people who will dig this EP. It`s a spheric EP with lot`s of ambience, distorted noise and you have to listen to it a few times and then you hear something new every time. The songs are filled with details. The vocals are a bit black metal but it`s more noise in the background. The vocals are not used in a traditional way but more as an addition with moaning and screaming. But the pace stays the same for half an hour and that starts to bore me after a while. Sure, the drums ( Computer?)pick up the speed now and then but the rest of the instruments play the same cords over and over again and I don`t really like the sound of it. But if you are into dark, ambient music you might like this. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.untergrund.altervista.org
Recordlabel: http://www./ashenproductions.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/autumnallfires |
40/100 |
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| STAGE DOLLS - Always (CD) | Norway | April 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 37:32 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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The band Stage Dolls (Norway) has released a new album, Always is their seventh official release. The name of the band suggests that you are dealing with a glam rock band, but the opposite is true. Stage Dolls makes nice, melodic AOR rock. The band was founded almost 30 years ago when guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Torstein Flakne recruited bass player Terje Storli and drummer Erlend Antonsen to start a band. Soon they supported TNT as their warm-up band, this all happened before an official album had been released. In 1985, the Stage Dolls released their first album called “Soldier's Gun”. They got a hit single with the title track and soon they were one of the country's hardest touring bands. They became very popular in Norway. In 1993, the current drummer, Morten Skogstad, joined the band. Stage Dolls didn't release much music in the Nineties, but they never disbanded. Now, 25 years after their first release, the new album Always is released. The title of the album has been chosen by the band because they want to underline that Stage Dolls is a band that you can always trust. It is an album with 10 well composed songs where melodic rock is alternated with nice ballads. You can compare Stage Dolls` music with Richard Marx (ballads), Bryan Adams, Def Leppard etc. The solid rhythm section provides Flakne the chance to stand out with beautiful guitar riffs. On a number of songs, a guest contribution can be heard from a background singer, something that really adds something to the music. The only drawback of the CD is the short playing time. I don't know if it's easy to buy the album. The website shows only record companies which are active in Scandinavia and Japan, but the album can be ordered by the AOR Heaven web store. I can recommend this album if well crafted melodic rock is your thing. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stagedolls.com
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stagedolls |
80/100 |
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| SUNROAD – Long Gone (CD) | Brasil | April 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Progressive Hard Rock | Running time: 51:25 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| It's been a while since I heard from these guys, I reviewed two of their albums in 2007, while their last studio album was released in 2006. What happened since then, well after the release of 'Flying N' Floating' in 2006 they became one of the most important Brazilian bands and the main Hardrock band from the Midwest of Brasil. They reached the top 5 in American college radios and were invited to many shows. They did a south American tour promoted by the Delzotano management of Peru. In December of 2008 the band released '1996-2006/Ten Years Treating Deafness' a collection of the first ten years of SUNROAD. In July 2009 they were invited to be opening act for the South American tour of Joe Lynn Turner. After that recording sessions started for the new album 'Long Gone', the sixth album from SUNROAD's discography. The sound became more hardrock than it's predecessors due to the twin guitar format now. SUNROAD plays some fine hardrock tunes, performed by skilled musicians with a lot of variation in their music. Also the production is done a lot better than the older albums. The singer isn't the best you can have but does ok, the guitar parts are sometimes fabulous, with lots of soloing on board. But for me it's a bit to commercial, rock radio orientated hardrock. The album also contains the 'necessary' ballads like 'looking for a Trace', and the sing along song 'Feedback' to prove which direction they want to go, and it really is airplay material which will do good on most American radio stations I guess, I doubt however if this will appeal to the European market. Not at all a bad album, but not for the die hard metal fan, but if you are into some good guitar work give them a try, cause they really can play those six strings. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sunroad.com.br
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sunroadgroup |
70/100 |
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| SUPERSONIC SPEEDFREAKS - This Is Year X (CDemo) | Sweden | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Glam Rock | Running time: 11:27 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| SUPERSONIC SPEEDFREAKS is a Swedish Glam Rock band who exists of Sonny (vocals, guitar), Thundah (guitar, vocals), Rob (bass) and Baiser (drums). This 3 track CDemo called "This Is Year X" is just a teaser from their upcoming full length album which the band is recording. SUPERSONIC SPEEDFREAKS is existing three years now and the band is featured on a compilation album "Punk Kills" (2009) and on the split EP "House Of Horror" (2009) with other bands like WEREWOLF SYNDROME, B.T.S. and THE WHIRL. The songs on this demo/EP are "Wildheart", "Bloodrain" and "Drop The Zero", and are all sounding very good. So, we'll just have to wait for the, yet, untitled full length album of these four guys. Anyway, an interesting demo of a nice upcoming band. ' | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/supersonicspeedfreaksofficial |
77/100 |
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| THE 101's – Get What You Deserve (MCD) | The Netherlands | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Punk / Rawk 'n Roll | Running time: 12:58 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| In June 2008 I reviewed the fantastic album “Rehearsal Incidents” of THE 101's, which got 84 points from me. From the very first time I saw THE 101's live (May 17th, 2008 as one of the support acts of PETER PAN SPEEDROCK in De Pul, Uden) I knew the band really had something to make it. The band has a very good presentation on stage and most of all they've got great and catchy punk 'n roll songs. Anyway, THE 101's are existing four years now and the line-up of the band still exists of Andy van de Vossenberg (lead vocals, guitar), Dirk Delisse (guitar), Mark Welten (bass, vocals) and Rens van den Tillaer (drums). Now these young and talented guys are back with a four track EP called “Get What You Deserve”. The first track “Worth For Nothing” is a great opener and reminds me a bit of DE HEIDEROOSJES. On “Rehearsal Incidents” also bass player Mark sung a song (“Aways Drinking, Always Drunk”), but on this EP all songs are sung by Andy, who's a good singer and a fantastic guitarist as well. My only complaint about this self released EP is, why the band recorded an EP instead of another album, because you want more after those four songs. Just like “Rehearsal Incidents”, also this EP doesn't have weak songs, because “Worth For Nothing”, “Get What You Deserve”, “Take Your Time Nobody's Gonna Fool You” and “Dead Man Walking” are all fantastic and catchy songs. Well, THE 101's are still a young talented band with a promising future to me. Next time a full length album again guys. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.101s.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/the101space |
82/100 |
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| THE JADE - Seconds Away From Salvation (CD) | Finland | April 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Alternative | Running time: 47:06 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| "Seconds Away From Salvation" is the debut album of THE JADE, which is a four piece band from Helsinki, Finland. The band was founded in 2004 and exists of Wille Rosen (vocals, percussion), Pekko Mantzin (guitars, backing vocals), Jann P.H. (bass) and Sirpa (drums). Before this album was released, THE JADE had released the EP "Heatwave" (2004) and a mini-CD "Slow Motions On The Fast Lanes" (2006). While listening to "Seconds Away From Salvation", bands who come in mind are THE KILLERS and ONE IN A MILLION. The album counts fourteen tracks and one of those (the last track of the album) is a cover version of pop classic "It's A Sin" of the PET SHOP BOYS. The album is very accessible in my opinion, but not all the songs are equally strong. I would say songs like "Roses Are Burning", "Drowning", "Yesterday's Rain", "Before The Dawn", "In The Air" and "Wake Up" are the best songs. So, it's not really a bad album, but in my view THE JADE will not breakthrough worldwide with this album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thejade.fi
Recordlabel: http://www.northandsouth.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thejadenet |
77/100 |
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| THROES OF DAWN – The Great Fleet Of Echoes (CD) | Finland | April 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: Melancholic Metal | Running time: 54:25 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Throes of Dark is one of the many bands that Finland has to offer these days. Many of the bands coming from the moody Scandinavian area are related to (death) metal and many seem to reflect the atmosphere of the long nights and cold days of the region. It's not surprising that many of these bands tend to be more emotionally dark rather than aggressively. Many albums in this corner of the metal spectrum are lost on me, simply because it takes more basic creative skills if you work with less. In other words, strong melodies and interesting songwriting are very important. I have nothing to complain about in that area with this album. The first thing that comes to mind when listening to this album is Pink Floyd. In particular 'The Division Bell' album. And logically also the mood & colors you find in albums by Porcupine Tree, Opeth and Seigmen. Is this a bad thing? Absolutely not! That I have to think about these bands while listening to this album is a great achievement in itself. Though there are many references to be found and nothing you'll find in this album is really new, the way it is presented here is quite unique. I can't name any album released in recent years that is this impressive and/or moving all the way through. The songwriting is very good without any exception and the songs are arranged with great depth which makes it that none of the longer tracks seem as long as they really are. As you could've expected already great melodies throughout and a singer that can carry both the grunting as well as warm comforting sounding clean vocals. The lyrical themes are well thought through and focus on the darker aspects of the human psyche. The best aspects of this album are found in the contrasts. There is a great balance between screaming and clean vocals, the mid-paced groovy parts and atmospheric landscapes. And there is also a catchiness to the songs. And that is a bit odd. On one hand this album seems not to be build on compromises made to sell it. And on the other hand it is rather easy to get into. For followers of the genre it is definitely a must have album. But it is also a great step-in album. All in all a very impressive and solid album that functions great as a whole. The only downside is that it will probably be difficult to sell in this MP3 single culture we live in these days. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.throesofdawn.com
Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/throesofdawn |
85/100 |
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| WORMROT - Abuse (CD) | Singapore | April 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Grindcore | Running time: 21:00 (Tracks: 23) | ||
| It's always nice to get to know new bands, especially when they're coming from a distant country. It's fun to realise yet again that extreme music is appreciated across the globe. This time I got to know Wormrot, a grindcore band from Singapore. I never was a realy big fan of grindcore allthough I do tend to enjoy the atmosphere of their live performances but overall there's just to much chaos and not enough music in their works. At least that's what I always thought but these newer grindbands tend to create organised chaos in a way that makes it really ejoyable. On this record the thrashy riffs melt fluently with the complete ugly mindblowing sounds of old school grind to become a very cool whole. The drums are superb as expected from an extreme band and the vocals are ugly as fuck, which is actually a compliment in this genre. If you're into this shit and you got 20 minutes to spare, give this one a spin. I sure liked it and would love to see this live. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/wormrotgrind |
80/100 |
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| ABSCESS – Dawn of Inhumanity (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time:52:31 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Last year saw the temporary? The return of Autopsy with a “7” inch “Horrific Obsession” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the classic album “Severed Survival” The band will play at the Maryland Deathfest in May and until then it will remains unclear –read the several interviews with Chris Reifert of the last few months- if the band will go on and maybe record another album under the banner of Autopsy or not. Until we get the answer to that question they will fob someone off with Abscess. With Abscess it will always be just like with Jon Oliva's Pain and Savatage. The fans will always ask for another reunion/ album of the fact that they think that under the other name the band will release another classic. In both cases think again! The only thing that is different is the “name” I think that the sound of Abscess doesn't differ that much from the sound of Autopsy. There maybe are a little more punk influences in the sound of Abscess but that is just it. Apart from that I too have always seen Abscess more as a “project” than as a real band. With “Dawn of Inhumanity” it becomes time to change that thought because this album such a dirty piece of art that the band is on par with Autopsy. Finally! The songs on “Dawn of Inhumanity” are utterly soaked in a dark, miserable atmosphere, wallowing in all the blood and filth they can scrape off of handfuls of power chords and hoarsely growled vocals, violently spewing lyrics about cannibalism, mass murder, and deviant sexuality. Abscess makes the sludgy, heaving style of death metal work for them, unlike many others, making every monolithic sway of their instruments something compelling and great to listen to. It's enormously heavy and brutal without downtuning tremendously or gurgling. It's pretty easy to argue that this album is mercilessly conventional, because it is. But it's conventional in a way that's been pretty unpopular for a number of years now. For people who love the oldschool, doomy style of death metal, there is essentially nothing better out there now. I don't really get how you can dislike this; it does what it sets out to do nearly perfectly. I am telling you the truth, though: if you like the conventions of the style, you'll love this. If you don't, you'll find it listless and boring. It's as simple as that. Stand out dirt: “What have we done ourselves” with the great lyric: “We made this hell and we are here to stay!”, the title track and the heavily Sabbath influenced “Black Winds of Oblivion” | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.abscessfreaks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.peaceville.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/abscessband |
80/100 |
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| ANDRE MATOS - Mentalize (CD) | Brazil | March 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Progressive / Power Metal | Running time: 55:13 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| After his work with Angra and Samhan this is already the second solo album of power metal vocalist Andre Matos. I've always been a fan of Angra but I lost track of the man after his work with that band. I was quite curious when I heard he made some solo work. This second album is quite good for the lovers of the genre. I can hear very decent tracks with lots of variation and of course the great voice of Matos himself. Biggest problem with this album for me is the lack of real power in the songs. Most of them are mid tempo or ballads so the band never goes full throttle. This makes the album a tiring near the end if you're not entirely into this type of music. Overall this is still a very decent album and should be checked out by all fans of the genre. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.andrematos.net
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andrematossolo |
70/100 |
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| ANGELS OF BABYLON – Kingdom of Evil (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 45:43 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Angels of Babylon is a brand new supergroup! Just check out the players. Dave Fefolt (Valhalla, Masi, Forgotten Realm, Hawk) on vocals, Ethan Brosh (virtuoso) on guitars, Rhino (Manowar, Forgotten Realm, Holyhell) on drums and Dave Ellefson (Megadeth and countless other bands) on bass! A rather impressive roster. The question is if the music is corresponding in worth with the value of the personnel. In my opinion the whole effort is very successful. The four personalities have managed to coexist in a very creative way. There are some very strong compositions reinforced by a great production. My personal favourite Dave Fefolt delivers some great performances with his unique voice. Rhino's drumming is meaningful and solid, so is the performance by Ellefson. Ethan Brosch is a great guitarist and I am confident that we will see much greater things from him in the future. There are some songs that I can't stop spinning in my player such as “Conspiracy Theory”, “Night Magic”, “Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen”. The listener will find many things to love about this record. There are classic metal values in this album and the result is melodic power metal at its finest. Let's hope that Angels of Babylon will continue as a group cause “Kingdom of Evil” deserves a successor. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialangelsofbabylon |
82/100 |
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| AVATAR – Avatar (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Speed Metal | Running time: 43:04 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Avatar is a Swedish metal band which is often compared to In Flames. Although there are a lot similarities, Avatar has proven to have a quite original sound of their own. Despite the fact that the band members are approximately 23 years old, they can look back on an impressive career so far. In 2006, their debut album 'Thoughts of no tomorrow' was released and made it to the top five on the Swedish charts. In 2007, 'Schlacht' came out and some successful tours with In Flames and Evergrey followed. Over the years, the band has matured a lot. This comes to show on the band's third and self titled album 'Avatar.' When you are familiar with their previous material, you notice two things straight away: the more melodic approach and the catchy song structures. The biggest talent of Avatar is to create brutal music in the form of songs that stick with you. It is hard for me to point our some specific songs because they are all very strong. As a metal fan, I can strongly recommend you to give this album a try. In a few months they will come to Holland for a few shows. If you check their videos on youtube, I'll bet you also want to go. Great band! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.avatar.net/
Recordlabel: http://www.gain.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/avatar |
85/100 |
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| BARREN EARTH – Curse of The Red River (CD) | Finland | March 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen | ||||
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 54.25(Tracks: 9) | ||||||
This is Barren Earth's first full length. The band consists of members and ex- members from well known bands as Swallow the Sun, Kreator, Amorphis and Moonsorrow. So we can speak of a little all star band here. The band plays a melodic style of death metal with lots of Opeth influences that mostly come from a seventies sounding synthesizer (Melltron). This fundamental division of the soft and heavy parts between the songs as both the biggest flaw and strength this album has. Baren Earth shows a brilliant contrast between these soft and harsh parts of the music which had come to define their sound.
