Archive: CD, DVD & DEMO REVIEWS 2005 & OLDER

Archive: CD, DVD & DEMO REVIEWS 2006

DECEMBER

3HM - Three Headed Monster (CD)	USA	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Melodic Instrumental Metal	Running time: 40:38 (Tracks: 8)
3HM (Three Headed Monster) consists of four former high school friends who play an all-instrumental blend of genres, varying from power and thrash to prog and old-fashioned heavy metal. 3 Headed Monster came into existence in 2001 (first under the name "Baptismal By Fire") after the four friends decided that it was time to put aside their friendship... and start a band. The band started playing show after show and gained a cult following in the New England area based on their crazy live antics and songs filled to the brim with guitar shred. 3HM writes enjoyable instrumental metal songs, the dual guitar shred of Chris and Chris and the great rhythm section of Paul (Bass) and Andy (Drums). Normally when I listen to instrumental bands than they are mostly solo projects of guitarplayers which have formed a band around themselves to express their ideas and to give their own music a more serious sound. 3HM is not of this kind; this is pure heavy metal!! Not songs that are written to fullfil some guitarsolos but real, complete, metalsongs that sound superb! Personally I dont even miss a singer in this kind of music. Melissa Records released 4 albums till now but this is their best if you ask me. Musically it reminds me to the early years of bands like Megadeth, Fates Warning and I even hear some Slayer riffs back in some of their songs. Great stuff and if you ask my opinion; better no singer than a moderate/mediocre singer! Keep continuing this musical direction guys! Only little complain is the short running time of the CD.
Recordlabel: http://www.melissarecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/3headedmonster			90/100

AGANKAST - Walking with Angels…Running with Devils (2CD)	United Kingdom	December 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: (Tracks: 17)
Again a new album from UK's thrashers Agankast, a double album this time, there has been some changes around this band since I reviewed their last album. To start with, founding member guitarist Rob Matthew (ex-Atomkraft) has decided to step down now after the recording of the album, and has been replaced by 17yr old riff machine Steven Gray. Also due to complications they had to change the name of the band, which is now called Insanita. This however doesn't effect their music in any way. Back to the new album, the first disc 'Walking with Angels' is similar to what they have done before, great thrash anthems, with great riffs and guitarwork in them. The songs are all on the long side, with an average of 7 minutes, slow chugging songs but never boring. Then on the second disc 'Running with Devils' a full on thrash approach, which takes the band in a new direction, which is also where they are taking the band on the live scene. Theres absolutely no doubt about it; great thrash metal, with songs like 'Heathen', 'Razorwire' , 'End it all' and title track 'Running with Devils'. Great riffs, full speed thrash metal, which makes me very curious to their live performance, this is the good stuff. Well now you know I like it, but give it a try for yourself and find out, the British know how to make some serious thrash metal! The only thing which could have been done a bit better maybe is the production of the album, but for a self produced album certainly not bad at all, I guess they didn't find a label yet, but this should only be a matter of time, cause quality stands out here!
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/agankast			75/100

ANCIENT CREATION – Evolution Bound (CD)	USA	December 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 49:54 (Tracks: 9)
Ancient Creation is the latest addition to the Melissa Records camp, a label which specializes in power metal. This Missouri based band presents us its debut after a few years of underground presence. According to the press note the intention of the band is to present us some old school power metal with progressive elements. I think that the guys more or less achieved that goal. Evolution Bound is power and progressive metal but the old school term doesn't apply in every single song. For example the death growls don't sound very old school to me. And the production isn't the best possible since I think that the band needed a more "razor sharp" sound. On the other hand the quintet surely knows how to play. The nine songs vary from dark mid tempo to fast paced power metal tunes and I wouldn't go too far if I said that these guys reminded me of Destiny's End. Steve Bentley's voice bears a striking resemblance to that of James Rivera but the similarities expand to the song writing and performance field too. Well I guess that "Evolution Bound" will appeal to most fans of the American power metal sound and all these guys who want their metal rough!
Visit their website: http://www.ancientcreation.net Recordlabel: http://www.melissarecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ancientcreation			75/100

BLACK CRUCIFIXION – Promethean Gift (CD)	Finland	December 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Black Metal	Running time: 37:53 (Tracks: 8)
Black Crucifixion started in early years of the 90s. This band hasn't released much material and what they released they did that on a very small edition. Their first demo was released in 1992, and after that they released an MCD. In 2006 they released the Faustian Dream record (which was a re-release of their demos). So this one is their debut. This record contains 8 tracks of dark and rare black metal. The first four songs are new and the sound great, not spectacular but good, the songs are very dark and doom. The guitar riffs aren't typical black but heavier. The drums are pounding through every song with fury. The vocalist has a very dark and filthy voice not heavy but very dark. All the songs contain a very high atmosphere in it. The other four songs are old songs that sound old (terrible performance and production). They are more raw as black should sound in those years. I like the new songs more then the older ones. All though black metal isn't my favourite music I think that this band hasn't stopped evolving in time. This is their first full length release in ten years and its well worth checking out!
Visit their website: http://www.paasto.com/bc Recordlabel: http://www.soulsellerrecords.com			70/100

CULT OF THE FOX – Cult of the Fox (CDemo )	Sweden	December 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 16:29 (Tracks: 4)
Cult of the Fox is a band coming from ‘Skåne län Sweden’ and has been in progress for several years, but the band was officially formed in early 2007. Cult Of The Fox sounds like pure, honest, true 80’s Heavy Metal! The music is not from a very high level but that’s absolutely no problem to me! The music has got a great spirit and sounds good in the ears. Cult Of The Fox even sounds a bit like Dutch Heavy Metal Legends ‘Hammerhawk’! In my opinion… A great true, honest Heavy Metal demo for real Underground Metal Maniacs!
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cultofthefox			70/100

DEPRESSED MODE – Ghost of Devotion (CD)	Finland	December 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Melodic Doom Metal	Running time: 51:16 (Tracks: 9)
Depressed Mode started in 2005. In 2006 they signed with Firebox Records and now they released their debut "Ghost of Devotion". This album contains 9 tracks of pure old school doom metal. All the songs have great variety and the production is great. The guitar riffs are very very slow and heavy. The drums are also just the way how it must be slow and slower. There are two vocals on it a female and a male. The voice of the female is great and not annoying. Normally I don't like a female voice in doom metal because in my opinion it takes away the darkness in a song, but in this case I must say that it sounds great (not to hard in the mix, only as backing vocal). Tthe lead singer has a very dark and heavy grunt that reminds me a lot of Ataraxie (France doom metal band). Even the keyboards aren't annoying and give a very dark dimension to the songs. When I listen to this album I feel really relaxed and in a trance, well done! If you like bands that sound like Ataraxie, My Dying Bride then you should buy it!
Visit their website: http://www.mikseri.net/depmode Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/depressedmodedoom			80/100

DUG PINNICK – Strum Sum Up (CD)	USA	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Psychedelic Rock	Running time: 54:28 (Tracks: 14)
"Strum Sum Up" is Dug Pinnick's second solo album for Magna Carta, after "Emotional Animal" in 2005. Of course is Dug known as King's X bassist and lead vocalist. His newest album is featuring Wally Farkas of Galactic Cowboys, and he also got the help of Billy Idol's guitar wizard Steve Stevens and Army of Anyone's Ray Luzier, amongst others. Half of the album is composed of two-part rock suites, containing extended jam sections. The music on "Strum Sum Up" reminds a lot of King's X music ; a mix of prog, grunge, funk, soul, blues,rock, pop and psychedelic with Dug's characteristic voice.
Visit their website: http://www.dugpinnick.com Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dugpinnickpoundhound			71/100

GAMMA RAY – Land Of The Free-Part II (CD)	Germany	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Power Metal	Running time: 65:18 (Tracks: 12)
Gamma Ray exist since 18 years, when Kai Hansen decided to leave Helloween. They never have been so successful as Helloween, although they play more or less the same style. In 1995 they released their classic "Land Of The Free" album, which is considered as their best album through fans and press. Now, 12 years later they release the follow-up, "Part II". Still all Gamma Ray ingredients are the same ; fast-paced, anthemic, deeply melodic, diverse, many choruses, amazing solos and Kai's characteristic voice. So nothing has changed that much since their start. They still sound like a mix of Priest/Maiden and old Helloween. At the end of November, Gamma Ray and Helloween will start the Hellish Rock 2007/08 tour. The fans can look forward to a full 70-minute Gamma Ray show with their own stage set, plus a nightly session together with Helloween, likely to feature a number of classics from Kai Hansen's own Helloween era!
Visit their website: http://www.gamma-ray.com Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gammaraymyspace			87/100

GARY HUGHES – Veritas (CD)	England	December 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 62:42 (Tracks: 12)
There is no need to hide that Gary Hughes is one of my favourite artists. The leader of British hard rock legends Ten, has been composing magnificent music for years. And although his recent Ten effort wasn't equivalent to his previous ones, he still remains a highly acclaimed composer and performer. Just for the record and for those who aren't familiar with his works I'll mention both Once and Future King project albums, the Bob Catley solo albums and his previous solo efforts. Veritas is his recent venture, an album I had been waiting for eagerly. Mister Hughes didn't prove me wrong. From the very first moments you get the picture. This is the typical Gary Hughes work. Great melodies, emotional performances and catchy choruses are all over the place. Hughes at his best. He also brought along some of his colleagues at Ten plus a handful of top notch British musicians. Veritas is a cross between Precious Ones (his previous solo album) and the mellower moments of Once and Future King. I enjoyed every single moment of it, sitting back and listening to it over and over again. It's the kind of album you could listen to repeatedly for several times without even noticing, lost in its beautiful melodies. If you are into melodic rock and A.O.R. then you shouldn't miss this one.
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/garyhughesband			89/100

HELLCITY 13 - Hellcity 13 (CD)	Finland	December 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Sleaze / Pop / Gothic/ Hardrock	Running time: 39:13 (Tracks: 10)
Hellcity 13 is a new, sensational band from Finland that plays dark streetrock. You can describe this band as a Sleaze/Pop/Gothic/Hardrock band in the vein of bands like 'The Rasmus' and 'Him'. They have already released one mini cd and my opinion about their first full length is absolutely the same as the last time I reviewed their mcd for Marios Metal Mania. Definitely no bad music but not oldschool enough for me. I prefer real Scandinavian Sleaze Rock and not this kind of Gothic Glam. In a musical way it’s from a good level and the music sounds pretty good actually. But hell no, it’s not really my taste of music. I’m sorry, please keep the gothic influences away next time !
Visit their website: http://www.hellcity13.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hellcity13			60/100

HELLOWEEN – Gambling With The Devil (CD)	Germany	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Heavy / Power Metal	Running time: 57:38 (Tracks: 12)
"Gambling With The Devil" is Helloween's twelfth studio album. These German guys were one of the first European speed/power metal bands in the 80's and they still are playing good metal songs. Probably they will never release albums like "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" Part I & II anymore, but "Gambling With The Devil" is a more than decent album. The album opens with the intro "Crack The Riddle", with Biff Byford (Saxon) as a gues speaker. The other eleven songs range from classic heavy/power metal till a lot more softer material. The focal point of this diverse album is a three-part epos consisting of the chapters "The Bells Of The Seven Hells", "Falling To Pieces" and "I.M.E.", which represent the ambiguous album title that thematically covers all the songs. Vocalist Andi Deris is singing good (although he's certainly not a Michael Kiske!) and the guitarists Weikath/Gerstner are playing execellent guitar solo's over and over again! "Gambling With The Devil" is a good mix of old and new (read : more modern) Helloween stuff, a combination of melody and power. Sound and song-wise comparable with their albums "Master Of The Ring" and "Time Of The Oath".
Visit their website: http://www.helloween.org Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/helloween			84/100

HELSTAR - Sins of the Past (CD)	USA	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Power/Speed Metal	Running time: 1:02:52 (Tracks: 13)
At the present time Helstar features the nucleus of the legendary "Remnants of War" line up. Lead vocalist James Rivera has finally reunited with co-founder and guitarist Larry Barragan. Along with guitarist Rob Treviño, bass player extraordinaire Jerry Abarca and featuring Russell Deleon on the drums, this is the line up most people have wanted to see reunited. Helstar originally began it's quest in 1982. The line up consisted of James Rivera (vocals), Larry Barragan (guitar), Tom Rogers (guitar), Hector Pavon (drums) and Paul Medina (bass). By 1984 the band had signed with Combat Records and recorded its first album entitled "Burning Star". Helstar recorded "Remnants of War" in 1985 with a new and powerful line up. Helstar signed with Metal Blade records and produced two albums for the label: "A Distant Thunder" & "Nosferatu". It was the last album Helstar would record for Metal Blade. Later they recorded "Multiples in Black" with the help of Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson as producer. This would be the last proper album Helstar would record. James Rivera has enjoyed much success staying busy with several projects. He is considered by some to be one of the most legendary metal vocalist ever. He has recorded with Destiny's End, Seven Witches, Killing Machine, Distant Thunder and and Vicious Rumors (which he recently left after a bottle fight with Geoff Thorpe in which James got wounded). Larry Barragan, Rob Treviño, and Russell Deleon have also resurfaced with a new band named Eternity Black. They have released a self-titled 5 song EP as well (see Archive CD/DVD reviews). Helstar has recorded eight full length albums spanning over two decades. "Sins of the Past" is more a kind of a compilation album. The band re-recorded 11 songs from their earlier stuff and added a few new songs to this album. Not really an addition for your collection if you already own their original albums. Only nice to win some new fans. Hope they reach that goal with this album because for me personally its a useless release. The new recordings are not even better than the original. The 2 new songs are both in the same style as the older Helstar stuff.
Visit their website: http://www.helstar.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/helstar			--/---

IGNITOR - Road of Bones (CD)	USA	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Metal	Running time: 52:50 (Tracks: 11)
Out of Texas comes Ignitor. The band was formed when guitarists Stuart Laurence and Beverly Barrington, bass player Brendon Bigelow, drummer Pat Doyle, and vocalist Erika joined forces in the summer of 2003. Influenced by 80s masters Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Ignitors music is a blend of classic true metal with the power of today's true/powermetal bands. Their MiniCD "Take to the Sky" was already Demo of the Month by Germany's Rock Hard magazine. 2006 saw a lineup change, with Beverly leaving and Annah Moore joining the fold. Ignitor has shared stage space with great bands like W.A.S.P, Distant Thunder, M.O.D., Beyond Fear and Jag Panzer. This is the bands first full length album and its a very good one! Musically its pure US-metal but still it sounds different because of Erika's voice. She sometimes reminds me to Nathalie Geyer of Mystery Bleu (except that Nathalie has her typical French accent). This is, again, a great release from the Cruz Del Sur recordlabel and I cant wait to see these guys/girls on stage in Europe because I missed their performance at the KIT festival in 2005.....
Recordlabel: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ignitor			80/100

KILLING FROST – Falling From The Sky (CD)	Japan	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Power Metal	Running time: 51:57 (Tracks: 10)
Killing Frost is a solo project of Tetsu Kishi. Tetsu Kishi was active as a guitarist of other Japanese power metal bands such as Idiot Savant, Tytan's Claw and As Dusk Descends. He started to play live in April 2005, for which he found other musicians to help him. At the same time he began the making of new songs and the production of the full album. He completed his first album "Falling From The Sky" after production periods of more than two years. Vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and drum programming are all performed by Tetsu Kishi. He only got some help for backing vocals from other Japanese vocalists. The album starts with a cool Iron Maiden guitar riff, and continues with mid and up-tempo melodic power metal songs. Influences can be heard from Scandinavian, Italian and Japanese melodic power metal bands. Especially early Helloween comes to mind when I listen to the album. Tetsu is an excellent musician and also his vocals are good enough (maybe his English can improve a bit). He did a nice job for a solo project!
Visit their website: http://www.killing-frost.com			81/100

KING LEORIC – Thunderforce (CD)	Germany	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Heavy Metal	Running time: 54:25 (Tracks: 11)
This is the second full length album from these German metal guys. In 2000 they already released a demo and in 2002 their first album "Piece Of Past". When I listen to their latest album, "Thunderforce", I can't believe that they aren't signed yet! King Leoric plays a great mix of Teutonic Metal, NWOBHM and U.S. Metal. Their songs have a lot of variety in tempo – midpaced, up-tempo and even some balladesque parts. Bands to refer at are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Manowar, Rebellion, Running Wild, Accept and, more recent bands like Majesty and Messiah's Kiss. With Jens Wunder they have the perfect vocalist for their metal music. He sings very powerful but stays always melodic too, without singing too polished. Currently the band is working on their third album "Lingua Regis", which will be another killer album in my opinion!
Visit their website: http://www.king-leoric.de			89/100

LA VENTURA – A New Beginning (CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Gothic Nu-Metal	Running time: 37:38 (Tracks: 10)
After the split of the Dutch band Orphanage, drummer Erwin Polderman found female vocalist Carla Douw and a few other musicians to start a new band. The musical direction was gothic metal, but after hearing the album, I decided that gothic nu-metal was a better label for La -Ventura's music. La-Ventura were signed for a record deal with a US label after being discovered on MySpace, but due to several deadlines not being respected, the band decided to make the cd themselves. The production of the album was eventually done by a producer-friend, and so this album saw the light of day after that friends of the bandmembers took care of several stages of realising and releasing this cd. The outcome is a refreshing debut ! The song "Trefoil" is obviously their oldest track; carefully developed, a song that resembles Evanescence in more than one way, setting the course for the rest of the tracks. With diverse songs like "Cry", La-Ventura will probably and hopefully reach a higher status. I think this band has a lot of potential, and they should really aim for a status in the ranks of, for example, Within Temptation. The band has produced a bombastic debut, full of musically high-end performances, and of course, very important, a steady and gorgeous frontwoman.
Visit their website: http://www.la-ventura.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/laventura			90/100

MEKONG DELTA - Lurking Fear (CD)	Germany	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive Thrash Metal	Running time: 49:35 (Tracks: 10)
In 1985 MEKONG DELTA came into the metal scene as a mystery band, with the story being that the members were under contract to other bands and thus could not reveal their true identities. Early lineups featured Rage mainman Peavey Wagner (and other Rage members as well), but by the time of the first album "Mekong Delta", a firm lineup was established, consisting of the following members: Keil (Wolfgang Borgmann), Rolf Stein (Frank Fricke, then in Living Death), Vincent St. John (Reiner Kelch, also of Living Death), Bjorn Eklund (Ralf Hubert), and Gordon Perkins (Jorg Michael, then in Rage). The band continued to use pseudonyms for several years (Uwe Baltrusch was listed as Mark Kaye, and Uli Kusch as Patrick Duval). Eventually the real names were revealed, and by 1990 (when Dances Of Death was released) all but Jorg Michael were using their true names. The music of MEKONG DELTA is best described as Germanic thrash, with strong progressive and classical tendencies. "Kaleidoscope", "The Music Of Erich Zann" "The Principle of Doubt" are their most consistent releases. The band has also covered several classical pieces and these have been re-released as the Classics compilation. Mekong Delta has now a new vocalist: Leo Szpigiel--formerly of Angel Dust, Crows, Duke, and Scanner and Peter Lake (Theory In Practice) plays the guitars. Mekong Delta, which reformed in 2005, still sound like in their old days; progressive thrashmetal with a lot of classic elements in their songs. Mostly all the songs are up-tempo which suits me very well. Their style nowadays is a mix of the stuff they already had before their break in 1997. So expect a more thrashy variant of bands like: Hades (USA), Watchtower & (old) Sieges Even. Fav. songs: 'Immortal Hate' & 'Defenders of the Faith'. The original CD contains a bonus DVD "Live in Frankfurt".
Visit their website: http://www.mekongdelta.eu/ Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mekongdeltaband			88/100

MICHAEL LEE FIRKINS – Blacklight Sonatas (CD)	USA	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Rock/Blues/Country	Running time: 46:58 (Tracks: 9)
Michael Lee was born in Nebraska in 1967. He started playing acoustic guitar at the age of 8. Mostly self taught, he also took lessons at a local music store. That time he was heavily into Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Black Sabbath. He soon played in local bands and in church from the age of 12 until 18. Michael's musical influences were expanding ; Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins and Albert Lee were among his new favourites. He recorded a 5 song demo of instrumental guitar tunes which he has sent to Shrapnel Records. They signed him and a release of his first solo album was soon to follow in 1990. His first release sold more than 100.000 copies and he was praised in every guitar magazine as a great new talent. He also won the Edison award, which is Holland's version of a Grammy. Michael released 3 more records for Shrapnel. Howling Iguanas (1994) was a blues rock album echoing past influences. The third, "Chapter Eleven", followed in 1995. It had even more diverse music styles. "Cactus Cruz" was the last album for Shrapnel in 1996, a blues rock explosion of guitar. In 1997 he recorded "Decomposition" an album of mostly covers. His latest album, entitled "Blacklight Sonatas", released by Magnatude Records, is once again a diverse instrumental guitar album, which showcase Michael's impressive guitar playing. It is a mix of rock, blues, country riffs, funk and jazz. One of the songs is a cover of the Ram Jam classic "Black Betty".
Visit their website: http://www.michaelleefirkins.com Recordlabel: http://www.magnatuderecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/michaelleefirkins			73/100

MOLESKIN – Generator (Mini CD)	France	December 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Stoner Rock	Running time: 28:46 (Tracks: 6)
Moleskin originates from France. The band was formed in 2002 and this is its debut EP after a demo and several live performances. The press brochure characterizes Moleskin as a Stoner Rock band, a genre that I really can't relate to. The music isn't that slow or heavy compared to other stoner rock bands; it has its faster moments and the resemblance to Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age is more than obvious (especially Q.o.t.S.A.). Moleskin is pretty much your typical stoner rock band with lots of rock elements of the 90ies (Noir Desir is one of them; the band even got its name from a Noir Desir song). It's really up to you to decide if this kind of music is appealing or not.
Visit their website: http://www.moleskin.fr MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/moleskinfrance			50/100

OVERKILL - Immortalis (CD)	USA	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Thrash Metal	Running time: 49:21 (Tracks: 10)
After Overkill released a self-financed EP in 1984, Overkill broke onto the scene in 1985 with "Feel The Fire", a crushing thrash assault on Megaforce Records. By 1987's "Taking Over", the band had worked their way up to a deal with Atlantic Records. 1988's "Under The Influence" and 1989's "The Years Of Decay" represent Overkill in their prime. Sid Falck would replace Rat Skates on drums. 1991's "Horrorscope" would bring great changes for Overkill. Gustafson left the band to pursue other interests. In his place, the band recruited two guitarists, Rob Cannevino and Merritt Gant (ex Faith Or Fear), making them a 5-piece engine of destruction. "I Hear Black" (1993) saw the departure of Sid Falck, and the arrival of Tim Mallare. The band released several other albums but I lost my interest in their latest releases (Killing Kind, From The Underground and Below, Necroshine, Fuck You! And Then Some, Coverkill, Bloodletting on Metal-Is, Wrecking Everything, Killbox 13). Now with Bodog Music, the band is set to rejoin forces with Jonny and Marsha Zazula, previous owners of Megaforce Records, who are now part of the Bodog Team in the United States.The new album "Immortalis" features Overkill's latest lineup, which, along with founders Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and D.D. Verni, includes guitarists Derek "The Skull" Tailer and Dave Linsk, as well as the newest member to join the band, drummer Ron Lipnicki. Because im not familiar with the latest releases of Overkill; I only have the old stuff to compare Overkill's latest album with. The album starts agressive and sounds superb! Songs like 'Devils in the Mist', 'Shadow of a Doubt', 'Chalie get your Gun' & 'Hell is' could have been on their first releases which shows that the band stays true to their roots. Of course, which is very smart, it all sounds much more modern. Bobby Blitz is still singing/screaming in his typical style and that has always been one of the things that made Overkill original. Ive seen the bands several weeks ago as support of Motörhead and live the band is also very fanatic on stage. Overkill will always be a great live band and their newer stuff has a lot of recognizable, great songs but also some "space-fillers' tracks. But way back they had the same problems because I still hate their main stay song 'In Union we Stand'. Nevertheless this is a very good album and it suits me that Bobby Blitz can still thrash old-school because after his debacle on the album of The Cursed I had my doubts about him. Gladly he is not letting us down this time....Good album!!!
Visit their website: http://www.wreckingcrew.com Recordlabel: http://www.bodoglife.net/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.nl MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/overkill			82/100

PICTURE OF THE MOON – Ageless day (Mini-CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 16:21 (Tracks: 3)
Picture of the Moon is a young progressive metal band originating from the eastern part of Holland. The first line-up consisted of students who were studying at the University of Twente. After putting out a demo in 2004 called "Waxing Crescent" this is their second EP. This time they recorded 3 songs each of them running over 5 minutes. The producer is the young and talented musician Joost van den Broek (After Forever). The current line-up consists of Michiel Borkent (vocals/keyboards), Rudolf Saathof (drums), Frans Klaver (guitar), Alex Rosenhof (lead guitar) and Sander Rhebergen (bass guitar). The EP starts of with pounding drums, keyboards and a heavy guitar-riff. 'Black Roses' develops into a beautiful but heavy song, that offers a duel between keyboards and guitars. Combined with high clear vocals this up-tempo song marks a good start. The second song "No Break Space" starts slow with boring vocals. Luckily the use of some grunt-vocals and the music itself make this song more interesting. The song gets better towards the end and delivers some atmospheric parts, a lot of keyboards and double-bass drums although the vocals remain a bit boring. The last song is the title-track and is a very up-tempo song, using a megaphone to ad some deformed vocals. This is a great song which combines different styles and offers clear vocals and some grunting. All musicians show their skills in this song and still it remains a song which is a compliment. The guys are also working their way up through gigs like Progpower Europe in Baarlo and Face your Underground in Belgium. We'll just have to wait for a full length album to know how far these guys can get in the business.
Visit their website: http://www.pictureofthemoon.net Recordlabel: http://www.darkbalance.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pictureofthemoon			83/100

PETER PAN SPEEDROCK - Pursuit Until Capture (CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Ad van Osch
Style: Speedrock / Rock	Running time: 33:00 (Tracks: 13)
PETER PAN SPEEDROCK from Eindhoven Rockcity, has a well known name here in Holland and they have built a huge live reputation over the past years. I'm sure that every metalhead, rocker, hardcorefreak, rockabilly and psychobilly has seen this band at least once or twice (I have seen them 36 times so far). Well, for "Pursuit Until Capture" PPSR again choose for Tomas Skogsberg as their producer ("Spread Eagle" (2005) was the first album Tomas did for PPSR) who did a great job because the album sounds great. Only this time the vocals were produced by the band themselves. I had to get used to this album first because "Pursuit Until Capture" is less speedrock than on their former albums. It's more rock this time. But of course after several times listening to "Pursuit Until Capture" the album gets better and better. The CD starts with "Speedfreak Blitzkrieg" which is a short intro for "(Hangin' With The) Wrong Crowd". On the title track PPSR used a little bit piano (Jerry Lee Lewis style) for the first time, which gives the song a real rock and roll sound. A few songs ("Speedfreak Blitzkrieg", "Heatseaker", "Gimme Some" and the GBH cover "Sick Boy") I already knew, because PPSR had these songs in their set list for a couple of months before this album was released. My favorite songs of this CD are "Evil Sweet Thing", "Bottle-O-Dope", "(Hangin' With The) Wrong Crowd", "Cool-School Drop-Out", "Gimme Some" and of course "Heatseaker" which already is a live classic now. However "Premium Quality…Serve Loud" and "Spread Eagle" are still my favorite albums, "Pursuit Until Capture" is a great album too. Go see them at their own festival SPEEDFEST #2 on December 8th, 2007.
Visit their website: http://www.peterpanspeedrock.nl Recordlabel: http://www.suburban.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peterpanspeedrock			88/100

RAVENDUSK - Astroblack Advent (CD)	Poland	December 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Black Metal	Running time: 47:01 (Tracks: 11)
This band from Poland, not yet very well known, was co-founded in 1997 by guitarist Patryk Syry. The first months the guys where busy with composing songs and getting their gear together. They played several shows in the local scene of Lublin and the band had to deal with several line up changes. In 1999 they financed their first demo with four songs named "Tears shall Burn". A year later a new album was recorded while they also signed a record deal with "Metal Age Prod", a label from Slovakia. "Shadow Cast" was released in 2002 and could be described as gothic/black metal. In June 2004 Patrik left the band and the following years more line up changes took place but also live shows were done and new songs written. In 2005 a promo tape was recorded by the name of " Astro Black" but guitarists kept on leaving and new ones joining and at last in 2006 Ravendusk found two new guitarists. After a lot of promotion Ravendusk received good reviews for "Astroblack" in the underground press. In February of this year the band signed up with Mondongo Canibale Records and they recorded this full length cd " Astroblack Advent" which is a combination of new songs and songs from the demo "Astro Black" with new arrangements. But not long after the release again one of the guitarists left the band, hopefully the guys keep their band together for a while now… The most recent line up is now: Marcin Gorniak-vocals / Tukasz Duleba-guitars / Wojciech Lichota-guitars (left the band) / Grzegorz Kulawiak-bass / Dominik Stryjecki-keyboards and Dariusz Tomasik on drums. The music on "Astroblack Advent" can be called melodic black metal in the style of Dimmu Borgir, Limbionic Art or Cradle of Filth, the keyboards are clearly present but the aggression has not gone away. The music is well played and Marcin's voice is deep and growling. He does not scream but that is ok, he sounds aggressive as it should be with Black Metal. The songs are varying; tempo changes and keyboard fills without losing the speed and rawness in the songs. This is a good cd and worthy of your attention if you like melodic black metal.
Visit their website: http://www.ravendusk.pl Recordlabel: http://www.mondongocanibale.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ravenduskpoland			78/100

