CD, DVD & DEMO REVIEWS 2006

CD, DVD & DEMO REVIEWS 2006

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ABIGAIL'S MERCY (DVD) England October 2006 Robin van Tilburg
Style: Gothic metal Running time: 2 videoclips
Last July I did a review on the debut album of Abigail's Mercy. As you can read on MMM, I was very fond of Salvation. Now we have another release of this band from England. It is not a music CD, but a DVD with two of the bands video's on it. 'To hell with angels' and 'Cloud dancer.' The video's are little story's packed in a video clip. As you can expect when you here the music, the video's have that typical gothic vibe. Knowing that the band hasn't been around for so long, the video's look professional. The 'To hell with angels' video was even the award winning video on the Swansea Bay film festival. If you are a fan of Abigail's Mercy, this is a must have…
Visit their website: http://www.abigailsmercy.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.coprorecords.co.uk

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ABIGAIL'S MERCY – Salvation (CD) England July 2006 Robin van Tilburg
Style: Gothic Metal Running time: 51:51 (Tracks: 11)
Abigail's Mercy was formed a couple of years ago. Named after the story 'The crucible' by Arthur Miller, they became a female-fronted gothic metal band. In 2004 the band released an EP which was a success. One thing led to another and not much later the band started to record their debut album, which became the album that is reviewed right here. Salvation. They were then signed up to Casket Records. The album opens very strong with the straight forward gothic rocker 'to hell with angels,' and continues to be a very diverse gothic album. Not just pure traditional gothic metal is to be found here. Take for example the song 'Meaningless' This song has some serious metal riffs that makes me think of Iron Maiden's '2 minutes to midnight.' This is a compliment of course . In another review I've done, I wrote that most gothic acts are far from original, and it is hard to stand out of the rest. That was the case for that particular CD, but it goes also for Abigail's Mercy. In fact, I think that Salvation is an album that is above average. The female vocals are switching with the male vocals, who aren't grunting. The male vocals are also clean, and that is rare these days. The music is also different. The don't confine to a certain style. They mix it all together and the result is very sufficient. Listening to the album, bands like Lacuna coil, an a little less Nightwish comes to mind. For a debut album they did a great job. And if they can hold this level for the next records, the band will have a auspicious future.
Visit their website: http://www.abigailsmercy.co.uk
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.coprorecords.co.uk

82/100
ABSOLUTE STEEL - Womanizer (CD) Norway February 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Party Metal/ Hardrock Running time: 40:57 (Tracks: 9)
Absolute Steel was formed by Andy Boss (lead guitar), Dave Bomb (lead guitar) and K2 (vocals) in 1999.The metal of the 80`s has always been a perfect formula for a good party, according the band and Absolute Steel wanted to maintain this tradition. Joined by various drummers and bass players, AS released a demo-album, and a single on their own in 1999-2000. They were quickly picked up and signed by the Norwegian label Edgerunner Records, and released their debut "The Fair Bitch Project" in 2002. On the tour they were joined by bassman Dr. Schmutz and drummer Rick Hagan, who soon became permanent members of the band. This is the bands second album and their first on Black Lotus Records. The band calls their music "partymetal" and I have to admit; if you are at a party and as drunken as hell; you'll probably like their music..........If you're sober and know a bit about music, you'll agree with me that this is crap!! This way you can call any jocular hardrock/metal band a party band! Sorry guys but if I want to party I will rather invite a band as Tankard or Gun Barrel. The guitarparts on this album are nice but the rest of the music is laughable. Maybe next time better???
Visit their website: http://www.absolutesteel.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://black-lotus-recs.com/

45/100
ADOR DORATH - Symbols (CD) Czech Republic August 2006 Robin van Tilburg
Style: Sympho Black/ Doom Metal Running time: 43:08 (Tracks: 10)
Ador Dorath is a band from the Czech Republic. They began to play Moonspell covers in 1998, and now they have established themselves as a full grown band with two full length releases. The first one came out in 2004, and was called "Adon Nin Edeleth Ador Dorath". Now they are back with there second one that is reviewed right here. "Symbols." When I started listening to this album, I was kind of disappointed by the music. It was all chaotic, and yet far from exciting. Just standard metal with a lot of breaks. I didn't expect that, according to the great promo material that they have send me. But as I listened further, the songs became more and more interesting. Unlike other bands, Ador Dorath has saved the best songs for last. What a complete turnover! The style is described as Sympho black doom-metal, but they prefer to label themselves as obscure psychotic mysteries considering lyrics and mood. And you know what? I totally agree. The good songs make up big time for the first ones. Overwhelming sounds, great riffs and a mysterious atmosphere. The best way to listen to this album is with a headphone. Then you can here the sounds of nature that fill up the empty spaces. Do yourself a favour and step into the world of Ador Dorath. Not just for metalheads, but for all people who see music as a form of art…
Visit their website: http://www.adordorath.com
Recordlabel: http://www.shindy.cz/

88/100
AFTER ALL - This Violent Decline (CD) Belgium October 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Speed / Thrash Metal Running time: 38:41 (Tracks: 11 + 1 videoclip)
One and a half years after the release of "The Vermin Breed" (see Archive CD/DVD reviews), Belgian thrashers After All are back with "This Violent Decline". The new album was recorded by Dee J. at Hype Studio in Mechelen, Belgium. For the mix After All headed up to Gothenburg, Sweden to work with Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Soilwork) at Studio Fredman. Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Hatesphere) gave the album its final polish. On the new album, After All have continued with their typical style: heavy thrash riffs combined with catchy melodies and choruses, merged together in powerful and compact songs.
I was already enthusiastic about their latest release "The Vermin Breed" but the only thing that disturbed me a lot was the moderate singing of singer Piet Focroul. Well on this album it sounds like he has read my (and possible a lot of other) review(s)! The vocals are sounding much better & more professional than ever before and they even remind me (in combination with the music) to US-metal bands like (old) Testament & Exodus. This album is sounding great & in combination with the good songs and musicianship its probably one of the best European releases this year!!
Compliments guys! Check this album out!
Visit their website: http://www.afterall.be/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com/

90/100
AHAB - The Call of the Wretched Sea (CD) Germany October 2006 Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Doom Metal Running time: 1:07:38 (Tracks: 7)
Ahab is a rather new band, founded by members of groups such as Midnattsol and Endzeit. This is its debut album right after the release of a demo called "The Oath". Although the German metal scene is not so famous for its doom bands, Ahab look determined to succeed in their country and furthermore seek fame beyond its borders.
The originality of this concept album comes from the story that it's about. I personally don't remember another album inspired by Herman Melville's book "Moby Dick". The name of the band (taken from the Captain Ahab character) and the cover of the record (the legendary Moby Dick whale smashing boats full of whalers) work as an introduction for the story that unfolds through the seven songs of the album. The band's music can be categorized as funeral death doom. Dark, crawling rhythms, haunting death growls and bizarre chants set the scene of this nightmare. I have to say that the atmosphere is quite fitting to the whole story and although I am not the one you would call an expert on death metal, I found some very interesting parts in this recording. Their extra slow music reminded me of early Cathedral (with a tiny bit of Amorphis, especially the vocals) and will definitely appeal to the fans of the genre but I have to admit that I eventually got tired of the ever going ultra low tempo
Visit their website: http://ahab-doom.de/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com/

