CD & DVD REVIEWS 2012

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UPCOMING CD REVIEWS: BEEHLER, ENTRAILS, HARPOON, SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER/ENFUNERATION (Split), ERASE, MARTYR LUCIFER, ENDLESS PAIN, ENTRENCH, DIE HARD, MAAX, FEED FORWARD, ANGELINE, IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY, COASTLAND RIDE, INTENSE, THE EMBODIED, WIDOW, CROM, MORTICIAN, ELIMINATOR (LP), WITCHCURSE (LP), NIGHTMARE (LP), AXE BATTLER (LP), KADAVRIK, CRIMES OF PASSION, REBEL YELL, REFLECTION, THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, DRAVEN, XCLAYM, MAXXIWELL, BLOWSIGHT, TRI STATE CORNER, SUPERBUTT, DEGRADATION, VORE, AFTER ALL, ETC, ETC.............
Archive: CD, DVD & DEMO REVIEWS:
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JANUARY

ABNORMAL THOUGHT PATTERNS – Abnormal Thought Patterns (MCD) USA January 2012 Michel van Hassel

Style: Progressive Metal Running time: 20:52 (Tracks: 7)

This is another project with a Zero Hour background. This time around, Jasun (guitars) and Troy (bass) Tipton together with Mike Guy (drums) have released an instrumental EP. I must admit that I really love these guys but that is no surprise as the quality of their releases has been superb so far. It does not matter if you listen to one of the six Zero Hour-albums, the Death Machine stuff or the Cynthesis cd that came out last year. They rule!!!! The opening-track, “The Machine Within”, starts with some strange sounds but then changes into the characteristic “Tipton-sound”. When Jasun's fingers start moving the magic happens. The rhythm-section knows each other so well that it completes the sound in a great way. With only 2 minutes and thirty-eight seconds, this is only a short display of their craftsmanship. The next four songs are called “Velocity and Acceleration Movement” and are divided in part 1, 2, 3, and 4. This four-part track was one of the two songs that started this project. The first part of “Velocity and Acceleration Movement” kicks off with a short intro. Then it is Jasun on the first part of the song and Troy on the second part of the song and Mike throughout the complete song that excel big time. If you are familiar with the Zero Hour-material, you know what I'm talking about. If you are new to their music, just sit back and be overwhelmed by extreme technical progressive metal. The song ends rather abrupt, as is the beginning of the second part that is a lot heavier and faster but still with the same technical control that this trio possesses. The third part has some heavy riffing before Jasun takes off on his shredding solo-trip. The last part of this four-part track is just another display of what these guys are capable of. They play all kind of odd rhythms and fantastic shredding-solo's. To some other musicians it might even sound intimidating. They know how to play their instruments. The shortest track, clocking just less than one minute is “Ulnar Nerve Damage” and shows Troy doing a bass-solo that he wouldn't have been able to play some time ago because of problems he had with his “Ulnar Nerve”. The closing-track is also the longest one on the album. “Electric Sun” lasts just over five minutes. The beginning shows Jasun playing in a different way. It is more like a long relaxed guitar-solo with all kind of different themes inside the solo. Towards the end the sounds gets softer and the tracks fades out quietly. I'm not a big fan of instrumental records, but the quality of this album is very high. I hope that the Tipton-brothers will be able to come over, play, and let us enjoy the music of one of their bands/projects. This album is the first release on CynNormal Lab Recordings the record label that Jasun started. I guess this won't be the last great release on this label.

Visit their website: http://www.abnormalthoughtpatterns.com

90/100

ALFONZETTI – Here Comes The Night (CD) Sweden January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Melodic Hard Rock / AOR Running time: 39:13 (Tracks: 10)

"Here Comes The Night" is the third solo album of ALFONZETTI. The first two solo albums of Matti Alfonzetti, who was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, are "Ready" (2000) and "Machine" (2002). Personally, I never had heard of Matti Alfonzetti before, but this guy has played in BAM BAM BOYS and sung in bands like WESTERN FRONT (with THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham), JAGGED EDGE, TALISMAN and SKINTRADE to name a few. So, "Here Comes The Night" is my first acquaintance with Matti Alfonzetti, and I have to admit that he's a fantastic singer and songwriter. Actually, his voice sounds very much like David Coverdale (DEEP PURPLE, WHITESNAKE). In fact, "Here Comes The Night" is a very accessible album, with very good melodic Rock songs and ballads, like "Losing You", "Here Comes The Night", "Heartbreaker" (ballad), "Don't Listen To Your Heart", "Why Can't You Love Me", "Rock 'N Roll Heart" and "Set Me Free" (ballad). This album was recorded by Matti Alfonzetti (vocals, bass, guitar) and Daniel Flores (drums, keyboards), with special guests Marcus Jidell (lead guitar) and Emil Fredholm (lead guitar). All songs were written and produced by Matti Alfonzetti, so he's a very talented guy. It's very odd that, especially in these times, Matti Alfonzetti doesn't have his own website or MySpace page. Anyway, "Here Comes The Night" is a good melodic Rock album, which is a real recommendation for all melodic Rock fans.

Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com

80/100

ANCIENT BARDS – Soulless Child (CD) Italy January 2012 Frans Neelen

Style: Symphonic Epic / Power Metal Running time: 66:35 (Tracks: 10)

Bands from Italy seem to like their metal powerful and epic. Ancient Bards is such a band. “Soulless Child” is their second full (and I mean full, clocking 66 minutes!) length after their 2009 debut “The Alliance of the Kings”. To be short “Soulless Child” is filled with atmospheric keyboards, catchy riffs, sensitive piano pieces, delightful guitar solo's and trigger drums all combining a dark dreamy atmosphere. Epic Powermetal at his best; musically performed very well and you can say it could be the soundtrack for a good fantasy movie. So musically there is really nothing wrong with it, it's all high class, certainly for fans of Rhapsody Of Fire, Darkmoor to name a few. The critical points for me are the sometimes a bit too happy sounding tracks like “Broken Illusion” and the fast “Valiant Ride”; the trigger drums which are too much present and begin to irritate and the vocals of Sara Squadrani which aren't always powerful enough. Gladly these critics are blown away easily in the suburb classics.
“Through My Veins”, “Soulless Child” and “All That Is True”. Brilliant tracks that make me forget my criticism and where the band gives everything they got. Also Sara shows here qualities here, proving she is capable enough for this stuff. Who likes his music bombastic and orchestral filled with power and lots of variation this Ancient Bards is highly recommended. The beautiful artwork by Felipe Machado Franco is also worth mentioning. Certainly a band to check out.

Visit their website: http://www.ancientbards.com
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ancietnbards

80/100

ARRAYAN PATH – Ira Imperium (CD) Cyprus January 2012 Kostas Kounadinis

Style: Power Metal Running time: 63:33 (Tracks: 13)

Arrayan Path (formerly Arryan Path) is probably the leading force of Cyprus power metal. Every album of this very talented band is an amazing feat of epic yet melodic power metal and Ira Imperium couldn't be different. Only one year after its previous effort Terra Incognita, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Nicholas Leptos' soaring vocals send shivers down my spine once again while the rest of the band delivers excellent power metal full of melodies and emotion. The oriental elements are always present giving that Eastern Mediterranean twist to the band's music. Vocal titan Tony Martin and Sanvoicen's frontman Vangelis Maranis participate as guests and contribute some jaw dropping performances. I really hope this album reaches a wider audience because it deserves to be heard by every power metal fan out there.

Recordlabel: http://www.pitchblackrecords.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/arryanpath

90/100

CRUSADER – Rise Of The Templars (MCD) USA January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Heavy Metal Running time: 14:37 (Tracks: 4)

The attached info sheet with this EP only tells that CRUSADER was formed out of the ashes of Horror Punk band GRAVEDIRT, and that the band exists of Hoagy (vocals), Brad (guitar), Joe (guitar), Ian (bass) and Colin (drums, programming). So, I tried to find some more information about CRUSADER on the internet. Through their Facebook page, I know CRUSADER comes from Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., but can't tell when CRUSADER exactly was formed. Anyway, these guys recorded four very nice sounding songs in October of 2010 for this debut EP "Rise Of The Templars", which has been released by the band themselves in 2011. The songs, which are "Rise Of The Templars", "Engineface", "Asgard's Fire" and "Iron Forge", are all in the NWOBHM tradition. Not strange, because these guys are influenced by bands like IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, VENOM, ANVIL et cetera. The production of this EP, which was done by Dan Precision, sounds very good. I like all four songs of this EP, which makes me very curious for a full length album. Check this band out, because this is a very nice EP.

Visit their website: http://www.crusadermetal.wordpress.com
76/100

DEAD – Hardnaked...but Dead (CD) Germany January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Death / Grind Metal Running time: 41:07 (Tracks: 10)

DEAD from Germany is a band that definitely needs no introduction. These guys have an arsenal of albums, splits and EP`s. Founded in 1990, so you can say their one of the survivors of those days. But the last album is good but doesn`t get me the way as I hoped. The guitar riffs are old school and heavy. The drums are straight in your face but very bad in the mix. The vocals combined with lower grunts sound good but also too loud in the mix. The composing of the songs is good, but the production is a bit too crap for me. But even though the production isn`t too good, the songs are great and filled with variety.

Visit their website: http://www.dead-slaves.com/home
Recordlabel: http://www.fda-rekotz.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadofficial

65/100

DEADLY CARNAGE – Centiero II – Ceneri (CD) Italy January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Black Metal / Doom Metal Running time: 41:43 (Tracks: 6)

Deadly Carnage from Italy started spreading their rage in 2006. They released their first demo in 2006 and an EP in 2007. Their debut album saw the light in 2008. This is their second full-length. Well what can I say, there are six songs on this album and I already have a love and hate relation with this album. The guitar riffs are heavy acoustic and filled with leads. The drums are furious and groovy. The vocals are evil and filthy black screams. The composing of the songs are very epic and very chaotic but also very relaxed, can you dig it? Hahaha, I will try to explain it better. The songs are long and epic. It has a very raw production and it sounds like this is made with extreme hate and pain. If you like bands that are underground and very pure and raw but with a very epic twist then you shoul give it a try.

Visit their website: http://www.deadlycarnage.altervista.org
Recordlabel: http://www.atmf.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadlycarnage

70/100

DISQUIET – Scars of Undying Grief (CD) The Netherlands January 2012 Robin van Tilburg

Style: Thrash Metal Running time: 55:05 (Tracks: 12)

Disquiet is active since the beginning of this millennium, but has just recently released their debut album 'Scars of Undying Grief.' The constant line-up changes were part of the reason that this didn't happen sooner. It was worth the wait though, because 'Scars of Undying Grief' is probably one of the best Dutch based Thrashmetal albums I've heard in a very long time. The style reminisces strongly of the Bay Area style Thrash, but also a name like early Sepultura comes to mind. The latter is also represented in the vocal style, because the singer sounds a lot like Max Cavalera. But enough with the comparisons. The album contains twelve tracks full of powerful riffing, complex drum patterns and in your face vocals. Good examples of the potential of the band are opener 'La Camorra,' 'Trenches of Blood,' '' No Mery Left' and 'Craved Soul.' Overall the quality of the music and production is very high and stays interesting until the last note. A true recommendation for the Thrash Metal enthusiast.

