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| ARTAS – The Healing (CD) | Austria | December 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death / Thrash Metal | Running time: 51:02 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Artas is a new band in the metal scene that exists since 2005. This is their debut album and I must say that it sounds really great. This band makes a raw mix between death and thrash metal which is quiet original for a band from Austria because the most bands play black or heavy metal. All the songs have a great variety in them and the production is great. All the songs are very groovy and have a drive in it that absolutely moves your head. The guitar riffs are very technical and thrashy. The drums are pounding through every song and sound very good. The vocals are screams and a very hearable grunt combined with clean vocals. The funny part of this band is that they even have a cover (Coolio's 'Gangsta`s Paradise') not my thing but this sounds great. If you like bands that don't play the mainstream metal you're going to love this album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/artasmetal |
75/100 |
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| A THOUSAND YEARS SLAVERY - A Fury named Spartan (MCD) | Switzerland | December 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 23:19 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| This is the debut ep from these five guys from the Montreux area in Switzerland. And it`s a very good one. It`s very well played death metal / deathcore.Very aggressive death grunts by Roan Emele with very good clean vocals that give it something extra. I also like the nice melodies and the fact that it`s all up tempo. Guitarists Laurent Maffli and Cedric Dardenne certainly know what they are doing. Although the beginning of the third song and the end of the second song sound alike. It was hard to tell where one ended and the other begun. And I don`t understand why they recorded the fourth song: 'une etoile incandescente'. It`s an acoustic song with only whispered vocals and it doesn`t add anything to this ep. Too bad. But this is a very good ep and I can`t wait to hear the full length cd that will come in the shops next year. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.conatusrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/athousandyearsslavery |
82/100 |
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| BREAKER – Peace Love Death (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 54:40 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Ohio metal legends Breaker have been around since the early 80ies. Their "Get Tough" album on Auburn records has become a classic but they never had the chance to shine. Suffering numerous difficulties they have managed to release some stuff throughout these years like mini cds or live albums but no new full length appeared in sight. Things are starting to get different though. "Peace Love Death" comes as a prelude to the band's new studio album! This cd is divided in 3 parts. The first one contains 4 new songs, the second one contains 4 cover versions and the third one contains live versions of old and new songs. The new songs show the new face of Breaker. Vocalist Jim Hamar has been replaced by Greg Wagner (Shatter Messiah) who is less melodic than his predecessor but sounds louder. "Black Light Ark" is a groovy song that didn't impress me. "Satellite Dog" is inferior. It sounds like an indifferent rock song. "Luck and Gasoline" is a fine Breaker tune though. Fast paced and guitar driven. "One Thin Line" is the heavier song. It sounds Breaker enough but still nothing special. I have to admit that I am having trouble getting used to Breaker without Jim's voice… The covers are "Too Much of Nothing" by UFO (featuring Pete Way), "To Hell and Back Again" by Saxon, "Pictured Life" by Scorpions and of course "Breaker" by Accept. All four are very decent versions done with respect. The last two feature Jim on vocals. The live versions have good sound. Overall this is a fans only release. Those who like Breaker should invest. The rest of you just wait for the new album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.auburnrecords.com
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72/100 |
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| CHARING CROSS – We Are…Charing Cross (CD) | Switzerland | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 54:38 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| CHARING CROSS is a Swiss band who started way back in the late eighties. But the band was marked by many line-up changes, so this year (on August 29th) they finally released their first full length album, which is simply titled "We Are…Charing Cross". After so many line-up changes the line-up on this debut album is Peter Hochuli (vocals), Pascal Zwyssig (guitars), Andy Dormann (guitars), Markus Flury (bass) and Tommy Pfiffner (drums). Well, this album is just a few months released and there is already another change in the band, because drummer Pfiffner has left the band because of personal circumstances. Anyway, "We Are…Charing Cross", which is produced by the band itself, features twelve melodic metal songs which are just nice, and that's all. Peter Hochuli is a moderate singer. But when he sings higher, he's not always singing in tune. I think he sometimes is trying to sound like Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween) or so. The begin riff of "Palace Of Fate" reminds me very much of BUDGIE's "Breadfan" (which is also covered by METALLICA). Though the band exists of good musicians, the songs of the band are not really notable to me. Perhaps it's hard to say, but CHARING CROSS is just a moderate metal band. I don't think they will be successful here in Holland. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.charing-cross.ch
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/charingcross |
70/100 |
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| CORONATUS – Porta Obscura (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Gothic Metal | Running time: 54:38 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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Very uncommon so far to see a band with no less than two frontladies, of which one is a rock singer and the other one an operatic singer. This band got a steady line-up in 2004; this release is their second one so far, though. Released through Massacre, the band got a huge exposure and lots of shows throughout Europe. Their style is said to be leaning towards Nightwish. About time for me to find out. Well…yes and no. One can indeed recognise pieces that resemble Nightwish, but I also hear some Epica and Edenbridge elements , yet the band has developed their own style. The voice mix of the two frontladies is quite unique and refreshing. Guitarwork is quite good for this genre, although I must emphasize that the band uses the keyboards in a way that I have not heard before; the keys have their own role in the music and is not so much a "wall" behind the other musicians. The music as a whole has a bombastic feel, and I think these guys and girls can appeal to a wider gothic audience. Production is very heavy (thanks to Finnvox studios). Go and grab this one. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.coronatus,net
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/coronatus |
82/100 |
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| COTTON SOETERBOEK BAND – Twisted (CD) | USA / The Netherlands | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Bluesy Hard Rock | Running time: 31:03 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| The Cotton Soeterboek Band was formed when guitarist Alan Cotton (Maestro Alex Gregory) was searching a charismatic front man to launch his new band. With Holland born vocalist Robert Soeterboek (Ayreon, Wicked Sensation, Vulture), they both succeeded writing some interesting songs. In 2006 they already released their s/t EP, and after that they soon went back in the studio with drummer Reynold Carlson (Driver, Rob Rock), bassist Mike Davis (Rob Halford Band) and keyboardist Joost van den Broek (After Forever) to begin recording "Twisted". Later, fellow Dutch bassist Wim Den Boer and drummer Wilfried Broekman officially joined the band. What we get here on "Twisted" is a mix of 70's British hard rock (Uriah Heep, early Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Free, UFO) and U.S. southern rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd). A lot of Jon Lord's inspired organ from Joost, the bluesy Coverdale/Mogg-ish vocals of Robert, and short Schenker-ish guitar solo's from Alan. Every classic hard rock fan will like "Twisted" a lot! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.cottonsoeterboekband.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cottonsoeterboekband |
82/100 |
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| CROWN OF THORNS – Faith (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Rock / Poprock | Running time: 47:49 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| CROWN OF THORNS is the band around singer Jean Beauvoir. Believe it or not, but Beauvoir started his career as the bass player in the legendary punk rock band THE PLASMATICS (with Wendy O' Williams (R.I.P.) on vocals) in the early eighties. With THE PLASMATICS he recorded two albums, "New Hope For The Wretched" (1980) and "Beyond The Valley Of 1984" (1981). He was also notable because of being a black man with a white Mohawk. Anyway, after THE PLASMATICS he joined LITTLE STEVEN to play bass first and then as a guitarist. He also co-wrote songs for bands like KISS, THE RAMONES, JOHN WAITE and lots more. In the early nineties Beauvoir formed CROWN OF THORNS, with whom he has released the following albums so far: "Crown Of Thorns" (1994), "Breakthrough" (1995), "Lost Cathedral" (1998), "Destiny Unknown" (2000) and "Karma" (2002). In 2007 Beauvoir connected Frontiers Records for a release of a brand new album. And that new album, which features 11 songs and is titled "Faith", was released in September of this year. The line-up of CROWN OF THORNS is Jean Beauvoir (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Tommy Lafferty (lead & rhythm guitar), Michael Paige (bass) and Hawk Lopez (drums). First of all "Faith" opens very strongly with the title track, which has a very great riff. But secondly, there are just to many soft pop rock songs and ballads on this album, like "The One", "Believe Me", "All I Wanna Do" and "All Or Nothing". Don't get me wrong, those songs are not bad, but I like to hear more fantastic rock songs like "Faith" or "All In My Head". The longest track on the album is the beautiful semi ballad "Living In The Shadows". Beauvoir produced the album himself and it sounds very good. Also he's a very good singer, no doubt about it. But the most interesting rock songs are "Faith", "Home Again", "Rock Ready", "All In My Head" and of course "Living In The Shadows". "Faith" is a nice album, but hopefully the next one will be harder. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.crownofthorns.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/crownofthornsusa |
73/100 |
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| CUSTARD – Forces Remain (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 59:45 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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CUSTARD is a German Power Metal band and was formed in 1987. They started as a fun-project, and as usual like many other bands, also CUSTARD has had several line-up changes. So far they have released the demo "Signa Inferre" (1997), a 4 track EP "God Of Storm" (1998), and the full length albums "Kingdoms Of Your Life" (1999), "For My King" (2000) and "Wheels Of Time" (2005). So "Forces Remain" is just the fourth album of CUSTARD in their long existence. The line-up on this album exists of Olli Strasser (vocals), Robert Resinek (guitar), Carsten Reichhart (guitar), Michael Marquardt (bass) and Chris Klapper (drums). Only Marquardt and Klapper are the two remaining founding members of the band. "Forces Remains" features 13 tracks and starts with an intro "Ancient Views" followed by the fast "The Dragonslayer". Well, personally I don't know the earlier albums of CUSTARD, so I also can't tell you how their former singers Michael Marquardt (who besides playing bass also sung on the demo, EP and the first album) and Guido Brieke sounded. But newcomer Strasser reminds me the most of Warrel Dane (SANCTUARY, NEVERMORE) and a bit of Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN, KISKE). He's a very good singer anyway. Hopefully he's the definite singer for the band. Also the other band members are real good musicians. Musically CUSTARD reminds me of bands like SANCTUARY (not so strange), HELLOWEEN ("Heaven Strikes") and even a bit JUDAS PRIEST sometimes. My favourite tracks of "Forces Remain" are "The Dragonslayer", "Creature", "Heaven Strikes", "Poke The Flames", "Warcraft" and "Final Stand". Between all those power metal songs there's also one ballad on the album, which is the nice "Kind Of Peace". All with all, "Forces Remains" is a very good and interesting album which I really can recommend to true metal lovers. CUSTARD could easily fit on the bill of Mario's Metal Meeting III in 2009. So check them out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.custard.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/custardmetal |
81/100 |
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| DARK ILLUSION – Promo 2008 (Promo CD) | Sweden | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Heavy Metal | Running time: 7:59 (Tracks: 2) | ||
| Dark Illusion started out in the early eighties. They struggled on for a few years but eventually split in '85, after releasing 2 demo's. However, in 2003 Tomas Hultqvist and Niklas Tengblad, two of the original members, reunited and began to work on some songs of which appeared 3 on the "For Just Another Night" single. It already featured singer extraordinaire Thomas Vikstrm on vocals and the single was received very well, both in Sweden and abroad. Inspired by the success of that single, Dark Illusion went back in the studio and began to work on their "Beyond The Shadows" album, containing original songs from the 80's and 90's. Late 2005 saw the release of this album. Once again very well received, especially in Germany and Japan. Now they return with a 2 track promo single. On this single are the songs "Running Out Of Time" and "Only The Strong Will Survive". It are 2 fast melodic heavy metal songs, reminding me a lot of 80's bands like Saxon, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. But also other Swedish metal bands like HammerFall, Dream Evil and (early) Nocturnal Rites come to mind. Great double bass drums, magnificent vocals from Thomas, melodic choruses and awesome guitar playing/solo's; what else a metal head wants?!? Later this year or early next year they plan to release their second album "Where The Eagles Fly". | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.darkillusion.se
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkillusionswe |
93/100 |
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| DAWN OF WINTER – The Peaceful Dead (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style:Traditional Doom Metal | Running time: 56:04 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Dawn of Winter (pre- Cemetery) are a long time running doom metal band from the south of Germany. Although not frequently bringing out new material recently (this is just the bands second full length) there are quite a few demo's and ep's from the nineties that are put on vinyl by former label Iron Glory records in 2003. This new album "The Peaceful Dead" brings them back on the doom map with the help from Massacre records. I haven't heard material from the earlier releases but I don't think it will differ much from the sound heard on this album. Dawn of Winter plays traditional doom metal in the vein of Candlemass. Knittel also known for his vocal performances with german power metalers Sacred Steel tries his best to sound exactly like Messiah. Now Sacred Steel are also known as a band you either love or hate (mainly due to the vocal capacities of Mr. Knittel). Unfortunately it's very annoying to listen to the poor man through this whole recording. There is not much wrong with the music though. Surely nothing new, a little repetitive and boring at times. But I can't say that there aren't some good song structures on the album. For example: "The Throne of Isolation" which begins as a ballad and has a great guitar solo in the middle. The guitar sound is a really big plus on the album. So if you love doom metal the traditional way this album is maybe something for you. To me the vocals bring back the overall score to below average. On the other hand if you like the vocals you can easily count 25 points to the overall score. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dawnofwinter.de
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dawnofwinter |
55/100 |
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| DEMIGOD – Let Chaos Prevail (CD) | Finland | December 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Death Metal. | Running time: 40:25 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Is there an album that is more "cult" than the debut album "Slumber of Sullen Eyes" from Demigod? I don't think so. That album, released in 1992 has always been one of the pinnacles in my collection. Be sure to check that one out if you like early death metal from Finland with some technical aspects. It has been re-released by their label xtreem music so it is not necessary to pay the usury prices on public sale sites. The band took 10! Years to come with a follow up to this classic album. "Shadow Mechanics" showed a band that was aware of the changed musical scene in the new millennium. Sure, there were some old school influences on that record but the band also tried new things with acoustic guitar parts, clean sung parts and the most important thing thrash parts woven into the music. Something that also can be heard on the new record "Let Chaos Prevail". You can say that this is nice mixture of death and thrash metal with technical aspects. "To see the last one Die" even has some later Death parts in it while "Self- Caged" begins as a more straight forward death metal song but outcomes in a fantastic melodic guitar part in the middle of the song. I also like the sound of the bass which is clearly presented in the songs especially in "The Uncrowned". So Demigod surely has reason to exist in 2008. Unfortunately the band thought not so because on the 9th of November the band decided to split up. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.demigod.tv Recordlabel: http://www.xtreemmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/demigodband |
85/100 |
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| DIGNITY – Project Destiny (CD) | Austria / Sweden | December 2008 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 42:04 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Dignity was formed in 2006 by drummer Roland Navratil and keyboard player Frank Pitters. Roland played in the Austrian band Edenbridge, but after releasing six albums with this band, he wanted a new challenge. Nowadays, Dignity consists of five band members from Austria and Sweden and they have released their debut album "Project Destiny". It took one and a half year to complete "Project Destiny", especially the recruitment of a powerful vocalist took much time. They tried out numerous of vocalists and in the person of Jake E. (DREANLAND), who comes from Sweden, they have found a good singer. The intriguing artwork of "Project Destiny" has been made by the columbian artist Felipe Machado. Dignity shows with this album that they have the potential to grow to a leading position in this genre. "Project Destiny" contains 9 goods songs with a lot of variation. Especially Martin Mayr, who has a degree in guitar studies, can convince me on this album. But I have to say that the other band members achieve a high level. Almost all songs are arranged by the different band members except the last song. "Don`t pay the Ferryman" has been written by Chris de Burgh, known from the famous "Lady in Red". My personal favorite is the second song, "Arrogance And Rapture" where all the good elements of this album come together. On their website, Dignity announces that they are working on a tour schedule, it is it worth to visit this band! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dignityband.com
Recordlabel: http://www. napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dignityband |
77/100 |
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| FAITH FACTOR – Against a Darkened Sky (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Christian US Metal | Running time: 54:25 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Last year I already reviewed the debut EP (07/07/07) of this Christian metal band formed by ex-Deadly Blessing vocalist Norman "Ski" Kiersznowski. I was hilarious about this EP and was looking out very much to hear some new stuff from the band. A few weeks ago the band played the Keep it True 11 festival in Wurzburg, Germany, and the band also live kicked some serious ass!! Singer Ski gave me this album after the show so I could review it for MMM. After hearing the intro it already striked me that this new album has, again, a very moderate production which is to my opinion not necessary in today's studios? Pity because it lowers the overall opinion/rate of the album a lot. The first song "Keep it True" is dedicated to the largest underground festival in the world; The German Keep it True festival. A nice song but a bit to standard to me, especially because the band names their music 'progressive powermetal'. This song sounds as true (metal) as the songtitle already says and has not 1 progressive element in it. Luckily after this song the band is playing more interesting songs which do have some progressive parts in it. Fact is that my expectations where much higher after their great debut EP. Musically its all okay and Ski is still one of the best metalsingers on earth but as a total I'm a bit disappointed in this album. After several listenings I need to tell that this is an album that "grows" and that's one of the reasons that I still give it a good rate. Hopefully the next album will have a better production and I also hope that the songwriting will increase. Favorite songs; "The Rapture", "In God's Shadow", 'Ascend into Heaven' & "Divine Temptations". | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.faithfactorband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.retroactiverecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks |
80/100 |
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| FROM THE INSIDE – Visions (CD) | United Kingdom | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 57:28 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| FROM THE INSIDE started as a studio project of Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO, WAYSTED, VAUGHN). Besides FROM THE INSIDE, Vaughn has also released two solo albums, which are "Standing Alone" (2002) and "Traveller" (2007). The self titled debut album of FROM THE INSIDE was released in 2004 and now four years later there's the successor "Visions". Well, this second album "Visions" is a real recommendation for anyone who's into melodic rock. Believe me, there's just no weak song on "Visions". All songs are great compositions. Danny Vaughn is a fantastic singer and on this album he's assisted by Jimi Bell (HOUSE OF LORDS) on guitar, Fabrizio Grossi (bass), Eric Ragno (keyboards) and Peter Lobo (drums). The album is produced by Grossi and sounds very good. On a few tracks, like "Making Waves", "Days Of Hunger" and the ballads "One More Night In Heaven", "If It's Not Love" and the title track "Visions", FROM THE INSIDE reminds me very much of JOURNEY. And also Vaughn sounds very much like Steve Perry too on these songs. But tracks like "Light Years", "Making Waves", "Listen To Your Heart", "21st Century", "Days Of Hunger" and "Moment To Moment" are all brilliant AOR songs. So if you like high quality melodic rock music and bands like JOURNEY, TYKETTO and SIGNAL, I'm sure you will like "Visions" very much. It's an excellent album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dannyvaughn.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vaughnband |
88/100 |
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| GIRLSCHOOL – Legacy (CD) | United Kingdom | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 50:44 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| The longest existing all-girl band GIRLSCHOOL is having their 30th anniversary this year and they are celebrating it with a new album called "Legacy". During their long career GIRLSCHOOL had a lot of line-up changes, but since 2000 the current line-up exists of Kim McAuliffe (rhythm guitar & vocals), Jackie Chambers (lead guitar), Enid Williams (bass & vocals) and Denise Dufort (drums). Jackie Chambers joined the band in 2000 as the replacement for original lead guitarist Kelly Johnson (who died on July 15th, 2007). And because of their 30th anniversary they got some friends showed up who are singing or playing on some tracks. You can hear guitarists J.J. French (on "Spend Spend Spend") and Eddie Ojeda (on "Don't Mess Around") of TWISTED SISTER. MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell plays lead guitar on "Whole New World" and "Just Another Day". Neil Murray (WHITESNAKE, BLACK SABBATH, GARY MOORE etc.) is playing bass on "Whole New World" and "Legend". And not to forget Lemmy, who's singing and playing bass on the last track of the album, called "Don't Talk To Me" (track 12). And these ladies also recorded a MOTÖRHEAD cover, which is the classic "Metropolis". And believe it or not, original MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke (also FASTWAY) is doing the guitar solo on it. "Legacy" also features three bonus tracks, which are "I Spy" (this bonus version is with Ronnie James Dio on vocals and Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) is doing the guitar solo), "London" and a re-recording of their own classic "Emergency" (of their classic debut album "Demolition"). My favourite songs of "Legacy" are the strong opening track "Everything's The Same", both versions of "I Spy", "Legend", "Metropolis", "From The Other Side", "London" and "Don't Talk To Me". And of course their own "Emergency" still is a great song. All with all, "Legacy" is a nice album, but it's absolutely not GIRLSCHOOL's best. To me "Demolition" (1980), "Hit And Run" (1981) and "Screaming Blue Murder" (1982) are still my favourite albums by these very sympathetic ladies. Go see them live if you can, because they still play a lot of old classics. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.girlschool.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.wackenrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/girlschool1 |
78/100 |
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| HONEYMOON SUITE – Clifton Hill (CD) | Canada | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock / AOR | Running time: 40:34 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| So far I never had anything of Canadian rock band HONEYMOON SUITE. I never took the chance to listen to one of their earlier albums. I only knew them of the album covers "The Big Prize" (1986) and "Racing After Midnight" (1988). And it seems their self titled debut album of 1984 and "The Big Prize" are real classics in the AOR genre. Anyway, "Clifton Hill" is the seventh studio album of HONEYMOON SUITE, and it's my first acquaintance with the band. The original line-up of the band is together again since 2007 and exists of Johnnie Dee (vocals), Derry Grehan (guitar), Gary Lalonde (bass), Dave Betts (drums) and Ray Coburn (keyboards). "Clifton Hill" is produced by Tom Treumuth, who also produced the debut album of the band, and contains nicely sounding melodic rock songs like "She Ain't Alright", "Riffola" (great guitar riff), "The House" and the commercial "Tired O Waitin' On You". Also the ballad "Ordinary" is a beautiful song and belongs to one of the best tracks of the album. So my conclusion is that only the first half of the album is the strongest. The songs on the second half of the album is much less. But the band exists of good musicians. Grehan is a fantastic guitarist and also Dee is a very good singer. Well, to me "Clifton Hill" is a just a nice melodic rock album. But I can't tell you if it comes to the level of the first two or three albums, because I simply don't know them. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.honeymoonsuite.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hmsuite |
77/100 |
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| HUMAN ZOO – Precious Time (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 52:06 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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Some two years ago, this very same album (less the extras) was already released as the debut of Human Zoo, of whom I remember hearing their last year release "Over The Horizon", which I found to be an excellent rock album. The band from Balingen (known for the Bang Your Head festival) or the record company felt the need for a re-release; apparently, distribution problems were the reason behind it. The big question is if this debut is as good as "Over The Horizon"; well….not really. In comparison with their second album, mentioned above, the compositions are mediocre and less pounding. I hear too much influences of other bands and too little originality. Even the ballad "In The Rain" disappoints me, while rockbands are generally very good at making rockballads. Despite the good production by Dennis Ward, this album will probably not re-appear in my cd player. I will stick to "Over The Horizon" because it is much more mature than this album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.humanzoo-music.de
Recordlabel: http://www.bob-media.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/humanzooband |
65/100 |
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| JOE LYNN TURNER – Live in Germany (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 73:08 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Some people are legends. They have forged their own legacy, carving their names on the book of music history with golden letters. Joe Lynn Turner is one of them. His huge work with legends like Deep Purple, Rainbow, Y.J. Malmsteen, Brazen Abbot and so many more is a testimony to the statement above. This album is his first live recording under his own name (Live in Tokyo was under the HTP moniker) and could simply function as a best of compilation. "Street of Dreams", "I surrender", "Spotlight Kid", "Stone Cold" plus a cover of the Purple classic "Burn" are some of the songs included. Mr. Turner sings selected cuts from his entire career and delivers some fine performances. Who cares if he can't reach the highest notes like in the old days? This man can sing like no other and his distinctive voice gives the songs the push they need in order to become classics. The sound is great and so are the musicians that accompany Mr. Turner. I believe that all the Turner maniacs all over the world will go for this one. I can't find a single reason why they shouldn't. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.joelynnturner.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/joelynnturner |
87/100 |
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| JPL – Retrospections Volume I (CD) | France | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Rock | Running time: 53:49 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Jean Pierre Louveton is the guitarplayer of the new French progrock band Nemo. In 1987 JP discovered the guitar and taught himself to play on it. Soon JP started to write many compositions, playing in several bands and released 3 solo albums, this brandnew compilation cd "Retrospections Volume I" is his fourth. JP wrote lots of material between 1991 and 1997 which he put on this cd, along with two new compositions. On two of the 12 tracks JP sings, the rest is instrumental. On JP's new cd, we can enjoy varied and tastefully arranged songs. JP often plays powerful guitar, but sometimes also more mellow. His guitar parts range from swinging and powerful, till a blend of jazz and funk, till dreamy and acoustic. As influences JP refers to Michael Schenker, Steve Vai and David Gilmour, but in my opinion he also sounds as a softer version of Patrick Rondat. If you like prog rock and instrumental guitar releases, this is a cd to check out! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jplouveton.com
Recordlabel: http://www.quadrifonic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jplouveton |
81/100 |
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| KAMPFAR – Heimgang (CD) | Norway | December 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Pagan Folklore Black Metal | Running time: 47:05 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| With their former album "Kvass" Kampfar returned to the scene after years of silence. While in the past Kampfar was the band of vocalist Dolk and guitarist Thomas on this new album "Heimgang" (which roughly translates itself through: the path between our world and the underworld) the two other members Jon and II13 contribute more to the sound of Kampfar. So to say, Kampfar is a real band now. But can this be heard in the songwriting on the latest opus? Has Kampfar changed a lot? The answer is: no. The main difference with its processor is the quality of the songs. While "Ravenheart" was the outstanding song on the "Kvass" and the other songs were very good (don't get me wrong here) the new ones are all fantastic! There is no "Ravenheart" on this album but the album as a whole is much better. When I turn on the album I honestly can't stop listening. From the fast opening tune "Inferno" which is already an instant live classic to the last song "Vettekult" which has a fantastic monotous riff, that never gets boring. This album is a must have for the fans of Kampfar. To the people who are not familiar with Kampfar. The band plays a mixture of Norwegian folklore and black metal in a totally unique way. No it's not your average Ensiferum and Korpiklaanii stuff with happy melodies and the typical boasting. Kampfar's sound is rooted much deeper in the vast forest. On the outskirts of the forest all is safe but in the heart of the forest things are more mystical and dangerous. That's where you can find Kampfar… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kampfar.com
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/norsepagans |
89/100 |
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| KARMAKANIC – Who`s the Boss in the Factory (CD) | Sweden | December 2008 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 55:30 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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Karmakanic was founded in 1999 by Jonas Reingold, who is known as bass player from the well known The Flower Kings. During that days, Reingold wrote a couple of songs which developed into the concept album "Entering the Spectra", and Karmakanic was born. This band is more than a side project for him, whenever he has the time, he devotes himself to the group. Nowadays, Karmakanic consists of five core musicians with guests coming and going. On this album, the band had the availability of Tomas Bodin, who also plays in The Flower Kings, on the keyboards, Theo Travis (who worked with Robert Fripp) on Saxophone, Lelo Nika on accordion and Andy Tillson (The Tangent) on the organ and synthesizers. "Who`s the Boss in the Factory" is the band`s third album, they previously released the concept album "Entering the Spectra" in 2002 and "Wheel of Life" in 2004. In 2004, they toured shortly trough Europe to promote "Wheel of Life". The new album was recorded and partially mixed at Reinsgold`s own studio. "Who`s the Boss in the Factory" starts with the 20-minute epic "Send a message from the Heart". This song is in my opinion the best song of the album. It contains progressive parts which are alternated by calm parts with pretty melodies. The fourth song, "Two Blocks from the Edge" distinguishes itself by the use of the saxophone during the refrains. This gives a fresh touch to this song. The songs "Eternally Pt:1 and "Eternally Pt:2" are devoted tho Reingolds parents, who died last year in a tragic car accident. With this knowledge, you listen from another point of view to these songs. "Who`s the Boss in the Factory" is a good album which could appeal to all progrock fans who like music like Spock`s Beard and the Flower Kings! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.reingoldmusic.com
Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jonasreingold |
85/100 |
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| KATAPLEXIA – Supreme Authority (CD) | Finland | December 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Brutal Death Metal | Running time: 33:40 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Kataplexia started terrorizing the metal scene since 2003 and released their first album that year. This is their third and I must say it sounds fucking brutal. The guitar riffs are fast and technical. The drums are very fast and straight in your face. The vocals are very Miss Piggy and a great low and deep grunt. This band is not original but kicks ass. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kataplexia.com
Recordlabel: http://www.xtreemmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kataplexia |
70/100 |
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| KATRA – Beast Within (CD) | Finland | December 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Gothic Metal | Running time: 49:00 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Katra started out in 2006, when vocalist Katra Solopuro aligned with several musicians, who had formerly played in bands such as Lovex, My Fate, Nocturn, Minerva and Sonicmind. Bass player Johannes and guitarist Kristian had already made a name with dark metal band Nocturn, with whom they released an album in the early nineties. After their departure from Nocturn, Johannes and Kristian played a varied mix of styles including pop, metal, rock and even jazz. As such, both musicians command a high level of musical expertise, which can be heard in Katra, according to their bio that is. Frontlady Katra Solopuro began her carreer as a background vocalist for Essentia and Loves. Classical singing and piano lessons were also a part of her curriculum. The renowned finnish producer Risto Asikainen brought the band into his studio and worked with them on the first Katra tracks. Inspired and encouragedby the aura of professionalism tied to this experience, the band was able to reach new heights of performance and musicality. Katra's first single 'Sahara' became a huge radio hit and was followed by their self-titled debut album in the spring of 2007. A tour of Finland followed, and shortly after that they got noticed by Napalm Records, who signed them. This release is their second album 'Beast Within', and my first thought was, is Tarja back with Nightwish? But no, it was Katra singing, how many beautiful girls are there in Finland who sing like this?! Well anyway, the music is a bit more classical than Nightwish, but nevertheless great stuff. Katra has a great voice, and knows how to use it, to give each song depth and sincerity. Furthermore on the album you will find classic rock instrumentation, tender harmonies, and also some piano parts in these varied compositions. Sometimes even kind of Arabic vocal sounds like in 'Flow', this is Gothic with some folk influences, catchy songs and sensual ballads, to call it metal is a little overstatement, but since lots of metal lovers are also into this kind of music. To compare it with other bands I could name Xandria for instance, it's more on the softer side, bands like (old) Nightwish, After Forever or Epica are a lot heavier, more metal, and some using grunts and all in it, you won't find that with Katra, nevertheless it certainly is a great album (except for the voice-overs, but that's just my promo version). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.katra.fi
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/katramusic |
80/100 |
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| MICHAEL VESCERA – A Sign of Things to Come (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 46:14 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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I believe that all Mario's Metal Mania readers already know who Mr. Vescera is. In case somebody doesn't, let's summarise his great career. Mike Vescera kicked of his career with the U.S. heavy power metal band Obsession. After the release of one EP and 2 LPs the band called it quits and Vescera fronted Japanese legends Loudness, guitar wizard Y.J. Malmsteen, German virtuoso Roland Grapow, American shredder Joe Stump and his Reign of Terror band and also recorded albums with Killing Machine, Safe Heaven, Dr. Sin, his personal band called MVP and several others before reforming Obsession for a killer comeback album a couple of years ago. "A Sign of Things to Come" is the first album under the Vescera moniker. Most songs included where conceived in the recent past for an exclusive Japanese release. For the purpose of this album he has gathered many musicians from bands like House of Lords, Obsession, Malmsteen and X-Factor-X plus a couple of young and talented guitarists. The result is stunning. 12 songs in the Obsession - Reign of Terror vein with the unmistakeable and standard high quality Vescera performances. After a couple of spins you won't be able to get these choruses out of your head. There are no "winner" songs. The album functions as a whole. For all the ones out there who are seeking the finest melodic heavy metal with power metal overtones; this one is for ya! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mikevescera |
86/100 |
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| MOONGARDEN – Songs from the Lighthouse (CD) | Italy | December 2008 | Michel van Hassel |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 71:06 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Moongarden is not a newcomer is the scene. The band started out in the early 90's. "Songs from the Lighthouse" is their fifth album. All through the years Cristiano Roversi (keyboards, Chapman stick) is the figure-head being the creative mastermind and the only original member that has survived all changes. On this release he is joined by original singer Simone Baldini Tosi who only sung on the debut-album "Moonsadness" (1993). After the debut-album Moongarden released "Brainstorm of Emptyness"(1995) , "The Gates of Omega"(2000) and "Round Midnight "(2004). Through the years there were some changes in the line-up resulting in the one that recorded "Songs from the Lighthouse". Besides Cristiano and Simone the line-up consists of Marco Tafelli (guitars, violin) , Mirko Tagliasacchi (bass) and Maurizio Di Tollo (drums). On the song "That Child" there is an guest-appearance by Andy Tillison (The Tangent) The opening-track "My Darkside" consists of atmospheric elements combined with bass, guitars and keyboards competing throughout the song. The longest song on the album "Solaris " has some Eastern elements and also a deformed voice. The most important part of this song is the mega-guitar-solo that is played with extreme passion. (beautiful !!!) "Emotionaut" is a short song with some "Porcupine Tree" influences inside. Andy Tillison and Simone Baldini Tosi compete vocally on "That Child" which turns heavy in the middle of the song. The song "Dreamlord" starts relaxed and dreamy but builds up towards the end with all instruments painting a blanket of sound. "Southampton Railroad" offers modest singing combined with some keys and percussion. The second instrumental "Sonya in search of the moon (part 5) " refers to Genesis and features the extreme craftsmanship that Cristiano Roversi has to offer on keyboards. The final song "The Lighthouse Song" offers the complete range of sounds from very mellow to powerful and is a good way to end this album although I think the voice of Tosi on this song is the weaker part. This album is a very mature effort performed by excellent musicians. Besides that there are also two things to be mentioned. One is that the album is co-released by Galileo Records (www.galileo-records.com) and the other is that the beautiful artwork is made by Ed Unitsky (www.edunitsky.com) | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.moongardenweb.com
Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/moongardenband |
82/100 |
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| MYRKVAR – Als een Woeste Horde (CD) | The Netherlands | December 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Folk / Viking metal. | Running time: 49:12 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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For fans of Heidevolk says their bio. I doubt it if bands like it when labels make comparisons like this. Definitely in the case of Myrkvar, a band that has been grown out of the ashes of the black metal band Lord Astoroth who come from the same region as Heidevolk. The chance exists that you'll always be the little brother of that band. I know that it is easy for labels to compare their bands with bands playing the same style but I doubt it if the band will like it when it is your next door neighbour.