68/100
A NEW DAWN - Promo 2006 (CDemo) The Netherlands October 2006 Robin van Tilburg
Style: Gothic Metal Running time: 16:30 (Tracks: 3)
A New Dawn was founded in 1997 as a project of guitarist Elbert de Hoog. The first release is a demo with three songs of Elbert's previous band Featuring Frantic and also two cover songs. After this release, Elbert started a new band called Mental Captivity, which forced A New Dawn to take it slow for a while. Meanwhile, Elbert was still writing music that wasn't in the style of his band. In 2003 the teamed up with singer Sanne Kluiters to record a new E.P. called 'the wisdom of hindsight.' This E.P. contained also original songs as well as covers. To promote this record, a new band was formed. The band consists of Sanne Kluiters (lead vocals), Monica Janssens (bass and vocals/grunts), Willem Cremer (guitar), Gijsbert Spek (drums), Josta Kluiters (vocals) and Elbert de Hoog (Guitar). A New Dawn is not a project anymore. It is now a full grown band with a brand new release. 'Promo 2006'
With this record, A New Dawn gives us two new songs and a re-release of live-favourite 'Victimless Tragedy.' If you listen to the song, you know why. In fact, all the songs on this record have great live potential. Special mentioning goes out to the opening track 'Ascension.' I can easily say that this song is one of the most bombastic and interesting songs in the genre that I've heard until now. This composition has a great building from beginning to end. The riffs are heavy and the music reminds me of Iron Maiden at a certain point. A New Dawn has the gift to combine classic (heavy) metal riffs with a theatrical atmosphere. You can compare it to After Forever, but then a bit more metal orientated and with more variety and melody. I truly believe that when they record a full length album with a clear production, they can have a promising future. Especially when they continue to write songs like the ones on this Promo CD. If you are into Gothic/heavy/classic or even thrash metal, I could advise you to give this album a try…
Visit their website: http://www.anewdawn.tk

85/100
ANUBIS GATE - A Perfect Forever (CD) Denmark April 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive / Power Metal Running time: 59:41 (Tracks: 10)
In 1984 Jesper M. Jensen (bass) and Henrik Fevre (guitar, vocals) formed their first metal outfit together called V-axe. The original drummer was soon replaced by Per M. Jensen (drums, vocals), who already played with Henrik in the guitar/drums duo Black Mercyful. In 1986 the band split both as a band and as friends, mainly because Henrik wanted to pursue other musical influences far from heavy.
Jesper and Per stuck together and in 1987 they started up the local heavy metal band Extreme Feedback, which included both Morten Sørensen (vocals - later on he began playing the drums) and Kim Olesen (guitar). In 1989 Per and Jesper then went onto thrash metal band Invocator, with whom they released a couple of demo's as well as the worldwide well-received album "Excursion Demise", year 1991.
After having been in Invocator till the early nineties, Jesper returned to Aalborg in Northern Denmark. Morten and Jesper began to write new matrial. In the melodic heavy metal style, with proggy/power metal sound to it. They recorded a demo, and needed extra members for a band.
An appropriate singer was found in Torben Askholm, who had been a part of the Danish metal scene for many years, first with the thrash metal act Prophets Of Doom (released an album in 1989) and then with the progressive metal band Northern Empire (two demos in the early nineties).
When the band had enough material for a full length album, they decided to visit Hansen Studio's in Denmark, under the guidance of producer extra-ordinaire Jacob Hansen (actually ex-band mate of Jesper's from the Invocator days).
The band plays a mix of progressive & power metal which suits me very well! It all is produced very well and this is, again, a damn good release from Locomotive Records (Kragens, Benedictum, Mago de Oz, EasyRider). The album has a lot of variation; from prog-songs (Future without Past), ballads (Curfew) but also up-tempo songs (Children of the Pauper King).
This is no junkfood for the standard metal(lica) fan; check this band out if you want! You will be surprised by this original band which can not easily be compared with another band. Great musician & great singer!!
Visit their website: http://www.anubisgate.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotivemusic.com/

81/100
ARCTURUS - Sideshow Symphonies (CD) Norway February 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive Metal Running time: 50:36 (Tracks: 9)
In 1987, death metal band MORTEM was formed by Steinar Johnsen a.k.a Sverd, Jan Axel Von Blomberg a.k.a. Hellhammer (MAYHEM, WINDS, THE KOVENANT, MEZZERSCHMITT), and Marius Vold. They released the demo tape, "Slow Death", which later appeared as a 7" EP on the French underground label Putrefaction Records. MORTEM changed their name to ARCTURUS in 1990, as they wanted to play a different style of music. Marius soon departed and Steinar dropped the guitar to concentrate on keyboards. After, again, several line-up cahnges & releases they were signed to Season of Mist and recorded their debut record for this French label. This is my first acquaintance with this band and I was very positive surprised!! The band plays a very weird mix of black- & progmetal that suits me very well; especially because of the "clean" vocal parts & great production! Its impossible to compare this band with any other band because they make some fuckin original metal! This is melodic prog/death/blackmetal with a lot of vocal tour de forces!! Comparable with: a mix of Spiral Architect, Voivod, Dimmu Borgir. Check this album/band out!!!
Visit their website: http://www.arcturus.no/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.com/index2.html
Recordlabel: http://www.season-of-mist.com/

85/100
ARMISTICE - Roots of Evil (CD) Germany June 2006 Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal Running time: 40:01 (Tracks: 8)
Armistice was founded in 1992, and has already released 5 CD productions, of which this is the latest, and supported bands like Tankard and Tom Angelripper live. The music of Armistice is devoted to classic speed and thrash metal in the style of bands like Exodus, Annihilator and Slayer. This is a great album, although devoted to classic thrash metal, this doesn't sound out of date or anything, this is well produced great sounding trash metal!
Not that it's renewing, or original, but it has some great riffs, and reminds me a bit of Kreator too in some parts. I love it, some really aggressive tracks like 'Return of the Aggressor' and some funny lyrics like in 'Doggy style'. Also on this CD you'll find two music clips, one is a video for the song 'Trail of Fear', and the other one is a cover version of 'Sympthon of the universe' filmed live, this is a good one too. I like it a lot, definitely a band I would like to check out live on stage!
Visit their website: http://www.armistice.de/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.meier-dini.de/

75/100
ARTERY ERUPTION – Gouging out Eyes of Mutilated Infants (CD) USA July 2006 Jacob Rooth
Style: Brutal Death Metal Running time: 32:20 (8 tracks)
Holy fucking Moses!!! If this isn't brutal! Very low tuned guitars and ultra-speed drums making me gasping for air! The production is not the finest I ever heard (that also for the playing skills) but if you're listening you can feel some true aggression! In the slow parts you can feel your stomach and that's what I like… If I look at the artwork I'm not really impressed and I think that the band members will say "what did we when we were young?" after twenty years. I'm not very shocked but I can imagine a lot of people will be (maybe that's the intention?). If you're trying to shock people do it with your music to be terrible tight and brutal! On this CD it's not always that way…… I think if Artery Eruption can grow if they're going to work on their sound and playing skills (a better sound can make you play better too).
What I try to say is that they can give us more because you can hear there's more! It's not bad but give me some more guys! The sick intro's are making the thing complete and the result after ten years playing and a new revamped line-up it's taking place in the guttural death scene! A must for the extreme death metal fan!
Visit their website: http://www.arteryeruption.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.goregiasticrecords.com/

65/100
ASCENSION THEORY - Answers (CD) USA June 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Progressive Metal Running time: 46:04 (Tracks: 10)
Ascension Theory is a new name for many, but not for all of us. Vocalist, guitar and bass player Leon Ozug and keyboardist Tim Becker come from Aztec Jade. Drummer Chad Lenig is a friend and they have asked them to add organic drums on "Answers", their second album. Their debut "Regeneration", had drums out of a box. Just like with Aztec Jade you are getting quite subdued but very well written and constructed progressive rock/metal. If you love Pink Floyd and other bands like them you will probably love the structured songs, the well thought out songs and the sublime production. If you are looking for a blast to happen once in a while: wait until you hear track six "The Way Of Death". That is when Beverly Luse takes over the vocal duties and the music gets a little more aggressive, I mean, adventurous. A house beat and progressive metal, that does go down well. For the rest the album never really sparkles, but you know, it doesn't matter, because this is definitively good enough to listen to more often.
Visit their website: http://www.ascensiontheory.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com/

73/100
ASSAILANT – Nemesis Within (CD) Sweden August 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Heavy Metal Running time: 48:28 (Tracks: 11)
Assailant is a new band from Umea, Sweden. I don't know what's in their water, but there are a lot of bands in that town. Think of Naglfar, Nocturnal Rites, Persuader and Savage Circus, plus a lot more. Assailant is a little different from all of them. They know how to make aggressive (Finnish style) metal mixed with melody and melancholy. The voice really complements the musical aspirations this band show. The songs are well thought of and for a debut there is nothing that you can call below par. The good thing about "Nemesis Within" is the constant quality it gives. You can hear the despair in the voice, the frustration in the music, the determination of the band. No, the songs are not groundbreaking or freshly new, but what this album gives you is the feeling that you are right in the middle of it, that you are part of the whole process. That to me is a huge achievement and something to treasure. If they can improve what they do on this debut album in the future, I predict them to become household names.
Visit their website: http://www.assailant.se/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com/