Visit their website: http://www.disquiet.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/disquiet

85/100

ENDLESS VOID – Apparitions (MCD) USA January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Heavy Metal / Doom Metal Running time: 20:27 (Tracks: 4)

All right what we have here is 4 track promo from James L. Owen (founder of Endless Void from the USA formed in 1986). This album is a kind of a preview and it sounds great. The music sometimes reminds me a bit of a combination between Place of Skulls and Saxon. The guitar riffs are heavy Rock riffs combined with some stoner influences. The vocals are very epic and clean. The drums are groovy and gives it a very groovy relax feeling. The production is very raw but that gives it a very old school feeling so I like it. This is just the preview of their forth coming album but I can tell you that you are going to get some interesting music that keeps you listen to it. If you like 70`s rock combined with stoner and doom then you are going to enjoy it. There isn`t much more to tell because I cannot find anything about them; but the new album is coming soon! Because this is a preview I am not going to give it a rate.
E-mail band; crazeartjames@yahoo.com

--/---

ESKIMADA – Eskimada (CD) Italy January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Crossover / Alternative Rock / Metal Running time: 32:39 (Tracks: 9)

In July of 2007 Italian crossover band ESKIMADA was formed under another name, NAKED WEAPONS, but after several line-up changes, they decided to change the name into ESKIMADA. The band picture in the booklet of this self titled debut album "Eskimada", shows us the line-up of Raffaele Pibiri (vocals), Ivano Pischedda (guitar), Enzo Di Ciaccio (bass) and Giovanni Ambrosino (drums), but on the attached info sheet there's a line-up mentioned of five members. The band has added a second guitar player named Alessandro Derosas. Anyway, this album, which was released by the band themselves in 2009 (and now promoted by Red Cat Promotion), features 9 nice sounding songs, to which I can listen to now and then. It's not a spectacular album, just a nice one. Personally I wouldn't buy it myself easily. The musicians play their instruments very well, and Pibiri is a nice singer with a varied voice, mostly clean but sometimes also brutal and aggressive. The production is good as well. So if you are into alternative Rock/Metal, then you could check this band out. The bands says they are influenced by bands like TOOL, INCUBUS and FAITH NO MORE. Anyway, ESKIMADA is a nice Italian band, with at least a good singer.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eskimada

70/100

EVADNE – The Shortest Way (CD) Spain January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Melodic Death / Doom Metal Running time: 65:18 (Tracks: 8)

Evadne from Spain plays melodic death doom since 2000. They released there first demo in 2004 and their debut “The 13th Condition” in 2007. This is their second full-length and it sounds great. There are only 8 songs on this album but they are long and interesting. The guitar riffs are typical heavy doom combined with melody and acoustics in it. The drums are groovy and very steady. The vocals are deep grunts but very well executed and the balance of the vocals in the music sounds furious. They also use clean backing vocals (which are not too loud in the mix). The composing of the songs are very well done every song is filled with atmosphere and makes you listen to the entire album. Even though this band is unsigned you can definitely not hear that in the music. This band has the entire package: good music and a killer production. If you like bands like Doom:vs , Helevorn or other doom metal bands with grunts then you are going to enjoy this album

Visit their website: http://www.evadne.es
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/evadneband

80/100

EXXPLORER – Vengeance Rides On Angry Horse (CD) USA January 2012 Kostas Kounadinis

Style: Power Metal Running time: 54:49 (Tracks: 12)

U.S. Metal legends Exxplorer return after 15 years of silence. Their last effort was unfortunately below average and that somehow disappointed the fans. But the band was determined to make a great comeback. Their appearance at the Keep It True and Headbangers Open Air festivals in Germany was just the beginning. Vengeance Rides on Angry Horse is a genuine return to the roots. With a sound between the first two albums and a great 80's feeling, it will satisfy every fan of true U.S. metal. Legendary vocalist Lennie Rizzo fronts the band with his epic voice while the trademark guitar melodies of Kevin Kennedy fill the air. This is one of the best surprise comebacks of the last years and I hope that it will not pass unnoticed.

Visit their website: http://www.reverbnation.com/exxplorer
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/exxplorerband

87/100

FATE – Ghosts From The Past (CD) Denmark January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: AOR / Melodic Rock Running time: 59:04 (Tracks: 13)

Danish Metal band FATE was formed in late 1984 by guitarist Hank Shermann, who had left MERCYFUL FATE, together with Jeff Limbo (vocals), Pete Steiner (bass) and Bob Lance (drums). Well, about MERCYFUL FATE, the self titled four track EP "Mercyful Fate" (1982), and the albums "Melissa" (1983) and "Don't Break The Oath" (1984), still belong to my all time favorites, and are all classics. And after MERCYFUL FATE broke up, I did follow KING DIAMOND for several years. I did have the albums "Fatal Portrait" (1986), "Abigail" (1987) and "Them" (1988) on vinyl. But when Shermann formed FATE, I have to admit that I never checked the band's albums. The albums which have been released by FATE so far are “Fate” (1985), “A Matter Of Attitude” (1986), “Cruisin' For A Bruisin'” (1988), “Scratch 'N' Sniff” (1990) and “V” (2006). And in 2010 there was a compilation album released, titled “25 Years – The Best Of 1985-2010”. Shermann, who's now playing in superb Thrash band DEMONICA, only played on the first two albums, and left FATE in 1988. Several other line-up changes followed, and in 1993 the band called it quits. Years went by and in 2004 FATE did a reunion show at a festival in Germany. The albums “A Matter Of Attitude” and “Scratch 'N' Sniff” were re-mastered and re-released by MTM Music. And because of the overwhelming success of those two re-releases, which both featured some bonus tracks, FATE decided to give it another shot. This resulted into the album “V”, which was released in April of 2006. Anyway, "Ghosts From The Past" is the sixth studio album of FATE, and is my first musical acquaintance with FATE. It features thirteen fantastic and catchy melodic Rock songs. The line-up of FATE on this album exists of Dagfinn Joensen (vocals), Torben Enevoldsen (guitar), only remaining original member Pete Steiner (bass), Jens Berglid (drums) and Mikkel Henderson (keyboards). All songs are excellent compositions, which makes "Ghosts From The Past" a delicious album to listen to. Joenssen is a fantastic singer, and Enevoldsen, who's also in SECTION A and FATAL FORCE, is a great guitar player. It's a pleasure to listen to his guitar solos, which do not dominate the songs. Also the production of the album, which was done by the band themselves together with Thomas Pedersen, sounds fantastic. “Ghosts From The Past” is a fine melodic Rock album, with fantastic songs such as “Children Of The Night”, “Miracle”, “Seeds Of Terror”, “At The End Of The Day”, “All That I Want”, “Daddy's Girl”, “Murder” and “The Last Time”. All Melodic Rock fans should check this album out, because I'm sure you will like this album very much. It's a real recommendation.

Visit their website: http://www.fatetheband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fatedk

82/100

GRAND DESIGN - Idolizer (CD) Sweden January 2012 Jordy Brouwers

Style: Melodic Rock Running time: 49:07 (Tracks: 10)

Grand Design was formed in 2006 by vocalist / producer Pelle Saether, Peter Ledin (Guitars) and Richard Holmgren (Drums). In the following years, the guys worked hard on “capturing the big 80`s melodic rock sound” and writing songs. Grand Design`s 1st album “Time Elevation” was completed early 2009. During the production of this album, Anders Modd (Bass) and Dennis Vestman (Guitars) completed the line-up. This release was quite a success and was awarded “best album” and “best song” by BeRockRadio and received numerous top 10 positions for “best album 2009”.
Now, two years later, it`s time for Grand Design`s second album: Idolizer. The recording process was handled similar to the first album with the same line-up. The sound and the songs are in the same style. Saether says: “We knew we had found a formula to make an 80`s rock record work in the 21st century – so why change it?” The record contains ten songs en contains everything from up tempo melodic rock to slow love ballads.
Before I received the album, I was not familiar with Grand Design, but after listening some songs of the debut album (“Time Elevation”) on the internet, it became clear that the band proceeded musically with Idolizer where the debut ends. The first thing that occurred to me was the observation that the music on Idolizer (and also on the debut album) sounds very much like Def Leppard and Queensryche. In this respect, they succeeded very well in “copying” the 80's sound. But this is also my biggest point of criticism, it sounds not all very original! However, if you forget the “copying”, Idolizer is just quite a good album to have. Musically, it`s all ok an the production is fine too. This album is an advice for those who like the genre of bands mentioned above and for people who like nice melodic rock.

Visit their website: http://www.listn.to/GrandDesign
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/granddesigner

71/100

GRAND ILLUSION - Prince of Paupers (CD) Sweden January 2012 Jordy Brouwers

Style: Melodic Rock Running time: 56:03 (Tracks: 12)

A year after the release of “Brand New World”, it is time for the 6th Grand Illusion studio album. This new album is entitled Prince of Paupers. On this release, the Grand illusion trio consists of Anders Rydholm, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson. These three musicians are accompanied by some very good (studio) musicians: Steve Lukather (Toto), Jay Graydon (Airplay), Tim Pierce (Rick Springfield), Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Paul Buckmaster (Elton John and David Bowie), Muris Varajic, Kjell Klaesson and Staffan Stavert. The songs for the new album were written and produced by Anders Rydholm and most of the lyrics were penned by Arlene Matza-Jackson. De band started 25 years ago in 1986 under the name Promotion and released 2 albums in 1997 and 1998. In 2001, the band changed their name into Grand Illusion and started a more active record carrier. During a period of 3 years, they released 4 albums. In 2005, the band took a time out and reunited 5 years later with the release of “Brand New World”. And in 2011, Prince of Paupers is released. This album is an album which can be bought blindly by melodic / AOR rock fans. The album opens strongly with Gates of Fire and the band is able to keep this high level constantly. Of course, ballads like So Faraway (with a guitar solo of Steve Lukather!) are also present, I personally prefer the more up tempo and also harder songs. In my opinion, Prince Of Paupers contains no mistake. "St. Teresa's Love”, “Eyes Of Ice”, “Gone”, “On And On” and “Under The Wire” have all strong melodic compositions. It becomes clear that the 25 year of experience of the core trio has led to a nice melodic rock album!

Visit their website: http://www.grand-illusion.se
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gisweden

77/100

HIGH SPIRITS – Another Night (CD) USA January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Heavy Metal Running time: 34:55 (Tracks: 9)

From Chicago, Illinois , U.S.A. comes, just like CRUSADER (see also this months update), Heavy Metal band HIGH SPIRITS. The band, which was formed in 2009, exists of Chris (vocals), Mike (lead guitar, backing vocals), Scott (lead guitar), Bob (bass) and Ian (drums). This album, “Another Night” really surprised me. The band plays NWOBHM. Think of early IRON MAIDEN, TYGERS OF PAN TANG, but also THIN LIZZY. And the vocals of Chris reminds me very much of Jon Anderson (YES). Songs like “Another Night In The City”, “Do You Remember”, “I'll Be Back”, “Where Did I Go Wrong” and “Nights In Black” are very good, but the best songs for me on this album are absolutely “Full Power”, “Demons At The Door”, “You Make Love Impossible” and “Going Up”. Those four songs are AWESOME and very addictive, and have great riffs and fantastic twin guitar solos. Really, I can't get enough of this fantastic album, and especially those four songs “Full Power”, “Demons At The Door”, “You Make Love Impossible” and “Going Up”. Fans of the NWOBHM era should absolutely check this album out. I also have listened to the demo songs on their MySpace page, and these songs are sounding very nice as well. These demo songs are also compiled on CD. Anyway, “Another Night” is a great album. Well done guys.