As well as being 'heavier' than their EP the album also has quite a doomy feel about it. Whether this comes from the subtle use of the already mentioned mellotrons or is just part of the atmosphere the music creates at large I'm not sure. What is for certain though is it certainly adds to the release and helps it stand out from Barren earth's EP as well as create a heavier vibe to the album. The music is also a fair bit more technical than the norm, and this is most reflected in the drumming and guitarplaying . some of their winding melodies in favour of some sharper more aggressive riffs. All of this acts as a nice change but will surely disappoint the people that are searching for more aggression. So if you're searching for a good melodic death metal album and you like what Opeth did on their latest releases. Look no further!
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Visit their website: http://www.barrenearth.com
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Recordlabel: http://www.peaceville.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/barrenearth
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83/100 | |||||
| BORKNAGAR - Universal (CD) | Norway | March 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Progressive Black Metal | Running time: 46:54 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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The Norwegian progressive black metal band Borknagar has released their 8th studio album. The album is released in 4 different formats: a regular jewel case, limited digipack, a cd box with extra's and a LP. It's an expensive time for the real fans. The album was recorded and mixed at the Toproom Studio with the band members themselves doing the production. The band was founded in 1994 by band leader Øystein G. Brun who wanted to develop his own musical vision. He was always fond of melodious atmospheric music so he recruited equal minded musicians from famous bands like Immortal, Gorgoroth, Arcturus, Ulver and Enslaved to create a new sound in the traditional black metal scene. So Borknagar was found. It all started with the self-titled album and soon after this release, Century Media signed the band and released the Olden Domain, in my opinion a classic in the scene and also my first acquaintance with the band. After this release, a lot of changes in the line-up took place and at this moment only Brun is present of the original line-up. The band still consists of talented musicians with a lot of experience in the music scene. The album starts quite intense (after a short intro) with the song Havoc, one of my personal favourites. Heavy screams are alternated by the characteristic “clean voice” of Vintersorg, something which can be heard the whole album. In the fourth song, even a jazzy bass loop can be heard. The composition of all the songs is of a really high level again, as I expected. Musical experiments are not shunned, something I can appreciate. However, it has to be said that the second part of the album is less intense compared to the first one, but it still remains at a high level. Borknagar still calls their music Progressive Black Metal, but in my opinion, it's not black metal anymore, maybe only the vocals. Its more progressive metal with Folk and Viking metal influences. I want to suggest that the die-hard black metal fans first listen to the album before buying it. However, Borknagar has released a really good album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myspace.com/borknagar
Recordlabel: http://www.indierec.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/borknagar |
91/100 |
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| BRUCE KULICK - BK3 (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 51:31 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Of course BRUCE KULICK is best known as one of the lead guitarists of the legendary band KISS. Before Bruce Kulick joined KISS in 1984 (first as a replacement for Mark St. John), he had his own band BLACKJACK (with Michael Bolotin a.k.a. Michael Bolton), with whom he released two albums "Blackjack" (1979) and "Worlds Apart" (1980). Bruce also played in THE GOOD RATS (on "Great American Music" (1981), which I still have on vinyl), and played on albums of BILLY SQUIER ("Tale Of The Tape"), MICHAEL BOLTON (1983's self titled album and 1985's "Everbody's Crazy"). When Bruce left KISS, because of the reunion of the original KISS line-up in 1996, he started the band UNION with John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE) in 1997. Together with Corabi and former band mate Eric Singer (KISS, but also BADLANDS, BLACK SABBATH etc.) Bruce is also playing in E.S.P. (ERIC SINGER PROJECT). Since 2000 (or 2001?) Bruce is playing in another legendary rock band, namely in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD (of the classic hit "Some Kind Of Wonderful"). After his KISS period Bruce also played on Gene Simmons' second solo album "Asshole" (2004), LORDI's album "The Arockalypse" (2006), Paul Stanley's second solo album "Live To Win" (2006) and did some contributions on several tribute albums. Anyway, the title of this album "BK3" speaks for itself, it's Kulick's third solo album. His debut solo album "Audio Dog" was released in 2001 and his second one "Transformer" in 2003. "BK3", which was produced by Kulick and Jeremy Rubolino, features twelve fantastic rock songs. On several songs Bruce had special guest contributions, like Gene Simmons (KISS) who sings on "Ain't Gonna Die", Nick Simmons (Gene's son) who does the vocals on the heavy "Hand Of The King", John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE, E.S.P., UNION) who sings on "No Friend Of Mine", Dough Fieger (singer of THE KNACK ("My Sharona"), who recently died of cancer on February 14th, 2010) sings the poppy "Dirty Girl", Tobias Sammet (EDGUY, AVANTASIA) sings and Eric Singer (see above) drums on "I'm The Aminal" and Steve Lukather (TOTO) plays lead guitar on "Between The Lines". Some songs on "BK3" reminds me even of KISS' last studio album with Kulick "Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions" of 1997, and some guitar parts on "Final Mile" reminds me of the KISS song "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II". In fact, the two ballads "I'll Survive" and "Life" are good songs, but are in my opinion the two least tracks on "BK3". "Fate" is a fantastic opener with great guitar solo's. Bruce has a recognizable guitar sound, and it's just a pleasure listening to his awesome guitar solo's on all songs. There are two instrumental songs on "BK3", which are "Between The Lines" and the bonus track "Skydome". "Between The Lines" reminds me even of JOE SATRIANI. The best song on "BK3" is absolutely "I'm The Animal", other favorites are without a doubt "Fate", "Ain't Gonna Die", "No Friend Of Mine", "Hand Of The King", "Dirty Girl", "Between The Lines" and "Skydome". All songs on the album are written by Kulick and Rubolino and some with a third person (in this case the guest performer). What else can I say, "BK3" is an excellent rock album and absolutely a real recommendation. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kulick.net
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/brucekulick |
84/100 |
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| BURN - Universal Justice (CD) | The Netherlands | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 27:16 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| "Universal Justice" is the debut album of Dutch metal band BURN. The band exists of Bjorn Ciggaar (vocals), Leon Hermans (guitar, backing vocals), Ruben van Wiggen (guitar), Waldo Kloor (bass, backing vocals) and Sjoerd Jansz (drums). The band plays a mixture of old school Hard Rock and melodic Heavy Metal like in the '80's. Before this album, the band released a promo single (2006) a promo album (2007), the EP "Lost In Space" (2007) and the single "Danger Zone / Lords Of Metal" (2008). "Universal Justice" brings back that feeling of the '80's, but to be honest, BURN sounds like so many Dutch metal bands did in that period. So, actually it's not really spectacular. In my opinion the weakest link of the band is Ciggaar as a singer. He's too moderate and sounds pretty monotone to me and sometimes even not in tune ("The Palisade"). Okay, sometimes he's yelling high in some songs. About the other members I have no comments. The band does have in Hermans and Van Wiggen two fine guitar players. This album starts with the short instrumental "1038430" on which Menno Gootjes (ex FOCUS, NINEVOLT) plays guitar and Joost van den Broek (ex-AFTER FOREVER) keyboards. Van den Broek also plays on the last track of the album, titled "The Worst Of Time". The songs are just nice compositions. Another guest musician on "Universal Justice" is guitarist Jan Somers (VENGEANCE) who's playing on "Digital Bitch". The band produces this album themselves, and in my opinion the drum sound could be better. My conclusion is that "Universal Justice" is just nice and nothing more. If you're interested in this album, it's for sale for 10 euro. Contact the band at leon@burnmusic.nl. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.burnmusic.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/burnmusic |
69/100 |
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| DAWN OF SILENCE – Wicked Saint or Righteous Sinner (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Heavy Metal | Running time: 44:03 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Dawn Of Silence already exist since 2000 when the members met eachother in school. The common interest for heavy metal and in particular Iron Maiden made them start a band. They hired a rehearsal room and started to play some Iron Maiden covers. Soon they got bored only playing covers, so they started to write their own songs. Their first demo “Eternity” was recorded in a local studio in 2002, later followed by “World Of Lies” and “Follow Your Heart” (both in 2003), “Fear Of Life” in 2004 and “Lost All Hope” in 2005. These demo's were reviewed very well by the international metal press, songs have been played over the radio in various countries and they begun to create a name with their notorious live performances. In 2006 the band got tired waiting for a label to pick them up, so they decided to go into the Black Lounge Studio with Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry, Centinex) as producer/engineer. With him they recorded their first professional album “Moment Of Weakness” in May 2006. The recording paid off, with the same line-up since their start, because Metal Heaven released their debut album at the end of 2006. Since their well received debut album, the band separated with Metal Heaven. In February 2008 they already recorded their second album “Wicked Saint Or Righteous Sinner” (once again with producer Jonas Kjellgren), but almost a year passed until they found a suitable record label in GMR Music Group from Sweden. Dawn Of Silence still plays high quality melodic heavy metal. There are still some Iron Maiden influences, mixed with the sound from bands such as Edguy, Primal Fear, Judas Priest and Dreamland. Most of the songs are played in up-tempo, but there are also some mid-tempo songs as well, always topped off with great, melodic, twinguitar solo's!! Also vocalist/guitarist impresses a lot with his vocals, in the best Dickinson/Sammet style. Hope that they can play a lot of gigs and festivals so that they'll be famous really soon! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dawnofsilence.net
Recordlabel: http://www.gmrmusic.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dawnofsilence |
86/100 |
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| DEVASTATOR – Underground 'n' Roll (CD) | Italy | March 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 30:00 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| DEVASTATOR was originally formed in 2001 under the name Violent Overture by Luca(drums) and Rob(bass), the line-up was completed by Luchino(vocals) and Fano(guitar). A demo was recorded under this name, but in 2002 the name was changed into DEVASTATOR, and a live demo was recorded in 2003 “Live to make war”. After some line-up changes the band records another live demo in 2005 “Alive from Devastation” , and during the summer they entered the studio to record their debut album “Thrash 'n' War” totally self produced. They toured the whole of Italy following the release of their debut album. In December 2006 the band enters the studio again to record the follow up of “Thrash 'n' War”. March 2007 “Alcoholic Invasion” is released, followed by the “Alcoholic Invasion Tour”. October 2007 a 4 song “Promo 2007” is recorded to send to labels and press exclusively. In 2008 the new record “Underground 'N' Roll” is being recorded, followed by it's release in 2009, after again some line-up changes, the band continues now as a three piece band, and some videos were shot for “Cemetery Beach” and “No Scout? Yes, Party”. The music of DEVASTATOR is a combination of thrash metal, hardcore, punk, rock 'n roll, and stoner rock, and includes a lot humour and fun as important ingredients. It's actually quit original, and if compare to something, bands like Mucky Pup, Nuclear Assault come to mind, maybe even some Tankard. Titles like 'Satan Porno Dog', 'Metal J. Fox' or 'I Hate Cover Bands' say it all, these guys make fun, sometimes fast and aggressive, other times more bluesy and rocking' after the last song there is a hidden track in Italian, which sounds actually better than when they (try to) sing in English language. It's an entertaining third album from these guys, and not bad at all, but I doubt if this will be their big breakthrough, but anyway very enjoyable for sure. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.devastator.it
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/devastatorcrew |
74/100 |
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| DOGHOUSE GALLOWS – Dodgy Deals (CD) | The Netherlands | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Doom | Running time: 43:30 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| DOGHOUSE GALLOWS is a four piece metal band from Utrecht, Holland, which was actually known as Death Metal/Grindcore band KUTSCHURFT. But KUTSCHURFT stopped in 2008, so they made a brand new start as DOGHOUSE GALLOWS. The line-up contains of Jorre Jansen (vocals), Mike Ferguson (guitar; also DETONATION), Patrick Velis (bass) and George Oosthoek (drums). Oosthoek was formerly known as the singer of ORPHANAGE. On February 6th, 2010 I recently saw DOGHOUSE GALLOWS live with FRANKIE AND THE WONDERBOYS (FWB) at Café Extase, Tilburg, Holland. That was really a surprise to me, because they fill in for STATIC NOISE. And I've missed DOGHOUSE GALLOWS at FWB's release party of their album “All Fired Up” (see update January 2010) on November 28th, 2009 in Little Devil, Tilburg. Too bad it wasn't that crowded at the time when they played in Extase, but I liked it very much. What struck me, was that they remind me of PRO-PAIN (“No Backbone”), early BLACK SABBATH and a bit of DOWN. The songs on “Dodgy Deals” have great riffs and fantastic grooves. Some songs are even heavy Doom Metal. Ferguson is a very skilled guitarist and Jansen is a singer who sounds like Gary Meskil (PRO-PAIN) to me. The best songs on “Dodgy Deals” are “No Backbone” (superb), “The Last Round Never Comes” (to bad it fades away at the end of the song), “When The Chips Are Down”, the title track “Dodgy Deals”, “The One At The End Of The Line (Ain't Hungry Enough)” and “Cruising For Bruises”. Fantastic debut album guys. Thanks to Jorre for giving me this album to review. Cheers. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.doghousegallows.com
Recordlabel: http://www.laughingarnoldrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/doghousegallows |
80/100 |
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DORO – Fight (re-release) (CD) DORO – Calling the Wild (re-release) (2CD) |
Germany | March 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: True / Power Metal |
Running time: Fight: 1:07:24 (Tracks: 17) Running time: Calling the Wild: 56:10 + 34:18 (Tracks: 15 + 11) | ||
|
What to tell about Doro?? I can tell a whole story about her and how she started as singer of the legendary Warlock but I think that most “real” metal fans already know Germany's leading metal lady for years now. If you don't; well than you're not an oldschool metal head and it has no profit to read this review at all…… Well no long review of these 2 re-releases because most Doro fans already own this albums; only extra are the bonus tracks on both albums. “Fight” has 5 bonus songs and “Calling the Wild “ even has a bonus CD with 11 tracks on it! So for the real die-hard fans its worth checking these albums out! Especially the liner notes are fun to read. Highlights of “Calling the Wild” are the duets Doro is doing with “God” Lemmy Kilmister on 'Love me Forever' & 'Alone Again'. Fun to hear how Lemmy is showing his 'clean emotional' voice…… Check it out!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.doro.de
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/doroband |
--/--- |
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| DREAMLAND – Exit 49 (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Melodic Power Metal | Running time: 43:58 (Tracks: 12) | ||
|