67/100
ASTRAL DOORS - Astralism ( CD) Sweden May 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Classic Heavy Metal Running time: 54:58 (Tracks: 13)
Astral Doors is one of the classic metal treasures of the moment. Why? Because they know how to mix Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath with Dio and Deep Purple. Especially the 1.90 meter long fabulous singer Patrik Johanson is a real gem. His voice is a perfect mix of Tony Martin, Ronnie James Dio and himself, not only in sound but also in power. That makes him the perfect man for this kind of music. "Astralism" is the third attempt of the band to assume world domination. And it surely is the one that is most equipped to succeed. After their adequate 2003 debut album "Of The Son And The Father" the band followed with the much improved "Evil Is Forever" in 2005. Nobody could have imagined that they could keep up this speed in improving themselves, but they are proving everyone wrong. Musically the songs are much more powerful than they have ever been before. Their mix of classic metal with modern sounds has been written to perfection. Not only that, the production is superb and adds another dimension to this music. I can vouch for them coming much more in contention with how Astral Doors sound live. Yes, I have seen them, at Sweden Rock in 2004. There Patrik Johanson showed the audience that he does know how to put on a show and let his voice do the talking. He's doing the same on "Astralism". He is loud, hard, soft, calm and very outspoken when he needs to be. As you have gathered by now this is a really good album and every lover of good old metal should listen to it. Even better, go out and buy it!
Visit their website: http://www.astraldoors.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotivemusic.com/

89/100
ASTRAL DOORS - Raiders of the Ark (mini-CD) Sweden May 2006 Suzanne Smaling
Style: Heavy / Power Metal Running time: 17:57 (Tracks: 5 & 1 videoclip)
Astral Doors is a great metal band from Sweden. In 1998 they started as a project which grown out to this band. And in March of this year they released there third album, Astralism. But before this release they also released this promo record: "Raider Of The Ark". From the very first minute that you have this CD in your player a blast of music comes out! Because of that the first impression is … WOW!!! This sounds very good! From the beginning to the end. Your can hear influences of Dio, Black Sabbath and Rainbow very clearly. This CD rocks. The CD contains a video clip from the last tour. Singer Patrik Johansson voice is comparable with Ronnie James Dio's voice. This promo-CD contains only unreleased tracks and previous released tracks in Japan. In the summer and fall 2006 Astral Doors will go and tour with Blind Guardian.
If you have the opportunity to check this band out, just do it! Because they are really great!
Visit their website: http://www.astraldoors.com
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotivemusic.com/

83/100
ATTACKER - The Unknown (CD) USA April 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Thrash / Speed Metal Running time: 47:47 (Tracks: 11)
Its been more than 1 year ago that Attacker drummer Mike Sabatine gave me a promo CD with 3 songs of this new album on it (see Archive Reviews). Well finally after a long time the 4th full length CD of this great & sympatethic band is a fact! On their latest album "Soul Taker" singer Bob Mitchell was sometimes singing nasal and did remind me to an US variation of Udo Dirkschneider (Accept). After all a bit strange because on stage he is always singing his balls of (or maybe there are already off and is that the reason for his high pitching vocals ON stage....).
Well, that little problem is nearly solved on this new album; Bob is singing much better than on their "Soul Taker" album! The first songs 'This is Power" is already a classic one that should be in their live-set on the upcoming European tour in September!!
The engineering & mixing of the album was done by Mike Sabatini himself and I have to admit that it sounds great! But as usual I always have some (little) complains; personally i'm not upset about most of the delivered guitarparts; some songs dont have solos and some solos are a bit scrappy. Pitty, especially when you know that they have two great guitarplayers in their ranks. Another little complain is the (only) boring song: 'Devils War".
Nevertheless, this is a great album that will visit my CD-player regularly! See you guys in September!!! Cheers!
Visit their website: http://www.attacker.tv
Recordlabel: http://www.sentinelsteel.com/

85/100
AVALON – The Richie Zito Project (CD) USA October 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: AOR Running time: 53:35 (Tracks: 12)
Richie Zito has always been a writer of commercial songs that have a little of a rough edge. He has written for some of the biggest names in the AOR world, including Foreigner. The opening song "Blue Collar" proves that. The rest of the album has the same kind of quality musically. Vocally Richie has recruited some big names to sing his songs. Joe Lynn Turner, Eddie Money, Joseph Williams, Philip Bardowell, Hugo Valenti, Danny Vaughn, Giorgio Moroder, Richie Kotzen and Eric Martin are the people that sing this album to it's full potential. All these ingredients should make an absolute corker of an album, but somehow it isn't. It's good, but just not good enough to be top of the bill. If you are an AOR fan you will undoubtedly love the whole album, but after a while you might want it to grab you some more. That's what it is lacking now, unfortunately. But I will stress that Avalon is a good album. Just not the bees knees.
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it/

68/100
AVIAN - From The Depths Of Time (CD) USA June 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Progressive Power Metal Running time: 55:04 (Tracks: 13)
If you don't know who Dave Ellefson is, you have been living on a different planet for the last 20 years or so. He is the bass player on "From The Depths Of Time". Guitar player Yan Leviathan started Avian in 2002, after he went to see Prog Power III in the USA. Now, just three years later, he has finally got it right and has been able to put a first album together. To cut to the chase: this is melodic power metal to make you happy whilst using some progressive influences. It is not exactly rocket science what these guys do, but they do know how to put together some good tunes, and because the production is very full indeed. It all ties in very well. The high pitched voice of Lance King only adds to the feel of the album. The real good thing about "From The Depths Of Time" is that the band has varied with tempos. Not too much and definitely not enough, but it does add that little extra power to the songs, especially when drummer Jonah Weingarten gets to use his double bass drums. Of course the bass player is good, he really knows how to complement the music and give it the drive it needs. All together this is a good album, that will appeal to power, heavy, progressive and melodic metal fans. Yes, to all of them.
Visit their website: http://www.avianband.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com/

75/100
AXXIS - Paradise in Flame (CD) Germany May 2006 Peter BigAlke
Style: HardRock Running time: 59:00 (Tracks: 14)
Axxis are alive and kicking! Anyone interested in this band, should stop reading and get a hold on this CD immediately. For those, that never ever heard about this band, here`s a short overlook about the history of Axxis. It all begun in 1988 with just one song (Tears of the trees), that was send to EMI twice. The first try wasn`t succesfull but the second one was sheer enthusiasm. Early 1989 saw the release of "Kingdom of the night", which became a record breaker as the best sold debut of a hard rock in Germany. 1990 was the year that the simply called "II" album came to see the light. After that I lost interest in the band for various reasons.
16 years later I have the great pleasure to find the band` s 11th CD in my mail box. Did I miss something important or could it be possible to find another diamond like "Living in a world" or "Rolling thunder" on this disc. The answer is yes and no. Axxis are still a solid rocking band, nothing more, nothing less. Any of the 14 tracks is a let down, but there` s something missing. The whole CD is a well designed product without any hooks and magic moments. You can listen to it whilst cleaning your dungeons of steel, it`s quite alright when you` re havin` a cup of coffee or something else. The production is bombastic, there`s a female singer accompanying Bernhard Weiss. A hell lot of keyboards can be heard, there`s some nice guitar playing, the drummer and the bass player do what get they get paid for. All in all, Paradise in flames is to perfect. For all of you Axxis fans out there, you know, what do to do. The rest of you, save your money better records to be released this years.
Visit their website: http://www.axxis.de
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de