Anyway on this new album "Een Woeste Horde" the folk influences are added for the first time. While the other (demo) releases are more black metal based. You can now speak of Folk/Viking metal with black metal influences. This resulting in some tracks which are dark and dramatic sounding, because of the use of the violin and also the blastbeats in some parts that remind the listener of the early black metal days. While on the other tracks the band sounds "happier" like there colleagues in bands such as Korpiklaanii and Eluveitie. The production is something I'm not that happy about. It doesn't sound too clean which is a good thing because you wouldn't like to hear your on "history" based music with a clinical sound. Still the guitar sound is much too thin. I know the band only has one guitar player so on the stage you can't do much about that. In the studio this is a different story though. It's easy to give the music some extra layers here. The lyrics are all sung in Dutch and I think this is something the band can improve a bit. Some songs contain lyrics with a real story about historic facts while others only tell the well known tales from the battle field. Tell us more about that historic facts in the future please. You'll be taken much more seriously then. I doubt it of Myrkvar can contribute something to this overcrowded scene. The ideas are o.k. and there is definitely some room to grow on the next album. So we'll see… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myrkvar.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.shiver-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/myrkvar |
68/100 |
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| NIGHT RANGER – Rockin' Shibuya 2007 (2 CD) | USA | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: CD1 50:22 (Tracks: 10) / CD2 53:06 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| In the eighties NIGHT RANGER was a very successful melocic Hard Rock band with albums like "Dawn Patrol" (1982), "Midnight Madness" (1983), "Seven Wishes" (1985), "Big Life" (1987) and "Man In Motion" (1988). And I never forget when I heard the first song on "Dawn Patrol", which is the mighty "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" (still a killer riff). That song blew me away, and until today it's still one of my favourite NR songs ever, together with other classics like "Sing Me Away", "Rumours In The Air", "Night Ranger", "Why Does Love Have To Change", "Young Girl In Love", "Seven Wishes", "Sister Christian", "Big Life", "When You Close Your Eyes" and of course "(You Can Still) Rock In America". After a absence of seven years NIGHT RANGER reunited in 1996 again for a tour in Japan and in 1997 they released a new album titled "Neverland", followed by "Seven" (1998). And in 2007 NIGHT RANGER released their last studio album "Hole In The Sun". Personally I don't know those three mentioned albums. But on this double live CD "Rockin' Shibuya 2007", which was recorded in Tokyo, Japan, NIGHT RANGER is playing some recent songs too, like "Tell Your Vision", "Drama Queen", "There Is Life", "Whatever Happened", "You're Gonna Hear From Me" (all of "Hole In The Sun") and "Forever All Over Again" (from "Neverland"). These are nice songs, but it's the classics like "This Boy Needs To Rock/Highway Star" (yes, indeed with a part of DEEP PURPLE's classic), "Sing Me Away", "Touch Of Madness", "Rumours In The Air", "Seven Wishes", "Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight", "When You Close Your Eyes", "Don't Tell Me You Love Me", "Sister Christian" and "(You Can Still) Rock In America" who are making this live album so fantastic. It's not the complete original line-up on this album, because besides original NR members Jack Blades (bass, lead vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, lead vocals) and Brad Gillis (guitar) it's Reb Beach (WHITESNAKE, WINGER, DOKKEN) on guitar (instead of Jeff Watson) and ex-GREAT WHITE's Michael Lardie on keyboards (instead of Alan Fitzgerald). But "Rockin' Shibuya 2007" is a very good and interesting live album. Now let's hope if NIGHT RANGER will come over to Holland to prove "(They Can Still) Rock In Holland" too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.nightranger.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nightranger |
87/100 |
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| NOFUCK – Existenz Minimum (CD) | Italy | December 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Brutal Death Metal | Running time: 33:40 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| NoFuck started in 1997 and after very much line up changes they released their first demo in 2005. This record was released in 2007 and I must say it sounds pretty good. They play a raw mix between Pro-Pain, Machine Head and a lot of thrash metal in it. All the songs have a great variety and the production of this record is good. The drums are straight in your face and the guitar riffs are low and thrashy. The composing of the songs is great. This record contains 4 old songs and 4 new songs. I cannot hear the difference….so that is good in my opinion. If you like bands that I named then you should definitely check this out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.nofuck.it
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nofuckthrash |
70/100 |
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| ONE MAN ARMY & THE UNDEAD QUARTET - Grim Tales (CD) | Sweden | December 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 46:59 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| This band, formed by ex-At The Gates frontman Johan Lindstrand, started in 2004 and already they have recorded 3 cd`s and 2 ep`s.That`s pretty impressive. "Grim Tales" is the first cd released via Massacre records. And the other change since the former release "Error in Evolution" is that guitar player Pekka Kiviaho left and is replaced by Mattias Bolander. "Grim Tales" is a decent thrash/death metal cd .They mix old-school thrash with melodic death metal. It`s all played very well but it`s not very original. I saw them live a few weeks ago and I liked their live performance.They sure can play and the cd shows that too. It has a rough edge about it that I like. But don`t expect something spectacular. It all sounds alike after a while. But if you`re a One Man Army fan you will not be disappointed. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.onemanarmy.tv
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/onemanarmyandtheundeadquartet |
78/100 |
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| PHIL VINCENT – White Noise (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 61:43 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Not a long time ago, I did a review on the Circular Logik album that featured Phil Vincent (check it out for details). This album is one of his solo efforts. His 10th (!!!) to be more specific. Pretty much everything on the C.L. review applies here with the difference being that this album leans a bit more towards hard rock than metal although there are some songs that sound metal enough. Saxon meets Dokken? Why not! The compositions are a bit weaker though. To be honest I prefer the heavier part of C.L. or the more melodic one of Tragik but "White Noise" will provide some fine listening experiences for the fans of guitar driven hard rock. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.philvincent.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/philvincentrox |
70/100 |
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| PSYCHOBOLIA – Fisting You All (CD) | France | December 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Grind Metal | Running time: 30:11 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Psychobolia started their carrier in 2001. They released their first demo in 93. After that they released tracks on distribution cd`s and released another demo. This is their debut and I must say it sounds very brutal. The drums are pounding through every song like a fucking steam train. The guitar riffs are very fast and technical. The drums are low and filthy combined with screams. The production of this album is good enough. The only thing that I think that is a pity, that there isn't much variety in the songs. Every song is very fast and brutal but that's the only thing the songs have to offer. If you like brutal death grind then you have to check it out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.psychobolia.com
Recordlabel: http://www.xtreemmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/psychobolia |
65/100 |
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| REFLECTION – When Shadows Fall (CD) | Greece | December 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Doom Metal | Running time: 47:41 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Reflection is one of the most prominent bands of the Greek Metal Scene. Formed in the early nineties, the band has issued a series of successful albums and has established a strong following. All these years of hard work were rewarded with a contract with promising international label Cruz Del Sur who had already invested in the Greek metal scene by signing Battleroar. The previous album "Odyssey" had already shown the way towards doomier paths. "When Shadows Fall" is an album of epic doom metal. The band has some undergone serious line-up changes. Maltese singer and Forsaken frontman Leo Stivala is the new mainman and John Litinakis is the new bass player. With this new blood flowing in the Reflection veins, band leader Stathis Pavlantis (composer, guitarist) started working on the new album a couple of years ago. The result is just fabulous. Doom metal in the vein of Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus with great riffs and solos (Stathis is on fire!), solid rhythm section and fitting keyboards. Leo gives some high standard performances as always. This album should really put Reflection on the international metal map because it's a work of high quality, made with passion and precision. In my opinion you have no risks to take so invest! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.reflection.gr
Recordlabel: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/reflectiongr |
90/100 |
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| SEAN MALONE – Cortlandt (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Michel van Hassel |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 44:44 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| This is the re-release of the 1996 solo-album that Sean Malone had released through Audioimage Records back then. Following the break up of Cynic this first solo album was released in small numbers and became a collectors-item. Now more than ten years later there is this remastered digipack version including a bonus track. What to say about this album and Sean Malone. There's only one conclusion: "It's all about bass and Stick work". The album is produced by Scott Burns and Sean Malone, while most of the music was composed and arranged by Sean. There are only two songs on this album that weren't composed by Sean. These songs are : "Sinfonia" which was composed by JS Bach and "Unquity Road" which was composed by another bass-legend Pat Metheny. The musicians on this album include Cynic band-mate Sean Reinert (drums), Bob Bunin, Geoff Caputo, Reeves Gabrels, Adam Levy and Trey Gunn (all on guitars) and just above one minute vocals. Sean explores his complete range of musical interests. So on the album you can hear fusion (Controversy), progressive rock (Big Sky Wanting), classical music (Sinfonia), world music (At Taliesen) and some metal-influences. Sean is an extremely talented musician who has showed his unique qualities in bands like Cynic, Gordian Knot, Aghora and many, many other projects and on guest-appearances. Besides this Sean has written several books about his playing the bass and everything else around this instrument. So if you're a bass-player buy this album and start practising or if you're a metal-head try to widen your musical taste. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.seanmalone.net
Recordlabel: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com |
85/100 |
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| SERENITY – Fallen Sanctuary (CD) | Austria | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Symphonic Metal | Running time: 49:47 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Serenity formed in January 2001. Their demo "Engraved Within" from 2005 was voted Demo of the Month in German magazines like Rock Hard and Metal Hammer. Thanks to the positive response of this demo, Serenity recorded their first album "Words Untold and Dreams Unlived". Napalm Records released this album in 2007. That same year they played with Sacred Steel, Threshold, Kamelot and Adagio. They also wrote material for their second album. This resulted in the release of "Fallen Sanctuary". It presents a more mature band and deliver tighter songs, without disregarding the catchy refrains and versatile melodies. Oliver Philipps (Everon) provided diverse orchestral parts to enrich the album's atmosphere. The choirs are more massive and the harmonies more diverse thanks to the work of Lanvall (Edenbridge). Sandra Schleret from Elis appears as a guest vocalist on "Fallen Sanctuary" , and also some grunts can be heard. Star of the band however is vocalist Georg Neuhauser, who reminds me a lot of Roy Khan (Kamelot). This is the kind of cd you really have to buy when you also like bands such as Vision Divine, Kamelot, Threshold, Shadow Gallery and Sonata Arctica. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.serenity-band.com
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/serenitybandtyrol |
87/100 |
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| SERAPHIN – Start To Live (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: AOR | Running time: 53:32 (Tracks: 14) | ||
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Seraphin, as the bio tells me, is a journey around the world, writing down experiences in music. The result of the co-operation between Jan Vacik and Klaus Engl is an album that is rock-ish, but not throughout the whole album.
The story of this album says that Engl visited Vacik in the Dreamscape studios in Munich with a 4 track recorder in order to make a demo, but Vacik found the outcome too good for a demo, and in the end, the album got released through BadLand records. Will rockfans like this album? I doubt it. However smoothly produced, it all sounds a bit alternative, a little rock and metal, a lot of moody songs. The contrast that is built up with "The Unknown" and "Nothing But A Guest" (which have obvious Metallica influences here and there) is interesting but lasts only a few minutes. In all honesty I must add that both musicians are very much in control of their instruments. The vocals are unfortunately putting me to sleep, so no fireworks. Not even with the artwork, which is plain dull. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.seraphin.de
Recordlabel: http://www.badlandrecords.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/seraphinproductions |
60/100 |
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| SHADOWKEEP – The Hourglass Effect (CD) | United Kingdom | December 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Progressive Power Metal | Running time: 51:50 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Shadowkeep were formed in 1999 by guitarists Chris Allen and Nikki Robson. In October of that year, together with Belgian vocalist Rogue M, the band entered Thin Ice Studios to record a six-track EP produced by Threshold guitarist Karl Groom, featuring the opus 'Dark Tower'. This is already a legendary EP and got great reviews from the international press. I had to luck to see this band live during that days but I have to admit that especially their singer was very disappointing live. Nevertheless on the album he was singing marvellous and sounded like Queensryche's Geoff Tate. Quickly after that the title song 'Dark Tower' song came to the attention of Limb Music Productions (LMP), who offered ShadowKeep a record deal in June 2000. Two full-length studio albums ('Corruption Within' and 'A Chaos Theory') followed to critical acclaim. ShadowKeep were clearly on a winning streak, until line-up changes stopped the band in mid-flight. Vocalist Rogue went, American Ronnie Stixx (Divine Ruins, now in Vicious Rumors) came in. A 3-track promo was recorded with Ronnie on vocals. With this singer I saw the band blowing all the other bands away at the Keep it True festival in 2005!!! An awesome gig with a superb frontman! After a short tour on the European continent however, ShadowKeep again found themselves without a singer. Later on the band recruited former Tygers of Pan Tang frontman (and ex-Angel Witch bassist) Richie Wicks on vocals. As the new opus 'The Hourglass Effect' was nearing completion, Chris had to undergo major surgery and, at the infamous eleventh hour, new drummer Omar Hayes came in. With Chris recovering, a new recording deal with Dutch metal label Melissa Records materialized. I already had this album at home for months as a promo but the main reason behind that was the fact that the band where booked to play the second edition of my own festival; Mario's Metal Meeting 2! There are not many albums that I listened to that much the last 10 years compared to this great album; I can nearly dream all the songs!! And not even me: my 3 year old son (Jorn) was already screaming "Incisor" in the backseat of my car when he was hearing the second song of this album again & again J This album is full of great, US-metal-a-like progressive metal with great musicianship and a great singer. Pity that he never reached the high level live during my festival a few weeks ago (rumors told me that he had a throat infection). Nevertheless this is an amazing album and a classic one in its genre!! Only little complain are the few 'stolen' parts from bands like Queensryche & Heir Apparent. Favorite songs; "Shadowkeep", "Incisor" (also my sons favorite), "Riot on Earth" (with a kind of Speakers' Corner (Hyde Park, London) speech/intro), "Waiting for the Call", "Leviathan Rising" & "With Force we Come". Great album for people who love progressive powermetal; buy or die………. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.shadowkeepmetal.net
Recordlabel: http://www.melissarecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shadowkeepuk |
95/100 |
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| SISTER SIN – Switchblade Serenades (CD) | Sweden | December 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Street Metal | Running time: 44:00 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Sister Sin arose from the gutters of Gothenburg in 2002, this furious foursome entered the local scene as a hard-hitting, undeniable metal force. A mere year after their initial practice session, the band released a rough demo through a Greek independent label. The disc, entitled 'Dance of the Wicked', was well received by critics, and their self released follow-up single in 2005 was a huge online success according to their bio. Touring with such acts as Cradle of Filth, W.A.S.P. and Doro, the band continued to gain respect live. In june 2008 an offer was made by Victory Records from the United States. This debutalbum 'Switchblade Serenades' is produced by Tobias Lindell and recorded at the Bohus Sound Studios, Sweden. The band consists of Female lead vocalist Liv, guitarist Jimmy, bassist Chris and drummer Dave. Their sound is full of energy, blasting out the speakers and comparable with, for instance, Benedictum or Sinergy, especially Liv sounds like Kimberly Goss in some songs. They kick off with 'Beat the Streets', up tempo, full power with enormous energy, and they keep this up for almost the entire record. This is great stuff, with some old school metal influences, done in a modern way, with a good and heavy production. Maybe it sounds familiar in some parts, but then again, it's maybe not the most original, but certainly one of the bands who do it better than most! They seem to have an awesome live reputation, so I can't wait to see them perform songs like 'One out of ten', 'On Parole' or 'Switchblade Serenade'. Well lucky me, gonna see em 2 times this month, buy or die! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sistersin.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sisterssin |
92/100 |
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| STEEL HORSE – Raise Your Fist (MCD) | Spain | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 19:16 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Steel Horse was founded in 2007 by guitarist Willy Gascon and vocalist Jorge Cortes. At the end of 2007 the line-up was complete, and at the beginning of 2008 they recorded their first ep "Raise Your Fist". On this ep are 4 hymns of classic heavy metal, ranging from mid to up-tempo. Their songs are clearly influenced by 80's metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but also mixed with some Tierra Santa influences, one of the best Spanish metal bands ever! Vocalist Jorge is singing very good & powerful and Willy is without any doubt a very good heavy metal guitarist! Currently the band is playing a lot of gigs and they also have plans to record their debut album in the Summer of 2009. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/steelhorsemetal |
84/100 |
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| STORMRIDER – Fate Of The Hunter (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Heavy / Power Metal | Running time: 56:00 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| When I first received this cd, I thought Mario had sent me a cd from one of the best bands around in Holland, namely Stormrider with Marcel Coenen on guitar, but I was wrong. This is a German band also called Stormrider, which just released their second full length album. Stormrider was born in the summer of 2001, and originally started out as a project to play traditional eighties heavy metal. Soon after they realised Stormrider had more potential then being just a sideproject. By the end of 2002 they entered the studio to record their mini-cd 'Vengeance', which was released in 2003. The band got some good reviews from press and E-zines, and in 2004 follow-up 'Shipwrecked', their first full length, was recorded and later on released by Underground Symphony. And now here's their latest effort 'Fate of the Hunter'. Stormrider are one of the most promising German underground bands within the traditional metal scene. The band influences reach from NWOBHM to 80's US-Metal, while been compared with the likes of Iron Maiden and Iced Earth. Well I can say they really sound like a German version of Iced Earth, while adding their own thing to it. Well done twin guitars and harmonies, carefully worked out arrangements with superb solos and melodies. This is no doubt a very skilled band who deliver a genius album, listen to opener 'Warpath', 'Flames of Passion' or 'Under the Veil'. Amazing guitar work, great vocals with absolutely no German accent, which a lot of German bands tend to have. This is Metal how it should be, I love it, now let their music convince you, and you will love it too! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stormrider-metal.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com |
95/100 |
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| STUCK MOJO – The Great Revival (CD) | USA | December 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Crossover / Metal / Rock | Running time: 42:08 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| STUCK MOJO, who was formed in 1989 by guitarist Rich Ward, surprised the Metal scene in 1995 with their debut album "Snappin' Necks". Also the following two albums "Pigwalk" (1996) and "Rising" (1998) are in my opinion real recommendations. And in 1998, during the "Rising" tour, I even played with the band H.A.T.E. as the openings band for STUCK MOJO at Noorderligt, Tilburg, Holland (May 8th, 1998). Personally I don't know the live album "HVY1" (1999) and the last album "Declaration Of A Headhunter" (2000) before they broke up in 2000. And in 2001 there was a compilation album released, which is "Violate This". Then in 2005 the band reunited again, with Bonz on vocals, and they did a small European tour. During that tour I saw STUCK MOJO at the small hall of 013, Tilburg (February 14th, 2005) and proved they still had the magic and the groove. But in 2006 STUCK MOJO parted ways with Bonz and since then Lord Nelson, who was introduced to the band by original singer/rapper Bonz, is the frontman of the band. The first release with singer/rapper Lord Nelson was "Southern Born Killers" (2007) and within' a year there's already a brand new STUCK MOJO album, titled "The Great Revival". The line-up of STUCK MOJO on this new album is Lord Nelson (vocals, rap), Rich Ward (guitar), Mike Martin (guitar), Sean Delson (bass) and Steve Underwood (drums). Well, I also don't know the "Southern Born Killers" album (which is gonna be re-released too on Napalm Records, with four bonus tracks), but this new album is very varied instead of the albums that I know. With songs like "15 Minutes Of Fame" and "The Fear" STUCK MOJO still sounds like on their first albums. But this time there are also some country and seventies rock influences. Even some tracks could easily have been on KID ROCK's last album "Rock N Roll Jesus". I never had expected STUCK MOJO would cover JOHN DENVER's "Country Roads". And there are also some female vocals on "The Great Revival" from rising star Christine Cook, who's singing some parts on the songs "Friends", "The Fear" and "Superstar Part 1 (The Journey Begins)". I must admit, that her vocals fits perfectly on these songs. All with all "The Great Revival" is a nice and varied STUCK MOJO album, but I still prefer the first three albums. Anyway, my favourite songs are "15 Minutes Of Fame", "Friends", "Now That Your're All Alone" (the guitar riff reminds me of PAPA ROACH's "Last Resort"), "The Fear" and "Invincible". | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stuckmoje.us
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stuckinthemojo |
78/100 |
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| SYMPHONITY – Voices From The Silence (CD) | Czech Republic | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Symphonic Epic Power Metal | Running time: 53:13 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| This band from the Czech Replublic exist already since 1994, that time using other names like Otter and Nemesis. As Nemesis, they released their first album through Underground Symphony in 2003, namely "Goddess Of Revenge". It was during the preparation of the second album that original vocalist Vilem Majtner left the band. That time the remaining members decided also to change their name into Symphonity and in Luca Turilli and ex-Dionysus singer Olaf Hayer they found a suitable vocalist. With Olaf, the band recorded their second album "Voice From The Silence", this time released through Limb Music Products. Symphonity treats us to a portion of (especially) fast power metal with a lot of progressive and symphonic influences, comparable with bands such as Dionysus, At Vance, Edguy and Nation. Thanks to the great melodic songs, majestic vocals and technical abilities of the band members, this must bring them to the first division soon! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.symphonity.com
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/symphonity |
88/100 |
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| THUNDER – Bang! (CD) | United Kingdom | December 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Hardrock | Running time: 54:16 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| It all started for Thunder in the late 80's. Since then the band has been releasing solid albums ever since. "Bang!" is their third release under the wings of Frontiers Records and the ninth in total. Next year they'll also celebrate their 20th anniversary. "Bang!" consists of 12 intelligent and highly skilled classic hardrock tracks. There's a variation between rockers, mid-tempo tracks and ballads. The guitars by Morley/Matthews are sounding great again and Danny Bowes bluesy voice fits the music like a glove. For fans of Bon Jovi, Free, UFO and Uriah Heep. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thunderonline.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thunderonline |
77/100 |
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| TRUSTGAME - Trustgame (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Pop Rock / Emo | Running time: 45:15 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Trustgame is a band that combines all the rock styles that came out in the last 20 years. Influenced by bands as Korn and various punk rock bands. They look like a boyband and the name is not really original. The added information on the band says everything is perfectly played and great. And this is one of the rare moments that it’s really true! I can honestly say I was very surprised when I played the record. I really see them becoming the next Tokio Hotel, but slightly better… If the music business was a pure popularity contest this band would win the award of “best newcomer”. Not that I’m a big fan of these sort of bands, that’s why It’s not a big score I gave this album. But I see a big future for this band. Mark my words… | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.la-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/trustgame01 |
65/100 |
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| ULI JON ROTH – Under A Dark Sky (CD) | Germany | December 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Symphonic Rock | Running time: 63:39 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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People say that the 5 years that Uli was guitarist in Scorpions were their best years. He was replaced by Michael Schenker after his departure in 1978. After the Scorpions, Roth formed the band "Electric Sun" with whom he released three albums. His career went solo after that; he started to arrange his own classical music turning it into rock with a distinct Hendrix influence, using that spacy guitar sound that came out of his custom-built Sky guitar
with extra frets. I must say that I was surprised by the outcome. At some points I recognize Roth's hardrock history in his play, but the bigger part of this album to me sounds like a rock opera in an oldfashioned style that reminded me of Jesus Christ Superstar. This album has little to do with rock in general so I do not understand why it was labelled as symphonic rock. This album is fit for the older UJ Roth fans, but I fear that he will not gain any new fans by this project. Although it is quite an accomplishment to create an album in the way that he did. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ulijonroth.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ulijonroth |
64/100 |
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| VIRTUALLY NOTHING - Prologue To The Story (CDemo) | The Netherlands | December 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Metal / Mathcore | Running time: 10:03 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| I’m a big fan of The Dillinger Escape Plan and I’m always very sceptic about bands who use TDEP as their role models and compare their music to them. But Virtually Nothing is one of the few who can actually claim this. I’m not saying it’s just another rip-off… It’s obvious TDEP is a big influence on their music but they add their own style and attitude to it, and that makes it a separate sound. The demo starts really interesting with a electric sound to it. This demo focuses on the current digital era and the problems they bring. The music is chaotic and I like it that way, it’s not perfect but not bad at all. In the end I really like their music and it was too bad there were only 3 tracks. But it’s really a matter of taste, you should check it out for yourself. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.virtuallynothing.nl/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/virtuallynothing |
85/100 |
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| WEEPING BIRTH – Anosognosic Industry Of The I (CD) | Switzerland | December 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Brutal Black / Death Metal | Running time: 1:13:29 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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Do you like the Berzerker? Or maybe Anaal Nathrakh? Then this something for you! Listening to the latest album "Anosognosic industry of the I" from Weeping Birth reminded me about a text I once rode on the back of a Morbid Angel t shirt. It said "Extreme music for extreme people" I would like to know what will be on the back of a Weeping Birth shirt. If I may be so free to choose a word it would be "wicked" or maybe "insane", Boy oh boy this is not for the weak hearted. Completely over the top fast and brutal death metal with haunting black metal guitar riffs and a raging drum computer. Weeping Birth slays everything that comes on its path. And that for over an hour long. Seriously this is the only complaint I have about this album. It is too long. Climax after climax. Once you're on top of the mountain a new higher one lightens up. You constantly feel the heat of the people following you. Further and further until after 80 minutes you've reached the end of your journey. Exhausted but relieved you lay down on the soft grass and promises yourself never to do this again. But than a few hours later you touch play again and a new journey begins… This one man project from Switzerland started by the lovely person Vladimir Cochet in 1999 already gave us an album in 2003 called: "A painting of raven and rape" which I will surely track down because I'm curious to hear if its as insane as this one. The lyrical theme on the album contains: refusal of an existence reduced to a thing state, critic on the mechanization of bodies and human relations, resentment and death drive. Interesting stuff that perfectly fits with the aggressiveness of the music. Mr. Cochet also has two side projects. One called: Mirrorthrone and the other Unholy Matrimony. Both black metal projects and different from Weeping Birth. Rests me to say about this disc. Caution: "This disc contains some of the most insane music ever recorded" Don't say that I didn't warn you! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.weepingbirth.com
Recordlabel: http://www.conatusrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/weepingbirth |
86/100 |
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| ZERO MENTALITY & THE HEARTBREAK MOTEL - Virtues And Vices (Split MCD) | Germany | December 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Rock / Hardcore | Running time: 20:22 (Tracks: 4) | ||
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In the beginning of 2008 both Zero Mentality and The Heartbreak Motel entered the studio together in Denmark to record 4 songs. One of the two tracks that each band is going to record is a product of a cooperative songwriting & recording process. The final result is this MCD that was released in March.