I already reviewed the bands 1st and 2nd album some years ago and both albums where awesome powermetal classics to my opinion. I also managed to get the band over to The Netherlands to play at the first edition of my own festival; Mario's Metal Meeting 1. Because of all the I-Pool download crap from todays metallabels I missed the third album of Dreamland but luckily the band had the decency to send me an original cd a few months ago. Musically the band didn't change change a lot; the only thing that counts me is the fact that the band is sounding more professional than ever before! Their melodic powermetal still pleases me a lot and im still indignant that this band isn't bigger in todays scene?? Musically they are 100 times better than wellknown Swedish bands like Hammerfall, Noctural Rites or Dream Evil. Also singer Jake E is very talented en even sometimes reminds me of Joey Tempest (Europe). The album has a lot of variety in it; a lot of speedy songs but also some awesome ballads. I think that the main problem is their label which is wllknown for not putting any money in bands, especially for touring. So my advice guys; search for another label which will spend money in arranging a tour for the band. Otherwise the band will fizzl imp afraid. Nevertheless musically this album is again great and hopefully I will see the band live again some day….Compliments again!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dream-land.nu
Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard2.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dreamlandmetal |
86/100 |
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| ELYSION – Silent Scream (CD) | Greece | March 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Gothic Metal | Running time: 43.52 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Elysion was founded in 2006 by guitarist and composer Johnny Zero and they come from Greece. Elysion plays catchy Gothic Rock which refers to bands like Evanescence and Italian neighbours' Lacuna Coil. “Silent Scream” is their debut album. The bands line up consists besides Johnny Zero (guitars, synths, programming), FXF (bass), Petros Fatis (drums) and new singer Christianna, who replaced Maxi Nil in early 2008. Replacing a frontman for a frontwoman means that you're immediately categorised in the, nowadays very popular and overcrowded, female fronted scene, especially when you're music can be filed under Gothic Metal. That can be difficult because you have to bring something special to keep your head above water. Elysion doesn't really bring something new but what they deliver us is from a very acceptable, high level. The band combines much styles and elements like pop, gothic, metal, synths, guitars, darky interludes etc. into a wonderful, catchy album. Christianna is blessed with good looks and a beautiful, powerful, well trained voice which she uses fully in the songs. Every track has been worked out very detailed, are well performed and they all listen away very easy. Just listen to “Killing my Dreams” , “Never Forever”, “Walk Away” and “Erase Me” and you know what I mean. Damn fine catchy, Gothic stuff from the highest level. For a debut this is a masterpiece and it brings up memories to another band in the same category listening to the name of, indeed, Evanescence. I hope Elysion has the capacity of making more fine albums instead of following the path of this band. Natalie Shau has done a terrific job creating the really awesome, detailed album cover for a great musical gothic experience that catapults Elysion to the top of its genre. To get there is one thing, to stay there much more difficult, but hey that's for the future and now is now. Promising they are definitely and I hope to catch them live very soon. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elysionmyspace |
85/100 |
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| ERYN NOD DAE – Hydra Lernaia (CD) | France | March 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Dark Metal | Running time: 55:09 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Extreme metal from France this time! The band goes by the name of Eryn Non Dae and is around for quite some years now. In 2007 they started writing and recording for their first full length. After a signing with the prestigious Metal Blade label, 'Hydra Lernaia' was released in the summer of 2009. The world of Eryn Nod Dae is dark and mysterious. The complex riffing and unexpected breaks are bringing a doomy atmosphere to the whole experience. That is suiting the of the music very well and reminds me sometimes of Messugah, who is obviously a big influence to Eryn Nod Dae. You can tell the band members are skilled musicians. This is most notable in the dark, instrumental parts. also some of the tracks have an industrial feel to them. Not bad, but I've expected more from a band that is signed by Metal Blade. 'Hydra Lernaia' is a nice record, but doesn't contain memorable songs. Also the vocals are 'Love it or hate it.' Unfortunately, I belong to the second category. Overall, the band did a nice job for a first record, but I am not convinced yet. Maybe next time? | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.metalblade.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/end1freefr |
60/100 |
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| FATALIST – The Depths of Inhumanity (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 44:16 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Originally known as Stockholm Syndrome, a band playing covers of the Swede-Death classics, Ventura, CA based FATALIST was formed in the spring of 2006 by Wes Caley. Wes (ex-Uphill Battle, ex-Exhumed) decided that he would like to form a version of the band that did original songs instead of cover songs, but in the same style as Entombed, Nihilist, Grave, Dismember and Unleashed. He got in touch with Neil Burkdoll(Dirty Dead, Stump) and realised Neil's Poor project was similar to what Wes had in mind for his Swedish style band. They decided it was time to get together and create FATALIST. Eventually FATALIST enlisted Tyler Castro and Art Hayes to complete the line-up on drums and bass. In late summer of 2007 the band recorded a 7 song demo called 'Loss' and started looking for shows to play in California. February 2008 FATALIST got signed to Ibex Moon Records. In the winter/spring of 2009, they entered the studio to record four more songs to add to the seven songs that were already recorded for the 'Loss' demo. These 11 songs were compiled to make their full length debut album 'The Depths of Inhumanity'. This album proves again that not only all good Swedish Death Metal has to come from Sweden, cause these Americans really know how to do this, Swedish Style. Originality is not the most important ingredient here, but who cares if they sound as good as this album sounds. Their music perfectly in style with earlier mentioned bands, while Wes sounds a bit like John Tardy, and in my opinion should also appeal to fans of Obituary and Six Feet Under. The album has a really fat sound, and some impressive guitarshreds on there, just listen to 'Homicidal Epitaph' for instance. If you are searching for originality, keep searching, but if you are into a great new band playing Death Metal the old school way Swedish Style, you found it, cause FATALIST is that one! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.fatalistband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.ibexmoonrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fatalist666 |
85/100 |
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| FIRST CHILD – Queen of Hearts (CD & DVD) | Germany | March 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 65:26 (Tracks: 16) | ||
| First Child is a rock trio from Germany formed by singer/bass player Cat the Cat. In 2006 they released their debut album called “Souvenirs” which is followed by this 16 (!) tracker “Queen of Hearts”. On both albums the songs were written and composed by Cat, Clark Philips and Mary Susan Applegate. Only Cat is to be heard on the albums and for this one the line up is completed by Bernd Schlemmer on guitars and Stephan Preussner on drums and percussion. I can't say I'm familiar with the band but that doesn't matter. First of all the band certainly knows how to coddle a reviewer because they have send me a very fine package loaded with info, stickers, promo material and a full length cd (without voice-overs) and a bonus dvd ! Now that's what I call a good start. First Child gives us a fine portion of good old fashioned rock'n roll. Let yourself repatriate back to the 60's and 70's and enjoy the sound of some honest, decent rock without compromises. 16 tracks seems a lot, but First Child has succeeded in bringing you enough variation to keep your attention. Their mixture of blues, rock, glam and pop is entertaining and performed very well. The songs are quite simple in their structure but their catchy as hell and it all fits in perfectly. Ballads like the brilliant “Every Bullet” are alternated with classic rocker's like “Queen of Hearts”, “Shout out Devil” and the steamy, heavy “Bones”. The trio delivers a fine job playing their instruments but the real highlight is the voice of Cat. She is capable of using her voice as if it's a multi instrument. It varies from rocking, tender, clear, man she knows them all. The first name that came up to me was the erotic, smokey voice of Lee Aaron, and being a great fan of her, Cat can take that as a compliment. The later, more poppy work of the former Canadian Metal Queen can also be a reference but First Child gets it's influences also by older, more late 60's, party rock. The DVD shows us some video trailers of a few songs and gives us a nice look at their performance. Even though this stuff is not really my cup of tea, I really enjoyed this package. Good stuff for in the car and I think it's excellent music for having a great party when they play live. Cat has the voice and the looks, so who can stop them ! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.first-child.de
Recordlabel: http://www.onslow-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/firstchildbassrock |
83/100 |
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| FORMULA FICTION - Parody Reality (MCD) | The Netherlands | March 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: Thrashy Death Metal with a twist | Running time: 16:03 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Well, here goes my first review for MMM! Could've had a more difficult start, I must say. This first band impressed me really quickly. Formula Fiction hails from Brabant, The Netherlands and since 2007 these guys do everything all by themselves. And I really do mean everything! Artwork, recording, production, mixing etc. - all DIY practices. And for a debut this has all turned out bloody awesome. And the best of it all is that it can reach a wide range of metalheads. Death Heads, Thrashers, Tech-prog-crusaders, even Straightedgers, all can count on a hook in mouth. If these guys manage to keep this level up on stage it will be one hell of a show. And I guess it's then when I will know why they have two singers (or squeallers to be more correct), because I didn't get that yet while listening to the CD. (which is BTW a silver pressed one which generates a few extra points also). It has great artwork and a pretty decent production. Lyrical content is well thought through and sometimes quite offending to humans. Bitter black angry oneliners galore here. There is one thing I could say that isn't positive, but it's a very small dose of criteria, please guys, master the next album a bit less loud. It's not as serious as with oh, let's say "Death Magnetic", but it is way too loud for me personally. Because of the nature of Metal Music it's typically these bands that would benefit from more dynamics and air in the music. Because as awesome as it is, I am completely moshed to a pulp after these 16 mins! Though, most metalheads will read this as a compliment. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.formulafiction.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/formulafiction |
90/100 |
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| FREEDOM CALL - Legend of the Shadow King (CD) | Germany | March 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 56:44 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| German power metallers Freedom Call have yet released a new album. It took them 3 years to release some new material but it seems the time did them well. I'll never be a big fan of this epic (happy) music but I can always appreciate a band like these Germans. This album has everything a decent power metal record needs to have. Nice guitar work, great melodies, nice battles between the guitar and keyboards and all this in support of good vocals. Of course the record also has a few mid tempo songs and the necessary ballads and all of this is wrapped up nicely in this cd. I actually look forward to seeing these songs performed live as I appreciate this type of music more in front of a stage then in my room. Fans of the genre won't be disappointed. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.freedom-call.net
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/callforfreedom |
73/100 |
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| FUELBLOODED - Off the Face of the Earth (CD) | The Netherlands | March 2010 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Melodic Death / Thrash metal | Running time: 48:23 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| This is the second cd of Dutch melodic thrash/death band Fuelblooded. It was recorded in 2008 but released in februari 2010. Their first cd "Inflict the Inevitable" recorded in 2004 and released in 2006 was well received by press and fans and they had a lot of gigs after that.In 2006 Peter Brinkman replaced Vital Welten and they added guitarist Danny Tunker. Man, I like this cd. It`s very varied, combining very good technical thrash metal with some death metal elements.But it`s more thrash than death.Vocalist Peter really controls both grunting as well as `normal`singing. He has a very pleasant voice and it seems very natural. The songs are high standard technical played with good solowork and praise too Michiel and Danny for that. Very good guitarists and although the cd lasts for 48 minutes it doesn`t bore me at all. Drummer Norbert completes the whole. All songs are very well written although one is more interesting than the other.You can really hear that these guys have a lot of experience and that most off them play together for a long time although Fuelblooded started out in 2002. They where formerly known as Sacramental Sachem and they go way back in time. I can`t say nothing bad about this cd. Maybe the production could have been a bit more grungy, philthy. It`s a bit too clean for me. But if you`re into melodic death/thrash in the style of Trivium and Darkane you must check Fuelblooded out. And buy this cd!!!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.fuelblooded.com
Recordlabel: http://www.mykingdommusic.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fuelblooded |
92/100 |
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| HALFORD – Winter Songs (MCD) | United Kingdom | March 2009 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 22:56 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| The Metal God is back! The mighty Rob Halford returns with another solo album. This is his third studio effort, 7 years after the great Crucible album. Winter Songs is actually a collection of traditional Christmas time songs along with some original tunes with a holiday spirit. I am a fan of Christmas albums and on every holiday I always spin some Christmas related albums such as the Twisted Sister one. Although I don't have the full record in my hands (this is just a 5 track promo cd) the feeling I got is that this effort can be characterized as a successful one. Tracks like “Get into the Spirit” or “We Three Kings” are in the Halford power metal spirit and will make you bang your head. “Winter Song” is a fine ballad and “Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel” has been successfully transformed. The only boring tune was “Christmas for Everyone”. Its joyful style just didn't work for me. Those who anticipated a Halford album like Resurrection and Crucible might get a bit disappointed but those who like heavy metal with a holidays twist will surely enjoy it. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.robhalford.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalgodrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robhalford |
77/100 |
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| HELLFUELED - Emission Of Sins (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 39:42 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| First of all, I have to admit that I only knew HELLFUELED by name so far. I didn't know any songs of their albums "Volume One" (2004), "Born II Rock" (2005) and "Memories In Black" (2007), so this fourth album "Emission Of Sins" is my first acquaintance with these Swedish rockers HELLFUELED, who were formed in 1998. When I put this album in my CD-player, and the first song "Where Angels Die" blew through my speakers, I immediately had to think of OZZY OSBOURNE. Really, the vocal lines, but especially the vocals of Andy Alkman sounds scary much like the madman himself. And musically HELLFUELED also sounds very much like OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and BLACK SABBATH. Okay, it sounds not very original, but man…those songs on "Emision Of Sins" are sounding damn good and are very catchy. In fact, there are no weak songs on "Emission Of Sins". Also the production of the album, which was done by Rikard Löfgren (DEATHSTARS, SPARZANZA etc.), is brilliant. Löfgren was also a co-writer of the songs. Jocke Lundgren is just an awesome guitarist with killer riffs and fantastic solos. There's just one instrumental song on "Emission Of Sins", which is the last track of the album titled "Moving On" and reminds me even a bit of JOE SATRIANI. Favorite songs of me are "Where Angels Die", "Am I Blind", "I'm The Crucifix", "A Remission Of My Sins", Lost Forever" and "End Of The Road". Personally I can't compare this album with their previous albums, but "Emission Of Sins" is a superb album anyway, which is absolutely a must if you like the above mentioned bands. Now I'll have to check out their other albums myself as well. Great band. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.hellfueled.com