Recordlabel: http://www.hrrecords.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/highspiritsrock

89/100

ILLNATH – Third Act in the Theatre of Madness (CD) Denmark January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Melodic Black Metal Running time: 53:30 (Tracks: 10)

Illnath from Denmark play melodic black metal with symphony in it. They started in 1997 under the name Flagellation (not to be confused with the Polish or Swedish Flagellation) and changed name in 2000. That year they also released a demo and in 2001 an EP. In 2003 they released their debut “Cast into Fields of Evil Pleasure” and their second album “Second Skin of Harlequin” in 2006. After that they released another EP and Demo. This is their third album and sounds very surprising. This album contains 10 tracks of very melodic metal. The only part that is black metal is the effort of the vocalist who is trying to sound evil. The music is very good. The guitar riffs are very heavy riffs in vain of Children of Bodom. The drums are also very straight in face with steady kick and progressive parts in it. They also use keyboards that are sometimes a bit too hard in the mix but not annoying. As I already mentioned about the vocals I will try to explain it a bit more. When I read that it is supposed to be melodic black metal then I personally expect a sharp and evil scream. This scream is more in the neighbourhood of Children of Bodom but not so good... But the rest of the music is filled with solos and melody and the composing and production of this album is also great. If you like bands like I mentioned then you should give it a try.

Visit their website: http://www.illnath.dk
Recordlabel: http://www.pitchblackrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/illnathofficial

70/100

JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR – Land of the Dead (CD) USA January 2012 Kostas Kounadinis

Style: Power Metal Running time: 60:29 (Tracks: 11)

Jack Starr is a living legend of American heavy metal music. Skilled guitar player and composer, he has been serving the metal sound through his solo works, Virgin Steele and numerous projects for almost 4 decades. On 2009 and after several years of silence, he returned with a new band and the album Defiance which was a great sample of American power metal with epic attitude. 2 years later he delivers the natural continuance which is Land of the Dead. This album rises over its predecessor! It is full of epic metal anthems with powerful vocals by Todd Hall, thundering drums by Rhino, galloping bass by Ned Meloni (a long time musical partner of Starr) and of course Starr's excellent melodies and riffs. Ross the Boss, David Shankle and Marta Gabriel also appear as guests, adding their metal genius to this magnificent album. If you like Manowar and Virgin Steele then this record is for you! One of the best releases for 2011 without a single doubt!

Visit their website: http://www.jackstarr.com
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.info
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackstarrmetal

90/100

MORGANA – Rose Of Jericho (CD) Italy January 2012 Frans Neelen

Style: Hard Rock Running time: 39:30 (Tracks: 10)

According to her bio Morgana seems to been out of business for a while.This “Rose of Jericho” marks her return after 20 years. Well, listening to it that may be right. The production and music is definitely late 80's Hard Rock. Was it released in that period it wouldn't be great, nowadays it's even worse. To be honest, it has something, it's so 80's, so pure for that period but hey, it's another decade now. Musically it's not a punishment, it's done well but overall it doesn't really excite. Problem is that Morgana de Laude's voice lacks power and variation and sounds very monotonous. The first four tracks are real toe crunching and the vocals are responsible for that. A pity but in a few further tracks she sounds better. “ Bang, Bang” (cover !) and “I Will not Return” are simply good tracks. The, most instrumental, …..”And Kickin'” is even a very good one. But this certainly ain' t enough to save this album. Respect for people who hold on to their dreams but unfortunately it doesn't guarantee a good record. Pity of her voice; some songs deserve more.

Visit their website: http://www.morganadelaude.com
Recordlabel: http://www.nadirmusic.net

55/100

MOSFET – Deathlike Thrash 'N' Roll (CD) Austria January 2012 William Nijhof

Style: Death Thrash 'n' roll Running time: 42:04 (Tracks: 13)

Mosfet from Austria is going to kick your ass!!! Why? Because their new album kicks ass! But first a bit of their history. They started in 2003 and released their demo in 2005 and their debut album “Sickness of Memory” in 2009. This is their new album and it rocks. Thirteen tracks death/thrash 'n' roll. Groovy tracks with a filthy thrash grunt on it. The guitar riffs are thrash combined with rock and roll. The drums are also straight in your face and filled with double bass and groove. The composing of the songs are great and the production is also good. This entire album grooves and sounds terrific. If you like thrash with a big rock factor in it then you are going to enjoy this album!

Visit their website: http://www.mosfet.at
Recordlabel: http://www.refusedrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mosfetaustria

75/100

NORDIC NOMADIC - Worldwide Skyline (CD) Canada January 2012 Jordy Brouwers

Style: Psychedelic Folk Rock Running time: 39:52 (Tracks: 9)

You can call it quite vague, the album “Worldwide Skyline” from Nordic Nomadic. This is a solo project of Chad Ross which is normally active in the Canadian band Quest for Fire. Here, he plays the guitar and he sings too. I am not familiar with this band. “Worldwide Skyline” is the second full length album of Nordic Nomadic. His first solo album was released in 2007, at Toronto`s Blue Fog Recordings. This record company is specialized in psychedelic / folk / metal music. I do not know the title of Nordic Nomadic`s first album, there is not much information available about Nordic Nomadic. This second album is released at TeePee records.
The songs on this album have all a psychedelical character. In my opinion, it is not meant for metal minded people. The best way to listen to this music is in a “dark room” with a huge joint and liquid projections just as in the 60`s. The music is all sounding quite minimalistic (most of the time only finger picked guitar and synthesizers) so most of the songs sound quite the same. Also the relatively monotonous voice of Ross contributes to this. However, it is never getting really boring and this is a compliment. “Worldwide Skyline” is produced for progressive minds who like for example the early work of Porcupine Tree. I also want to warn you: this is not music for depressive people!

Visit their website: http://www.nordicnomadic.blogspot.com
Recordlabel: http://www.teepeerecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nordicnomadic

70/100

RAIN – XXX: 30 Years On The Road 1980/2010 (CD) Italy January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Hard Rock / Metal Running time: 52:45 (Tracks: 13)

My first acquaintance with Italian band RAIN was when they played at the fifth edition of MARIO'S METAL MEETING on October 15th 2011. And to me, RAIN were one of the bands I liked the most that day. I still remember they played a fantastic cover version of THE CULT's classic “Rain” on MMM5. Now a few months later I got the compilation album “XXX: 30 Years On The Road 1980/2010” to review. This album features thirteen tracks from the band's eight previous albums, and are a bit re-arranged. So, I assume all songs on this album are re-recorded. But to be honest, while I listened to this CD several times, I wasn't that impressed anymore. There are just a few good songs on this album, which was released in October 2011, like “Whiskey On The Route 666”, “Rain Revolution”, the fast “Born To Kill”, “In The Night” and “Fight For The Power”. But the rest of the songs do sound very moderate to me. Okay, these guys play their instruments very well, and they have in Francesco Grandi a good singer as well, but that's all. The band recorded one exclusive track for this album, which is titled “End Of Time”. And the last track on this CD is an acoustic version of “Rain Are Us”, a song which originally is on the band's last album “Dad Is Dead” (2008). Like I said, I have listened several times to this album, but every time I only do like the above mentioned songs. So, live RAIN is a nice band, but on this album they can't really convince me, because in my opinion it has just too many fillers.

Visit their website: http://www.raincrew.com
Recordlabel: http://www.auralmusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/raincrew1980

70/100

RIOTGOD – Invisible Empire (CD) USA January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Stoner Rock Running time: 59:37 (Tracks: 12)

I already knew the band RIOTGOD by name, but never heard any music of them so far. Well, now I received the band's second album "Invisible Empire" to review. And I must say that I was really surprised, because "Invisible Empire" is a fantastic album. Anyway, RIOTGOD is a Stoner Rock band formed by the rhythm section of MONSTER MAGNET, namely James Baglino (bass) and Bob Pantella (drums). In 2009 the band released their self titled debut album "Riotgod". Besides Baglino and Pantella the band also exists of Mark Sunshine (vocals) and Garret Sweeney (guitar; also in cover band PSYCHO DAISY). This second album features fourteen songs, and opens very strongly with "Breed", which has an awesome guitar riff and grooves as hell. Second song on "Invisible Empire", titled "Fool", reminds very much of PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS. RIOTGOD does have in the person of Sunshine a real great singer, who's voice sounds very much like singers such as Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN), Layne Staley (ALICE IN CHAINS) and Andrew Stockdale (WOLFMOTHER). And Sweeney is an excellent guitar player, who treats us on marvellous guitar solo's. And of course Baglino and Pantella are a very tight rhythm section. The third track on this silver disc, "Crossfade", has an ultra heavy guitar riff. Well, I could go on and on, but there's just no weak song on "Invisible Empire", because all songs are fantastic compositions and are sounding really great. Anyway, songs which remind of LED ZEPPELIN are the acoustic "Gas Station Roses", "Loosely Bound" and the acoustic "Rebirth". This album is fantastically produced by drummer Pantella, and sounds excellent. In fact I don't have anything negative to mention about this album. It's a real masterpiece, which already has made many spins in my CD player. With such fantastic songs, makes it extra hard to tell which songs are my favorite ones. Just listen to songs such as "Breed", "Fool", "Crossfade", "Slow Death", "Firebrand", "Loosely Bound" and "Lost" and discover yourself these are all great. "Invisible Empire" is a superb album, and a real recommendation for all Stoner Rock fans. Great work guys.

Visit their website: http://www.riotgod.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalville.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/riotgod

85/100

SANDSTONE – Cultural Dissonance (CD) Ireland January 2012 Michel van Hassel

Style: Progressive Melodic Metal Running time: 47:10 (Tracks: 10)

Roaming from Ireland this is Sandstone's third release. There aren't many well-known progressive bands from Ireland but Sandstone has the quality to become one. The band consists of the McLaughlin-brothers, Stevie (guitars) and Dave (bass), Sean McBay (vocals, guitars) and Dan Lafford (drums). Right at the beginning of the first song, “Reckless Thought” you hear the twin guitars duelling until McBay steps in. He has a very pleasant clear voice that suites the song, which keeps on changing, very well. This is a great song with all kind of moods put together in one track but still it remains a real song. “Little Forgeries” is a beautiful song with McBay singing great and Stevie McLaughlin letting his guitar doing the talking. This is a beautiful composition. The third track, “Fading”, starts with some great guitar playing. This is also a song where everything seems to fit in just fine. The song is very catchy as are the vocals. The fourth track, “Leaning on an Arrow” is a fast power-/progressive metal piece. It includes fantastic fast guitar solos, great singing and some piano/keyboards. The song is played by a rhythm-section that knows how a song is meant to be played. Piano starts “Carefree Moment”, but it quickly turns into a melodic metal song. McBay performs a mini-rap in the middle of the song, followed by a screaming guitar solo. At the beginning of the next song, “Silent Suicide”, a little child says: “Mom is that how you spell suicide?” What follows is yet another song with catchy vocals and a great vibe to it. “Black Skies” is a bit heavier but like on most of the songs there is something to the vocals, which sticks to you. “No More” is with it's three minutes and forty-three seconds the shortest song on the album. It's is a mainstream melodic rock track, thus very pleasant to listen to. Some acoustic guitars and a very modestly singing McBay are the trademarks for the start of “Sleep”. The song remains a very quiet and slow song with a beautifully played guitar solo from the middle towards the end of the song. On the last track, “Trick of Mind” the tempo is back again. This again is a good progressive melodic metal song, with a lot of focus for detail and for the song structure. One of the things that keep on coming back on this album is the fact that most of the songs are very catchy and stick to your mind quite easily. I must say that Sandstone is a big surprise to me and I'm looking forward to their European tour supporting Ripper Owens in September. First, I'm going to listen to the two other albums they released earlier.