REVOLUTION MOTHER - Glory Bound (CD)	USA	December 2007	Ad van Osch
Style: Speedrock / Metal / Hardcore	Running time: 36:00 (Tracks: 11)
Revolution Mother is a brand new band (formed in late 2005) who have released a very fine debut album (it seems they have released a 5 track EP in 2006 too). This four piece band exists of Mike Vallely (also a skate-god) on vocals, guitarist Jason Hampton, bass player Colin Buis and Brendan Murphy on drums. The band's debut album "Glory Bound" was released in June 2007 and has eleven tracks. Revolution Mother plays a mix of speedrock, metal and hardcore. The openings track "Come On" is a song who could have been from Dutch speedrockers Peter Pan Speedrock. This is one of my favorite tracks of the album. Second song "Above The Crawl" has a great drive, a fantastic song and also one of my favorites. Songs like "Bullet" and "Burning From The Inside" reminds me to the Rollins Band very much. The album features also a cover which is Black Sabbath's "Holy In The Sky" (from "Sabotage") and is done very well. I would say, this is an album who's absolutely worth checking out. Let's hope they will come to Europe very soon for some live shows!!
Visit their website: http://http://www.revolutionmother.com Recordlabel: http://www.cementshoesrecords.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/revolutionmother			86/100

SALEM - Necessary Evil (CD)	Israel	December 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Thrash / Death Metal	Running time: 1.02.28 (Tracks: 14)
We don't hear much of this Israeli band, which was already founded in 1985! And still very much alive, it is only the fifth album and is a mix between thrash and death metal. But Salem created a style of their own with breaks and tempo changes and whispering voices in their own language. That may sound a bit strange for an outsider but when you listen to it more you notice that this is an unique style! Their career started with the demo "Salem" in 1986. Followed by "Destruction till Death" in 1987 and "Millions slaughtered Live" in '90. After the last demo they signed a deal with the German label Morbid Records. Working with this label they released the cd's "Creating with Sins" - 1992 and "Kaddish" in 1994. Before that album an EP with the single "Dying Embers" which was also released as a picture disc for the promotion for "Kaddish". Years later there was going to be a contract with the Israeli label BNE and the cd "Moment of Silence" was recorded and released. But unfortunatelly their was an miscommunication between the label and the band and the deal was off. In 2001 Salem was released from their contract with BNE and at the end of the year they signed up with yet another German label called KMG/System Shock; in September 2002 "Collective Demise" was released. Two years later Salem recorded a live DVD and this was released and gives a good impression of the band! And this year the fifth full length album "Necessary Evil "is released by Season of Mist. The current line up is: Ze'ev T- vocals / Lior M- guitar / Nir G-guitar /Michael G- bass / Nir N -drums.
Visit their website: http://www.salemband.com Recordlabel: http://www.season-of-mist.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/salemband			84/100

SAXON – To Hell And Back Again (2 DVD)	United Kingdom	December 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock/metal	Running time: approx. 5 hours (Tracks: 49)
Oldschool hardrock-metallers Saxon, founded in 1976 and successful since 1980 have released yet another live document. And what a document it is ! The band is seen on DVD1, before, during and after the release of the 2004 album "Lionheart", including releaseparty and live footage from their following tour, showing us festival performances of Wacken and Graspop, but also a few songs filmed in smaller venues. DVD2 consists of a few rare videoclips, including their latest single "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" which also features Lemmy, Andy Deris and Angry Anderson, followed by the bands performance at the Swiss "Rockstage" festival and a few clips, shot at "Rock For Asia". Unfortunately, the performance of the Judas Priest classic "You've Got Another Thing Coming" features Doro, whose vocal performance leaves a lot to be desired. Over 5 hours of Saxon material, that will undoubtedly please the Saxon fans, as well as the fans who lost track of Saxon after their big hitalbum "Power And The Glory". Biff is in excellent shape, and the fact that of course he is getting older doesn't bother me one bit. I commend the band for showing lots of insights to the fans that are related to recording an album and touring the world. In my opinion, Saxon has hit all the right buttons to please old and new fans, and after their fine latest release : The Inner Sanctum", the future looks great for them.
Visit their website: http://www.saxon747.com Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/saxon747band			85/100

SEVERE TORTURE - Sworn Vengeance (CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 36.00 (Tracks: 10)
Severe Torture from our little country on the North Sea started back in 1997 and released the first demo a year later and it was called "Baptized in Virginal Liquid". In 1999 a promo "Pray for Nothing" containing 2 songs was recorded and released as a 7" EP. Finally in 2000 a record deal with the Dutch label Fadeless Records was signed, Fadeless Records merged with Hammerheart Records the same year. Their debut album was also released that year: "Feasting in Blood". An American tour was done to promote the album. After this cd a 7" EP "Lambs of God" and "Butchery of the Soul" were released. In 2002 the second official album was released by the name of "Misanthropic Carnage" and again the band played an USA tour and some festivals there! After three years in 2005 a live album called "Bloodletting" was recorded and released as a farewell by Karmageddon Media, with the new record company Earache Records. "Fall of the Despised" was released in the same year. A large part of 2006 was spend on touring and playing summer festivals; Severe Torture went to the US again for the third time and also played in Germany and Austria and toured with Vader and God Dethroned. This cd "Sworn Vengeance" is now recently released and can be described as good solid Death Metal with mid tempo parts and breaks and excellent guitar work. Needless to say it does not get soft anywhere; the songs stay powerful and brutal. The guest growlers on" Sworn Vengeance" add an extra dimension to the cd. This is probably the best album the band made so far. You know what you can expect from this sextet, merciless Death Metal without any compromises. To promote "Sworn Vengeance" a large tour is already planned so if you get a chance to see them live on tour next year: don't miss them! Check their website for the exact tour dates.
Visit their website: http://www.severetorture.com Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/severetorture			84/100

SHATTER MESSIAH - God Burns like Flesh (CD)	USA	December 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Modern Thrash Metal	Running time: 44:40 (Tracks: 9)
For a bio of this band you can better read the review of their predecessor album "Never to play the Servant" (October 2006). The band formed around ex-Nevermore/ex-Annihilator axeman Curran Murphy and ex-Breaker/ex-Archetype vocalist Greg "Wags" Wagner delivers their second album within circa 1 year. It counts me that Greg Wagner's voice is fitting better to the songs than they did on their debut album. He can express himself much more this time; you can hear that back in the songs. This album is a step forward in the good direction; I prefer this album above their debut! Expect a mix of Nevermore & Kragens-a-like metal with great songs and a very good production! Hopefully the band can make it to play at next years edition of Mario's Metal Meeting because this is a kind of metal that will be very much appreciated in The Netherlands! Fav. songs: 'Idolator', 'God burns like Flesh' & 'Stripped of Faith'. Great album!!!
Visit their website: http://www.shattermessiah.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shattermessiah			92/100

SHYLOCK - Devotion (CD)	Germany	December 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 56:23 (Tracks: 14)
Doing lots of gigs can raise a band to a higher level, and that's exactly what has happened to the German band Shylock. Since the release of their album "Welcome To Illusion" in early 2004, the band has been on tour constantly. They played headliner shows, showed up at several open air festivals and supported bands like 'Axxis', 'Bonfire', 'Crystal Ball', 'Gotthard', 'Jaded Heart', 'Krokus', 'Primal Fear', 'Shakra' and 'Vanden Plas'. Now in 2007 they have released a fabulous new album called: 'Devotion'. This new melodic powerfull Hardrock album has a great mainstream sound which is interesting to all kinds of people. The band has got some great catchy keyboard and guitarplaying and some really nice vocals. The album is absolutely a must for all fans of Melodic (Hard)rock. Great album and I am very curious about the next one, keep on the good work rockers!
Visit their website: http://www.shylockmusic.de/ Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/artistservice MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shylockmusicde			80/100

STEVE GRIMMET - Personal Crisis (CD)	United Kingdom	December 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Hardrock / Heavy Metal	Running time: 49:44 (Tracks: 11)
Steve Grimmett has a history that is nothing less than incredible, having what is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and original voices in rock & metal. As vocalist with the legendary Grim Reaper, Steve accomplished major success during the 80's with three highly acclaimed studio albums. After 'Grim Reaper' Steve spent a brief period with Onslaught and again enjoyed commercial success, including a single that charted in the UK . More recently Steve's success came in the form of Lionsheart , a powerful melodic metal band whose debut album reached number one in the mainstream Japanese charts. In early 2006 Steve assembled a touring band with the intention of playing a full Grim Reaper set at a series of European metal festivals & venues. Now, in 2007 Steve released a new master album! 'Personal Crisis' sounds different but maybe as good as the old classic material of the mighty Grim Reaper, I really love this new album! All the musicians did a really great job and the voice of Grimmet is just like I expect…Great ! His voice has always found the perfect combination of melodic hardrock and real heavy metal, perfect for me ! I’m sure all fans of good oldschool 'hardrock', 'aor' and 'heavy metal' will be happy when they listen to this new album which sounds like the good old days! Steve this is an album to be proud of my friend ! All fans of 'Dokken', 'Crimson Glory', 'Yngwie Malmsteen' and ofcourse the legendary 'Grim Reaper', buy or die!
Visit their website: http://www.stevegrimmett.co.uk/ Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thestevegrimmettbandgrimreaper			95/100

THEODORE ZIRAS – HyperpyrexiA (CD)	Greece	December 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Metal	Running time: 40:28 (Tracks: 10)
Theodore Ziras was born in Poros, Greece. His musical training started at the age of 15. At the age of 18 he moved to Athens and he continued his studies in guitar, music theory, jazz harmony, rhytm and counterpoint. His first serious bands were the Greek power metal band Ice Divine (1994-1998) and progmetallers Guardian Angel (1997-1998). In 1998 Theodore left Greece and started at the Guitar Institute of London where he graduated 3 years later. In 2001 he returned to Greece where he released his first solo album, "Trained To Play". Almost 2 years later he released his second solo album "Virtual Virtuosity"(see Archive CD/DVD reviews 2004). A few months later he decided to record an album with vocals. Searching for the perfect vocalist was not easy, but with Jiotis Parcharidis he found the perfect one in his opinion. After almost 2 years of recordings the Euroforce album (see Archive CD/DVD reviews 2005) hit the market in 2005. During 2006 and 2007 he prepared his third solo album. This is his first solo album which he recorded with a real band. And what a band it is! Theodore on guitars, famous Derek Sherinian on keyboards, drummer Brian Tichy and on bass Theodore's friend and bandmember Manos Markopoulos. On "HyperpyrexiA" (=high fever situation) you can listen to a diversity of styles such as metal, shred, rock, prog, melodic, neo-classical and fusion, all mixed together in a unique way! Of course Theodore is the big star on this album with his phenomenal guitar playing, but sure there is also a lot of space for Derek, Brian and Manos. In my opinion the best solo album that Theodore recorded for the moment, a unique mix of melodic elegance and guitar virtuosity!
Visit their website: http://www.theodoreziras.com Recordlabel: http://www.sleaszyrider.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theodorezirasguitar			91/100

THE RIPLETS - Rock (CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Ad van Osch
Style: Rock / Punk	Running time: 38:00 (Tracks: 11)
The third album of Rotterdam based all girl band THE RIPLETS is simply called "Rock", and they really rock on their new CD, but still with that punk attitude. On their debut album "Rock 'n Roll Beat" (2002) The Riplets sounded very raw and punky and on their second album "Love Special Delivery Boy" (2004) they played more poppy punk songs. But with adding ex-BAD CANDY guitar player Ryanne (alias Ryan Riot and also known as Elle Bandita) as a new member, this trio really rocks on their newest album. I have seen The Riplets in this line-up on October 25th, 2007 in the Mezz in Breda (it was a fabulous show), and man Ryan Riot is really a great guitar player, what a guitar solos she can play. Instead of the first two albums, who were produced by Perry Leenhouts and Vincent Koreman (TRAVOLTAS), they produced "Rock" by themselves and Janneke, Valesca en Ryan did a great job. The CD has 11 catchy songs. One of them is a cover of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" which is done very nice (listen to Ryan Riot solo and you know what I mean). Some of my favorite songs of "Rock" are "Love U Rock 'n' Roll", "My Turn To Play", "Jump All Night" and "Rock 'n' Roll Manifest". After a time off, because of the birth of Janneke's baby, The Riplets ARE BACK. Go see them live on the BATTLE OF THE SEXES TOUR with DE HEIDEROOSJES, MALLE PIETJE AND THE BIMBO'S and JEREMY'S in December.
Visit their website: http://www.riplets.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.sonicrendezvous.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theriplets			80/100

THESSERA – Fooled Eyes (CD)	Brazil	December 2007	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 64:47 (Tracks: 9)
Although this album was released in June 2006 it would be a shame not to review it. What these six young Brazilians have achieved on this debut-album is magnificent. They start of with a concept-album which is normally not the first choice for a debut. Responsible for this effort are Marcelo Quina (vocals), Nando Costa and Raphael Lamim (guitars), Marcelo Mattos (bass), Rodolfo Amaro (keyboards) and Fernando Cerutti (drums). In the first song of the album the main character (Andrew Hesser, a young artist) is celebrating his engagement to Jeanne Seamus as he faints. While being unconscious this marks the start of a journey into his past with all kind of memories ranging from very good to very bad. After regaining consciousness Andrew receives a phone-call from the hospital about his Jeanne being seriously hurt. He rushes over to the hospital but unfortunately she dies. After her death Andrew visits Kane and kills him, blaming him for Jeanne's death, making the nightmare even bigger. To make the story more realistic and lively there are some speaking parts that help you visualize the story. Musically the story results in a fine selection of progressive metal-songs like "Heaven's Gate" which offers over nine minutes of high quality progressive metal or "Party's on" with a jazzy intro. Besides singer Marcelo that delivers an extraordinary performance the musicians are extremely capable with Rodolfo Amaro being present throughout the album. Although the average age is low and this being a debut-album the result is a very mature and complete album that promises a lot for the future. In August/September 2007 Thessera did some live-shows in Holland, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland and hopefully we'll see them back again on stage or at least with a new album.
Visit their website: http://www.thessera.com Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thessera			88/100

TOURETTES – Treason Songs (CD)	Australia	December 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Death Thrash Metal	Running time: 41:23 (Tracks: 12)
Tourettes started to become a name in the metal scene in 2004. They released their debut album in 2006 by Armageddon Music. This is their second release and I must say that it sounds great. The music is well composed and the production is great. The guitar riffs have a lot of variety in it, the guitar riffs are also very progressive and technical with great solos and the drums are very groovy but not to annoying. There is a very relaxed sound in the songs. Now the vocalist, the grunts of this female is great. Not to brutal and well listenable. If you like death thrash metal then you're going to enjoy this record.
Visit their website: http://www.tourettes.com.au Recordlabel: http://www.armageddonmusic.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tourettessf4l			70/100

TRIBUZY – Execution Live Reunion (DVD)	Brazil	December 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 61:40 (Tracks: 12)
Renato Tribuzy is a Brazilian singer and composer. A couple of years ago he put together a very ambitious project under the Tribuzy moniker. He gathered huge household names such as Roland Grapow, Bruce Dickinson, Roy Z, Mat Sinner, Michael Kiske, Kiko Loureiro, Dennis Ward and Ralf Scheepers and recorded the "Execution" concept album. As you can easily imagine the album caused some stir not only because of the guests but for the good music it contained too. Tribuzy didn't stick to the album but materialized the whole concept in to a live performance! So this DVD is a testimony of this huge collaboration. The track list contains the Execution songs plus the Dickinson classic Tears of the Dragon. All the guests that appear on the Execution album, also appear on the stage of Credicard Hall at Sao Paulo. This is a giant achievement nonetheless. The filming is great. Many cameras and many different angles captured an amazing light show plus the great performances of all musicians. For those who don't know what Tribuzy is all about, I would describe the music as Judas Priest inspired metal, powerful and melodic. This is a great chance to own some great music and I would recommend this DVD not only to those who want to explore the Tribuzy music but also to the fans who have already bought the Execution album.
Visit their website: http://www.tribuzy.com Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tribuzyband			86/100

VENGEANCE – Same/same….bit different (live)(CD)	The Netherlands	December 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 45:39 (Tracks: 10)
Vengeance was one of Hollands most popular hardrockbands in the eighties. After having released excellent albums like "We have ways to make you rock", "Take it or leave it" and "Arabia", the band had almost reached a divine status. Unfortunately, various line-up changes and the highly underrated comeback-album "Back from flight 19" caused a definite split at the end of last century. The band resurrected again last year with their second comeback-album "Back in the ring". This album has put Vengeance right back in the hardrock ranks, and during their tour with Sinner and Axel Rudi Pell, recordings were made to release this live album, marking Vengeance's 25th anniversary in 2008. Those who have seen one of their latest shows will acknowledge the fact that it's still a party to attend. Musically, opinions differ. I have heard and read that the band gained lots of new fans, where the fans from 20 years ago found that it was not "their" Vengeance anymore. It is only fair to say that it isn't because it can't. I must place myself somewhere in between. Musically, I am not that impressed after hearing the album through a headphone. Also, I hate the drumsound which could have been a lot better. But is it fair to compare Vengeance 2008 with Vengeance 1983-1999? In that perspective, the title of the album is well chosen. Also, the album is very short (45 minutes) compared to the huge amount of available songs. Instead of Rose Tattoo's "Bad boy for love" I had preferred songs from their debut and "Flight 19". And I suspect that in 2008, we will see a live DVD being released. That will do more justice to the show that Vengeance puts on stage nowadays. A must have for die hard fans; an album to listen to first for the older fans who are used to hearing Arjen Lucassen, Oscar Holleman and Peer Verschuren.
Visit their website: http://www.vengeanceonline.nl Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vengeancebackinthering			79/100

Winger - Live: (CD)		November 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: AOR/Hardrock	Running time: 96,64 (Tracks: 19)
Winger was formed in 1987 by top musician 'Kip Winger' as a new succesfull American aor/melodic hardrock act. Their debut album: 'Winger' was released in 1988 on Atlantic Records, and scored platinum in the U.S and even gold in Japan and Canada. 'In the Heart of the Young' was released on Atlantic Records which became 'RIAA platinum' in the U.S. and gold in Japan. 1993, Winger releases the critically acclaimed 'Pull' on Atlantic Records. The track "Down Incognito" was a smash at radio. And the last releases were Winger - IV from 2006 which was really great, and their Demo Anthology (2007) which was amazing too! Now, not even one year later Winger released a great double Live album. Kip Winger is always doing a great job and 'Winger – Live' sounds really great again! It's a little bit louder than on their old records but who cares it’s still 100% Winger and it rocks your socks off! The production is great and the musical style of Winger’s music is still very American! Winger found the perfect combination of 'AOR' and 'Melodic Hardrock/Metal'. The ballads of Winger are always my favourites, I really love their ballads, those are killer! The new stuff of Winger is a bit louder than the old stuff, but whatever, it is still real Winger material and that's most important of all! It’s very strange but Kip has never played here in Holland or Belgium, we really need his music here too! Winger is still one of the best American Melodic Hardrock bands from the past and now, and that’s why it’s so fucking strange he had never played here in Europe? Please Kip, come to Holland and give us a great show like you did here on this two cd’s! 'Winger – Live' is a must for every Melodic Headbanger, Amazing stuff!
Visit their website: http://www.wingertheband.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wingertheband			90/100

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

AKASHIC – A Brand New Day (CD)	Brazil	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 55:01 (Tracks: 10)
Akashic was founded in 1998 to produce high quality prog metal with meaningful lyrics. The band was formed by Marcos De Ros (guitar), Rafael Gubert (vocals), Fabio Alves (bass), Mauricio Meinert (drums) and Eder Bergozza (keyboards). They recorded a debut album in Portugal, called "Timeless Realm" (2001), which is also available in Brazil through Hellion Records. "A Brand New Day" is the second album released also by Hellion Records and produced by Luis Barros. Once again the band Akashic has released a mature sounding progressive metal album, with melodic rhytms, impressive vocals and guitar solo's and a nice melodic balance. The songs never sound too complex, they prefer to play real melodic songs with progressive twists. I'm wondering when they will release their third album, because that can be a real masterpiece I think!
Visit their website: http://www.akashic.com.br Recordlabel: http://www.hellion.com.br MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/akashicrock			81/100

AMARAN'S PLIGHT – Voice in the Light (CD)	USA	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 77:00 (Tracks: 13)
"Voice in the Light" is one of the highly anticipated releases for the fans of progressive metal music. The reason for this is quite simple. Amaran's Plight is a project formed by vocalist D.C. Cooper (ex Royal Hunt, Silent Force), guitarist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), drummer Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard) and bass player Kurt Barabas (Under the Sun). Cooper and Wehrkamp where no strangers since the Danish vocalist had contributed some vocals on the Shadow Gallery "Tyranny" album. A very promising team, don't you think? Usually I am very reluctant when it comes to projects but Amaran's Plight dissolved my doubtful thoughts. "Voice in the Light" is a decent progressive album in the Shadow Gallery vein (mostly "Tyranny" era). Here you will find the classic Wehrkamp trademark guitar sound, Shadow Gallery sounding keyboard parts, excellent drumming without exaggerations and the powerful Cooper vocals. This is a concept album and the story is about a near death experience so there are many atmospheric and really sentimental parts but you shouldn't think that the record is slow and boring. There are some fast parts and instrumental breaks with excellent drum fills. Not to mention the fantastic guitar solos in each and every song. The best moment in this record is the 13 minute epic "Shattered Dreams", a song that could have appeared in any of the Shadow Gallery albums. Absolutely fantastic. I don't know if there will be another Amaran's Plight album but I hope that this project will continue to exist since the chemistry between the members is simply great.
Visit their website: http://www.amaransplight.com Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amaransplight			80/100

AXEL RUDI PELL – Diamonds Unlocked (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Classic Hard Rock	Running time: 55:30 (Tracks: 11)
Axel Rudi Pell, the German guitar wizard born in 1960, released his first album with the German band Steeler in 1984. Three more albums followed until he decided to leave and start a solo career in 1989. Since then and for over 25 years, Axel Rudi has counted as one of Germany's most versatile guitarists with his caracteristic Blackmore influenced guitar style. He has recorded over a dozen of studio albums which are loved by his fans and respected and praised by the press. Alongside numerous original compositions, cover versions of his favourite songs have always taken a special place in his heart. He has not only covered the work of his own idols such as Deep Purple and Rainbow, but also songs from acts such as Alphaville, Free and Uriah Heep. Now Axel Rudi Pell has scheduled to release "Diamonds Unlocked", his first album consisting exclusively (except for the instrumental opener "The Diamond Overute") of compositions by other musicians, proving his expertise when it comes to the history of rock and pop music. Axel Rudi has covered songs from the following bands ; Riot, U2, Chris Rea/The Law, Kiss, Michael Bolton, Free, Montrose, Phil Collins, The Mission and The Who. These cover songs now sound like a kind of typical Axel Rudi Pell songs, with several ballads amongst them. He has covered/recorded the songs like they were his own songs, with fantastic vocals from Johnny Gioeli and great guitar solo's from the man himself!
Visit their website: http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/			81/100

BLACK BONZO – Sound Of The Apocalypse (CD)	Sweden	October 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Progressive	Running time: 54:03 (Tracks: 8)
Looking at the cd cover, and then the inside and back, I thought "oh my god….is THIS for me?" Well…yes it was. Reading the bio, already playing the first track, it struck me that the style of this band is much alike the old Gentle Giant, and the keyboards are just as dominant and determing the colour of the songs like Rick Wakeman did with Yes, and like Keith Emerson in ELP. The vocals, however, remind me of bands like Camel and Jethro Tull. Well, I guess this band is a mixture of all mentioned bands. Black Bonzo was founded in 2003 and already released one (highly proclaimed) album, so the question was: did the succeed making an even better one? The compositions are in that oldfashioned style; very sixties, early seventies, lots of Moog and mellotrons, skinny guitar sounds, excellent drumming and bassparts that guide the other musicians through the songmaterial. Not spectacular, unless you have remained in the sixties and keeping yourself away from everything that is modern. Would this album have been released in 1971, this band would have really made it big !
Visit their website: http://www.blackbonzo.com Recordlabel: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackbonzo			70/100

BLACK RAVEN – The Day Of The Raven (Promo CD )	Italy	October 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: True Heavy Metal	Running time: 24:17 (Tracks: 5)
BLACK RAVEN is a new band from north-east of Italy devoted to the classic and direct sound of HEAVY METAL. The band was born out of the passion for real metal music that Marco (bass guitar) and Giovanni (guitar) had. Then Francesco (drums) entered the band after some changes in the line-up. In 2004 Claudio ”The Reaper” from the rock band Flow entered the band as the second guitar player, and also Andrea “Sax” came as vocalist: the band was complete. Black Raven is a must for the real headbangers who love the good old glory of true honest Heavy Metal of the 80‘s ! "The Day Of The Raven" (Demo) is the best demo of 2007 I've heard so far and it’s 24 minutes and 17 seconds of pure hellraising and worshipping of real Heavy Metal, death to false metal! People that like bands such as: Raven, Accept, Manowar and all those underground maniacs who like bands such as Defender (The Netherlands), Heavy Load (Sweden) and Running Wild (Germany), go check them out! Black Raven is pure Heavy Metal with no nonsense, straight to the bone! A good oldfashioned, oldschool production and high screaming vocals, just like real metal has to be! Underground Metal Still Lives, awesome demo and I can't wait to see them somewhere live onstage or to hear their debut album! Heavy Metal Is King!
Visit their website: http://www.black-raven.it/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackravenheavymetalband			90/00

CRUSHED – My Machine (CD)	USA	October 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Grunge Rock	Running time: 48:57 (Tracks: 14)
Crushed is a five-man band, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona who just deliver their debut album 'My Machine'. With their sound, that manages to merge goth with metal (according their bio), they quickly impressed one of rock's most renowned producers, Mike Clink, who was the main man behind Gun's N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction', among other rock classics. And perfectly produced, the music has a very high airplay level, and the band is destined to get big I guess. Not really my cup of tea, but the album sounds awesome, a lot of hit potential on here, like the songs 'Dwell' or 'Unbroken' or…well almost any song on here. In times sounding heavy, but mostly very catchy and easy listening away. Also melodic songs like 'Crash Coping' will do great with a large public, that's open minded to some poppy rock/metal in the vein of, for instance Korn. There are some nice, groovy guitar riffs on this record like in 'Leaving', but overall it's a real radio friendly (hard)rock album. Besides nice vocal duties, Mark Lauer can also scream, like in 'A Game Of You', but most of the time he sings the sad lyrics with his normal voice. With 'Everything's Gone' there is also an acoustic song on the album, which makes it more diverse. This is an album that needs more playing to get it totally, it's well done, quality music for a big audience, not really only to a metal audience that is.
Visit their website: http://www.crushed.net Recordlabel: http://www.chipsterpr.com/ My Space: http://www.myspace.com/crushed			77/100

DARKSUN – The Dark Side (CD)	Spain	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 43:27 (Tracks: 9)
Spanish band DarkSun was formed in 2002 after the split of the band Northwind. DarkSun released their first album in 2004. It was called "El Legado" and was recorded in Germany. The reviews were very good and the band was a great newcomer on the metal scene. Their second album "El Lado Oscuro" was recorded during the summer of 2005. It was also recorded in Germany, with the help of Dennis Ward and Lars Ratz from Metalium. DarkSun also worked together with German band Rage on their "Speak Of The Dead" album, creating a Spanish version on one song, which appeared as a bonus track. Rage's vocalist Peavy Wagner sings also on a song of "The Dark Side". Now they are releasing their second album again, but for the first time for them the vocals are sung in English. DarkSun is a very good power metal band, with several progressive and symphonic influences as well. They remind me of bands such as (early) Avalanch, Angra and Rhapsody Of Fire. Musically very good, but the vocals of Daniel Gonzalez can't convince me that much. His English is quite good, but he doesn't sing that cristal clear in my opinion. But that's maybe because he's not singing in his native language.Time will tell I think.
Visit their website: http://www.darksunweb.com Recordlabel: http://www.fcmetal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darksunband			78/100