50/100
BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA – The Great Apostasy (A Conspiracy Of Satanic Christianity) (CD) USA August 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: White Metal Running time: 58:16 (Tracks: 11)
If you want to tell a story you try and research as much as you can as to get enough inspiration and to make sure that you get all your facts right. You also ensure that what you have conceived is well documented on paper to allow the audience to read everything with you and comment on the story you have put down. Especially if you are tackling a lot of issues in Christianity that most of the followers would not dare to touch. Think of paedophile and gay priests. Babylon Mystery Orchestra, none else than Sydney Allen Johnson, has done just that, and he has done that brilliantly. Musically however he doesn't live up to the rest. He starts and ends with two memorable songs, "Holy Ghost" and "Antichrist Superczar". You can hear the effort he has put in to make the music match the story and he just about gets there. Must be difficult if you are playing every single instrument yourself, but he tries. Unfortunately for him everything in between those songs is very poor musically. You can hear that he is a reasonable guitar player, a bog standard bass player and a very limited drummer. Therefore the music never even comes near the intensity an impact of the lyrics and quite frankly misses any sort of the class you expected after seeing the booklet and reading the lyrics. That is quite a pity, because if this would have been great music he would have had a killer in his hands. Now it's just a dud.
Visit their website: http://www. babylonmysteryorchestra.com /

52/100
BARBARITY – Enough Graves for Everybody (CD) Russia November 2006 William Nijhof
Style: Brutal Death Metal Running time: 35:30 (Tracks: 9)
Barbarity was founded in 2002. After some rehearsals the band recorded their debut "The wish to bleed" by More Hate Productions in 2004, followed by a 4-way split. In 2005 they released their second full-length "Hell is here" by Blacksmith Productions. "Enough graves for everybody" from 2006 is their third album. Brutal and heavy is exactly what it is. All songs have a good sound and the music is fast and groovy. The brutal and even filthy voice of the singer reminds me of Mortician. Everything sounds good, but not original. So what! In this case it doesn't matter. The album is well produced, well done! The cover 'Troops of Doom' by Sepultura even sounds a hundred times heavier than the original. If you like bands like Malignancy, Mortician or better said: Death metal, then go ahead and buy this album.
Visit their website: http://barbarity.artpodval/ru
Recordlabel: http://www.blacksmithprods.com

75/100
BATTLEROAR - Age of Chaos (CD) Greece February 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: True Epic Metal Running time: 58:18 (Tracks: 10)
Battleroar is a traditional epic metal band formed in Athens in September 2000. The band names bands such as Manilla Road, Omen, Cirith Ungol, Brocas Helm, Jag Panzer and Heavy Load as their main influences. The band's name was in fact taken from the lyrics to Heavy Load's song "Singing Swords" ("I loved the battleroar"). Their debut album, the same-titled BATTLEROAR was recorded in spring 2003 and released at the end of August of the same year by the Greek label Omicron Music. September 2004 saw Battleroar joining forces with Black Lotus Recordsand they started the preproduction of the forthcoming album titled "Age of Chaos". I had the luck to see the band a few times on stage by now and I have to admit that live, they are much better than on CD. Mainman Marco is an Italian and he has a very nice voice and musically it all sounds okay but I have to say that its not all very unique what they do on this album. They play standard heavy metal which is more appreciated in countries like Germany, Greece & Italy. No bad album at all but I prefer their live performances. Check them out!
Visit their website: http://www.battleroar.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://black-lotus-recs.com/

65/100
BEAUTIFUL SIN – The Unexpected (CD) Germany August 2006 Robin van Tilburg
Style: Heavy / Power Metal Running time: 46:05 (Tracks: 11)
Beautiful Sin is the newest band of the legendary heavy metal drummer Uli Kusch. Although an introduction is not necessary in this case, I will mention his musical history briefly. He started his career with the metal band Holy moses, and recorded several albums with them. Later he joined the power metal band Gamma Ray, and after that the well known band Helloween. With those bands he recorded some all-time classic heavy metal albums. The last few years he was booking success with Masterplan. And now there is his new band. Beautiful Sin. The idea came in the year of 2004, when Uli came in contact again with the Belgian vocalist Magali Luyten. He had worked with her before in 2002, while he was producing the demo of her band at the time. That demo never became released by any record company. However, the contact remained, and ended up into this collaboration. Together with Masterplan's Axel Mackenrott (keys), Jorn Viggo Lofstad (guitar) and Steinar Krokmo (bass) the line-up was completed. And now their debut album "The Unexpected" is available. Although the title is 'The Unexpected,' this is an album that you can expect from Uli Kusch. High level power metal songs with a melodic sound. The bands consists of five great musicians, so no complaints about the sound or the technique. Listening to the CD, you can tell that there are two members of Masterplan involved. Still they maintain a unique style. The main reason is the female vocals. Listen for example to the opening track "Lost," and the following song "This is not the original dream." These two songs will remain in your head for a long period of time, and the rest of the album also. My special attention goes out to the track "Pechvogel (unlucky fellow). This is a Dutch word, and it is humoristic to see this on a German Metal album. Way to go Magali. Fast, slow and mid-tempo songs are making the debut of Beautiful Sin worth listening to. Heavy/power/melodic fans will like this album for sure.
Visit their website: http://www.ulikusch.com
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.com/

85/100
BEFORE SILENCE - The Ultimate Nothing (CD) Belgium June 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Progressive Metal Running time: --:-- (Tracks: 7)
I hate it when I have to review a Belgian band that is not very good. Because I live only a few kilometres from the border I would rather say good things about them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Before Silence has released "The Ultimate Nothing" themselves, and quite frankly I can see why there is no record label that will do it for them. They start off well with "Salvation", an up tempo track with a lot of interaction within the band. It gives you a first impression that is very positive. Only, the production is the real let down for Before Silence. They have put the keyboards on top of the rest of the band, and that is rather annoying. They keep that up for the whole album, which makes that a rather fine song like "The Screaming Wolf" doesn't get it's rightful award. Not only that, after those two songs everything starts to sounds similar to the rest and boredom sets in. It never gets really bad, but it never comes above mediocre either, which is a pity. These guys have released this one too early. They need to write more diverse songs and let someone with two really good ears produce their next effort. I bet you they will come with a killer record. Please do so guys.
Visit their website: http://www.beforesilence.com/

45/100
BEFORE THE DAWN - The Ghost (CD) Finland August 2006 Saral Otgonbayar
Style: Gothic Metal Running time: 40:48 (Tracks: 10)
Before The Dawn saw daylight in 1999 and was originally the solo project of Tuomas Saukkonen. He made the first demo all by himself and for the second one he had a friend of him playing the drums. First line-up was gathered so that BTD could perform live. Now 'Before the Dawn' has two line ups; the line up for live performance is Lars Eikind (bass), Juho Räihä (guitar), Joel Mäkinen (keyboards) and Tuomas Saukkonen and the line up for studio recordings is just Tuomas Saukkonen if my information is correct. Tuomas has written all the music and lyrics by himself and then he asked some musicians to come and play the stuff he had written. The result is a typical Finish product in which you can hear that he has been influenced by In Flames and some harder gothic rock. I have to say that I like this CD for its easy listening factor. The CD lacks fancy riffs but it's surprisingly dynamic and quite varied. All by all this is a good, not great, release from Before the Dawn.
Visit their website: http://www.beforethedawn.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotivemusic.com/