Visit their website: http://www.sandstonerocks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sandstonerocks

85/100

SCARLATYNA– Till the End (CD) Germany January 2012 Michel van Hassel

Style: Progressive Power Metal Running time: 36:01 (Tracks: 7)

I don't think many people remember this band as they released three demo's in 1989, 1991 and 1992 followed by a self-released live album in 1993. On this compilation all of the seven tracks of the last two demo's, “Scarlet Ball” (1991, three tracks) and “Till the End” (1992, four tracks) are present. As these are demo-tracks dating from the nineties the sound and the production of this release aren't superb. As Scarlatyna have reformed, it was time to release the old demo's. The band, responsible for the music on this album, consists of Chris Jamie Marino (vocals), Jörg Weilinger (guitars), Mike Stanzel bass) and Klaus Hardt (drums).
The opening-track, “The Truth” is a mix of heavy pounding and quiet parts with some calm vocals. Towards the end, the guitar playing gets a lot of variety and Marino starts singing in a King Diamond way but by far not as good. His vocals balance on the edge. “We” starts very slow and quietly, but not for long as the tempo and the power go up. This is power metal nineties-style with a lot of variation within the song both musically and vocally. On the third song, “Wings of the Night”, Marino sings very high on some parts. The guitar playing is very controlled. Scarlatyna's style can best be described as a mix of prog-, power- and a slice of U.S. metal. Marino's start of “Self-Made Destruction” isn't great but luckily he rehabilitates a bit throughout the song. The guitar playing is beautiful towards the end of the song. After a short intro with some organ sounds, all hell breaks loose on “The Tower”. Marino sings with a very rough and powerful voice. This is a real fast heavy power metal song. Towards the end of the song it's Weilinger that takes the solo-spot in style. The title-track is filled by great guitar soloing and Marino singing yet in another way. The variety in his singing on this album is extremely big but I don't like all styles he uses. The last track on this album is “Temple of Despite” that begins with a big laugh by some monster-like person. On this song, Marino uses his powerful rough voice once again. The conclusion is that this is a great way to get to known some rarities from the nineties, but keep in mind that this are demo-recordings dating from that era. Apparently, Scarlatyna are working on new material so let's wait and see what they can achieve using modern technology and a proper release. If you want to see them perform live, visit the Swordbrothers festival next September.

Recordlabel: http://www.pureunderground-records.com

71/100

SINCERA – Cursed and Proud (CD) Norway January 2012 Dennis van Dommelen

Style: Black / Death Metal Running time: 36:55 (Tracks: 9)

Sincera is a sideproject with members from Norwegian Death/ Black metal bands: Fester, Algol, Decipher and Psychotic Pain. Cursed and Proud is oddly divided into two parts. The first four songs are studio recordings the the following four are live recordings and the last one is a enterance song for the infamous Norwegian wrestler Byron Lawless. The Norwegians are quite technical, rich in harmony and texture. There are quite a lot of rhythm-changes but it's mainly well-composed and purposeful. The melodies are folky in places, thrashy in others, occasionally on the Dissection side of things, but generally very good. Uff, I have to say that "Cursed and proud" material is very uneven - it's an album, which I have to divide into two parts – first one gathers great songs and riffing, with some truly memorable anthems such as (the opening riff on) “A Griever's Soul” (though the guitars are sounding a bit false throughout the song, while on the other half it has lower quality riffs and unnecessary weak ideas like in the song “Cursed” and simply looses the feeling and aggression. The live recordings are all a all more straightforward and in your face. And although the soundquality isn't as good as on the studiotracks I like them more. Hopefully they will follow the more agressive path in the future. For now this debut is a irregular but that doens't say it's bad.

Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sinceranorway

75/100

STEEL PANTHER – Balls Out (CD) USA January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Hard Rock / Glam Rock / Metal Running time: 47:36 (Tracks: 14)

The Glam boys of STEEL PANTHER are back with their second album "Balls Out". Okay in 2003 these guys released the album "Hole Patrol" under the name METAL SHOP, but they changed their name into STEEL PANTHER in 2008. And in 2009 the first STEEL PANTHER album "Feel The Steel" was released, which I reviewed for MMM in June of 2010 and got 90 out of 100 points. Well, "Feel The Steel" was a smash hit worldwide and is already a real classic album if you ask me. Now, Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums) have released their second album "Balls Out" in October of 2011. "Balls Out" is a logical continuation of "Feel The Steel". Lyrically it's again an album full of jokes, and musically Michael, Satchel, Lexxi and Stix treats us on excellent 80's Hair Metal. Just like “Feel The Steel” also “Balls Out” is fantastically produced by Jay Ruston. Some guest appearances on this album are this time from Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME), who is doing the guitar solo on “It Won't Suck Itself”, Chad Kroeger (NICKELBACK), who is doing lead- and backing vocals on “It Won't Suck Itself” and Brett Anderson (THE DONNAS) who's doing backing vocals on “I Like Drugs”. Songs which I like bit less are “If You Really Really Love Me” and the last track of the album “Weenie Ride”. But the rest of the songs are again fantastic. I'm sure “Balls Out” will be a success album as well. My conclusion is that "Balls Out" is, just like "Feel The Steel", again an awesome album. My favorite songs on "Balls Out" are "Supersonic Sex Machine", “Just Like Tiger Woods”, "17 Girls In A Row" (superb), "It Won't Suck Itself", “Tomorrow Night”, “That's What Girls Are For”, “Gold Digging Whore”, “I Like Drugs”, “Critter” and “Let Me Cum In”.

Visit their website: http://www.steelpantherrocks.com
Recordlabel: http://www.universalrepublic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steelpantherkicksass

89/100

THE BRAINS – Drunk Not Dead (CD) Canada January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Psychobilly Running time: 28:55 (Tracks: 13)

From Montréal, Canada comes Psychobilly band THE BRAINS. The band, which was formed in 2002, released the following albums so far: “No Pain, No Brain” (2005), “Hell N' Back” (2007), “The Brains” (2009) and “Zombie Nation” (2010). “Drunk Not Dead” (2011) is the fifth album of THE BRAINS. The line-up on this album exists of Rene De La Muerte (vocals, guitar), Colin The Dead (upright bass) and Pat Kadaver (drums). These three guys have recorded 13 fantastic and very catchy songs for their fifth album. The album, which was produced by De La Muerte, starts with the short intro “Horsemen”, followed by “Four Beasts Ride”. Next song is the catchy “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, of which the band has shot a very nice video clip. While listening to THE BRAINS, the band reminds me very much of Psychobilly bands such as KOFFIN KATS, THE CREEPSHOW, MAD SIN and NEKROMANTIX to name a few. There are two songs on the album, which aren't sung in English. The first one is “Gato Calavera” which is sung in Spanish, and the second one “Pourquoi Me Laisser” is sung in French (one of the two Canadian languages). Anyway, like I said, this album features very catchy songs. If you have heard songs like “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, “We Are The Brains”, “Six Rounds” and “Drunk Not Dead” you can't get them out of your head. To me, this is an album to which I can listen anytime. So far, this CD already has made many spins in my CD-player, and it will make many more. Well, if you like the above mentioned Psychobilly bands, then you will like THE BRAINS as well. Although I like all songs very much, my favorites of this album are “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, “We Are The Brains”, “Six Rounds”, “Premonitions”, “High On Speed”, “Drunk Not Dead” and “I'm Your Nightmare”. Superb album.

Recordlabel: http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebrains

87/100

THE GARDNERZ– The System of Nature (CD) Sweden January 2012 Dennis van Dommelen

Style: Death/Doom Metal Running time: 50:46 (Tracks: 10)

The Gardnerz are a relativealy new band to the scene. “The System of Nature” is their debut album on the American label Abyss records. As time goes by, the quest for the unique in music exponentially grows in futility, and one question is asked: "maybe instead of looking for originality in music we should just appreciate those all they do is the same-old, yet do it awesomely? Or is it me, blabbering again, having absolutely no idea how to open this darn review?"
Anyway, The Gardnerz is just that kind of a band – just as the homophone suggests, "routine" would be the name of the game and an immediate association that rises in all things concerning the album in question – tempo and feel-wise, the premise "The System of Nature" mostly dwells in is a moderate, quasi-gracious and self-important stride (the almost-exclusive use of major scales significantly contributes to that "majestic" feel), with a cue emphasis on basic, melodic musical approach and rather rudimentary thematic resolutions with catchy hooks and harmonies to please your ear, but without grabbing your attention all too much really.
As far as the music goes, though, the most suitable way to describe is that it that the doomy death metal delivers. I'd like to deviate from the common procedure by addressing the sound and production of the album first, since it would be the first thing to captivate your attention upon hearing this album as well – not only it's highly crisp and clear, you'd be overwhelmed by the ferocity it comes at you from the very get go. Imagine having an enormous frying pan swung at your face, hitting it in several different places simultaneously as it lands – same goes with this album. That it says mastered at the legendary Unisound studio by Dan Swano will clearify this. So in the end The Garnerz aren't inventing the wheel again but do present an interesting various doom/death metal album.

Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thegardnerz

79/100

THOUSAND YEAR WAR – Tyrants and Men (CD) USA January 2012 Robin van Tilburg

Style: Death Metal Running time: 39:20 (Tracks: 10)

'Tyrants and Men' was officially released in 2009, but now enjoys a re-release through Abyss Records, the new found label of the band from Alaska. Swedish Death Metal fans beware: you're probably going to like this. Thousand Year War combines all the best elements from this scene and created an album that you can purchase without a doubt. I've already read it in several other review but I think the same thing: this sounds very much like Amon Amarth. The band also gives their own twist to the music, but overall it sounds very familiar. Fans of Amon Amarth or Swedish Death Metal in general have another great band to listen to! At this moment, the band is working on a new E.P. so we will probably will hear from them soon.

Visit their website: http://www.thousandyearwar.com
Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thousandyearwar

70/100

VANDERBUYST – In Dutch (CD) The Netherlands January 2012 Ad van Osch

Style: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Running time: 36:02 (Tracks: 8)

For more information about Dutch Hard Rock trio VANDERBUYST, see my reviews of their self titled EP "Vanderbuyst" (2008) (MMM update March of 2009) and self titled debut album "Vanderbuyst" (2010) (MMM update November of 2010). You also can read the interview I did with guitarist Willem Verbuyst for MMM in December of 2010. Anyway, since the EP I am very impressed by VANDERBUYST. So far I've seen VANDERBUYST eight times live, and I really enjoy every show I see of them. Now Jochem Jonkman (vocals, bass), Willem Verbuyst (guitar, backing vocals) and Barry van Esbroek (drums) are back with their second album, titled "In Dutch". It's again released on German label Ván Records. On their debut album they also recorded a brilliant cover version of UFO's "Rock Bottom". This time there isn't a cover version on the album, only fantastic songs written by Verbuyst (6 songs) and Verbuyst & Jonkman (2 songs). If you already are familiar with the EP and debut album, and you have seen VANDERBUYST live, then you know these three guys have a real passion for classic 70's Hard Rock and 80's Heavy Metal. Just like the aforementioned EP and debut album, also "In Dutch" is produced by Pieter Kloos at the Void studio in Eindhoven, Holland. Guitarist Selim Lemouchi (THE DEVILS BLOOD), who played together with Willem in POWERVICE, is, just like on the EP and debut album, also doing a guest appearance on this album. Lemouchi is doing the third part of the first guitar solo on "Leaving The Living". The only song, which I like a bit less, is the last track "Where's That Devil". It's a bit a depressive ballad, with darker vocals of Jochem. Although that song is a bit less to me, it still features great guitar solo's of Willem Verbuyst. Like I said in my review of the debut album, Verbuyst is just a SUPERB guitarist. It's really a great pleasure to listen to his awesome guitar solo's. So, you understand that I also enjoy all of his guitar solo's on "In Dutch". The album opens very strong with "Black And Blue", and I must say that VANDERBUYST is working hard by creating their own recognizable sound. Songs like "Anarchistic Storm" and "Leaving The Living" are very good, but my favorites of "In Dutch" are "Black And Blue", "Into The Fire", "String Of Beads" (superb), "Reap The Fields" and "KGB". "In Dutch" is again an excellent Hard Rock album. If you already liked the EP and the debut album, then you will like "In Dutch" as well. Great work guys, and see you on the road.