DAY ELEVEN – Sleepwalkers (CD)	Finland	October 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Grunge / Pop Rock	Running time: 39:38 (Tracks: 10)
Day Eleven are a 5 piece group from Tampere, Finland, who got their roots planted in the 90's grunge rock scene. The band started out about ten years ago, and got their debut album 'Almost Over Everything' out in 2005. This is their second release "Sleepwalkers", a really refreshing album that combines different styles of music like grunge rock, with the energy of punk rock and the harmony from the darker side of pop mixed with heavy guitars. I must admit, it makes a nice combination, and delivers some heavy in your face songs like opener 'Dissonance Fading' and some more laid back pop rock songs like 'Your Cloud' or 'Blood Runs Thick'. These guys know how to write a catchy pop/rock song, and I have no doubt that they will follow in the footsteps of (more commercial) bands like Him or The Rasmus. It seems that their first single of this new album "Whenever you say you love me" already got good airplay in Finland, they probably gonna get some commercial success, and that's what they are aiming for I guess. Musically theyre album starts off heavy, that makes the opening track my favourite song, but it gets very soft and poppy towards the end of this record, not at all a bad release, but not really metal in my opinion. If you like it (very) sweet, and go for bands like fore mentioned Him and The Rasmus, you will undoubtedly love this band too!
Visit their website: http://www.day-eleven.com Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ My Space: http://www.myspace.com/dayeleven			72/100

DEADSOUL TRIBE – A Lullaby for the Devil (CD)	USA/AUSTRIA	October 2007	Michel van Hassel
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 53:52 (Tracks: 10)
"A lullaby for the Devil" is the fifth album that Deadsoul Tribe has recorded. Like the four previous works and the stuff that Psychotic Waltz (the former act of Devon Graves) has put out I've never been disappointed by Devon. According to Devon this cd marks a new era for Deadsoul Tribe and means a definite change of direction. In fact there are some changes on this album like the more aggressive vocals and less tribal-rhythms but to me it's still Devon Graves. One of Devon's trademarks , the flute, is prominently present on a big part of the album. Devon's vocals vary from very aggressive like on 'Psychosphere' (the first track) to sweet like on 'Fear' and sometimes almost hypnotic. The contrasts on this album are very big. Some parts are very metal and other parts are very laid back. For those who like diversity this is a great album. The most important conclusion is that the overall quality of the songs is very high and when you start listening you don't want to stop listening. This is the best compliment you can give Devon because along his long career he keeps on experimenting without losing the high quality of his songs.
Visit their website: http://www.deadsoultribe.com Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadsoultribe			89/100

DERDIAN – New Era Pt.2 : War Of The Gods (CD)	Italy	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 64:18 (Tracks: 11)
This Italian band started in 1998 as a thrash metal band, playing covers from bands such as Metallaica and Megadeth. When they started to write their own songs they changed their style into power metal. They released a demo cd called "Revenge" and some time later, in 2003, they released their MCD "Incitement", which caught the attention of Steelheart/Adrenaline Records. For this label they debuted with their album "New Era Pt. 1" in 2005. For a part thanks to their myspace page they got in touch with the famous Magna Carta label. So Magna Carta released their second album "New Era Pt. 2". Derdian plays typical Italian bombastic power metal, with classical influences. They have managed to write very catchy and melodic compositions, with epic, baroque, medieval and symphonic influences. Comparable with especially Rhapsody Of Fire, DragonForce, Fairyland and Secret Sphere. A good second effort from these Italian guys.
Visit their website: http://www.derdian.com Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/derdianspace			80/100

ELVENKING – The Scythe (CD)	Italy	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Power Folk Metal	Running time: 55:07 (Tracks: 10)
Founded in 1997, Italian band Elvenking delivered their first album "Heathenreel" in 2001. This album was already awarded Album Of The Month in many magazines. "Wyrd", the band's second album was released in 2004, followed in 2006 by "The Winter Wake". With their new album "The Scythe" they come up with an album with stories about "The Death". Elvenking plays melodic power metal, mixed with elements from folk, thrash and death (some grunts) metal. They now sound a bit heavier and darker than before, but they still sound super melodic. Most of the time they are comparable with (especially) Edguy, Blind Guardian, Skyclad and The Dogma. With contributions from guitarist Mike Wead (King Diamond, …) and a great mix by Nino Laurenne (Sonic Pump Studios-Finland), now Elvenking's new album is sure to satisfy lovers of melodic power metal.
Visit their website: http://www.elvenking.net Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elvenking			81/100

FAITH FACTOR - 07/07/07 (Mini CD)	USA	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Christian US Metal	Running time: 18:23 (Tracks: 3)
Faith Factor is the "newborn child" of ex-Deadly Blessing singer Ski (Norman Kiersznowski). After his split with Deadly Blessing in 2006 he decided to concentrate on this new "white-metal' band and I was very curious with what kind of music he would return in the metalscene. Ski had always been the most memorable bandmember of Deadly Blessing with his extreme high-pitching vocals (which I like very very much!!). Well, dont worry; on this 3 song CD he is screaming his lungs out again in a way we where used from him. I dont listen to lyrics because I want to judge a band on their musical qualitys and I can tell you that this band is awesome! After last years debutalbum of "Temple of Blood"; again a superb whitemetal masterpiece! Keep an eye on this band!!! Expect music in the vein of (of course) Deadly Blessing, (old) Queensryche & Forbidden but with a more moderate production (otherwise my rate would have even be much higher)!
Visit their website: http://www.faithfactorband.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks			93/100

GRIFFEN - Promo 2007 (Promo CD)	Sweden	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Hardrock/Heavy Metal	Running time: 19:17 (Tracks: 4)
Griffen is a new Swedish band that exist since 2006. I came in contact with the band because I still had some mailcontact with their guitarplayer Tomi "Tompa" Peltonen since the Torch show at KIT a few years ago. Tomi is also playing guitars in this legendary Swedish metalband since 2004. Musically Griffen sounds less metal & more rock than Torch. The band owns a good singer in Jörgen Söderberg; this guy sometimes reminds me a bit to Ronnie James Dio. To compare this band with another band is difficult but I hear some influences from bands like Whitesnake, Pretty Maids & Rainbow. So this is stuff for the real hardrock fans and I think it wont take long before this band signs a nice recorddeal! They deserve it anyway! Very nice promo CD!!
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/griffentheband			78/100

H.A.T.E. - Metal Forever (CD)	USA	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Metal	Running time: 1:04:36 (Tracks: 14)
A few years ago I could review nearly every month a project or band of my friend in metal; Greg Wagner (ex-Archetype/ex-Breaker). Since he joined Shatter Messiah he is very busy with this great band and for his solo and other stuff is less time left. Years ago Greg already had a band called H.A.T.E. and finally he has found some spare time to re-activate this band. Nowadays the line-up has changed a lot and we find some bandmates back who are also in Shatter Messiah (Curran Murphy f.e.). There is also a guest appearance of Lou St. Paul (Wintersband) on this album. Musically it all sounds more old-school than Shatter Messiah but I also hear some Pantera/Machinehead riffs back in some of the songs. The production of this self released album is nice and was recorded at Curran Murphy's private studio. I realy think that H.A.T.E. has the qualitys to become bigger but for that they really need a good recordlabel and distribution because otherwise it all will stay underground. So hopefully a good label will pick up this band! H.A.T.E. sounds to me as a mix of bands like: Metal Church, Overkill & Pantera; so if you like these bands; check H.A.T.E. out!! Personally I also hope that Greg Wagner will also re-activate his Buzzkiller project because that was my personal fav. band of him! Fav. songs: 'Isolate the Exiles', 'Assassin'.
Visit their website: http://www.wehateu2.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/halfwayattheend			85/100

HUMAN ZOO – Over the Horizon (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Hard Rock	Running time: 47:00 (Tracks: 12)
Human Zoo is a new German Hard Rock band. Formed in 2004 by members of other veteran rockers like Glenmore and Subway, the band released its debut album "Precious time" in 2006. This second attempt comes only 16 months later. From the very first minutes of the cd, the listener gets the picture. Classy melodic hard rock according to the great German tradition is the game in "Over the Horizon" with top notch guitar work and catchy multi vocal choruses captivating your attention. Bands like Jaded Heart, Bonfire, Frontline and China come to mind while Scorpions seem like the main influence. Human Zoo are not better than the aforementioned bands but they seem to have the potential to create equally interesting music. The only thing I didn't really like where the few saxophone parts that appear in a couple of songs. I am not a fan of this kind of orchestration. The album flows nicely; once you give it a spin, you won't even realize how quickly these 47 minutes passed. And I bet you will press play once again…
Visit their website: http://www.humanzoo-music.de Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/humanzooband			80/100

HURTLOCKER – Embrace The Fall (CD)	USA	October 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 36:10 (Tracks: 10)
Hurtlocker was formed at the turn of the century in Chicago, and released a handful of demos during their first years of existence. After they got picked up by Austria's Napalm Records, they recorded their debut album 'Fear in a handful of dust' with producer Zeus (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall) which was released in 2006. After a year or so of ups and downs and a ton of live performances, Hurtlocker stopped the train to record their sophomore release in Studio One (Racine, Wisconsin). Now Chicago's thrash metal monsters return with their most diverse and violent offering to date, 'Embrace the Fall'. What you get is a brutal 36 min of pure thrash, extreme and full of aggression, that's what Hurtlocker stands for. Heavy riffs, superb drumming and vocalist Grant Belcher, who growls like a rabid Pitbull throughout the songs. This is thrash metal how it's supposed to be, comparable even to the grand masters of thrash, Exodus, Hurtlocker only operates at full power. Listen to songs like 'I am Napalm' , 'Let Them Die' or 'Destroying Bliss' and you know what I'm talking about, no lovely melodies, no ballads, and no time to repose!!! This shit kills…
Visit their website: http://www.hurtlocker.biz Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hurtlocker1			88/100

ICED EARTH – Framing Armageddon (CD)	USA	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 68:56 (Tracks: 19)
I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Iced Earth and their first 4 albums. And although I own each and every recording under that name, I believe that their creative period ended with "Dark Saga". From that point and on it seemed like the band was stuck in an inspirational swamp, repeating styles and ideas over and over again. With the addition of my personal favourite Tim Owens and the "Glorious Burden" album the band made a step forward. What the fans had to do was wait until the next album in order to verify the ascending course of the band. And here it is. "Framing Armageddon" marks a return to the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" album era in terms of lyrics. It's a concept album that picks the story from where the band left it in the aforementioned 1998 release. Concept means a lot of interludes, overtures and introductions in order for the story to unfold properly. This seems to be working since the album flows nicely, as a single unit. Unfortunately "Framing Armageddon" is not the kind of album I anticipated. Apart from the fantastic performances from Owens and a few songs like "Setian Massacre" and "Ten Thousand Strong", the album failed to capture my attention, to make me devote to the listening process. Songs like "The Clouding" even sound a bit boring. The story is very interesting and ambitious but the lack of equivalent music doesn't help at all. I also noticed the lack of volume, the songs simply don't sound heavy enough. I recommend you try an experiment. Play "Framing Armageddon" and then give "Burnt Offerings" a spin at the same volume level. It will feel like an earthquake hitting your room. The comparison is overwhelming. But the sound wouldn't matter that much if the compositions where close to albums such as "Dark Saga" and "Burnt Offerings". From the leading bands of my favourite music I expect masterpieces. A leading band earns its title from presenting top notch music. Simple as that. Maybe that's why I am more demanding from a band of the Iced Earth calibre. I know they can do so much better than this.
Visit their website: http://www.icedearth.com Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/icedearth			69/100

JORN - Live in America (live) (2CD)	Norway	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Hardrock/Heavy Metal	Running time: 39:54 (Tracks: 9) & 55:12 (Tracks: 9)
Jorn Lande is a very busy man these days! His (solo) releases are following up in a high tempo. Well, here is his first live album released as a double CD. I already reviewed a lot of Jorn's album so im not gonna tell you any bio about him again. Also the fact that im a huge Jorn Lande fan is no secret anymore these days. Last year I had the luck to see Jorn's soloband live at the Biebob club in Vosselaar, Belgium. Man, how impressed I was during that gig! Jorn was doing his own thing more than ever and you could hear it clear in his vocal range, amazing! This live CD contains 15 live songs and three extra tracks. There are also some covers in the live set; 'Perfect Stranger' (Deep Purple), 'Are you Ready' & 'Cold Sweat' (both Thin Lizzy), 'Straight through the Heart' (Dio) & a Whitesnake medley. Pity that he is doing all these covers because Jorn owns lots of own songs and/or songs from bands he was playing in during the last years. The only songs he is playing on this album are 'Soulburn' (Masterplan) & 'Godless & Wicked' (Beyond Twilight). Nevertheless this is a great live album and the best way to make acquaintance with Mister Jorn Lande if you still didnt know him (or his stuff)!
Visit their website: http://www.jornlande.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/realjorn			--/---

MANOWAR- Gods of War (live) (2CD)	USA	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 1:17.33 (Tracks: 14) & 37:14 (Tracks: 8)
Manowar is, again, delivering a live album which this time was recorded in Nurnberg, Germany during their "Demons, Dragons & Warriors World Tour 2007". In their early years I was a huge fan of this band and especially "Battle Hymns" and "Hail to England" where my favorite Manowar albums. After several albums the band began repeating & copy themselves and my interest in the band disappeared. The same happened with their live shows in which they always had to show some titties (which is not the biggest problem for me, hahaha) and they where also always asking someone out of the audience to play some live guitar tunes. After seeing several of these live shows I quit being a Manowar fan and when my friends and I are speaking about Eric Adams & Co we always call them The Flintstones and/or Spinal Tap. And we are not the only ones that are laughing about their stage act!!! Outside of Germany (and a few other south-european countries) the band has lost a lot of fans during these years and im curious if they will ever be rehabilitated? Well now back to this live album: It first counts me that singer Eric Adams is singing rawer than ever but still can hit the high notes. The set contains 21 songs and offer a nice mix of their repertoire so far. There is also an enhanced video part of "Gods of War" on this album. Probably they cut a lot of breaks out of the recordings because, except for some long intros, the band is doing a good job on this album! No bullshit talk but just playing metal in a way Manowar made it once big; true metal!! I heard that the band will play their entire first 4 albums live in July 2008 in Germany (where else)? So for the old fans that also lost their faith in the band; be there!!!
Visit their website: http://www.manowar.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/manowardefendersofsteel			--/---

MARIO PARGA – Entranced (CD)	England	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Rock	Running time: 43:25 (Tracks: 9)
Mario was born in 1969. At an early age he became interested in music and more specially, the guitar. He played in his first band at the age of 10, playing covers. That time he also became interested in rock music. Sometime in 1988 he was asked for an unknown pop-rock band at a London venue as they performed for an audience containing music business people. A rock journalist from a magazine called Metal Forces attended the gig and liked what he did, and he then began to feature Mario in the publication. Since then, Mario has appeared in numerous magazines, he played a live guitar solo on MTV and played live numerous radio shows in the U.K. and around the world. Between '87-'90 Mario made a few demo recordings that never got/get released and during '90he met vocalist Graham Bonnet who was involved with a band called "Forcefield". Mario played on two albums of that band. He also recorded a solo album, "The Magician" in 1991. During '91 he played in Cozy Powell's band "Hammer". In '92 he became obsessed with the acoustic guitar, but in '93 he switched back to the electric guitar with a new project, "Savage Paradise". Due to personal problems he went away from the music scene completely. Five years later he met up again with Graham Bonnet and played on his album "The Day I Went Mad". Between '99 and 2000 Mario experimented with guitar music and wrote a lot of material. In 2001 he recorded a track for Liquid Note Records' album "The Alchemists" and in 2002 he also recorded a track for the Lion Music album "Wamth In The Wilderness II". His new album, "Entranced", consists of material that was written over a decade. It was recorded in phases during 2004 and 2007. All instruments were played by Mario himself and he also produced "Entranced". It's a very personal album and represents both happy and sad moments of his life during that period. The first three songs are in my opinion very influenced by Vinnie Moore, great melodic guitar instrumentals with now and then some shred parts. There are also a few calmer songs, of which one of them is acoustic. "Ritual" is the longest track and switches from acoustic to electric guitar. There are also two short songs which are a kind of guitar solo's like Vinnie Moore did at the first Vicious Rumors album. Mario has managed to compose and record a very diverse and very good instrumental guitar album, with neo-classical, shred, rock, metal and ambient songs.
Visit their website: http://www.marioparga.com Recordlabel: http://www.midnightcafemusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/marioparga			91/100

MELIAH RAGE – The Deep and Dreamless Sleep (CD)	USA	October 2007	Michel van Hassel
Style: Thrash / Power Metal	Running time: 36:00 (Tracks: 8)
Meliah Rage was one of my favourite bands in the late 80's and early 90's. So I was very surprised to hear that they had put out a new album. There had been some releases in 2002 and 2004 but I didn't expect a new album. Especially because from the original line-up Stuart Dowie (drums), Jesse Johnson (bass) and the two guitarists Anthony Nicols and Jim Koury are present. Replacing Mike Munro on vocals is Paul Souza. Unfortunately this album isn't the killer album like "Kill to Survive" or "Solitary Solitude" were. Still it's good to hear that these Boston-veterans remain true to their roots. What you get is power-thrash like we used to get a lot in the 80's. Some of the songs sound a bit like Metallica. It's a pity that the songs of this latest release lack the quality that made Meliah Rage one of my favourites. Although the songs are good still they miss that little bit extra. The running time of the album is a bit short too. Hopefully the next album will bring back the good old days.
Visit their website: http://www.meliahrage.com Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/meliahrage			78/100

MOTÖRHEAD - Better Motörhead than Dead / Live at Hammersmith (2CD)	England	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Motörhead, nothing more, nothing less..	Running time: 46:57 (Tracks: 12) & 56:04 (Tracks: 11)
Finally I have the chance to review a CD from my alltime favorite live-band Motörhead! Next month when the band is playing in Kerkrade, The Netherlands, I will see the band for the 40th time and that says enough about my passion for Lemmy & Co!! I've seen the band also several times in their homecountry England and I can tell you that these shows where all very special to me because they have a very dedicated audience overthere! Especially their 25th anniversary show (which I reviewed for the Belgium Mindview magazine) was one of the highlights to my list of gigs over all these years! Well here is again a live CD of this, already, legendary band and this time it was recorded during their 30th anniversary tour at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, England (June 16, 2005). This double CD is packed in a very good looking digipack and the booklet contains a lot of nice pictures of the band. The setlist contains 23 songs including all their classic ones but also some 'newer' stuff like: 'Killer' , 'Love for Sale', 'In the name of Tragedy' & 'Whorehouse Bleus'. The sound is very good for a live recording. Only little complain I have about Motörhead in common, especially during the last years, is the very moderate guitarplaying and 'no-attitude' look of Phil Campbell. He isnt playing any good solos anymore live and thats a big disadvantage to the band. During the whole gig he is rattling through all the songs in a way that doesnt belong to Motörhead's status. Gladly for Phil Campbell is the fact that he is lucky to play in a band with the legendary Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister and "probably the best drummer in the world" Mikkey Dee. Nevertheless this is a very good live recording and during the listening I was feeling that typical UK atmosphere again..... But to be honest; "No Sleep 'till Hammersmith" will never be improved. Good album anyway!!
Visit their website: http://www.imotorhead.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/motorhead			--/---

MUNICIPAL WASTE – The Art Of Partying (LP)	USA	October 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 32:00 (Tracks: 15)
This is already the third effort of Municipal Waste, 'The Art Of Partying' after 'Hazardous Mutation' in 2005, and their debut album 'Waste Em All'. They bring back the glorious crossover thrash metal from the eighties, who said thrash metal is dead? It's never been more alive, these guys know their shit, awesome I can tell you! Fast and furious from beginning to the end, they bring their vicious, crossover thrash metal in the veins of D.R.I. & S.O.D. These guys know how to party, so prove their songs "The Art Of Partying", "Beer Pressure" or "Chemically Altered", with lyrics Tankard would be jealous of. This is top fun, but played as tight as a duck's ass, Municipal Waste knows how to handle their instruments! The only thing about the album is, it's too short, but then again it's hard to keep up with this for more than half an hour at break neck speed. Don't miss the chance to catch these guys live at work, cause they will tear the place up, Municipal Waste is gonna fuck you up! So grab a six pack of your favourite beverage and have yourself a party with this excellent piece of thrash metal!
Visit their website: http://www.facethewaste.com Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/municipalwaste			95/100

PAUL SABU – Strange Messiah (CD)	USA	October 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 41:07 (Tracks: 10)
Paul Sabu, a name we all know; if not from one of his numerous solo or band-attempts, than maybe because of his contributions to other artists'music, like David Bowie or Madonna or even Alice Cooper. I even remember that he wrote one of the first Shania Twain cds before she came a true poprock/countrystar. Paul went to Germany this time, to the music factory of Michael Voss (Casanova), who is producing a lot of albums these days ! And when Voss produces, he gathers a selection of German musicians to fill in some spots; including Sabu himself there are 4 guitarplayers on this album. I must say the production is awesome; Voss really knows how to let rock sound like ROCK: pounding, screaming and everything sounding major! The compositions on this album, however, are a bit above mediocre; opening track "Strange Messiah" is a slow, heavy pounding track, and I also like "Hey Look (But Don't Touch). Who knew that Vinnie Appice writes songs too? Well, he co-wrote "Jack Of All Trades"; not that this is such an outstanding track, but it differs from the other tracks on this album. I must conclude that the songs are fitting to Sabu's raw and raspy voice, that the songmaterial is OK for listening on the background, but this is not a candidate for cd of the year; a name like Sabu should be in that category, though….
Visit their website: http://www.paulsabu.com Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/paulsabu			79/100

POVERTY'S NO CRIME – Save My Soul (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 53:35 (Tracks: 10)
German Progressive metal leaders Poverty's No Crime have been around since the mid 90ies. I personally started tracking their career since the debut and the magnificent "The Autumn Years" album but somehow didn't follow them through their next steps. I even had the chance to watch them perform live here in Greece, supporting Virgin Steele. Just for the record, it was a great show. But although I've lost track of them I somehow have the feeling that "Save My Soul" will cover for the lost time. The first thing I noticed was that the band has adapted its style to a more straight forward power metal direction, diminishing the progressive elements in many songs. Some would think that it's not a wise thing to do but I found the music in "Save My Soul" very amusing, well executed and inspired. The album can still be categorized as progressive metal but not in the "Autumn Years" fashion. Musicianship is supreme, all instruments and voices cooperate in the ideal way and the result is excellent. A very enjoyable record indeed.
Visit their website: http://www.povertys-no-crime.de Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/povertysnocrime			83/100

PRIMAL FEAR - New Religion (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Heavy / Power Metal	Running time: 54:02 (Tracks: 11)
.Primal Fear was formed in Esslingen Germany by Ralf Scheepers (ex Tyran Pace and ex-Gamma Ray). Primal Fear's original line-up comprised fellow Judas Priest enthousiasts and old friends: bassplayer Matt Sinner (ex-Sinner), guitarist Tom Naumann (also ex-Sinner), and drummer Klaus Sperling (Sinner, Insanity). The band's first demo secured a deal with Nuclear Blast Records and their self-titled debut appeared in 1998. Primal Fear toured a lot and already released seven studio albums! I saw the band many times live onstage and I think in Holland its one of the most famous Heavy / Power Metal bands nowadays ! The new album "New Religion" is an album with many different influences... Sometimes I really like it, a song like 'Face Of Emptiness' is maybe even one of the best Primal Fear songs ever made ! And I also like the fast and melodic songs. But I really hate the song 'Everytime It Rains', with Epica's Simone Simons, too much Gothic influences for me! "New Religion" is probably one of the best Primal Fear albums ever made, but I really miss the speed and power of the very first two records ! The production is really great and the musicians too, especially Ralf did a great job. But no, I still prefer the very first two records which are much more heavy metal for me ! But I would say go check it out for yourself and maybe your opinion is different than mine.
Visit their website: http://www.primalfear.de/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/primalfearofficial			80/100

RITUAL – The Hemulic Voluntary Band (CD)	Sweden	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Progressive Rock	Running time: 53:04 (Tracks: 6)
The first Ritual album was released in 1995 ("Ritual"), later followed by "Superb Birth" in 1999 and "Think Like A Mountain" in 2003. "The Hemulic Voluntary Band" is their fourth album and with this new album the band goes one step further in terms of its myriad of different facets. The four band members mix elements of rock, folk and world music, sprinkle in jazz elements and take their songs to the verge of avant-garde. Their album has got a creative range that is almost impossible to describe.
Visit their website: http://www.ritual.se Recordlabel: http://www.tempusfugit.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ritualsweden			71/100

ROB ROCK - Garden of Chaos (CD)	USA / Sweden	October 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Heavy / Power Metal	Running time: 46:15 (Tracks: 10)
Rob Rock is one of the most expressional voices in the metal scene. He is wellknown for his work with bands like: Impellitteri, M.A.R.S., Joshua, Warrior, Avantasia et al.... The band consist mostly members of Narnia, the same he used for tthe predecessor "Holy Hell". "Garden of Chaos" is Rob's 4th solo album and again this is a classic piece of fine powermetal with a great modrn sounding production (done bij Roy Z). Its difficult to compare Rob Rock's music with any other benad because of his typical voice. If you like his first 3 albums than im sure you will love this one also! Personally I liked his second album "Eyes of Eternity" most but qualitative they all are great and this new one is awesoem too! Check it out if you like melodic heavy/power metal with an outrageous singer! You wont regret it!!!
Visit their website: http://robrock.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robrock1			95/100

RUST – Rust (CD)	Cyprus	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 21:12 (Tracks: 4)
Rust is a new band originating from Cyprus. I am sure that most of the readers are not familiar with any bands originating from this island state of the Mediterranean but I have to tell you that a heavy metal revolution is taking place over there with plenty of new bands emerging. Rust is one of the most promising ones and I have the privilege of reviewing their self financed debut mini cd. From the 4 tracks of this cd you should expect nothing more or nothing less than pure heavy metal played with excess passion and enthusiasm. These five young guys know how to rock hard and mean. The Rust sound has that classic 80ies heavy metal feeling, influenced mostly by Iron Maiden. It's almost hard to believe that the band was formed a year ago by 5 young guys. The word is that Rust throws some great energetic shows on the island, gathering new fans rapidly. I really hope that the band will manage to break through the borders eventually and present its music to a wider audience.
Contact the band: R_U_S_T_@hotmail.com			83/100

SODOM – The Final Sign Of Evil (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 49:49 (Tracks: 12)
Sodom was born in Gelsenkirchen Germany in 1982 and debuted as a trio consisting of guitarist ‘Angelripper’ ( A.K.A Thomas Such ), drummer ‘Witchhunter’ ( Christian Dudek ) and vocalist ‘Aggressor’ ( Frank Testegen ). They released their very first demo ‘Witching Metal’ in 1983 with Bloody Monster ( Rainer Focke ) on drums. In the year 1984 they released their second demo "Victims Of Death". Those days (early/mid 80’s) Sodom made True Black/Thrash Metal ! The German Scene followed with bands such as : ‘Iron Angel’, ‘Kreator’ and ‘Destruction’, German Thrash Metal was born ! I think almost all oldschool Thrashers have waited for this new record since 1984 ! "The Final Sign Of Evil" consists of 7 rare additional bonus tracks written in the “In the Sign of Evil” era that were never released. The album has appearances from the original drummer ‘Chris Dudek’ (also known as Chris Witchhunter) and guitarist Josef “Peppi” Dominic (also known as Grave Violator) both played on the very first Sodom EP. Great new album if you ask me and a must for every oldschool Thrasher and ofcourse every Sodom Maniac! The production of the record isn’t that great, but I think that is just cult! That’s what makes this album to what it is. Hopefully they will do a special oldschool tour with only rare oldschool stuff ! The fans can’t wait ! Sodom is still one of the best Thrash Metal bands ever and they never changed their sound and way of thinking ! Keep on the good work, the world needs more real Metal bands like the German Thrashers Sodom !!!
Visit their website: http://www.sodomized.info/ Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sodomdeathsquad			95/100