75/100
BEJELIT - Age of Wars (CD) Italy June 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Thrash / Power Metal Running time: 45:51 (Tracks: 10)
Bejelit was born just for fun in 1999 from an idea of the guitarist Sandro Capone and the former singer Fabio Privitera. The main goal was just to play their own music for fun, and sometimes some good covers. After some months with the very first line-up the band began to have new ideas and new goals so in 2001 the line-up changed with the arrivals of Giorgio Novarino at the bass and with Sandro's brother Giulio Capone at the drums and keyboards. With this members, Bejelit recorded their very first demo cd called Bloodsign and decided to write their lyrics mainly about the Kentaro Miura's masterpiece "Berserk". After this cd the band started to work on the new stuff and with the arrival of the second guitar player Alessandro "Azark" Azara the band was ready to record the new promo cd called "Bones and Evil". This cd contained the three tracks from the "Bloodsign" cd and three brand new tracks.
After, again, a line-up change signed their first record deal with U.S. in 2003. The band entered the studio to record their first full lenght album called "Hellgate" but then after some delays and problems the album wasn't published in more than a year. Bejelit cut the deal with U.S. in August 2004 and after one week signed the new record deal with the newborn label Battle Hymns which in fifteen days published the album and distribuited it thank to the Self Distribution. "Hellgate" received only positive reviews and the comments were amazing! The sales were great too and in a time of Mp3's, free download and p2p, Hellgate was one of the best seller album of an italian metal band! Bejelit started to work on the new songs for the next album in the spring of 2005. During this recordings singer Fabio quit and they had to stop the recordings till the end of 2005 when singer Tiberio Natali joined their ranks. Well finally; here's the new album! Bejelit plays a mix of traditional powermetal with a few modern elements. To compare the band with another band is difficult because they have an original sound. Personally I would call it a mix between Manowar, Vision Divine & Iced Earth but with a raw singing frontman (who's pronunciation isnt that good). Nevertheless; this is a very good album; well produced and with a very nice lay-out. Musically I didnt bore myself for one minut! And thats a compliment! This is a must! Check them out!
Visit their website: http://www.bejelit.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.old-ones.net/

85/100
BENEDICTUM - Uncreation (CD) USA March 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Heavy / Power Metal Running time: 53:29 (Tracks: 11)
BENEDICTUM are: Veronica Freeman - vocals, Pete Wells - guitars, Chris Morgan - keyboards, Jesse Wright - bass and Blackie Sanchez - drums. While 'Uncreation' represents BENEDICTUM's first entry into the metal sweepstakes, the band's tandem driving force, vocalist Veronica Freeman and guitarist Pete Wells, has put in plenty of time slugging it out in the trenches perfecting their chemistry. Pete and Veronica have known each other for over 10 years. They were both in a band called Malady for several years and when that came to an end they stayed together and started looking for an all new crew. After completing the line-up, guitarist Craig Goldy of Dio fame, encouraged the group to produce a demo with the promise to pass it on to some of his industry contacts. Craig loved their sound but thought they needed better production and hooks so he recommended Jeff Pilson (ex-Dio, Dokken). Armed with an album quality 3-song demo, it did not take long for BENEDICTUM to garner the attention of several interested labels, including the powers-that-be at Locomotive Records (Astral Doors, Kragens, EasyRider, Prong, Tierra Santa) who signed the band only weeks later.
After the Kragens CD, this is again a very good album from Locomotive Records! Benedictum have the luck to own a "real" female frontwoman who really can sing! No, not a gothic kind of singer, Veronica Freeman has a very powerfull voice of which a lot of male competitors will be jealous!! Its easy to see who her main influences are; there are 2 Black Sabbath covers on the album; both from the Ronnie James Dio period; 'Heaven & Hell' and 'The Mob Rules'. Well, she sings both songs excellent! Musically the band is also very good and the CD sounds perfect too!
This band should tour Europe very soon when its up to me; together with labelmates Kragens & EasyRider!! The last female singers with such a power in their voices I can remeber are Leather Leone (Chastain), Nathalie Geyer (Mystery Blue), Kimberley Gros (Sinergy) and Dawn Crosby (R.I.P.) (Detente, Fear of God)
This is a damn good album!
Visit their website: http://www.benedictum.net/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotivemusic.com/

85/100
BEN JACKSON GROUP - All over you (CD) USA February 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Hardrock Running time: 46:58 (Tracks: 10)
Ben Jackson is the old guitarist of US-metal legends Crimson Glory. This is Ben's seconds solo album after the "Here I come" CD. The Ben Jackson Group plays standard hardrock and this has nothing to do with the once mighty Crimson Glory! So if you expect something in the vein of the old CG; forget about it! This is a reasonable album especially when you compare it with the awefull solo album of old Crimson Glory singer Midnight. The production & sleeve of this solo album are both very good but musically they cant impress me at all! The latest rumors are that CG are back together so i'm very curious if they can deliver such highlights as "Transcedence", "Astronomica" and "Crimson Glory". Hope this will turn out better because i'm very disappointed in the solo-stuff Ben Jackson & Midnight delivered till now!!
Visit their website: http://www.benjacksongroup.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.escapimusic.com/

60/100
BEYOND TWILIGHT - For the Love of Art and the Making (CD) Denmark/Sweden October 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive Metal Running time: 37:52 (Tracks: 1)
Since the very beginning in 1990 they had a few changes to find the right line-up. Since 1996 the band has stuck together through rough times and good times. 2006 marks the 10 year anniverssary of Beyond Twilight. The band members are still the same today except from extension of extra guitarist (and super producer) Jacob Hansen (Invocator) in 2004. And in 2006 Björn Jansson (Tears Of Anger) became their new lead singer. It would become a great task to replace his great predecessors Jorn Lande & Kelly Carpenter but he is taking his job seriously!
Actually Finn Zierler is the only one guy behind it all but even though he would very much like the public to know that Beyond Twilight is a band not a solo-project. This album is not a follow up to the success of "Section X". "For The Love Of Art And The Making" is even more complex, darker, heavier, faster, more cinematic and more aggressive than anything they've done before! The album is full of "hidden" details for true Beyond Twilight fans. 1 track of about 40 minutes devided into 43 sections.
What about the album & the band; you can say lots of good & bad things about Finn Zierler; fact is that he is a very great musician that delivers, again, a superb progressive album which a lot of bands only can dream (wet) about! This well produced album is even to complex for a lot of prog fans I suppose but I love it nearly as much as I loved "The Devils Hall of Fame" and "Section X". This is again a damn good album that should be in every progmetal fans CD-rack!! Only little complain is that I dont like all the changeovers in the 43 parts. This probably has to do with the structure of the album; even if you play the album in shuffle; there is still a musical & textual connection between all the parts. So when its up to originality; this album should become the maximum rate. But i'm sure Finn & the other guys will still like my rate of this superb album :)
Visit their website: http://www.beyondtwilight.com
Promotion: http://www.silentplanetpromotions.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com/

85/100
BIDERBEN - Out Of The Lies (CD) Italy June 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Punk Rock/ Eclectic Metal Running time: 36:30 (Tracks: 12)
I like this. Why? Because you never know what's coming next. Biderben starts off with the pure Green Day/Black Train Jack track "Virtual Insanity" and follow that one with "Lose Your Illusions", which could come off a System Of A Down album. During the rest of the songs you even hear ska, some nu-metal and whatever else comes by. That is dangerous, but okay, as long as the influences support the songs. And they do, very much so. These Italians know how to write a good album. They also understand that if you are so diverse you can't keep the listeners guessing too long, so they have not made the album very long. Well done, because that leaves people hungry for more. You would think there is no criticism to be found on "Out Of The Lies". You'd be wrong. The pronunciation of the English language is below par and the production of the album is not crisp enough to make every song reach it's maximum effect. But then again, it now is a CD that you love hearing, because it is organic. This is perfect for a vinyl album.
Visit their website: http://www.biderben.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.black-lotus-recs.com/

78/100
B. IMPATIENT - Intensity (CD) Germany October 2006 Kees Schijven
Style: Pop/Rock Running time: 51:36 (Tracks: 14)
Only 3 months after they got together in the beginning of 1999, they recorded their first demo 'Turn of the Tide', which was followed by their 'Cross-section' demo in 2002. After some line up changes, they recorded 'B.Impatient' demo in 2003, and 'B.Impatient Volume 2' in 2004. And now this is their full length debut album, 14 songs more than 50 minutes, so it really is full length. What can you find on this album? Not really metal that's for sure, but more rock in the style of Guano Apes, their singer Brigitte even sounds a bit like Sandra in some songs (especially in 'Enemy'), and also some Skunk Anansie influences can be heard here. So is it a bad album? Not at all, it's actually a really good album, which will probably get lots of airplay, and maybe even gets in the charts if they are lucky. So if you like the bands mentioned here you will love this band, and they seam to have a real good live reputation, so I'm curious about that. But it's not really metal to me, although I do like 'em, but that explains the rating maybe a bit more…
Visit their website: http://www.b-impatient.de
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com