Visit their website: http://www.vanderbuyst.com
Recordlabel: http://www.van-records.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vanderbuyst

85/100

WHEN ALL LIGHT DIES – Transitions (CD) The Netherlands January 2012 Robin van Tilburg

Style: Metalcore Running time: 34:47 (Tracks: 9)

My first encounter with 'When All Light Dies' was when they played the Borstrock festival in 2010. I remember to be quite impressed with the aggressive metalcore and the energetic, professional stage presence. After that I lost sight of them, but to receive a copy of their debut album 'Transitions' was a pleasant surprise. And it still is…...
Because with 'Transitons,' the Dutch formation is showing that they're a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene. The album offers nine songs that are well written and nicely balanced. The in your face riffs and aggressive breakdowns are from a very good quality and that is a compliment. Especially since the metalcore genre is quite busy already and it is therefore hard to stand out. 'When All Light Dies' does, and with the professional artwork of 'Transitions' and touring experience, they have all the right ingredients to become more known to the public.

Visit their website: http://www.whenalllightdies.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/whenalllightdiesnl

80/100

ZANDELLE – Shadows of the Past (2CD) USA January 2012 Kostas Kounadinis

Style: Power Metal Running time: 66:54 (Tracks: 13)

Zandelle is one of those few American bands that hold the banner of true heavy metal up high. In a country were classic metal is almost obsolete, bands like Zandelle keep the flame of the underground burning. With numerous releases under their belts, George Tsalikis and co. release this kind of a compilation. Shadows of the Past is a link between the band's past and present sound. The 10 first songs are re-recorded versions of tracks featured in the bands first two releases (now impossible to find). There are also 2 unreleased tracks and a Whitesnake cover (Bad Boys!). A bonus disc features these 10 tracks in their original raw form so that the listener can get a picture of how the band evolved in terms of musicianship and production values. Zandelle has not altered the core of the songs. These are just re-recorded versions with a better sound and Shadows of the Past will appeal to both old and new fans.

Visit their website: http://www.zandelle.net
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/zandelle

87/100

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ABNORMAL THOUGHT PATTERNS – Abnormal Thought Patterns (MCD)	USA	January 2012	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 20:52 (Tracks: 7)
This is another project with a Zero Hour background. This time around, Jasun (guitars) and Troy (bass) Tipton together with Mike Guy (drums) have released an instrumental EP. I must admit that I really love these guys but that is no surprise as the quality of their releases has been superb so far. It does not matter if you listen to one of the six Zero Hour-albums, the Death Machine stuff or the Cynthesis cd that came out last year. They rule!!!! The opening-track, “The Machine Within”, starts with some strange sounds but then changes into the characteristic “Tipton-sound”. When Jasun's fingers start moving the magic happens. The rhythm-section knows each other so well that it completes the sound in a great way. With only 2 minutes and thirty-eight seconds, this is only a short display of their craftsmanship. The next four songs are called “Velocity and Acceleration Movement” and are divided in part 1, 2, 3, and 4. This four-part track was one of the two songs that started this project. The first part of “Velocity and Acceleration Movement” kicks off with a short intro. Then it is Jasun on the first part of the song and Troy on the second part of the song and Mike throughout the complete song that excel big time. If you are familiar with the Zero Hour-material, you know what I'm talking about. If you are new to their music, just sit back and be overwhelmed by extreme technical progressive metal. The song ends rather abrupt, as is the beginning of the second part that is a lot heavier and faster but still with the same technical control that this trio possesses. The third part has some heavy riffing before Jasun takes off on his shredding solo-trip. The last part of this four-part track is just another display of what these guys are capable of. They play all kind of odd rhythms and fantastic shredding-solo's. To some other musicians it might even sound intimidating. They know how to play their instruments. The shortest track, clocking just less than one minute is “Ulnar Nerve Damage” and shows Troy doing a bass-solo that he wouldn't have been able to play some time ago because of problems he had with his “Ulnar Nerve”. The closing-track is also the longest one on the album. “Electric Sun” lasts just over five minutes. The beginning shows Jasun playing in a different way. It is more like a long relaxed guitar-solo with all kind of different themes inside the solo. Towards the end the sounds gets softer and the tracks fades out quietly. I'm not a big fan of instrumental records, but the quality of this album is very high. I hope that the Tipton-brothers will be able to come over, play, and let us enjoy the music of one of their bands/projects. This album is the first release on CynNormal Lab Recordings the record label that Jasun started. I guess this won't be the last great release on this label.
Visit their website: http://www.abnormalthoughtpatterns.com			90/100

ALFONZETTI – Here Comes The Night (CD)	Sweden	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Melodic Hard Rock / AOR	Running time: 39:13 (Tracks: 10)
"Here Comes The Night" is the third solo album of ALFONZETTI. The first two solo albums of Matti Alfonzetti, who was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, are "Ready" (2000) and "Machine" (2002). Personally, I never had heard of Matti Alfonzetti before, but this guy has played in BAM BAM BOYS and sung in bands like WESTERN FRONT (with THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham), JAGGED EDGE, TALISMAN and SKINTRADE to name a few. So, "Here Comes The Night" is my first acquaintance with Matti Alfonzetti, and I have to admit that he's a fantastic singer and songwriter. Actually, his voice sounds very much like David Coverdale (DEEP PURPLE, WHITESNAKE). In fact, "Here Comes The Night" is a very accessible album, with very good melodic Rock songs and ballads, like "Losing You", "Here Comes The Night", "Heartbreaker" (ballad), "Don't Listen To Your Heart", "Why Can't You Love Me", "Rock 'N Roll Heart" and "Set Me Free" (ballad). This album was recorded by Matti Alfonzetti (vocals, bass, guitar) and Daniel Flores (drums, keyboards), with special guests Marcus Jidell (lead guitar) and Emil Fredholm (lead guitar). All songs were written and produced by Matti Alfonzetti, so he's a very talented guy. It's very odd that, especially in these times, Matti Alfonzetti doesn't have his own website or MySpace page. Anyway, "Here Comes The Night" is a good melodic Rock album, which is a real recommendation for all melodic Rock fans.
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com			80/100

ANCIENT BARDS – Soulless Child (CD)	Italy	January 2012	Frans Neelen
Style: Symphonic Epic / Power Metal	Running time: 66:35 (Tracks: 10)
Bands from Italy seem to like their metal powerful and epic. Ancient Bards is such a band. “Soulless Child” is their second full (and I mean full, clocking 66 minutes!) length after their 2009 debut “The Alliance of the Kings”. To be short “Soulless Child” is filled with atmospheric keyboards, catchy riffs, sensitive piano pieces, delightful guitar solo's and trigger drums all combining a dark dreamy atmosphere. Epic Powermetal at his best; musically performed very well and you can say it could be the soundtrack for a good fantasy movie. So musically there is really nothing wrong with it, it's all high class, certainly for fans of Rhapsody Of Fire, Darkmoor to name a few. The critical points for me are the sometimes a bit too happy sounding tracks like “Broken Illusion” and the fast “Valiant Ride”; the trigger drums which are too much present and begin to irritate and the vocals of Sara Squadrani which aren't always powerful enough. Gladly these critics are blown away easily in the suburb classics. “Through My Veins”, “Soulless Child” and “All That Is True”. Brilliant tracks that make me forget my criticism and where the band gives everything they got. Also Sara shows here qualities here, proving she is capable enough for this stuff. Who likes his music bombastic and orchestral filled with power and lots of variation this Ancient Bards is highly recommended. The beautiful artwork by Felipe Machado Franco is also worth mentioning. Certainly a band to check out.
Visit their website: http://www.ancientbards.com Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ancietnbards			80/100

ARRAYAN PATH – Ira Imperium (CD)	Cyprus	January 2012	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 63:33 (Tracks: 13)
Arrayan Path (formerly Arryan Path) is probably the leading force of Cyprus power metal. Every album of this very talented band is an amazing feat of epic yet melodic power metal and Ira Imperium couldn't be different. Only one year after its previous effort Terra Incognita, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Nicholas Leptos' soaring vocals send shivers down my spine once again while the rest of the band delivers excellent power metal full of melodies and emotion. The oriental elements are always present giving that Eastern Mediterranean twist to the band's music. Vocal titan Tony Martin and Sanvoicen's frontman Vangelis Maranis participate as guests and contribute some jaw dropping performances. I really hope this album reaches a wider audience because it deserves to be heard by every power metal fan out there.
Recordlabel: http://www.pitchblackrecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/arryanpath			90/100

CRUSADER – Rise Of The Templars (MCD)	USA	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 14:37 (Tracks: 4)
The attached info sheet with this EP only tells that CRUSADER was formed out of the ashes of Horror Punk band GRAVEDIRT, and that the band exists of Hoagy (vocals), Brad (guitar), Joe (guitar), Ian (bass) and Colin (drums, programming). So, I tried to find some more information about CRUSADER on the internet. Through their Facebook page, I know CRUSADER comes from Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., but can't tell when CRUSADER exactly was formed. Anyway, these guys recorded four very nice sounding songs in October of 2010 for this debut EP "Rise Of The Templars", which has been released by the band themselves in 2011. The songs, which are "Rise Of The Templars", "Engineface", "Asgard's Fire" and "Iron Forge", are all in the NWOBHM tradition. Not strange, because these guys are influenced by bands like IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, VENOM, ANVIL et cetera. The production of this EP, which was done by Dan Precision, sounds very good. I like all four songs of this EP, which makes me very curious for a full length album. Check this band out, because this is a very nice EP.
Visit their website: http://www.crusadermetal.wordpress.com			76/100

DEAD – Hardnaked...but Dead (CD)	Germany	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Death / Grind Metal	Running time: 41:07 (Tracks: 10)
DEAD from Germany is a band that definitely needs no introduction. These guys have an arsenal of albums, splits and EP`s. Founded in 1990, so you can say their one of the survivors of those days. But the last album is good but doesn`t get me the way as I hoped. The guitar riffs are old school and heavy. The drums are straight in your face but very bad in the mix. The vocals combined with lower grunts sound good but also too loud in the mix. The composing of the songs is good, but the production is a bit too crap for me. But even though the production isn`t too good, the songs are great and filled with variety.
Visit their website: http://www.dead-slaves.com/home Recordlabel: http://www.fda-rekotz.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadofficial			65/100