Zero Mentality are known as a Gerrman hardcore sensation who have great live performances and mix a lot of rock in their music. They clearly opted for the more rock style this time. I know the band from the song 'Nicht Mer', which I think is great. Anyway, both songs sound very refreshing, I don’t think a lot of hardcore bands could pull of what Zero Mentality did. The Heartbreak Motel has always been a rock band and they haven’t changed their style now. The two songs of this MCD sound somewhat edgier than their previous releases, due to the cooperation with Zero Mentality. This is a very interesting MCD, it also includes two full video clips of both bands! | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/zeromentality
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theheartbreakmotel Recordlabel: http://www.demonsrunamok.de |
70/100 |
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| AC/DC – Black Ice (CD) | Australia | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 55:37 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| After eight years Australian rockers of AC/DC are finally back with a brand new album, titled "Black Ice". AC/DC fans had to wait a very long time for the successor of "Stiff Upper Lip" (2000), but to tell the truth, it was worth the wait. "Black Ice", which is produced by Brendan O'Brien, features fifteen songs in the well known AC/DC tradition. The album opens very strongly with the first single "Rock N Roll Train". Okay it's not a song like "Thunderstruck", but it's a good choice for a single. And of course, you could say that every AC/DC album sounds the same, but AC/DC has just their very own unique sound, which a band like Motörhead has also. I must admit that I have always preferred Bon Scott (R.I.P.) above Brian Johnson as a singer. I got interested in Hard Rock music in 1977 with bands like AC/DC, STATUS QUO, RAM JAM and QUEEN. So, I like AC/DC since the "Let There Be Rock" (1977) album. And all albums with Scott are absolutely my all time favourite AC/DC albums. But one thing is sure, Johnson has a very recognizable voice. And of course Angus Young plays fabulous as always. The best songs on "Black Ice" are in my opinion "Rock N Roll Train", "Skies On Fire", "Big Jack", "Anything Goes", "Spoilin' For A Fight", "Decibel", "Stormy May Day" and "She Likes Rock N Roll". So, "Black Ice" isn't a "Back In Black" (1980), but it comes very close to the level of that classic album and it's sure one of the better AC/DC albums with Johnson. Speaking for myself, "Back In Black" and "For Those About To Rock…We Salute You" (1981) are still the best AC/DC albums with Brian Johnson on vocals. But don't get me wrong, "Black Ice" is a fantastic album, which I really can recommend. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.acdc.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sonybmg.nl |
88/100 |
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| ANGUISH FORCE – III: Invincibile Imperium Italicum (CD) | Italy | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Speed / Thrash Metal | Running time: 47:20 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Italian band ANGUISH FORCE is a totally new band to me. I never had heard of them before. Well, it seems they were formed in 1995 and so far they have released the following albums: "Anguish Force" (2003), "2: City Of Ice" (2005) and the EP "Defenders United" (2006). The line-up on their third full length album "III: Invincibile Imperium Italicum" is Johnny Thunder (vocals), LGD (guitar), Robousis (bass) and Eppacher (drums). And on their MySpace page I saw that they have a second guitar player too, which is Danny Hendrix. But you don't have to look at their MySpace page if you want to know more about the band, because all the info is written in Italian. Write it in English guys, so everyone can read it!! Anyway, this album opens with the instrumental "The Impact II" followed by "The Chalice Of Steel", which is great thrash song and reminds me of a band like AGENT STEEL. Also "Into The Arena Of Blood" is a great song and even a part of the guitar solo reminds me of IRON MAIDEN. It sounds like the band is heavily influenced by HELLOWEEN, because songs like "Fighting Warriors", "Rome Over England", "Ride The Brave" and "Follow The Rainbow" remind me very much of those Germans. Anyway, the band exists of good musicians and Thunder isn't a superb singer like Michael Kiske or John Cyriis. He's just a reasonable singer and he's sometimes singing out of tune. The best songs on this CD are "The Chalice Of Steel", "Into The Arena Of Blood", "Fighting Warriors" and "No Hostages". Not a very spectacular band, but just nice to listen to once in a while. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.anguishforce.com
Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/anguishforce |
72/100 |
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| ASSAILANT – Wicked Dream (CD) | Sweden | November 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 50:14 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| This is the second album by Swedish metallers Assailant, after their debut 'Nemesis Within' from 2006, this is their latest effort 'Wicked Dream'. Assailant's music is a unique mix of progressive power metal and melodic death metal, with clean vocals and screams, heavy guitar riffing and keyboard support. Assailant created their own unique and recognizeable sound, hard and melodic with strong songstructures. The band, which was formed in 2004, consists of Oskar Norberg (youngest brother of Nocturnal Rites axeman Nils Norberg, and Persuader/Savage Circus guitarist Emil Norberg) on guitar, Joakim Jonsson (bass), Peder Sundquist (vocals), Patrik Larsson (drums), Marcus Sundbom (guitar) and Peder Sandstrom (keyboards), all from the small city of Umea, in the north of Sweden, where also bands like Meshuggah, Nocturnal Rites, Naglfar and labelmates Persuader are coming forth from. Their music is full of aggression yet still melodic like for instance the title track 'Wicked Dream' or 'The Sin' or...actually most songs, very refreshing sound with some nice changes in it. Also found on the album is a kind of ballad 'The Cell', and an acoustic song called 'Eternal'. This release shows the capability of these musicians best, a real nice combination of different styles as power, death, thrash and even some prog in there. The production is also done very well, the album has a great powerfull sound, which makes it so more enjoyable. This is not an average swedish 'death' metal band, but they have so much more to offer, but still do carry their roots within them. My guess is that we are gonna hear a lot more off them in the near future! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.assailant.se
Recordlabel: http://www.dockyard1.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/assailantsweden |
85 /100 |
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| ASSEDIUM - Fighting For The Flame (CD) | Italy | November 2008 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Epic Heavy Metal | Running time: 58:17 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Hailing from Italy Assedium unleashes it's second album to the world. The epic heavy metallers bring an album that sounds a lot like the old epic bands like Manilla Road, Manowar, Omen and many more who probably influenced this band. This record is a very decent, even above average, epic heavy metal album filled with catchy songs with dominating guitars and nice melody all supported by good vocals. The only thing I dislike about these vocals is that it's a bit to obvious that english isn't the singer's mother language, the italian accent is sometimes quite annoying. Anyway this album is worth the time and money for every heavy metal fan allthough it never reaches the level of the older work of the great bands that influenced these italians. Even though these guys know how to handle their instruments and the vocalist can really sing. Overall they bring a decent album, nothing less but also nothing more and that might be the problem to become noticed in a scene where dozens of other bands bring the same kind of cd's on the market every year. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/assedium |
78/100 |
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| AXEL RUDI PELL – Tales Of The Crown (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 60:26 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Axel Rudi Pell marks his 25th (uncelebrated) anniversary as recording rock guitarist with the release of this new studio album, to be exact this is release number 19 (including all his live stuff). Untill now, Axels fans could blindly go ahead and buy all of his albums; his style is noticeable and his play resembles that of Richie Blackmore, a stigma he cannot get rid of (does he even want to?). His band has succeeded in staying together for quite some time now, with vocalist Johnny Gioeli, drummer Mike Terrana, bassplayer Volker Krawcak and keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg. I had previously heard the 3 releases before this one (a live DVD, a studio CD and a cover cd) so, knowing the backgrounds, I wondered if there was anything new. Well…yes and no. Axel still writes some pleasant and powerful rock songs, like opening track "Higher" which is a real killer. The rest of the album is recognisable as typical Axel music, with 1 difference: he managed to compose a long instrumental song, in which he experiments with rhythm ("Emotional Echoes"). Because of the length, Axel has the time to really showcase himself and the band, and this is much the surprise that I was hoping for. Is that all, one might wonder? Well…yes. ARP fans expect him to keep on making the same style of music which is at one hand good for keeping his fan-base at the volume it is now. On the other hand, it will not expand that much because of the lack of innovations. Frankly..who cares? The album sounds great, and that is all we expect of Axel…. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/axelrudipellofficial |
81/100 |
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| CATCH 22 – Soulreaper: Evilution / Devilution (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 84:26 (Tracks: 22) | ||
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Catch 22 is no rookie in the power metal universe. Formed in 1992, the band recorded a couple of demos before releasing its self financed debut album in 1997. A second one followed one year later. I became familiar with the band's music by listening to the 2003 "Awaken" album, its third effort. I was impressed by these guys and marked them in my book. A few years passed and I found out that the band returned with the 2007 album "Soulreaper Vol. 1". This album was intended to be a double one but the lack of funds forced the band to make plans for two separate releases. Fortunately the guys soon inked a deal with Metal On Metal Records and made this double album a reality. The "Soulreaper" release is consisted of two chapters. "Evilution Rising" and "Devilution Descending". There is a connection between the two discs in the lyrics department. All songs are about ominous themes like madness, death and forms of evil. On the musical department all 22 songs are again in the same league. Catch 22 delivers crunchy and groovy modern heavy power metal. The majority of the songs are mid tempo with heavy guitars and the trademark harsh vocal performances by T.J. Berry. Catch 22 proves that you don't need to play fast in order to deliver power metal. I suggest you trust these underground metal heroes and reward their constant effort to bring good metal to the masses. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.truemetal.org/catch22
Recordlabel: http://www.metal-on-metal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/catch22metal |
80/100 |
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| CONRAD HULTERMANS – Infinity (MCD) | The Netherlands | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Rock / Metal | Running time: 21:08 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Conrad Hultermans, born in 1974, started playing the guitar at the age of 17. During the years, he got influenced by guitarists like Steve Morse, Vinnie Moore, Alex Skolnick, Steve Lukather, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert and Marcel Coenen. Conrad played different kinds of musicstyles and played in several bands during the past and present. Besides playing in some bands, Conrad is also focussing on instrumental songs. In 2004 he already released his first solo EP, "Inner". And this year he has released his second EP, "Infinity", once again with 4 tracks. Opener "Loose Change" is the most heavy, almost thrashy song on this EP. It sounds like a Michael Angelo-Alex Skolnick-80's Shrapnel guitar hero song. Heavy & thrashy, but played with a lot of melody also. The following songs "Everlasting Love" and "Let It Breathe" are more melodic, almost dreamy songs, with beautiful guitar playing from Conrad. And the last, and most emotional song, "New Life" was written for his nephew. It's a good example of inspiration for ,his songs ; reflections and experiences which had a certain impact in his life. Most of his songs on "Infinity" reminds me of an emotional guitarist like Satriani, but on the other hand, there are also influences from shred guitarists like Michael Angelo Batio. But he always plays with a lot of melody and emotion! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.conradhultermans.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/conradhultermans |
88/100 |
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| CRAWLING DEATH– New Murder Art (CD) | Poland | November 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 27:19 (Tracks: 07) | ||
| Crawling Death is a death metal band from Poland, and of course of the most polish bands in that genre you can expect that their music is brutal technical and fast. In this case…yep. This record contains 6 murderess and brutal death metal. Why do I say 6 instead of 7? Well the first song is an intro. The production of this album is great and the composing of the songs is very straight in your face. The guitar riffs are very technical and groovy combined with solos and very fast riffs. The drums are pounding through every song like a train that cannot be stopped. The vocalist has a great dark grunt that reminds me of Vader. As I all ready wrote about polish death metal I must say that this band is a good example of that. Straight in your face death metal and no bullshit. If you like bands like Vader, Trauma or Dissenter then your going to enjoy this record. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.crawlingdeath.xt.pl
Recordlabel: http://www.ltc.musicinside.pl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/crawlingdeath |
75/100 |
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| CRIMES OF PASSION – Crimes Of Passion (CD) | UK | November 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 60:26 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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When I heard the first sounds coming from this debut cd of Sheffield rockers "Crimes Of Passion" , I thought "oh my God I'm going to LUV this"….
This band makes interesting hardrock, melodic, sometimes very heavy but never dark, it all sounds quite positive. But as always, a cd has to grab AND hold my attention. Now I must say that one reason that this did not happen is the production. The mix could have been way better (guitarist Andy Lindsay has the skills to dominate); this guy is used to do demo productions and unfortunately, one can hear that quite clearly. But we also have to respect the fact that recordings were made and paid for out of their own pockets before they got signed. As far as compositions go, the band makes a modern kind of hardrock with an oldfashioned twist that sounds like Motley Crüe, Skid Row and Bullets For My Valentine. I quite like the vocals, they are fresh, pure and in touch with the music. The track "Fight You On My Own" really stands out for me; nice rhythm changes, good riffs and hooks. Since this band has been walking on the face of this earth since 2005, I must give them heads up for the future. They sound quite OK, and from what I hear, I can imagine that seeing them live must be a real pleasure. UK rock fans will probably be pleased to know that this band will tour next February with Statetrooper (Gary Barden's band). Well done chaps. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.crimesofpassion.org Recordlabel: http://www.vigilanterecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/crimesofpassionrock |
80/100 |
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| CROM – Vengeance (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Epic Metal | Running time: 50:30 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Whilst playing with German melodic black metallers Dark Fortress, Walter "Crom" Grosse began working on a solo-project that was worlds away from the raw aggression normally associated with the genre in which he started. In 2000, he left Dark Fortress and released the first Crom demo/promo cd, described as majestic melodic metal. In 2002, Crom released the "The Fallen Beauty" EP. That same year another mcd was released too. In 2005, Crom formed with the Dark Fortress vocalist the Sindecade, a black metal side-project, and released the mcd "Terrorcrowned". 2007 sees the completion of the new Crom album "Vengeance" and also the first live performances take place. In 2008 Crom signs a deal with Pure Steel Records and "Vengeance" was released officially by them. "Vengeance" is filled with more traditional heavy/epic metal, with an intense focus on quality, melody and heavy rhytms. But on the other side, there are also slower, acoustic,mind blowing parts. There are also vocals with a clear voice, choirs and bombastic elements. The music that Crom makes is a mix of his influences like Bathory, Virgin Steele/Manilla Road, Evergrey and Candlemass. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.croms-revenge.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com |
74/100 |
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| CRONIAN – Enterprise (CD) | Norway | November 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Progressive / Avantgarde Metal | Running time: 48:35 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Now this is some weird stuff! Cronian is a band that consist of the two members from Borknagar (Oystein G. Brun and Andreas Hedlund a.k.a. Vintersorg) that had both ideas for a side project which were very similair and thus Cronian was born in 2005. One year later they released the album "Terra" on Century Media Records, which I completely missed. I think I am going to track down that album sometime. For the new album Cronian signed a deal with Indie recordings who seem to have a nose for quality. Imagine the two mentioned persons making a dramatic movie soundtrack together with members from Arcturus, Ved Buens Ende and Marillion. Subject of the movie should be living in the arctic landscape displaying the vast majority of the permafrost and absolute darkness during the winter months while on the other hand the beautiful reflecting sunlight on the ice and snow will give the exact opposite. Listening this music with your headphones on will give you this perfect vision of the rising northland. The voice of mr. Vintersorg is something you either love or hate. At times he sounds a little bit gay- ish. But it doesn't bother me that much because of the dramatic undertone the music has. While the first album was produced by Mattias Marklund and mastered by Dan Swano this time the band chose to go the Ballerina studio (Vintersorg, Otyg) to mix and master the album. The overall sound is crystal clean which suits the music perfectly. Tired of all these metal bands ending up being all the same. Give this album a try. Before you know it you'll see yourself wandering through desolate landscapes… | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.indierec.no MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cronian |
86/100 |
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| DARKANE – Demonic Art (CD) | Sweden | November 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Thrash Metal. | Running time: 46:06 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| After 3 years of silence Darkane returns to the front with a new album. At the Loud From the South festival last August they gave the public a taste of what the new album would be like. For the people who like ttrash and never heard of Darkane (shame on you!) think of a thrashier version of Soilwork or Neo–thrash if you like to give the thing a name. Lots of melodic parts but Darkane also shows us what brutality is by using blast beats in some of the songs. Something I always encourage. Demonic Art also introduces new singer Jeff Bromann who does a good job but sounds very much like Bjorn "Speed" Strid in the clean sung parts. Not the worst vocalist in the scene to be compared to but it constantly reminds me of Soilwork in the choruses. And although many of the songs are better then Soilwork presented on there later albums it leaves a slur on an album that further is full with aggressive, technical and furious riffs, riffs and again riffs. They sure know how to write good riffs. Also worth mentioning are the great guitar solo's in my favourite songs from the album "Demigod" and the "The killing of I" Or the beautiful guitar parts in "Wrong Grave" that leads us to one of the most insane songs from the album: "Still in progress"; the excellent production does the rest. If this is the present Darkane gives me for their ten years of existence (congratulations!) I am more then glad! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.darkane.com
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkane |
82/100 |
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| DARK QUARTERER – Symbols (CD) | Italy | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 68:50 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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Italian metal heroes Dark Quarterer have been around for almost 3 decades. Their heritage so far was 4 critically acclaimed albums of epic progressive metal. "Symbols" is the band's fifth effort. The core of Gianni Nepi (vocals, bass), Francesco Sozzi (guitars) and Paolo Ninci (drums) has been reinforced with the presence of keyboard player Francesco Longhi. Let's start with the story behind "Symbols". The album is consisted of 6 lengthy compositions and each one tells the tale of an important historical figure. The 6 persons behind each song are Cajus Julius Caesar, Tutankhamen, Genghis Khan, Jeanne D'Arc, Kunta Kinte and Jeronimo. Musically, "Symbols" is less complex than its predecessor "Violence" but still progressive enough with the songs flowing easily despite their massive length. The main protagonist is of course Gianni Nepi with his unmistakable voice and his unique pronunciation and accent. The rest of the band builds the music around his complex bass lines and vocal performances. A healthy dosage of prog and 70ies rock influences is once again present. Dark Quarterer is no easy listen. It never was. The audience needs to dive deep into the atmosphere and melodies of the band in order to comprehend the goal that these four musicians want to achieve. I guarantee that when you do that, you will be rewarded with a great musical experience. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.darkquarterer.com
Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkquarterer |
80/100 |
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| DEMOLITION - Relict IV (CD) | Austria | November 2008 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 36:24 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I was very curious when I received this cd for reviewing as I already saw the band at work during their European tour with thrash masters Death Angel. The gig was very good but I didn't have the cash at the time to buy the album and I kind of lost track of them afterwards so I get a second chance after all. These guys from Austria play a style of thrash metal that is easiest to compare with the legendary bands from their neighbours of Germany. This cd is packed with 10 brutal songs that hammer on you with great strength. The vocals are very aggressive and are more death than thrash but the music is allover german thrash. It's like Testament's Demonic meets Kreator and they are mixed with just a touch of 'core' to this very good and very brutal cd. This is how every neo-thrash album should sound like. If you like thrash metal and are openminded enough to accept the influences of the newer genres in metal do check these guys out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.demolition.at
Recordlabel: http://www.twilightzonerecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/demolitionat |
84/100 |
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| DISSIDENT SAINT – The Rise (CD) | Canada | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 55:39 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| DISSIDENT SAINT is a progressive metal band which was formed in the summer of 2003. "The Rise" is the debut album of the band and was released in 2007. The line-up of the band on this album is Sergey Perunov (vocals), Gera Kisselman (guitar), Ilya Maximenko (guitar), Alon Shenfield (bass), Dimitry Chebonov (drums) and Andrew Zaretski (keyboards). To tell you the truth, every time when I listened to "The Rise" I didn't like the vocals of Perunov. Perhaps there are people who like his voice, but I don't. When I looked at their official website for some more info about the band, I saw that meanwhile Perunov had left the band. So, at the moment DS is still searching for a new singer. Well, I hope they will find a much better one than Perunov, because the music they are making is interesting enough for a progressive metal band. I still don't understand why bands put a long silence in the last song on the album, so that you get a kind of hidden track. So also with "The Architect". My CD player gives a running time of 20:06 minutes, but actually the song lasts only 8:13 minutes. When "The Architect" is finished, after about seven minutes of silence you get that hidden track, which is totally crap to me. Interesting songs are "Choking Hazard", "Chow For The Brainwashed" and "Re-Creations". My advice to anyone who like progressive metal is, check the band's MySpace page first, so you can listen to some tracks, then you can make your own judgement about DISSIDENT SAINT. I would give this album more points when it was sung by a much better singer. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dissidentsaint.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dissidentsaint |
67/100 |
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| DOGS 'N BONES – Lost Gone Wild (CD) | Italy | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 50:29 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| This Italian four piece band DOGS 'N BONES is a totally unknown band for me. It seems that they started under the name G@TTITUDE and recorded one album "Rock Target" (2004). Then these guys changed the name of the band into DOGS 'N BONES. The line-up of the band is Mauro "Seven" Maccarini (vocals), Andrea "Dr. Rock" Tinnirello (guitar), Manuel "Hellcat" Gatti (bass) and Simone "Old Boy" Oldofredi (drums). In 2006 the debut album "Dirty Fuckin' Loud" was released and in June of this year their second album "Lost Gone Wild" saw the light of day. "Lost Gone Wild" features twelve songs and is produced by Dario Mollo and the band themselves. And they did a pretty good job, because the production of the CD sounds very good. I have listened several times to "Lost Gone Wild", and the more I listened to it, the more I began to appreciate it. Because the first few times I listened to this album I didn't like the voice of Maccarini. And I must admit he isn't the best singer on earth, he's just an average singer. At that point he's just the weakest link of the band. Anyway, the rest of the members are good musicians and there are some nice kick ass rock 'n roll songs on the album like "Life Like Never Should Be", "Forever Wild", "Someday" and "Living Like A Rockstar". All with all DOGS 'N BONES isn't a very notable rock band. But if you are curious about this band, just check their website or MySpace page. Ooh yeah, "Lost Gone Wild" also has an enhanced part, which exists of a video clip of the song "Forever Wild" and another bonus track called "Free". And you also get the lyrics of "Free" in the enhanced part. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dogsandbones.com
Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dogsnbones |
65/100 |
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| DREAMTIDE – Dream and Deliver (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic (Hard) Rock / AOR | Running time: 70:00 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| 'Dream and Deliver' is Dreamtide`s third album and as I was not familliar with their earlier released material, I`m suprised by the high level that they have reached on this album! There are 14 tracks on the album but it`s never annoying, it stays fascinating. In 2001, Dreamtide released "Here comes the Flood" and in 2003 "Dreams for the Daring". Dreamtide consists of three members of Fair Warning, and I see some similarities between both bands. New in the line up is bass player Francis Buchholz. Buchholz has played for the Scorpions and the band of Uli John Roth. Singer Olaf Senkbeil was also a member of Uli John Roth`s band. The music on 'Dream and Deliver' offers good AOR, in the style as it has to be played. Heavy parts are alternated by catchy, modest played fragments. My personal favorite songs are the ballad "Dancing when the night falls" with a great guitar solo and a good vocal performance of Seinkbel and the opener of the album "A fools Crusade". The production is good, just as the musical skills of the band members. The more I listen to the album, the more I appraciate it. With "Dream and Deliver", Dreamtide has delivered an album that will attract a lot of people who like well played AOR / Melodic Rock. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dreamtide.de
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dreamtideband |
81/100 |
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| DRIVER – Sons Of Thunder (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Metal / Hard Rock | Running time: 43:46 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| First of all, I can't tell the exact running time of this album, because eight of the twelve songs are shortened versions. There are just three full versions available on this promo album, meant for radio and clubs. Secondly, "Sons Of Thunder" is a fantastic melodic Metal album. DRIVER is the band around fantastic singer Rob Rock and superb guitarist (and producer) Roy Z. Rock is well known of his work with M.A.R.S., IMPELLITTERI, AVANTASIA, JOSHUA, WARRIOR, AXEL RUDI PELL as well as his own solo career. And Z produced great names like BRUCE DICKINSON, ROB HALFORD, HELLOWEEN and JUDAS PRIEST. This year Rock and Z came together again to reform DRIVER. They finally wanted to get a chance to release the album they intended to deliver back in the early nineties as the follow-up of the legendary M.A.R.S. debut album "Project: Driver" (1987). And see here the result, a superb album. The line-up of DRIVER on "Sons Of Thunder" is Rob Rock (vocals), Roy Z (guitar), Aaron Samson (bass), Reynold "Butch" Carlson (drums) and Ed Roth (keyboards). Songs like "I'm A Warrior", "Fly Away", "Sons Of Thunder", "Winds Of March" and "Hearts On Fire" are all brilliant songs. There are also a few beautiful ballads on "Sons Of Thunder", which are "Change Of Heart", "Only Love Can Save Me Now" and "I Believe In Love". Well, I just can't find any negative points about this album. Great songs, great production, fantastic musicians and a great singer. "Sons Of Thunder" is absolutely a real recommendation for anyone who likes high quality metal with superb vocals and great guitar solo's. Well, I know I'm gonna buy this album myself too, so that I have full versions of all songs. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.robrock.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalheaven.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/driverofficial |
87/100 |
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| EVERGREY – Torn (CD) | Sweden | November 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 53:35 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Evergrey is from Sweden, and for those of you who are not too familiar with this band: Evergrey exists since the mid-nineties and are famous for their heavy music but also easy-to-remember melody lines. "The Inner Circle" is their most popular album, and according to most fans I know, they will never copy nor beat that one. Their last album was "Monday Morning Apocalypse", and almost all fans agree: this was their worst because it was poppy and not heavy enough. Now I must admit that I was not too familiar with the band; Tom Englund I knew, and I've heard a few tunes before. He is the charismatic and theatrical vocalist that determines the sound of Evergrey for the bigger part. At some point I thought that Tom Englund was infected with the Ayreon virus…. OK, when the last album was a put off for a lot of fans, what should the band sound like then? More complex, guitarsolo's and heavy theatrical textures, that is what people said. Evergrey definitely went back to their older albums by doing just what the fans expected them to do: theatrical, heavy and dark metal, lots of emotion, heavy riffs…. What struck me is that there are no songs standing out; the band managed to keep the quality of all songs on the same high and powerful level. The pounding drums are really keeping your feet tap along with the songs and even the old head is swinging along with the catchy rhythms. At one moment I got thinking that the band plays safe to style wise remain near the older albums, but one must compliment them also to deliver a new album that meets up to the high expectations of fans. For me, the keyboards may get a more prominent role in the mix, but hey….maybe next album… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.evergrey.net/
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialevergrey |
87/100 |
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| EXODUS – Let There Be Blood (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 45:41 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| EXODUS' legendary debut album "Bonded By Blood" (1985), which is a real all time classic, is completely re-recorded by the band in their current line-up. So with Rob Dukes (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Lee Altus (guitar), Jack Gibson (bass) and Tom Hunting (drums) and is released on their own label now. Only the album title has been changed into "Let There Be Blood". At the time of the original release of "Bonded By Blood" in 1985 I was 20 years old, and I'm still glad I was there at that legendary Dynamo show in Eindhoven (October 27, 1985). I was so impressed by EXODUS' gig at the Dynamo (and of course the album "Bonded By Blood" itself), that the next day I went to the Paradiso, Amsterdam (October 28, 1985), where EXODUS was the support act of VENOM. And they blew VENOM away of course. In my opinion Rob Dukes, who is in EXODUS since 2005, fits really good in EXODUS, because he comes very close to the voice of original singer Paul Baloff (R.I.P.). You can hear the difference between the original "Bonded By Blood" and "Let There Be Blood". Some songs are a bit slower, and even some guitar solos are different. But talking about the songs, they are ALL still AWESOME. "A Lesson In Violence", "Bonded By Blood", "Piranha", "Exodus", "And Then There Were None" and "Strike Of The Beast" are just all superb Thrash songs. EXODUS also re-recorded an old demo song "Hell's Breath", which is the bonus track on "Let There Be Blood". Guitarist Gary Holt produced "Let There Be Blood" and Andy Sneap mixed the album. Well, "Let There Be Blood" is a true dedication and homage to the late Paul Baloff. "Bonded By Blood" is an album which you really MUST HAVE in your collection, and "Let There Be Blood" shows us how the songs of "Bonded By Blood" sounds after all those years in 2008 by the current line-up of EXODUS. Also "Let There Be Blood" is a real recommendation. Go buy it. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.exodusattack.com
Recordlabel: http://www.zaentzrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/exodus |
95/100 |
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| EXTREME – Saudades de Rock (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 67:02 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Well, who doesn't know EXTREME of their hits "Get The Funk Out", "Hole Hearted" and especially their biggest hit ever "More Than Words" (all of the successful 1990 album "Pornograffitti")? That's the only album I have so far and is in my opinion still their best. At that time EXTREME played a mix of Hard Rock and Funk and was influenced by bands like QUEEN and VAN HALEN. After thirteen years, the former album "Waiting For The Punchline" is from 1995 (which was a commercial failure and the reason why they broke-up in 1996), EXTREME is back with a brand new studio album titled "Saudades de Rock". Since 2007 the line-up of EXTREME exists of Gary Cherone (vocals), Nuno Bettencourt (guitar, backing vocals), Pat Badger (bass, backing vocals) and Kevin Figueiredo (drums). This new album features 14 tracks and is produced by guitarist Bettencourt. The CD starts very strongly with "Star" (which is the first single of the album) and reminds me very much of QUEEN's "Tie Your Mother Down". The QUEEN and VAN HALEN influences are still audible on this album. Talking about VAN HALEN, any rocker knows that Cherone joined VAN HALEN after EXTREME broke-up and Sammy Hagar had left VH. Cherone sung on the worst VH album ever "Van Halen III" (1998). Though Cherone is a very good singer for EXTREME, he didn't fit in VAN HALEN. But it's mainly Nuno Bettencourt who steals the show on this album with his great guitar solos. He's a fantastic guitar player. I don't like the two piano ballads "Ghost" and "Peace (Saudade)", then I prefer the beautiful "Interface". Not all the songs are even strong, so I would say the best songs on "Saudades de Rock" are "Comfortably Dumb" (my favourite), "Learn To Love", "Star", "King Of The Ladies" and the funky "Slide" (which reminds me of THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS). The last track of the album "Americocaine" is a demo version from 1985 and is an European Bonus track. All with all "Saudades de Rock" is a fine rock album, but it's absolutely not their best. And don't expect a song like "More Than Words" on it, because you won't find it on this album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.extreme-band.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/extreme |
80/100 |