SOUL DOCTOR – Blood Runs Cold (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 47:30 (Tracks: 10)
Vocalist Tommy Heart of German rockers Fair Warning released yet another album, following the "For A Fistful Of Dollars"album. Soul Doctor is a band that plays hardrock with a bluesy touch; here and there a little AC-DC style, and combined with Tommy's soothing voice, this is supposed to be a good combination. But beware: expect more blues than AC-DC. The titletrack is one for fine digestion; man, what a killer ! If this level is maintained during the album, this is a winner; but…there often is a catch. In this case the catch IS the diversity. A track called "F.A.F.O.D."(For A Fistful Of Dollars) sounds like a rocking Led Zeppelin, and I can appreciate this variation in style. But why a song like "The ocean" is on this album, I don't know. This song does not fit to the rest of the material in my opinion. Luckily, to me these are the only flaws. The band sounds more and more like Bon Jovi rather than the above mentioned Australians, and for their future, I think it's for the good. Tommy Heart does a fine job lending his vocals to the music of Soul Doctor, although I like him better with Fair Warning, but that is a different kind of music alltogether. Bon Jovi fans, look out for this one, you won't be disappointed.
Visit their website: http://www.souldoctorrocks.com Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/souldoctorrock			76/100

STEEL ASSASSIN – War of the Eight Saints (CD)	USA	October 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 64:14 (Tracks: 11)
The legendary Steel Assassin is back! The band that issued the monumental "From the Vaults" album and gave us multiple epic power metal orgasms has returned with a vengeance courtesy of Sentinel Steel Records, a label that has been resurrecting monsters of steel for over a decade now. Phil Grasso (also a member of cult metallers Madd Hunter) and his gang is here to stay. The explosive Donnie Escolas no longer fronts the band. John Fanzone stepped in his shoes with a difficult task at hand. Let's see what "War of the Eight Saints" is all about. The opening track " Hawkwood" leaves no room for doubt. The Assassin has returned! The mind blowing speedy power metal of the band rushes from our speakers and the headbanging begins. The amazing tracks come one after another, leaving us breathless. This is one hell of a comeback! While other so called legends of the past return with mediocre and contemporary sounding albums, Steel Assassin treats us with classic Americal steel, traditional power metal at its best. At first I had my doubts about Falzone. He is no Escolas but his rough and powerful voice is a match for the energetic songs of the album. Just listen to the epic "Sword in the Stone" or the classic "Barabbas" from the Madd Hunter days. No need to continue writing. You should already be rushing out there, buying a copy of this magnificent piece of METAL! All Hail the Assassin made of Steel!
Visit their website: http://www.steelassassin.com Recordlabel: http://www.sentinelsteel.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steelassassin			89/100

TANKARD – Best Case Scenario: 25 Years In Beers (CD)	Germany	October 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 64:39 (Tracks: 18)
The local school band from 1982 that practiced in the basement is still alive! The inventors of "Alcoholic Metal" have celebrated their 20th anniversary in spring 2002 with the release of album number 10: "B-Day". But now back to the past! The band played their first gig in a classroom on May 28th, 1983. Since alcohol was not allowed in school they poured their beer in milk cartons which they consumed while playing. Back to the year 1984. Tankard played at a legendary happening in Sindlingen. Other bands that were present were 'Sodom' and the southern trio 'Destruction', rambo outfits and such. "...Manfred Schütz of SPV, who was also there, made them an offer but then withdrew it after he saw us play...", says Gerre with a grin. "...He had the balls to say that we weren't bad. Weren't bad? We sucked!..." The main reason was that Andy wore a blue sweater with some deer on it. Not very Metal! Sodom and Destruction signed up with SPV-Label Steamhammer and Tankard still had no contract. What the boys really needed aside from gigs and popular demos like "Heavy Metal Vanguard" and "Alcoholic Metal" was business. But then came manager Buffo Schnädelbach. He gave up his job as banker because he couldn't take wearing a tie all day. From then on he took care of marketing and merchandising. At first he didn't do it all too well as sixth "Beer belly" on stage (Gerre was allowed to sing 'Alcohol' and failed), but the Frankfurt Südbahnhof was completely sold out. There were even ten police cars parked outside waiting for trouble. At this time our heroes had their first record contract and "Zombie Attack" was in the stores. At last they recognized their potential in the mid eighties. The combination of alcoholic humor, political irony, pounding rhythm and the stage presence of front-man Gerre gained them increasing popularity. The band made many great records and also supported bands such as Metallica and Twisted Sister while touring in Germany. Since then the whole metal community loves Tankard very much! I know for sure that every oldschool thrasher has all records of these legends from Frankfurt am Main in their collection! These guys are fucking metal and very crazy! Tankard is a positive party/beer metalband who have only one statement: PARTY! Fuck Satan and all those other bullshit, beer and metal is the only way! The albums contain all the classics from the past and it’s a must for all the young ones in the Thrash Metal Scene! Tankard is still a band to see live and I think it’s not the same when you listen to the records than seeing them live! But if you are not very familiar with this German Thrash Metal Legends, this best of cd is a good way to introduce you with the beerbelly boys of Tankard! Buy Or Die Thrashaholics, every real headbanger will love this Metalband, Mosh and drink beer that‘s for fucking sure!
Visit their website: http://www.tankard.org/ Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tankardfrankfurt			--/---

THE POODLES – Sweet Trade (CD)	Sweden	October 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Hard Rock	Running time: 43:38 (Tracks: 12)
The history of The Poodles began with some of Sweden's wellknown and most respected metal musicians teaming up (Jakob Samuel-vocals, Pontus Norgren-guitar, Pontus Egberg-bass, Christian Lundqvist-drums). The band has existed for a few years doing quite a bit of touring. In the Fall of 2005 the current line-up was completed and in Spring 2006 The Poodles competed successful in the Swedish version of the European Song Contest. The debut album "Metal Will Stand Tall" was released in Sweden and Finland in May 2006 and has topped the Swedish sales charts, finally reaching gold status in their home country! Three singles with songs of the album were released and did it very well in Sweden. Then The Poodles signed a deal for the rest of Europe with AFM Records, releasing the "Metal Will Stand Tall" album on January 19th 2007. The same time they toured with Krokus and HammerFall. "Sweet Trade" is the successor of their highly successful debut album. Again they have managed to write 12 catchy hard rock songs, with influences of classic hard rock, melodic rock/metal and A.O.R.. With Jakob Samuel they have the perfect vocalist for their sound and guitarist Pontus Norgren is exceptional good with his Schenker/Norum/Sykes influenced solo's. Musically they sound like a mix of Bon Jovi, AC/DC and MSG. Also their live shows are very good in combination with their great songs, so nobody can't stop them anymore!
Visit their website: http://www.thepoodles.se Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thepoodles			94/100

TWO OF A KIND – Two Of A Kind (CD)	The Netherlands	October 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: AOR	Running time: 49:49 (Tracks: 11)
A new Dutch AOR band has been born: brothers Fred and Ron Hendrix (Terra Nova) teamed up with TN guitarplayer Gesuino Derosas and drummer Hans in 't Zandt (Vengeance) and found 2 angels in singers Esther Brouns and Anita Craenmehr. It was the goal of Fred to form a band that plays fine, melodic, sometimes even angelic AOR, and with a strong production he succeeded in doing it. More than that, I must add. In 't Zandt is a powerful and technical skilled drummer (he has his own drummers school), and that basis gets filled up with excellent guitarwork and the forementioned two angels on vocals. Making AOR like this, one automatically presumes that there might be a hit on this album, ready to take the charts. Yup, there is. Opener "Light In The Dark" is a beautiful, powerful song with an open character, very accessible and in my opinion worthy a single. The other material on the album is of high quality; it never bores me while listening, and sometimes I notice similarities to Heart (how surprising), especially on "Give Me A Reason". Being a fan of guitars, I must mention the ballad-like "Unbearable", where the rhythm guitar is incredibly functional and powerful that makes me want to play it real loud. For those who are into AOR, this cd is a must have. Hopefully we'll get this band to see on a tour, and I hope that Frontiers realises that the opening track is ready for some big time airplay, if not in Holland, then certainly in the USA.
Visit their website: http://www.toak.name Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/			90/100

WOLFPACK UNLEASHED – Anthems Of Resistance (CD)	Austria	October 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 46:49 (Tracks: 10)
WolfPack Unleashed hail from Austria, and WPU were even Austria's only thrash band in 1995, founded by Wops Koch (guitar). While at first similar to the German scene kings, the style and taste of the guitarist evolved into the Bay Area Thrash sound, comparable to the sound of bands like Metallica, Exodus, Megadeth or Testament. The band split up, but Koch reformed WPU in January 2005, after recruiting new musicians the band worked on the first songs and finished the demo 'The Art Of Resistance' in 2006. Their demo was voted Best Demo of the Month by Rock Hard Italy. After a lot of positive press feedback, the band got signed by Napalm Records, and as a result 'Anthems of Resistance' is here! This WPU debut album contains intelligent, technically superb melodic thrash, as they call it, and it suits the music perfectly. Great songs like opener 'Last Dance Of A Dying King', 'Next Victim' (with some recognizable Megadeth riffs in it), 'Killling Fields' or 'Religion Of Control'. Lyrically WPU unapologetically relates to the hypocrisies of today with classic anti-war themes, which clearly expresses their views about religious extremism. The Austrians also provoke us with lyrics about the last moments of Beethoven ('Eroica'), abuse/abortion and personal loss. All in all WPU creates their own style of melodic thrash metal, and they definitely deserve their place, give it a try and enjoy!
Visit their website: http://www.wolfpackunleashed.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wolfpackunleashed			76/100

SEPTEMBER

ALEPH – In Tenebra (CD)	Italy	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Progressive Thrash Metal	Running time: 48:19 (Tracks: 7)
Aleph started in 1998 and released their first demo in 2004 before that they have released some songs on different kind of compilation albums. In 2002 they released a promo (self-production) and now they found a label to release their debut "In Tenebra" by Fuel Records. This album contains 7 tracks of Progressive Thrash Metal. All the songs have a great variety in it and the production is brutal for that genre. The guitar riffs are trashy and progressive and the drums are very technical. The composing of this album is great, it sounds like a musical journey. Long songs and a lot of solos finish the musical side of this album. The vocalist hasn't got a grunt but that isn't annoying to me. The vocals are clean but with a strong touch on it (like Nevermore). If you like progressive thrash metal then you should check this album.
Visit their website: http://www.alephmetal.org Recordlabel: http://www.fuelrecords.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alephmetal			70/100

ALLEN / LANDE - The Revenge (CD)	USA / Norway	September 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Hardrock/Heavy Metal	Running time: 1:03:33 (Tracks: 12)
This is the second album of the cooperation between this two giant voices. I probably dont have to tell that Russel Allen is the leadsinger for Symphony X and that Jorn Lande (who still is one of my favorite rock singers) made name with his last band Masterplan but also sung in several projects/bands (f.e. Ark, Millenium, Beyond Twilight et al...). Nowadays Jorn is concentrating on his solo band simply named: Jorn. Jorn & Russel already delivered a classic rock album "The Battle" a few years ago and I was already impressed by that one. This new album "The Revenge" is a logical follow up to that album; nothing more; nothing less. Dont expcect a change in musical direction; Both Jorn & Russel are doing the things they are best in; rockin'& singing their lungs out!! I already loved their first album and im glad these guys continued with this music. Hope they will release more albums in the future because I cant get enough of it! Great album! Also of course a compliment to the other musicians on this album; you did a hell of a job too!!
Visit their website: http://www.jornlande.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/realjorn			90/100

AS LIGHT DIES – A step through the Reflection (CD)	Spain	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Atmospheric Black Metal	Running time: 66:55 (Tracks: 13)
As Light Dies was born as a project in 1999 by a few friends who played in all kinds of bands. They started this project so that they could play whatever they want which they couldn't do in other bands. This is the result, a melodic atmospheric black metal band that musically is very interesting but not the thing I would put in my CD player. The music has very much variety in it and the guitar riffs are typical black metal riffs but sound far far to kind. The good thing about it is that they play solos. The drums sound very thin and the vocalist uses different kind of vocals. His black scream is okay but not the best voice I heard (way to friendly and without aggression) and then you have his clean vocal that sounds really terrible. The most annoying thing about this album is they have all kind of noises throughout the songs (keyboard) that sounds really terrible. The production of this album is way way to friendly (it gives you the idea that your listening to a demo). I understand why the CD contains almost 70 minutes, because if you have so much intro`s and outro`s you can easily bring out a CD like this. If you ask me you can better spend your money on another band.
Visit their website: http://www.aslightdies.tk Recordlabel: http://www.mondongocanibale.com			55/100

AUTUMN BLACK – Beneath the Shadows (CD)	USA	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Hardcore Thrash Metal	Running time: 38:29 (Tracks: 12)
Autumn Black is formed in 2004 and they play a raw mix between hardcore and melodic thrash metal…..what, yeah I now a really weird description. This is their debut album released by a new record label ThrowDown Records. This album contains 12 tracks of very very good produced metal. The guitar riffs are very technical but also raw and the drums are also technical, but even groovy. The vocalist has a light grunt combined with a very melodic clean vocal. The only thing I don't like about their clean vocals is that it reminds me to much of the new metal stream like Linkin Park etc. but the rest of the music is great. All the songs have a lot of variety in it and if this is their first album then I am definitely going to check out their second.
Visit their website: http://www.autumnblackmusic.com Recordlabel: http://www.throwdownrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/autumnblack			70/100

BLITZKRIEG – Theatre Of The Damned (CD)	UK	September 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: NWOBHM	Running time: 55:11 (Tracks: 12)
Blitzkrieg is a heavy metal band from Leicester England formed in 1980, consisting of Brian Ross (vocals), Ken Johnson (guitar), Guy Laverick (guitar), Paul Brewis (bass) and Phil Brewis (drums). Blitzkrieg has stayed in the music industry for more than two decades. The band released eight records and always kept their metal straight & honest just how it was meant to be! The band made classical metal songs like Inferno & Blitzkrieg ( covered by Metallica )!!! I saw the band two times live on stage and I can say Brain Ross is a very impressive & great frontman with a typical own voice and character. Blitzkrieg is a typical Second Wave Of British Heavy Metalband and probably also even one of the better acts in their genre. Since 1995 Brain Ross released every or two year a great new Heavy Metal album on the market and every time I can say Yes!!! Just like their new album "Theatre Of The Damned" which sounds like 1985 and for me that’s always really great ! Blitzkrieg keeps traditional metal alive and for me that reason No:1!!! All the songs have got a mid-tempo NWOBHM vein and tell little horror tales, far from original, but who cares? The music has got atmosphere and sometimes the bands even reminds you of the old Black Sabbath, ( listen to Tortured Souls and you will know what I’ll mean ;). The band also put some oldschool classics like Armageddon and Blitzkrieg as bonus on this cd ! Great album and withsome great extras like the Digipack videos Escape From The Village and I’m Not Insane the cd already reached my top of 2007. Very nice and great food for traditionals, Buy Or Die !!!
Visit their website: http://www.blitzed-alive.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.armageddonmusic.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/absoluteblitzkrieg			89/100

BLOOD RED THRONE - Come Death (CD)	Norway	September 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 42:31 (Tracks: 9)
The idea to start a band together came from Tchort and Dod while they were on tour with Satyricon as members of their live band. Since the guys shared the same ideas about music the idea was growing in time. Some time after the tour they found a drummer, Freddy Bolso and they started rehearsing songs from bands like Deicide, Death and Obituary. In 2000 the first demo was released by the name of "Death mix 2000". Here's a short discography of the band's work so far: 2000 : Singed up with Hammerheart Records and a new drummer joined the band: Mr. Hustler. 2001: Release of debut album "Monuments of Death" 2002: Mini album "A taste of blood" a new drummer was found in the person of Espen Antonsen and BRT played a lot of festivals that year and supported Dimmu Borgir on their tour. 2003: "Affiliated with the suffering" was released. Also in '03 the band signed a deal with Earache Records. 2004: In October the recording of "Altered Genesis" began and the album was released in 2005. And finally in 2007 the release from "Come Death" is here and with two new band members Blood Red Throne will do a promotion tour for this cd, so check out the band's MySpace/Website for the tour dates! The music of Blood Red Throne is brutal and without compromises! It doesn't have the Norwegian sound you might expect but they adopted the Florida death metal sound! "Come Death" is extremely heavy and fast but still there's space in the songs for catching riffs and tempo changes! One can be quit short about this cd: you must listen to it if you like the brutal kinds of death metal! It is very well played with obviously experienced musicians, production is also good. So to make a long story short: buy it, play it and let your neighbours enjoy it too! And for the fans: BLT covered a song from Gorguts: "Disincarnated" and put it on "Come Death".
Visit their website: http://www.bloodredthrone.net Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bloodredthrone666			90/100

CALIBERN – Insane (CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 36:08 (Tracks: 7)
Calibern is a heavy metal band from Delft in The Netherlands, once started as an epic power metal band formed by friends who loved the same music. After a while Calibern ceased to exist, but years later in 2004 they started over due to the perseverance of some old bandmembers. Nowadays Calibern is a heavy metal band, bringing back the old school heavy metal from the eighties mixed with some modern influences. As their influences they name Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Crimson Glory, but also newer bands like Symphony X, Kamelot , Nevermore and many more. This is their first complete cd release, after their demo "The Darkest Night", which was released in 2004. Their music could best be described as NWOBHM with some 80s us metal influences, great song structures with really nice guitar work, and a singer who doesn't sound really dutch, which is a good thing. They actually have a lot in common with another dutch band namely Roadkill where the music is concerned. In my opinion a good debut album with very strong songs like opener "Blazing Through The Sky" and "The Darkest Night" for instance, one of my favourites. I just think the production could have been done a bit better, or heavier if you like, but nonetheless a great album!
Visit their website: http://www.calibern.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/calibern			82/100

CEREMONY OF OPPOSITES – Deaths Dominion (CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 50:30 (Tracks: 13)
Ceremony of Opposites is formed in 2005 and released their first demo also in 2005. This is their debut album and I must say that it doesn't sound too bad. This album contains 13 tracks of pure ravaging thrash death metal. The production of this album is a little to soft for me (Everything is too soft in the mix). All though they don't have a record label it is a great album. All the songs have a lot of variety in it and the composing of the songs are great. The guitar riffs are very fast, technical and groovy. The drums are pounding through every sound like a mad train. The vocalist has a great grunt but you can't hear that to well on the CD because it's mixed in too soft (pity). Allthough that the production of this album isn't the best I must say the rest is good enough for me. If you like bands that sound like Vader or Benediction then check out their website and order it.
Visit their website: http://www.ceremony-of-opposites.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ceremonyofoppositesmetal			70/100

CIVILIZATION ONE - Revolution Rising (CD)	International	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Progressive/Power Metal	Running time: 41:31 (Tracks: 10)
Civilization One was started by vocalist Chitral Somapala (highly regarded for his work with Avalon, Firewind, Faro, Moonlight Agony and Red Circuit) and guitarist Aldo Lanobile (from Secret Sphere) in early 2006. Chitral and Aldo wanted to create a band that combined heavy, aggressive guitar riffs with the melodic sensibilities of classical music, and featured memorable vocal lines and choruses. After successful songwriting sessions they wanted to form a real band. The first person they recruted was drummer Luca Cartasegna, also from Secret Sphere. The next player on board was bassist Pierre-Emmanuel Pélisson from the French power metal band Heavenly. The last member they found was keyboard player Jesper Stotz, who originally hails from Brazil. Their first album "Revolution Rising" is a very good melodic metal album with influences from power, progressive, neo-classical, symphonic and even death metal (some grunts in two tracks). Bands to refer at are especially Firewind and Heavenly. The songs are mainly played in up-tempo, with powerful vocals from Chitral. A very good newcomer for the power metal genre.
Visit their website: http://www.civilization-one.com Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/civilizationone			82/100

CONQUEST OF STEEL – Hammer & Fist (CD)	UK	September 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: True Heavy Metal	Running time: 40:04 (Tracks:10)
Conquest Of Steel was founded in 1998 in West Yorkshire Great Britain. I saw the band for the first time in our local Metalbar Little Devil in 2004. I was really impressed that night and for me it’s still one of the best gigs I ever saw in that club. In 2005 I saw them again at the Heavy Metal Maniacs FC Fest in Hoorn in the North of Holland. It was party time again ! Conquest Of Steel is England’s new Manowar of the new Century ! The band stands for traditional true and melodic Heavy Metal. Metal music from the heart and soul in the vein of some old NWOBHM bands of the late 70’s and early 80’s and True Metalbands like Majesty and Manowar. You don’t see that much Uber True Heavy Metalbands in Great Britain and sometimes I even think the British Scene is almost dead nowadays. But Conquest Of Steel keeps that flame burning with their very good sounding and strong pure powerfull Heavy Metal. All musicians have got a lot of qualities and spirit in their hearts to grow the upcoming years. Hammer & Fist sounds a bit like the old Iron Maiden and old Manowar records with a little bit of their own pride and glory! The new albums also sound a lot more grown up and I can even say full of pride I am a die hard fan and I want them back here in Tilburg very very soon again ! Keep On The Good Powerfull Work Guys & Don’t Forget Keep It True, Death To False Metal !
Visit their website: http://www.conquestofsteel.co.uk/ Recordlabel: http://www.nofacerecords.co.uk MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/conquestofsteel			90/100

CYPHER SEER - Awakening Day (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Power Metal	Running time: 49:18 (Tracks: 10)
CYPHER SEER? MALAKIS REIGN? Well in 2007 Malakis Reign had to change its name due to legal issues at the time and came up with CYPHER SEER. It's that simple. In the time the band was named Malakis Reign they had singer James Rivera (Helstar, Destiny's End, Vicious Rumors, Seven Witches, et al) and bassist Mike Lepond (Symphony X) in their ranks; not the worst musicians in my opninion! New Jersey's Sentinel Steel Records scooped up the quintet nowadays led by former ONWARD, LEGEND MAKER, NEW EDEN and current CRESCENT SHIELD vocalist Michael Grant, whose voice is the first trademark of this American Power Metal band's sound, as manifested in "Awakening Day", their full length debut album. Musically the band takes very catchy melodies, combines them with varied tempos and rhythms and uses these dynamics to their advantage. According to their bio the band compare themselves as a mix of Iced Earth meets Symphony X. Personally I think more of Helstar/Destiny's End meets Heaven's Cry. This is pure US powermetal the way I like it mostly; only pity is the fact that singer Michael Grant doest do any high pitching vocals; otherwise this album would probably have a much higher rate! But the band will not complain (I hope) about my rating :). Good US powermetal! Hope to see this band live someday!
Visit their website: http://www.cypherseer.com Recordlabel: http://www.sentinelsteel.com/			86/100

DEVIOUS - Domain (CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 49:00 (Tracks: 12)
Devious is a relatively new band that started in 2000. They released their first demo in 2002 and their debut album "Acts of Rage" in 2004 by Spitzenburg records. After a line up change they decided to work on a new album and I must say it definitely kicks ass. They signed a deal with DeityDown Records a relatively new label (the only thing they released yet is "A Nihilistic Swarm" of Vermin) that will bring them right back in the metal scene. Their latest album is really great. The songs have a lot of variety in it and the production of the album is great. The drums are very fast and pound through every song. The guitar riffs are very technical and sound furious. All though I also like there first album with the old singer (also singed with Altar) I must say that there new singer has a great grunt that finish this album as a great death metal record. Fast songs combined with old school Morbid Angel riffs, very nice. If you like bands like Morbid Angel or Krisiun you should check out this album.
Visit their website: http://www.devious.nl Recordlabel: http://www.deitydownrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deviousdomain			75/100

EDEN'S CURSE – Eden's Curse (CD)	International	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Hard Rock/Metal	Running time: 68:11 (Tracks: 14)
Eden's Curse was formed in early 2006 by bassist Paul Logue (David Readman/ex-Cry Havoc) and U.S. born vocalist Michael Eden. The line-up is completed by Ferdy Doenberg (Rough Silk/A.R. Pell, U.J. Roth) –keyboards, Pete Newdeck (Steve Grimmett Band/ex-Lionsheart/ex-Paul Dianno) – drums, and German guitar virtuoso Thorsten Koehne (Code Of Perfection). Backing vocals are sung by wellknown vocalists such as Doogie White, David Readman and Carsten Schulz. Their first album is a great mix of power and catchy energy. Very melodic all the time, with great songs in the vein of Bonfire, Axel Rudi Pell, Gotthard, Ten, Dokken, … . Great melodic hard rock/metal, with excellent musicians, a superb vocalist (who also adds some A.O.R. influences) and above all a very good guitarist.
Visit their website: http://www.edenscurse.com Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/edenscurse			87/100

EMILIANO SICILIA - Devotion Materialize (CD)	Italy	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Industrial Horror Metal	Running time: 49:17 (Tracks: 7)
Emiliano was born in Milan in 1977. He started getting fond of guitar and music at the age of ten and from 1988 till 1995 he devoted seven years to private lessons of classic and flamenco guitar. After reaching full mastery of his instrument, Emiliano decided to give private lessons and from 17 till 24 years of age he taught many people the secrets of rock-fusion guitar. After graduating in History and Philosophy and achieving great live experience thanks to ten years of shows with several cover bands, he finally decided to start his solo carreer, devised to gather several music genres onto a skeleton of sounds inspired by the most visionary horror, sci-fi and cyber space movies. His debut album "Devotion Materialize" was recorded at the wellknown Moon House Studio in Milan and produced by the famous Mantra guitarist Gianluca Galli, who's also the founder of the Horus Music label. His album is a mix of many music genres such as metal, ethnic, funk, industrial, electronic, flamenco, country, folk and blues. The mainly instrumental album has been enriched with the presence of an incredible team of voices. "Devotion Materialize" reminds me mostly of Steve Vai's weirdest songs. Not bad at all, but very complex to listen at.
Visit their website: http://www.emilianosicilia.com Recordlabel: http://www.gianlucagalli.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/emilianosicilia			73/100

ERA VULGARIS – What Stirs Within (CD)	Ireland	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Progressive Thrash Metal	Running time: 55:22 (Tracks: 8)
Era Vulgaris started in 2004 and released their first demo in 2006. This is their debut album released by Open Your Ears Music. Now this album is a weird way of progressive thrash. This album contains so much variety in it, combined with all kinds of music styles (heavy, thrash, hardcore, acoustic etc.), that makes this really heavy to review. Never the less I'll give it a try. The guitar riffs are a mix between heavy, thrash and hardcore riffs combined with very much technical solos and melody. The drums are technical but sound very straight in your face and very controlled. The vocalist uses all kind of vocals, like clean, grunt, hardcore and sometimes screams. When you listen to this CD then the first impression is what the FUCK! Everything on every song is well thought of. Not one song sounds like the one before. Sometimes it even sounds a little like jazz. The production of this album is amazingly good. Listening to this even reminds of Cryptopsy but then more for every kind of metal freak and not only for the brutal fans. If you like bands that are very musically but also not standard then you're going to enjoy this album.
Visit their website: http://www.eravulgaris.com Recordlabel: http://www.openyourears.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eravulgaris			75/100

FRANCESCO FARERI – Secrets Within (CD)	Italy	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Rock/Metal	Running time: 72:27 (Tracks: 15)
"Secrets Within" is the third solo album from Italian guitarist Francesco Fareri and his second release for Lion Music. In 2001 he has released "Suspension" and in 2005 "Forbidden Dimension". His new album is divided into two sections ; one heavy, which features especially shred/prog metal with a lot of themes and melodies (called "Into The Dark Line") and one acoustic, with only guitar and piano/keyboards with more delicate melodies and some really introspective movements (called "Out Of The Dark Line"). He divided this album to better show all of his ideas, feelings and the way he considers music. For "Secrets Within", Francesco teamed up with Kyle Honea (bass) and Lucrezio de Seta (drums). There are also several keyboard/piano solo's from Vitalij Kuprij and Bob Katsionis, two of the world's best keyboardplayers. "Secrets Within" shows a nice demonstration of Francesco's shred AND acoustic guitar playing.
Visit their website: http://www.francescofareri.com Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/francescofareri			78/100

HAMMERHEART - Dreamworks (CD)	Slovakia	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: NWOBHM	Running time: 39:20 (Tracks: 8)
Hammerheart is a Slovakian band which was formed in 1994. In 1996 they recorded their demo "When Dark Dreams…", which was released in 1997. In 1999 they appeared at the compilation cd of Metal Age Productions. In 2000 they recorded also a promo-cd. In May 2006 they recorded their debut "Dreamworks" which is now finally released through Ride Production. Their music is pure NWOBHM influenced, especially early Iron Maiden comes to mind when I listen to them (twin guitarleads!). "Dreamworks" was released in memory of Quorthon, former Bathory. Normally their second album should be completed at the end of 2007.
Visit their website: http://www.hammerheart.sk MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hammerheartband			73/100