65/100
BISHOP OF HEXEN - The Nightmarish Compositions (CD) Israel August 2006 Bart Verkeyn
Style: Symphonic Black metal Running time: 49:27 (Tracks: 10)
"Bishop of Hexen" was formed in late 1994 early 1995, in Ramat-Hasharon, Israel and consists of Seelenfolter (bass) , Van Helsing (drums) , Dimrost (keyboards) , Lord Koder (vocals) , Ariel E (guitars). Nine years after their first album 'Archives Of An Enchanted Philosophy' was released Bishop of Hexen is back with their second release 'The Nightmarish Compositions'.
The album is a great atmospheric black metal album and I wouldn't be surprised if a song of this album would serve as a soundtrack for some new horror movie. The albums starts of with a creepy intro and then blasts into Dimmu borgir mode. Although still heavily trusting on the keyboard for the melody and structures they have really improved since their previous album. The vocals range from growling to screeching and sometimes to clean theatrical singing. This band has improved a lot since their latest album and I think that we, for the symphonic black metal scene, can put them right up on the highest scaffold together with Dimmu Borgir. This is a great release and I hope that their third album won't take that long to make as this album because i hope to hear from them soon.
Visit their website: http://www.bishopofhexen.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.ccprecords.com/

85/100
BISS - Face Off (CD) Germany May 2006 Peter BigAlke
Style: HardRock Running time: 41.25 (Tracks: 9)
"Biss", "Joker in the desk" and now "Face off". Biss, the third one. Which means, after Fernando Garcia(CD1), Michael Bormann(CD2) the band behind mastermind Doc Heyne is proud to present the third singer. This time it is Marc Storace (Krokus) together with some new musicians from Vandenberg and Vengeance. Also I wouldn`t call myself the worlds greatest hard rock fan, I can listen to this kind of music if it`s really hard and really rocking. Face off is one of this few records that really proofs to be hard as rock. It`s not only Marc Storace or the new musicians or anything else. Each of the 10 tracks has got it`s own atmosphere. You like it hot and steamy? Breathless is the right track for you. You`re in a moody situation? Then try Pyromania. If you miss the big times of Krokus, there`ll be more than 2 songs to bring back memories of times long gone. Believe me. Ok, not everthing that glitters is gold. Which means, there are some weak moments, like for example 'Raise the hammer'. Average Bon Jovi combined with a touch of Journey. 'Big life' is also a let down, teethless, near the freezing point. This are just 2 tracks, 8 are over the top. All in all, "Face off" is worth to be checked out and maybe you like the tracks that I didn`t like?
Visit their website: http://www.b-i-s-s.com
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.com/index2.html
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com

70/100
BITTER HÆRVEST – Wilt (CD) The Netherlands July 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Doom/Gothic/Death Running time: (Tracks: 8)
As the name of this Dutch ensemble suggests Bitter Hærvest is not a happy bunch of guys. Initially started in 1999 as a melodic death metal band, but through the years and line-up changes they have progressed into a band with many faces. Yes, a bit like Opeth are, only they musically don't fit that category. They don't fit any, to be precise. You hear the death metal grunt, the progressive rhythms, the gothic melancholy and the doom atmosphere. Does that render a recipe for success? Maybe, but not surely. It does mean that people have to take a close listen to what Bitter Hærvest are up to. They say they have worked on "Wilt" for two years and it shows. The songs are very well written, flow from one feeling into the other and take you, the listener, on a journey through dark spaces and melancholic landscapes. Normally there is some disappointment when a band releases an album themselves, but that's not the case here. Unless you want to call the clean voice of Philip K.F. Hölzenspies the one thing that lets "Wilt" down. Don't think lightly about Bitter Hærvest, but don't let them drive you away. Stick to them and they will start sticking to you.
Visit their website: http://www.bitterharvest.net/

73/100
BLACK MAJESTY - Silent Company (CD) Australia March 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Power Metal Running time: 59:15 (Tracks: 11)
Woooow, what a difference! One hour before reviewing this second full length album of Black Majesty I also reviewed the second album from another Australian band Black Steel. I subscribed Black Steel as a moderate band with a moderate production but I cant say any of these things about Black Majesty!! This is a killer album!!
I also had the luck to see the band twice on stage during their performances at last years Headbangers Open Air and the HOA afterparty at the Headbangers Ballroom in Hamburg, both in Germany. This band kicks ass on stage too!!
"Silent Faces" is the follow up to their "Sands of Time" debut album. Frontman John Cavaliere has a superb voice and is probably the best singer from Australia these days. He can be subscribed as a mix of David Coverdale, Bruce Dickinson and Ronnie James Dio (he even looks a bit like Dio:). Musically it also sounds perfekt and the band demonstrates some extraordinary musicianship. The music can be subscribed as a mix of Dungeon, Edguy, Iron Maiden, Dio & Queensryche. Very good album with a great production from an excellent band!!!
Visit their website: http://www.blackmajesty.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.de/

90/100
BLACK STEEL - Hellhammer (CD) Australia March 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Power / True Metal Running time: 54:21 (Tracks: 11)
Black Steel were formed in early 2000 in the city of Perth, Australia. The bands first album "Destructor" was already released in 2001. In 2002 they signed a recorddeal with Adrenaline Records/Steelheart Records. "Hellhammer" is the second full length album of the band. Black Steel plays, according to the bands biography, true metal with ball-tearing speed and mid-paced assaults but also some hymn-like ballads in the vein of bands like; Manowar, Accept, Iron Maiden & Judas Priest.
This is food for the die-hard true-metal fan but personally i have a few complains: Not all the songs are from the same level; some of them are very weak and standard. I also have to complain about the moderate production and about the moderate singer. Musically it all sounds okay but I expected a lot more from these guys. Nect time probably better??
Visit their website: http://www.blacksteel.com.au
Recordlabel: http://www.adrenaline.it/

70/100
BLISSED - Corrosive (CD) USA November 2006 Saral Otgonbayar
Style: Heavy Metal Running time: 44:44 (Tracks: 12)
Blissed is a hard rock band formed in New York in 2002 by members David Pearson (Vocals, Guitar), Jeff Miller (Guitar, Vocals), Nathan Kojak (Drums), & Geoff Breen (Bass, Vocals). "Corrosive" is their second release. The band plans to release HD videos & continue with their heavy touring schedule in support of this latest release. If you hear "Corrosive" for the first time you wouldn't think that Blissed had a christian background but you can interpret the lyrics any way you want and maybe find some piece referring to some god. First of all I would like to make my comments about the cover of this album. The designer must've thought that he wasn't dealing with a rockband but with a boyband. The music itself I have mixed feelings about. I like some songs but then on the other hand some songs sound like the singer tried too hard to make it sound right. With a better production and a better singer this cd would've been alot better. Now it's just under average for me.
Visit their website: http://www.blissed.biz
Promotion: http://www.silentplanetpromotions.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.kr-records.net/

49/100
BLOODTHORN - Genocide (CD) Norway June 2006 William Nijhof
Style: Black / Death Metal Running time: 42:54 (Tracks: 9)
Bloodthorn is a well known name in the death/black scène. They released there first demo in 1996 and their debut album ("In the Shadow of your Black Wings", Seasons of Mist) in 1997 after that they released 2 more albums and one split cd. Their new album "Genocide" released by Morningstar Records is a masterpeace (Its about time they released a new album, since it been 5 years ago!). It contains 9 songs of pure black/death metal ,the songs are very fast and furious.
I must confess it`s got a very oldschool sound and its an album that contains a lot of power and variety. This will be the first Bloodthorn album featuring guitarist Ihizahg (ex-Perished and live guitarist for Mayhem). All thow he now is an official member he`s always been working with Bloodthorn. If you like Dark Funeral / Krisiun you`re gonna enjoy this album.
If you want more info about Bloodthorn`s new album and gigs, check out their website
Visit their website: http://www.bloodthorn.net/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.plastichead.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.morningstarrec.com/