Recordlabel: http://www.blacklodge.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hellfueled |
86/100 |
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| IGNEOUS HUMAN – Pyroclastic Storms (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 43:02 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| IGNEOUS HUMAN is a five piece metal band from Sweden and exists of Andreas Joelsson (vocals), Ewo Solvelius (lead guitar, classical guitar), Daniel Persson (guitar), Mikael Gustavsson (bass) and John Thorner (drums). IGNEOUS HUMAN was formed in 2008 and arise from the band GAPHIA, a band which originally was formed in 1998. But musical difficulties led to the birth of IGNEOUS HUMAN. Anyway, “Pyroclastic Storms” is the debut album of the band, and features 10 tracks. According to their MySpace page, the album got some very good reviews in the press. Well, actually the band really cannot charm me with this album. To be honest, a song like “You Better Be Dead” is really working on my nerves. Okay, for this genre Joelsson is a good singer and the members play their instruments well, but most of the songs on this album don't impress me. The only few songs which I like a bit are “Birth”, “Quake” and “Redemption”. Oh yeah and the last track of the album called “Tears”, is an instrumental one with classical guitar and some orchestration. Not really a band for me. So if you are curious about IGNEOUS HUMAN, well my advise is to check them out yourself. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.igneoushuman.com
Recordlabel: http://www.tractorprod.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/igneoushuman |
62/100 |
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| LEGEND – The Lost World (CD) | South Korea | March 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Speed / Power Metal | Running time: 70:26 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Legend, a melodic speed metal band from South Korea, was formed in 2006 by guitarist M.K. and bassist Min. Since that time they already played many concerts in the Korean rock scene. Legend also participated in the compilation album “Force Of Glory” together with the Japanese band Black Masquerade, Italian band Crimson Dawn, Russian band Andem and Mytholic from the Netherlands. In 2008 Legend also supported Brazilian band Hibria at their Korean tour concert. At last, after 2 years, they managed to release their debut album “The Lost World” through Evolution Music. It was worth waiting so long because these guys released a very good melodic speed/power metal album!! Most of the 12 songs (there's are a 13th instrumental bonus track!) are played in up-tempo, only two songs are calmer. These two – and the other songs too - songs remind me especially of the calmer songs of Angra. Not only Angra comes to mind when I listen to Legend's debut album, also other famous bands like DragonForce, Stratovarius, Edguy, Helloween, Labÿrinth and Elegy are surely influences of this talented band! Musically Legend sounds very impressive, but also the vocals of Jay Lee are very good, in the best Kiske/Matos way! Hope that a European label will release their album in Europe too, they certainly deserve that. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.legend.pe.kr
Recordlabel: http://www.evolutionmusic.co.kr MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mskingdom |
89/100 |
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| MASQUE OF DEATH – Ivory Cities (MCD) | Spain | March 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: Catchy & Melodic (Death) Metal | Running time: 34:59 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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If Century Media had been sending me this gorgeous debut by Madrid's Masque of Death it would've been their most impressive release since Lacuna Coil's "In a Reverie" from 1999. But they didn't. In fact this band is unsigned. And although I think that Century Media would be the best match for this promising combo, I am afraid for the event to happen. But then again, this EP has Century Media written all over it already. The quality of the songwriting, the arrangements, the artwork and the sheer art of persuasion, it is top-notch all the way. The Masque of Death origins date back to mid 2004, when singer/composer/guitarist Sofía Ruiz and Abel Ramos met at a local University and decide to mount a music group. After several years of trying different styles with various musicians, the two decide to start a melodic metal project. After considering different options the name Masque of Death is chosen for the project, a derivation of the original idea of Sofia Masquerade of Death, which was discarded as being too long. The last year has been nervewrecking for the band because they were still studying but great leaps have been travelled to this very day. Not literally, but in the landscape of creativity and defining the coup. As I said before, this MCD must be the most impressive DIY product I have had the pleasure of absorbing in years, maybe even of all time. Yep, it's that good! Part of the charm comes from Sofía. Not only is she very pretty to look at but her voice will make anyone surrender within the first minute. Cristina Scabbia could be a good reference to give you an idea in which section to look. But as much as I love Miss Scabbia and her Italian posse, she has been poked off the throne by Sofía's mesmerizing voice last week when this masterpiece arrived here. Why I call it a masterpiece, you ask me. Well, what if Within Temptation had the voraciousness of Arch Enemy, and Megadeth the cuteness of The Gathering? Well, then you'd have Masque of Death! Yep, it's that good! Lyrically, Masque of Death reads like the best Jostein Gaarder novel "Sofies verden". Visually this is pretty much drop dead gorgeous. And musically this album has it all. Melody, attack, adventure, mystique, graciousness, vulnerability, catchiness, heavyness and balance. And a sometimes unpredictable blackhaired atomic kitten. I would've provided info on which track is the best then. But I simply can't. Opener "Abeyance" is a good candidate for being the favorite with it's marvelous solo's and massive impact, but so is "Black Red Roses" with it's catchy persuasive swing and "Numedak" is sounding like the Dead can indeed Dance. "Darkest Eyes" is Iron Maiden like Maiden never managed to be and "The Shape of Things to Come" is simply the track I was hoping Queensrÿche would release in the last decade. Again, it's that good! The strongest point of Masque of Death is it's capability to move the listener and make him or her feel really thankful to be "Alive". And to kick it in the m**her**cking a**! The songs are quite long, with an average of 5 minutes each, but there is never any dull moment going through this magical piece of Efteling Metal. As it suits a Spanish band typically, you will hear many acoustic flamingo style passages performed in a way only the Spanish can. And though the songwriting is very catchy and the main vocals butterscotch sweet, this album should be most able to impress the die-hard metal-heads among us too. Lots of tempo-changes and surprisingly clever fills, and lots and lots of passion, it all adds up to a legendary debut. And, boy oh boy, that voice! That voice! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.masqueofdeath.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/masqueofdeath |
99/100 |
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| MONDRIAN OAK – Through Early Seed (MCD) | Italy | March 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Post Metal | Running time: 35:34 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| With the post metal scene it will go in the same direction as with al the other “scenes” At first there are some bands that define the sound after that bands will copy the sound of the originators and after that the scene will burst and the strong ones will survive. Mondrian Oak has obviously listened to those originators such as Neurosis, Pelican and Cult of Luna. Especially that last band constantly comes in mind. It seemed that “Somewhere Along The Highway” has been a big inspiration for these Italian guys. Unlike Cult of Luna Mondrian Oak is an instrumental band which you see more in this genre. With instrumental albums it is always more difficult to captivate the whole album through. The most important thing with post metal though are mostly the contrasts between the slower ambient like parts and the outbursting heavy metallic parts. There's nothing wrong with the ambient parts presented here. They're interesting and let you flow away into another dimension. It is with the heavy parts that Mondrian Oak is lacking something. This definitely has something to do with the production which is not as great as on the albums from the “masters” mentioned earlier in this review. Otherwise Mondrian Oak has to do something to sound more original. So what's left is a band that must try to do something innovative. Otherwise they won't be reckoned as a “strong one” and automatically won't survive. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.consoulingsounds.be MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mondrianoak |
60/100 |
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| MORTEMIA – Misere Mortem (Radio PromoCD) | Norway | March 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Dark Gothic Metal | Running time: 12.48 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Morten Veland thought it was time for a new project. Solo this time and if you write, produce and fill in all the instruments yourself what's a better name for it than give it your own adding “mia” to it. Well, the mastermind of Sirenia and the first two Tristania albums simply does it again. This is Dark Gothic as it should be. Is it surprising then? No, the album gives us more of what we have heard on Tristania's “Beyond the Veil” (even the same French choir has added their vocal talents for this one) and the first two Sirenia albums “At Sixes And Sevens” and “An Elixer For Existence”. But it's done so good ! The album provides us solid, heavy songs, led in by classical arrangements supported by the deep grunts of the master himself. Let's be honest, no one in this genre has a more perfect, aggressive voice for this kind of work. No clean vocals by some lovely lady on this one but in every song a choir. It makes a comparison with the older Therion work. The tracks “The New Desire”, “The One I Once Was” and “The Vile Bringer Of Self Destructive Thoughts” (wow, what a name for a song !) are all of a very high level and they should be representative for the rest of the upcoming album. Personally I hope Morten doesn't end Sirenia because I saw them live twice on the “Beauty and the Beast” tour last November and they impressed me a lot. To my opinion there is enough place for both of them. Maybe a tour together ? If you are into some damn fine, well produced heavy Dark Gothic like Tristania, Sirenia, Therion and Eternal Tears of Sorrow to name a few, than this is definitely something for you. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.mortemia.no
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/moremiano |
84/100 |
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| MYSTERY BLUE – Hell & Fury (CD) | France | March 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Melodic Speed / Power Metal | Running time: 48:25 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Mystery Blue is one of France oldest metal bands and I reviewed their latest album “Claws of Steel” already in January 2007 (see Archive CD/DVD reviews). That album was a highlight for me and I rated it with 92 points out of 100. A very high rate for me. The more curious I was after this new release which is released by the bands new label Bernett Records. Why they left Mausoleum Records is a 'blue mystery' to me because that label had a kind of cult status which I can't say from Bernett Records. Bernett Records has of course a few other French bands in their roster like ADX and Mr. Jack (with ex-Vulcain and ex-H-Bomb members) but still it's a lot smaller than Mausoleum Records. Well back to the music; Mystery Blue continues with the music they make for years now; powerful speed/powermetal with female vocals. Personally I still am convinced that Nathalie is one of the best female metal vocalists in the metal scene even if her pronunciation isn't always that good. When you compare this album with its predecessor than I have to say that im a bit disappointed; simply because there are a few weak songs on this album (Metal Attack & Piece of Eternity) and production wise it's a sounding weaker than “Claws of Steel”. Nevertheless it's a good album and its time to get the band over to The Netherlands again (I already did a few years ago when I co-organised the THF festivals in Tilburg). Hope the band still likes my rate even when it's a lot lower than its predecessor's rate……. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.mysteryblue.com
Recordlabel: http://www.bernett-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mysterybluefr |
80/100 |
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| NATION DESPAIR – Ruins (MCD) | Finland | March 2010 | Eddy_litE |
| Style: To the point Modern Death Metal | Running time: 16:03 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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This six track debut by Nation Despair from Finland kicks in full blast right away. And boy it kicks in good! To give you an idea on why that is, I can tell you that I am now officially back into Death Metal. For years all I really listened to were the classics from before 1999 or something. You know, Tristania's "Widow's Weeds", Opeth's "My Arms, your hearse", Sentenced's "North from here" those kinda albums. Well, to be honest, Nation Despair isn't there yet but they come pretty close goddamnit! Again, this is an unsigned band that has created itself a glorious opportunity to go where they wanna go without a recordcompany. They needed to because there is no recordcompany. But they don't need a recordcompany the way I see it. They managed to create a very impressive debut all by themselves. And with the new possibilities of using social networks and promotional tools that are popping out from all directions in the cyberworld it shouldn't be that hard to reach the targeted audiences. These are the times my friends. If you are clever and moreover willing to give it all, go ahead and take the world by storm. Recordcompanies as they have exsisted for decades are history. A new world order has started to take shape and Nation Despair is making me believe this even stronger than I did yesterday. No kidding! Matter of fact, these are the kind of bands that I am personally willing to promote on my own profile. Nation Despair is making absolutely no compromises, they aim, shoot and own. In 24 minutes they built up a willpower inside of me that is pretty intense. And straight to the point, because as they say themselves: "We arranged the songs to be tighter and stripped them from all excess." Man, most new albums I need or want to experience are way too long for me and I start skipping through them very easily. Not with this baby! I want to spin it again, and that's exactly what I am going to do now. On 11! Bloody Hell! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nationdespair |
95/100 |
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| OV HELL – The Underworld Regime (CD) | Norway | March 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 37:35 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Wow! This is a release I was really waiting for the last couple of weeks. I know, when you're desperately waiting for a release most of the times it disappoints. Well, ladies and gentleman, this is not the case with Ov Hell, a new all-star band formed by King ov Hell (Ex- Gorgoroth, Godseed). When he met Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir) a few years ago they promised each other to release something musically in the future. After the retiring of Gaahl from the metalscene Godseed was automatically put on ice for an unknown period and King ov Hell contacted Shagrath. Shortly after he rope guitarists Teloch (1349) Ice Dale (I, Aydrey Horne, Enslaved) and last but not least Frost on drums (Satyricon, 1349). So yes, we can speak of a real all star group. The material presented on “The Underworld Regime” is in fact material that would be used for God Seed. I that a problem? No, for me it isn't. It's good to hear some good black metal from Norway again. Of course the material sounds like the last two Gorgoroth releases. What would you think the man wrote almost all the music on these releases! So take in mind these two releases with some great intro's and some good chosen samples and creepy noises and voila you have the sound of Ov Hell in a nutshell. Besides all this it is great to hear Shagrath sing naturally without effects. The man has a great voice despite what you think of him as a person or because of the fact that he's the lead singer of Dimmu Borgir. While perhaps this not a completely original work of art when compared to so many of the genre's classic releases of the early and mid 90s, Ov Hell's “the Underworld Regime” stands out in a modern Black Metal scene all too comfortable to sound as accessible and current as possible. For those who miss the aura that seemed to surround the early Scandinavian Black Metal explosion, The Underworld Regime is a fitting homage and an excellent reminder that the ability to create such a mysterious and bleak atmosphere is not yet dead! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.indiedist.no MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ovhell |