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| FELINE MELINDA – Morning Dew (CD) | Italy | November 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 40:04 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Ah…album covers…this one features a pair of beautiful breasts with a Feline necklace. One could easily mistake this for at least the same quality in music so I gave this a spin. Knowing that this band has been formed in the late eighties and the fact that they released 3 albums (one of which is a 1995 live album) makes me think what the reason behind that is. Well my dear rock friends, that's easy. This music is either a joke or too simplistic to take it serious. I think, that if I have to compare this to another band, I would say a mix between your ordinary glamrockband and inferior rockbands that emerged all through the eighties. The lyrics are as simple as is the music, and obviously, this band is not in touch with today's rock music. All I can think of that this cd is fit to learn your kids what rock is about before their ears get spoiled with real bands. No, I see no future for this band. I do see future for these gorgeous boobs though…. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.felinemelinda.com Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/felinemelinda |
50/100 |
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| GAMA BOMB – Citizen Brain (CD) | Ireland | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 38:28 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| GAMA BOMB is a Thrash Metal band from Ireland and was formed in 2002. Together with bands like BONDED BY BLOOD, EVILE, SSS (Short Sharp Shock) and WARBRINGER they belong to the new generation of bands who are playing old school Thrash Metal like in the eighties. GAMA BOMB exists of Philly Byrne (vocals), Luke Graham (guitar), Domo Dixon (lead guitar), Joe McGuigan (bass, backing vocals) and Paul Caffrey (drums). In 2006 these guys released their debut album "Survival Of The Fastest" and in June their second album "Citizen Brain" was released. The band plays short and fast songs with great guitar riffs. I would say they are a mix of bands like NUCLEAR ASSAULT, MUNICIPAL WASTE and early SLAYER. Songs like "Zombie Blood Nightmare", "Time Crime", "Final Fight", "Hammer Slammer", "Sentenced To Thrash", "Thrashoholic" and "In The Court Of General Zod" are all great thrash songs. "Citizen Brain" is a fantastic Thrash album which I really can recommend. Go see them live if you can and join the circle pit!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.gamabomb.com
Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gamabomb |
88/100 |
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| GARY MOORE – Bad For You Baby (CD) | Northern Ireland / United Kingdom | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Blues Rock | Running time: 41:46 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Well, GARY MOORE doesn't need any introduction. MOORE played in SKID ROW (not the SKID ROW with Sebastian Bach) end sixties/early seventies, COLLOSSEUM II (mid seventies) and THIN LIZZY (on the classic "Black Rose: A Rock Legend" (1979), which is my favourite TL album) before he started his successful solo career. MOORE started his solo career as a blues-rock guitarist and released his first solo album "Back On The Streets" in 1979. In the eighties GARY MOORE made some great Hard Rock albums like "Corridors Of Power" (1982), "Victims Of The Future" (1983), "Run For Cover" (1985) and "Wild Frontiers" (1987), but since his album "Still Got The Blues" (1990) he turned back to the Blues side. Well, MOORE is still one of the best guitar players on earth. His newest album, which is produced by MOORE himself, is called "Bad For You Baby" and features eleven great blues tracks. On this album you will find some slow blues songs like "Trouble Ain't Far Behind", "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know", "Did You Ever Feel Lonely?" and "Preacher Man Blues", but most of the songs are great blues rockers. "Holding On" is the most commercial sounding track and the longest track on the album is the beautiful "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" (10:37). Slow or fast & heavy blues songs, it doesn't matter, because it's still a pleasure to listen to this great axe man. My favourite songs are opener "Bad For You Baby", "Down The Line", "Umbrella Man", "Walkin' Thru The Park", "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know", "Mojo Boogie" and "Did You Ever Feel Lonely?". If you like previous blues albums by GARY MOORE and you also like RORY GALLAGHER, JOE BONAMASSA or JULIAN SAS, then you'll have to buy "Bad For You Baby" too. Fantastic album. We want MOORE! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.gary-moore.com
Recordlabel: http://www.eagle-rock.com |
90/100 |
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| HEATHENDOM – Nescience (CD) | Greece | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 52:30 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Heathendom is a relatively new band that made its appearance in the Greek metal scene with a demo cd a couple of years ago. The moment I heard the band's first work I realized that they could go places if luck was on their side and they continued with the same passion and professionalism. The reward came rather quickly. The band inked a deal with international label Metal On Metal and presents its debut album "Nescience". I admit that I am a bit strict towards the Greek bands. After all it's my country and I don't want to compromise with mediocre stuff. I want the best from my fellow countrymen. On the Heathendom case the things where pretty clear and straight forward from the start. The band has great talent and huge potential. Its style of metal has its own identity. It's power metal for sure but with an unique touch that combines classic stuff with contemporary styles. I guess I could describe it as Nevermore meets King Diamond! So no europower on this record; the style is clearly American oriented. The vocalist goes for the higher notes. This guy can sing but he also gives a theatrical performance that many famous singers would envy. The music is concrete and heavy as hell. The guitars really grind and the drums run stampede. There is a dark feeling in this record and some melodies are really creepy. I have to admit that I was impressed with the result. I was confident that Heathendom would present a kick ass debut album and the band didn't fail me. What else could a power metal fan ask for? Trust Heathendom and you won't miss! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.heathendom.tk
Recordlabel: http://www.metal-on-metal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heathendom |
84/100 |
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| ILIUM – Vespertilion (CD) | Australia | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic PowerMetal | Running time: 62:47 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Illium, a melodic power metal band from Newcastle, Australia, was formed in 1998. So far, they already released one EP (in 2002) and two albums ("Sirens of the Styx" in 2003 and "Permian Dusk" in 2005). These two albums were well received and now they return with their third album "Vespertilion". On their latest album are mostly catchy, up- tempo melodic power metal songs, with excellent guitar leads and superb vocals by Lord Tim. Bands to refer at are Black Steel, Black Majesty (also both from Australia), but also a band like HammerFall comes to mind while listening to "Vespertilion". Recently Lord Tim left the band so the only remaining members from the original line-up are the guitarists Jason Hodges and Adam Smith. They look forward to complete the line-up with a new vocalist and include some live dates for the first time. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.justsayrock.com.au
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/iliummetal |
84/100 |
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| JAM PAIN SOCIETY – Black Light Messiah (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Metal / Rock / Industrial | Running time: 55:49 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| It’s very hard to categorize a group with so many influences from different styles of music. And I think that’s great! Jam Pain Society reminds me a lot of Avenged Sevenfold. Only that JPS is female fronted and every member of the band dress themselves up on stage. Personally that’s a big turn off for me, but I can understand this is a plus for show aspect. Such as Avenged Sevenfold the musicians are great! Perfect control of their instruments. Not that the lead singer “Leah Kirby” is bad though! She has one of the best voices in the current metal scene in my opinion. But as we all know is having a good voice and playing your instruments well is not everything in a band. There’s something missing… when I played the record for the first time I was really enjoying it and the band definitely has some classics in the making such as “7-second Smile” and “You made Me” BUT I didn’t really have the urge to play the record again for a week or so. The music doesn’t really stick with you. But I’ll bet if this band released this record 10 or 15 years earlier they would be huge. Putting every critical note aside Jam Pain Society is worth the listen. You should definitely check them out! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jampainsociety.com
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jampainsociety |
75/100 |
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| KALEB – Legion (Promo CD) | UK | November 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 05:18 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| This is a very short promo by UK's Kaleb, with 4 partial songs on it. It's almost impossible to review such a short piece of outtakes from a whole album. Just 4 pieces of music, each just over one minute, although it sounds promising, with the production sounding very poor, I still don't know what to think of this. So no points scored there, the outtakes are from tracktitles like 'Four Winds', 'Legion', 'Blood Feud' and 'Scarecrow'. I will form my opinion on this band when I have heard the whole 9 track album, that is the reason I won't rate this here, just wait and see if we hear more of them in the future. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kaleb.info
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kalebuk |
-- /--- |
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| KATRINA JOHANSSON – Love Surrender Forgiveness (MCD) | USA | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Rock / Metal | Running time: 16:18 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Having released a heavy instrumental EP in 2005, "Guitarsongs Volume I", Katrina has recently finished her second studio EP, "Love Surrender Forgiveness". On her second EP are 3 new songs and a remix of one of her songs from her first EP. Her songs have a good balance between very melodic, emotional parts and several shredguitar interludes. Some kind of mix of Steve Vai/Joe Satriani and Michael Angelo Batio (who plays bass on her remixed song). Katrina's melodic shredding style has gained her a lot of respect as a female icon in a typically male-dominated genre. Up to a full-length album Katrina! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.katrinaguitar.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/katrinajohansson |
79/100 |
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| KOSTA VRETO – Skin On Strings (CD) | Greece | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Progressive Rock / Metal | Running time:49:59 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| This is the first solo album from this excellent guitarist from Greece, Kosta Vreto. I know that he's also playing in the great progressive metal band, Horizon's End, also from Greece. In 2001, they released the magnificent album "Concrete Surreal". Together with some members of his band, Kosta recorded "Skin On Strings". Most of the songs on his solo album are mid-tempo melodic progressive rock/metal songs. Sometimes complex, sometimes with fusion influences, but always played very melodic. Kosta's guitar style reminds me especially of Vinnie Moore, Tamas Szekeres and Patrick Rondat. There is also one song with vocals, "Love For Sale", a mid-tempo progressive metal song, reminding me of Dream Theater, and a few short (acoustic), calm songs. Kosta also got some help from other Greek guitarists like Ioannis Anastasakis, Theodore Ziras and Alex Flouros. "Skin On Strings" is an excellent instrumental rock/metal album, for guitar freaks but also for progressive metal fans. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.horizons-end.com
Recordlabel: http://www.steelgallery.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kostavreto |
91/100 |
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| LOWER HELL– Asphyxia (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal / Metalcore | Running time: 30:22 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| This band from south-west Germany started out in 2004 as Lies behind the Smile. They released a self produced promo cd "Just to be Sure" in winter 2005/06. After a while they felt that their name no longer fitted with their new brutal melodic death sound (that's what they say) and changed it to Lower Hell. But they also call themselves beauties and womanizers in their bio!! Ahum!! I never met a good looking german guy and they are no exception. They recorded Asphyxia in winter 2007 in cooperation with Fear my Thoughts (Century Media) and it's mastered by Jacob Hansen (Denmark) and released on Demons Run Amok in June 2008. This isn't a bad cd but it isn't very original too. 30 minutes are more than enough to listen to them.That's because I don't like the vocals. Especially the last song "To your Ash". It's kind of a ballad and Sven Busam screams from beginning to end like a pig that's being castrated. If you like that kind of sound you must buy this cd but I don't care for it. It's really a ridiculous song. But there are good songs too. I like the third one called Asphyxia. Enough variety to really enjoy it. Good drums and guitar riffs and a very good production. The guys can play, no question about that. They have some good ideas and they are not afraid to try new things but it can be better. I think they have to grow a bit more and their next cd will be better. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lowerhell.de
Recordlabel: http://www.demonsrunamok.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lowerhell |
69/100 |
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| MENCEA – Dark Matter Energy Noire (CD) | Greece | November 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Death / Groove Metal | Running time: 40:57 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Newcomers Mencea from Greece try to contribute something to the overcrowded metalcore/melodic death metal scene by using spacey melodies and atmospheric passages throughout their hard hitting riffs and melodic hooks. I must admit, it works. Something Daniel Bergstrand must have thought too when he heard the band. It ended up with him mixing the album. That's one big plus, but it didn't end here because the legendary George Marino, who seems to be very interested in metal lately (Enslaved, Stonegard) did the mastering. A better start then this is impossible. But as said before the band deserves it. A word that constantly comes in mind listening the record is: "skills". "A skill is the learned capacity or talent to carry out pre-determined results often with the minimal outlay of time, energy, or both". What is good must come fast someone once said. These guys play like a band that is together for years and that is a big complement concerning the future. In that future I hope the band will include more space melodies and atmospheric passages in their sound. This is what makes them somewhat original sounding and gives them the right to exist in a scene with too much copycats and weaklings. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.indierecs.no MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mencea |
80/100 |
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| MOTHER OF SIN – Promotion Demo (CDemo) | The Netherlands | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 30:40 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Mother of Sin was formed by former Elegy and Prime Time vocalist/guitarist Eduard Hovinga and former Vengeance drummer Gerry de Graaf. The combination of great instrumental skills, complex songwriting and strong melodies, makes one think of a fusion between bands like Symphony X, Cacophony, TNT and Masterplan. Shortly after the formation in 2003, the band recorded a demo-cd. Because of the good reviews, the band got to play with international acts like Symphony X, Joe Stump's Reign of Terror and Distant Thunder. In 2004 Mother of Sin signed a record deal with Italian record label Adrenaline/Steelheart. The debut album " Apathy" was the next logical step. The band found a great producer in Vandenberg's Dick Kemper. In 2005, the debut cd "Apathy" was released, which got very good reviews. Shortly before the recording of the follow-up in 2006, the band feel apart! Key members Eduard and Gerry pushed on and recorded the second album "Absolution" together. They also looked for a new record label but haven't found one yet. In 2008 the line-up was completed by bassplayer Peter Groen and Mother of Sin still playing live again. On their promo-cd, which was sent by their promoter Hanneke, are 3 songs from their debut and 5 from their new album. Well, Mother of Sin still plays a mix of melodic, technical and progressive metal. The new songs sound a bit less complex and have more keyboards. Eduard is still a very good (high pitched) vocalist and a superb guitarist also! Their new songs sound like a mix of Eduard former bands Elegy and Prime Time, mixed with more complex bands like Cacophony and Apochrypha. They hope to release "Absolution" in 2009 by a new record label. Nearly can't wait to listen to it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.motherofsin.tk
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93/100 |
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| NEVER FACE DEFEAT – Changing Times (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Hardcore / Metalcore | Running time: 32:47 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Never Face Defeat is a German hardcore band with already a bunch of experience. They previously released two records, which received good press, but they didn’t bring the band to the top of the game. A pity because they have what it takes to be considered among the other hardcore/metalcore top bands from Germany. The album is not bad at all, but after you get halfway the songs they get sort of boring and you realize the band is one of the many bands out there trying to make it and in this scene it’s hard to get noticed by the big crowds. The main ingredient of the band’s music is obviously hardcore with mid-tempo breakdowns thrown in and an occasional metalcore riff. But as I said there’s a huge amount of bands this time and at the end there will only be a small percentage that will rise up. If you’re a fan of Heaven Shall Burn, Born from Pain, … you really should check this band out. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.demonsrunamok.de
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/neverfacedefeat |
70/100 |
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| NOMAD SON – First Light (CD) | Malta | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Doom Metal | Running time: 45:14 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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The island country of Malta is not famous for its heavy metal bands. The first Maltese band I ever encountered was Forsaken a few years ago. Nomad Son is the second one. The band was formed in 2006 and share bass players with Forsaken since Albert Bell participates in both bands. Nomad Son plays Doom metal but not in an epic manner like Forsaken does. The band's style is heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and the sound of the 70's which is considered as the godfather of pure doom. I would say that the band sounds like a cross between The Obsessed and Cathedral with some Candlemass added to the mix. The organ featured in this recording contributes in the reproduction of a 70's feeling that is ever-present throughout the entire album. The lyrics are ominous and death related; the typical doom ones. It is hard to present something entirely original in the doom metal field nowadays so the point is to do things right. And Nomad Son can play decent doom metal with cool melodies and a dark feeling. The doom fans must invest. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.nomadson.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metal-on-metal.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nomadsonmalta |
75/100 |
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| QUADRIVIUM – Adversus (CD) | Norway | November 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Atmospheric Black Metal | Running time: 40:00 (Tracks: 09) | ||
| Quadrivium started in 2005 and makes melodic atmospheric black metal. This album contains 9 tracks of pure black. All the songs have a great variety and the music is groovy and dark. This album is composed as a journey that brings you in another dimension. The synthesiser is very loud in the mix, not really my thing but in this band it fits great. The production of this album is good considering it's their debut. The good thing about this music is that it's not a rip off and its very easy listening. The guitar riffs are heavy and the drums are very relaxed. The vocals are filthy screams combined with clean. The only things I can say about this record is… buy or check it out! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.quadrivium.nu
Recordlabel: http://www.soulsellerrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/quadriviumnorway |
75/100 |
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| SAINT – Crime Scene Earth (CD) | USA | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 42:04 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Saint is one of the most famous names of the Christian metal scene. Formed in the mid 80s, the band has released a series of classic albums and continues to record to this day after a break during the 90s. Bass player Richard Lynch and vocalist Josh Kramer are the remaining original members. "Crime Scene Earth" is an album that remains faithful to the classic Saint sound which is original heavy metal heavily influenced by Judas Priest and Accept. Josh Kramer has lost some of his former edge. He avoids the higher notes for most of the time but he sounds pretty decent and preserves some of his Halfordesque similarities. The lead guitars are nice too; both riffs and solos. It is nice to hear that Saint hasn't fallen into the trap of building a contemporary sound. All these years the band has been playing traditional heavy metal. That's what these guys know best and that's what they deliver. No ground breaking stuff, no innovations, no trends. Just pure heavy metal. Note that "Invader" is a cover of the Judas Priest classic. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.saintsite.com
Recordlabel: http://www.armorrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/saintmetal |
74/100 |
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| SIEGES EVEN – Playgrounds (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive metal | Running time: 69:49 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Sieges Even is one of the most famous German progressive bands. They have a 20 year old career during which they have travelled to many different musical landscapes and have explored various aspects of the progressive metal universe. "Playgrounds" is the band's first live recording. This live album focuses on the band's most recent period and their 2 latest releases "Paramount" and "The Art of Navigating by the Stars" in particular. This is quite reasonable since during these years the band has finally established what seems to be a steady line-up. "Change of Seasons" is also fairly represented by "The Waking Hours" and "These Empty Places". This album has a great sound. I really can't believe it was recorded live. The guys obviously did a great job. The four musicians sound tight and precise. I think that the fans will enjoy 70 minutes of progressive music delivered in the best possible way. Enough said. (Note Mario: the band disbanded lately) | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.siegeseven.com
Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/siegeseven |
80/100 |
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| SIMON SAYS – Tardigrade (CD) | Sweden | November 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Progressive / Symphonic Rock | Running time: 74:11 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| This Swedish prog/sympho rock band already exist since the 90's. In the past they already released two concept albums, advancing the same story line and having several lineup changes. The bands name "Simon Says" reflects the main character in an ongoing storyline. Their previous albums "Cenwein" (1995) and "Paradise Square" (2002) have told the story of Simon, and on their new album "Tardigrade", the story continues. Musically it's a strong progressive rockalbum, with hints at legendary acts like Genesis, Yes, IQ, Marillion and Camel. "Tardigrade" has got many moods and colours, with a generous use of 70's sounding Hammond organ and mellotron. From bombastic outbursts of keyboard and guitar to delicate acoustic pieces, from epic 25 minute tracks to short instrumental interludes. For fans of 70's progressive rock! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.paradisesquare.net
Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/simonsayssweden |
81/100 |
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| SQUEALER – The Circle Shuts (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash / Power Metal | Running time: 46:48 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| SQUEALER is a German thrash/power metal band who exists since the mid eighties. So far, they have released two demo tapes "Ready To Fight" (1987) and "One Beer To Much" (1988), an EP "Human Traces" (1990) and since 1992 six full length albums: "Make Your Day" (1992), "Wrong Time, Wrong Place?" (1995), "The Prophecy" (1999), "Made For Eternity" (2000), "Under The Cross" (2002) and "Confrontation Street" (2006). "Confrontation Street" was released under the name SQUEALER A.D., because of the accidental death of singer Henner in 2005. Gus Chambers (GRIP INC.) did the vocals on "Confrontation Street". But the band found a new singer in Norbert Vorman and released their new album "The Circle Shuts" again under the name SQUEALER. So the line-up of SQUEALER is Norbert Vorman (vocals), Michael Schiel (guitar), Lars Döring (guitar), Michael Kaspar (bass) and Martin Buchwalter (drums). Personally I don't know anything of their older albums, so I can't say how Henner was as a singer. But their new singer Vorman is a good singer, which I like. He reminds me very much of Warrel Dane (SANCTUARY, NEVERMORE). Anyway, "The Circle Shuts" is a very nice acquaintance to me. My favourites tracks are "The Sources Of Ignition", "New Saviour", "Thrasher", "These Urges" (which sounds a bit industrial too) and "The Circle Shuts". Very good album by these Germans. Check them out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.squealer.de
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/squealerofficialmyspace |
82/100 |
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| SVARTAHRID – Malicious Pride (CD) | Norway | November 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal. | Running time: 48:05 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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True Norwegian black metal. That's the first thing that comes in my mind listening to "Malicious Pride" Svartahrid's fourth album. Besides Taake and Krypt, Svartahrid are one of the few survivors within this style of black metal that defines strong melodies, lyrics often wrote in the Norwegian language and the most important thing: atmosphere. Something that most of the black metal records in the nineties -that came from Norway- had.
"Malicious Pride" is recorded in the infamous Akkerhaugen Lydstudio, well known for the production of the later Emperor albums and has an absolute strong sound which perfectly captures the above mentioned atmosphere.
So tradition wise there is nothing wrong with this album. On the other hand one could say that it contributes little or less to the scene. Sure Svartahrid are a long time running band and has all the rites playing the music they maybe helped creating since the late '80 (some members of the band were/are also in the band Mactatus). Only problem is that I have dozens of cd's in my collection that sound like "Malicious Pride". If this is not a problem for you then this album will do no harm to your collection. Labelowner Jorn from Soulseller Records has an even better advice for buying it:
"Let Svartahrid take you back in time, before you know it you are re-experiencing that smell of cold autumn during the mid ninties. I couldn't said it better myself. Nice anecdote to end this review: Like most of there college bands from Norway an ex- Svartahrid member has made himself guilty desecrating graves and even cutting one of the corpses head off! He now faces a sentence of 2 years in prison. Have I told you Svartahrid is true Norwegian black metal? | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.soulsellerrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/svartahrid |
78/100 |
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| SYNCARDION – Embrace The Inevitable (Promo-CD) | The Netherlands | November 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal / Thrash / Grind | Running time: 29:04 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| SYNCARDION is a 5 piece band from Breda, Holland and exists of Sjors Maas (vocals), Rob Lips (lead guitar), Raymond Luijbregts (rhythm guitar), Niek Boonman (bass) and Pascal Payens (drums). The band started in 2002 and is inspired by bands like PANTERA, IN FLAMES and AT THE GATES. Syncardion plays a mix of Thrash Metal and Melodic Death Metal with Grindcore parts. These guys already have released a self titled CDemo (3 songs) in 2005, and now they have recorded their full length debut album "Embrace The Inevitable". The album features 8 songs and has a very good production. Personally I don't hear any PANTERA influences. They remind me more of a band like CARCASS on their best album ever "Heartwork" (1993) and indeed AT THE GATES and IN FLAMES. Musically Syncardion is a very talented and technical band with absolute great musicians (specially the two guitarists). Also Sjors is for this genre a very good singer, ehhhm I mean grunter and he reminds me very much of Jeff Walker (Carcass) and Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates). Believe me, all tracks are even great. The album starts with an instrumental intro "Abidance" and ends with an instrumental outro "Consummation", but the other six songs like "Preamble On Nothing To Come", "Embraced" and "Megalomania" are awesome. The only negative point is that the album is to short. At the moment the band is trying to get a record deal with a label. If they don't succeed in finding one, then the band will release "Embrace The Inevitable" themselves, so that you can order their debut album through their own website or MySpace page. But I'm sure there must be an independent label somewhere who will be interested in SYNCARDION. Anyway, let's hope they will succeed in finding a label, because "Embrace The Inevitable" is a fantastic debut album. Good work guys. Great band, check them out if you like the above mentioned bands. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.syncardion.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/syncardion |
85/100 |
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| TEARS OF BLOOD - Tears of Blood (CD) | Germany | November 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Hardcore | Running time: 23:51 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| At first I thought this was a Belgian band after reading their bio but in fact they are germans. They try to create a sound like Congress and Liar but they are terrible. They can't play or write decent songs. It's like they learned to play their instruments a month ago. Every chord you hear has been done by every NYHC band you know but 100 times better and the singer, oh my god, one of the worst singers I ever heard. I constantly want to remove the saliva from my ears 'cause he spits a lot. He sounds like a wet sponge. Luckily there are only 5 songs on this cd. I don't count the intro and outro. Incredible that they were able to record this cd. Not worth listening to. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.luciferslegions.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kingswillbekings |
48/100 |
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| TEASER – No Big Deal (MiniCD) | Sweden | November 2008 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock / AOR | Running time: 17:30 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Teaser comes from Stockholm, Sweden and plays melodic rock / hard rock. No Big Deal is not their first album, they have released one (nameless) demo before, in 2007. The band was founded in 2006 and their goal is to make melodic rock with a modern sound. The quality of the three songs on this miniCD is quite good. Teaser is influenced by bands like Journey and Def Leppard, and I can agree on that. The three songs are quite comparable concerning the structure, but that is meant in a positive way. They have a catchy refrain, but there is enough space for an adventurous guitar solo. Musically everything is quite ok and if the singer works on his vocal performance, than Teaser can be a quite successful band. On their myspace site, Teaser announces that they are working on new material for the movie "Back Both Ways", hopefully they can suprise us with new good material! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.teasersweden.com
Recordlabel: http://www.slwpromotions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/teasersweden |
71/100 |
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| THUNDERTALE – Milzinai (CD) | Lithuania | November 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 55:50 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| This is the first time ever I got to hear a cd from a Lithuanian band, born in 2004 out of the ashes of hard rock band VORS, THUNDERTALE today is one of the most productive metal bands in Lithuania. So far they released two full albums and a DVD in 3 years time, their first album 'Rising Power' was released in 2005, and later that year also a DVD was released with two videos included. In 2006 the band got an offer to perform one Lithuanian national song, specially arranged for heavy metal, in a new tv show. That time was also a new member joined them playing a hornpipe, a national Lithuanian instrument. The song 'Lithuanian Brothers' was born, and became a hit from the first airing on tv, and is probably the best-known song of the band. The band did some shows in Latvia and Poland, and they were approached by a new label, Atra Musica Records. After a few months of hard work, with the help of legendary producer Gints Lundbergs of Latvian "Phoenix" studio, this new album 'Milzinai' (Giants) was born. The music on this album is a kind of power metal, in the vein of Hammerfall, melodic, powerful with clean vocals. Heroic songs in their native language, and some in english, like 'Knight of the Burning Hill' or 'Dance in the Wind'. Lot's of nice guitar work with some pounding drums, and as a bonus track, a different, piano version of the song 'Su Veju' and a video clip of 'Thunder Take Me Away'. Also some ballads on the album, which they seem to like to do, although I think they are much better in their uptempo, power tracks, even some with folk influences like 'Su Veju'. Nothing new done here, but they do a good job with what they do. I don't think this is gonna be their big breakthru, but they are on the way... | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thundertale.com
Recordlabel: http://www.atra-musica.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thundertale |
75/100 |
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| ALHAMBRA – Fadista (CD) | Japan | October 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Progressive / Symphonic Rock/Metal | Running time: 61:40 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| "Fadista" is the second full-length album from Alhambra, a progressive hard rock band featuring Galneryus keyboardist Yuhki Nakashima and five-octave female vocalist Junko Sera. Their first album "A Far Cry To You" was released in 2005. After an instrumental intro, "Fadista" starts and continues with interesting symphonic/progressive metal songs like "The Infinite Ocean" and "Labyrinth". It's not all the time fast paced songs, there are also calmer songs like "Utopia". There's always a great interactivity between guitars and keyboards, very well demonstrated in the instrumental song "Ascorching Season". Yuhki is a great keyboardist and also guitarist Toshihiro Kajihara is very good, reminding me a lot of Henk van der Laars (ex-Elegy). There are also several guests like vocalist Yasuo Sasai (Ark Storm) on two songs and other guest musicians. When you can get used to the high pitched female vocalist (and Japanese lyrics), "Fadista" is a good progressive/symphonic rock/metal release. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.alhambra.ws
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alhambrafadista |
80/100 |
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| ANGBAND - Rising from Apanda (CD) | Iran | October 2008 | Sammy de Maere |
| Style: Heavy / Progressive Metal | Running time: 36:07 min (Tracks: 7) | ||
| When I first read the descriptor of this band I didn't believe what I was reading but this is just another example of the power of heavy metal music and its fans. Yes you're reading this well, Argband is a heavy metal band from Iran ! If you consider the fact that metal is illegal in their home country you can conclude with me that this is a truly unique band. Now enough about their situation, let's talk about the music. Argband describes themselves as a mix between Iced Earth and Nevermore and I can agree a bit but to me this album sounds more like an old Mercyfull Fate record but I think that's more to do with the vocals although the music has some of the feeling as well. I actually like this album, it's easy to tell that this band consists of talented musicians and a great singer. The biggest problem is actually the sound quality but considering the circumstances I will let the guys of the hook and call it an old school production. If you like progressive heavy metal you really should check these guys out even if the only reason is to say that you actually know a heavy metal band from Iran. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.angbandmetal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/angbandrocks |
80/100 |
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| BIOMECHANICAL – Cannibalised (CD) | UK / Greece | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Modern Thrash / Speed Metal | Running time: 48:10 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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My first acquintance with this band was their gig at the Headway festival in 2004.c That time singer & founder John K. gave me their debut album "Eight Moons" and I was blown away by the bands power & energy; incredible!!!