80/100
BLUDGEON – World Controlled (CD) USA July 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Death Metal/Metalcore Running time: 37:25 (Tracks: 11)
Bludgeon was first introduced to the world in 2002 with the album "Crucify The Priest", a very well made but very safe death metal album that never goes out of bounds. Mister Manowar had by that time already taken control over the band, adding them to his 'Magic Circle'. On "World Controlled" it seems he has even taken over musically. Death metal? Not really. Not any more. It's more like a mix between metalcore and mediocre Pantera. It never gets very bad, but like on their debut the whole thing never gets exciting, never blows your mind. The songs are short and well made, could sometimes even be quite good, if Bludgeon would decide to let go of their restraints. Unfortunaltely they haven't, so we're stuck with an album that is going nowhere. What a pity.
Visit their website: http://www.bludgeon.tv/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

62/100
BOX EDWARD - Moonfudge (CD) England November 2006 Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Guitar Virtuoso Running time: 43:31 (Tracks: 10)
Edward Box started playing guitar at the age of 14. In 1990 he formed his first band XLR8R, a progressive metal outfit. Positive reviews for the 1995 "Inner Oceans" debut album came quickly and the band supported the likes of Thunder as well as playing dates in the UK and Europe.  In this period Ed's reputation as a guitarist grew, with his ability being singled out for special mention in Total Guitar, Guitarist and Kerrang magazines. From the ashes of XLR8R and two other local bands, Box co-founded ARCH STANTON.  Adopting a more traditional pop/rock style, the band soon attracted positive feedback for the quality of the songs and Edward's distinctive vocals.  Due to poor management and the growing tide of apathy that beset the Newcastle music scene, ARCH STANTON disbanded and Ed decided to pursue a solo career. Ed's first all instrumental demo was so well received by the guitar press that he decided to compose some more tracks and these formed the basis of the "Plectrum Head" album in 2002.
"Moonfudge" is Box's second solo work. From the beginning of Jack in a Box, you can't help but noticing the similarities between Box's style and the one of guitar master Vinnie Moore (especially in albums such as "Out of Nowhere" and "Meltdown"). Groovy rhythms with bluesy influences from Hendrix and Deep Purple and not the average neoclassical playing that most guitarists prefer. His skills and styles are quite noticeable and vary from mid tempo bluesy travelling melodies to heavy metal Judas Priest and Maiden-like riffs. "Moonfudge" is a very enjoyable listen and to be honest, ages have passed since the last time I had a blast with an instrumental album
Visit their website: http://www.edwardbox.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com/

84/100
BULLET - Heading for the Top (CD) Sweden October 2006 Marco van Empel
Style: Heavy Metal / HardRock Running time: 41:19 (Tracks: 11)
Swedisch heavy metallers Bullet started their career in 2002/03 to play true heavy metal in the vein of bands like Judas Priest and Accept. No nonsense pure headbanging music. I was possessed by this band when I saw them play at the Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival in Hoorn 2003. So pure and traditional heavy metal you will see nowhere these days. The first single "Heavy Metal Highway" 2003 and "Speeding In The Night" mcd 2003 sounds like a copy of Judas Priest and Accept. Singer "Hell Hofer" sounds like the voice of Udo Dirksneider and Brian Johnson (AC/DC). Their newest full lenght album sounds even more like bands as AC/DC and Rose Tattoo and offcourse still Accept, more the oldschool hardrock 'n' roll - sound of the late 70's & early 80's. Not only the music sounds great and give you the taste of the old days. Band members: Hell Hofer (vocals), Hampus Klang (lead guitar), Erik Lamstrong (lead guitar), Lenny Blade (bass), Gustav Hjortsjo (drums) look like Loudness & Judas Priest in the early 80's. Bullet from Sweden will take you back in time and if you listen to these Scandinavian boys you will forget the new century and you will remember 1983 as yesterday. BULLET ROCKS YOUR SOCKS OFF !!!
Visit their website: http://www.bullet.nu
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.suburban.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.blacklodge.se

75/100
CANNIBAL CORPSE - Kill (CD) USA April 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Death Metal Running time: 42:17 (Tracks: 13)
Mostly I try to put a little history/biography of a band in my reviews but this time I wont do that; just because i suppose that every self-respecting deathmetal fan knows who Cannibal Corpse is.
This is the bands 10th release since they formed in 1988 and this album, "Kill", was recorded with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL/ex-MORBID ANGEL) at Mana Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. Well, I can be short about this release; "Kill" is as heavy as f*ck!!! The album sounds great and is full of fast, agressive songs which we only expect from Cannibal Corpse! I can talk longer and longer about this release but I want to be short about it: Buy this album if you're into old-school deathmetal!! And if you want to see them on stage soon in Europe; they are headlining the No Mercy festivals this easter! Be there and see/hear if i'm right!! Magnificent!!!
Visit their website: http://www.cannibalcorpse.net/
Recordlabel: http://www.metalblade.de/

90/100
CARNAL GRIEF – Nine Shades Of Pain (CD) Sweden November 2006 Kees Schijven
Style: Melodic Death Metal Running time: 44:00 (Tracks: 10)
Carnal Grief was formed in 1997, and released some demos 'Embraced by the light'in 1997, 'Cradlesongs' in 1998 and 'Wastelands' in 1999 before they got out their debut album 'Out of crippled Seeds' in 2004 on Trinity Records Hong Kong. This is their second album, and a killer one too! Their sound is comparable to bands like In Flames, At The Gates and even The Haunted, fast and furious yet melodic. Not that they do anything that isn't done before, but they do it exceptionally well, great quality band with real good production of this album. On the album you will find great songs with furious guitar work, melodic death as it should be, in between some rest points, like the instrumental song 'Elsewhere' and some intro's, to catch your breath. Favourites are 'Catatonic', 'Chronolies' and 'Tin Winged Angel', Swedisch Death like a swiss clockwork!
Visit their website: http://www.carnalgrief.com
Recordlabel: http://www.gmrmusic.se

89/100
CASINO 66 – Deliver Light (mini-CD) Sweden July 2006 Marco van Empel
Style: Glam/Sleaze Rock Running time: 18:02 (Tracks: 5)
Casino66, a glam rock band from Malmo, Sweden. The band was formed in 2003 in Vaxjo, but decided to move south to Malmo in the summer of 2005.They did about 50 live shows, at places such as KB Malmo, Stengade 30 Copenhagen, Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Nalen in Stockholm. Great Glam/Sleaze Hardrock if you like bands as Guns "N" Roses, Black Crowes, The Darkness, Queen, Dogs DÁmour, Thin Lizzy and Rolling Stones. Raw but clean sleazy hardrock to the bone! I like this Swedisch band, maybe I'll try to get them overhere. We need more Sleaze in Holland !!!!
Visit their website: http://www.casino66.net/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.deadvibrations.com

75/100
CASUS BELLI - In the Name of the Rose (CD) Greece October 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Power Metal Running time: 41:48 (Tracks: 11)
CASUS BELLI were formed in 1997 by guitarist Panos Arvanitis and vocalist Panos Dedes. Since 1994 Arvanitis and Dedes had collaboration with another band, which was formed by Arvanitis and called Condemnation. In1993, Condemnation had already released a record through an independent record company. When Panos Dedes came back from England where he was chosen by JUDAS PRIEST among the last 25 for the position of vocalist ( which was won by Tim "Ripper" Owens), he met Arvanitis and they both begun to write CASUS BELLI first songs. In 1998, CASUS BELLI released their first demo entitled "Promo One", featuring P. PEAVY WAGNER (RAGE) in a couple of songs which achieved several great reviews.
After the joining of keyboardist Bob Katsionis, drummer Fanis Balikos and bassist Fotis Anagnostou the basis of the band was built. In November of 2001 CASUS BELLI released their debut album entitled "Mirror out of Time". In 2005 Casus Belli did sign a contract with Limb Music and in that same year the band with Frank Huber (Valley's Eve) on the drums, records "In the name of Rose", produced by R.D.Liapakis (Valley's Eve, Mystic Prophecy).
This album is already more than a year old but still worth reviewing! The band plays pure powermetal in the vein of bands like; Riot, Liege Lord, InnerWish & lots of other traditional powermetal bands. The production of this album is great and musically its all high standing! It even inclines to the US-metal direction but I have to admit that there are also a few weak songs on this album (for example: "Edge of a Knife"). Nevertheless a good album which I will listen again & again!!
Visit their website: http://www.casusbelli-band.com
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.de/