89/100 |
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| PRIESTESS - Prior To The Fire (CD) | Canada | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Metal | Running time: 46:39 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| PRIESTESS is a Canadian rock band existing of Mikey Heppner (lead vocals, lead guitar), Dan Watchorn (guitar, vocals), Mike Dyball (bass) and Vince Nudo (drums, vocals). The band debuted in 2004 with their album "Hello Master" which got positive reviews. Now they are back with their second album "Prior To The Fire". The album features eleven tracks and opens strongly with "Lady Killer", which reminds me, because of the riffs, of WARGASM. In Heppner the band has a fine singer and guitarist, but the one who notices me the most on this album is absolutely Nudo, what a fantastic drummer he is. Sometimes there are some beautiful twin guitar parts of Heppner and Watchorn in some songs like in "Raccoon Eyes", "The Gem" and "Lunar", which reminds me very much of THIN LIZZY. Other influences I hear are from BLACK SABBATH and MONSTER MAGNET. The production of "Prior To The Fire" was done by David Schiffman (SYSTEM OF A DOWN, MARS VOLTA, NINE INCH NAILS) and sounds very good. The songs on "Prior To The Fire" are very good compositions. My favorite songs are "Lady Killer", "Raccoon Eyes", "Murphy's Law", "The Gem", "Lunar", "It Baffles The Mind" and "We Ride Tonight". Absolutely a nice album for checking out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.priestessband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.teepeerecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/priestess |
80/100 |
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| ROBIN BROCK – Monsters (CD) | Canada | March 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 39:37 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| This is the third album of this Canadian rock diva, who teamed up with, as she calls it, 'hitmaker' John Capek. Robin's voice is in the style of Pat Benatar meets Shania Twain, according to the bio. I would add Deborah Harry (Blondie), be it a bit darker. The songs are a crossover between hard rock, pop and alternative rock. Each songs has its own structure and style, and all are quite different when compared to each other. Not all of them are equally strong; most of them sound like US radio mainstream rock songs. That would indicate there is also a ballad on this album; I think ' Solitary Girl' qualifies as ballad, beautifully sung, but in my personal opinion the song could have used a blistering guitar solo after hearing all these sweet melodies… In the end, I think the cd can be qualified as ' rock' , without the 'hard' part. For the future, I hope that Robin will write songs with someone else (like Stan Bush); I believe these two are able to create fireworks together…. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.robinbrock.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robinbrockrocks |
70/100 |
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| SECRET SMILE – This is Our Tome Now (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic Rock / AOR | Running time: 52:05 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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With the album “This Is Our Time Now”, Secret Smile has released their fifth studio album. This album is dedicated to Fran Lebinski who played a very important role within the band for 20 years. This new album is released after a period of five years of relative silence. The title “This Is Our Time Now” has been chosen because the entire first half of their careers, Secret Smile had to fight against the music industry's attitude towards melodic rock music. An additional problem was that grunge music was too popular to get airplay. The band was formed in the late 1980`s in Connecticut (USA) and since the beginning, the band has build up a loyal fan base. Their debut album was released in 1994 and was called Anatomy. It`s successor was released in 1997 (Brick It!). During tours, they supported acts like Meatloaf, Foreigner, Patty Smith and Dokken. After a break of 5 years, the band reunited in 2003 releasing “The Road Less Traveled”. Secret Smile plays AOR hard rock in the style which was very popular in the '80`s. The music does not sound really innovative, but it is very easy on the ears. Other people will maybe call it “safe”. The sound of the songs is great; typical characteristics are layered guitars supported by keyboards, strong melodies and nice vocal arrangements. I have no favorite song; the level of all numbers is almost identical. Maybe you can call the songs on the album “feel good songs”, something which fits best my opinion. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialsecretsmile |
77/100 |
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| SHYLOCK – Rockbuster (CD) | Germany | March 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 47:57 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| A couple of years ago I wrote a review for the previous Shylock album called Devotion. Let me quote myself: “No need to mention that Shylock is considered as one of the premium German hard rock bands. With classic albums such as Welcome to Illusion and Pyronized, the band has established a strong household name and judging by the new album Devotion, it shows no signs of slowing down. Devotion includes no experimentations or innovations. It's just melodic hard rock the way Scorpions and Bonfire taught it; with catchy choruses, massive hooks and leads and loads of rhythm. The songs have that hit quality that assures airplay. Matthias Schenk remains that classic value with a fine voice reminiscent of Lessman (Bonfire) and Lenny Wolf (Kingdom Come, Stone Fury, etc.). The only drawback is the weak production. The drums sound a bit weird and there is a certain lack of volume. Apart from that, Devotion will appeal to every hard rock enthusiast out there.” Having said that, my contribution to the review of Rockbuster is that this brand new effort is even better than its predecessor with a much better and updated production! There are some hard rock dynamites included like Just for U and Rose of Cairo that will get you hooked for good. These guys did it again! If you want your hard rock spiced with Bonfire and Pink Cream 69 touches, Shylock is the way to go. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.shylockmusic.de
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shylockmusicde |
80/100 |
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| SOL SKUGGA - Fairytales And Lullabies (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Pop / Alternative / Classic / Celtic / Folklore | Running time: 50:24 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| SOL SKUGGA, which means Sun Shadow, is a Swedish female singer songwriter with a very wide range of music styles. The albums which Skugga has released so far are "Swimming Without Webbed Toes" (2007) and "Gardenia" (2008). "Fairytales And Lullabies" is her third album and was released in October 2009. You can hear she's classically schooled, because Sol has a very beautiful voice. But don't expect any metal songs on this album. There are a few up-tempo pop songs, but most of the songs are very calm with piano or Celtic influences. "Fairytales And Lullabies" is a very beautiful album, with beautiful songs like "Burn Her", "This Is My Time", "Fairytales And Lullabies", "Quietly Crucified", "Sweet Lullaby", "Letter To Myself", "Simply Me" and "Slowly Fading", which give me goosebumps sometimes. But it is NOT an album meant for metalheads, punkers or hardcore freaks, unless you have a broad music taste. "Fairytales And Lullabies" is more something for anyone who's into KATE BUSH or TORI AMOS etcetera. Anyway it's a wonderful album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.solskugga.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/solskugga |
82/100 |
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| STATE OF ROCK – A Point Of Destiny (CD) | Germany | March 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 46:07 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Another old geezer project. TNT's Tony Mills hooked up with German guitarist Robby Böbel and his old Frontline mates Rami Ali and Hutch Bauer, and together they made this State Of Rock album. Referring to a ' state of the art' album in the good old sense of the word, the album starts out quite good but after a few songs, boredom comes in and never leaves again. The songs are OK in average but I hear nothing that is really new or exiting. Maybe ' state of the art' really means the way that old fashioned hardrock should sound; they are telling the truth about that part. Melody, choirs, excellent guitarwork, but sadly never a sparkling moment for the listener to stand up and get all excited. Personally, I would have preferred a vocalist with a slightly darker voice. Tony's vocals have never been my favourite, and this album didn't change my mind about that. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stateofrock.net
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stateofrockmusic |
71/100 |
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| T.C.F. – Speed or Bleed (MCD) | The Netherlands | March 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 9:48 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| Thrash Core Fanatics or T.C.F. is a furious fast thrash/crossover outfit, featuring long time friends Rob Slaughter (Incremental) and Hans Hostile (ex-Enforcer). They met nearly 10 years ago at the University of Professional Education in The Hague. At that time Rob played in a thrash metal band (Paveway), while Hans played in a punk band. When Paveway was looking for a second guitarist, Hans stepped in for some time, but Hans and Rob stayed in contact. In 2006 Hans recorded Incremental's second demo in his home studio, during those sessions the idea was born to start up an uncomplicated, fun, fast and furious thrashcore project, T.C.F. was born. In 2007 they recorded their 'Core '88' demo, and Noise Gate Nick was asked to join the band as guitar player, and Hans switched to bass/vocals. From early summer 2008 the band has been rehearsing and writing new songs, and first gigs were played spring 2009. The first result of this collaboration is now spinning rounds in my player, the E.P. 'Speed or Bleed'. The mixing is done by the band themselves, since nobody knows better how they want to sound than the band themselves, mastering was done by Robert Soeterbroek (ex-Blatant Yobs) and his Temple of Boom Studio. 'Speed or Bleed' sounds really old school in a good way, aggressive fast and furious thrash crossover with a good production, their music is comparable to that of D.R.I. or S.O.D., unfortunately it's over before you know it, this is way too short, just 5 songs in almost 10 minutes. Great thrash songs, no doubt about that, like 'Çore '88' , 'Dead on Arrival', 'Scumbags', 'Same Shit' and 'See Nothing, Hear Nothing', but I want more! I love this stuff, if you like it the old school way, without sounding old and dusty, listen to this and you won't be disappointed. Next time a full length album please! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thrashcorefanatics |
89/100 |
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| THE BONESMEN - Deuce (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 36:00 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| THE BONESMEN is a four piece rock band from New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The line-up of the band exists of Frank Thomas (lead vocals, guitar), Mark Turko (lead guitar, vocals), Ken Dempsey (bass, vocals) and Drew Carrano (drums, vocals). Their debut album "Skin And Bones" was released in 2007 and this second album, which is titled "Deuce", was released in October of 2009. On their biography they say "The Bonesmen is your drunken uncle's rock 'n roll, combining two essential stylistic elements: Country and Blues". Well to me it doesn't sound like a mixture of Country and Blues. Only on the last track "Slow Down", you hear some Country guitars (at the beginning and at the end of the song). I would say it's just Rock. The band reminds me more of bands like THE BLACK CROWES ("Morning Noon Or Night"), ROLLING STONES ("Cloud") and a little bit of the early KISS. Thomas is a good singer and Turko is an excellent lead guitarist. "Deuce" was produced by Carl Osgood and the band themselves and sounds very good. Also the songs are very good compositions, with fantastic hooks. Okay, THE BONESMEN are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but what they do, they do it good. It's just pure and honest rock and roll they make. "I Believe" is a kind of a ballad, and is in my opinion the least song of the album. The band also recorded one cover on "Deuce" which is THE MONKEES classic hit of 1966 "Last Train To Clarksville" (a song which is covered by many others), and is a very nice version. Absolutely not a bad album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thebonesmen.com
Recordlabel: http://www.angelcreekrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebonesmenband |
74/100 |
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| THE MARY MAJOR - 04:13 (CD) | Sweden | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 41:07 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| THE MARY MAJOR is a Swedish Metal band which arose from the ashes of Gothic/Doom band BESEECH in 2006. The band exists of Lotta Höglin (vocals), Erik Molarin (vocals), Daniel Elofsson (guitar), Jörgen Ström (bass) and Jonas Strömberg (drums). Actually, Ström is the only "new" member, because all other members were in BESEECH, which was a very nice Gothic/Doom band. Anyway, "04:13" is the debut album of THE MARY MAJOR and was released on their own label TMM Productions. The production was done by the famous Beau Hill (ALICE COOPER, FIONA, EUROPE, RATT, WINGER) and sounds very good. A band which comes in mind on several songs, while listening to "04:13" are Goth legends THE SISTERS OF MERCY ("Morning Sickness", "Settled Temptation", "Time Of Death"). But also TYPE O NEGATIVE. I think that's because of the dark vocals of Molarin. Just like in BESEECH, all songs on this album are sung together by Höglin and Molarin. And this combination of male and female vocals works perfect. The material of BESEECH was more dark and depressive instead of these songs, but there's still a resemblance. Songs which are in my opinion less are "Ambush" and "Smuck". Even "Smuck" annoys me a bit. The best songs are "Stage 7", "Split", "Morning Sickness", "66 A.M.", "Theme For Darlene", "Time Of Death" and the longest track of the album "The Moon Motel". Very nice debut album. If you like the above mentioned bands, then it's worth checking out this album. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.themarymajor.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themarymajor |
80/100 |
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| THE RETALIATION PROCESS – Downfall (CD) | Germany | March 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Metalcore | Running time: 45:50 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Enthusiasts of the so called 'New Wave of American Heavy Metal' have no reason to complain at the moment. Over the past few months, a lot of prominent bands came out with their new material, but also a lot of new bands are stepping up to the plate. The Retaliation Process is a good example in this matter. Although they only been active for a year or two, their first album 'Downfall' was recently released. Fans of Lamb of God, Shadows Fall and The Haunted beware: The Retaliation Process is a force to be reckoned with. With 'Downfall' they did not make an instant classic, but it is indeed a record that will keep you on the lookout of more. The music is aggressive, but at the same time very melodic with powerful vocals. Next to the usual ingredients you can also find some death and thrash influences which makes it very brutal. All good stuff, you would say. True, but The Retaliation Process is struggling with the same problem like a lot of other bands in the genre. And that is that they're not able to keep me focused the entire album. On the second half of the album, the term 'Where have I heard this before?' comes to mind. That is a shame, because in songs like 'Blindfolded' and 'Carnal Addiction,' you really can here the potential of this band. Nevertheless is 'Downfall' and album that might be interesting for enthusiasts of the above mentioned bands and Metalcore fans in general. Don't focuss to much on the negative part in this review, because The Retaliation Process has a lot to offer. Really nice album and very promising for the future… | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.silverwolf-productions.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theretaliationprocess |
78/100 |