JUAN MARTIN - Flying Reindeer (CD)	Spain	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Rock	Running time: 29:11 (Tracks: 8)
Juan Martin was born in 1977. At the age of 5 he became interested in the guitar, after listening to Pink Floyd and other rock and metal bands. It made a great impact to Juan when he started listening to Yngwie J. Malmsteen, so his parents bought him a guitar. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12. Later he also discovered Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and John Petrucci. In 1995 he formed the band Northwalls. In 2000 the band Bartok was born with previous members of Northwalls. Bartok released their first cd "Revolution" in 2003. In 2005 Juan receives a call from Ibanez Spain to record a cd for them. After some time, he recorded and released his first instrumental solo album, called "Flying Reindeer", with six own compositions and two covers ("The Enternainer" from Scott Joplin and "Winter", a fragment of Vivaldi's Four Seasons). Most song on his cd are easy listening melodic rock instrumentals, but now and then Juan lets hear that he also can shred as the best! Only "The Enterntainer" is a more happy up-tempo song. "Flying Reindeer" is a very good instrumental debut, and I'm sure that fans who like Satriani/Vai/Eklundh/Rondat will like Juan's guitarplaying too! At the moment Juan is a guitar teacher, continues playing with Bartok and he's also composing his second solo album.
Visit their website: http://www.juanmartin.org MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/juanmartinjg6			81/100

KAOS – Kaos Among Us (CD)	USA	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 45:33 (Tracks: 12)
Although KAOS is a new band to me, their history is quit long, started out in the late eighties by founding members Jason Darnell, Jay Figueroa and former guitarist Joe Loescher who met in high school. Eventually Stacey Murray was acquired by the band as second guitarist, who played in a band called 'Hate' at that time. KAOS are from the same time era as well known bands like Violence, Testament and Death Angel, who did make name through the years, they even shared stages and rehearsal rooms with them. They had some line up changes throughout their existence, in the early 90s Darnell switched from being the bands drummer, to becoming their vocalist. The band had several drummers until Burton Ortega joined them in early 2003. While just after the release of this second full length album, Joe Loescher parted ways with KAOS, and Keven Albert (son of..) stepped in to fill the spot. Also the documentary "Get Thrashed" features songs from this 'Kaos Among Us' cd, which is a great sounding thrash album with some modern influences, but never forgetting their roots. Some really chaos creating thrash metal songs on here, with the screamy vocals of Jason, for instance listen to 'F.O.(Die Young, Die Old)' , and furious guitar work of Joe and Stacey, they have made a timeless thrash album. As it seems they go for quality, instead of quantity, this being only their second album in their more than 17 year career! The music of KAOS is influenced by earlier mentioned bands mixed with some Pantera style music, and delivers some heavy and fast songs like 'The Rage Of War', 'Descent Into Madness' and 'KAOS Among Us'. Give these guys a listen, cause they have got their thrash metal hearts in the right place, and won't let you down!
Visit their website: http://www.kaosamongus.com Recordlabel: http://www.relentlessmetalrecords.com My Space: http://www.myspace.com/kaosamongus			84/100

KAOS – Sludge (CDemo)	USA	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 16:40 (Tracks: 4)
Another one from KAOS, this time it's their latest achievement, a 4 track demo cd which is just out. On this demo Keven Albert is playing, who stepped in after founding member Joe Loescher left just after releasing their second full length album 'KAOS Among Us', see other KAOS review this month. Actually their album was already out in 2006, while this demo is the most recent recordings from 2007. Four brutal killer tracks on the album, 'Screaming in the Mirror', 'Let God Sort Them Out', 'Bleed Some More' and 'Sludge', with 'Bleed Some More' being my favourite track, it blew me away, fast riffing guitars full speed ahead, what a power and energy they put in their music. It seems they are already busy making a new album, and some songs on this demo will also appear on there, so this gives you a good idea of what the album is gonna sound like. My opinion, the next album is gonna rip you apart, powerful, brutal thrash metal, with screamy hardcore vocals, continues where 'KAOS Among Us' left off. All these guys are talented and skilled musicians who are very experienced and earned their stripes, they know what they are doing, and that's clear to be heared! Keep an eye on this band, cause they will get there, hopefully a European tour will follow after the new album is finished, so we can see them perform live on stage, will be a hell of a party I guess…
Visit their website: http://www.kaosamongus.com Recordlabel: http://www.relentlessmetalrecords.com My Space: http://www.myspace.com/kaosamongus			87/100

LILLIAN AXE – Waters Rising (CD)	USA	September 2007	Wim van Grunsven
Style: Melodic Metal	Running time: 74:12 (Tracks:12)
It is not often that you consider a band to be lost for the music scene, to hit you on the head as strong as Lillian Axe does on "Waters Rising". After the very good "Psychoschizophrenia" album in 1993, we only heard of Lillian Axe through the "Live 2002" album, which just seemed to be a one off moment. Thankfully it is not, because now Lillian Axe have regained the power and drive that they always used to have, added with a new lease of life ferocity. The ballads have become more mellow, the rough songs have gotten harder. The quality of songs written has even gone up. I mustn't forget to mention that because of the superb production of the album every second you listen to it makes it into a great joy. Having read all that you must agree that for me "Waters Rising" is a divers album that does not disappoint. I really love it, from start to finish. But, I hear you cry, what about the loss of Ron Taylor? Well, quite honestly I must admit that I haven't missed him for one second. Not only does the voice of Derrick LeFevre come very close to that of his predecessor, he also knows how to sing a tune. When he needs to, he goes full throttle. When it's asked for, he steps it down. He is good! Let's put it this way; if you always liked or loved Lillian Axe, you still will do so now. They haven't become another band, only a better one. At least, that's my opinion. They have signed with Locomotive Records for a long time. Let's hope that they fill that time by more records of this magnitude. And some tours of course!
Visit their website: http://www.lillianaxe.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com/ My Space: http://www.myspace.com/lillianaxe			89/100

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles (CD)	Italy	September 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Hard Rock	Running time: 51:05 (Tracks: 11)
Los Angeles is a project led by Vision Divine vocalist Michele Luppi who of course is of Italian origin. The project also features the ever-present Tommy Denander (Radioactive) on guitars, Fabrizio Grossi (Starbreaker, Glenn Hughes) on bass and A.O.R. master Gregg Giuffria on the keyboards. Songs were provided by Richard Marx, Jeff Paris and Dennis Matkovsky among others. A very promising recording, don't you think? Los Angeles is indeed a great Melodic Hard Rock and A.O.R. listen. Luppi has put aside his progressive-power identity and reveals his mellower side. His vocals are truly great, Luppi went to the States to improve his knowledge and abilities on both vocals and music and this is more than obvious. Apart from Luppi's vocals, the listener must focus on the remarkable songs which are true A.O.R. diamonds. The melodic choruses stick right inside your head and I bet you will catch yourself moving to the rhythm many many times. Los Angeles captures all the essential elements of American and British A.O.R. and melodic rock creating a fabulous album.
Visit their website: http://www.micheleluppi.com Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/micheleluppi			88/100

MANTICORA - The Black Circus / Part 2 / Disclosure (CD)	Denmark	September 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive Heavy Metal	Running time: 42:13 (Tracks: 10)
MANTICORA was formed in 1997 by Lars (vocals), Kristian (guitars) and Mads (drums) - these three have made up the core of the band ever since. In the early days the band was a foursome with bass player Rene as the last member. The band recorded the mini CD "Dead End Solution", which marked the beginning of the MANTICORA sound; power metal with epic and thrash elements. In 1998 MANTICORA signed with Intromental Management and shortly afterwards their first record deal was signed with Greek record label Black Lotus. The same year the band added an extra guitarist, Flemming, and a keyboardist, Jeppe, to the line-up. The debut full-length disc, "Roots Of Eternity", was released in summer 1999, and received good response from both media and fans around the world. 2000 the band signed with the Italian record label Scarlet Records, and half a year later a more melodic album, "Darkness With Tales To Tell", was released. In 2001 bassist Rene decided to leave the band and was replaced by Kasper. Along with the change of bassist came also the change of guitarist, as Flemming left MANTICORA and Martin joined the band. In the fall 2002 "Hyperion" was released and early 2004 the band began work on their new disc, "8 Deadly Sins". "The Balck Circus - Part 2" is the bands latest release and, shame on me, my first acquaintance with these Danish metallers! Musically the band combines progressive metal with the standard Scandinavian powermetal which results in a quit unique sound. Think of a mix of bands like Mercyful Fate, Sonata Arctica, Savatage & Eidolon. I realy enjoyed listening to this album and if I ever have the time (and money) I will surely check out their earlier stuff! Good album!
Visit their website: http://www.manticora.dk/ Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/manticorarocks			82/100

MARCO MENDOZA – Live For Tomorrow (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Melodic Hardrock	Running time: 49:36 (Tracks: 12)
Marco is a very talented bassplayer, who has played and recorded with a few big names already, like Ted Nugent, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Lukather and Whitesnake. Marco thought that it was time for a solo cd, so he found a partner-in-crime in Richie Kotzen, found a few other big names for the other instruments and started recording his songs, using his own voice for the vocals. Now should a bassplayer do that instead of hiring a good vocalist? Well..he pulls it off himself ! Marco has a raw, bluesy voice which immediately made me think of Joe Walsh, but with more power. Although this cd has some blues and even pop influences, Marco did a great job, and he really seems to know what his capabilities and limitations are. He also had a great way of knowing where to use his guest musicians, like Steve Lukather on "Live For Tomorrow" and Uncle Ted Nugent on "You Got Me". Finally, Richie has to be commended for his fine guitarwork on this album, that will appeal mostly to a generation of heavy bluesrock-fanatics. This release has to grow on you; playing it for a second and a third time makes the listener realise what a great cd Mendoza has made!
Visit their website: http://www.marcomendoza.com Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/			83/100

MEHIDA – Blood And Water (CD)	Finland	September 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 47:43 (Tracks: 11)
Mehida is a new band that comes from Finland. Four Finnish musicians teamed up with Swedish vocalist Thomas Vikstrom and present this debut album hoping that their sound will make the breakthrough within the murky progressive waters. Vikstrom happens to be one of my favourite vocalists. For years I've admired his work with Candlemass ("Chapter VI"), Brazen Abbot, Talk of the Town or his most recent collaboration with Speedy Gonzales. I was very curious to see what he would present with a progressive band like Mehida. Vikstrom is definitely the best thing you can find in "Blood and Water". Especially in songs like "Guilty" he presents his powerful range in all its strength. He is the best choice possible for a band like this. Mehida performs an interesting mixture of hard hitting progressive metal with avante garde and atmospheric parts. Melody is ever present, especially during the keyboard and piano parts. Of course there are some contemporary elements within the bands music and so are some experimentations (a couple of death metal bits and pieces for example). The music is quite dark; you can feel it especially in all the slower parts and ballads ("A Letter from Home" etc.). The guitar sound in most parts reminded me that of Michael Romeo's in Symphony X but the band's sound has little to do with these American prog metal heroes. Another interesting clue is that the majority of the lyrics seems to be dealing with religious matters. A rather interesting listen for the prog fans.
Visit their website: http://www.mehida.com Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mehida			77/100

MONKEYRAM – Control (Mini CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Alternative Metal	Running time: 21:55 (Tracks: 5)
Monkeyram was formed in 2004. Even though this formation is new they all played in different kinds of bands. In 2006 they released this EP "Control". 5 songs of very catchier metal (I don't think its even metal but more alternative rock mixed with metal influences, like bands like Creed). Strong guitar riffs and a great vocalist that reminds sometimes of the singer of Anathema (Not the old years). All though this is definitely not my cup of tea I must confess that the structure of the songs are very good and the songs sound great. Very strong lyrics and a great production of the CD. If you like bands like Creed or Tool then check their website and buy it!
Visit their website: http://www.monkeyram.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/monkeyram1			70/100

MORTIFILIA – Redemption (CD)	Czech Republic	September+ 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 33:09 (Tracks: 10)
Now this is a very interesting death metal band from the Czech Republic because mostly in these regions they play brutal and extremely fast but Mortifilia takes that idea of mine away because they play Scandinavian metal…..hell yeah! All right back to the basics. Mortifilia started in 1998 and released their first promo in 1999 and they released their debut "Care of Gomorrah" in 2000 and 2002 their 2nd. This album was released in 2005, all though its an old album its definitely worth reviewing. All the songs have a great variety in it and the production of this album is great. The guitar riffs remind a lot of Dismember, but not a copy of it. Of course the have the groovy riffs and a lot of fast solos in it (just the way we like it….hehehe) The drums are straight in your face and the vocals are fucking brutal (the vocalist reminds me a bit of Bloodbath). The composing of the songs is very melodic but straight in your face and it contains immense power. Its probably the first time that I can say that there is nothing that irritates me about this album. If you like bands like Dismember, Bloodbath or Unleashed then buy this album.
Visit their website: http://www.mortifilia.cz Recordlabel: http://www.mondongocanibale.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mortifiliacz			80/100

NAILDOWN – Dreamcrusher (CD)	Finland	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Melodic Death Metal	Running time: 42:13 (Tracks: 9)
Naildown is a relatively new name in the metal scene. They released their first single CD in 2005 and their debut also, and everything with the label Spinefarm. Their latest album is very very easy listening record, all the songs have a lot of variety in it and the production is fucking brutal. The guitar riffs are straight in your face, fast melodic and but not all the time, technical and sometimes even a little Fear Factory in it. And then there is the drum that sounds like a train that can't be stopped. The vocalist uses clean, grunt and even a scream. Everything on this album sounds great and reminds me a lot of the bands that are now on the top (Soilwork, Darkane). This album is well produced, composed and more important very very well played. If you like bands like Fear Factory or Soilwork then you should definitely check it.
Visit their website: http://www.naildownrock.com Recordlabel: http://www.spinefarm.fi Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/naildown			75/100

NINE VOLT – Nine Volt (CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Rock / Metal	Running time: 54:19 (Tracks: 14)
Nine volt is a very very new band. This is there debut released by Squash Records and I must say it sounds great. Nine Volts plays a raw mix between rock, metal and even some stoner. The guitar riffs are very groovy but not to lame and the drums are very straight. The composing of the songs is great. It sounds like rock n roll but there is a heavier twist on it. The vocalist has a great clean throat that gives the music a very good place. The production of this album is great. I can try to tell a lot more about this band but there isn't much more to tell then: buy it, check it.
Visit their website: http://www.ninevolt.nl Recordlabel: http://www.squashrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ninevoltnl			70/100

ROADKILL – Dark Side (Mini CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 24:00 (Tracks: 5)
Roadkill is a Dutch band who recorded their debut "Merlin" two years ago. The band had a sad and unfortunate loss in their singer Marco Hendriks. Hendriks was replaced by Marc Mac Blade who is the bands current singer. This mini CD is a worthy successor in both musical and productional aspects. The band plays heavy metal, with a touch of old school hardrock. A somewhat strange combination, because sometimes I hear Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden, and then again I sense some real mean metal as well. I must say the album has to grow on me because each time I listen, I hear new things. A pity that sometimes I hear a distinct Dutch accent in the vocals of both Marc and Christine Roetert, who joins in on the ballad-like "Lost". This particular song does not really stand out musically, but the structure of this song is very interesting. All in all Roadkill has proven to be a steady band, but I think they have to develop some more musically. Because the band has no label, it is obvious that when they will eventually get a deal, the quality of production will improve. That will probably change my view on the band; so far, I am not super-impressed. Maybe, when the band opens for Vengeance later this year, they will impress me with a good live show. Go for it, guys!
Visit their website: http://www.roadkill.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/roadkillheavymetal			70/100

ROBIN BECK – Livin' On A Dream (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 52:18 (Tracks: 13)
Robin Beck; we all know her from the Coca Cola tv commercial song "First Time" which made her world famous and this really launched her career and shortly after, she recorded her bestseller "Trouble Or Nothin'" feauting Steve Lukather and Paul Stanley. At 53, married to House Of Lords vocalist James Christian, Robin is still eager to make albums and this time, hubby Christian called his band into the studio to backup the vocals that Robin layed down . Well, to be honest , this album sounds a lot like what Heart has released over the years. Robins vocals are heading towards Ann Wilson, but less pure and powerful (no female beats ms. Wilson) but nevertheless nice to listen to. "Wrapped Around Your Finger" sounds like made for the US charts, where "Always" sounds a lot like Roxette's "Listen To Your Heart". Most of the songmaterial is more or less mainstream poprock, but closing track "Love Lies" makes me believe that Robin is capable of doing a REAL hardrocking album. I bet James feels the same; he does a duet with his wife in the beautiful ballad "Till The Last Teardrop Falls" but both forgot that the guitarist had to do a shredding solo in that one! Oh well…I forgive her for that. All AOR fans should have a listen because with House Of Lords as your recording band, Robin must consider herself a lucky devil.
Visit their website: http://www.robinbeckrocks.com Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robinbeck			80/100

SACRED OATH - Darkness Visible (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Power Metal	Running time: 53:28 (Tracks: 10)
Sacred Oath was originally formed in 1985 in Bethel Connecticut by founding members Rob Thorne (vocals/guitar),Pete Altieri (bass), and eventually Kenny Evans (drums), and Glen Cruciani (guitar). The debut album, "A Crystal Vision" was released on vinyl and cassette in 1987 and later it was released on CD in 1988. Unfortunately the band broke up in December 1988 and didn't play together again until re-entering the studio 10 years later in 1998 to record "A Crystal Revision" (see Archive CD/DVD Reviews). Recently guitarist Billy Smith replaced Glen Cruciani. This is the band's first 'official' new album and compared to "A Crystal Revision" their style didnt change a lot. Musically its still all in their old typical way but vocally it changed a lot. I compared singer Rob Thorne on their older stuff with King Diamond & Jim Gillette (Nitro); nowadays Rob sounds much more professional and grown up. Not that I didnt like his high pitching vocals on the older stuff; it now all sounds much more accessible for the standard audience. They will reach a wider range of fans because with his old style of singing it was the same as with King Diamond; love it or hate it! I loved both and still do!! If you're into US powermetal which has influences from bands like Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Lethal & Metal Chuch...than you can better check out in this outstanding album! Superb!! The band will play on the November edition of the Keep it True festival in Germany; so if you have the chance to check it out; dont hesitate & be there!!!
Visit their website: http://www.sacredoath.net Recordlabel: http://www.sentinelsteel.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sacredoath			92/100

SHADOW GALLERY - Prime Cuts (Compilation CD)	USA	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 68:55 (Tracks: 12)
Shadow Gallery was formerly known as Sorcerer in the early 80's, but they changed their name just in time to sign with Magna Carta Records in 1991. It was a young band joining forces with a young label. In the 90's they became one of the leading progressive metal bands. "Prime Cuts" features eleven tracks hand-selected by the band from their previous four Magna Carta Records albums and a special (unreleased demo song from "Carved In Stone") twelfth track. The albums released by MC were "Shadow Gallery" (1992), "Carved In Stone" (1995), "Tyranny" (1998) and "Legacy" (2001). Shadow Gallery has always played a complex kind of music, mixing prog rock with prog metal, with many tempo breaks. Music played with virtuosity and emotion, by very wellskilled musicians and an emotional singing vocalist. Still one of the best progressive metal bands of the moment!
Visit their website: http://www.shadowgallery.com Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialshadowgallery			90/100

SLOUGH FEG – Hardworlder (CD)	USA	September 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 42:56 (Tracks: 13)
The Lord Weird Slough Feg (recently plain Slough Feg) is without a doubt one of the most inspired heavy metal bands to come out of the nineties. With a ton of 70s influences, folk elements and heavy metal attitude, the band surprises the audience with each and every release. None of their six releases (including Hardworlder) is identical to another. But in my opinion the band reached its peak with the extraordinary "Traveller" album, a record of inspired epic spacey heavy metal. Hardworlder sounds like a compilation of all Slough Feg releases to date. 70s sounding yet heavy, a mixture of folk rock and classic metal through the progressive eye of Slough Feg. The band's mastermind Mike Scalzi owns a distinctive voice; one could recognize him from miles away. His vocal interpretations are powerful and emotional as always. The band has selected a couple of coversongs, very characteristic and fitting to the Slough Feg identity. One is "Dearg Doom" originally performed by the Irish Horslips (Scalzi's love for Irish music is no secret, especially for Thin Lizzy…) and the other is Manilla Road's "Street Jammer", an original 70s tune. Hardworlder may not be the best Slough Feg album to date but it's definitely a shining diamond on the band's royal crown. Slough Feg is a unique sounding band. I have even invented a term trying to describe their musical style. It's Space Folk Metal. Hope it does the band some justice. I recommend them to all fans that look for something out of the ordinary.
Visit their website: http://www.sloughfeg.com Recordlabel: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sloughfeg			81/100

SSS – Short Sharp Shock (CD)	UK	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Thrash Metal / Crossover	Running time: 38:07 (Tracks: 17)
From Liverpool comes these new crossover thrashers S.S.S. (Short Sharp Shock) who launch their debut album 'Short Sharp Shock' through Earache. These Merseyside thrashcore maniacs spawned from a meeting of minds in a greasy spoon café, finding a mutual appreciation of comic books, Cliff Burton, rollercoasters, vinyl (that's music to my ears haha), DIY gigs and a love of 80s thrash. Intent on emulating their heroes, the band gigged incessantly with all manner of metal and punk acts, building up a fearsome reputation in the process. According to their bio they brew a menacing mix of 'Kill Em All' era Metallica, early Nuclear Assault, and the punk thrash of legends like S.O.D., D.R.I., RawPower, Suicidal Tendencies textured with a hi-energy approach, S.S.S. deploy a rough and ready skate thrash sound that demands participation and pulls no punches. About this cd, the bio is right on all fronts, this is a legendary new band, with songs rarely clocking in at over 2 minutes long, never getting boring and always wanting more. Brought with enormous energy and enthusiasm, bringing back memories of M.D.C., Wehrmacht and even Crumbsuckers, besides the bands mentioned earlier this is the stuff of a new generation that honours the old school stuff. Together with bands like Municipal Waste, S.S.S. carries the torch on for a long time I hope! Songs like 'Warhorse', 'New Dogs', 'Overload' and a lot more are already classics in the genre, who can resist this, I know I can't, or as they say it "S.S.S. encourage others to get with the programme and share their love of speed, positive attitude and mutual enjoyment". They bring you what their name stands for, their music is like a short sharp shock to enjoy! Try it…
Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com Visit their website: http://www.myspace.com/shortsharpshock			93/100

SQY ROCKING TEAM – Get it done & NYC (DVD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: HardRock	Running time: ---
Another one from SQY Rocking Team, a dvd this time, with video-clips of two songs of their latest album 'Top Fuel Tendencies'. They took two great up tempo rock songs "NYC" and "Get it Done" and recorded promotional video-clips of them with some national and international 'celebrities' friends of them. During the filming of "Get it Done" they were joined by friends and band members from Epica, BZB, Asrai, Dreamside, Mennen and Peter Pan Speedrock make their appearance in this video clip and follow each other up at full speed on the screen. The other video clip for "NYC" has been filmed by Erocktica, who's front woman Pink Snow stars in it. You can see her in New York during a day moving and driving through the city. Much nicer are the bonus features, especially the video outtakes made during the recordings for "Get it Done", which are hilarious, and you can actually see who were in the video clip. Also a photo slide show and a poster gallery on there, not really a whole lot considering there are only two songs on it, I think they could have done a lot better (more) for a band with such a long career.
Visit their website: http://www.sqy.nl Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.metalrevelation.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sqyrt			60/100

SQY ROCKING TEAM – Top Fuel Tendencies (CD)	The Netherlands	September 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: HardRock	Running time: 30:14 (Tracks: 10)
SQY Rocking Team is a four piece rock band from the Netherlands. Their music can be described as hard-metal glam-rock'n'roll that finds its roots in the 70s and 80s. They are well known for their energetic live performances and have played over 650 gigs Holland as well as abroad. They have already been around for 14 years, and shared stages with famous international bands and played on several renowned festivals like Bospop and Arrow Rock. Their fourth full length cd "Full Throttle" was very well received, and now this is the follow up "Top Fuel Tendencies", their fifth full length album continues their "Full Throttle" music style. On this album you will find ten powerful rock songs, in true hardrock style tradition like it's made in the late 70's or early 80s but with modern production and sound. Some nice up tempo rockers like "NYC", or "Get it Done" or "Cover Me", maybe comparable to another dutch band, namely Peter Pan Speedrock, but more to their softer tunes that is, cause PPS plays a lot harder. But some really nice compositions to be found here, even some ballad like songs in the form of "Pear Shaped Beauty" and "She Says". A nice cool rock album from a great band, definitely worth checking out, also while you're at it, check them out live on stage too, cause they seem to have an awesome live performance reputation…
Visit their website: http://www.sqy.nl Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.metalrevelation.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sqyrt			72/100

TENEBRARUM – Voices (CD)	Columbia	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Gothic Metal	Running time: 55:41 (Tracks: 12)
Tenebrarum started in 1990 and released their first demo and in 1994 their debut "El vuelo del las almas" (flight of souls for those who don't understand Colombian…like me). After that they released six more albums. This album is a re-edition of their 5th album for the European market. And I must say a very good move! This album contains 12 tracks of what they call gothic metal and it sounds fucking great. All the songs have a great composing and structure. The guitar riffs sound very much like heavy metal and they also have very progressive riffs and the drums are great. The vocalist has a great voice (reminds me a bit of the clean vocals of Cemetary), even his grunt is great (that also reminds me a bit of Crematory) the thing that makes this band different of others is that they have a real violin player and it sounds great. All songs sound very groovy but metal and in some songs a female singer sings along and even that sounds great. The production of this album is great. As an extra on this CD they have three video clips on it (one video and two live clips). If you like gothic metal on a higher level then your going to enjoy this album, its money well spend.
Visit their website: http://www.tenebrarumband.com Recordlabel: http://www.mondongocanibale.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tenebrarumband			75/100

TERHEN - Eyes Unfolded (CD)	Finland	September 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Doom Metal	Running time: 53:52 (Tracks: 5)
Terhen from Finland was formed in the beginning of the year 2004 under the name of Thamuz. It wasn't an easy start for them; the members were struggling with each other and also about the style of music their band should be playing. After 4 months they recorded a rehearsal demo. In October 2005 the first official demo was recorded and was released with the name of "Self Crucifixion MMV", it was send to several record companies and the media. The result was a record deal with Firebox Records. The name of the band was chosen to be "Terhen" and the recording of this album started in February and was released this August 2007. The music can be described as atmospheric doom metal (not in the style of Solitude Aeturnus). The music of Therhen is a little rougher than that but on the other side the synths give the music a mysterious touch and dark feeling to the music .The grunts of Jyri are low and growling . The music is well preformed and produced! It sounds good and when you listen to the cd more often you really get into the gloomy atmosphere! The voice of Elisa goes well with this kind of music and to my joy she is not singing in an over- the- top "opera" style we hear so much with the gothic bands nowadays!! She adjusted her way of singing to the music instead of the other way around! And that pleases me. "Eyes Unfolded" seems to me is a very good debut album of Terhen and certainly worthy of your attention!
Visit their website: http://www.terhenband.com Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/terhen			76/100

THE OATH - The end of Times (CD)	France	September 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 45:00 (Tracks: 12)
The band "The Oath" was formed back in 1999 in the French city of Lyon, so they go a long way back. In the beginning the band struggled with the line up but the core of the band always remained the same. In that same year a demo was recorded with 4 songs and was produced by the band them selves. It took a few years until 2002 before a second demo was recorded by the name of "Présages… & ténèbres" that was quite successful and made the band widely known in the scene. That resulted in more concerts to play for The Oath and make useful contacts. It took four years to finally record this album which was again self produced and released; the recording of "The end of Times" already started in 2006 and was released recently. A short while ago another line up change took place and so the most recent line up is now: Destroyer- guitar, vocals Madrignac-guitar and new member! Carcharoth- bass Tyrael- drums Peter Pal- keys Lord Ash (guitar, backing vocals) left the band a few months ago. It is not easy to describe the music of "The Oath" it is of course and without any doubt death metal but with a atmospheric touch to it. The band more or less created a style of their own. The synts are clearly present in the music and it shaves off the raw edges death metal should have- a little bit- to my opinion. But the drums and guitars still have the leading part in The Oath's music. The screaming grunts of Destroyer are well done; it sounds dirty and fits to the music. The songs are varying with tempo changes, guitar riffs and blast beats; just when you think you heard this kind of music before, the song takes another turn into a different direction. With so many death (and black) metal bands around there's always the trap of mediocrity, but I think "The Oath" managed to stay away from that, but only just! All in all this is a good album and also- not to forget - the production sounds good too!
Visit their website: http://www.theoath.org MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theoath666			75/100