Not only on stage the band convinced me for 200% but also on CD they kicked ass! The same goes for their second album "The Empires of the Worlds " which is a classic one already. Read both my reviews of these 2 albums (see Archive CD/DVD Reviews) and you will see/read that I'm a very big Biomechanical fan! Strange that after the high ratings I gave both albums I had to wait for such a long time before I received this 3rd new album "Cannibalised". The album was already released in the beginning of this year and I just got it about 2 months ago??
Biomechanical plays a mix of traditional metal, thrash and modern metal with elements of film scoring orchestral music. Biomechanical was founded by John K. in April 1999 but you can read all this in my earlier reviews. Only thing I have to mention is the fact that John K. is the only original member left after he kicked out (or they left on free will??) the rest of the band just a few months before the recording of this album. Most of the press call Biomechanical an UK band but singer John K. is a real greek who is living in the UK these days. About the new album: This is an album which suits good to the bands older stuff but its even a bit heavier if you ask me. Very technical modern thrash with the typical voice/screams of John K. Not comparable with any other band in the genre and that's already quit unique these days! This is not an album for the average metalhead so check it out before you buy it otherwise some strange things may happen with your psychological condition…I warned you!! Only little complaint I have is that the band uses to much bombastic orchestral parts in some of the songs (for example on: 'Consumed' & "Through Hatred Arise"). Otherwise my rate would have even be higher!!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.biomechanical.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/biomechanical |
92/100 |
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| BLACK STONE CHERRY – Folklore And Superstition (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Southern Rock | Running time: 53:02 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| BLACK STONE CHERRY is a band from Edmonton, Kentucky, USA and was formed in 2001. The line-up of BSC is Chris Robertson (vocals, guitar), Ben Well (guitar, vocals), John Lawhon (bass, vocals) and John Fred Young (drums). It's great to see that such young guys choose to play traditional Hard Rock/Southern Rock like bands as AEROSMITH, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, THE BLACK CROWES, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY etcetera. In July of 2006 the band released their self titled debut album, which is a superb album and a real recommendation. That album has some great rock songs like "Rain Wizard", "Backwoods Gold", "Maybe Someday", "Crosstown Woman" and "Violator Girl". Now a few months ago BLACK STONE CHERRY's second album "Folklore And Superstition" has been released. The first thing that is notable is that this second album sounds more commercial and is in that way more accessible. The album has, instead of that fantastic debut album, a couple of rock ballads like "Things My Father Said", "Peace Is Free" and "You", and those songs remind me the most of AEROSMITH. Don't get me wrong, these are beautiful rock ballads. Also Robertson sounds a bit like Steven Tyler on these songs. But don't be afraid, there are still some great rock songs like "Devil's Queen" (best track), "Blind Man", "Soulcreek" (very catchy), "The Bitter End", "Reverend Wrinkle" and the last track "Ghost Of Floyd Collins". The album has a very good production, which was done by Bob Marlette. "Folklore And Superstition" is a good Rock album, but in my opinion it can't compare with the self titled debut album. So far that debut album will still be my favourite album of BSC (which I would give 92 points). Hopefully the third album will be like the debut album again. But BLACK STONE CHERRY is definitely a band worth checking out. Hope they will do some shows in Holland, so that I can go see them. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blackstonecherry.com
Recordlabel: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blackstonecherry |
85/100 |
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| BLUSHING WELL – This Flesh I'm In (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Prog Rock | Running time: 53:36 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| First of all, I never had heard of this Christian rock band BLUSHING WELL before. They call themselves a Modern Hard Art Rock band. According to their website the band have been compared with bands like TOOL, KING'S X and PEARL JAM. Well, to me BLUSHING WELL doesn't even come close to these mentioned bands. Anyway the line-up of the band on this album "This Flesh I'm In", which already was released in 2006, is Joshua Redding (vocals, keyboards), Jeff Redding (guitar), Jared Redding (guitar), Jeremy Redding (bass) and Heather Redding (keyboard). Additional musician is Steve Cumming on drums. Perhaps you can place them in the Prog Rock section, but to me most of the songs are very boring. Also singer Joshua sounds pretty boring too. Okay, the production of the album is good, and the members of the band can play. There are just a few songs to which I can listen to, but really, the rest is boring, boring and boring. Also, lyrically it doesn't catch me. It's all about God, He, Jesus, Him etc. Well, BLUSHING WELL isn't a band for me. Not musically and lyrically. Members of EO (EO is a Dutch religious television station), check this band out, hahahahaha. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blushingwell.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blushingwell |
45/100 |
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| BONDED BY BLOOD – Feed The Beast (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 41:51 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| BONDED BY BLOOD is of course named after the legendary debut album of EXODUS. There's a complete New Wave Of Thrash Metal (NWOTM) with bands like EVILE, GAMA BOMB, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, SSS and of course BONDED BY BLOOD. The band was formed in the summer of 2005 by Jose "Aladdin" Barrales who was 17 years old at that time. BONDED BY BLOOD exists of Jose Barrales (vocals), Alex Lee (guitar), Juan Juarez (guitar), Ruben Dominguez (bass) and Carlos Degalado (drums). All band members met through a love of just one genre….Thrash Metal. In 2006 BBB released their first demo "Four Pints Of Blood" and in 2007 they released a self-released EP titled "Extinguish the Weak". "Feed The Beast" is the debut album which is released on the Earache label and features twelve fantastic Thrash songs. As just said, the band is named after EXODUS' legendary debut album, but also BBB sounds exactly like EXODUS. And Barrales reminds me very much of Steve Souza too. So, you could say it's a negative point that BBB doesn't have their own sound, but who cares because the songs are great anyway. Go take a listen to songs like "Immortal Life", "Feed The Beast", "Mind Pollution", "Self Immolation" and "Vengeance" and let convince yourself that BBB is just a great Thrash band too. One thing is sure, "Feed The Beast" is a very good Thrash album, but it never can compete with the legendary "Bonded By Blood" album of EXODUS. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bondedbyblood |
86/100 |
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| COG – Sharing Space (CD) | Australia | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative Rock / Progressive Rock | Running time: 72:04 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| COG is an Australian band who are formed in 1998 and are playing alternative rock/progressive rock. The band exists of the brothers Flynn (vocals, guitar) and Luke Gower (bass) and Lucius Borich (drums). After several EP's this trio released their debut album "The New Normal" in 2005. This second album "Sharing Space" is recently released on the brand new German label Superball Music (distribution in the Benelux by CNR). The production was partly done by Sylvia Massy (TOOL, MACHINES OF LOVING GRACE) but mostly by COG themselves. Although "Sharing Space" is an album with a long running time (72 minutes) I don't loose my interest. The album just grows every time I listen to it. These guys are great musicians and they can write some fantastic songs. Also Flynn is a good singer. Some interesting songs are "No Other Way", "Swamp", "Four Walls", "Say Your Last Goodbye", "What If", "The Thrown Of Lincoln" and "Problem Reaction Solution". If you love a band like INCUBUS or early TOOL then I'm sure you will like COG too. Anyway "Sharing Space" is an interesting album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.cog.com.au
Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cogrockmusic |
78/100 |
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| DANGER – First Touch (CDemo) | Sweden | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Glam Rock / Sleaze Rock | Running time: 19:11 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| DANGER is a Swedish Glam/Sleaze Rock band who are formed in 2003. At that time the band played Heavy Metal, but with the arrival of Jesse Kid in 2006 as their new singer, they decided to change their music style into Glam and Sleaze Rock. Since February 2007 the line-up of the band exists of Jesse Kid (vocals), Rob Paris (guitar), Togge Rock (bass) and Danny Cräsh (drums). DANGER already had released four demo singles so far, but "First Touch" is the first promotional EP they are releasing worldwide. For this self financed EP DANGER recorded three brand new songs ("First Touch", "Miss Money" and "Hey You") and the other three songs "California Red", "Shove It" and "On The Run" were on the previous demo singles, but are re-mixed and re-mastered for this EP. Musically the band reminds me very much of a band like POISON. I like all six tracks very much, but if I have to mention my favourites, I would say "Miss Money", "California Red", "Hey You" and the fast rocker "Shove It". The production of this EP is very good. Anyway, the band has the looks and they have fantastic kick ass rock & roll songs. DANGER exists of great musicians and Jesse Kid is a good singer too. Let's hope DANGER will get a record deal soon, so a full length album will follow. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.danger.se
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bestdanger |
83/100 |
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| DARKCREED – Dark Regions (MCD) | Mexico | October 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 25:27 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Darkcreed started in the late 90's in Mexico and released 2 demos. It seems that when they lived in Mexico the band disappeared for several years and returned living in Sweden and the U.K…hmmnn alright. In 2007 they started working on this EP. And now they released it by Soulsellers Records. This album contains 6 tracks of death metal that is old school to the bone. The music is not original but sounds great. It reminds me a lot of Entombed (old), Grave or Dismember. The guitar riffs are Swedish styled and the drums are pounding through every song. Twin solos and slow doom solos…very nice. The grunts are low but very listenable. You can hear every song he sings (lyrics). The composing of the songs is great, fast slow and very groovy. The production of this album is also great. If you like bands like Dismember, Bloodbath or Grave then you are definitely going to like this album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.soulsellerrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkcreeddeathmetal |
75/100 |
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| DECADENCE – The 3rd stage of Decay (CD) | Sweden | October 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 35:59 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| This album is released in 2006 by Hit Records. In may 2008 Decadence signed with Massacre Records and they re-released "The 3rd stage of Decay". The band is working on a new album right now. It's not a bad album this one. They play solid thrash metal which reminds me of the 80s. They are much compared with Kreator and other genrebands and sometimes I hear that in their music but they have one big advantage and that is lead singer Kitty Saric. She's the one that makes this band special. And not by singing with a deep grunt like some girls I know (hehehe) but by using an incredible aggressive scream . I really like that but I'm afraid that without Kitty the band will be nowhere because the music is too common. But this is a good solid record and I'm very curious for their next album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.decadence.se
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/decadenceswe |
80/100 |
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| ELEVENER – When Kaleidoscopes Collide (CD) | Sweden | October 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 51:39 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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The Swedish duo of Johan Bergquist (vocals, keyboards, bass) and Andreas Broden (guitars, drums) created the Elevener project in 2005. Both had gained enough experience from their appearances in other bands such as Hammerfall, Scenario and M.ill.ion and where ready to make it on their own. "When Kaleidoscopes Collide" was a big surprise to my ears! I really can't believe that this album of original A.O.R. and melodic rock was recorded in 2008. This album contains music that could have easily been written more than 20 years ago! Never the less the feeling it generates is so genuine and true. I felt like listening to the best moments of old Toto and Chicago (era of albums like 16,17 and 18). Fans of this sound prepare to get shocked by this debut album from Elevener. They don't make albums like this anymore. This band is truly a surprise as well as an exception in today's musical landscape. Give them the chance they surely deserve. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.elevener.com
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elevenelevenagain |
85/100 |
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| EVILE – Enter The Grave (CD) | United Kingdom | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 53:00 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| However this album was already released in 2007, somehow it never got reviewed on MMM. Well, I recently discovered this album myself, and it's such a fantastic album, that I decided to review this CD after all. "Enter The Grave" is the debut album of English four piece band EVILE. The band was formed around 2004 and exists of brothers Matt Drake (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Ol Drake (lead guitar), Mike Alexander (bass) and Ben Carter (drums). These guys also have released two EP's "All Hallows Eve" (2004) and "Hell Demo" (2006) in limited quantities by themselves too. With this album EVILE brings back those great Thrash Metal memories of the mid eighties. So far they got very good critics in Kerrang! Magazine as well in some other magazines too. So, we from MMM can't stay behind. The band already played with bands like MACHINE HEAD, SEVERE TORTURE, SABBAT etc. and they toured this year with bands like MEGADETH and EXODUS (see "Live reviews" for Mario's review of the EVILE & EXODUS gig at the Dynamo club on April 14th, 2008). With a lot of songs on "Enter The Grave", the band reminds me even of SLAYER sometimes. The album is produced by well known producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, MORBID ANGEL, BLIND GUARDIAN etc.) and sounds fantastic. Songs like "Enter The Grave", "Thrasher", "First Blood", "Burned Alive" and "Shizophrenia" are really great thrash songs with fantastic riffs. This is a young talented band who can keep the thrash spirit alive. Definitely a band worth checking out. If you like classic thrash bands like DEATH ANGEL, SLAYER, EXODUS and TESTAMENT, then you will like EVILE's album "Enter The Grave" too. By the way, it seems they are already working on a second album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.evile.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.earache.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/evileuk |
88/100 |
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| FALCHION - Chronicles of the Dead (CD) | Finland | October 2008 | Sammy de Maere |
| Style: Melodic Death / Folk Metal | Running time: 47:51 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Hailing from Finland this melodic death metal band, with 2 members from Korpiklaani, are releasing their second album called 'Chronicles of the Dead'. First of all I always found the combination between melodic death metal and folk metal quite strange but these guys showed me that it's possible to write songs that contain some accordeon and other instruments with death metal vocals. It does take some time to get used to and considering the fact that I'm not that fond of melodic death metal I don't think I'm used to it already. If we would compare this band I would do compare them to Amon Amarth, the riffing is a bit like the newer albums but the vocals are higher, like the old records of the Swedish death metallers. To be honest except for a few exceptions, like the allmighty Carcass and about everything that includes Dan Swanö, I really don't like melodic death metal, and I'm not that fond of those folky things either so I would suggest that the fans of these popular genres should check out this band, you probably won't be disappointed. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.falchionband.com
Recordlabel: http'//www.massacre-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/falchionofficial |
65/100 |
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| FUNERAL – As the Light does the Shadow (CD) | Norway | October 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Melodic Doom Metal | Running time: 1:11:54 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Often named as the founders of the funeral doom scene. Funeral slowly drifted away from that scene and became a more melodic doom band. The grunts who were prominent on the older albums are completely gone here. So what comes in place? A melodic voice who half talks and half sings his parts. The main problem is that his voice doesn't follow the music. There are too many words in one sentence and so it doesn't connect with the music. The vocalist, at times sounds like Aaron Stainthorpe from My Dying Bride. Nevertheless "they" don't have this problem. For example take the song "In the Fathoms of wit and reason" that has a guest appearance by the one and only mr. Rob Lowe (Candlemass, Solitude aeturnus); by far the best song on the album because this man can really sing. While during the rest of the songs I am constantly annoyed by the vocals. Too bad because the music is fantastic. On this album Funeral sounds much more melodic and gloomy then on the their older albums. Of course the hard hitting funeral doom riffs are still present succeeded with the melo- dramatic parts done by a full orchestra. So how do you rate an album with beautiful music but not fitting vocals. Indeed with an average score. Strong listening advise before buying! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.funeralband.no
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/indierecordings MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/doomfuneral |
70/100 |
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| HELSTAR – The King of Hell (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power Metal | Running time: 50:05 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Helstar is such a kind of band that I don't even want to spoil your time with some biography; if you don't know the band already than you're probably from outer space OR not reading the right webzine. Helstar's first 2 releases "Burning Star" & "Remnants of War" are two classic albums which should belong in every selfrespecting metalhead's collection. After these 2 albums they released several other albums but all of these could never reach that same high level. Probably the reason that the band disbanded after a while and tried it again in 1995 with the "Multiples in Black" album. Pity enough this album couldn't give the band the proclaimed status back and singer James Rivera started several projects/bands (Destiny's End, Killing Machine & Distant Thunder) and began working as a kind of "temporary employee' for bands as Seven Wiches, Flotsam & Jetsam and lately Vicious Rumors Last year the band released a kind of compilation album ("Sins of the Past") with some re-recorded old tracks and also 2 new songs (which are also on this new album). James Rivera was not glad with my review because I called it an useless album (except for the 2 new songs on it) because I still prefer the old songs with the typical sound they had in the 80's. Hopefully he will be glad with the review of the new album because I have to be honest; it kicks some serious ass!!! Maybe due to the fact that the band has recorded it in their nearly complete old line-up; James Rivera, Larry Baragan, Jerry Abarca, Rob Trevino & Russel DeLeon. Typical US Power metal which is (and will always be) my favourite kind of metal! Speedy songs with high pitching vocals are all I need……. Only little complain (sorry James) I have is the fact that nearly all the songs are played on the same speed and some more speed-variety would have been welcome. The rate would have been even higher but im sure Helstar will be satisfied already now J If you're an US-Powermetal fan like me: go to your local cd shop and buy this great album!! Note: this promo has only 9 songs on it but there will be a limited first edition with 3 bonus tracks (which are not on this promo). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.helstar.com
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/helstar |
90/100 |
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| HOLY MOSES – Agony of Death (CD) | Germany | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 1:09:30 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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What to tell about this band that is not told before? Holy Moses (and especially singer Sabina Classen) have a trademark in the international thrash scene and the band is one of the best European thrashbands ever! This album "Agony of Death" is their 12th offering to date!! The band exist for more than 20 years now and is still delivering very good albums these days! In the past they could never win it from the other great German thrashbands Kreator, Destruction & Sodom but with this latest album they are equal or even better than the mentioned bands!! Productional this album also kicks serious ass! This is again 'straight in your face" thrashmetal with the typical sound of singer/frontlady Sabina Classen (as far as I know the only still remaining original member). Sabina is still one of the best female grunters these days and her voice is very remarkable. Most of the songs are full speed ahead but I prefer a few songs as favourites: 'Pseudohalluzination' , 'Imagination' & 'Delusional Denial'. Obligatory feed for every die-hard Holy Moses fan! Great album!! Check the band out at their upcoming European tour with Benediction! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.holymoses.de
Recordlabel: http://www.wackenrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/holymosesgermany |
82/100 |
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| ICED EARTH– The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked part 2) (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 59:09 (Tracks: 15) | ||
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So here it is the first full length with Matt Barlow back on vocals. Part two of the 'Something Wicked this way Comes' saga. I won't bother you again with the subject who is the better singer Owens or Barlow since I already handled that subject in the "I Walk Alone" single review in the May edition. After hearing the album for almost 15 times I must say I expected more. Iced Earth has reached the always difficult phase in a musical career when your sound isn't "new" and full of surprises anymore. Of course as always an Iced Earth album is sounding very accurate. You can leave that to Mr. Particular, John Schaffer. Problem is the album starts of too slow with 4 of the six songs clocking round the 3 minutes. Only interesting songs are the ballad: "A Gift or a Curse" which I really like because I think the voice of Mr. Barlow sounds best within the ballad, and the song "The Dimension Gauntlet" which has a great guitar riff in it. Second half of the album sounds way better. Here it seems that the inspiration of Mr. Schaffer is not yet dehydrated. Also longer songs that contribute better to the epic story. Favourite ones here are the single "I Walk Alone and "Come what May" the last real song on the album. These songs save the album that at times sounds a little bit dull. On the other hand I can say that this is a return to form mostly because Matt is back. "The Crucible of Man" is the culmination of the story line of the "Something Wicked…" saga and for now ends the story of the war between human kind and the Setians. As uninteresting concept albums could be, I find this story more then interesting and I hope a film company brings the story to the movie theatres in the near future . I now hope John lets his stories for what they are concerning the next album and releases something like "The Horror Show" where the songs stand more on their own. Time will tell… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.icedearth.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/icedearth |
80/100 |
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| IMAGIKA – Feast for the Hated (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power / Thrash Metal | Running time: 48:38 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Imagika from the mighty SF Bay Area was already formed in 1993 but this is, shame on me, my first acquaintance with this power/thrashmetal band. The band had several line-up changes during all these years and also several record-label changes which are both to long (and not important) to know. As far as I know this is the band's 6th release and this time its on Locomotive Records. The band plays technical power/thrashmetal and singer Norman Skinner is an all round singer who can both sing the clean/high-pitching vocals as well as the rawer thrashparts. Not many singer can do this in the way he is doing it; excellent! The band switches from thrashy song to more powermetal songs but all performed very well with great musicianship!! The band remembers me to bands like Nevermore & Shatter Messiah but with much more variation in the songs & songwriting! Great album!! Buy or Die!! Sure a band of which I will search for their older releases! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.imagikametal.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/imagikametal |
94/100 |
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| INVISIGOTH – Narcotica (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Prog Rock / Pop | Running time: 69:58 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| INVISIGOTH is a progressive rock band existing of multi-instrumentalist Cage (born in 1975) and singer Viggo Domino (born in 1977) and was formed in 2006. They are from Buffalo, NEW YORK, USA and they've released their first album "Alcoholocaust", which I don't know so far, in 2006. "Narcotica" is their second album and features 9 songs. The music on this album is very varied, sometimes it's heavy, then very atmospheric but also poppy. Domino is a very good singer and Cage is indeed a multi-instrumentalist. All together it sounds nice, I can listen to it, but it isn't heavy enough for me. Then I prefer to listen to AMASEFFER's album "Slaves For Life" (see September update). But I guess fanatic progrock lovers will love this album anyway. So check them out if you are interested. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/invisigothmusic |
70/100 |
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| ISKALD – Revelations of Reckoning Day (CD) | Norway | October 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black / Trash Metal. | Running time: 48:00 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| "Bodo is one of the best places in Norway to view the midnight sun during summertime. The midnight sun is a magnificent sight and could be seen from the end of May to the middle of June. It never gets dark. You have to see it to believe it" Enough travel information for now. Bodo is the hometown of this relative new band and this is their second album for the also "new" label Indie recordings. I hear many people complaining that there isn't any good black metal coming anymore from Norway. I must admit the scene was much stronger in the nineties. Many bands have called it quits (Emperor) or aren't releasing quality stuff anymore (Dimmu borgir). There were also too many copycats the last ten years. When you look just a bit more under the surface although every now and then Norway still has enough quality to offer. Iskald is such a band who can fill the gap Emperor has left a few years ago. Because this is the band that comes in mind listening to "Revelations of a Reckoning Day" A bit more of a thrashier Emperor in time of "The 9th Equilibrium". But only comparing them to one of the best bands the black metal scene had to offer would not be enough. Because mixing different styles the band creates an own sound. Black /thrash with loads of atmosphere and strong choruses. Fast but not the whole album. I am glad to hear that the guitar solo is definitely back in metal. Listen to the solo in "Det stilner til Storm" and decide for yourself! Produced all the way in Berlin by Stamos Koiousis and Vangelis Labrakis. They gave this album an ice cold but crystal clear sound. The 29th of September is the release date of this great album . At this time the midnight sun is long gone. The darkness has set for the coming wintermonth. Iskald it will be… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.iskald.com
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/indierecordings MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/iskald |
89/100 |
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| KOUICHI OGAWA – Lone Brave (CD) | Japan | October 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 45:40 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Kouichi Ogawa started playing the guitar in the 80's, when he played in bands such as Angelus (1982-1985) and Mightelayer (1985-1988). Later he worked on his music at home because his mother was very sick. For that reason, he didn't touch the guitar for 17 years. During that period, he found Roger Bleck on the internet, who showed him the way to continue playing music at home. Fortunately his mother is in stable condition, so he decided to come back to the music scene in 2006. On his first album "Lone Brave" are 7 songs ; 4 with vocals and 3 are instrumental tunes. The songs come from his Mightelayer period and some are written more recently. You can expect melodic hard rock songs like Bow Wow, Anthem, X-Ray did in the past, topped off with great guitar solo's from Kouichi. Damn, there are so many good Japanese guitarists! The vocals are sung by the U.S. vocalist Andy Reisert (fair enough), and there are also several other guests like Roger Bleck and Khaled Al-Kandari (both on guest guitar). "Lone Brave" is a very good melodic hard rock album, with as highlight the solo's from Kouichi, who's currently working on his second album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.geocities.jp/ramuramunekun
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mightelayer |
81/100 |
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| LAND OF TALES – Land of Tales (CD) | Finland | October 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: AOR / Melodic Rock | Running time:44:45 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Land of Tales is a brand new band masterminded by Kristian (vocals and guitar) and Palle (keyboards). They have been playing together for fifteen years in a band called Naiskala. However all the time, there has been a constant urge to make more adult oriented rock music, sung in English. At the end of 2006, they started writing songs, posted them on myspace and got a fabulous response from all over the world. Thanks to that, they signed a deal with Frontiers Records. Land of Tales is a typical Scandinavian AOR/Melodic rock band, with catchy melodies and big choruses. Not all the songs aren't that interesting for the moment (sometimes boring) and also vocalist Kristian can't convince me all the time. Nothing earthshaking yet, maybe better on their next album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.landoftales.net
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/landoftales |
73/100 |
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| LAST MILE – Last Mile (CD) | Denmark | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hardcore | Running time: 28:19 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| LAST MILE is a Hardcore band from Denmark and exists of Laurits Medom (vocals), Jacob Bredahl (guitars), Lennart Egon (bass) and Michael Sørensen (drums). It was November 2007 when Jacob and Michael figured out that they wanted to do something beside BARCODE, so they formed LAST MILE, which must not been seen as just a project but as a real new Hardcore band. Laurits sung in AS WE FIGHT before and Lennart played bass in STOMPED. This self titled album features fifteen tracks in the well known hardcore tradition. It's all not very original anymore of course, because it sounds like so many other HC bands, but the songs on this album are great anyway. The album is produced by guitarist Jacob Bredahl and Tue Madsen (Barcode, Sick Of It All, Born From Pain etc.) and sounds very good. Some favourite tracks are "Steadfast", "Afterall", "Times Are Changing", "Toubled Times And Minds", "Moving On", "Nothing To Prove" and "No Holding Back". However it's not very original, it's still a very good debut album. So, if you are into Hardcore, then you have to check this new band out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lastmilehardcore.com
Recordlabel: http://www.demonsrunamok.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lastmilehc |
80/100 |
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| MADMEN & DREAMERS – The Children Of Children (2CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Rock Opera | Running time: 2:00:33 (Tracks: 33) | ||
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When I read that this was a rock opera, and a 2-disc one at that, I thought Wow, that must be it ! Having no bio, I had to Google this and found out that this project has been released since 2000 and apparently there is also a disc 3….somewhere….Now, back to reality. "The Children of Children" is a rock opera whose subject touches nearly everyone in the western world. If you haven't lived through it, you probably know someone who has. It's about divorce and its ultimate casualties; the children. It's about survival and growth and making the best of terrible circumstances. Not really a rock theme, but OK, I'm open minded so I gave it a few spins. One thing that struck me from the first few vocal notes: I hate the vocals. It sounds like this is written for kids because it all sounds theatrical. Musicwise, songs are very versatile. Some instrumental passages remind me of bands like Renaissance (a loooong time ago), some gave me a bit of Pink Floyd feel, sometimes it also sounded a bit medieval.. And some even really rocked. The production of this project is very very clear, I have to give my compliments there. But I wonder if we rockers/metalfans are the audience that this bunch is waiting for. I doubt it. But those of you who like concept albums and rock operas, try it. This album has a few musical gems (like "Retreat") when you leave out the vocals, but not throughout the whole album, so try before you buy… | |||
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Visit their website: http://madmen-and-dreamers.com