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| VAN CANTO - Tribe Of Force (Radio PromoCD) | Germany | March 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: A Cappella Metal | Running time: 18:03 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| VAN CANTO is an A Cappella Metal band from Germany, and was formed in 2006. Well, this is totally new to me, because I never had heard something like this before. VAN CANTO is a band with no guitars or bass, just only a drummer and five singers. The band exists of Dennis Schunke (lead vocals), Inga Scharf (higher lead vocals), Stefan Schmidt (lower rakkatakka vocals, wahwah solo guitar vocals), Ross Thompson (higher rakkatakka vocals), Ingo Sterzinger (lowest dandan vocals) and Bastian Emig (drums). So far these Germans have released the following albums: "A Storm To Come" (2006) and "Hero" (2008). On February 26th, 2010 the third album, titled "Tribe Of Force" has been released on Napalm Records. The songs on this radio promo are "Rebellion" (cover of GRAVE DIGGER), "My Voice" and a cover version of the METALLICA classic "Master Of Puppets". Schunke and Scharf are the two lead singers of the band and Schmidt, Thompson and Sterzinger are imitating the guitars and bass with the help of amplifiers to get a closer sound to the original instruments. And actually it sounds very funny. Anyway, "Tribe Of Force" is an album with thirteen songs, of which two are the above mentioned ones. Three songs of the album also features guest musicians. Victor Smolski (RAGE) appears on "One To Ten", Chris Boltendahl (GRAVE DIGGER) sings along on "Rebellion" and Tony Kristian Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA) sings along on "Hearted". On their MySpace page I have also listened to "Lost Forever", which is the first track of this new album. To be honest, of this promo disc, I don't like "Rebellion" that much, but "My Voice" and the "Master Of Puppets" version are fantastic. Even Schunke sounds like mister Hetfield on it. And Scharf has a beautiful voice as well. Anyway, a nice promo single. ' | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.vancanto.de
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vancanto |
72/100 |
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| VEKTOR - Black Future (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Progressive Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 1:08:03 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Vektor is a fairly new US thrash band that combines lot's of style into one mix. With 'Black Future' they now release their second album. Funny story is that I got a request on Myspace by these guys because they saw I was a big fan of Death. I checked them out and was blown away and I have enjoyed their cd lots of times by now. From the opening song to the finisher this is an ode to the progressive cd's of one of the greatest bands on earth: Death. Great drum work, technical guitar work which still produces great thrash riffs and vocals that even sound a bit like Chuck. Throw in some more thrashy influences and you got yourself a great band. Normally I'm a fan of old school stuff but this is how progressive music should sound. Fans of the latest Death records must buy this record. You'll have a hard time getting it out of your cd player again. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.heavyartillery.us
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vektor |
90/100 |
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| YEAR LONG DISASTER – Black Magic: All Mysteries Revealed (CD) | USA | March 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 42:30 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Year Long Disaster was founded in 2004 and consists of three talented musicians: Daniel Davies (Guitars and Vocals; son of Kink`s Ray Davies), bassist Rich Mullins who plays in Karma to Burn, and drummer Brad Hargreaves (from Third Eye Blind). In 2007, Year Long Disaster launched their self-titled debut album and it received really good critics. Since then they toured with The Cult, Velvet Revolver and the Foo Fighters, no small bands at all! At the end of 2008, with 2 years of intensive touring behind them, the band secured Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Rush) to produce their new album. This new album, called “Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed”, was recorded at the famous Sound City Studios in Los Angeles. It contains 11 quite nice songs which are well composed and it has to be said that the musical level stays high as the album progresses. That happens not always. The style of the album is heavy rock with influences of Rock and Roll and sometimes also a little bit of stoner rock. The guitar plays a prominent role, but the rhythm section provides a solid base to let Davies excel. Their first album received good critics, but with Black Magic: All Mysteries Revealed, Year Long Disaster has released a worthy successor, something which is very important for the continuation of a band. The first single, “Show Me Your Teeth” is available now as a free download trough www.yearlongdisaster.com. You can see the band live on 3 April at Paaspop (Schijndel) and on 10 April in Het Depot in Leuven (Belgium). I can recommend you to visit one of these concerts. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.yearlongdisaster.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/yearlongdisaster |
78/100 |
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| AFTER DEATH – RETRONOMICON (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Melodic/Weird/Occult Death Metal | Running time: 1:14:38 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| I already reviewed a CDemo of this band way back in 2004; “Reviving the Gods” (see Archive CD/DVD reviews). After Death is the brainchild of ex-Nocturnus drummer/singer Mike Browning. Mike toured Europe last year with this band under the Nocturnus name because he still had the rights to tour Europe under that name; outside of Europe the name Nocturnus is claimed by other ex-members. After Death is not that spectacular as Nocturnus was for me years ago but still this band makes an original type of metal and also like in the older Nocturnus days; they use a lot of keyboards in their music which is quite unique for a deathmetal band! The songs of the “Reviving the Gods” Cdemo are also on this full length album and it suits me that it all sounds much heavier than during their 2004 period. The album is filled with 3 demos because after “Reviving the Gods” the cd also contains the “Secret Lords of the Chamber Below” & “Vibrations” demo recording but all mixed much better than the original stuff. This is a very nice 'compilation' but no fast-food for die-hard deathmetal fans; this is stuff for fans with a wider musical horizon….Check them out!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.afterdeath666.com
Recordlabel: http://www.iron-pegasus.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/afterdeath |
81/100 |
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| AGE OF EVIL - Get Dead (MCD) | USA | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 25:29 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| AGE OF EVIL is a very young and talented metal band from Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A.. The band exists of the brothers Jeremy Goldberg (vocals, rhythm guitar; 19 years old) & Jacob Goldberg (bass; 18 years old) and the brothers Jordan Ziff (lead guitar; 18 years old) & Garrett Ziff (drums; 20 years old). According to their biography, in 2007 AGE OF EVIL already released "Living A Sick Dream". This EP "Get Dead", which is my first acquaintance with AOE, features six tracks, which are "Cruel Intentions", "Get Dead", the covers "Slave To The Grind" (SKID ROW) and "The Hellion/Electric Eye" (JUDAS PRIEST) and live versions of "Eye For An Eye" and "Glimpse Of Light". Weakest link, in my opinion, are the vocals of Jeremy Goldberg, although he sings "Slave To The Grind" pretty good. But especially on their own material, he sounds a bit moderate to me. And man, what a great guitarist Jordan Ziff is. Just listen to his fantastic solo's, awesome. It's just like Yngwie Malmsteen is playing on "Cruel Intensions". In my opinion the only songs of their own material which are less are the two live ones. "Cruel Intentions" and "Get Dead" are fantastic, and both covers versions on this EP are very good. My only complain is, why put two covers and two live songs on an EP instead of 4 other songs of themselves? Very interesting band, and I think with a very good singer AGE OF EVIL will make a big improvement. But a very nice self released EP. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ageofevil.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ageofevil |
77/100 |
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| ANGER AS ART – Disfigure (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Oldschool Thrash Metal | Running time: 42:57 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Anger as Art's founding member is Steve Gaines - a thrash metal veteran associated with Abattoir, Bloodlust, Tactics, Bitch, Dreams of Damnation, and others. In
2004, a demo CD under his own name was released and in 2006 followed by the first CD under the AAA name; “Callous and Furor” which I reviewed in February 2007 already. During that release I had as only complain that AAA used to much hardcore/crossover elements in their music. Luckily the new album is more thrash than his predecessors. Also productionwise this album is a big step forward and I hope the band will get the support they deserve! The line up has changed a lot but with William Rustrum and the legendary rhythm section Dave Chedrick and Angelo Espino (both ex-Hirax), Anger As Art will be bringing their brand of anger inspired thrash metal to the world this year. Lately I heard that both William Rustrum & Dave Chedrick are both replaced by Danile Oliverio & Rob Alaniz (both also Abattoir members). I really love this album and I will try everything to get this band over to Europe ASAP!! Hopefully I can manage to add them to one of my upcoming events in The Netherlands. If you re into oldschool thrash, think of bands like Overkill & Nuclear Assault, you should check these guys out ASAP!! Great album on which I couldn't find one moderate song; all songs are full speed straight in your face classics!!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.angerasart.com
Recordlabel: http://www.osmrecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/angerasart |
90/100 |
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| ARNAUD KRAKOWKA – Parallel Dimensions (CD) | The Netherlands/France | February 2010 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Rock / Metal | Running time: 36:02 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Arnaud Krakowka is a French guitar player and composer. Arnaud is originally from the South of France but currently lives in the North of Holland. He was originally inspired by classic rock bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Jimi Hendrix. Classical music and especially the Baroque genre, changed his way of considering music and composing. The instrumental rock scene also had a big impact on him. All these influences made him the original and versatile guitarist/composer he is today. Arnaud played in several bands and recorded also some demo's. In March 2009 Arnaud created his own recording studio in his house and started working on his first solo album. He recorded, produced, mixed and mastered eight of his own compositions. “Parallel Dimensions” is a journey through time and universe. Main influenced which can be heard on his 8 instrumental compositions are especially James Byrd, Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman and Jimi Hendrix. So most of the time neo-classical guitar playing, without being too shredding, but sometimes also some psychedelic Hendrix stuff. Arnaud certainly is a very gifted guitarist, and “Parallel Dimensions” is an excellent debut solo album of him!! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/arnaudkrakowka |
86/100 |
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| AS MEMORY DIES - Transmutate (CD) | Italy | February 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 49:28 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Transmutate is a melodic death metal band with progressive influences. They started in 2005 in Italy and have recently released their debut Transmutate. It appears the band took it's time to make an album that went through an entire creative process cause this just sounds kind of weird to me. The album had a mix of all different styles and switches between agressive parts slower more subdued pieces. Overall this is an album that will definatly need more than a few spins to completely get. Of course to have the patience for these few spins isn't given to all and I as well had trouble listening to it completely in one go. Main reason for this are the vocals that I just can't get used to. The fact that overall I'm not that big of a progressive fan is of course something not to be overlooked. All in all these are fine musicians who made an album that is worth checking allthough it's not my cup of tea. | |||
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Visit Their Website: http://www.asmemorydies.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/asmemorydies |
61/100 |
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| BLAZING CLASH – Blazing Clash; Princess of Rock (MCD) | Italy | February 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 18:15 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| Blazing Clash in a heavy metal band from the Milan area in Italy and it was formed in late 2007 by some guys who knew each other from school. This is the bands first CDemo which was recorded in 2008/2009. There is not much special the write about this band's biography but musically they are worth checking out if you are also into real true metal with speedy songs and good musicians! This is food for fans of the mighty 80's metal scene! The songs all contain catchy melodies and driving rythms and will stick in your mind for sure! Its not all sounding original but its well performed! The band is looking for a label and im sure they will find one soon (Pure Steel Records wake up!!!). Expect a mix of bands like; Saxon, Manowar & (early) Hammerfall. Nice debut demo! Fav. Songs: 'Made up to be a Monster' & 'Princess of Rock'. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blazingclashmusic |
75/100 |
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| CHILDREN OF BODOM – Skeletons in the Closet (CD) | Finland | February 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Melodic Death / Power metal. | Running time: 1:06:01:26 (Tracks: 17) | ||
| I am not going to beat the bush. I normally hate cover CD's, don't think that they give anything extra to the already existing songs. Only thing that is interesting are the influences of the artist(s). What music made a big impression in their youth? Children of Bodom (COB) are no exception to this. With a large variety between the chosen covers the biggest contrast in the songs are Alexi Laiho's vocal interpretations. “Rebel Yell” (Billy Idol) is almost sung with the same voice as Billy while in other songs like for example “Aces High” he uses his screams throughout the whole song. Musical wise I think the covers COB did taken from pure heavy metal bands (W.A.S.P.-Hellion and Iron Maiden – Aces High) fit the band best. This said because on studio albums the band used a lot of influences from these bands. They are simply more familiar with this kind of music. But that doesn't say that there aren't more interesting covers on this CD that aren't heavy metal soaked. “Somebody put something in my drink” from the Ramones has some good results and a great guitarsolo in it. “Don't stop” from the Scorpions can also be seen as a winner mainly because of the good COB synthesizer style parts in it that made this one of the best covers where the real spirit of cOB wanders through. “Silent Scream” from Slayer and “Mass Hypnosis” are ruined by the vocal interpretation by Alexi who tries to sound like Tom and Max but hopelessly fails. Last song on this album is Ooops…I did it again by our cocaine snorting girlfriend Britney Spears. A daring choice that put a smile on my face but not much more than that. Conclusion is that COB convinces on some songs but go wrong with others. Personally I will never buy a cover CD but I can imagine that if you're a big COB fan you will at least be curious to hear what this sounds like. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.cobhc.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spinefarm.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/childrenofbodom |
--/--- |
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| COLD TRUTH – Do Whatcha Do (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Bluesy Classic Rock | Running time: 54:38 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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'Do Whatcha Do' is a new album from Cold Truth, a quartet from the Nashville area (Tennessee, USA). Although they call themselves veterans, Do Whatcha Do is just their second album. Cold Truth released their first (untitled) album in 2003, since then there have been no changes in the line-up of the band. Nowadays, the band consists of: Thane Shearon (vocals/guitar), Kurt Menck (guitar), Abe White (bass) and Matt Green (drums). The band is still unsigned, so they have no financial support to record an album. Nevertheless, the production of the album is very good and and the sound is professional. The music style on the album can be described as classic rock with a bluesy rock `n` roll touch. When you listen to the songs, you can hear the influence of the `70`s, but with modern accents. Guitar Player Kurt Menck is the main composer on this album. He is involved in all the compositions of the songs but also the other band members have delivered their contribution. The album contains mostly up tempo songs, but it contains also slower songs (ballads) like Peace with Me and Whisper to Me. On the third song of the album, If that Ain`t Enough, Ed King (Slide guitar) and Nancy Roark (Backing Vocals) have a nice guest contribution. In my opinion, there is no “filler” on this album; it remains on quite a high level. Guitarist Thane Shearon is responisble for the lead vocals and it has to be said that he is really a great singer. His voice suits Cold Truth's songs perfectly. It can be compared with Paul Rogers (Bad Company and Queen). "Do Whatcha Do" was my first acquaintance with this band but I can recommend this album to everyone who like classic rock with a bluesy touch. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.coldtruth.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/coldtruthmusic |