THE SHADOWLAND - Falling (CD)	Sweden	September 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Progressive Melodic Metal	Running time: 49:06 (Tracks: 10)
The Shadowland was formed in 2003 by vocalist Robert Forse (Heads Or Tales, Afterglow) and guitarist Tobias Andersson (Seven Wishes). They wrote songs for a new band which should later turn out to become The Shadowland. During the following months, the two musicians started to record their album. They also recruted drummer Olle Rod'ehn (Poseidon) and bassist Jörgen Jönsson (Damned Nation). The band's debut album "The Falling" was recorded in Autumn 2006 at their very own Rose Valley Studio. And what a debut it is! "Falling" is a great Scandinavian melodic hardrock/metal album, with several progressive metal influences. Heavy prog guitar riffs mixed with very good melodic vocals, strong melodies and a focus on the songwriting. For me they sound somewhat in between DGM, Circus Maximus, Treasure Land and Balance Of Power. A fantastic new melodic/progressive metal band from (once again!) Sweden, released by the new German label GerMusica (from Rock It!'s Magazine Birgitt Schwanke).
Recordlabel: http://www.germusica.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shadowland1			88/100

THUNDERSTORM – As We Die Alone (CD)	Italy	September 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Doom Metal	Running time: 49:08 (Tracks: 10)
Thunderstorm is among the best bands of the Italian doom metal scene. Formed back in the early nineties, the band forged its way through numerous demos, line up changes and splits. Things got better in 2001 when the band was finally given the chance to release its debut album, "Sad Symphony". I really liked "Sad Symphony". I consider it a great sample of old school doom metal, free from stoner or drone elements; a plague that strikes many doom metal bands nowadays. The band seemed really devoted to the roots of doom as defined by Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus and Trouble. I lost track of Thunderstorm (mostly because I lost track of the doom metal genre in general with the main reason being what I wrote before. Too much stoner and drone…) but I was fortunate enough to come across "As We Die Alone", the band's fourth release. The things haven't changed that much. Thunderstorm remains devoted to true doom. The only difference I have spotted is that the band has incorporated some 70s elements. The band even delivers a very interesting and heavy Jimi Hendrix cover ("Voodoo Child"). Musicianship is great and so is the production. I guess I could say that in many occasions, "As We Die Alone" leans a bit more towards Trouble material (their late eighties, early nineties stuff). One way or another, all songs are truly great and highly enjoyable. I bet that every real doomster will gladly feast upon the grim reality that Thunderstorm has to offer. Support true doom!
Visit their website: http://www.thunderstorm-doom.com Recordlabel: http://www.dragonheartrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thunderstormlair			82/100

TRW – Rivers Of Paradise (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: AOR	Running time: 45:05 (Tracks: 10)
Because nobody will know what or who TRW is: 3 excellent musicians (Michael Thompson on guitar and vocals, John Robinson on drums and Mark Williamson on bass and vocals) that have played with some big names in music industry; to name a few: Cher, Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, Steve Winwood, Christina Aguilera. By no means is this a cheap sidetrip but 3 friends making the music they love: rock, with a touch of blues. What struck me first are the harmonies in the vocals; some of you may remember bands like Badger (reli-rock from the seventies), Toto, Doobie Brothers and Eagles. Well, these are the kind of harmonies that TRW use frequently, and that's a big plus in todays metal-driven scene. The music that TRW plays brings back a lot of memories. Of course, these guys are not the young and fresh dudes that play AOR but you can see from their experience-list that they have played practically all kinds of music on a high level, and that is exactly what you get. Beautiful sings like Rivers Of Paradise, and a lot of groove in songs like Hold On, One Good Woman and Alimony Blues (which is probably autobiographic). Come on, you rock dinosaurs…get out and give this one a chance; it is hard to find such good musicianship these days!
Visit their website: http://www.michaelthompson.cc Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/trwrock			82/100

VANISHING POINT – The Fourth Season (CD)	Australia	September 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 49:07 (Tracks: 11)
Australia has presented some fine bands in the power progressive metal field over the past few years. Vanishing Point is one of them. With three albums prior to "The Fourth Season", the band has established a strong household name, touring with the likes of Gamma Ray, Nightwish and Dragonforce. Many people (including the band's record company) categorize Vanishing Point as progressive metal but I think that they play pure melodic power metal in the European vein. Of course there are some progressive metal elements in their music but really not enough to define their musical style. To be exact there is not a single progressive metal song until the 7th one ("Behind the Open Door") which is partially prog. The most impressive thing about Vanishing Point is the band's vocalist Silvio Massaro. He owns a strong voice that bears a resemblance to Bruce Dickinson's own only that Silvio sounds more powerful and lacks that annoying vibrato. The 11 songs won't reinvent power metal but you simply can't ignore the fact that each and every tune is well produced and flawlessly executed. Hence the result is really satisfying.
Visit their website: http://www.vanishing-point.com.au Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vanishingpointofficial			79/100

VERISMO – City of Kings (CD)	USA	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Metal Rock	Running time: 43:02 (Tracks: 10)
Verismo is a new band that released their first album "City of Kings" by their own. Now if you ask me what kind of music it is ,then I probably have to say: I don`t know but its fucking great. Their music is a raw mix between Punk, Metal, and Hardcore. All the songs have a lot of variety in it and the production of the album is great. The guitar riffs are raw but very metal and sometimes even very hardcore influenced, with riffs like slayer, Motorhead. The drums are very steady and give the right push to the music. The vocalist hasn't got a grunt but a very heavy vocal. All the songs have a punch in it that makes you want to bang your head. I must confess that I don't understand why they don't have a label? This is fucking good. So check their fucking website and order their CD.
Visit their website: http://www.verismetal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/verismo			70/100

VIRGIN SIN – Brotherhood of Freaks (CD)	Sweden	September 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Thrash Black Metal	Running time: 48:02 (Tracks: 10)
Virgin Sin started in the early years of the 80`s but never produced an album, so here we are. This album isn't a masterpiece at all and that is probably not so strange because there is almost nobody left of the original line-up. The music has a lot of variety but isn't very great performed. The drums aren't so good (sounds like a cookie basket or a pan) and then there are the guitar riffs that are totally ripped off and bad performed. The music isn't bad performed but definitely not original. The vocalist sometimes has a good moment but not my cup of tea (trying to sound like Annihilator). There making commercials about the fact that there Sweden's first black metal band but after hearing this album I think even the metal scene of Sweden is a little bit a shamed about that fact. If you make commercials that the band is alive since 1983 then you may expect some musical quality and not a total rip off! If you like crappy music then check this album but don't buy it before you listened to it.
Visit their website: http://www.virginsin.net Recordlabel: http:// www.mondongocanibale.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/virginsin			40/100

WIDOW – Nightlife (CD)	USA	September 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 44:12 (Tracks: 11)
Widow is a USA based hardrockband, much in the style of the oldfashioned 80s hardrock. This is actually their third album, after having released their debutalbum "Midnight Strikes" in 2003, followed by "On Fire" in 2005. What becomes obvious after a few tracks is that Widow combines this 80s style with melodic death metal and other modern influences. Textwise, the band likes to write about horror; werewolves, witches….much in the style of, what they call B-movies. In a way that would mean lyrics are not that important. Musicwise, I would say the combination is actually quite interesting; not every track makes me bounce off my chair because for a listening audience, it's a bit dangerous to combine such different styles. I assume that Widow has a reasonable fanbase back home, and that they have a good live reputation. They sound like a popular local band wanting to get more fans from over the globe. Tracks like "Teacher's Pet" come close to what I like; good sounding guitars, nice riffs, good vocals. Other tracks sometimes sound like Dead Old Tree, a band that cannot grab my attention. "Beauty Queen" is another track I like; fast paced rock 'n roll like it is meant to be. This album also has 2 covers (why ???), Van Halen's "Ain't Talking Bout Love" and Kiss' "I Stole Your Love". Guys…..only record those as bonus tracks, not for filling a cd with your own music. To me, it shows that they are willing, it also shows their (in-)capacitities. Old school hardrock lovers, check them out. You might like it, you might not.
Visit their website: http://www.widowusa.com Recordlabel: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/widow			70/100

AUGUST

AMERICAN ANGEL - Vanity (CD)	USA	August 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 53:06 (Tracks: 13)
American Angel is band that has its roots in the nineties, where in 1989 the band released their debut album, followed by an EP in 1992 and a double cd in 1998 called "Archives". Now the band has been reformed by original vocalist Rocco Fury, bringing us 80s/90s-style hardrock with steady vocals, a pounding rhythm section and of course some impressive guitarwork; often this is a setback compared to earlier material, but I got surprised. Rocco's voice immediately summoned another vocalists' name in my thoughts: Ronnie James Dio. Rocco has that same appealing style and also the colour of his voice, more in the higher regions, appeal a lot to me. The songmaterial is without a doubt very hardrockish with a bluesy touch here and there, indeed very 80s but man, this is played and produced so well that I can only recommend all hardrockfans that used to listen to the likes of Def Leppard to have a listen. You will most probably not be disappointed ! Patience is needed however, because apparently, something went wrong in the pressing of this CD. It will be for sale probably end of July.
Visit their website: http://www. americanangelrocks.com Recordlabel: http://www.chavisrecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/americanangel			88/100

CONSORTIUM PROJECT IV – Children Of Tomorrow (CD)	The Netherlands	August 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Hardrock/Metal	Running time: 45:57 (Tracks: 11)
Former Elegy vocalist Ian Parry, who also had a short stay in Vengeance, released his fourth Consortium Project cd, teaming up with his old Elegy buddy, keyboardplayer Joshua Dutrieux. It took them about a year to compose, record and produce. Where the three earlier albums contained recognizable, melodic hardrocksongs, this one is more epic-metal-rock-like. While I played this cd, I was not that impressed by the songmaterial. The other thing that struck me is the theme; global warming, images of the future and looking back to the past from there sounds to me like a copy of Ayreon's Final Experiment, although musically there is only 1 song on this album that resembles that style: "Shadowland". Of course there is diversity on the album, and I guess one must appreciate Ian's style and voice to like. Personally I expected and hoped for more power and melody; guitars are downtuned and to me that is allright when it is done to reach a certain powerlevel in music. Halfway, with the song "Enigma", Parry shows us that he certainly knows how to bring us powerful rock. Better yet, 1 song later, he does it again with "Mastermind". Did Ian put us to sleep, to wake us up rude later? In that case he has played a game with us all. All in all, my perception is that the quality of the songmaterial has too much highs and lows, and I know Ian can bring us an album with more stability. That will be the next one, I hope.
Visit their website: http://www.nonstopmusicproductions.com Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/			76/100

COSMO – Alien (CD)	USA	August 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 45:32 (Tracks: 12)
Cosmo is a band assembled by former Boston and Orion the Hunter vocalist Fran Cosmo and his son, Antonio; also of Boston fame. "Alien" is the band's debut album and features another former Boston member, bass player Bill Carman. Unfortunately "Alien" has little to do with the sound of Boston and Orion the Hunter. The music is contemporary American rock with no fancy elements or distinguishable things. Cosmo's voice is very good as always but I think he spends his talent singing indifferent songs like most of these twelve compositions are. This album could make some success in the States but I think that the European audience seeks a more solid traditional melodic rock listen.
Visit their website: http://www.cosmomusic.net Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cosmotheband			60/100

DAVID READMAN – David Readman (CD)	England	August 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Hard Rock	Running time: 56:34 (Tracks: 12)
David was born in Burnley, a small northern town in England, where he played with local bands in the club circuit since the age of 16. At age 19, he attended the Nelson and Colne Music College where he learned the basics of what was required to become a professional singer. Two years later it was time for David to find a real band. After sending his demo tapes around, it wasn't long before he received calls from throughout the U.K.. These would eventually lead to auditions and jobs with Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), then Thomas McRocklin (Vai-like virtuoso) and a move to London with Misha Calvin, who would later release the demos without David's consent. The 17th June 1994 is the day that David's life, as he knew it, would change forever! He flew to Germany for an audition with Pink Cream 69, whose vocalist Andi Deris had left to join Helloween. David got the job and felt that at last he had discovered the band that he had so long searched for. David recorded 7 very succesfull studio albums with PC 69 with whom he toured also worldwide. During the years David was also part of the French power metal band Adagio with whom he recorded 2 studio albums. David's voice can also be heard on the Missa Mercuria rock opera and more recently on the studio album "III" with Royal Hunt mainman Andre Andersen and former Danger Danger singer Paul Laine. After he left Adagio in 2005, David started to gather material for a solo album which has been his ultimate dream. He worked hard on the songwriting and started recording his material during 2006. After a long break (needed to record and complete the last PC 69 album "In10sity"), David resumed the work in February and finally delivered the album. David's first solo album is already a high class melodic hard rock album! It's nicely divided in mid and up-tempo songs, and of course there are also (3) ballads. For this album David worked together with Paul Logue (Eden's Curse) on bass (he also co-wrote 2 tracks with David), Dirk Bruinenberg (Elegy) and Chris Schmidt on drums, Eric Ragno (ex-Takara) and Günter Werno (VandenPlas) on keyboards and Alex Beyrodt (Silent Force), Gerald Sänger, Tommy Denander and bandmate Uwe Reitenauer on guitars. David also plays guitars and keyboards. Production duties are handled by Dennis Ward. Fans of PC 69 and David Readman will not be disappointed with this album who sets the style in melodic hard rock with soaring hooklines and in your face guitars!
Visit their website: http://www.davidreadman.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/davidreadman			82/100

ELECTRIC EARTH – Vol2 - Words Unspoken (CD)	Sweden	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Rock	Running time: 44:34 (Tracks: 12)
Electric Earth started out back in 2001 in Sweden, and this is their second album, after their 2005 debut album 'Organic Songs – Volume 1'. The four musicians already possessed quite some experience in writing and playing music in different other bands. Together they set out to create some original sounds, without disavowing their influences such as Kiss, Black Sabbath, Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden. In 2006 old drummer Lars decided to quit the band in pursuit of other interests. He was replaced by Draken, who had previously played with Sabbra Cadabra and Roarkit. The same year Electric Earth also completed their their follow up to 'Volume 1' non surprisingly entitled 'Volume 2 – Words Unspoken' for which the tracks were cut at Bohus, a renowned Swedish studio where everyone from Abba and Status Quo to metal outfits like Evergrey have recorded. The production of the album was done by the band themselves with assistance of Roberto Laghi (a.o. Hardcore Superstar, Mustasch), and they have done quite a good job, cause the album sounds awesome. The sound of the album is very powerful and heavy, almost stoner, and consists of great, quality songs with a mighty powerful groove. For instance opener 'Drowning' or 'Again & Again' , what a sound, with the perfect fitting, pleasant voice of Peter, makes it a very nice and complete, and original rock album. This is a band that can make it very far, especially with such a great record as this one. My favourite track 'Wheels of Confession', give it listen for yourselves, they won't disappoint you at all!
Visit their website: http://www.electricearth1.com Recordlabel: http://www.mausoleum-records.com My Space: http://www.myspace.com/electricearthband			82/100

FATE – Love on the Rox (CD) FATE - Cruisin' For a Bruisin' (CD)	Denmark	August 2007	Peter de Kok (a.k.a Warlock)
Style: HardRock/Hair Metal	Running time: 41:51 (Tracks: 11) & 39:24 (Tracks: 10)
After the 1984 split of the legendary Mercyful Fate, Hank Sherman formed a new band with Maxim vocalist Jeff Lox Limbo, Bass/keyboard player Pete Steiner and Drummer Bob Lance (Bjarne T. Holm) and formed the band Fate (coincidence?). Their debut album (1985), produced by Henrik Lund and Svein Dag Hauge, was self-titled and named "Fate" and consists of a collection of mediocre hard rock/hair metal songs. Some catchy songs on this album are "Rip it up", "Victory", "(She's got) the Devil inside" [with a nice MF-like solo in the middle], "Backdoor man" (?!?) and a bonus track "won't stop". Don't expect any fireworks or classics like: "Satan's Fall" or "The Oath" from Mr. Sherman's hand here. Just simple glam/hair metal with corny lyrics and moderate riffs with a mandatory solo from time to time is all you can find here. "Cruisin' for a bruisin'" Is officially the third album of Copenhagen-based Danish melodic rock band Fate. Producer Simon Hanhart, who had worked with the likes of Asia, Bryan Adams, Yngwie Malmsteen and Marillion joined forces with the band to create this album in 1988. This album featured the single "Lovers" which was a moderate success for the band, after drastic line-up changes (Sherman left the band prior to the recordings and was replaced by a "Mr. Moth") and the joining of full time keyboard player Flemming Rothaus. A non-consistent album was the result of this, including a rewritten version of the song "Love on the Rox" from the debut album. Unfortunately, it's not as full or powerful as the original version. "Dead Boy, Cold Meat" is an up-tempo track even though it does have an offbeat, almost David Lee Roth-like chorus, and struts along with a very Van Halen-like feel overall. "Lock Up" is another catchy track. Bottom-line in this review is: Great there are record labels like MTM who dare to take a risk by releasing "classic" albums, but being a fan of Hank Sherman (and Mercyful Fate) the release of these Fate albums is redundant and only recommended material if you're a Glam/Hair metal fan who wants to complete his/her collection of 80's material. Fate couldn't rock my world back then and it still doesn't do it for me now (in spite of the digital re-mastering of the songs). Line-Ups: Bob Lance (Bjarne T. Holm) – Drums, Jeff Limbo – Vocals, Hank Sherman / Mr. Moth – Guitars, Pete Steiner – Bass/keyboards, Flemming Rothaus – Keyboards
Visit the official website: http://www.fateband.dk Recordlabel: http://www.mtm-music.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fatedk			61/100

FATT MATT – Southern Fried Steel (CD)	USA	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 40:15 (Tracks: 11)
Again some new material from the busiest man in metal, being the man behind the Wild Dogs and Dr. Mastermind, and his own label US Metal Records, and now bringin out his second album under the name Fatt Matt. After I reviewed his first record 'Atomic Thunder' last September, I was curious about his next work, cause that one blew me away. With this new album 'Southern Fried Steel' , Matt changed his style drastically to what he did on 'Atomic Thunder'. As he stated, this cd is all about what used to be and what is goin' on now in the world, his dissatisfaction with the puritanical direction their USA seems be embracing. He misses the 70's and he's been listening to a lot of Ted Nugent, AC/DC, Aerosmith and tons of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and this is his version of it all. In contrast to 'Atomic Thunder' this is more straight ahead metal fuelled power rock, as he calls it, where I like to add that it has also a very 70's and sometimes bluesy touch to it. Even boogie on this album, in the last song simply called 'Fatt Matt Boogie'. Some great songs in true 70's tradition like 'Drinkin Time', 'Days Gone By', and 'Addicted To Love'. And it all starts off with a protest song 'Damned', clearly making his statement of dissatisfaction. Although very different from his other album 'Atomic Thunder' , it needs some getting used to, a great and diverse album, whit a true spirit!
Recordlabel: http://www.usmetal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/usmetal			82/100

FREDERIKSEN DENANDER – Baptism By Fire (CD)	Sweden	August 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 53:32 (Tracks: 12)
Frederiksen-Denander is a project formed by former Toto, Trillion and Le Roux frontman Dennis Frederiksen and charismatic guitarist and composer Tommy Denander. Frederiksen and Denander had also worked together on the Radioactive albums so the good chemistry was already a fact. The duo brought some friends such as legendary Jim Peterik (Survivor, Pride of Lions) and Michael Thompson (M.T.B., T.R.W.) along and created "Baptism By Fire". This album screams success from a thousand miles away. With all this potential, the expectations were huge and the band didn't let us down. Not even a bit. The duo created a fantastic melodic hard rock album, containing all the elements that could make it a classic. Amazing vocal performances, great compositions and supreme musicianship in general. If you like Survivor or Pride of Lions you will love this album and its twelve easy going melodic and hard rocking songs full of great vibes and strong rhythm. On top comes the crystal clear production, an essential element for records like this one. I would like to stand particularly on Frederiksen's velvet vocals. The man owns a fantastic, melodic and sentimental voice. One of the best in hard rock music. Well done guys!
Visit their website: http://www.tommy-denander.com Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tommydenandermusic			89/100

GREAT WHITE – Back To The Rhythm (CD)	USA	August 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: American Hardrock	Running time: 55:02 (Tracks: 12)
Great White knows something about great bluesy sleazy hardrock. The Southern California blues-rock band first took a bite out of the rock scene in 1984 and has never let go. Great White has achieved worldwide success. Encompassing sales of over six million records. They received a grammy Award nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", and earned a double platinum certification for the album Twice Shy. Great White is poised to conquer once again. The soulfull, blues-based signature sound that turned songs like "Face The Day", "Rock Me", and "Save Your Love" into international hits ! Great White has been making out memorable songs since the early 80's. Great White did their first European tour with "Whitesnake" in 1984. The first time I saw Great White live was in 1988 at the memorial Monsters Of Rock Festival in my hometown Tilburg, The Netherlands. Great White and Jack Russel ( vocalist ) always worked hard but never got that big in The Netherlands, it's a pity because it's a really strong and tight full band. That's why I really love their new album "Back To The Rhythm" so much. The album totally sounds like 1987, great tight full melodic mid-tempo American hardrock. Russel's voice is still the trademark of Great White and if you listen to his voice you will be back in the mid/late 80's. Classic Sleazy/Bluesy Hardrock with a Oldschool traditional 70's vibe. If you ask me, it's an amazing rock album which brought back the good old days. Keep On The Good and please come to Holland as soon as you can ! We need this kind of US Hardrock in The Netherlands.
Visit their website: http://www.mistabone.com/index.shtml Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/			90/100

HELLFUELED – Born II Rock (CD)	Sweden	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 37:53 (Tracks: 11)
Hellfueled was formed in 1998 by Jocke Lundgren, Kent Svensson, Andy Alkman and Henke Lonn in Huskvarna, Sweden. This little town is mostly known worldwide for it's motorcycles and chainsaws…and now also for Hellfueled! In 2003 they signed with Black Lodge and recorded their debut album 'Volume One' at studio Fredman Gothenborg with masterproducer Fredrik Nordstrom (a.o. In Flames, Hammerfall). After releasing 'Volume One' Hellfueled got the chance to be special guest on reunited Swedish rockers Europe's Scandinavian arena tour 2004. The band also played some great festivals across Europe and received many album of the year and best newcomer band by a lot of the big metal magazines. In spring 2005 the band once again teamed up with producer Fredrik Nordstrom and engineer Patrik J at studio Fredman to record this album 'Born II Rock'. What can I say about the album, besides that it came out already in 2005, well after I put it on I got a surprise, wow is Ozzy singing? What a voice, exactly sounding like Ozzy in his best days, or maybe even better, just checking the cover, no it really isn't Ozzy, it's Andy Alkman, unbelievable what a similarity. Well this album rocks I can tell you that, guitarist Jocke is also influenced by Zakk Wilde and it shows, great rock songs with heavy grooving guitarwork, and with a production from Fredrik Nordstrom, you get a guaranteed heavy sounding album. Also the songs don't lie about it, all heavy rock in it's best form, 'Can't Get Enough', 'Look Out' , 'Born To Rock' all jewels of rock, with a big R. If you have to compare it with something, well logically Ozzy Osbourne comes to mind, also Black Label Society, but they don't need to be compared, cause they stand out on their own!
Visit their website: http://www.hellfueled.com Recordlabel: http://www.blacklodge.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hellfueled			88/100

HELLFUELED – Memories In Black (CD)	Sweden	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 49:49 (Tracks: 12)
This is the latest album by Hellfueled, after their second album 'Born II Rock', they got some great reviews all over the world, and even got album of the month in Rockhard magazine Germany. In October/November they did a European headlining tour, and played clubs all over Europe. Hellfueled continued 2006 playing some of the biggest summer festivals in Europe like Wacken Open Air, Gods of Metal, Bang Your Head. In November/December that year Hellfueled locked themselves in at the new studio Fredman to record their third album 'Memories In Black'. Fredman is now located in the woods outside Gothenburg so the band lived and breathed the album night and day for a couple of weeks. The result is now here in my player, although it was hard to get 'Born II Rock' out of there cause I really liked that one, but hey gotta listen to their latest achievements to hear where they went musically. The new album sounds fresh and heavy, with some more seventies influences in there, and with a little less similarity to Ozzy and Zakk Wilde in opposite to their earlier albums. Which ofcourse isn't a bad thing at all, the new album is a little more diverse than the last one, great compositions on here, with in some songs less speed than before, like in 'Again'. All in all more variation on this album, but still as heavy as hell, like 'Face Your Demon' with even an organ in there. This band has one of the most grooving and heavy rhythm sections and it shows listen to 'Monster', 'Right Now' or 'Master of Night'. This could well be their breakthrough album, listen and judge for yourself.
Visit their website: http://www.hellfueled.com Recordlabel: http://www.blacklodge.se MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hellfueled			84/100

HER WHISPER – Children of the Black Soil (CD)	Sweden	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 59:34 (Tracks: 13)
This is the debut album 'Children of the Black Soil' of a new band from Sweden called 'Her Whisper'. They already have a four track cd by the name 'Age of Innocence' out, but is was only send out to eighty or something record companies, so don't think it's available anymore. But hey this is the stuff, a very fine and heavy debut album, which is not easy to categorize cause these guys play a mix of different styles like power metal, dark heavy metal and even progressive metal. The result is a fresh and original style of music, add the great production this album has, and it's killer. The songs are pieces of art on their own, for instance "Theater of the Absurd", a great song which start with a little intro, and has everything in it a good song needs, great singing, superb guitarwork, even some piano, yes these guys know how to play their instruments, very entertaining. The singing is also very diverse sometimes almost clean, and in some parts almost like grunting, also the keyboards sound perfectly fitting to the atmosphere of the music and not too overruling, while the guitars sound very heavy, almost death metal like. While great song structures with melodic refrains make this an interesting album, just listen to some like the title track, or 'Dawn of War' or 'Mind over Matter' well almost all of them actually. An awesome debut, by an awesome band, one to keep an eye on in the future!
Visit their website: http://www.herwhisper.net Recordlabel: http://www.stf-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/herwhisper			83/100

KORPIKLAANI - Tervaskanto (CD)	Finland	August 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Humppa Folk Metal	Running time: 42:38 (Tracks: 11)
Korpiklaani (in English : Forest Clan) emerged out of the ashes of Shaman, when the band opted to change its name, as well as its musical and lyrical expression. Vocalist/guitarist Jonne envisioned a new direction characterized by original metal songs heavily influenced by traditional Finnish folk melodies. In 2003 they debuted for Napalm Records with "Spirit Of The Forest". Two years later they released "Voice Of Wilderness". In 2005 there were some line-up changes, but in 2006 they returned with "Tales Along This Road". That year they also played at Wacken, Masters Of Rock, Up From The Ground, Tuska and Metalmania, making 2006 Korpiklaani's most successful year to date! Now they have released their fourth album, called "Tervaskanto". Once again a mix of metal and folk, mostly up-tempo songs which are perfect to play at festivals. Theses wild Finns have again managed to bottle the atmosphere and energy of their live shows and inject it into "Tervaskanto".
Visit their website: http://www.korpiklaani.com Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial			77/100

KUTURLAT - Necroritual (CD)	Spain	August 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 37:51 (Tracks: 11)
Kuturlat was formed in 2004 by musicians from various bands in Madrid, all experienced musicians who played in bands for many years before they decided to join forces. The line up is as following: Juanma-vocals, Barny-guitars, Kiko-bass and Javier-drums. After the line up was completed the guys spend most of the year rehearsing and playing some life shows. This album "Necroritual" was recorded in the VRS studio in the winter of 2004. "Necroritual" is not a bad cd and you can hear experienced musicians and the songs on them selves are not bad. But is doesn't seem to impress much, the production is bad, the sound is simply too "thin". You can barely hear the drums at all in some passages. The grunts of Juanma are well done and the songs have good tempo changes and blast beats, but because of the sound it isn't as evil as it was supposed to be! And that is a pity! Because these guys know how to play their music and the cd booklet looks professional so I think with the right production it al would be really brutal and evil! Personally I would not call this band a black metal band as referred in the bio from the record company but death metal. On the band's MySpace site is very little info on the band, so I also see an opportunity there to promote the band! Kuturlat is certainly a band with potential and a poor production will not stop them from going on torturing the metal scene in Spain I think.
Visit their website: http://www.kuturlat.com Recordlabel: http://www.mondongocanibale.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kuturlat			69/100

MATTHEW MILLS - Neoclassical Rock Guitar, Part 2 (CD)	USA	August 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Neo-classical Metal	Running time: 38:40 (Tracks: 13)
Matthew started playing the guitar around the age of 15. He was completely blown away after hearing Yngwie Malmsteen's album "Trilogy". This album completely changed his world and he knew he wanted to take guitar very seriously. He began to play guitar for 6 to 8 hours a day. Matthew started also to listen to Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Joe Stump and George Bellas. In 2002 he released his first album "Matt Mills Project". In 2005 his second "Neoclassical Rock Guitar". Now he has released the follow-up, "Neoclassical Rock Guitar Part 2". Most songs are again of breaknecking speed, but always with strong melodies and themes. There are also a few slower songs/parts. But in general "Neoclassical Rock Guitar Part 2" is a superb guitar shredfest of arpeggios and speed picking madness, but always with a melodic touch too! As guests there are Sean Baker and Mike Orlando, they both contribute with a guitar solo. Matthew also plays in the power metal band Forgotten Realm, which will release an album for Sonic Age Records later this year.
Visit their website: http://www.mattmillsmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/matthewmillsinstrumentalguitar			83/100