Recordlabel: http://www.madelf.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/madmenanddreamers |
69/100 |
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| MAR DE GRISES – Draining the Waterheart (CD) | Chile | October 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Doom / Death Metal | Running time: 64:16 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| This is a very special band. It's the most atmospheric almost poetic band I've heard. They hail from Chile and this is there second cd. Their first album, "The Tatterdemalion Express"was well received and this one even better. They have another singer named Juan Escobar who also plays the keyboard. There are only 8 songs but the length varies from 6 to 13 minutes. Vocals are sparse and Juan has an excellent deathgrowl but can also handle the clean vocals and I also like the whispering in some segments. It's too bad the vocals are a bit low in the mix. I like the more uptempo parts of some songs; They are not aggressive and certainly not to dark and are followed by minutes of background noise and atmospheric tunes. It's hard to describe. You have to listen to it yourself is my opinion. Sometimes it sounds a bit to simple and the songs could be a bit shorter in some cases but if you like doommetal you MUST check this one out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.mardegrises.com
Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mardegrises2 |
83/100 |
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| MATTSSON – Dream Child (CD) | Finland | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Symphonic / Progressive Metal | Running time: 60:00 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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This is the first time I hear any music from MATTSSON. I only knew his name, but never heard anything of him before. But this album sounds great. First of all, Lars Eric Mattsson is a fantastic composer and specially a great guitar player. Also my compliments for introducing the stunning new female vocalist Adrienn Antal. Man, this woman can sing very beautiful. Mattsson plays symphonic and progressive metal, but with the vocals of Antal it also got a little gothic element added to the sound. Besides the fantastic voice of Antal, additional vocals are done by Björn Lodin. Lars Eric Mattsson plays of course all the guitars, but he also took care for the bass and keyboards parts on this album. Only the drums are done by Eddie Sledgehammer. The album has a great production, produced by Lars himself, and featured 12 songs. It took Mattsson 15 months to complete this album. But the end product sounds just fantastic. The songs have an average time of 5 minutes and don't bore at all. My favourite tracks are "Dream Child", "I'm Coming Home", "Killing Everything", "Heart Of A Clown" and "Life In The Shadows". I would say 'dream away with "Dream Child"', it's a great album which is a must for lovers of symphonic and progressive metal. Go check this out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.larsericmattsson.com
Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/larsericmattsson |
85/100 |
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| MÖRGLBL – Grötesk (CD) | France | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Progressive Fusion Rock | Running time: 1:01:59 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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This band with the funny name Mörglbl makes even more funny music. The band exist since 1996 and was formed by guitarhero Christophe Godin. My first acquaintance with these guys was last year (2007) at the Headway Festival in Amstelveen, The Netherlands. The band surprised me with their musicianship & humour! After that I contacted the band/manager several times for some promostuff but lately I finally got it from their record company. "Grötesk" is the 3rd album of this French trio which makes a mix of Jazz Fusion & Metal but than with some Zappa humour. Officially the band disbanded in 2000 but after a lot of successful tours with Godin's solo band Metal Kartoon he decided to continue with Mörglbl too! Good choice if you ask me! Musically this album is no food for the standard die hard heavy metal fan but more for people with a wider interest in guitar orientated music. Expect indeed a cross of Jazz Fusion with Metal. The album is nearly instrumental; just a few words are said on this entire album and they cant be noticed as real singing. To compare this band with other bands will be quit difficult because Mörglbl creates an unique sound!!! Check them out if you're open minded in metal; otherwise leave it alone…. I love it; that's for sure!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.christophegodin.com
Recordlabel: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/morglbl |
83/100 |
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| MORETHANEVER - Morethanever (CD) | Germany | October 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Hardcore | Running time: 26:58 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| The thing about the hardcore scene these days, as a beginning band, is that it’s hard being noticed. Because it’s such a fast paced scene… If you don’t have anything exciting or new you’re going to get drowned with all the other bands. And I’m afraid this is going to happen to Morethanever too. The album is good and if you want straight in your face hardcore and nothing else, this is something you would really like! But I’m not that kind of person, I’m always searching for something new and exciting. And this band doesn’t have that extra that would me play the album over and over again. That’s what makes a band a bit boring. They are a mix between Shai Hulud and Have Heart, but the mentioned bands are only better. They have shared stages with Instead, Go it Alone and Evergreen Terrace. Kudos to the artwork by the way, I think it’s great! | |||
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Visit their website: http://morethanever.de
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/demonsrunamok MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/morethaneverlbc |
65/100 |
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| MY SHAMEFUL – Descend (CD) | Finland | September 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Doom Metal | Running time: 50:26 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| My Shameful started in 2001 and released their first MCD in 2002. They released their debut in 2003 by Firebox/Firedoom records. After that they released 2 more records. Their latest release is in my opinion the most perfect doom record of the year. 7 tracks of depressing heavy doom. The guitar riffs are slow and melodic but also very heavy. The drums are also slow straight in your face. The vocals on this record are very filthy grunts that sound as if someone opened a portal of hell. The composing of the songs is great, and the production is very good. The best doom bands release albums that are long and slow (Ataraxie, Anathema (old), Winter). This album got it all. In my opinion this record is great and a must for every doom fan. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myshameful.com
Recordlabel: http://www.firebox.fi MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/myshameful |
80/100 |
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| ORDER OF NINE – A Means to Know End (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power Metal | Running time: 42:42 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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I already reviewed the last album of these guys a while ago so for their biography I advice you to read that one (again). At the moment there is only 1 original member left of this US-powermetal outfit and that's singer Michael DeGrena. Musically this new album is again very good but I have the same complaint as last time and that complaint is their singer…Michael DeGrena. He has a very raw voice which to my opinion does not fit that good in this technical great band. Musically its awesome what these guys show and it's a pity that he lowers the complete sound of the album. But probably there are lots of people that will not share my opinion and say I'm nuts. The band put me on the thanks-to list of this album {thanks for that!} but that's of course no guarantee for a good review; if I don't like it, I will tell it. That's my trademark and I made a lot of enemies with these actions BUT also a lot of bands that appreciate my critical words. After all I enjoyed listening to this well produced album but with a better singer my rate would have been much, much higher!!! Hopefully Michael will take some singing lessons because its no option to throw him out of the band. Musically this is very good performed US-metal which needs to be listened if you're also into US-Powermetal. Except for the voice a damn good album! And if i'm wrong; just tell me! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.orderofnine.com
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/orderofnine |
75/100 |
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| PATRIARCH – Mankind – The Virus (CD) | Belgium | October 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Heavy / Thrash Metal | Running time: 59:09 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| This Belgian metal band already exist since 1983, that time under the name Pariah. In 1988 they changed their name into Patriarch. They recorded two albums for the German record label Shark Records, "Prophecy" in 1990 and "World Within Worlds" in 1993. Other releases from them are the "Inside" split-single (with After All) and "Deity", a 4 track demo-cd. With their new line-up, they recorded the demo-cd "Black Harvest" in 2006. Despite the good reviews this demo received, Patriarch didn't manage to find a record label. So they decided to record a new full-length cd on their own. Finally, after several problems (computercrash), they can now present "Mankind – the Virus". Their new album is a mix of several subgenres, like heavy, thrash and prog metal. There are many tempo breaks, heavy mid-tempo and faster thrashy parts. Musically a technically interesting release with powerful vocals. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.patriarch.be
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/patriarchmetalband |
81/100 |
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| RANDY PIPER'S ANIMAL – Virus (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 38:31 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Randy Piper was one of the co-founders of L.A. shockrockers W.A.S.P. and played guitar on the classic albums "W.A.S.P." (1984) and "The Last Command" (1985). Since a couple of years Piper has put his own band together called ANIMAL (named after the W.A.S.P. song "Animal (F*ck Like A Beast)"). The line-up of ANIMAL exists of Rich Lewis (vocals), Randy Piper (guitar), Chris Laney (guitar, also ZAN CLAN), Nall Phalsson (bass) and Johan Koleberg (drums). In 2006 ANIMAL had released their debut album "Violent New Breed". Personally I don't know that debut album, but I have to admit that I like the songs on this second album "Virus". Rich Lewis is a good singer and he's a real Blacky Lawless soundalike. And because Lewis sounds so much like Lawless makes that ANIMAL still sounds like W.A.S.P. too. Anyway, "Virus" is produced by guitarist Chris Laney and sounds very good. The album features ten songs of which some of 'em have great guitar riffs. The third song "Don't Wanna Die" sounds to commercial in my ears. And the cover of THE CRANBERRIES mega hit "Zombie" is just a nice version. The best songs on "Virus" are in my opinion "Cardiac Arrest", "Can't Stop", "Crying Eagle", "Unnatural High", "Shoot To Kill" and "L.U.S.T.". My end conclusion is that "Virus" is a nice album. Check them out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.animalcave.net
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/randypipersanimal |
78/100 |
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| SACRED OATH – …Till Death do us Part (Live in Germany) (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power Metal | Running time: 55:28 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Last year US-powermetal outfit Sacred Oath released their already legendary "Darkness Visible" album on Sentinel Steel Records (see Archive CD/DVD reviews). I also own (and reviewed) their classic "Revision" album which was my first acquaintance with the band. Last year the band did some shows in Europe with as highlight the Keep it True festival IX in Dittigheim, Germany. I had the luck to be a part of the crowd and that show was really amazing! Now the band released that particular gig on their first live cd ever and send me copy of it for a review. Very smart because the band knows I'm a big fan and they also put me on the 'thanks-to" list (thanks for that guys)! Singer Rob Thorne is singing awesome live so it was a good decision to release this material on cd! Sentinel Steel Records was not interested (I suppose) so the band released the album on their own. These recordings are very good and give a good idea of how the show was in real. They also added the videoclip of the song "Words Upon the Stone" as a bonus to this enhanced cd. Contact the band through their website to order this great live-album! Food for real die-hard US-metal fans!! Especially when you love high pitching vocals! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sacredoath.net
Recordlabel: http://www.angelthorne.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sacredoath |
88/100 |
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| SAINT DEAMON – In Shadows Lost From The Brave (CD) | Sweden | October 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 45:42 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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The Swedish/Norwegian band Saint Deamon, named after a fictive ghost rider called S. Deamon was formed in 2006 by drummer Ronny Milianowicz, coming out from a 7 year long successful era with Swedish/German melodic metal band Dionysus.
He rejoined his forces with Dionysus bass player Nobby Noberg, which Ronny describe as "the best bass player in the business", along with the exceptional guitar virtuoso Toya Johansson. The band scanned the whole internet to find a singer that would do their magnificent music justice and in the spring of 2008, they finally found the ultra talented golden voice of the Norwegian Jan Thore Grefstad. The Saint Deamon line up was then complete and started to work on the debut album, with the high acclaimed monster producer Jens Bogren, best known for his excellent work with Symphony X, Hammerfall, Opeth, Katatonia, Dionysus. Grefstad turns out to be a fantastic vocalist. After having major problems to get this promo started in the first place, the second song "My Judas" tells exactly what we get here: quality metal, heavy riffs, good production. Diversity knocks on track number three which is the titletrack. These two songs really stand out on this album. Unlike a lot of other releases, the band seem to uphold this quality during the entire album. That is, except for their single, "My Heart", which is the black sheep on the album. If there is a tiny thing that needs a critical note, it's originality. Although I cannot blame drummer Ronny (he wrote music for a LOT of other bands), influences are very apparent. Other than that: good album ! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.saintdeamon.se
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/saintdeamonband |
83/100 |
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| SANDALINAS – Living on the Edge (CD) | Spain | October 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 38:27 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Sandalinas is a band formed by Spanish guitarist and Swedish resident Jordi Sandalinas in 2000. King Diamond guitarist and famous producer Andy Laroque noticed Jordi's talents and helped him form a band. "Living on the Edge" was originally recorded in 2005 and released by Massacre Records but never got the attention it deserved. It is now re-released right after the band's second album "Fly to the Sun". On the musical department, "Living on the Edge" is a pretty decent hard rock album. With catchy melodies, great performances and nice songwriting it is bound to captivate the attention of the fans of the genre. The band sounds energetic like Pink Cream 69 only a bit heavier with anthemic choruses that immediately find a permanent place inside your head. Sandalinas is not the virtuoso kind that will stand among the greatest guitarists but his performance is exactly what an album like this needs. Meaningful and melodic playing. Extra credit goes to amazing vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (Meduza, Evil Masquerade, Firewind etc.) for his flawless performances. I hope this time the album will get the desired attention because it deserves so much more. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sandalinas.com
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sandalinas |
80/100 |
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| SHOTGUN JUSTICE – Idem (CDemo) | Germany | October2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal | Running time: 19:16 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| Shotgun Justice has their roots in 80s and 90s Heavy Metal. They compare themselves with bands as Helloween, Running Wild, … and others but with younger elements. This is the band’s first demo-cd. The full album is due sometime in 2008. Well first of all I want to say I’m not a big heavy metal fan. So I have been very objective about this review. The album consists of 3 tracks, which in my ears are all the same and way too long. I think there’s nothing exciting about this band, but just another copycat from “the old days”. There’s probably nothing wrong with the demo if you’re a typical heavy metal listener and I respect that, but it’s just not interesting for me. Anyway as I said there album is due sometime this year. But there are a lot of songs already online on the myspace page to check them out. | |||
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MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shotgunjusticegermany
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55/100 |
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| SILENT RAGE – Four Letter Word (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 41:46 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| SILENT RAGE started as a Glam Rock band in 1985 and they released their debut album "Shattered Hearts" in 1987. In 1988 KISS bass player Gene Simmons signed SILENT RAGE to his label Simmons Records and in 1989 their second album "Don't Touch Me There" was released. In 2001 the band reformed again and their third album "Still Alive" saw the light in 2002. Now on July 4th their fourth album "Four Letter Word" has been released on the Frontiers Records label. The line-up of SR on this album is Jesse Damon (lead vocals, lead guitar), Mark Hawkins (guitar, vocals), EJ Curse (bass, vocals) and Rodney Pino (drums, vocals). "Four Letter Word" is well done produced by Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES) and features eleven melodic Hard Rock songs. Every time I listen to this album, SILENT RAGE reminds me the most of the early BON JOVI, because the vocals of Damon sounds very much like Jon Bon Jovi. But I also hear some KISS and DOKKEN influences on the album. The beginning of the title track "Four Letter Word" reminds me very much of KISS' "Domino" (on the "Revenge" album) and some parts of "Man Or Machine" reminds me of "Unholy" (also on "Revenge"). Not strange, because ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick (GOOD RATS, BLACKJACK, UNION, ERIC SINGER PROJECT) is playing the guitar solo and fills on "Man Or Machine". And the beginning of "Sinister Man" could have been from a DOKKEN song. Anyway, "Four Letter Word" is not a bad album, but it's not sounding very original. Listen to songs like "Four Letter Word", "Man Or Machine", "Feel My Love", the ballad "Close Your Eyes", "Bona Fide" (with Bobby Blotzer (RATT) on drums, who's also playing drums on "Man Or Machine") and the fast one "Trouble" and you know what I mean. This is an album I can recommend if you are a great fan of BON JOVI and if you like bands as KISS, DOKKEN and RATT too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.silentrageonline.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/silentrageonline |
74/100 |
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| TEMPLE OF BLOOD – Overlord (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Christian US Power Metal | Running time: 40:10 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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A Christian metalband reviewed by atheist Mario? Don't be afraid; I never judge bands by their politics, religion or other believes. Only thing that counts for me are the songwriting and musicianship of a band; it doesn't matter if they are singing about Jesus or even Satan. Its up to me! I already reviewed the bands first album "Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind" last year and I was blown away by these guys! The debut album was for me one of the (or maybe even the) best albums recorded in 2006! This is metal exactly in the way I like it; pure US-metal with great songs; great shredding guitars, superb solos, double bass drums and a high pitching singer! Awesome! You can understand how curious I was about the successor from "Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind". After the intro the first song 'Behind the Inverted Star' begins again with great shredding guitars and singer Jim Mullis is singing the stars from the sky (or should I say heaven?) Superb song! The next song "Summon the Accused" is a very nice up tempo song which brings some variation in this album. "Fearsome Warrior" is again a full speed ahead song which are mostly my favourites! "Illusion of Control" starts with an acoustic intro but turns into a kind of Bay Area thrashsong with some crossover elements. "Black Day of Execution" is a doom song which I don't like at all, especially not when its released by a band of this calibre. "Pawn of the Liar" is again a great speedmetal song with superb high pitch vocals! Awesome! "Harbringer" is again a nice midtempo song. Next song is a cover of Forbidden's "Forbidden Evil" which is performed very well but is far from equal from the original. Jim Mullis is a great singer but his vocal range is totally different from Russ Anderson's voice (even if Russ Anderson cant sing anymore these days). A bit of a disappointment if you ask me. Musically it still kicks ass and also the solos are great but its not comparable with the original recording. After the moderate "Anthem of the Unseen" the album closes with the incredible "The Return". Conclusion: again a great album but not as good as its predecessor "Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind". Especially because of the weak song " Black Day of Execution" and the moderate Forbidden cover. Nevertheless still a band to check out if you're into real US-metal with speed & high pitching vocals! Strange that the band still has no record deal??? | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.templeofblood.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/templeofblood |
85/100 |
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| THE MYSTERY – Soul Catcher (CD) | Germany | October 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 56:23 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Germany has brought us many rock and metal bands, and this bunch exists since 1996. In 2006, female vocalist Korry Schwadwell joined their ranks and now this line-up has released their latest work on cd. German bands are generally widely influenced, and The Mystery is no exception. Stylewise, they are very close to Warlock and Doro, of course having a female vocalist that is not operatic causes a resemblance one cannot deny. So, being original is very hard. I must admit that The Mystery's music has some originality, but when I heard the track "Soulcatcher" and realised that the drums are out of rhythm paths, I was kinda disappointed, because this track finally gave me the impression that they really can do their own thing. They play an old-school kind of rock/slash/metal, which is supported productionwise. Heavy guitars, nothing special but just OK. And this is what this album is: just OK, nothing special. Visually, I also see nothing special. Warlock and Doro fans, hurry to get this disc. All others: listen before buying. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.the-mystery.de
Recordlabel: http://www.la-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themysterymetal |
65/100 |
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| THE WHITE BARONS – Up All Night With The White Barons (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Punk 'n Roll | Running time: 33:14 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| THE WHITE BARONS is an American Punk 'n Roll band fronted by female singer Eva Von Slut. I already knew Miss Eva Von Slut from her other band she sings in, which is the all female Psychobilly band THEE MERRY WIDOWS. "Up All Night With The White Barons" is the debut album of THE WHITE BARONS, which was released in 2007, and features eleven catchy Punk 'n Roll songs. The line-up of the band on this album is, of course Baroness Eva Von Slut (vocals), Baron Johny One Eye (guitar), Baron Nate von Wahnsinn (bass) and Baron Adam von Keys (drums). I recently saw the band, during their first European tour, at The Rambler, Eindhoven, Holland (on August 22, 2008) where they played a very energetic live show. The band has added a second guitar player, which is Baron Jason von Soul. During this show they also played some new material too. That evening I bought this debut album and I also talked a bit with the notable miss Eva. She told me that they are gonna record a second album very soon. Anyway, "Up All Night With The White Barons" is a very good album. My favourite tracks are "You Never Were", "Wicked Ways", "Suicide Mission", "Never Enough", "Life Ain't Fair" and the fast one "Mercy, Mercy". If you like Punk 'n Roll bands, then you have to check out THE WHITE BARONS too. And I'm looking forward to the second album of this fantastic band. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.gearheadrrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/whitebarons |
82/100 |
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| TRANSLUCENT EXISTENCE – Idem (CDemo & DVD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power/Thrash Metal | Running time: 15:37 (Tracks: 3) | ||
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This band from Denver, Colorado sended me their CDemo & a DVD in an excellent and very professional looking package; compliments for that already! The band was already founded in 2002 by guitarist Robert Sanchez & Dave Stluka. Two years later they finally found a drummer in Butch de Felice and began to record & practice even if they still didn't find a good singer. After again 2 years Butch left the band already; frustrated of the fact that the band still didn't find a singer. 2007 was a much better year for the guys and they found a new drummer in Damon Nichols and also completed the line up with singer Robb Steele (Byfist, Bittur Harvest). After listening to the demo several times I still ain't convinced about this band. Why? Its just not that spectacular enough to make my us-metal heart go beating faster/harder. It all sounds good and singer Robb Steele is a good singer but musically its not really what I expected to hear from these guys; sorry guys! Personally I hear various influences back in their songs; from King Diamond to Nevermore but all in moderate way. They have the capability to become much better and I hope they will still send me the later stuff also so I can judge if there is any progression made. At the moment the band is recording new stuff so im curious what the future will bring. The DVD contains some pictures of the band and again 2 of the demo songs. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.translucentexistence.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/translucentproject |
70/100 |
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| WITCHKING – Witchking (CD) | Poland | October 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 52:35 (Tracks: 14) | ||
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Formed in 2003, Polish outfit Witchking made its first steps with the "Under the Siege" singles in 2004. The "Witchking" album followed in 2007 and this year the band released a second one called "Hand of Justice". As you can easily understand by the band's name, Witchking is all about Lord of the Rings mythology on the lyrics department. The music is mid tempo European Power Metal with frequent outbursts (listen to the Priest-ish "Flame of Udun"). The voice of Tomasz Twardowski reminded me of Leszek Szpigiel a.k.a. Hariddon Lee (Scanner, Non Iron, Crows etc.) while the music is also close to bands like Crows and Scanner but not so close to Blind Guardian as one would expect. There is a lot of Judas Priest in the mix. "Witchking" is not the kind of album that will leave you speachless but it will certainly push you towards the play button again and again cause its all about power and might containing songs with rhythm and passion. I hope the new Witchking album is as good as this one if not better! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.witchking.pl
Recordlabel: http://www.auralofferings.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/witchkingband |
81/100 |
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| X-WORLD/5 – New Universal Order (CD) | Sweden | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Sci-Fi Metal | Running time: 41:45 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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X-World/5 is a new band formed by ex-Hammerfall basplayer Magnus Rosen and drummer/programmer/engineer Big Swede. The main goal of the band was to create something new in metal; metal for the year 3006 or better described as 'a new experience for the senses'. With the addition of Pagan's Mind/Eidolon vocalist Nils K. Rue the band has a superb singer in their ranks! Later on they also added guitarists Andy La Roque (King Diamond) and Reeves Gabrels to the line-up. A dream line-up if you ask me! I was so curious when I heard about this new project that I asked the dutch promoter for a copy of the album. Well finally I got it and the more curious I was, the more the album disappointed me. It all sounds to modern to me and has not much to do with bands like Pagan's Mind & Hammerfall. A lot of electronic parts and also a lot of Rammstein influences (especially the riffs) are not really my cup of tea. If this is really metal for the future than im glad I still have about 2500 "golden oldies" to listen to in my private collection! Sorry guys but even you cant predict the future and im glad about that after listening to this album. Its not a bad album at all but surely not my future dream…. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.x-world5.com
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/x-world5 |
65/100 |
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| ZERO HOUR – Dark Deceiver (CD) | USA | October 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 44:43 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Again a new album of one of my favourite progmetalbands at the moment. All their 4 previous releases are real jewels and I adore their "Towers of Avarice" & "Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond" albums. So I was very curious what the brothers Tipton would bring us this time. This 5th release is again produced by Dino Alden and that's already a guarantee for a good sounding album. Finally the band found in singer Chris Salinas (ex-Power of Omen) a permanent and incredible singer which he showed already on their predecessor album "Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond". Also on stage this guy sings awesome and is a welcome addition for Zero Hour. The leaders of the band are still Troy & Jasun Tipton; an incredible technical twin with the talents to write superb songs which are not for the moderate metalhead allowed. The band is mostly compared with Watchtower and Spiral Architect, both bands that are also not for the regular metalfan. Back to their newest release: musically this album is more open to the standard metalaudience and I even hear some VoiVod influences back in their songs; not musically but vocally. Pity because when its up to me; please don't use the raw, darker vocal parts anymore in the upcoming stuff and just use Chris's voice the way we where used to at the bands predecessor album "Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond". Still it is, again, a great album but not as good as its predeccessor. Favourite songs: "Inner Spirit", "The Temple Within" & "The Passion of Words". Pity about the spacefillers "Tendonitis" (bass-solo) & "Severed Angel" (outro). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.zerohourweb.com
Recordlabel: http://www.lasersedgegroup.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/zerohourband |
85/100 |
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| AMASEFFER – Slaves For Life (CD) | Israel | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Metal / World Music / Movie Score | Running time: 77:50 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| AMASEFFER is a band from Israel who was formed in June 2004 by drummer Erez Yohanan. He started working on this trilogy project and when he was looking for a guitar player, Yuval Kramer joined. A year later, with a basic structure of the album, second guitar player Hanan Avramovich joined too. First they contacted Andy Kuntz (VANDEN PLAS) to be AMASEFFER's singer, but after a long period of delays etc. they finally got Mats Leven (ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals for this debut album. And Leven is a fantastic singer. Female singer Kobi Farhi does all the oriental vocals on "Slaves For Life", which features ten brilliant songs. Also Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY) is doing some guest grunts on the almost twelve minute song "Midian". AMASEFFER plays a mix of (Prog) Rock, Metal, World Music and the magical sound of the Middle East. When I listened to "Slaves For Life" for the first time I really had the feeling I was listening to a movie score. But then with rock, metal and world music elements in it. Yohanan, Kramer and Avramovich together have a few things in common and that's the love for philharmonic composers and compositions, film scores, traditional oriental music and chants, rock and metal music, and they all mix these influences together. It took them four years to make this album, but finally it became a real masterpiece. It's an Old Testament story about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Believe me, all tracks are great compositions with lots of atmosphere in it. My favourite tracks are "Slaves For Life" (8:27), "Birth Of Deliverance" (11:11), "Midian" (11:47), "The Wooden Staff" (9:13), "Ten Plagues" (11:28) and "Land Of The Dead" (6:53). As you can see, those songs have a very long running time. If you're a metalhead who's also into movie scores and with a broad taste, then you really have to check out this brilliant album of AMASEFFER. I'm very curious to parts II and III of this trilogy. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.amaseffer.com
Recordlabel: http://www.insideout.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amaseffer |
87/100 |
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| AUSTHRAL – Tocado a Vento (CD) | Brazil | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Folk / Blackened Metal | Running time: 46:11 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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At the beginning of this year the new South American label 'Face the Abyss' surprised me with the split cd from Dark Celebration and Sodamned.