DEADLY CARNAGE – Centiero II – Ceneri (CD)	Italy	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Black Metal / Doom Metal	Running time: 41:43 (Tracks: 6)
Deadly Carnage from Italy started spreading their rage in 2006. They released their first demo in 2006 and an EP in 2007. Their debut album saw the light in 2008. This is their second full-length. Well what can I say, there are six songs on this album and I already have a love and hate relation with this album. The guitar riffs are heavy acoustic and filled with leads. The drums are furious and groovy. The vocals are evil and filthy black screams. The composing of the songs are very epic and very chaotic but also very relaxed, can you dig it? Hahaha, I will try to explain it better. The songs are long and epic. It has a very raw production and it sounds like this is made with extreme hate and pain. If you like bands that are underground and very pure and raw but with a very epic twist then you shoul give it a try.
Visit their website: http://www.deadlycarnage.altervista.org Recordlabel: http://www.atmf.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadlycarnage			70/100

DISQUIET – Scars of Undying Grief (CD)	The Netherlands	January 2012	Robin van Tilburg
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 55:05 (Tracks: 12)
Disquiet is active since the beginning of this millennium, but has just recently released their debut album 'Scars of Undying Grief.' The constant line-up changes were part of the reason that this didn't happen sooner. It was worth the wait though, because 'Scars of Undying Grief' is probably one of the best Dutch based Thrashmetal albums I've heard in a very long time. The style reminisces strongly of the Bay Area style Thrash, but also a name like early Sepultura comes to mind. The latter is also represented in the vocal style, because the singer sounds a lot like Max Cavalera. But enough with the comparisons. The album contains twelve tracks full of powerful riffing, complex drum patterns and in your face vocals. Good examples of the potential of the band are opener 'La Camorra,' 'Trenches of Blood,' '' No Mery Left' and 'Craved Soul.' Overall the quality of the music and production is very high and stays interesting until the last note. A true recommendation for the Thrash Metal enthusiast.
Visit their website: http://www.disquiet.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/disquiet			85/100

ENDLESS VOID – Apparitions (MCD)	USA	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Heavy Metal / Doom Metal	Running time: 20:27 (Tracks: 4)
All right what we have here is 4 track promo from James L. Owen (founder of Endless Void from the USA formed in 1986). This album is a kind of a preview and it sounds great. The music sometimes reminds me a bit of a combination between Place of Skulls and Saxon. The guitar riffs are heavy Rock riffs combined with some stoner influences. The vocals are very epic and clean. The drums are groovy and gives it a very groovy relax feeling. The production is very raw but that gives it a very old school feeling so I like it. This is just the preview of their forth coming album but I can tell you that you are going to get some interesting music that keeps you listen to it. If you like 70`s rock combined with stoner and doom then you are going to enjoy it. There isn`t much more to tell because I cannot find anything about them; but the new album is coming soon! Because this is a preview I am not going to give it a rate. E-mail band; crazeartjames@yahoo.com
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ESKIMADA – Eskimada (CD)	Italy	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Crossover / Alternative Rock / Metal	Running time: 32:39 (Tracks: 9)
In July of 2007 Italian crossover band ESKIMADA was formed under another name, NAKED WEAPONS, but after several line-up changes, they decided to change the name into ESKIMADA. The band picture in the booklet of this self titled debut album "Eskimada", shows us the line-up of Raffaele Pibiri (vocals), Ivano Pischedda (guitar), Enzo Di Ciaccio (bass) and Giovanni Ambrosino (drums), but on the attached info sheet there's a line-up mentioned of five members. The band has added a second guitar player named Alessandro Derosas. Anyway, this album, which was released by the band themselves in 2009 (and now promoted by Red Cat Promotion), features 9 nice sounding songs, to which I can listen to now and then. It's not a spectacular album, just a nice one. Personally I wouldn't buy it myself easily. The musicians play their instruments very well, and Pibiri is a nice singer with a varied voice, mostly clean but sometimes also brutal and aggressive. The production is good as well. So if you are into alternative Rock/Metal, then you could check this band out. The bands says they are influenced by bands like TOOL, INCUBUS and FAITH NO MORE. Anyway, ESKIMADA is a nice Italian band, with at least a good singer.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eskimada			70/100

EVADNE – The Shortest Way (CD)	Spain	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Melodic Death / Doom Metal	Running time: 65:18 (Tracks: 8)
Evadne from Spain plays melodic death doom since 2000. They released there first demo in 2004 and their debut “The 13th Condition” in 2007. This is their second full-length and it sounds great. There are only 8 songs on this album but they are long and interesting. The guitar riffs are typical heavy doom combined with melody and acoustics in it. The drums are groovy and very steady. The vocals are deep grunts but very well executed and the balance of the vocals in the music sounds furious. They also use clean backing vocals (which are not too loud in the mix). The composing of the songs are very well done every song is filled with atmosphere and makes you listen to the entire album. Even though this band is unsigned you can definitely not hear that in the music. This band has the entire package: good music and a killer production. If you like bands like Doom:vs , Helevorn or other doom metal bands with grunts then you are going to enjoy this album
Visit their website: http://www.evadne.es MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/evadneband			80/100

EXXPLORER – Vengeance Rides On Angry Horse (CD)	USA	January 2012	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 54:49 (Tracks: 12)
U.S. Metal legends Exxplorer return after 15 years of silence. Their last effort was unfortunately below average and that somehow disappointed the fans. But the band was determined to make a great comeback. Their appearance at the Keep It True and Headbangers Open Air festivals in Germany was just the beginning. Vengeance Rides on Angry Horse is a genuine return to the roots. With a sound between the first two albums and a great 80's feeling, it will satisfy every fan of true U.S. metal. Legendary vocalist Lennie Rizzo fronts the band with his epic voice while the trademark guitar melodies of Kevin Kennedy fill the air. This is one of the best surprise comebacks of the last years and I hope that it will not pass unnoticed.
Visit their website: http://www.reverbnation.com/exxplorer Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/exxplorerband			87/100

FATE – Ghosts From The Past (CD)	Denmark	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: AOR / Melodic Rock	Running time: 59:04 (Tracks: 13)
Danish Metal band FATE was formed in late 1984 by guitarist Hank Shermann, who had left MERCYFUL FATE, together with Jeff Limbo (vocals), Pete Steiner (bass) and Bob Lance (drums). Well, about MERCYFUL FATE, the self titled four track EP "Mercyful Fate" (1982), and the albums "Melissa" (1983) and "Don't Break The Oath" (1984), still belong to my all time favorites, and are all classics. And after MERCYFUL FATE broke up, I did follow KING DIAMOND for several years. I did have the albums "Fatal Portrait" (1986), "Abigail" (1987) and "Them" (1988) on vinyl. But when Shermann formed FATE, I have to admit that I never checked the band's albums. The albums which have been released by FATE so far are “Fate” (1985), “A Matter Of Attitude” (1986), “Cruisin' For A Bruisin'” (1988), “Scratch 'N' Sniff” (1990) and “V” (2006). And in 2010 there was a compilation album released, titled “25 Years – The Best Of 1985-2010”. Shermann, who's now playing in superb Thrash band DEMONICA, only played on the first two albums, and left FATE in 1988. Several other line-up changes followed, and in 1993 the band called it quits. Years went by and in 2004 FATE did a reunion show at a festival in Germany. The albums “A Matter Of Attitude” and “Scratch 'N' Sniff” were re-mastered and re-released by MTM Music. And because of the overwhelming success of those two re-releases, which both featured some bonus tracks, FATE decided to give it another shot. This resulted into the album “V”, which was released in April of 2006. Anyway, "Ghosts From The Past" is the sixth studio album of FATE, and is my first musical acquaintance with FATE. It features thirteen fantastic and catchy melodic Rock songs. The line-up of FATE on this album exists of Dagfinn Joensen (vocals), Torben Enevoldsen (guitar), only remaining original member Pete Steiner (bass), Jens Berglid (drums) and Mikkel Henderson (keyboards). All songs are excellent compositions, which makes "Ghosts From The Past" a delicious album to listen to. Joenssen is a fantastic singer, and Enevoldsen, who's also in SECTION A and FATAL FORCE, is a great guitar player. It's a pleasure to listen to his guitar solos, which do not dominate the songs. Also the production of the album, which was done by the band themselves together with Thomas Pedersen, sounds fantastic. “Ghosts From The Past” is a fine melodic Rock album, with fantastic songs such as “Children Of The Night”, “Miracle”, “Seeds Of Terror”, “At The End Of The Day”, “All That I Want”, “Daddy's Girl”, “Murder” and “The Last Time”. All Melodic Rock fans should check this album out, because I'm sure you will like this album very much. It's a real recommendation.
Visit their website: http://www.fatetheband.com Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fatedk			82/100

GRAND DESIGN - Idolizer (CD)	Sweden	January 2012	Jordy Brouwers
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 49:07 (Tracks: 10)
Grand Design was formed in 2006 by vocalist / producer Pelle Saether, Peter Ledin (Guitars) and Richard Holmgren (Drums). In the following years, the guys worked hard on “capturing the big 80`s melodic rock sound” and writing songs. Grand Design`s 1st album “Time Elevation” was completed early 2009. During the production of this album, Anders Modd (Bass) and Dennis Vestman (Guitars) completed the line-up. This release was quite a success and was awarded “best album” and “best song” by BeRockRadio and received numerous top 10 positions for “best album 2009”. Now, two years later, it`s time for Grand Design`s second album: Idolizer. The recording process was handled similar to the first album with the same line-up. The sound and the songs are in the same style. Saether says: “We knew we had found a formula to make an 80`s rock record work in the 21st century – so why change it?” The record contains ten songs en contains everything from up tempo melodic rock to slow love ballads. Before I received the album, I was not familiar with Grand Design, but after listening some songs of the debut album (“Time Elevation”) on the internet, it became clear that the band proceeded musically with Idolizer where the debut ends. The first thing that occurred to me was the observation that the music on Idolizer (and also on the debut album) sounds very much like Def Leppard and Queensryche. In this respect, they succeeded very well in “copying” the 80's sound. But this is also my biggest point of criticism, it sounds not all very original! However, if you forget the “copying”, Idolizer is just quite a good album to have. Musically, it`s all ok an the production is fine too. This album is an advice for those who like the genre of bands mentioned above and for people who like nice melodic rock.
Visit their website: http://www.listn.to/GrandDesign Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/granddesigner			71/100

GRAND ILLUSION - Prince of Paupers (CD)	Sweden	January 2012	Jordy Brouwers
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 56:03 (Tracks: 12)
A year after the release of “Brand New World”, it is time for the 6th Grand Illusion studio album. This new album is entitled Prince of Paupers. On this release, the Grand illusion trio consists of Anders Rydholm, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson. These three musicians are accompanied by some very good (studio) musicians: Steve Lukather (Toto), Jay Graydon (Airplay), Tim Pierce (Rick Springfield), Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Paul Buckmaster (Elton John and David Bowie), Muris Varajic, Kjell Klaesson and Staffan Stavert. The songs for the new album were written and produced by Anders Rydholm and most of the lyrics were penned by Arlene Matza-Jackson. De band started 25 years ago in 1986 under the name Promotion and released 2 albums in 1997 and 1998. In 2001, the band changed their name into Grand Illusion and started a more active record carrier. During a period of 3 years, they released 4 albums. In 2005, the band took a time out and reunited 5 years later with the release of “Brand New World”. And in 2011, Prince of Paupers is released. This album is an album which can be bought blindly by melodic / AOR rock fans. The album opens strongly with Gates of Fire and the band is able to keep this high level constantly. Of course, ballads like So Faraway (with a guitar solo of Steve Lukather!) are also present, I personally prefer the more up tempo and also harder songs. In my opinion, Prince Of Paupers contains no mistake. "St. Teresa's Love”, “Eyes Of Ice”, “Gone”, “On And On” and “Under The Wire” have all strong melodic compositions. It becomes clear that the 25 year of experience of the core trio has led to a nice melodic rock album!
Visit their website: http://www.grand-illusion.se Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gisweden			77/100