80/100
CELLADOR- Enter Deception (CD) USA October 2006 Mario van Dooren
Style: Power Metal Running time: 44:27 (Tracks: 8)
CELLADOR was founded in 2004 with the intent of introducing aggressive European influenced melodic speed/power metal to the Midwest USA, where the style is relatively nonexistent. CELLADOR spent most of 2004 writing, rehearsing and, by March 2005, began playing live. In May of 2005 Cellador released the demo "Leaving All Behind". Metal Blade's Brian Slagel offered the band a contract making them Metal Blade Records first USA based power metal signings in years. Cellador is a young band with good musicianship and songs.
This album is produced by Eric Rutan (ex-Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal) and it sounds damn good for a deathmetal-producer! Musically the band reminds me a lot to a band like Dragonforce and I have the feeling that a lot of labels are looking for this kind of metal because Dragonforce is a very, very popular band at the moment! This is also a full speed ahead album which is build up around great refrains, breaks and a very good singer.
Summarized; A very good album if you're into Dragonforce and (old) Helloween-a-like metal. I Liked it anyway!
Visit their website: http://www.cellador.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.metalblade.de/

85/100
CHARLIE ADLER - Our world is far more chaotic than we dreamed (CDemo) The Netherlands June 2006 Bart Verkeyn
Style: Mathcore /Metalcore/Death metal Running time: 7:14 (Tracks: 3)
Charlie Adler started back in 2003 as a project. After some changes in the line-up Charlie Adler became more serious. Which has resulted in the upcoming debut album. Now let's get to this CD. I like the music they're playing but the voice of the singer is really annoying it's like he's trying to scream but didn't yet succeed in scraping his throat. Then on the other hand the grunts are very good. So if they could kick out the singer of this band and search a new, better one, this music would sound great. I even hear some influences of my favourite dutch band Textures which I really enjoy. No I can only say that this is a mediocre demo and that I'm not really looking forward to hearing their full album.
Visit their website: http://www.charlieadler.nl/

40/100
CHRIS CAFFERY - W.A.R.P.E.D. (CD) USA August 2006 Suzanne Smaling
Style: US / Heavy Metal Running time: 1:12:35 (Tracks: 15)
Everyone knows Chris Caffery from his work with Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He also contributed on Zak Stevens' Circle II Circle's albums "Watching in Silence" and "The Middle of Nowhere". His first CD was called "Faces" and released in 2004 with a bonus CD called "God Damned War". And now there is another CD, W.A.R.P.E.D, it is a pitty that this new CD contains al songs of the bonus CD "God Damned War". That means that this CD contains only 5 new songs instead of 15 new songs. And that is pitty.
The song "Iraq Attack" is a Doctor Butcher cover from 1992 and it contains guest vocals of Jon Oliva (Savatage, Jon Oliva's Pain). Brian Gregory (Doctor Butcher) plays bass on this song. Chris played all electric and acoustic guitar on this album and he also sang all lead and backing vocals. Further, on this album Chris express his 'anger' in his lyrics about America and the several wars over the world. His voice is pretty raw which gives the songs an extra dimension. The songs are in Savatage style. The Savatage fans will like this album a lot I think.
I hope that the Chris Caffery fans can 'receive' a completely new album when the next solo album comes out. The CD sounds pretty good and all the credits go to Chris, he wrote all songs (except "Iraq Attack"), produced the album with Black Lotus Records (who dont exist anymore nowadays....).
Visit his website: http://www.chriscaffery.com/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.black-lotus-recs.com/

70/100
CIRCLE OF PAIN – Classic Live Tunes (Double Live CD) Germany August 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Classic Heavy Metal Running time: 98:51 (Tracks: 23)
Circle Of Pain is one of those old fashioned German heavy metal bands that has never gotten the grasp of writing very good songs. Before they were known as Tipsy Slut. Well, at least the new name is more appropriate. As Circle Of Pain they have released one studio album and a double CD before this. I don't know them, and quite frankly I will stay away from them as far as possible. As mentioned the songs they play are very poor, very much childish and unfinished. The venue they recorded this at was at most half full, if the applause on the discs is anything to go by. On top of that they have the classic irritable German voice that goes right through your spine and which you either love or hate, nothing in between. Unfortunately for them I am with the latter category. This live album of Circle Of Pain should do well in the S&M circuit, if people wish to be tortured by music. I understand fully well that this band will have fans on their side, but I can't make anything else of this review. Oh, and the Südhessen Symphonic Orchestra seems to be playing along with the band, but that never shines through, unfortunately.
Visit their website: http://www.circle-of-pain.de /
Recordlabel: http://www.zyx.de/

40/100
CIRCLE OF PAIN - Classic Live Tunes (DVD) Germany October 2006 Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Heavy Metal Running time: 170 min. (Chapters: 11)
Circle of Pain is a German sextet that released its rather successful debut album "Paradox of Destitution" back in 2001, after a couple of mini cds. The band's music can be categorized as melodic heavy metal with various influences that include Gamma Ray, Helloween and Pink Cream 69. "Classic Live Tunes" is actually the whole "Paradox of Destitution" album performed live and with orchestral arrangements by the Sudhessen Symphonic Orchestra. This is without a doubt an interesting and uncommon recording. The band's material is well executed since all six musicians appear quite the professionals and the Orchestra enforces all songs with an escorting but also significant role.
The band also issued this "Classic Live Tunes" DVD. This fine release includes some live performances taken from the extensive "Paradox of Destitution" tour and allows you to visualize what you hear on the double cd. It also contains lots of bonus material such as backstage footage, TV appearances, photo galleries and live cover versions of hit songs like "Because the Night", "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and "Doctor, Doctor". Another quite interesting release from this band and I firmly believe that they have more great things to show us in the future.
Visit their website: http://www.circle-of-pain.de/
Recordlabel: http://www.zyx.de/

82/100
CIRCULUS – Clocks Are Like People (CD) England August 2006 Wim van Grunsven
Style: Folk (No Metal) Running time: 42:13 (Tracks: 9)
I am quite sure that the name Mario's Metal Mania will give people an inkling of a suggestion of the kind of music that is reviewed here. Well, not to everyone, because the Medieval fantasists of Circulus are more in league with Blackmore's Night than with metal. Did I say medieval? Then what the hell is that synthesizer doing on this album. Yes, the music you get to hear is pleasurable, but definitely not metal. Not even if you widen your boundaries as far as you can.
Visit their website: http://www.circulus.org/
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.com//
Recordlabel: http://www.riseaboverecords.com/

65/100
COALITION - Tortured by Eternal Dream (CD) Belgium July 2006 Bart Verkeyn
Style: Death Metal Running time: 53:16 (Tracks: 12)
Little to nothing I knew about this band called 'Coalition', and I live in Belgium myself, shame on me, until I received a copy of their latest album called 'Tortured by Eternal Dream'. This is the second album from the Belgian group, consisting of Sckib (guitar), David (vocals), Céline (bass), Arnaud (Drums), and I must say that they did a great job. The songs on this record are death metal with a very high headbang factor and also contain catchy riffs so it's kind of listening to deathmetal from the 80's. The metal created by Coalition on this album provides us also with slower passages with an equal amount of power as the faster passages. The vocals provided by David Remy are near perfection, he has his voice perfectly under control and he refrains from sounding monotone. What I do miss on this album is the occasional solo so keep it in mind for next time guys. This is a very promising album but they still can't match up with Aborted but I hope to hear from them again soon.
Visit their website: http://www.coalition.be.tf
Recordlabel: konklav records (no website available)

80/100
COSTE APETREA - Trickster (CD) Sweden July 2006 Arno Menses
Style: Progressive Metal Running time: 53:22 (Tracks: 7)
Coste Apetrea, a man with a musical history the length of an expensive shopping-list. Maybe some of you proggies may know him for the work he did with Samla Mammas Manna. The man did acoustic jazz, fusion, prog, Zappa-like stuff...a musical wonder on wheels. Again Lion masters to capture something phenomenal, this time in the form of instrumental prog-rock ,think Planet X but only with a Latin/folk feel to it and a little bit more experimental. This CD needs listening to more than one time befo