"Tocado a Vento" (which means something like: "taken by the wind") by the Brazilian band Austhral is the labels second release and it doesn't surprise me at all. The band tries to be some Brazilian answer to Moonspell by including traditional music from in this case the south of Brazil to their blackened/dark metal. How do they sound? Something like Brazilian fellows Sepultura did in the mid-nineties when they introduced Brazilian elements into their music? Well to be honest it really disappoints me. Nothing more but some cheap sounds coming from a synthesizer that could come from any country. Their bio says that this is such an innovating band, but that is absolutely not true. This is more like an innovating clone at best. I hope the labels next release will be a return to form. It is about time for Brazil to come up with some new bands. Sepultura and Krisiun can't go on forever, can they? | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.austhral.com
Recordlabel: http://www.facetheabyss.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/austhral |
45/100 |
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| BRIDE – Skin for Skin (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 52:14 (Tracks: 14) | ||
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Christian metal powerhouse Bride launched its career from Kentucky in the early 80s. The first Bride albums are excellent works of American power metal with Christian lyrics. Albums such as "Show no Mercy", "Live to Die" and "Silence is Madness" are considered as classics and are included in my favourite albums list. Around the early 90s the band switched sound towards "contemporary meets hair metal" with a couple of nice albums before shifting directions again to a more alternative style. I have to admit I lost them back then since their musical direction at the time wasn't exactly my cup of tea. "Skin for Skin" is actually the first Bride album I came across for years and I was quite curious about it. Well "Skin for Skin" clearly belongs to the aggressive metal field. Bride always tried to follow the trends (and I am not saying this is a bad thing to do) and fit in with the rest of the contemporary stuff but you can't do everything with 100% success. Bride where great playing power metal, they where quite good playing more commercial hard rock-metal but are not so good on the groovy aggressive metal department. I believe that Dale Thompson's great voice deserves better and more melodic songs. Bride is consisted of good musicians but I wish they produced more interesting music. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.bridepub.com
Recordlabel: http://www.retroactiverecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bridemusic |
65/100 |
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| CELTIC LEGACY – Guardian Of Eternity (CD) | Ireland | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Heavy Rock / Metal | Running time: 57:20 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| "Guardian Of Eternity" is Celtic Legacy's third album and the follow-up to "Resurrection" which was released in 2003. That album received incredible reviews when it appeared. Despite the success, the line-up which recorded the album split less than 8 months after it's release and the 2 remaining, founder members had to search new musicians. In 2007 the new line-up was finally a fact. The first release from the new Celtic Legay line-up is a great mix of melodic heavy rock/metal and a few traditional Celtic music influences. Celtic Legacy plays melodic music with catchy choruses and great Geoff Tate-ish lead vocals, topped off by beautiful, extended guitar solo's. Bands to refer at are Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy and Queensrÿche. I really can't believe why they aren't signed yet, because there are far too many less good bands which have a record deal! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.celtic-leagcy.com
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/eternalegacyrecords MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/celticlegacy |
89/100 |
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| CIRCULAR LOGIK – One (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 57:14 (Tracks: 13) | ||
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A few months ago, I came across a band named Tragik and its debut album called "Poetic Justice". This was a very good effort in the field of melodic rock. When I got "One", I noticed that Circular Logik and Tragik (noticed the similarity with the letter K in the end?) share the same mainman, Phil Vincent. Vincent has been constantly releasing albums since 1997 and is a man of many talents. Circular Logik shares many similarities with Tragik but is a bit heavier. I could say the sound is close to Dokken (mid to recent era) with nice hooks and anthemic choruses. Nothing fancy but well executed music and pleasant to listen to. There are a couple of cheesy ballads but hey; nobody's perfect! "One" will not shake the foundations of melodic rock and metal but at least guarantees some good listening sessions. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.philvincent.com
Recordlabel: http://www.musicbuymail.eu MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/philvincentrox |
74/100 |
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| CLUSTERHEAD - Times Of No Trust (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 51:57 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Clusterhead is a new german melodic heavy metal band. They introduce themselves as a band that doesn't want to follow the new trends and just play the music they like best. I have to admit that they are spot on with their description. This album is a nice heavy metal record filled with catchy songs that will be enjoyed by many people. Their biggest problem might be the fact that they just don't bring anything new. Ofcourse they are great musicians, the melodies are catchy, the guitar work is good and the vocals are really good but it all sounds like I've allready heard these things more than once before. If you're new to heavy metal you'll probably think these guys are awesome but if you're into the scene for years and therefore know a lot of bands and bought tons of cd's you won't find anything new here. Clusterhead delivers a decent heavy metal cd which will find it's way to lots of heavy metal fans but don't expect anything new. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.clusterhead.com
Recordlabel: http://www.artistworxx.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/metalclusterhead |
60/100 |
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| DARK SKY – Empty Faces (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 52:18 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| German band DARK SKY started in the early 80's as a school band. A financial problem with their record company made a release of their completely finished debut album in the late 80's impossible, so the band more or less called it a day. At the end of the 90's, after having several line-up changes, DARK SKY returned to the scene and they signed a record deal with a Malaysian label. The line-up of DARK SKY is Frank Breuninger (vocals), Steffen Doll (guitar), Winny Zurek (bass), Uwe Mayer (drums) and Claudio Nobile (keyboards). So far they have released the following albums "Believe It" (2000), "Edge Of Time" (2002) and "Living & Dying" (2005). Personally I didn't know this German band, so this fourth album "Empty Faces" is my first acquaintance with them. Just like "Living & Dying", "Empty Faces" is released on the AOR Heaven label and features eleven tracks (the last track "Final Day" is a hidden track). The band exists of good musicians and have in Frank Breuninger a fine singer. Almost all tracks are very catchy with great melodies. DARK SKY has recorded one cover on this album, which is MICHAEL SEMBELLO's "Maniac" (yes, from the 'Flashdance' movie) and is a nice version. Other interesting songs are "Hands Up", the title track "Empty Faces", "Send Them To Hell", "Chase Your Dreams" (an up-tempo song with double bass drums, which strangely ends with piano & vocals) and "Pleasure & Pain". A negative point to me is that the band ends with two ballads, "Meaning Of Life" (which reminds me to the SCORPIONS) and the hidden track "Final Day". In my opinion the band could better end with a great rocker. All with all, not a very notable album, but it's a nice Melodic Hard Rock album to listen to once in a while. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dark-sky.de
Recordlabel: http://www.aorheaven.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkskyrocks |
77/100 |
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| DAVIDIAN – Hear the Cries | Germany | September 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 37:21 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Davidian was founded in 1997 by guitarists Alex Schiepp and Micha Weidler and started out as a coverband. In 2003 they recorded their first (self produced) album called 'Abuse of Power'. In 2004 singer Chris Pendergast left the band and they had to wait till 2006 before they found a new vocalist; American Dave Hopkins. In februari 2007 they got in the studio to record a new album and in november they signed with limited Access Records. The result is: Hear the Cries. They sound a lot like Machine Head. That says it all I guess. It's not badly played but it all sounds the same and the vocals annoy me after a while. The album stops after 37 minutes but that's a good thing. It's solid thrash metal and I can imagine they have a lot of fans in Germany but I don't think they will have a great future unless they make songs with a lot more variety. That it is not original is not the worst thing but it has a total lack of inspiration. Better luck next time. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.davidian. de
Recordlabel: http://www.la-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/davidian2 |
68/100 |
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| DAVID VALDES – Lost In The Dark Curse (DVD) | Spain | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Instrumental Neo-Classical / Progressive Metal | Running time: 74:00 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Spanish guitarist David Valdes has recorded an instrumental dvd to mark the success of video's which he has recorded and posted on You Tube over the last 6 years. David has decided to record 15 of his songs from his 2 albums ("Paradise Lost" and "Imhotep") and delivers them in a much higher quality format for the fans at home. "Lost In The Dark Curse" is an all instrumental dvd, a live-in-the-studio presentation of David playing guitar to his backing tracks. Several split-screen presentations are shown when David's songs feature harmony or contrapuntual lines. The dvd reflects David's beliefs and is not released for profit but for the love of the instrument which he wants to share with all the guitarists/fans of the world. Everybody who's into Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Cacophony, Jason Becker, George Bellas, Vinnie Moore, Marty Friedman and Tony MacAlpine will love this dvd very much!!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.davidvaldes.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/davidvaldesguitar |
90/100 |
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| DEADLY BLESSING – Devided (CDemo) | USA | September 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power Metal | Running time: 10:15 (Tracks: 2) | ||
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Deadly Blessing is most wellknown in the underground scene because of their extraordinary singer Ski. They released a few albums in the past which have a cult-status in the underground. Live the band also always kicked ass and it was a lust to see these guys perform! Pity enough last year singer Ski left the band to form his own Christian metal band Faith Factor (see Archive CD/DVD Reviews). Normally this kind of bands disband after such a step backward but Deadly Blessing didn't and found a replacement for Ski in Stephen Childs. I wasn't familiar with the bands earlier (4 track?) demo but what I heard from the press didn't sound very positive. Last month I had the luck to see the band twice during the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany. Or wasn't it luck? Live the band did impress me again but the new frontman was singing out of tune the whole time and it was a big disappointment. After a short talk with the guys they told me that their singer had a cold/flue and they had to admit that he wasn't singing at his best. They tried to convince me that he was normaly singing great and they gave me this CDemo. I didn't have much trust in it but, as always, I gave the band a fair chance. After listening to the demo I have to admit that the new man isn't singing bad at all and he reminds me a lot to Alan Tecchio's voice (Hades, Watchtower, Power, Non Fiction and now in Seven Witches). The new songs ('Devided' & 'Utopia in Flames') sound a bit more standard than the older stuff and have a typical Iron Maiden twist. Nevertheless I have to admit that this isn't bad at all even its not as good as the older stuff with Ski. If you're into US Power Metal just like me; check them out!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.deadlyblessing.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deadlyblessing |
75/100 |
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| DESCENDING – Enter Annihilation (CD) | Greece | September 2008 | Corinne van den Brand |
| Style: Death / Thrash Metal | Running time: 46:38 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Descending is a new band from Greece and I don't know much about them.The band is: Jon Simvanis on vocals, Constantine on guitars, Theo on guitars, Noir on bass, Antony on drums.This is there first cd but their label is Massacre so that says something about their qualities.They say they play death/thrash metal but apart from the vocals I can't find a lot of death metal in their music. It's more thrash/powermetal. Really headbangmusic. It's very well played. Strong, agressive songs with a lot of melodic and catchy riffing. But after a while I got bored by the vocals of Jon Simvanis. One song he sings with clean vocals and I think he must do that a lot more. But if you like bands as Children of Bodom, Trivium, At the Gates you must check them out. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialdescending |
83/100 |
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| DESTRUCTION - D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Sammy de Maere |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 48:03 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| German thrash legends Destruction celebrate their 25th anniversary with their 10th album: D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. The new album contains the classic elements of every Destruction album but also has a new sound about it, I compare it the most with the previous 'Inventor of Evil' album. As usual we have Schmier screaming away on the fast riffs of Mike Siffringer while the pounding drums of Marc Reign hold everything nicely togheter. Without listening to the album I would allready named it a classic to be, like everything else the band has ever released with Schmier on vocals. But after listening to this record a few times I grew a bit bored of it. There are really good songs but I'm not fond of the slow parts and while the predecessor kept kicking ass I find this album too much repetitive, most of the time I want to stop listening around track 5. It's a shame that almost every song has voice overs of Schmier encouriging us to buy the album which just makes it even harder to continue listening. As a fan I'll probably end up buying it after all but I just don't like this one as much as I like the older Destruction material. I am quite curious what the new songs will sound like while played live, cause thrash metal in general and Destruction in particular just has to be listened to while your banging your head of in the moshpit. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.destruction.de
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialdestruction |
60/100 |
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| DESTRUCTOR – Forever in Leather (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 47:18 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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Destructor, Cleveland, Ohio's legendary premier power/thrash band, return to Auburn with their new release "Forever in Leather". Their 1985 debut album, "Maximum Destruction", is one of the most underestimated thrash albums ever! This debut album is so f*ckin heavy, especially for the time/period it was released. They where well known in the Ohio area for their over-the-top leather and chains look (that, plus their stage names, gives a good impression of what they were like). The tragic death of bassist Dave Holocaust (RIP: January 01, 1988, stabbed to death) brought about the eventual demise of the band in the late 80's, but the band reformed some time ago and have one release in 2003 "Sonic Bullet" and two releases in 2007 " Storm of Steel" & this newest one "Forever in Leather". This new album is again in the typical Destructor tradition; fast, heavy & raw thrashmetal which is difficult to compare with other bands in the genre. I had the luck to see the band live several times in the mighty metal mekka Germany and on stage these guys are also killer!! The new album sounds raw but has a very clean production and if you like their older stuff than you can buy this album blindly! A superb album of which a lot of new retro-thrash bands will be jalous!! Hope to get them over to The Netherlands someday so that they can give the lazy dutch metalfans a lesson in thrashin'. There's not 1 weak song on this album and that's a very big plus!! Awesome!! Pounding Warriors forever in Leather! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.auburnrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/maximumdestructor |
95/100 |
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| EMATHEA - Emathea (MCD) | Norway | September 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 25:52 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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Hailing from Norway, this band released a 6 track EP or mini cd which has now landed in my cd player. The band says in their bio that they are influenced by Metallica and Soundgarden. That is a recognizable statement, because of the pounding drums and the powerful guitarriffs. I just don't like their vocalist, whose voice is not powerful enough nor dominating the sound of the songmaterial, he seems to be hidden in the mix a bit. These Vikings however have fantastic songmaterial, so I am a bit in doubt how to rate this. Let me say that the songmaterial is very to my liking, and I think that one Jorn Lande could have used quite a bit from it, judging by his latest and disappointing release. When Jorn would have been their vocalist, I think record companies would gather around this band to sign them. Pity, this could have been way better. But as any band evolves, I will give them thumbs up. Check their website, as the songs can be listened to there. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.emathea.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/emathea |
80/100 |
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| ENSLAVED – Vertebrae (CD) | Norway | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Progressive Black / Viking Metal. | Running time: 49:07 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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Enslaved is a band that is constantly evolving. Since the release of "Mardraum" the psychedelic influences paved their way into their massive black/viking metal. It unleashed a whole new sub genre within the black metal scene. Suddenly it was cool to listen to that old Hawkwind and Pink Floyd records again as a (black) metal fan. With each album Enslaved dived deeper into there own created style and this resulted in one of the best albums of 2006 "Ruun" which wasn't only black metal with psychedelic influences but the two got more together, kind of entwined in each other. It is with "Ruun" that the band broke through, which resulted this year in a headlining position at the highly acclaimed Roadburn festival in Tilburg. "Vertebrae" shows a natural progression from the last album without really exploring new paths. The albums sounds smoother, more Floydish than ever. Progressive at times but also easy listening in some of the songs. The opening of a "New Dawn" makes me think, just for a minute of the old Enslaved but then goes over in a more relaxed song and ripples peacefully to its end. "Vertebrae" is mixed by Joe Baressi (Tool, Queens Of The Stone Age) and mastered by George Marino. This gives the seventies sounding music a modern, refreshing vibe. Old school fans that are searching for blast beats and harsh riffs from the old days will come out even more deceived ten they were after they heard "Ruun". The melodic (harmonized) vocals of Grutle alter in a great way with his calm growls but don't remind you of his voice on lets say "Frost" So if you are an open minded metal fan who liked their previous album -although Vertebrae is more space like -then this is an album you must buy at any cost. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.enslaved.no
Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/indierecordings MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/enslaved |
80/100 |
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| EXCITER – Thrash, Speed, Burn (CD) | Canada | September 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Speed Metal | Running time: 45:44 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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The is the new album by speedmetal legends EXCITER from Canada featuring new vocalist Kenny Winter and original band leader John Ricci. The band exist for more than 20 years now and their "Heavy Metal Maniac" debut album is still my alltime favourite album!!! Why?? This album was so fucking heavy during the days when it was released and I was blown away by it!! Especially the combination of former member Dan Beehler's voice & incredible drumming was (and still is) unique! Last month I was witness of Dan Beehler's first appearance in Europe with his "new" band Beehler. He performed, together with original Exciter bassplayer Alan Johnson at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany and they played a lot of old Exciter stuff; amazing!!! Back to he new album; there is only 1 original member left; John Ricci. The band has a nearly complete new line up because also their latest singer Jacques Belanger left the band (again) and is replaced on this album by Kenny Winter. The last 2 albums with Jacques Belanger ('The Dark Command' & ' Blood of Tyrants') where a bit different from the old Exciter stuff but still kicked ass! But now, after eight years the band is back with a new album "Thrash, Speed, Burn. What to tell about this album? Exciter still plays their typical speedmetal as they did for all these years now and it all is comparible to the stuff they did during the last years. It's a continuation from their Jacques Belanger era. So its, again, great!! If you're an old school Exciter fan just like me; you can also buy this album blindly! New singer Kenny Winter is doing a perfect job and is a good replacement for Mr. Belanger if you ask me. Only little complain I have is the weak production of the album. But that's a problem Exciter always had in the past too. Great speedmetal album which belongs in every Exciter's fan cd rack!! Not 1 weak song, just full speed ahead! Nevertheless I still hope their will be a reunion someday with the original line-up because Dan Beehler is not replaceable if you ask my honest opinion. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.hemidata.se/exciter/home.html
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/exciterofficial |
85/100 |
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| EXPEDITION: DELTA - Idem (CD) | Serbia | September 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Melodic Progressive Metal | Running time: 51:21 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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EXPEDITION DELTA is started by Srdjan Brankovic, one of the founders of Alogia which is surely the best-selling Serbian progmetal band. Beside Alogia, Srdjan is working and has worked as a member/composer for many bands . As a player in these bands, he holds huge number of live shows and festivals and among many other concerts he opened for bands such as Whitesnake, Apocalyptica, Savatage, Paul Di Anno . Our Serbian friend succeeded to get a lot of big names for this project: Gary Wehrkamp, Sabine Edelsbacher, Erik Norlander and Joost van den Broek, to name a few. The project was recorded in the (his?) Paradox studios, although I doubt that every musician was actually there; that hardly happens anymore in 2008. However, the result of this project is amazing ! Melodic rock crosses over with pure prog ("Fading Images"), powerful vocals, heavy guitar riffs and yes, even operatic pieces. The big difference with other projects like Ayreon and Avantasia is the fact that Srdjan invited more musicians and did not emphasize on guest singers. His own Alogia singer Nicola Mijic does a good job, together with the lady singers that share a pice of the vocals on this album. This is an album you have to listen to to really understand and believe what it's about, but progrockers will agree, this is a masterpiece. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.expeditiondelta.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/expeditiondelta |
90/100 |
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| FAIRYTALE ABUSE – Perversions of Angels VI (CD) | Denmark | September 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death / Black Metal | Running time: 54:58 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| As far as I can find back of this band is that they started in 1998 and released a promo in that year. After releasing some more promos and compilation records they recorded their debut "The Tower Spirit" in 2003 and released that album in 2006. This is their second release and it sounds very good. All the songs have a great variety and the composing of the songs is very good. The guitar riffs are very melodic and heavy. The drums sound fucking heavy and technical. The vocals are screams and grunts that remind me a bit of Cradle of Filth. Normally I would say no thanks but in this case I must say….not bad. The only thing that I think is a pity thats that the keyboards are too loud and to much in the songs (my opinion). But when you like that kind of Black Death then you should give it a try. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.fairytale-abuse.com
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fairytaleabuse |
70/100 |
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| FINAL AXE – The Axe of the Apostles (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 38:03 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Final Axe is one of the most respected Christian metal bands from the States. Four years ago I had the privilege of working along with the band's mastermind Bill Menchen (he released the first Final Axe demo from 1989 through my small record label) who has played in numerous Christian metal acts such as Redeemer, Rev Seven and Titanic. I believe this collaboration and the feedback it got from the fans, urged Bill to work on the second unfinished Final Axe record, an album which remained in the darkness since 1990 but in 2006 he managed to bring it towards the light with the help of Retroactive records. Musically speaking, Final Axe is much harder than most of the other Christian metal bands of that era. The band's power metal is close to old Metallica with the unique vocals of Keith Miles and Bill Menchen's characteristic guitar sound being the most important features. Keith owns a very distinctive voice and sings with so much passio! In my opinion "The Axe of the Apostles" is somewhat inferior to the debut album (which is considered a classic among the hardcore Christian metal fans) but still contains some fine energetic power metal that will satisfy every fan of the genre. I must mention that on this recording, Robert Sweet of Stryper fame handles the drums! | |||
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Visit their website: http://finalaxe.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.retroactiverecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/finalaxe |
78/100 |
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| FOLK STONE – Folk Stone (CD) | Italy | September 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Folk Metal | Running time: 46:49 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| This is FolkStone's first full lenght album, bringing you their medieval folk metal from Bergamo, Italy. The idea was born from Lorenzo, Ferro and Forese, who wanted to bring back to life ancient melodies and put them in a metal key. At the beginning Lorenzo and his tumbler friend Teo started to play Baghet, the typical Bergamo's bagpipe, and after a few months the medieval bagpipe. FolkStone find their inspiration in bands like In Extremo, Corvus Corax, Schelmish and other transalpine medieval bands. After a small research, the first line-up was completed and FolkStone were ready to compose their own songs for their debut mini album "Briganti Di Montagna". Their live shows are a mix of 'extreme medieval metal music', fire games and beer, according to their bio. That must be some party should I think, FolkStone's music sounds very professional and very well produced, certainly for a self produced album. The music is very colourful, due to the different and ancient instruments used, like their medieval bagpipe's and harp. Their show contains a lot of blood, fire spitting and loads of beer, so must be enjoyable I guess, sounds very entertaining. The vocals are all in Italian language, but that's not a bad point, cause it actually sounds heavy and aggressive, like their music some times is. This kind of music is not really my thing, but I must say they do a hell of a job, for all lovers of medieval/folk metal watch/hear this band, cause they might get big in the near future, certainly in the Pagan scene. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.folkstone.it
Recordlabel: http://www.self.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/folkstone |
80/100 |
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| GHOST CIRCUS – Across The Line (CD) | USA / The Netherlands | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Prog Rock / AOR / Symphonic Metal | Running time: 69:46 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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GHOST CIRCUS is a transatlantic project between Chris Brown (Murfreesboro, TN, USA) and Ronald Wahle (Blijham, Holland). The collaboration of this duo began in 2004. Chris (vocals, guitar, bass) and Ronald (drums, guitar, keyboards) are playing a blend of Progressive Rock, Metal, Symphonic Rock and AOR. Their critically acclaimed debut album "Cycles" was released in September 2006. This second album "Across The Line" is a concept album which goes about the following of one man's path from death to the hereafter; a ghost story from a unique perspective. Both Brown and Wahle are fantastic musicians with a great talent for writing marvellous songs. Chris is not a superb singer, he's just an average singer (but not a worse). The album starts with the instrumental "Reflection", followed by the heavy "Pathway". A real quiet song is "To Be" with lots of atmosphere in it, a real song to relax with. Another heavy song is "Through The Darkness" with great guitar work and fantastic solos. By the way, this album has a fantastic production, which was done by Brown and Wahle themselves. Anyway, a very good Prog Rock album of which my favourite songs are "Pathway", "Through The Darkness", the superb epic "Through The Light" (which exists of eight parts) and the last one "Across The Line". If you like bands like RUSH, MARILLION, YES, PINK FLOYD etcetera, then you will dig this album too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ghostcircus.com
Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ghostcircus |
79/100 |
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| GORATH – Misotheism (CD) | Belgium | September 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 48:25 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Gorath was founded in 1995 as a one man band. His debut 'Elite' (2005) is well spoken of and after that he released his second album (The Fourth Era) and a live crew was formed with members of Suhrim (Deathmetal from Belgium) and Panchrisia (Blackmetal from Belgium). This band remains in this line up and they released this record. The music they play is very very black, fast and furious riffs and pounding drums combined with a melodic break in the songs to keep it interesting and not to boring. The screams and clean vocals are great and give a pagan sound to it. It is very clear to me that the last years the metal from Belgium is getting better and better, if you like ravenous and furious black metal combined with clean atmospheric influences then you are gonna like this album | |||
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Visit their website: http://users.fulladsl.be/spb8833/site_gorath/01_home.htm
Recordlabel: http://www.descent-productions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gorathblackmetal |
75/100 |
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| GRAVE ROBBER – Be Afraid (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Horror Punk / Psychobilly | Running time: 40:11 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| I never had heard of this band GRAVE ROBBER before, but when I listened to this album "Be Afraid", I immediately liked it a lot. Their bio says as style "Gothic Hard Rock". Well, I would call it Horror Punk or Psychobilly, because GRAVE ROBBER reminds me very much to Psychobilly band KOFFIN KATS. Anyway, GRAVE ROBBER are formed in October 2005 and exists of Wretched (vocals), Maggot (bass, vocals), Nameless (guitar, vocals) and Dr. Cadaver (drums). Just like GWAR, also GRAVE ROBBER has a theatrical stage show where they are all dressed up in zombie-like costumes and masks. Can you believe it….but GRAVE ROBBER is a Christian band! The band's name (which is taken from a PETRA song) references Jesus' return as the true grave robber. The brown and red paint on their costumes symbolizes the blood of Christ covering our "dirt" or "sin". The zombie-like masks they are wearing symbolize our early flesh, or our sin nature, which is daily fading away as we push into our Saviour. Anyway, "Be Afraid" contains 15 Horror Punk / Psychobilly songs and is produced by Tim Bushong. Wretched is a very good singer who sounds just like Vic Victor (KOFFIN KATS) and Glenn Danzig (MISFITS, DANZIG). The only thing I don't like on this debut album is the bonus track, which is a Team Cybergeist Remix of the song "Rigor Mortis" done by Angel from metal band DOPE. The rest of the album is SUPERB. Some of my favourite songs are "Skeletons", "Burn Bitch Burn", "Bloodbath", "Rigor Mortis", "Screams Of The Voiceless", "Reanimator", "Dark Angel" and "Army Of The Dead". "Be Afraid" is a brilliant horror soundtrack album. For fans of MISFITS, KOFFIN KATS, DANZIG and other horror acts. Hope to see those guys in Holland too one day, because I'm very curious about their stage show. And in my opinion GRAVE ROBBER is way much better than GWAR. Only, too bad of that remix song. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.retroactiverecords.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/graverobberpunk |
90/100 |
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| GRENOUER - Lifelong Days (CD) | Russia | September 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Modern Metal | Running time: 46:27 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| These Russians have been around for over 15 years and where formerly a Death Metal band. Their genre has changed a lot over the years, which is too bad. I don’t really know why they stopped playing death metal, but I can only assume they did it too be more modern. Their music reminds me of Fear Factory “linchpin” times… But it doesn’t have that great effect on me that Fear Factory has. Sadly enough it’s another band imitator. But purely on the music side it’s not bad at all. They are considered as one of the most experienced and skilled bands on the former ussr stage. And I’m sure that this band, live, is a real blast. Especially in homeland Russia, but I don’t think that their success would extend beyond the Russian borders. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.grenouer.com
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/grenouer |
65/100 |
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| HAIL OF BULLETS – …Of Frost and War (CD) | The Netherlands | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 52:57 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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All star band from the Netherlands including some main caracters from the early nineties death metal scene such as: Martin van Drunen (Pestilence, Asphyx) Ed Warby (Gorefest) Stephan Gebedi (Thanatos). After their widely successful cdemo almost all extreme metal labels offered them a contract. Metal Blade got the honour. And so it was done… Almost a year later the debut album …"Of Frost and War" is presented to the audience.
Produced by the God of Swedish death metal (Dan Swano) himself you don't have to guess what kind of sound this album was given. Can you say old school? This was how the band wanted to be and I must say that I always liked that characteristic sound with the chainsaw guitar riffs. Of course the war theme they use on this album is not original. But hey, it fits the band perfectly. It is almost like you are in a T-100 tank rolling over the front somewhere back in World War II when you hear the pounding drums in the doom laden passages. Or sitting behind the artillery when the music turns faster.
The only band that comes in mind comparing Hail of Bullets to is Bolt thrower who are also masters of bringing the battlefield to your home when listening to one of their albums. Martin van Drunen will always be the singer you either love or hate. I think he is the best dutch death metal vocalist ever. His voice may not be as deep as others but man, there is no one that can sound as "dirty" as he does. Especially in the slower parts of the album Martins guttural voice sounds fantastic The songs from the mini-cd are all re-recorded on this album. So there is not much use searching for that one too. Unless you want to posses everything by this great band! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.hailofbullets.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalblade.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hailoffuckenbullets |
86/100 |
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| HAREM SCAREM - Hope (CD) | Canada | September 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 42:11 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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This is the farewell album by Canadian rockers Harem Scarem after 17 years of quality rock. Melodic rock, with smooth vocals, catchy tunes and good productions were released through Warner and Frontiers. Their previous one, "Human Nature", was an excellent one and it got the band a bunch of new fans. Let alone, finally some European dates ! The title "Hope" suggests that we might enjoy a masterpiece after all their success albums, so I was curious to listen to their testimony. Let me keep that short; I am a bit disappointed. The melodic anthems and beautiful harmonic vocal melodies are gone, this album has a darker atmosphere and I found no track that brought me into extacy like it did with "Human Nature". There are two ballads on this album, most of the times a good way to judge an album. But also the ballads are not exciting, only the vocals are convincing where the rest of the band seems to wait for the climax that is not coming. Needless to say, my hopes are gone, and unfortunately the band have not been able to give their fans the ultimate goodbye present.. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.haremscarem.net/
Recordlabel: http://www. frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/haremscarem |
70/100 |
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| HIGHWAY CHILE – Keeper Of The Earth (CD) | The Netherlands | September 2008 | Mr. Globetrotter |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 54:38 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Highway Chile is one of Hollands classic rock bands, originating in the late seventies, followed in 1983 with the release of their debut album "Storybook Heroes" , produced by radio dj Alfred Lagarde who initially was one of their biggest fans. The band remained at the top of the Dutch hardrock scene until the mid-eighties, when the band fell apart and partly reformed into Helloise.