81/100 |
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| DARK ILLUSION - Where The Eagles Fly (CD) | Sweden | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal / Melodic Metal | Running time: 44:48 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| "Where The Eagles Fly" is the second album of Swedish Power Metal band DARK ILLUSION. The band was formed way back in 1982, but they called it a day in 1985. In 2003 the band reformed again and they released a 4 track EP called "For Just Another Night". The debut album of DARK ILLUSION, called "Beyond The Shadows", was released in 2005. To me, this album is my first acquaintance of these Swedish rockers. DARK ILLUSION, who exists of Thomas Vikström (vocals), Thomas Hultqvist (guitar), Pontus Egberg (bass) and Johan Kullberg (drums), guarantees some high quality melodic Power Metal. When listening to "Where The Eagles Fly", the band reminds me very much of the early EUROPE, but also bands like ECLIPSE, AT VANCE comes in mind. Anyway, Vikström (formerly of CANDLEMASS (1992-1993), FIRESTORM (1998-2004) etc. and since 2009 also the vocalist of THERION) is a fantastic singer and the other members of the band are good musicians as well. The level of the songs is pretty much the same. Most of the songs are up-tempo and very catchy. "My Heart Cries Out For You", "Dark Journey", "Pay The Price", "Destiny's Call", "Running Out Of Time" and "Only The Strong Will Survive" are all fantastic songs and also my favorites. It's not really innovative and original, but who cares. "Where The Eagles Fly" is a perfect album for anyone who's into melodic Power Metal. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.darkillusion.se
Recordlabel: http://www.battlefieldrecords.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkillusionswe |
83/100 |
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| DARK SENSATION - Trendkill (CD) | Belgium | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hardcore / Metalcore / Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 42:04 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| DARK SENSATION is a four piece band from Brussels, Belgium who are playing a mixture of Hardcore, Metalcore, Thrash and some Death Metal. The band exists of Bruno Giannoccaro (vocals), Christophe Sturbois (guitar), Nicolas Brynin (bass) and Jonas Sanders (drums). DARK SENSATION was formed in 2002, and in 2008 these guys released their EP "Fall Of Duty", which got good reviews in the press. "Trendkill" is the debut album of the band and was released on September 28, 2009 on the brand new Belgian label Ultimhate Records. Well, if you like bands like PANTERA, DEVIATE, HATESPHERE or LAMB OF GOD, then you'll have to check this band out. "Trendkill" features twelve brutal songs and was produced by the band themselves and Matt Demit, who's also doing some guest & backing vocals on the album. There's just one instrumental on "Trendkill", which is called "Interlude". The vocals of Bruno are very varied, screaming, brutal, grunts. DARK SENSATION is really a band that will be very popular with the young generation. The best songs on "Trendkill" are "Glass Full Of Hate", "Undying", "Trendkill", "My War" and "The Soul Within". Together with SPOIL ENGINE, DARK SENSATION is one of Belgium's promising bands. Fantastic debut album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/ultimhaterecords
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darksensationband |
80/100 |
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| EMPYRIA – The Long Road Home (CD) | Canada | February 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 43:08 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Canadian band Empyria has been around for ages. Formed in the early 90s, the group has released numerous demos and full length releases of high quality music without breaking the underground boundaries. After 7 years of silence, “The Long Road Home” is finally ready for the world to listen. Empyria delivers artistic progressive power metal primarily influenced by fellow countrymen Rush with a strong dosage of Queensryche. What pleases me the most is that Empyria is not another Dream Theater copy as most of the contemporary prog groups are but shows a great personality sticking to the progressive metal values as these where forged during the mid 90s. Musicianship is supreme; all four members are extremely talented in their fields but the vocal performances of Phil Leite and the guitar work (especially the solos) of Michael Kischnick stand out. During all these years I neglected Empyria for reasons other than their musical proposition. This cd made me a fan. Don't make the same mistake as I did. Give Empyria the chance they deserve. Give it now and you will be rewarded. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.empyriaproductions.com
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/empyria |
80/100 |
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| EVERYTHING BURNS - Home (CD) | United Kingdom | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative / Rock / Hardcore | Running time: 46:36 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| "Home" is the debut album of EVERYTHING BURNS, a fantastic newcomer band from the UK. The band was formed in the mid of 2007 and exists of Tim Kellow (vocals), Chinn Lawlor (guitar), Vince Finch (guitar, vocals), Phil W. Charles (bass) and Jez Marshall (drums). The band describes their music style on their MySpace page as Alternative and Rock, but I would add Hardcore to it as well, because this fantastic band reminds me very much of one of my all time favorite hardcore bands IGNITE. Really, the music, the vocal lines etc., it all sounds a lot like IGNITE. Kellow is a fantastic singer, who's voice sounds very much like IGNITE's Zoli Teglas, although he's sings brutal as well. The band exists of fantastic musicians, the album has a very good production, and I like all the songs. There are in my opinion no weak songs on "Home". Songs like "Scars", "Home", "I'd Die For You", "Beautiful Disaster", "Left For Dead", "Don't Run" and "This Is War" are all just a pleasure to listen to. EVERYTHING BURNS is the discovery of the month to me. Superb album, which is a real recommendation for anyone who likes IGNITE too. Great work guys. Hope the band will make a tour through Europe, and will do some shows in Holland too. Shows in venues like 013, Tilburg or Effenaar in Eindhoven, Holland would be awesome. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.risingrecords.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/everythingburnsband |
90/100 |
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| FORCENTURY – Vanguard (CD) | Denmark | Febraury 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 49:45 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Denmark is famous for producing quality metal bands. Newcomers Forcentury are no exception. In its debut the band delivers melodic power metal flawlessly executed and well produced. The good thing about Forcentury is that its music is not that typical ultra fast and happy power metal but it's mostly mid tempo and dark, perhaps like a lighter version of the more aggressive Manticora or a more elaborate version of Dream Evil. As most bands that serve the power metal genre, Forcentury will not change the face of metal music. But this is not the matter anyway. What we need is good music and this band surely offers some exciting musical moments. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.forcentury.com
Recordlabel: http://www.forcentury.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/forcentury |
78/100 |
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| GOREAPHOBIA – Mortal Repulsion (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Death Metal. | Running time: 48:23 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Hey, look they finally released an album! Goreaphobia was a band that operated in the shadows of the great names in the late '80 early '90's. After constant line up changes with Chris Gamble being the only consisted member the band broke up in 1993 but reformed in 2004. To me the band sounded like the little brother of Incantation and with the line up changes there are some more similarities. Maybe John McEntee (Incantation) thought the same and contracted them on his label Ibex Moon and got them so far to record a full length. Finally, after all these years. “Mortal Repulsion” brings us back to a time long gone. The general style of the album is closely related to the New York style of death metal. The clear emphasis is on brutality and dark emphasis like Incantation and Immolation. The production is far from polished, but actually fits the record very well. It's best described as 'necro', sounding a lot like the reverb-soaked horror of “Onward to Golgotha”, albeit with little better definition on most frequencies. It's rough and grainy, but everything is perfectly audible, though there is some apparent inconsistency in the volume of the percussion - an obvious product of not triggering anything except maybe the bass drums. The guitars don't ever stray too far away from tremelo picking based riffs, but they are usually very catchy and memorable. The bass is pretty audible, which is nice, but for the most part, it just follows the guitars around anyways. The drums are definitely one of the major highlights of the album - always complimenting the riffs, knowing when and when not to play blasts, and most importantly, playing some really interesting rhythms during the slower sections. The vocals are good - low grunts and snarls that are nearly impossible to understand. Occasionally the vocalist does some higher pitched screams, which are nice for variety's sake. With its almost 50 minutes “Mortal repulsion” has a lot to offer. Goreaphobia obviously does not break new ground with this release. I don't think that this ever was/is there intention. Pure old school death metal is what you get, and I love it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.goreaphobia.com
Recordlabel: http://www.ibexmoonrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/goreaphobia |
80/100 |
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| GRAND DESIGN – Time Elevation (CD) | Germany | February 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 49:13 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| The new Def Leppard from Sweden has risen. Or that is what the band and the record company would like you to believe. Swedish vocalist Pelle Saether managed to form a band that would be doing music in the style of Def Leppard, Scorpions and Europe. The musicians all come from bands I have never heard of; now that does not mean anything, but I must say, the album really grabs hat 80s sound. Especially the pompous drums remind me a lot of that era. Compositions are OK but do not reach the magnitude of Def Leppard's song material although they really try hard to sound like them, with the choirs, melody structures and all that. I must admit, that when you are into the mentioned bands, you will most probably like Grand Design. But I doubt if there are a lot of music lovers that will actually cause a big breakthrough for these guys. Maybe a shame, because they did a great job…all these guys need is a true new hype around classic rock, and I for one would like that, too. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/granddesigner |
77/100 |
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| HOD – Serpent (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 36:47 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Second release from the Ibex Moon label this month. HOD consist of ex members from semi-legendary Thornspawn and even a member from the cult act Necrovore. The music HOD plays on their debut album “Serpent” could easily been recorded in the '90's when American black metal didn't mean shit (Absu not included) The absurd thin produced black metal has some nice riffs here and there and the vocals don't suck but is never memorable nor majestic. The sound of the drums is weak when a blast beat is played. Only hitting the snare drum and constantly at the same pace. Vocals sound like Deathspell omega and are about the only above average I can think of listening to this album. It is o.k. to be old school but this just sounds like there wasn't more time or budget in the studio. With a better production and more practising I would like to give HOD a second change. For know they're just the band with the Necrovore member in it. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ibexmoon.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hodtheband |
58/100 |
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| JACOB'S DREAM – Dominion of Darkness (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Melodic US Metal | Running time: 1:17:40 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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I already reviewed the bands 3rd album ”Drama of the Ages” in August 2005 and that album was the first album with their new singer Chaz Bond who replaced David Taylor in 2003. David Taylor had a typical voice which gave the band a special sound but I loved “Drama of the Ages” album also a lot! Chaz Bond was a good replacement so I was not complaining! Last year I also saw the band live twice during their Headbangers Open Air show and the afterparty @ the Ballroom in Hamburg, Germany. Live I was very disappointed in Chaz's voice which didn't sound that good live as I was hoping for. After I spoke to the band backstage and told them my opinion they handed me their new album (self released) over and that's why im reviewing it now finally! For a self produced/financed album it sounds awesome again and Chaz is singing great again, just like he did on the “Drama” album!! This is again typical US powermetal in a way I love it most! Powerful songs; great compositions, great musicians and a very good singer! Hopefully he can convince me next time they are playing in Europe live because im looking out for it already! Great album guys! Compliments! Lately I heard that the band signed to the RetroActive Records which is a religious label and I think Jacobs Dream did a good deal with that! Go get this album ASAP and if you don't know the band yet; order all of their 4 albums!!! You will love it!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jacobsdream.info
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jacobsdream |
88/100 |
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| JON OLIVA'S PAIN - Festival (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 55:05 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| As a Savatage fan I was always of the opinion that everything Jon Oliva touched turned to gold. That was until I heard his previous Global Warning record. I really didn't like that one but even Jon can make a record I don't like so I was looking forward to the new one. To me he made up pretty well with Festival. The album starts of with Lies, a fast track that has a nice rough tone to it. Afterwards the cd turns more to slower songs with a sound that comes close to Savatage itself. Overall Jon knows how to write good songs and he surrounds himself with great musicians who can create quite an epic sound. A must have for all fans of the Mountain King. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jonoliva.net
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jonoliva |
80/100 |
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| KATATONIA – Night Is The New Day (CD) | Sweden | February 2010 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Depressive Rock | Running time: 48:38 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Katatonia is one of those bands that made such a perfect evolution. Started as a doom/death metal band, slowly progressing to a more depressive rock/metal act in the late 90's and naturally evolving to the sound they created on the last two albums. A sound that I think appeals all kinds of music lovers. From alternative to doom metal. So how does this new record sound? “Night is the new day” is a well chosen title for the new record and embroiders further on the sound from their previous album “The Great Cold Distance” but with more nuances in the songs. At times there are some careful progressive elements that snuck into the songs. At these moments the band sounds a bit like Opeth. And though I know that the leadsinger of Opeth (Mikael Akerfeldt) was in Katatonia in the early days I think that Jonas' his voice has a little too much in common in these parts. Maybe a bold statement because Mikael helped to create the Katatonia sound but it is something that hinders me in some parts. This is the only complaint I have of a further great album. Katatonia are masters in creating atmosphere and “Night is the new day” is full of it. But its not all atmospheric and calm . Heavier parts can be heard in the opening song “Forsaker” and in the song “Nephilm”. Combined with the atmosphere this is in my opinion the strength of Katatonia. Listening to “Night is the new day” is a very cathartic experience. There are moments that echo longing and guilt, dreams, imagination, as well as a faint glimmer of hope and contentment. There are few albums I know that could make me feel that way. Whenever I listen to music some songs reel me in while others just touch me and others do completely nothing. But with this album everything just seems to fit and flow so well. To be consistently moved with almost every song is a great fact that Katatonia has accomplished so well. Without the vocal complaints I have, this is a near perfect album that is a fine listening experience these days, while the winter falls over the land. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.katatonia.com Recordlabel: http://www.peaceville.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/katatonia |