HIGH SPIRITS – Another Night (CD)	USA	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 34:55 (Tracks: 9)
From Chicago, Illinois , U.S.A. comes, just like CRUSADER (see also this months update), Heavy Metal band HIGH SPIRITS. The band, which was formed in 2009, exists of Chris (vocals), Mike (lead guitar, backing vocals), Scott (lead guitar), Bob (bass) and Ian (drums). This album, “Another Night” really surprised me. The band plays NWOBHM. Think of early IRON MAIDEN, TYGERS OF PAN TANG, but also THIN LIZZY. And the vocals of Chris reminds me very much of Jon Anderson (YES). Songs like “Another Night In The City”, “Do You Remember”, “I'll Be Back”, “Where Did I Go Wrong” and “Nights In Black” are very good, but the best songs for me on this album are absolutely “Full Power”, “Demons At The Door”, “You Make Love Impossible” and “Going Up”. Those four songs are AWESOME and very addictive, and have great riffs and fantastic twin guitar solos. Really, I can't get enough of this fantastic album, and especially those four songs “Full Power”, “Demons At The Door”, “You Make Love Impossible” and “Going Up”. Fans of the NWOBHM era should absolutely check this album out. I also have listened to the demo songs on their MySpace page, and these songs are sounding very nice as well. These demo songs are also compiled on CD. Anyway, “Another Night” is a great album. Well done guys.
Recordlabel: http://www.hrrecords.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/highspiritsrock			89/100

ILLNATH – Third Act in the Theatre of Madness (CD)	Denmark	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Melodic Black Metal	Running time: 53:30 (Tracks: 10)
Illnath from Denmark play melodic black metal with symphony in it. They started in 1997 under the name Flagellation (not to be confused with the Polish or Swedish Flagellation) and changed name in 2000. That year they also released a demo and in 2001 an EP. In 2003 they released their debut “Cast into Fields of Evil Pleasure” and their second album “Second Skin of Harlequin” in 2006. After that they released another EP and Demo. This is their third album and sounds very surprising. This album contains 10 tracks of very melodic metal. The only part that is black metal is the effort of the vocalist who is trying to sound evil. The music is very good. The guitar riffs are very heavy riffs in vain of Children of Bodom. The drums are also very straight in face with steady kick and progressive parts in it. They also use keyboards that are sometimes a bit too hard in the mix but not annoying. As I already mentioned about the vocals I will try to explain it a bit more. When I read that it is supposed to be melodic black metal then I personally expect a sharp and evil scream. This scream is more in the neighbourhood of Children of Bodom but not so good... But the rest of the music is filled with solos and melody and the composing and production of this album is also great. If you like bands like I mentioned then you should give it a try.
Visit their website: http://www.illnath.dk Recordlabel: http://www.pitchblackrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/illnathofficial			70/100

JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR – Land of the Dead (CD)	USA	January 2012	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 60:29 (Tracks: 11)
Jack Starr is a living legend of American heavy metal music. Skilled guitar player and composer, he has been serving the metal sound through his solo works, Virgin Steele and numerous projects for almost 4 decades. On 2009 and after several years of silence, he returned with a new band and the album Defiance which was a great sample of American power metal with epic attitude. 2 years later he delivers the natural continuance which is Land of the Dead. This album rises over its predecessor! It is full of epic metal anthems with powerful vocals by Todd Hall, thundering drums by Rhino, galloping bass by Ned Meloni (a long time musical partner of Starr) and of course Starr's excellent melodies and riffs. Ross the Boss, David Shankle and Marta Gabriel also appear as guests, adding their metal genius to this magnificent album. If you like Manowar and Virgin Steele then this record is for you! One of the best releases for 2011 without a single doubt!
Visit their website: http://www.jackstarr.com Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.info MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackstarrmetal			90/100

MORGANA – Rose Of Jericho (CD)	Italy	January 2012	Frans Neelen
Style: Hard Rock	Running time: 39:30 (Tracks: 10)
According to her bio Morgana seems to been out of business for a while.This “Rose of Jericho” marks her return after 20 years. Well, listening to it that may be right. The production and music is definitely late 80's Hard Rock. Was it released in that period it wouldn't be great, nowadays it's even worse. To be honest, it has something, it's so 80's, so pure for that period but hey, it's another decade now. Musically it's not a punishment, it's done well but overall it doesn't really excite. Problem is that Morgana de Laude's voice lacks power and variation and sounds very monotonous. The first four tracks are real toe crunching and the vocals are responsible for that. A pity but in a few further tracks she sounds better. “ Bang, Bang” (cover !) and “I Will not Return” are simply good tracks. The, most instrumental, …..”And Kickin'” is even a very good one. But this certainly ain' t enough to save this album. Respect for people who hold on to their dreams but unfortunately it doesn't guarantee a good record. Pity of her voice; some songs deserve more.
Visit their website: http://www.morganadelaude.com Recordlabel: http://www.nadirmusic.net			55/100

MOSFET – Deathlike Thrash 'N' Roll (CD)	Austria	January 2012	William Nijhof
Style: Death Thrash 'n' roll	Running time: 42:04 (Tracks: 13)
Mosfet from Austria is going to kick your ass!!! Why? Because their new album kicks ass! But first a bit of their history. They started in 2003 and released their demo in 2005 and their debut album “Sickness of Memory” in 2009. This is their new album and it rocks. Thirteen tracks death/thrash 'n' roll. Groovy tracks with a filthy thrash grunt on it. The guitar riffs are thrash combined with rock and roll. The drums are also straight in your face and filled with double bass and groove. The composing of the songs are great and the production is also good. This entire album grooves and sounds terrific. If you like thrash with a big rock factor in it then you are going to enjoy this album!
Visit their website: http://www.mosfet.at Recordlabel: http://www.refusedrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mosfetaustria			75/100

NORDIC NOMADIC - Worldwide Skyline (CD)	Canada	January 2012	Jordy Brouwers
Style: Psychedelic Folk Rock	Running time: 39:52 (Tracks: 9)
You can call it quite vague, the album “Worldwide Skyline” from Nordic Nomadic. This is a solo project of Chad Ross which is normally active in the Canadian band Quest for Fire. Here, he plays the guitar and he sings too. I am not familiar with this band. “Worldwide Skyline” is the second full length album of Nordic Nomadic. His first solo album was released in 2007, at Toronto`s Blue Fog Recordings. This record company is specialized in psychedelic / folk / metal music. I do not know the title of Nordic Nomadic`s first album, there is not much information available about Nordic Nomadic. This second album is released at TeePee records. The songs on this album have all a psychedelical character. In my opinion, it is not meant for metal minded people. The best way to listen to this music is in a “dark room” with a huge joint and liquid projections just as in the 60`s. The music is all sounding quite minimalistic (most of the time only finger picked guitar and synthesizers) so most of the songs sound quite the same. Also the relatively monotonous voice of Ross contributes to this. However, it is never getting really boring and this is a compliment. “Worldwide Skyline” is produced for progressive minds who like for example the early work of Porcupine Tree. I also want to warn you: this is not music for depressive people!
Visit their website: http://www.nordicnomadic.blogspot.com Recordlabel: http://www.teepeerecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nordicnomadic			70/100

RAIN – XXX: 30 Years On The Road 1980/2010 (CD)	Italy	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Hard Rock / Metal	Running time: 52:45 (Tracks: 13)
My first acquaintance with Italian band RAIN was when they played at the fifth edition of MARIO'S METAL MEETING on October 15th 2011. And to me, RAIN were one of the bands I liked the most that day. I still remember they played a fantastic cover version of THE CULT's classic “Rain” on MMM5. Now a few months later I got the compilation album “XXX: 30 Years On The Road 1980/2010” to review. This album features thirteen tracks from the band's eight previous albums, and are a bit re-arranged. So, I assume all songs on this album are re-recorded. But to be honest, while I listened to this CD several times, I wasn't that impressed anymore. There are just a few good songs on this album, which was released in October 2011, like “Whiskey On The Route 666”, “Rain Revolution”, the fast “Born To Kill”, “In The Night” and “Fight For The Power”. But the rest of the songs do sound very moderate to me. Okay, these guys play their instruments very well, and they have in Francesco Grandi a good singer as well, but that's all. The band recorded one exclusive track for this album, which is titled “End Of Time”. And the last track on this CD is an acoustic version of “Rain Are Us”, a song which originally is on the band's last album “Dad Is Dead” (2008). Like I said, I have listened several times to this album, but every time I only do like the above mentioned songs. So, live RAIN is a nice band, but on this album they can't really convince me, because in my opinion it has just too many fillers.
Visit their website: http://www.raincrew.com Recordlabel: http://www.auralmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/raincrew1980			70/100

RIOTGOD – Invisible Empire (CD)	USA	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Stoner Rock	Running time: 59:37 (Tracks: 12)
I already knew the band RIOTGOD by name, but never heard any music of them so far. Well, now I received the band's second album "Invisible Empire" to review. And I must say that I was really surprised, because "Invisible Empire" is a fantastic album. Anyway, RIOTGOD is a Stoner Rock band formed by the rhythm section of MONSTER MAGNET, namely James Baglino (bass) and Bob Pantella (drums). In 2009 the band released their self titled debut album "Riotgod". Besides Baglino and Pantella the band also exists of Mark Sunshine (vocals) and Garret Sweeney (guitar; also in cover band PSYCHO DAISY). This second album features fourteen songs, and opens very strongly with "Breed", which has an awesome guitar riff and grooves as hell. Second song on "Invisible Empire", titled "Fool", reminds very much of PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS. RIOTGOD does have in the person of Sunshine a real great singer, who's voice sounds very much like singers such as Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN), Layne Staley (ALICE IN CHAINS) and Andrew Stockdale (WOLFMOTHER). And Sweeney is an excellent guitar player, who treats us on marvellous guitar solo's. And of course Baglino and Pantella are a very tight rhythm section. The third track on this silver disc, "Crossfade", has an ultra heavy guitar riff. Well, I could go on and on, but there's just no weak song on "Invisible Empire", because all songs are fantastic compositions and are sounding really great. Anyway, songs which remind of LED ZEPPELIN are the acoustic "Gas Station Roses", "Loosely Bound" and the acoustic "Rebirth". This album is fantastically produced by drummer Pantella, and sounds excellent. In fact I don't have anything negative to mention about this album. It's a real masterpiece, which already has made many spins in my CD player. With such fantastic songs, makes it extra hard to tell which songs are my favorite ones. Just listen to songs such as "Breed", "Fool", "Crossfade", "Slow Death", "Firebrand", "Loosely Bound" and "Lost" and discover yourself these are all great. "Invisible Empire" is a superb album, and a real recommendation for all Stoner Rock fans. Great work guys.
Visit their website: http://www.riotgod.com Recordlabel: http://www.metalville.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/riotgod			85/100