MILAN POLAK - Straight (CD)	Austria	August 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Bluesy Hardrock	Running time: 52:49 (Tracks: 13)
Milan Polak is an Austrian guitarplayer, first self-taught, later officially graduated from the American Institue of Music, where he later teached himself. He has played with a lot of known musicians in the nineties, played in the band of Austria's hitparade-machine Falco and has released two instrumental guitaralbums so far. As fas as I could find, people were very enthousiastic after hearing a 6-track pre-release cd, finally ending up on this 13-track cd. Obviously I was curious. Milan has a pretty bluesy, roaring voice, fitting a bluesy rockstyle perfectly. At some point, with my eyes closed, I thought I heard Ace Frehley…..I must admit that his compositions are pretty much OK, but man, I wished he had spent more money on a producer; drums sound demo-like, bassguitar is almost unhearable. After hearing the full album, I am not yet convinced. A man who is influenced by Randy Rhoads and the likes of Malmsteen, Van Halen and Gilbert delivers Jimi Hendrix and Pat Travers bluesrock, which to me is a bit strange. People who are fond of Pat Travers and Robin Trower will very much appreciate this cd. I had better wait for the next one myself because I think Milan can do MUCH better.
Visit their website: http://www.milanpolak.com Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/milanpolak			67/100

OFFICIUM TRISTE - Giving Yourself Away (CD)	The Netherlands	August 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Doom Metal	Running time: 47:45 (Tracks: 6)
Officium Triste is one of the oldest and most renowned Doom Metal bands in The Netherlands. The band has a rich history since 1996, including four full length albums, two 7" and one mini cd. After three years of absence, the band returns with a brand new album, hoping to bring melancholy upon the doom metal fans. I think that melancholic doom death metal doesn't comply with a hot summer in Greece. Bad timing I guess but really cannot connect to this kind of music while drinking ice cold coffee in my bathing suite by the beach under a sun umbrella. But I will try to ignore my summer mood and give these guys the fitting record review they deserve after the hard work they put for this album. I am pretty sure that My Dying Bride and Anathema fans already know about Officium Triste. The connection is more than obvious. All fans of melodic melancholic doom death metal should check this band out. Their music is loyal to the lamenting style of these British pioneers. Clean vocals blend with death growls, grieving piano tunes make way for ultra heavy and slow riffs. I think I made my point. This album is not recommended to people with suicidal tendencies. Pure grimness.
Visit their website: http://www.officiumtriste.com Recordlabel: http://www.displeasedrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officiumtristeholland			75/100

PITIFUL REIGN – D.I.V.E (CDemo)	England	August 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Thrash Metal	Running time: 19:50 (Tracks: 4)
Pitiful Reign is a new British Oldschool Thrash Metal band who started back in mid/late 2003. The band recorded their first four-track demo in 2005 which was received very well. In 2006 the band released a self recordered and produced cd called “Toxic Choke”. The band also did a successful tour with bands such as: Xentrix and Onslaught. In 2007 the band supported “Skyclad” and released a brand new really cool four-track demo which sounds a bit like the old British Heroes of Acid Reign and Re- Animator. Hard thrashy hitting slamming riffs and screaming vocals/backing vocals. The music sounds timeless and takes you back in time. Oldschool Thrash how it was meant to be in the mid/late 80’s. Oldschool thrash metal with a little bit more class than most other bands these days. For me “Pitiful Reign” is one of the coolest 80’s copies I’ve heard in the past 2 years. Great Demo, curious to hear more material of these British lads. Mosh It Up !!!!
Visit their website: http://www.pitifulreign.co.uk MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pitifulreign			88/100

SILVER FIST – Tears Of Blood (CD)	Spain	August 2007	Marco van Empel
Style:Heavy Metal	Running time: 50:15 (Tracks:11)
After the separation of MURO, his singer Silver decides to form a new band at the end of 2002 with the name Silver Fist along with the ex-drummer of Muro Iván Manzano with the clear idea to practice pure and direct Heavy Metal. Shortly after Diego Lopez (guitar) and Jose M. the Perez (bass) joined the band. In September of 2004 they record the subject “Killer of Giants” for the album tribute to Ozzy Osbourne “Tribute to Madman” devised and produced by Jorge Escobedo (Sober Skizoo), idea that took to the band to participate in the festival Viña Rock 2005 under the name of “The Mad Ones” with other musicians who participated in this tribute album (Antonio Bernardini and Jorge Escobedo (Sober, Skizoo) on the guitars, Oscar Sancho (Lujuria) voice, Enrik Garcia guitar and Alfred Romero voice (Dark Moor) and David Martinez, keyboards. During the year 2005 they began to compose great part of which will be the second album of Silver Fist and playing in several Spanish festivals as the baptism of Rockzinanta Excalibur Metal Festival that took place in Alcala de Henares (Madrid) together with Saratoga, Baron Rojo and Medina Azahara. 2006 being a great year for the band, accompany in January Saratoga in Madrid in the presentation by its last album and in April presenting “Ave Fenix” live, also in Madrid, and with great participation of its followers, later to stay in Germany on the 6th edition of the festival Keep It True where they shared stage with bands like Exciter, Paradox, Ross The Boss, Grim Reaper, Riot… very being valued between the public who 2 times a year meets for this festival, which also served so that at the end of June they return to German lands to another metal event, Thrash Till Death near Hannover. Now in 2007 they released an English version of Lagrimas De Sangre of 2006. Tears Of Blood created a perfect mix of rock, power, heavy and speed metal. Just a great piece of work. Clear raw vocals, great guitar riffs and lots of atmosphere. A great Heavy Metal album with temperament ! Listen to the ballad I Still Believe in You and you will understand what I’ll mean. Fans of bands such as Helloween, Savatage, Omen and even OverKill will love this album for sure ! Tears Of Blood is an album with lots of variation and atmosphere. As bonustrack they have put a little bit weak cover version of German Metalgods Accept ``Balls To The Wall` on the album haha now no German accent but an even stronger Spanish accent lol…not a very good cover but whatever still very cool to hear ! The rest of the album is absolute a must for every traditional headbanger, heavy metal is king !
Visit their website: http://www.silverfistmetal.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.avispamusic.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/silverfistmetal			72/100

SONIC X - Thirteen (CD)	Canada	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Hardrock	Running time: 57:37 (Tracks: 12)
Sonic X is a Hard Rock band based out of Toronto, Canada who deliver their second album with this one "Thirteen", after their self titled debut in 2004. Their debut cd was well received and garnered a fair share of great reviews. With this new cd, Sonic X has captured a truly unique sound that has been described as a cross between classic rock with modern influences intertwined, according to their bio. Well about the album, their description fits the music very good in my opinion, for example the song 'Carried Away' sounds like it could have been on any Foreigner album, but they gave it a twist of their own. The sound of the album came out very melodic and classic Rock, which shows their talented musicianship. Some superb classic guitar work is to be heard on this album, and their vocalist Adam Troy has a great voice that fits their music perfectly. All together a great sounding album which reminds of the classics from time to time, like in 'Seeds Of Thunder' which has a bit of an Aerosmith feel, other bands to compare could well be Whitesnake or Led Zeppelin, which tells you something about this band, they got it in them to become big I think, but give it a listen for yourself and find out! It's just a matter of time until they get picked up by radio stations and get interest of big labels, if they haven't got it already, some nice radio friendly tunes like the song 'Shine' with reminded me of another great band that got big, namely Extreme. So if you're into some good quality mainstream classic rock this is it!
Visit their website: http://www.thesonicx.com Recordlabel: http://www.chavisrecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thesonicx			85/100

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE - Anima (CD)	France	August 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 1:07:42 (Tracks: 11)
Spheric Universe Experience began its venture in 1999. After some line up changes and a split in 2002, the band re-emerged in 2003 with a brand new line up and a demo. The debut album "Mental Torments" followed one year later, released with the help from the band's current manager and progressive music specialist Intromental Management. "Anima" is a decent progressive metal listen. The influences from the early Dream Theater works are obvious but I dare say that S.U.E. is a bit heavier. There is also some Pain of Salvation around. The production is quite fitting; all instruments can be heard loud and clear and is obvious that the band wanted to reproduce the sound of "Images and Worlds". The drumming is immense, a great job indeed. Guitar is heavy and precise, vocals are good but nothing extraordinary and keyboards play a significant role. I really like the fast and heavy parts where rhythm guitar meets the double bass. The entire album generally moves is a fast pace. I mean there are some mellower and more atmospheric parts but the majority is fast and aggressive and I think it's good for the listener; it helps you keep focused during the entire listen. All the serious progressive metal fans should give S.U.E. a try. These guys are more than Dream Theater clones and they produce music that stimulates the senses.
Visit their website: http://www.sphericuniversexp.com Management: http://www.intromental.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sphericuniverseexperience			78/100

STEEN GRONTVED - Night Vision Goggles (CD)	Denmark	August 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental Rock/Jazz/Fusion	Running time: 38:59 (Tracks: 12)
Danish guitarist Steen Grontved is a veteran of the session music scene having appeared on countless releases over the last few years across many genres. Steen makes his debut onto the instrumental guitar platform with the fusion/jazz/rock rich "Night Vision Goggles". The album is home to 12 tracks that travel through a myriad of tonalities and cultural expressions. Most tracks are laidback jazz-rock-fusion songs, except the songs "Timber" (Greg Howe style) and "Run" (Satriani style) which are played more uptempo. Influences from several other guitarists can also be heard such as Gambale and Henderson. A nice start from this Danish guitarist.
Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.bertus.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steengrontved			72/100

SVARTHARID - Sadness and Wrath (CD)	Norway	August 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Black/Viking Metal /b>	Running time: 43:51 (Tracks: 8)
The band Svartharid was formed by Istar (guitar, vocals) and Forn (drums) back in 1994 in Norway. The line up was completed in '96 with Bjorn (synthesizer) and Ilvastar (bass).Two years later their first demo was recorded and that resulted in a record deal with Napalm Records! In 1999 the first cd was recorded and released: "Forthcoming storm", in that year Bjorn left the band. August 2000 the next cd was recorded and given the name of "As the sunrise flickers", it was released in 2001. Also in 2001 Ilvastar left the band due to a prison sentence and he was replaced by Frank. After promoting this album "Sadness and Wrath" was recorded in 2003 but was not released yet! Frank left the band a year later and replaced by Nidgrim who is still the current bass player now. It wasn't until this year that "Sadness and Wrath" was released by Soulseller Records! And it is expected that a follow up will be recorded this year and released in 2008. But first we concentrate on "Sadness and Wrath", what a great album this is!! It can be recognized as Norwegian metal, not necessarily Black metal but its certainly influenced by it. They themselves describe it as dark and grim and that is exactly what it is. Al songs have several tempo changes and catching riffs with of course brutal grunts of Istar. The production is good too, nothing to complain about. "Sadness and Wrath" is varying until the last song so you won't fall asleep at the end of the cd. One song is written and sung by Nocturno Culto from Darkthrone, which is a good contribution to the cd too. If you are in anyway interested in Black/extreme Metal from "the North" you really have to listen to this band! I'm sure that it will not disappoint you at all! For me this cd was an immediate winner!
Recordlabel: http://www.soulsellerrecords.com			93/100

TESLA - Real To Reel (CD)	USA	August 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Hard Rock	Running time: 64:04 (Tracks: 13)
Tesla is the name of an American rock band originating in Sacramento, California. The band formed in 1984 on Guam as City Kidd and was renamed Tesla during the recording of their first album on the advice of their manager. The band derived their name, certain album and song titles, and some song content from events relating to "Nikola Tesla", a Serbian inventor and electrical engineer born in the 19th century. Vocalist Jeff Keith fronted a band that included guitarists "Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat and drummer Troy Luccketta". Tesla's music was close to heavy metal, but was more bluesy and the band's lyrics strayed from the partying and women themes popular at the time.. Tesla, which toured with David Lee Roth, Def Leppard, and Poison was incorrectly categorized as a Glam band. In 1990 Tesla released "Five Man Acoustical Jam", a live album featuring acoustic renditions of hits such as "Comin' Atcha Live," "Gettin' Better," "Modern Day Cowboy," the Ph.D. cover "Little Suzi," "Edison's Medicine," and "Love Song." The album also featured "Signs", a cover of a song by the Five Man Electrical Band. The band reformed in 2000 and recorded a double live album. In 2002 they were featured in the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside other 80s rock bands. In 2004 they released their fifth studio album Into the Now which debuted on the Billboard album chart at number 30. The album was well received by fans and the band was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live. In the summer of 2006, the band embarked on the Electric Summer Jam Tour and put the following statement on their web site: "We would like you to join us in welcoming guitarist "Dave Rude", who will be hitting the road with us for the 2006 Electric Summer Jam Tour. Tesla is back with a classic authentic Tesla hardrock album ! The band still got their bluesy vibe and the trade marking voice of vocalist "Jeff Keith" still got that extra's of the band. Tesla got their own 70's/80's hardrock vein such as bands like "UFO, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep and Aerosmith". I think most listeners will enjoy their version of "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin and of course their "UFO" cover "Rock Bottom". "Real To Reel" sounds like a whole Rock History at one cd! Great musical qualities and a lot of atmosphere will bring you in trance. My opinion is that "Tesla" is still one of the best American hardrock bands of the 80's and early 90's. Great new album and absolute a must for every traditional ( Hard ) Rock fan and Headbanger !
Visit their website: http://www.teslarealtoreel.co.uk/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/teslatheband			80/100

V.A. - GUITAR GREATS Volume 1 (CD)	USA	August 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Magna Carta Compilation cd	Running time: 64:43 (Tracks: 11)
It must have been difficult for Magna Carta's Peter Morticelli to assemble this compilation of fine guitar driven performances. Peter selected songs from past Magna Carta releases like Explores Club (John Petrucci), Jethro Tull Tribute (Derek Trucks), three songs from the Rush Tribute (Michael Romeo – Jake E Lee – George Lynch), Bozzio Levin Stevens (Steve Stevens), two songs from Jordan Rudess (Joe Satriani – Vinnie Moore), Niacin (Steve Lukather), Steve Morse and Alex Skolnick Trio. A nice collection of especially prog, sympho, fusion and (bluesy) hardrock.
Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/magnacartarecords			--/---

V.A. - US METAL SAMPLER (CD)	USA	August 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 1:15:22 (Tracks: 20)
Another one from US Metal Records, or Fatt Matt McCourt, which is the same actually, this time it's a sampler, simply called 'US Metal Sampler'. On this album you will find favourite tracks from recent releases on his label. Starting off with 2 tracks from the recent Wild Dogs album 'Ring of Blood', called "American Way" and "the Burning", 2 true old school metal tracks, which makes me get curious at their complete album! Next up 3 tracks from the 'Atomic Thunder' album by Fatt Matt himself, including the Alice Cooper cover of "Elected", but already reviewed in September 2006, so to be short, some of the best tracks of the album. After this we get 2 songs from Fatt Matt's 'Southern Fried Steel' album, reviewed also this month, so check that out. Also on this album Church Of El Duce (Mentors) with "Devils Hand" and "Ladies Man", true sleaze rock in Mentors tradition, and both tracks from different albums. Next up Fatt Matt psychedelic blues experience, 3 tracks with some superb guitar sounds, but not really something to do with metal. Mattison Avenoo & The Bloomstones are following, it's an adult humor album by Fatt Matt's alter ego. Both tracks are funny, more rockabilly sounding songs with hilarious lyrics called "Kick Your Ass" and "Dirty Rotten Scumbag". Next is another Wild Dogs song called "Down & Dirty", great metal song with an 80's feel to it. Dr.Mastermind follows with 2 tracks from 'Sin Sandwich', namely "On The Road" and "Sin Sandwich", the production is a bit poor on these tracks but the songs are great, fast and furious metalrock. Evil Genius is up with 2 songs from their 'Dr.Mastermind Must Die' album, "Black Leather Maniac" and "Vampire", true metalrock songs again Saxon and Maiden would be jealous off. Last song on the album is a track called "King Of The World" by Fatt Matt McCourt, real fast metal song by the man who is living metal, he's got it running through his veins I think, he's the most busy man I can imagine in metal. Keep on doing what you do best Matt, delivering your metal to the world, can't get much truer than this.
Recordlabel: http://www.usmetal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/usmetal			--/---

WASHED - Washed (CD)	USA	August 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 39:24 (Tracks: 8)
It is a funny thing how fate and luck play their games on some bands. Washed originate from Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and kicked off as a group in the mid 80ies. Throughout these years Washed didn't manage to get a record deal despite the great feedback from fans and the numerous shows across the east coast. The group disbanded in 1992 and the members went after diverse careers. It wasn't until 2006 when Washed started a myspace page and realized that the interest from fans was still out there. This 8 track cd is actually the prelude to the band's debut cd after 20 years of career. The cd will contain 6 more tracks, all written between 1986 and 2006. Judging by these 8 tracks, I really can't wait for a full Washed release. This band is amazing! High quality melodic hard rock with heavy metal touches is the game, played in the original 80ies style. Great hooks, memorable choruses, amazing guitar and vocals in all. The opening track "I Need an Angel" is a true American hard rock anthem, built for extensive airplay. The rest of the tracks follow that successful recipe, a recipe that should have given the band a record deal in the first place alas the luck wasn't on their side. I really hope that such high quality music will not fall upon deaf ears for a second time. I won't bother writing down which bands Washed brings to mind. If you are a melodic rock fan, you are already trying to contact the band for details on how to obtain its music.
Visit their website: http://purevolume.com/washed MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/washedpa			90/100

WHISPER X - Warside (CD)	France	August 2007	Suzanne de Volder- Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 29.50 (Tracks: 10)
Whisper-X is quite a young band from Lyon, the band was formed in 2003 and after several line up changes in the beginning, the line up is now solid and the members are: Thomas-vocals, Cedric-drums, Vincent-guitar and Ferid-bass. The first demo was recorded in 2003 and two years later another one was recorded. In 2006 the band released a live demo containing 4 songs and also a live DVD (seven songs)! Whiper-X is an active band who plays a lot of live shows and after four years they build up quite a reputation for themselves. They are well known in the local scene and other regions/cities in France and as a result of that the have played with a lot of other French- and foreign bands. They have decided to take things a lever higher and have taken on a manager, web designer, light- and sound engineers to help them to a professional and international carrier. The band also decided to record this cd "Warside" in a professional studio and release it by themselves. And this cd is really brutal! Brutal death metal without compromises and it hits you like a sledgehammer! The grunts of Thomas are deep and mean as it should be. All the songs are fast and furious with well played drums and guitars. I can recommend you this cd without any doubt for anyone into extreme death metal! "Warside" will not let you down at all!
Visit their website: http://www.whisper-x.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/whisperx			85/100

JULY

ANNIHILATOR - Metal (2CD)	Canada	July 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Metal	Running time: 55:01 & 49:15 (Tracks: 10 & 11)
Adding a bio of Annihilator is senseless when its up to me? Every self-respecting metalhead has to be familiar with Jeff Waters (because he IS Annihilator). The band already released several classic albums like: Alice In Hell, Never, Neverland, King Of The Kill, Carnival Diablos, Schizo Deluxe and others over the years. In April 2007, after a full year of writing and production, Annihilator released "Metal". The tracks on "Metal" were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (long-time vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). Metal also features performances by some of metal's finest players and Annihilator's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom), Danko Jones (Danko Jones), Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), William Adler (Lamb Of God), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Jesper Strømblad (In Flames), Steve ´Lips` Kudlow (Anvil), Anders Bjørler (The Haunted), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator), Jacob Lynam (Lynam), Dan Beehler & Allan Johnson (both ex-Exciter) and many more. Just because of these guest appearances, "Metal" sounds different form the earlier releases of Annihilator. There is a lot of variety between the songs on this album and that suits me very well. Some tracks sound 'oldschool' while others have a very modern touch. On the other side; Jeff always keeps true to his typical style of shredding but I suppose that no one is waiting for a change of style at this point! This CD is provided very well and the promoter even send me a double CD with a lot of old stuff on the bonus CD. Thats a real improvement after the promostuff I got from his earlier AFM label in the past!!!! To subscribe/review this album is very easy; If you like all of Annihilators earlier stuff; you sure will this one also!! Check it out & buy it!!!
Visit their website: http://www.annihilatormetal.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/annihilatorofficial			80/100

BEYOND FALLEN – Mindfire (CD)	USA	July 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 52:06 (Tracks: 10)
Beyond Fallen hails from Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and began its venture in 2003. The band released a mini cd that had an immediate impact upon the fans of underground heavy metal. The band had already established a strong name playing many shows and winning "battle of the bands" competitions. The singer of the group Joe Karavis was well known for his participation in the early days of Unleashed Power (also known as U.P.). The first full length album came a couple of years later. "Lost in the Shadows" is another great sample of American power metal. A few years ago I had the privilege of reviewing the Beyond Fallen debut mini cd. I was impressed by the power of this band and its dedication to real and uncompromising metal. Now, listening to "Mindfire", I see that these things haven't changed a bit. The band remains faithful to the original power metal style of the debut but the production is much better and all five guys have formed a strong musical bond that reflects throughout the entire album. Joe Karavis still sounds angry and powerful while both guitars really slay! I could describe "Mindfire" as a cross between Overkill and Iced Earth. This is how contemporary power metal should be played in the States.
Visit their website: http://www.beyondfallen.com Recordlabel: http://www.melissarecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/beyondfallen			88/100

BLACK MAJESTY - Tomorrowland (CD)	Australia	July 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Melodic Power Metal	Running time: 49:45 (Tracks: 10)
Black Majesty was founded in 2001 by five Australian metal maniacs. Roughly a year later they released their first EP "Sands Of Time", which led to a track on the newcomer cd's of two of Germany's most important metal magazines, Rock Hard and Heavy, oder was?! This EP got excellent feedback and as a result of this, the band signs with LMP in 2003. The same year saw the release of their first album "Sands Of Time". In 2005 Black Majesty presented "Silent Company", their successor of "Sands Of Time", which showed their class even more. After that release, they performed at the Headbangers Open Air in Germany and they supported HammerFall and Edguy at the Czech Metal Fest. In 2006 they toured very successfully with Dragonforce in their home country and they started to work on their new album "Tomorrowland". Black Majesty is playing fast melodic power metal, with excellent melodic vocals, energetic guitar duels and great melody lines. They sound somewhat inbetween Iron Maiden, HammerFall and Helloween. The only calmer songs on their third album is the Deep Purple cover "Soldier Of Fortune". Parallel to the regular cd, "Tomorrowland" will also be released as a limited digipack with two bonus tracks.
Visit their website: http://www.blackmajesty.com Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.de Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackmajesty			86/100

BLESSED DEATH - Hour of Pain (CD)	USA	July 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Metal	Running time: 43:55 (Tracks: 11)
This is BLESSED DEATH's third album officialy. "Hour Of Pain" was originally titled "Born to Die" and should come out in the early 90's, but it didn't for some reasons. Finally the band has decided to release this record so that people who loved the superb style of thrash that BLESSED DEATH played could eventually hear it. Blessed Death has always been, and still is, one of my alltime fav. bands. The typical kind of speed/thrash and the extreme vocals of power-pitcher Larry Portelli make me long for the old days even more than I already do when i'm listening to metal. Their first two albums "Kill of be Killed" & "Destined for Extinction" are two classic ones and i'm so fucking proud that I had the opportunity to see this superb band live twice. "Hour of Pain" is a worthy successor for these 2 albums eventhough the recordings arent sounding that great. The recordings are from 1991 and you can, ofcourse, hear that. With a good recording quality this album should has been a classic one too! Musically its, again, so fuckin great and Larry Portelli is a very unique singer/screamer. Awesome! Larry Portelli for president!! Rely on poor sound quality my rate shouldnt be so high but this cult band deserves a high rate! Fav. songs: 'Shadows of the Living', 'Atomic Fear', 'Terminal Rage' & 'Born Dead'. I already tried to organise a reunion gig for the upcoming Mario's Metal Meeting festival but the band isnt interested in any kind of reunion......pity...
Visit their website: http://www.blesseddeath.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blesseddeath3			85/100

BRETT WALKER – Spirit Junky (CD)	USA	July 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Melodic Rock	Running time: 58:44 (Tracks: 15)
Born and raised up in Norman Oklahoma, Brett Walker moved to Los Angeles at age 20. In keeping with his song writing vision, in 1991 Brett wrote two charting singles; one for Jimi Jamison and the other for the band Alias. "Waiting For Love" recorded by Alias, went on to become Brett’s first Billboard top-10 hit in 1991. Brett’s song writing caught the ear of renowned producer David Prater. Soon after, Brett went to New York to work on recordings with David that would eventually become Brett’s first solo record. Brett signed his first record deal for Europe and Asia in 1994. His debut CD reached the national top 40 sales charts in Scandinavia, while having a hit song entitled "Lecia". In 1996 Brett released his 2nd record in Europe. The first single "It’s A Good Thing" reached the radio charts in Denmark as well as going to No.1 on Radio City 105.4 in Karlstad, Sweden. Spirit Junky is Brett’s newest album and I can say yes; it’s a very good sounding record but overall it's too soft for me. I like aor and or melodic rock a lot but this record sounds all the same to me. Maybe a normal mainstream rock/pop fan will like this album? For me it’s to sweet and too poppy, I’m sorry.
Recordlabel: http://www.artistworxx.de/			68/100

CELESTY - Mortal Mind Creation (CD)	Finland	July 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Power Metal	Running time: 45:14 (Tracks: 9)
After "Reign Of Elements" (2002) and "Legacy Of Hate" (2004), "Mortal Mind Creation" is the third album of this Finnish six-piece. Their first two albums were released by Arise Records, but now they signed a deal with Dockyard1. They deliver once again a concept album that continues the saga which started with their debut album. Celesty has managed to record a very diverse album, a mix of Finnish (keyboard) power metal and Bay Area thrash metal, but there are also several calmer parts/songs like "Among The Dreams". Yes, it's a very diverse and good album, although I personally don't like that much the vocals of Antti Railio.
Visit their website: http://www.celesty.net Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/celestymetal			74/100

DARZAMAT - Transkarpatia (CD)	Poland	July 2007	Suzanne de Volder- Ruiter
Style: Gothic Metal	Running time: 50.52 (Tracks: 11)
Darzamat was founded back in 1995 which means that they have a long biography, so I made an extraction of that and if you want more details I suggest that you check their website or Myspace! Flauros and Simon started the band and after two years the band recorded their debut album called "In the flames of black art". It was a combination of black metal with orchestral sequences, and just before the recording started female singer Kate joined the band. Her voice added sensuality and melancholy to the music, what at the same time smoothed the music a little bit. It was very well received both by the music press and the fans! Discography: 1999-"The opium of black veil", 2003-"Oniriad", 2004-"Semidevilish", 2005-"Transkarpatia". After several line up changes the band signed up with "Avantgarde Music" in 1999 but shortly after that Darzamat stopped the studio activities and started a studio, owned by Simon. Due to tension, line up changes and bad atmospheres between the band members during the recording of Oniriad, they decided it would be better to split up. Simon chose to work in the studio and Flauros to restart Darzamat. To make a long story short, "Transkarpatia" was recorded in 2005 and released early 2006 and was produced by Andy La Rocque from King Diamond. In 2006 a lot of promotion was done for the new cd and they played a lot of shows and festivals. And only very recently ( June 26th) a new live dvd was released! How should one describe the music of Darzamat? Well that is not an easy question! It is fast, sinister, with grunts from Flauros. But at the same time a lot of tempo changes and orchestral sequences, mix that with the sweet voice of Nera and your getting close! But it is not like gothic music, it is more brutal than that! In the bio the term black metal is often used but I strongly disagree with that, some phrases sound like that but this style is just not black metal! That would be an insult to bands like Marduk or Gorgoroth for example. The music is well played with good musicians who know what they are doing. The production is very good too! It sounds like a bell, really nothing wrong with that! So if you are interested in brutal metal combined with a female singer you should really listen to this band, if you don't know them already of course!
Visit their website: http://www.darzamat.art.pl Recordlabel: http://www.metalmindproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darzamat			80/100