90/100 |
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| MARGATE - On The Other Side (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative / Rock / Punk | Running time: 39:04 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| MARGATE is a three piece band from Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. and was formed in 2003. The band exists of Alex Helbig (lead vocals, drums), Doug Mitchell (guitar, backing vocals) and Steve Weil (bass, backing vocals) and their debut album "Songs In The Key Of Awesome" was released in 2006. So, "On The Other Side" is the second album of this talented trio and was released in August of 2009 on their own label Room57 Records. All three members of the band have played in rock bands before for over a decade. This album features 10 songs, which are mostly all excellent compositions with fantastic melodies. Sometimes I had to think of bands like ALL, HÜSKER DÜ, BAD RELIGION, SOUL ASYLUM etc. "On The Other Side" is an easy listenable album and very accessible. Drummer Helmig has a great voice. This is just a pleasant album with fantastic songs like "In My Life" (superb), "Time & Time Again", "Saved It", the very catchy "Believe In Steve", "Circles", "Unchecked Aggression" and the titletrack "On The Other Side". I'm sure MARGATE can get a lot of airplay on alternative radio stations with this material. If you like good alternative rock music with a punky edge, then you'll have to check out this interesting band. Well done guys, because "On The Other Side" will still visit my CD player regularly. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.margatemusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/margate |
82/100 |
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| MIA HOPE – We are just Satellites (CD) | United Kingdom | Februari 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Mathcore | Running time: 54:57 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Haling from Berkshire, Mia Hopes just delivered their first album which they describe as: 'Melodic, epic, progressive metal/math-hardcore. The band was founded a couple of years ago and in 2007 they released the E.P. 'The Collapse of Etymology,' which was nicely reviewed at the time. After a few line-up changes, the band begun recording their debut album. 'We are just satellites' contains songs with great variety, spherical instrumental parts and a lot of aggression. No, let me rephrase that: a LOT of aggression! This band sure knows their classic influences, but is also looking at today's music and trends. Fans of the previous mentioned styles may find this interesting. I like it, except for one thing and that is the vocals. The same screams go on and on without any diversity. Pretty annoying, but hopefully they will work on this with the making of their next studio effort. I surely hope so, because the band has a lot of potential. No doubt about that! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/risingrecords MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/miahope |
75/100 |
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| M.I.C. - Made In China (CD) | China | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Pop | Running time: 31:56 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| M.I.C. (MADE IN CHINA) is a four piece band from China and the line-up of the band on this album "Made In China", exists of Yvon Serré (vocals, guitar), Billy Ren (bass), Chris Yang (drums) and Mark McCleod (keyboards). According to the band's MySpace page the current line-up exists of Yvon Serré (vocals, guitar), Angela Renzetti (guitar, backing vocals), Huang Hong Liang (bass) and Zhao Qian (drums). Anyway, this album "Made In China", which was already released in 2008, features 9 songs and to be honest, most of the songs really don't impress me. Songs like "Take A Look", "Rock & Roll", "Give Me Cash" and "Let's Do It" are so simple and to soft. The only two songs which are really good compositions are "I Don't Need You" and "Can't Let Go". To me, these two songs are the best of the whole album. Their second album "Out 2 Rock" will be officially released in February 2010. I've listened to some samples of this second album on their MySpace page, and there's a slight improvement. But this album is not really meant for me. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.yvonserre.com/mic
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/madeinchine |
55/100 |
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| NINTH CIRCLE – The Power of One (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 51:36 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Ninth Circle hails from California, U.S.A. and this is the second cd the band produces in a ten year period. It is of course a self financed effort. It is more than clear that traditional power metal outfits in the States struggle to stay alive against all trends and amidst commercial indifference. Bands like Ninth Circle are the driving force of the underground; their high quality works keep the genre alive. It is very encouraging to see that there are still some bands out there who want to reproduce the early Queenryche feeling, the traditional U.S. power style that produced so many great albums and overlooked demos in the 80s and 90s. Iron Maiden is also a major influence here (hence the “Trooper” cover version that could have been avoided in my humble opinion) but not an overwhelming one. Well all you classic power metal enthusiasts out there you know what to do… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ninthcircleworld.us
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ninthcircleworld |
79/100 |
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| NOSTRADAMEUS - Illusion's Parade (CD) | Sweden | February 2010 | Robin van Tilburg |
| Style: Power / Heavy Metal | Running time: 52:43 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| You can say a lot of things about Nostradameus, but not that they're lazy. With the release of six albums in nearly ten years it is fair to say that they're rather productive. Over the years, the Swedish band has gained a lot of attention with their music in the best heavy/power metal tradition. With every release they seem to reveal their own identity more and more. The first albums like 'Words of nostradameus' and 'Prophet of evil' were a lot more traditional than the latest record 'Pathway.' This contained a somewhat more heavy approach and thrash metal influences. Especially the riffing. On 'Illusion's Parade,' the album that is being reviewed right here, the band once again went a little bit further. You can notice this right away with the openings track 'Walk of pain' that, by the way, has a very strong and catchy chorus. The rest of the album offers heavy/power metal songs with a more prominent place for thrash metal riffing this time. Off course the Nostradameus way, so never really brutal, but yet very melodic. I think that with this development the band brings more depth and variety into their music. Special mentioning goes out to the vocals because they are, once again, very beautiful and really suiting the music. Also the more experimental vocals in the heavier parts are a big plus. The music is never bad, but I experience the same problems that I've also had with the previous Nostradameus records. And that is the lack of memorable songs. sure, 'Walk of pain' and 'The mariner' are great and well written, but generally the music doesn't stick with me. But that's just me. Notstradameus is a well known band and I am sure that this album will find it's way to the fans and enthusiasts of the genre. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nostradameus |
75/100 |
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| ORPHEUS – Orpheus (CD) | Norway | February 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Hardrock / Heavy Metal | Running time: 40:19 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Orpheus once was a high school band, and was revived late fall 2002 when founding members Kristian Drivenes, Audun Haberg and Thor Richard Isaksen met again on one of Norway's leading music schools. They shared an interest in bands like Iron Maiden, In Flames and Guns 'n Roses, and started jamming with those bands as references. With new members they made it a guitar-heavy band, counting three guitarists. A drummer, bassist and vocalist were found quickly. The line up changed a lot during the years, a female singer was selected for vocal duties, a new bass player and drummer, Torgeir Nilsen, joined the band. This line up recorded an EP in 2005, which received some good reviews in the media. Three years later, only Drivenes and Nilsen are left from former line ups. Band members have come and gone, but this core persisted, and now they found a stable line up and released their debut album through their own record label Sidehorn Records. I didn't know what to expect seeing that this is a female fronted band, but this certainly isn't a gothic 'metal' act of which there are too many already, actually this is really refreshing sounding Hardrock Heavy Metal, which I haven't heard too much lately. ORPHEUS has some serious Maiden influences in their music, great twin guitar harmonies and some galloping rhythms here and there, all with modern sound and influences, definitely not sounding old and dusty! Great song structures and compositions, sounding fairly original actually, songs like 'Fuck Me Over', 'Constructing' and 'Mr. Manipulative' proof their skills, and are really convincing. I love the guitar work on this album, also the production is good, certainly for an own release. The sound of ORPHEUS is fresh with a great energy flow to it, they certainly got my attention, great debut from a promising great band! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/orphmo |
83/100 |
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| PARIS KEELING – End Of Ride Revisited (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: AOR | Running time: 59:03 (Tracks: 16) | ||
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Paris Keeling is, in contradiction what people may think, not Kelly Keeling's brother. No, Marty Paris is a good friend of Kelly's and the both of them work together a lot. Actually, they work with the five of them on this “ project” , and all five of them are renowned musicians. For this album, Paris and Keeling sought and got cooperation of Carmine Appice, George Lynch, Don Dokken, Al Pitrelli and Erik Norlander.
The result is a really nice listening experience, with very diverse musical styles. Opening track “ Tears Of Heaven” starts out quite heavy, and it seems Kelly Keeling really outdid himself writing tracks for this album. “ Free” and “ Morning Song” are wonderful and sensitive ballads which showcases his softer vocal capabilities. He also wrote “ Color Blind” with Don Dokken; knowing that Kelly and Don toured together last year with an acoustic set, this song sounds like a logical result of it. George Lynch co-wrote “ These days”, and this song is a nice combination of melody, George's typical strangeness in writing which makes this a strange one to listen to but after a few times it really feels great. “ Don't Disturb The Occupants” was actually taken from the Japanese release of Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus project, and I wonder why it is on this album. Finally, Paris and Keeling perform Jeff Lynne's “ Telephone Line”. For fans of melodic rock and appreciation for old-fashioned musicianship, this is a great album! I have always loved Kelly's voice, besides the fact that he is a great guy, and I really enjoyed this album which will probably spin in my cd player quite often. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.pariskeeling.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sergeentertainmentgroup.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pariskeeling |
85/100 |
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| PLUTONIUM ORANGE - Volume (CD) | Finland | February 2010 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative Rock / Metal | Running time: 38:43 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| PLUTONIUM ORANGE is a Finnish band existing of Samuli Liekkinen (vocals, guitar), Juha Raivio (guitar, backing vocals), Antti Sjöblom (bass) and Pasi Pasanen (drums). They describe their sound as melodic Stoner Metal. Well the Stoner sound is hard to find if you ask me, to me it's more melodic alternative Rock/Metal. Anyway, "Volume" is the debut album of the band and features 9 songs. Before this album, the band had released the following demos "Fruit Of The Doom" (2000), "Volume" (2001) and "Waiting For The Gun" (2002). The songs on "Volume" are catchy and have some fantastic grooves, but the problem is that most of the songs pretty much sound the same. About the vocals of Liekkinen, well, he's not a bad singer, but I can imagine that his voice irritates you. It's just you love it or hate it. Anyway, I can listen to it. To me, the best songs on "Volume" are "One Of Us", "Killer By The Road", "Waiting For The Gun", "Wet Trails", "Bring Out Your Dead" and "Unstable/Unreal". "Volume" is not a very notable album, just a nice one. But I've heard worse albums. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/plutoniumorange |
75/100 |
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| PROZAC DAISIES – Krazzy (MCD) | United Kingdom | February 2010 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 20.51 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| Prozac Daisies (nice name by the way) sends us a mini with no other information than that they promote themselves by pushing their interpretation of a song called “8675309/Jenny”. Well, I must have been living under a well hidden rock, somewhere in a desert because this song doesn't ring any bell to me. No information about the band however, so let the music do the talkin'. Prozac Daisies brings us a fine portion of heavy rock supported by a cello. And that can be seen as a big plus. The cello gives their music a damn fine heavy layer and it lifts the songs to a higher level. Cover “8675309/Jenny” and “Khalifornia” are damn fine songs and scream to be played on the radio. Catchy as hell guided by that nice, heavy cello, nothing wrong with it. The ballad “Even Don't Give Up On Me” can't convince me by the way, but “Superstitious” and “Krazzy” keep u the good work. A perfect heavy soundtrack for on the road. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.prozacdaisies.com
Recordlabel: http://www.fullentertainmenmusic.com |
78/100 |
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| RAZOR FIST – Metal Minds (CD) | USA | February 2010 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 39:25 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| RAZOR FIST originally formed in 2005 and already released one album before 'Metal Minds', their debut album 'Razor Fist Force' came out in 2006. Razor Fist is a young speed/thrash band that plays the oldschool way, with a typical high pitch vocalist, one either loves or hates. Their music is fast and furious from beginning to the end, full of energy and power. When I put this one on, I couldn't stop listening this is really great stuff, if you are into this kind of metal, and I am! This album breathes the eighties speed thrash atmosphere like no other, with a good production for this music and time. It's a real enjoyable album, if you can dig the shrieking voice of T.K. Xanax, some very nice guitar riffing and compositions, which comes best to live on a stage. Although they are not the most original heavy metal band out there, but then again who is these days, they do what they do best delivering their heavy as fuck thrash/speed metal, with thunderous drumming and fast and furious riffing, and the high pitch vocals, which I like, but I can imagine there are people who are not gonna get into this kind of singing. Overall I can only say it's a great album, I love it, songs like 'Metal Minds' , 'First Strike' or 'Runner' , they all get stuck in your head. This young new band, doing it the oldschool way, is one for the books in my opinion, as said not the most original, but what they do, they do so good! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/razorfistmetal |
87/100 |
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| ROTENGEIST - Fear is the Key (CD) | Poland | February 2010 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 34:14 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Rotengeist from Poland started in 2005 and are Piotr Winiarski on guitar/vocals, Aleksander Partynski on bass/ vocals and Ziemowit Gawlik on drums. At first they had difficulty finding a vocalist but after 2 years they decided to give the guitar player a try and I must say, he`s doing a fine job although he doesn`t vary a lot. In 2006 they recorded their first demo but I never heard it. As far as I know they only played gigs in Poland. Too bad, I would li | |||