SANDSTONE – Cultural Dissonance (CD)	Ireland	January 2012	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Melodic Metal	Running time: 47:10 (Tracks: 10)
Roaming from Ireland this is Sandstone's third release. There aren't many well-known progressive bands from Ireland but Sandstone has the quality to become one. The band consists of the McLaughlin-brothers, Stevie (guitars) and Dave (bass), Sean McBay (vocals, guitars) and Dan Lafford (drums). Right at the beginning of the first song, “Reckless Thought” you hear the twin guitars duelling until McBay steps in. He has a very pleasant clear voice that suites the song, which keeps on changing, very well. This is a great song with all kind of moods put together in one track but still it remains a real song. “Little Forgeries” is a beautiful song with McBay singing great and Stevie McLaughlin letting his guitar doing the talking. This is a beautiful composition. The third track, “Fading”, starts with some great guitar playing. This is also a song where everything seems to fit in just fine. The song is very catchy as are the vocals. The fourth track, “Leaning on an Arrow” is a fast power-/progressive metal piece. It includes fantastic fast guitar solos, great singing and some piano/keyboards. The song is played by a rhythm-section that knows how a song is meant to be played. Piano starts “Carefree Moment”, but it quickly turns into a melodic metal song. McBay performs a mini-rap in the middle of the song, followed by a screaming guitar solo. At the beginning of the next song, “Silent Suicide”, a little child says: “Mom is that how you spell suicide?” What follows is yet another song with catchy vocals and a great vibe to it. “Black Skies” is a bit heavier but like on most of the songs there is something to the vocals, which sticks to you. “No More” is with it's three minutes and forty-three seconds the shortest song on the album. It's is a mainstream melodic rock track, thus very pleasant to listen to. Some acoustic guitars and a very modestly singing McBay are the trademarks for the start of “Sleep”. The song remains a very quiet and slow song with a beautifully played guitar solo from the middle towards the end of the song. On the last track, “Trick of Mind” the tempo is back again. This again is a good progressive melodic metal song, with a lot of focus for detail and for the song structure. One of the things that keep on coming back on this album is the fact that most of the songs are very catchy and stick to your mind quite easily. I must say that Sandstone is a big surprise to me and I'm looking forward to their European tour supporting Ripper Owens in September. First, I'm going to listen to the two other albums they released earlier.
Visit their website: http://www.sandstonerocks.com Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sandstonerocks			85/100

SCARLATYNA– Till the End (CD)	Germany	January 2012	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Power Metal	Running time: 36:01 (Tracks: 7)
I don't think many people remember this band as they released three demo's in 1989, 1991 and 1992 followed by a self-released live album in 1993. On this compilation all of the seven tracks of the last two demo's, “Scarlet Ball” (1991, three tracks) and “Till the End” (1992, four tracks) are present. As these are demo-tracks dating from the nineties the sound and the production of this release aren't superb. As Scarlatyna have reformed, it was time to release the old demo's. The band, responsible for the music on this album, consists of Chris Jamie Marino (vocals), Jörg Weilinger (guitars), Mike Stanzel bass) and Klaus Hardt (drums). The opening-track, “The Truth” is a mix of heavy pounding and quiet parts with some calm vocals. Towards the end, the guitar playing gets a lot of variety and Marino starts singing in a King Diamond way but by far not as good. His vocals balance on the edge. “We” starts very slow and quietly, but not for long as the tempo and the power go up. This is power metal nineties-style with a lot of variation within the song both musically and vocally. On the third song, “Wings of the Night”, Marino sings very high on some parts. The guitar playing is very controlled. Scarlatyna's style can best be described as a mix of prog-, power- and a slice of U.S. metal. Marino's start of “Self-Made Destruction” isn't great but luckily he rehabilitates a bit throughout the song. The guitar playing is beautiful towards the end of the song. After a short intro with some organ sounds, all hell breaks loose on “The Tower”. Marino sings with a very rough and powerful voice. This is a real fast heavy power metal song. Towards the end of the song it's Weilinger that takes the solo-spot in style. The title-track is filled by great guitar soloing and Marino singing yet in another way. The variety in his singing on this album is extremely big but I don't like all styles he uses. The last track on this album is “Temple of Despite” that begins with a big laugh by some monster-like person. On this song, Marino uses his powerful rough voice once again. The conclusion is that this is a great way to get to known some rarities from the nineties, but keep in mind that this are demo-recordings dating from that era. Apparently, Scarlatyna are working on new material so let's wait and see what they can achieve using modern technology and a proper release. If you want to see them perform live, visit the Swordbrothers festival next September.
Recordlabel: http://www.pureunderground-records.com			71/100

SINCERA – Cursed and Proud (CD)	Norway	January 2012	Dennis van Dommelen
Style: Black / Death Metal	Running time: 36:55 (Tracks: 9)
Sincera is a sideproject with members from Norwegian Death/ Black metal bands: Fester, Algol, Decipher and Psychotic Pain. Cursed and Proud is oddly divided into two parts. The first four songs are studio recordings the the following four are live recordings and the last one is a enterance song for the infamous Norwegian wrestler Byron Lawless. The Norwegians are quite technical, rich in harmony and texture. There are quite a lot of rhythm-changes but it's mainly well-composed and purposeful. The melodies are folky in places, thrashy in others, occasionally on the Dissection side of things, but generally very good. Uff, I have to say that "Cursed and proud" material is very uneven - it's an album, which I have to divide into two parts – first one gathers great songs and riffing, with some truly memorable anthems such as (the opening riff on) “A Griever's Soul” (though the guitars are sounding a bit false throughout the song, while on the other half it has lower quality riffs and unnecessary weak ideas like in the song “Cursed” and simply looses the feeling and aggression. The live recordings are all a all more straightforward and in your face. And although the soundquality isn't as good as on the studiotracks I like them more. Hopefully they will follow the more agressive path in the future. For now this debut is a irregular but that doens't say it's bad.
Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sinceranorway			75/100

STEEL PANTHER – Balls Out (CD)	USA	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Hard Rock / Glam Rock / Metal	Running time: 47:36 (Tracks: 14)
The Glam boys of STEEL PANTHER are back with their second album "Balls Out". Okay in 2003 these guys released the album "Hole Patrol" under the name METAL SHOP, but they changed their name into STEEL PANTHER in 2008. And in 2009 the first STEEL PANTHER album "Feel The Steel" was released, which I reviewed for MMM in June of 2010 and got 90 out of 100 points. Well, "Feel The Steel" was a smash hit worldwide and is already a real classic album if you ask me. Now, Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums) have released their second album "Balls Out" in October of 2011. "Balls Out" is a logical continuation of "Feel The Steel". Lyrically it's again an album full of jokes, and musically Michael, Satchel, Lexxi and Stix treats us on excellent 80's Hair Metal. Just like “Feel The Steel” also “Balls Out” is fantastically produced by Jay Ruston. Some guest appearances on this album are this time from Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME), who is doing the guitar solo on “It Won't Suck Itself”, Chad Kroeger (NICKELBACK), who is doing lead- and backing vocals on “It Won't Suck Itself” and Brett Anderson (THE DONNAS) who's doing backing vocals on “I Like Drugs”. Songs which I like bit less are “If You Really Really Love Me” and the last track of the album “Weenie Ride”. But the rest of the songs are again fantastic. I'm sure “Balls Out” will be a success album as well. My conclusion is that "Balls Out" is, just like "Feel The Steel", again an awesome album. My favorite songs on "Balls Out" are "Supersonic Sex Machine", “Just Like Tiger Woods”, "17 Girls In A Row" (superb), "It Won't Suck Itself", “Tomorrow Night”, “That's What Girls Are For”, “Gold Digging Whore”, “I Like Drugs”, “Critter” and “Let Me Cum In”.
Visit their website: http://www.steelpantherrocks.com Recordlabel: http://www.universalrepublic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steelpantherkicksass			89/100

THE BRAINS – Drunk Not Dead (CD)	Canada	January 2012	Ad van Osch
Style: Psychobilly	Running time: 28:55 (Tracks: 13)
From Montréal, Canada comes Psychobilly band THE BRAINS. The band, which was formed in 2002, released the following albums so far: “No Pain, No Brain” (2005), “Hell N' Back” (2007), “The Brains” (2009) and “Zombie Nation” (2010). “Drunk Not Dead” (2011) is the fifth album of THE BRAINS. The line-up on this album exists of Rene De La Muerte (vocals, guitar), Colin The Dead (upright bass) and Pat Kadaver (drums). These three guys have recorded 13 fantastic and very catchy songs for their fifth album. The album, which was produced by De La Muerte, starts with the short intro “Horsemen”, followed by “Four Beasts Ride”. Next song is the catchy “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, of which the band has shot a very nice video clip. While listening to THE BRAINS, the band reminds me very much of Psychobilly bands such as KOFFIN KATS, THE CREEPSHOW, MAD SIN and NEKROMANTIX to name a few. There are two songs on the album, which aren't sung in English. The first one is “Gato Calavera” which is sung in Spanish, and the second one “Pourquoi Me Laisser” is sung in French (one of the two Canadian languages). Anyway, like I said, this album features very catchy songs. If you have heard songs like “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, “We Are The Brains”, “Six Rounds” and “Drunk Not Dead” you can't get them out of your head. To me, this is an album to which I can listen anytime. So far, this CD already has made many spins in my CD-player, and it will make many more. Well, if you like the above mentioned Psychobilly bands, then you will like THE BRAINS as well. Although I like all songs very much, my favorites of this album are “Take What I Want (Souvenir Of Monte Christo)”, “We Are The Brains”, “Six Rounds”, “Premonitions”, “High On Speed”, “Drunk Not Dead” and “I'm Your Nightmare”. Superb album.
Recordlabel: http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebrains			87/100

THE GARDNERZ– The System of Nature (CD)	Sweden	January 2012	Dennis van Dommelen
Style: Death/Doom Metal	Running time: 50:46 (Tracks: 10)
The Gardnerz are a relativealy new band to the scene. “The System of Nature” is their debut album on the American label Abyss records. As time goes by, the quest for the unique in music exponentially grows in futility, and one question is asked: "maybe instead of looking for originality in music we should just appreciate those all they do is the same-old, yet do it awesomely? Or is it me, blabbering again, having absolutely no idea how to open this darn review?" Anyway, The Gardnerz is just that kind of a band – just as the homophone suggests, "routine" would be the name of the game and an immediate association that rises in all things concerning the album in question – tempo and feel-wise, the premise "The System of Nature" mostly dwells in is a moderate, quasi-gracious and self-important stride (the almost-exclusive use of major scales significantly contributes to that "majestic" feel), with a cue emphasis on basic, melodic musical approach and rather rudimentary thematic resolutions with catchy hooks and harmonies to please your ear, but without grabbing your attention all too much really. As far as the music goes, though, the most suitable way to describe is that it that the doomy death metal delivers. I'd like to deviate from the common procedure by addressing the sound and production of the album first, since it would be the first thing to captivate your attention upon hearing this album as well – not only it's highly crisp and clear, you'd be overwhelmed by the ferocity it comes at you from the very get go. Imagine having an enormous frying pan swung at your face, hitting it in several different places simultaneously as it lands – same goes with this album. That it says mastered at the legendary Unisound studio by Dan Swano will clearify this. So in the end The Garnerz aren't inventing the wheel again but do present an interesting various doom/death metal album.
Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thegardnerz			79/100

THOUSAND YEAR WAR – Tyrants and Men (CD)	USA	January 2012	Robin van Tilburg
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 39:20 (Tracks: 10)
'Tyrants and Men' was officially released in 2009, but now enjoys a re-release through Abyss Records, the new found label of the band from Alaska. Swedish Death Metal fans beware: you're probably going to like this. Thousand Year War combines all the best elements from this scene and created an album that you can purchase without a doubt. I've already read it in several other review but I think the same thing: this sounds very much like Amon Amarth. The band also gives their own twist to the music, but overall it sounds very familiar. Fans of Amon Amarth or Swedish Death Metal in general have another great band to listen to! At this moment, the band is working on a new E.P. so we will probably will hear from them soon.
Visit their website: http://www.thousandyearwar.com Recordlabel: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thousandyearwar			70/100