DAVID VALDES - Imhotep (CD)	Spain	July 2007	Ronny Elst
Style: Instrumental neo-classical/progressive metal	Running time: 62:07 (Tracks: 13)
David Valdes started playing the guitar at the age of 14. At that time he liked especially death and thrash metal. The following years David discovered the magic of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and his influences J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. Other guitarists that he admired were Friedman, Becker, Vinnie Moore and Paul Gilbert. David continued to play in black, death, thrash and heavy metal bands. But he soon also recorded a 5 track instrumental demo. He continued to compose more instrumental songs and 2002 saw the release of his first instrumental album "Paradise Lost" (reviewed on MMM in 2005). Now David has finally released its follow-up, "Imhotep". Just like "Paradise Lost", his new album is a great instrumental guitar release. It's especially filled with very interesting neo-classical and progressive metal songs. Main influence of David is still the great Jason Becker, but other influences are for sure Vinnie Moore, George Bellas and Marty Friedman. It's surely not a shredfest all the time because David always plays with many emotion and melody. There are also two J.S.Bach compositions on "Imhotep", and on the song "In Darkness" are guest solo's from Arnaldo Garcia and Stephan Forte. David played all the instruments, except for the drums which were handled by Ferran Roch. "Imhotep" is a very emotionally, instrumental guitar album.
Visit their website: http://www.davidvaldes.net Recordlabel: http://www.heavencrossrecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/davidvaldesguitar			87/100

DELIBERATE JEOPARDIZATION – Self Control (CD)	The Netherlands	July 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: ExperiMetal	Running time: 30:43 (Tracks: 8)
Deliberate Jeopardization is a new band from the area of Rotterdam, who have been playing and creating music they call "experimetal" for years. Their music is filled with influences of bands like Machine Head, System of a Down, Led Zeppelin, Dry Kill Logic and Hatebreed. They use all the elements of different styles of music they like, and that makes their own unique style of music. Clean, melodic songs that change into heavy, thrash-like songs in an instant and back, with sometimes screamy vocals turning to clean singing. They accomplished a real modern sound which you either like or dislike I guess, not really my cup of tea. But then again, they deliver a great debut album, and I know there are lots of people who are into this kind of music and will enjoy it. Sometimes really aggressive and then the next moment almost easy listening, listen to 'Rescue' for instance, only tracks 1 & 2 recorded in 2007, the other tracks were recorded in 2005, so not all new material. As they say "You don't listen to our music, you experience it", so maybe best to check em out live on stage right?
Visit their website: http://www.deliberatejeopardization.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deliberatejeopardization			68/100

FLESH - Temple of Whores (CD)	Sweden	July 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 39.57 (Tracks: 9)
This album is the second solo cd from Pete Flesh after the "Dodsangest". This cd is a personal project from Pete and should be valued as such. The music is good and completely written by himself. The music is ok, death metal, no more and no less. After a while it starts to notice that the songs are more or less shaped on the same mould, not many surprises anymore at the end of the cd. It's not a world shocker but it should be seen a personal document. Pete started to think about a solo project after a couple of years gathering ideas and thoughts about it. In 2005 the first album was recorded and released. This second one is released 2006 and also recorded in the Abyss studio in Sweden together with Tommy Tagtgren . So don't worry about the production, that is good! Pete is also the vocalist/guitarist of Deceiver and Thrown, both Swedish bands. Check it out on the website. Only recently Flesh changed it record company and moved from Iron Fist Productions to Pulverised Records! And you may expect live shows from FLESH in 2008!
Visit their website: http://www.peteflesh.tk Recordlabel: http://www.pulverised.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peteflesh			75/100

GILO – Blood in Blood Out (MCD)	The Netherlands	July 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Metal Core	Running time: 29:44 (Tracks: 06)
Gilo was formed in 2001 and is relatively new name in the metal scene. All though they play a music style that in my opinion isn't too spectacular, this MCD (self-financed) is really good. They play a raw mix between Chimaira, Soulfly etc. The guitar riffs are very heavy and the drums are pounding through every song. The vocals are very brutal but in the hardcore style. The production of this album is straight in your face and the structure of the songs also. There isn't much more I can say about this band except that their probably going to be picked up soon by the new metal scene. If you like bands in the style of Chimaira, Soulfly, Machine Head than check out their website and order the MCD.
Visit their website: http://www.gilo.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gilomusic			70/100

HERMAN RAREBELL & BAND - I'm Back (CD)	Germany	July 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Rock	Running time: 48:49 (Tracks: 13)
Mausoleum Records used to say "if it ain't heavy, it ain't on Mausoleum". How things can change! Former Scorpions drummer Rarebell found a bunch of friends with whom he made a comeback cd as a "soloartist". He introduces his new buddies in the booklet; singer Stefan Erz has starred in several musicals and sang in "Unknown Stuntman" and the AC/DC coverband "Overdose"; further, Herman also stars saxophone player Claudia Raab (his wife) who plays on 6 tracks. Was it worth the trouble? Hmm…. This cd is full of mediocre rocksongs, a few ballads and some vague melodies. Erz sounds like a raspy Bon Scott/Axl Rose which gets on my nerves after song number 4. The song "Heya Heya" introduces guitarist Horst Luksch as, like Hermann calls it, "the next guitar hero". Horst plays an excellent piece of music in this song, I must admit; if he is a future hero…time will tell. Back to the cd. After being bored, track 9 gives us a version of the Scorpions anthem "Rock you like a hurricane" with a rapping Rarebell. AAAARGH !!!! And a sax solo instead of the roaring Matthias Jabs….come on !!! The song "Drum Dance" opens like Cozy Powell did with his "Dance with the devil" which makes me believe Herman should stop releasing cd's and be a producer, at which he is apparently quite good. That is the only positive thing I got out of this cd.
Visit their website: http://www.hermanrarebell.com Recordlabel: http://www.mausoleum-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hermanrarebell			49/100

INHUMATE – 15 Years of Soul Grinding / At War with Inhumate (DVD)	France	July 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Grind Death Metal	(Tracks: 28)
Inhumate is a well known name in the underground scene. You can probably say theyre the France Napalm Death. They were formed in 1990 and they kept grinding for all these years. They released their debut "Internal Life" in 1996 and after that they released three more albums. This DVD is the celebration of their 15 years of soul grinding madness. I personally never seen them live so I must confess that this DVD is fucking great. 28 songs of pure brutal grind death metal. For their anniversary they arranged a gig at La Laiterie in France with bands like Mumakil, Ingrowing and Deranged (very nice bands especially Deranged). 23 songs of that show are on this DVD and 5 of bonus material taken from other gigs. This DVD is definitely a treat for every one who loves grind death metal in the style of Napalm Death. Before I forget I keep talking about Napalm but if you see the vocalist of Inhumate sing and hear their songs then you'll understand why. The quality of the filming is great, it is filmed from 5 angles and the sound is great. The five bonus songs are taken from old gigs of 1993 and newer once. The menu option is well arranged and the cover as well. If you like music DVD's and you like Grind Death Metal then check out their site and buy it!!!!!!!!!!
Visit their website: http://www.inhumate.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/inhumate			75/100

KNIGHT AREA – Under a New Sign (CD)	The Netherlands	July 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Rock	Running time: 55:07 (Tracks: 7)
Knight Area is among Holland's best known progressive rock acts. Formed at the dawn of the new millennium, the band released its debut album "The Sun Also Rises" in 2004 and received great reviews. Many live shows followed and the band established a solid fanbase. Both Knight Area albums where released under the famous American prog rock label The Laser's Edge. For those unfamiliar with the band's style, I would describe them as a classic progressive rock act like the famous ones of the genre that came from the British Islands. The range of influences include Yes, Marillion, Pendragon, E.L.P. and of course Genesis. There are large instrumental parts, a wide range of keyboards and synths, melodic leads and dramatic vocals that remind me of Fish. The band is not afraid to get a bit heavier in some points, approaching prog metal in tracks like "Mastermind" and "Dreamweaver". Definitely a good listen for the fans of the genre.
Visit their website: http://www.knightarea.com Recordlabel: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/knightarea			70/100

KREPUSKULE - CDemo (CD)	France	July 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: Melodic Metal	Running time: 14:06 (Tracks: 3)
Krepuskule is a band from Paris, France that started in 2002 after the band Marmur split up; their bio says they play "melodic metal with intimate texts which explore the recesses of human soul". Through the 5 years of their existence, the band struggled with their identity. Their aim was to go closer to metal with different influences, and they hope to have accomplished this stage after having brought in a female vocalist and a female violin player. I tried….I really did. But their 3 tracks that were put on this cd makes me think of experimental, industrial, technometal, where it is impossible to hear what the singer is singing, and the guitars are so loud and distorted, melodies are hard to find. The beeping guitarsound that is so common in newer nu-metal bands and experimental music is such a turnoff that it is hard to focus on track 2 and 3. Finally, I found myself pushing the "forward" button on my player, but I had to repeat that once again in order to be freed of this wall of experimental sounds. Unless you are into experimental stuff, you'd better leave this alone.
Visit their website: http://www.krepuskule.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/krepuskule			40/100

LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM – Saturn Skyline (CD)	Germany/Sweden	July 2007	Mr. Globetrotter
Style: AOR	Running time: 49:30 (Tracks: 11)
Mikael Erlandsson, from Gothenburg, is one of the best singers/songwriters in Sweden today. He recorded four successful solo albums and after being supporting act to Tina Turner and Brian Ferry and after the participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, Mikael decided he wanted to do something else. His Japanese record company came up with the idea of putting him together with the fantastic guitar player Andy Malecek from the successfull German hard rock band Fair Warning for an album project. Mikael and Andy were both hooked by the idea and a plan for the album began to grow. Ian Haugland, Mic Michaeli and John Leven of Europe-fame were asked if they were interested to join, which they did and the band LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM was born! So far the history. Reality says that this band is not playing real hardrock. This is poprock, sounding very slick and possibly there are a few hitsingles on this album. It is really incredible that this band is hyped in the musicpress. OK, they are fine musicians, compositions are OK but like I said, no hardrockmaterial. Personally, the vocal sound bores me quite soon and the fact that no song really is hard enough to interest the real rocklover, I cannot give this album a high rating
Recordlabel: http://www.escape-music.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lastautumnsdream			60/100

MARK SWEENEY – Slow Food (CD)	Swiss	July 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: Pop/Hard Rock	Running time: 51:58 (Tracks: 13)
Swiss rockers Crystal Ball's frontman “Mark Sweeney“ is here with his first soloalbum. Mark has worked together with Michael Bormann (ex-Jaded Heart, Zeno, Rain) who is one of the hardest working musicians at the rock scene right now. Slow Food sounds like a weak mix of British rockers The Dogs DÁmour, Robby Williams and Oasis and a bit of mistake influences of bands like: Bon Jovi, Brian Adams, Bonfire and Def Leppard. Mark Sweeney has got a good sounding powerful voice but his debut album is not really my cup of tea. It’s boring and I think one of the only real highlights on Mark’s debut cd is the strong powerful rocksong Superman ! Slow Food is probably an album for quite a big commercial audience but not the album a hardrocker like me is searching for.
Visit their website: http://www.marksweeney.ch/ Recordlabel: http://www.artistworxx.de/			65/100

MELDRUM – Blowin' Up The Machine (CD)	Sweden/USA	July 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 40:55 (Tracks: 11)
Meldrum is the band of Michelle Meldrum, who is not really unknown in the metal world, started out with Gene Hoglan in Wargod. After Wargod she co founded Phantom Blue, which got her name established in the metal scene. After 8 years in Phantom Blue, Michelle participated in different projects, including touring with John Norum, and then forming Meldrum. In 2002 their debut album, 'Loaded Mental Canon', was released, and now there is the follow up 'Blowin Up The Machine'. As it seems they don't have a drummer anymore, so old friend Gene Hoglan was found prepared to hit the album tight, what more could a band wish for? With Michelle's furious guitar work, Frida's pounding bass and Moa's raw and screamy vocals, they delivered another great album again. Great powerful songs like opener 'Purge' or 'Scar' or some of my favourites, 'Hang Em'' and 'Get Yours' all powerful heavy songs. Also Mr. Lemmy himself does vocals on a track 'Miss Me When I'm Gone'. There's even a kind of ballad on here in the form of 'Get Me Outta Here', well if you can call it that anyway. I've already seen them perform live and I like what I saw, so wanna see them again, cause they are a great live band and they already toured with great bands like Motorhead, Black Label Society and Nashville Pussy among others. So for what a treat will we be in next?
Visit their website: http://www.meldrum.nu Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/meldrumrocks			82/100

MOKER - Translating the Pain (CD)	Belgium	July 2007	Suzanne de Volder-Ruiter
Style: Death Metal	Running time: 38.29 (Tracks: 10)
Moker is a promising new band from our neighbours in Belgium; the band was founded by drummer Wouter and guitarist Angelo. The line up was soon completed with their friend Stijn on bass guitar. After two years the band recorded a split cd with Outkast, which was released by Shiver Records. That same year Stijn left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Fre Wauters. Moker signed a new contract with Shiver Records, also in 2006 (busy year!) and at the autumn the recording started of "Translating the pain". This album is their first full length album and was released in the spring of this year. And in order to complete the band's line up, second guitarist Dirk was recruited and will make his first public appearance this spring. Line up: Ad de Wachter (vocals), Angelo Mannetstaetter (guitars), Dirk Broeren (guitars), Frederic Wauters (bass & backing vocals) & Wouter Snels (drums). This debut can be called a successful one! The production is good and the cover lay out looks good too. The music can be described as brutal death metal but with a fresh aggressive approach! And with good catchy riffs and breaks. The grunts and screams from Wouter go well with the music; he can do both very well! The drums are very well played, loud and fast; as it should be! If you get a chance to see these guys play, I think you should do so! Check out the Moker website.
Visit their website: http://www.mokermetal.be Recordlabel: http://www.shiver-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mokermetal			79/100

MORTIIS – Some Kind of Heroin (CD)	Norway	July 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Atmospheric Dark Metal	Running time: 78:43 (Tracks: 16)
Mortiis is a well known name in the metal scene. They started in the early 90's and realesed their debut in 1993. Mortiis is a respected band in the metal scene and almost every album they released was well spoken of, but their latest album is definitely not my cup of tea. This album contains 16 songs of older albums but then remixed by other artists like The Kovenant, Gothminister etc..I like their music very much but I personally hate these remixes. All though it's well done but not my thing. If you ask me then Mortiis should bring out a new studio album and not this crap (or at least not under their name). But fair is fair this is an easy way to release a new album! In my opinion if you like Mortiis then you should better wait for a new studio album, but if you like electric or industrial then you should give it a try.
Visit their website: http://www.mortiis.com Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mortiis1			55/100

PARAGON – Forgotten Prophecies (CD)	Germany	July 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: True Heavy/Power Metal	Running time: 51:43 (Tracks: 11)
German Heavy Metal Band Paragon was founded in 1990 by guitar player and main songwriter Martin Christian. In 1992, long before any “True Metal Hype was started” Paragon recorded their first demo tape "Maelstrom Of Decline" and played their first live shows. 1994 the band released the "Into The Black" Mini CD and received good reviews in the Metal press all over Germany. At the end of 1994 Martin had written enough songs to record the first "official" release "World Of Sin". After the release of "World Of Sin" came a difficult time because the record company which released the CD went bankrupt and there was almost no promotion for the CD. The consequences were bad sales, no shows and many line-up changes. In 1996 Martin finally decided to put Paragon on ice to wait for the right time to strike back again. With vocalist Andreas Babuschkin, bass player Jan Bünning and the two remaining members of the last Paragon line-up, Markus Corby (drums) and Claudius Cremer (guitar) , Paragon was complete again. Martin begun to write new songs and In autumn 1997 they entered the Spiderhouse studios of the famous German producer guru Harris Johns (Helloween, Tankard, Sodom, Kreator...) to record the "World Of Sin"s follow up "Final Command". After a longer search for a new record company "Final Command" was finally released in Europe in August 1998 on ‘B.O.Records’. As there was no proper tour offer, Paragon went right back into the studio in January 1999 to record "Chalice Of Steel" with Harris Johns again. Both CDs received good reviews in the Metal press for their refreshing interpretation of 80s Metal. The reward for this unbroken faith in real Metal was the offer to play on both most important Metal Festivals in Germany - Bang Your Head and the Wacken Open Air ´99 and also some smaller open airs and single club shows. "Forgotten Prophecies" is Paragon’s 8th studio album. Paragon is fast, pumping and furious traditional heavy/power metal for real headbangers and metalmaniacs who prefer 80’s metal above modern death and black metal. Influenced by bands such as “OverKill, Helloween, Manowar, Judas Priest and Grave Digger”, Paragon sounds like the perfect mix between the old German, British and US metal styles. Highlight of this new longplayer are the great /strong guitar riffs and the cover of one of the best Overkill numbers ever made ( Deny The Cross). Great classical speed/power metal for real true metalheads who need oldschool speed, power and screaming heavy metal vocals! No modern metal crap but pure mid 80’s metal, a great German product to be proud of!
Visit their website: http://www.paragon-metal.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.remedyrecords.de/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/paragonlegions			85/100

POWND – Circle of Power (CD)	USA	July 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 48:04 (Tracks: 11)
Pownd is a band based in Detroit Michigan, the famous Motor City. It was formed in 1996 and debuted in 1998. Although the guys toured extensively and gave countless concerts across America, Pownd couldn't establish a solid record deal until this year when they signed with Nightmare Records releasing "Circle of Power". The Pownd style is groovy heavy metal. The guys focus their attention on the powerful melodic vocals and the crunchy guitars. All songs are groovy and aggressive at the same time, good headbanging material. Their music has a progressive edge and contemporary elements but doesn't lack melody and emotion. I tried to find a match for Pownd but I could only come up with Radakka and an edgy version of "Empire" or "Promise Land" era Queensryche. Through in some "Demolition" by Judas Priest and you might get the picture for this talented band. I believe they deserve your attention.
Visit their website: http://www.pownd.com Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pownd			73/100

RHAPSODY OF FIRE – Visions From The Enchanted Lands (2 DVD)	Italy	July 2007	Wim van Grunsven
Style: Epic Metal	Running time: 150 minutes (approx.) (Tracks:19)
When a band like Rhapsody Of Fire releases their very first official DVD set, one tends to become very eager. Their music is so intensely impressive that it seems almost impossible for them to get it that good on stage. The setup they have chosen is a deliberate one: on the first DVD you get a lot of live songs with comments in between. The band and the fans get to say their piece. On the one hand I am glad they did it this way, because you are not obliged to sit through a whole concert in one go and you can absorb the enthusiasm of band and fans alike. On the other hand the flow never becomes full force, because after every live song they have something to say. The live songs have been chosen from concerts in Montreal, Canada (with the same perfect sound as the live CD), Czech Republic (with a very bootleg-like sound) and Germany (with a sound in between the former two). All together I must admit I do enjoy it all. If you love Rhapsody, you'll certainly appreciate this DVD. The biggest surprise is the quality of Fabio's voice, especially on the slow songs. That man has come a long way and is now really a great singer! On the second piece of plastic they have put a number of videos, a few documentaries and some rehearsals. It is not as impressive, but still very much a welcome addition to the musical side of Rhapsody of Fire. Now you can see the shoots they have done to promote their music and you can feel the way they have evolved over the years. All in all I am impressed by "Visions From The Enchanted Lands", because it shows how honest hard working Italians have been able to conquer the world without losing themselves along the way.
Visit their website: http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ Recordlabel: http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rhapsodyoffireband			73/100

RIEFENSTAHL – Instinkt (CD)	Germany	July 2007	Kees Schijven
Style: Heavy Metal	Running time: 45:43 (Tracks: 12)
Aus Deutschland…oops, from Germany are Riefenstahl founded in 2002 and delivering their second album 'Instinkt', after releasing their debut album 'Seelenschmerz' in 2004. The band brings their music in their own German language, which makes it almost impossible to not compare it with the band that made it their mark, Rammstein. I guess the success of Rammstein had a lot to do with bands getting started, making music with german language in a kind of Rammstein way. Listening to this cd, opener 'Es Ist Vorbei' could have well been on any Rammstein album. But getting through the whole album you notice the differences, although more Rammstein like songs come up, they do give it their own swing. It seems that their furious, emotional songs are continuesly heard on the radio, no wonder there cause they bring a popular mix of Rammstein fury and more emotional, ballad kinda songstructures, like for instance 'Venusschrei' or 'Mit Brennender Wut'. More slow tempo songs, changing into heavy and dark, and back. The vocals are more raw and sometimes screamy, I can't say it's bad, not all that original, but well done, although not really my thing. So if you are into this kind of music, and don't dislike the german language, which actually suits the music good, this could be your band, I myself rather listen to the original, mentioned earlier.
Visit their website: http://www.riefenstahl-music.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.rockinc.nl Recordlabel: http://www.ruderecords.de			69/100

SEVENTH CALLING - Monuments (CD)	USA	July 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: US Metal	Running time: 49:18 (Tracks: 12)
Seventh Calling was formed in 1989 by Lance Lange and Steve Handel. They both had an individually vision of what heavy metal should be. After several years of playing in numerous groups and doing club gigs, each in their own projects, the pair met in 1989. In the early years of the new millennium, they decided to build what is now the heavy metal band Seventh Calling. They name bands like; Judas Priest, Fifth Angel, Metal Church, Iron Maiden, Dio and No exit-era Fates Warning as their main influences. In 2006 they already recorded this debut album "Monuments", featuring a collection of songs in the classic US metal tradition. Complementing the Lange/Handel guitar tandem are bassist Michael Poplees (known for his work in Florida-based traditional metallers Seasons Of The Wolf and the progmetalband Within Another) and drummer/percussionist Jamie Strobach (reknowned for his recording/mixing of groups such as Under Eden and legendary shock rockers Impaler). This album was originally released as a self financed CD but is now picked up by the new US-metal promoting Dutch label Melissa Records. Musically the band reminds me a lot to the older Iced Earth stuff but I also hear a lot of influences from bands like Mercyful Fate, (old) Metallica, Wrath & Tyrants Reign. Nothing wrong with that if you ask me but still I have some comnplains about this album. Musically its okay but not all the songs can impress me. Why?? Well, both Lance Lange and Steve Handel are very good guitarplayers but are not singing so well and even sometimes sound a bit boring. Productional it also sounds moderate. Pity because with a good production & a better singer my rate would have been much, much higher!! This band has the quality to become a wellknown band but they have to invest in that. So my advice; Hire a good metalsinger & spend a bit more money in the recordings of the next album.
Recordlabel: http://www.melissarecords.com Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/seventhcalling			78/100

SMASHED FACE – Virulent Procreation (CD)	Czech Republic	July 2007	William Nijhof
Style: Brutal Death Metal	Running time: 31:14 (Tracks: 10)
Smashed Face released their first demo in 2002 and their debut in 2004. Their latest album "Virulent Procreation" contains 10 tracks of pure straight in your face brutal death metal. All the songs contain extreme blast beats and the guitar riffs are very heavy and fast. Technical riffs combined with a little groove. All though I said all the songs are very extreme and fast there is an exception for number 5 (Requiem II) and number 9 (Virulent Procreation Intermezzo) which is instrumental and totally another style of the rest (calm and relaxed). The vocalist has a grunt that has definitely been fucked up very many times. The production of this record is great and the structures of the songs are very strong. If you like brutal death metal in the style of Fleshgrind,Despondency or Devourment then you're going to enjoy this album.
Visit their website: http://www.smashedface.com Recordlabel: http://www.ntey.wz.cz MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/smashedfacecz			75/100

STAN BUSH - In This Life (CD)	USA	July 2007	Marco van Empel
Style: AOR/Melodic Rock	Running time: 50:21 (Tracks: 11)
Stan Bush is an American A.O.R/Melodic (hard) rock singer whose most notable work include the songs "Dare" and "The Touch" from the soundtrack to the 1986 animated film Transformers: The Movie, and "She's Got the Power", featured in the American voice dub of the animated series Sailor Moon. Other notable work includes the song "Fight for Love" from the movie Kickboxer, the theme from Bloodsport: "Fight to Survive". Both movies starred Jean-Claude Van Damme. Stan already released nine studio records before and “In this Life” will be number X. That new record “In This Life” is again a great melodic Pomp Rock-AOR record. Music in the style of bands like: Foreigner, Journey and Nightranger. Good powerful clean and emotional vocals and great musical qualities of musicians like Holger Fath (Guitars, Keyboards), Matt Laug (Drums), Lance Morisson (Bass), Dirk Nagel (Keyboards) and of course Mr. “Stan Bush” on Lead & Backing Vocals. "I Can’t Cry”, “This Moment”, “Waiting For You”, “Long Long Way”, “Over You”, “In This Life” and the acoustic cracker: “Southern Rain” ( about his youth in Florida) are great commercial rock songs and ready to hit the American music charts ! Stan has a reason to be very proud, "In This Life" is again a high-class rock album and a must for every melodic hardrock/AOR and Pomp-Rock fan ! Keep On The Good Work and long live great melodic rock music !
Visit his website: http://www.stanbush.com/ Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.roughtrade.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/116446489			80/100

SUSPYRE – A Great Divide (CD)	USA	July 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 1:10:26 (Tracks: 12)
Suspyre debuted in 2005 with the "Silvery Image" cd. The band was formed in 2001 when some talented musicians with diverse musical influences met and decided to go for it. At first it was all about ideas but soon enough the band had its own compositions and the opportunity to present them to a live audience. "A Great Divide" is a strange album. I mean very strange. You can listen tons of stuff going on during these 70 minutes. The only certain thing is that the music is progressive metal. The guitars, both lead and rhythm, are truly amazing. The solos are fantastic, melodic and precise. This is probably the best element of this recording. Vocals are a close second. Suspyre has incorporated many diverse influences. From jazz and fusion to classical music and heavy metal. While listening to a solid power metal rhythm you suddenly find yourself in an orchestral part that gets interrupted by saxophone. It is truly amazing how these guys came up with such a complex structure. The most difficult part in all this is making these diverse parts and pieces sounding as a solid composition and Suspyre have achieved that. Every song functions a solid piece despite the numerous parts combining it. I think Suspyre is a band you would like to listen to.
Visit their website: http://www.suspyre.com Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/suspyre			77/100

SYMPHONY X - Paradise Lost (CD)	USA	July 2007	Mario van Dooren
Style: Progressive Metal	Running time: 28:44 (Tracks: 08)
Symphony X was already formed in April 1994. The same year saw the band recording their self-titled debut. This was followed eight months later by their tremendously received second album, The Damnation Game, which featured the new singer, Russell Allen, for the first time. They made a huge leap up the ladder in Autumn 1996 with the release of The Divine Wings Of Tragedy, which was especially well received in Europe. March 1998 saw the release of their fourth studio album Twilight In Olympus, and the band's first concerts. Their fifth studio album, V - The New Mythology Suite, took Symphony X on a European tour in Autumn 2000. During this tour, they recorded their live double album, Live On The Edge Of Forever. This live album was released in October 2001. With their sixth studio work, The Odyssey, Symphony X united recognized progressive elements and their clean, sharp melodic vocals with a somewhat harder, rawer production. The band's seventh studio release, Paradise Lost, is now out on Inside Out/SPV Records. From the first notes this album rules!! I've heard most of their earlier releases but I dont own one of them. On the other side: Ive seen the band several times live and I can tell you that they are amazing ON stage too! It counts me that singer Russel Allen is singing more raw that he does live. He even reminds me several times to Jorn Lande on this album (listen for example to 'Seven' or 'The Sacrifice"). Musically this album is nearby perfect and the production is superb too! Hope to see these guys on stage very very soon again!! Great album!!! Fav. songs: 'The Walls of Babylon' & 'Eve of Seduction'.
Visit their website: http://www.symphonyx.com Recordlabel: http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.pettingzoo.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialsymphonyx			93/100

THE PROPHECY – Revelations (CD)	England	July 2007	Kostas Kounadinis
Style: Doom / Death Metal	Running time: 1:07:32 (Tracks: 7)
This band has been around for quite some time. Starting in 2001, The Prophecy recorded a couple of demos before issuing the "To End all Hope" mini cd and the "Ashes" debut in 2003. Originating from Huddersfield (homeland of fellow doomsters Solstice) England, the capital of doom death metal, The Prophecy would present nothing else than haunting doom music. Although this style is considered slightly outdated, The Prophecy shows a remarkable passion on presenting excellent doom death following the steps of successful bands like My Dying Bride and early Anathema. In "Revelations" you will encounter violin parts, both death and clean vocals and haunting rhythms. If you enjoy albums such as "The angel and the dark river", "Turn loose the swans" (My Dying Bride) and "Serenades" (Anathema), this one is for you. You will find the same atmosphere, the same sound, the very same grimness. If someone told me that "Revelations" was recorded 14 years ago, I would believe him.
Visit their website: http://www.the-prophecy.net Recordlabel: http://www.nofacerecords.co.uk MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theprophecyeng			75/100

THOUGHT CHAMBER - Angular Perceptions (CD)

USA </