In 2002, the band got back together again and recorded a live album during their reunited-tour with vocalist Robert Soetebroek in their midst, who was replaced by Stan Verbraak (Helloise) a year later. So we all know what we can expect. The expectations are being met, that's the good news. Straight forward old school hardrock with the somewhat sweeter voice of Verbraak and the recognizable pounding drums by Ernst Van Ee. Both guitarists (Martin Mens and Gert Nijboer) are giving their best, and the result is a tight album that sounds totally eighties, rough but clear. Dutch bands have always been good in recording and writing ballads, and "Endless Trails" (originally on "Storybook Heroes") is again a good example. The 2008 version of the vintage classic "Headbangers" is a real surprise, where covering Rainbow's "Long Live Rock 'n Roll" could have been left out as to me it adds nothing to the original, though they made this version in their own style. I think this album will appeal a lot of old school rockers; if it will reach enough younger rock fans remains to be seen. But when they get out there, be sure to check them out! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.highwaychile.nl
Recordlabel: http://www. mausoleum-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/highwaychileofficial |
88/100 |
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| IVORY TOWER – Subjective Enemy (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 66:11 (Tracks: 17) | ||
| It has been nearly 8 long years since the German progressive metal band Ivory Tower gave their last life sign with their "Beyond The Stars" album. Finally they now present their third album (their first "Ivory Tower" album was released in 1998). Normally this album should have been released under the name "It" by Remedy Records last year, but that didn't happen. Anyway the band wasn't discouraged and now the album is released with a changed title and artwork through Pure Steel Records. "Subjective Enemy" is a concept album with 17 tracks/spoken parts. It's a story about a man, split in his personality. Ivory Tower has managed once again to record a very diverse progressive metal album, with fast, slower and mid-paced songs. Musically they remind me of other German bands like Ivanhoe and Dreamscape, but also Kamelot, Queensrÿche and Dream Theater are sure some of their influences. Their songs are a combination of typical prog with a lot of melody. With Andre Fischer the band has got a very good, high pitched vocalist, comparable with Michael Kiske and Geoff Tate. Finally Ivory Tower is back with a very good new album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ivorytower.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ivorytowerprogmetal |
84/100 |
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| JAMES LABRIE – Prime Cuts (CD) | Canada / USA | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Progressvie Rock | Running time: 57:41 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| James LaBrie is especially known as the vocalist of one of the best progressive metal bands worldwide, Dream Theater. He joined them in 1992, and the same year they released their best album "Images And Words". Besides being the vocalist of Dream Theater, James also released solo albums, contributed songs for compilation albums and has got his own band Mullmuzzler. Now Magna Carta has released the "Prime Cuts" album to honour all his work released by Magna Carta. There are 10 songs on his "Prime Cuts" album ; 5 songs from the two Mullmuzzler albums (one of them is an extended version of "Afterlife"), 2 songs from the two Explorer's Club albums, 1 from the Rush tribute "Working Man", 1 from the ELP tribute "Encores, Legends & Paradox", and 1 from "Leonardo : The Absolute Man" (a concept album about Leonardo Da Vinci). On these albums he worked together with excellent musicians like Terry Bozzio, Steve Morse, John Myung, John Petrucci, Billy Sheehan and Mike Portnoy. The 10 songs are very good and diverse, which show clearly James' versatility. "Prime Cuts" is a very good tribute to all the work that James has compiled over the years for Magna Carta! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jameslabrie.com
Recordlabel: http://www.magnacarta.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jameslabrie |
81/100 |
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| JOURNEY – Revelation (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: AOR / Melodic Rock | Running time: 61:31 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| "Revelation" is the first Journey studio album in three years, with new vocalist Arnel Pineda, a Filipino whom guitarist Neal Schon found through YouTube! In the U.S. "Revelation" comes as a 3 disc album (a cd with 11 new songs, a cd with 11 re-recorded Journey classics and a live dvd). In Europe, Frontiers released it as a 2cd-slipcase, without the dvd, but with a bous track. The re-recorded classics sound still phenomenal, and Arnel adds his own vibrato to the songs. And with the songs on "Revelation", Journey is back at their very best, with many amazing AOR songs, especially uptempo rockers like "Never Walk Away", "Change For The Better", "Where Did I Lose Your Love" and "What It Takes To Win". These rocksongs are Journey at their very best, reaching classic "Frontiers"/"Escape" level. Also the (semi) ballads sound excellent, like "After All These Years", "What I Needed", and The Storm-ish "Turn Down The World Tonight". Remaining tracks are "Like A Sunshower" (soft ballad), "Wildest Dream" (heavy rocker), "Faith In Heartland" (remake of the same song that Journey recorded on "Generations") and finally the instrumental "The Journey (Revelation)". With "Revelation" Journey strikes back at their best! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.journeymusic.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it |
91/100 |
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| LAAZ ROCKIT – Left for Dead (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Trash Metal | Running time: 49:38 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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After the reunion shows of 2005 at the Dynamo festival and in Japan Laaz Rockit promised the crowd that their wouldn't come a new record. All the band members have/had their own life and jobs. Vocalist Coons as an actor and Willy who has his own garage. After the shows the band would be put on ice for an unknown period of time. Fortunately it went completely different and here we are three years later with a new Laaz Rockit album "Left for Dead" coming out of my speakers! You would like to now if it is as their older albums? Can it compete with the new albums from Testament, Death Angel and Exodus? The answer is: Yes! Although the band has some fast thrash parts woven into their songs this is unmistakable Laaz Rockit. Characteristic for the sound of Laaz Rockit are the mid tempo, sharp edged very tight riffs with the high vocals (not as high as in the eighties) from mister Coons and the hammering bass work from dutch son Willy Lange all over it. Newly to the band is drummer Sky Harris who is not rooted in the thrash scene but gives this record a modern, fresh sound with his at times more technical drum work. The production done by old member Scott Sergeant (guitarist) and long time producer Juan Orteaga is also worth mentioning. Laaz Rockit sounds as a thrash band in 2008 must sound. Clear and in your face! So yes, indeed this is the fourth great record this year coming from the bay area. Shall this be the last this year or will that "other" band from over there make a return to form and include number five to the row on the twelfth of September! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.laazrockit.com
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thelaazrockit |
83/100 |
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| LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE – Songs For The Last View (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Metal / Gothic | Running time: 44:06 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Lacrimas Profundere is well known in the goth scene. They have toured with both Lacuna Coil and Apocalyptica. I’m reviewing album number 8 of this band; “Songs for the last View” which is produced by John Fryer (Paradise Lost, Nine Inch Nails) and mastered by Roger Liam (Pantera). The album is recorded in Germany and partially in Norway. I was very curious in what this band had to offer, mostly because I’m not a big goth fan and this was an opportunity to broaden my horizon. But alas the album didn’t convince me at all… I’m sure the album is great for the fans but I can’t really give a detailed review about this one. The band recently changed their line-up a bit with replacing the front man by Rob Vitacca, whose voice sounds oddly like the previous singer’s. The sound hasn’t changed of the band, it’s still dark and sinister. Almost every song on the album is about the last thoughts of a dying man. The music reminds me a lot of “the sisters of mercy”, especially the vocals. I’m not sure if the album’s got what it takes, I’ll leave that up to the goth fans. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lacrimas.com
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacrimasprofundere |
60/100 |
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| LEVEL-C – Level-C (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Modern Metal | Running time: 38:19 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| From Cleveland, Ohio another debut album from an all female band called Level-C. Their heavy music, and the fact that it's an all female band, calls for comparisions with other heavy all female bands like Kittie, Drain or L7, but their music has also more of a band like Korn. Not really my thing, but heavy it sure is, and mostly on the slow side. Vocalist Christine Maynard's voice ranging from clean to barking, and back, sounds pretty unique. The heavy rhytm section of Misty Everson on drums, and Janean Bush on bass pounds away real hard, with the bass really up in front of their sound. While guitarist Christina Crago ripps it up, and try's to pull out some Dimebag like guitar duties, the music pounds away real heavy like in 'Blackout'. Although some favorite tracks are 'Chain Reaction' and 'Back To My' for me, because of the higher pace they keep up. Not a bad debut at all, if you like your nineties metal this way, it sure is raging and aggressive in times, but I miss the speed most of the time, and I'm not really fond of Kittie/Korn "metal" sort of speak, but they do give it their best effort, and also the production sounds perfect for this music, solid and powerful for sure! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.level-c.net
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/levelc |
75/100 |
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| LIPSTICK MAGAZINE – Skin Deep (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 36:15 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Lipstick Magazine is another new band in the rock/pop business, this is their debut album 'Skin Deep'. The music is very light, rock ballads and pop/rock tunes, with sometimes some serious guitar work in them, and an organ/keys in there too. More traditional melodic "hard"rock with an late 70's/early 80's feel about it, and Toni's voice giving the feminene touch to it all. The music of Lipstick Magazine is a bit comparable with for instance Heart, although they had a way stronger voice in my opinion, or maybe Lita Ford or even Suzi Q. Although their music isn't that bad, it's not sticking out, and certainly not really metal, maybe even more AOR. The band already supported bands like Winger, DangerDanger, Doro, UFO and Yes, and my guess is they will do fine at the other end of the ocean, but I have my doubts if this is what europe is waiting for, although I must say I do like some tunes like 'Keep Me Running' or 'Love Games', and especially some guitarwork parts on the album sound great, but if that's enough?! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lipstickmagazine.net
Recordlabel: http://nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lipstickmagazine |
70/100 |
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| MAUDLIN - Ionesco (CD) | Belgium | September 2008 | Sammy De Maere |
| Style: Sludge Cqore | Running time: 57:13 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Sludge core is a fast growing genre and has gotten many fans in the past few years. I however never found anything exciting about this genre but I have to admit I never really bothered to find out a lot about it. I now got my chance with the debut album of Belgium's Maudlin. The only thing I knew about this kind of music was that it's very experimental and that you should listen to it a lot of times to really "get" the album. So I did but unfortunatly I have to say I still don't get the bigger picture. I can tell that this band contains talented musicians but the music they are making is just to weird for me :) Fans of the genre should check them out, I think they will like this a lot. | |||
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Visit their website: www.ionesco.be
Recordlabel: www.offerandumrecords.be/ MySpace: www.myspace.com/maudlinrocks |
50/100 |
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| METAL CHURCH – This Present Wasteland (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: US Power Metal | Running time: 57:21 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Metal Church was founded in the early Eighties in Seattle, USA. The band signed a recording deal in the very early stages of their career and released their debut, "Metal Church" in 1984, one of the highlights in metal history if you ask me. This album impressed me already so much during the first round on my turntable and I still adore this album very much. For that time it was very refreshing and performed with such musicianship! Incredible! Their second album "The Dark", out two years later, which was also one of the best metal releases of the decade with the breathtaking 'Ton of Bricks'. After that release Metal Church underwent the first of several line-up changes. Frontman David Wayne left the group and was replaced by former Heretic vocalist, Mike Howe. Reinforced by Howe and also John Marshall (guitar), the riffs became heavier and the lyrics more ambitioned, a number of songs on "Blessing In Disguise", "The Human Factor" & "Hanging in the Balance" dealing with burning political and social questions. All these albums where great too and it suits the band that they kept true to their roots. 1999 came the much-noticed reunification of the original Metal Church line-up, as well as the release of the album, "Masterpeace". "The Weight Of The World" arrived in 2004, Metal Church introducing their new vocalist Ronny Munroe (ex-Rottweiler) to the public. After this release the band also released a few other albums "A light in the Dark" and this new one "This Present Wasteland". I was not familiar with the Ronny Munroe stuff but what I heard in the press wasn't sounding very positive. Strange because the few times I saw the band live with this new frontman where incredible good! Ronny has a typical voice that does remind me a lot to original MC singer David Wayne (RIP). After listening this new album I was again wondering why he sounds so raw in the studio (except for the several high pitch screams) and why he is sounding so clean live? Not really a problem because Ronny is a great singer surrounded by great musicians. The whole album sounds very good and is filled with the typical Metal Church sound. Favorite songs: 'Meet your Maker', 'A War never Won', 'Mass Hysteria', 'The Company of Sorrow' & 'The Perfect Crime'. Even if you don't like the new stuff; just check out the band live and you will not regret it because on stage the band is even much much better! Good album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.metalchurchmusic.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/metalchurch |
83/100 |
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| MOTÖRHEAD – Motörizer (CD) | Made in England | September 2008 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Hardrock / Heavy Metal | Running time: 39:02 (Tracks: 11) | ||
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The new Motorhead finally!! I can honestly say that I'm one of the most fanatic Motorheadbangers ever in The Netherlands and I've seen the band about 40 times live yet. I travelled several times to Belgium, Germany and even 5 times to England to see the band live. Lemmy is one of my metal heroes and he will always be. This is ofcourse no guarantee that I love all their stuff. Albums like for example "Bastards" realy suck and also the following tour was a disaster when you ask me (and a lot of other Motorhead fanatics). The band exist for more than 30 years now and this new album "Motorizer" is their 24th studio album till now. Their albums are ups and downs and a lot of their songs sounds like you have heard them before by ….Motorhead. Its not a problem because the real die hard Lemmy fans still adore the band and so do I. Every album they released the last 10 years has some great, fast, songs on it but also some 'space-fillers'. Gladly "Motörizer" rocks again and contains a lot of great songs in the best Motorhead tradition!! Productional the album also sounds very good. The band will play, again, in my hometown Tilburg on the 24th of November and its sure I'm their again to support the "Masters of Rock 'n Roll". Favorite tracks: 'Rock Out', ' Buried Alive', 'Back on the Chain', 'Time is Right', 'Runaround Man'. Buy or Die! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.imotorhead.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/motorhead |
85/100 |
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| PREDATORIA – Endless War (CDemo) | Belgium | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Death / Thrash Metal | Running time: 13:36 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Predatoria was formed after Koen (vocals) and Croess (bass) wanted to form a more serious kind of metalband after leaving their previous band. After several rehearsals with a different line-up, the band was completed with Hannes (guitar), Dille (guitar) and Kristof (drums). Already from their start they try to combine old school death metal with old school thrash and this with a source of enthusiasm, passion, alcoholism and an urge that thas everything to do with the destruction within mankind itself. On their first demo-cd "Endless War", influences can be heard from bands like Massacre, Obituary, Pestilence, Autopsy, Possessed, Coroner, Slayer, Kreator, Exodus, Testament and Destruction. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.predatoria.tk
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/predatoria |
77/100 |
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| REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE – New Era (CD) | Finland | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 47:30 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE is the new band from guitarist, singer Timo Tolkki, who had left his former band STRATOVARIUS. Tolkki had already written new songs for a new STRATOVARIUS album, but when the band split up (actually, I understand that the other band members of Stratovarius still continue with the band), he used all those new composed songs for his newly formed band Revolution Renaissance. And Tolkki couldn't wait with releasing those songs until he had found a permanent band. So on this debut album "New Era" Tolkki had help from three fantastic singers, namely Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN, KISKE), Tobias Sammet (EDGUY, AVANTASIA) and Pasi Rantanen (THUNDERSTONE). Other musicians on "New Era" are Pasi Heikkilä (bass), Mirka Rantanen (drums) and Joonas Puolakka (keyboards). Michael Kiske sings most of the songs of the album ("I Did It My Way", "Angel", "Keep The Flame Alive", "Last Night On Earth" and "Revolution Renaissance"), Pasi Rantanen is singing three songs ("We Are Magic", "Eden Is Burning" and "Born Upon The Cross") and Tobias Sammet sings two songs ("Heroes" and "Glorious And Divine" which both reminds me to HELLOWEEN). "New Era" contains ten songs, of which my favourites are the fast opener "Heroes", "I Did It My Way", the beautiful ballad "Angel", "Glorious And Divine", "Last Night On Earth" and "Revolution Renaissance". The song "Born Upon The Cross" reminds me very much to BLACK SABBATH (the periods with Ronnie James Dio and Tony Martin). After this release, Tolkki has formed a permanent line-up of RR, which is now: Timo Tolkki (guitar), Gus Monsanto (vocals), Bruno Agra (drums) and Mike Khalilov (keyboards). With this line-up Tolkki is already writing new material for a new album (probably release date in February 2009!). Anyway, "New Era" is a very good metal album. By the way, it seems that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE already has left the Frontiers label, mainly due to lack of promotional activities and investment to the band. Strange, in my opinion Frontiers always has a good promotion!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.timotolkki.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/revolutionrenaissance |
85/100 |
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| RICHIE KOTZEN – Live in Sao Paulo (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Bluesy Hard Rock | Running time: 79:06 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| It all started at the age of 7 when Richie learned to play the electric guitar. He formed his first band at the age of 12. At the age of 18 he headed to San Francisco and recorded his first album for Shrapnel Records. That same year, Richie was voted one of the top 3 best new guitarists of the year by the readers of Guitar World Magazine. After recording 3 albums for Shrapnel Records, Richie moved to L.A. where he joined multi platinum glam metal band Poison. With them he recorded the album "Native Tongue". After Poison, Kotzen continued recording albums on various labels. Together with jazz legend Stanley Clarke he formed the band Vertu and later he also joined the immensely popular rock band Mr. Big. Richie continued to make killer solo albums and tours around the world with superstar status. Althouh he has released more than 25 albums, "Live in Sao Paulo" is only his first live album. It was recorded while on tour in South America last year and the album features stellar performances of some of the strongest tracks from his back catalogue. As usual, Richie mixes easily soul with rock, funk and blues, always topped off by his melancholic voice and fantastic guitar solo's. Most of the songs remind me a lot of Cream, Free and Jimi Hendrix. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.richiekotzen.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/richiekotzen |
78/100 |
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| SARASIN A.D. – Daggers, Lust & Disgust (CD) | Canada | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 52:27 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| SARASIN A.D. is an Canadian classic Hard Rock band who already exists 24 years now and the line-up of the band is Phil Naro (vocals), Greg Boileau (guitar), Johnny Rogers (guitar), Rob Grant (bass) and Roger Banks (drums). Especially singer Phil Naro has already a very long career and really has earned his place in the Rock business. Naro started in CHAIN REACTION, then he joined TALAS (with superb bass player Billy Sheehan, guitarist Mitch Perry and drummer Mark Miller) with whom he recorded the album "Live Speed On Ice" (1983, which I still have on vinyl), and also hooked up with CONEY HATCH. But Phil also collaborated with ex-KISS drummer Peter Criss (he wrote two songs ("Bad People Burn In Hell" & "Blue Moon Over Brooklyn") on the 1994 release "Cat #1") and with Kim Mitchell (MAX WEBSTER) and LOU GRAMM. Opener "In America" is a song which sounds very much like AC/DC. But all other songs remind me in the first place very much to LED ZEPPELIN, but also a bit to THE BLACK CROWES. You also can hear that Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN) is Naro's big example. Naro is a great singer. Also the rest of the band are great musicians. The songs on this album which are a bit less are "Jeanie's Gone Crazy" and "Running Circles In My Brain". But songs like "In America", "No Sensation", "The Last Word", "Kiss Of Death", "Black Night Crash", "How Will You Be Remembered" and "Makes Sense" are great rockers. The album ends with the beautiful folk rock song "The Parting". All with all a very good band with an interesting album. If you're into classic, energetic and powerful Hard Rock, then check them out. Strange and a shame that this band isn't on any record label! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sarasin.ca
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sarasinmusic |
87/100 |
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| SCARS ON BROADWAY – Scars On Broadway (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Metal | Running time: 45:03 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Now that SYSTEM OF A DOWN has a long break, the members of SOAD have time to release their own solo albums or projects. Last year SOAD singer Serj Tankian had released his solo album "Elect The Dead". And now, the other SOAD members Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals) and John Dolmayan (drums) released their self titled debut album in July, 2008 of their band SCARS ON BROADWAY. Actually, to tell the truth, when I'm listening to this fantastic album of SOB, it sounds exactly like SOAD. This album could also have been the follow up album of SOAD's "Mezmerize" or "Hypnotize", because to me, it still sounds like SOAD. It doesn't matter, songs like opening track "Serious", "Funny", "Stoner/Hate", "World Long Gone", "Babylon", "Chemicals", "Enemy", "Universe", "Cute Machines" and "They Say" (which is the first single of this album) are all fantastic songs. Malakian is a great musician and composer and most of all he has a very recognizable voice. Well, what can I say more about this album, it's just brilliant. Great songs, very good production. It's an album you really must have if you are a fan of SOAD. By the way, SCARS ON BROADWAY are playing at the Melkweg, Amsterdam on September 15th, 2008. And for those live performances SOB also exists of Franky Perez (guitar), Dominic Cifarelli (bass) and Danny Shamoun (keyboards). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.scarsonbroadway.com
Recordlabel: http://www.interscope.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/scarsonbroadway |
90/100 |
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| SEVENTH AVENUE – Terium (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 71:31 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| This German quartet introduced itself in 1993 with the "First Strike" demo. 15 years and 5 studio albums later, the band presents its 6th full length work after a 4 year period since the last recording. The fans of the band will not be disappointed. The band has not changed its power metal recipe and still delivers melodic European power metal in the vein of Blind Guardian, Helloween and Gamma Ray. I think that Seventh Avenue is currently the best substitute for the fans of the aforementioned bands which are clearly not living the best days of their careers. In fact, I totally recommend Seventh Avenue if you are into Europower cause the are much better that the competition. The songs are energetic with fine choruses, well produced and flawlessly executed. There is only one drawback that I spotted. 15 songs and more than 70 minutes of non stop Europower can prove a bit tiring. Anyway, I say go for it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.seventh-avenue.de
Recordlabel: http://www.massacre-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/seventhavenue12345 |
79/100 |
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| SINNER – Crash & Burn (CD) | Germany | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Running time: 41:44 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| German hard rockers of SINNER already have a 25 year career in the music business. And in all those years, I never had bought any of SINNER's albums myself. In my life I have seen SINNER just once live (as the support act of MR. BIG on May 8th, 1994), but they never really got my attention, because they weren't that special to me. So, "Crash & Burn" is my first SINNER album, and now I have to review it too for MMM. According to their bio guitarist Henny Wolter (ex-THUNDERHEART) has returned to the band, and SINNER's line-up now is: of course Mat Sinner (vocals & bass), Henny Wolter (guitar), Christof Leim (guitar) and Klaus Sperling (drums). Also Sinner and Wolter are current members of German Power Metal band PRIMAL FEAR. Of course I know the band has, with such a long career, released many albums so far, and several compilations too, but I don't know exactly what number of studio album this is. Anyway, "Crash & Burn" features eleven songs, and I must say, after several times listening to it, I really began to like it. A few songs even reminds me very much to Dutch rockers VENGEANCE on their "Back In The Ring" album. Not strange, if you knew Mat Sinner had written 4 songs for the "Back In The Ring" album. "Crash & Burn" has just one ballad, which is just a nice ballad, and the rest of the songs are fine melodic and fast rockers. Also the album is very well produced by Sinner and Wolter. The song "Connection" reminds me very much to THIN LIZZY, great song with fantastic guitar work on it and Mat even sounds a bit like the great Phil Lynott too, and "Revolution" sounds like THE CULT. In my opinion the best songs on "Crash & Burn" are "Heart Of Darkness", "Revolution", "Connection" (my favourite one), the title track itself and the fast one "Fist In Face". In October/November SINNER starts an extensive European tour to promote "Crash & Burn", which is a very nice melodic Hard Rock album. By the way, "Crash & Burn" is also available in a limited edition digi pack, which has two bonus tracks ("One Night Only" and "Fast Decision 2008). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.matsinner.com/
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sinnerofficial |
82/100 |
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| SOUL SECRET – Flowing Portraits (CD) | Italy | September 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 51:28 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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One could say that Italy has a tradition in progressive rock and metal bands. Soul Secret is one of the latest additions to the country's scene. The band was formed in the mid 00s and this is its debut album after a series of line up changes. At first I was a bit intimidated by the length of the tracks but listening to the album I realized that time passed by rather quickly and pleasantly. Early Dream Theater can easily be listed as the band's main influence. There is a balance between all instruments with the vocals (nice accent by the way!) holding the leading role. There is a variety of parts and themes from fast paced to acoustic and this works in favour of the listener. Soul Secret can prove a worthy substitute now that the once mighty Dream Theater is completely out of shape in my opinion. All the progsters out there have just discovered their new buy! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.progrockrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/soulsecretband |
80/100 |
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| SOUTHERN WEREWOLF FARM – Southern Werewolf Farm (CDemo) | The Netherlands | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Southern Power Rock | Running time: 17:38 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| SOUTHERN WEREWOLF FARM is a five piece band from Tilburg, Holland, who started late October 2005. Since then SWF have played many shows and they are well known as an energetic live band. As I wrote in my live review of ACE FREHLEY's gig in 013, Tilburg, where these five "rednecks" were the support act, it won't take to long before SWF would release their first CDemo. Well, I saw these farmer boys on August 15th, 2008 again at The Rambler in Eindhoven, Holland, where they presented their 3-track CDemo (or single, whatever you will call it). Anyway, so far they only have one line-up change (their bass player) in 2007. The current line-up is Werner a.k.a. Von Bitch (vocals), Jeroen a.k.a. Farmer J. (guitar), Frans a.k.a. Fraanzz (guitar), Rob a.k.a. Rob Starr (bass) and Hedwig a.k.a. From Hell (drums). I've seen the band seven times live now, and they really kick ass on stage. If you have the chance to see them in your neighbourhood, GO see them! SWF have great and catchy songs with fantastic riffs and great twin solo's and most of all…..those songs groove. Actually, SWF has enough material for a full length, but so far we have to do it with these three songs on this CDemo. Opening track "We Rock!!!", "Desire Backfired" and "Walk The Walk" are all great songs, but "We Rock!!!" and "Walk The Walk" are my favourites. Also the production of this demo is good. I knew Werner already from his period in SPINA BIFIDA during the early nineties. SPINA BIFIDA was a Doom Death Metal band from Tilburg with one album "Ziyadah" (1993) released. But to be honest I prefer the way he sings in SWF than in SPINA BIFIDA. He's a good singer anyway. Frans and Jeroen are both fantastic guitar players and SWF have in Rob and Hedwig a very fine rhythm section. The band is influenced by bands like BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, PRIDE & GLORY, DANZIG, VAN HALEN etc., but I also hear some SAVATAGE influences in some of their songs. Anyway, a fantastic and talented band with an interesting CDemo. Next time a full length album guys. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.enterthetrailer.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/southernwerewolffarm |
80/100 |
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| STONEGARD – From dusk till Doom (CD) | Norway | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Progressive Thrash Metal | Running time: 35:25 (Tracks: 9) | ||
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Strange title for a record that has little or none doom parts in it. A record that has already been out in the U.S.A. for two years now. New label Indie Records releases it now on an European basis. This Norwegian band comes with a medley of different styles making it difficult to categorize. The music is most of the time up tempo thrash with extremely melodic and odd vocals for this kind of music. Here and there some progressive parts and at times some tremolo picking guitar riffs. So can we say that Stonegard has made an original record with "From dusk till Doom". I think so. People who love progressive thrash like the Haunted and Soilwork with a different twist or even Tool fans should give this a try. The album is recorded by the famous Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames) and for this European release it is upgraded with a new mix and re-recorded bass- and guitar parts. So sound wise there are absolutely no flaws on this record. Only complaint that I have is that the record does not hold my complete intention until the end. Is it the voice that maybe gets a little monotone after a couple of songs? Or maybe the compositions at the end of the album not being as strong as the ones at the beginning? Not only the style of music this band plays is difficult to categorize but also my opinion is hard to form. The band will hit the stage in September for a mini tour with Audrey Horne and comes back in November as one of the support acts of Enslaved. Maybe my final verdict on this record will be completely different then… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stonegard.org
Recordlabel: http://www.indierec.no MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stonegard |
78/100 |
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| STORMLORD – Mare Nostrum (CD) | Italy | September 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Epic Power Metal | Running time: 46:57 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Founded as a death metal band in 1991. Stormlord have since then evolved into an epic black metal band throughout the years with a cult status the bio says. It is with their debut "Supreme art of War" that this status was earned some research tells me. Since this is my first acquaintance with Stormlord we'll just have to start here with their latest offering "Mare Nostrum". To be honest I don't hear any black metal influences. This is epic power metal with some harsh vocals. A friendly version of Dimmu Borgir (not that they are that evil but just to give you an imagination). Although it goes way to far to call this epic black metal this doesn't mean that Stormlord are bad in what they do. The label just gave the wrong name to it. As far as I heard music in this category it has all the ingredients needed to succeed in this scene. It is epic, melodic, has lots of variety between the songs and is wrapped in a full, warm sound. In the form of "The Castaway" the always returning ballad is here while "Scorn" is definitely the hardest track on the album and with the closing song "Stormlord" the bands name is honoured in one behemoth of a song. This is actually not my cup of tea but people who love this kind of epic metal can easily count ten extra points too the score below. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.stormlord.net
Recordlabel: http://www.locomotiverecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stormlordband |
70/100 |
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| TAO MENIZOO – So Blind (CD) | France | September 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Modern Thrash / Death Metal | Running time: 1:01:03 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Respect! This is a DIY band from France and just released their second album. A lot of DIY bands have to quit after the first album due to bad reviews, finance problems … They still have the original line up that started it all in 2000. Their music is based on the typical thrash en death metal sound but back it up with Industrial effect and even power metal. That all plus a rough voice is the sound of Tao Menizoo. The band calls it polymorphic metal, but modern thrash sounds a lot better. After very good reviews of their debut album but a lousy distribution they didn’t give up. And now after 4 years they are back. I’ve been made into a fan. The band has everything to make it “big”. Especially because it flirts with a lot of different metal styles, not a lot of bands can do this and still make good music. Again, respect guys! | |||
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Visit their website: http://taomenizoo.free.fr/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/taomenizoo |
85/100 |
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| TED NUGENT – Sweden Rocks (DVD/CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: DVD 2:05:44 / CD 1:08:29 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| I still remember when I bought my first album of guitar hero TED NUGENT. That was in 1978 and it was the "Weekend Warriors" (1978) album. Of course I bought a lot more albums (I have nine albums of Ted Nugent), and I still remember my mother went crazy every time I listened to an album of uncle Ted, especially when I listened to "Double Live Gonzo" (1978, which is a real classic live album). The NUGE has such a very unique guitar sound, which I like very much since the moment I bought that "Weekend Warriors" album. Too bad, this year I had to miss TED NUGENT at the BOSPOP festival in Weert, Holland, because I just couldn't go. But luckily I have seen the NUGE at the ARROW ROCK festival on June 9th, 2006, where I was standing in the second row in front of the Motor City Madman. That day TED NUGENT was, together with JOURNEY and WHITESNAKE, one of the best acts of the festival. Well, this DVD is of that same European tour and is filmed at the SWEDEN ROCK festival, which was on June 10th, 2006. Besides uncle Ted on guitar and vocals, it was Barry Sparks (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and since 2001 in DOKKEN) on bass and Mick Brown (DOKKEN) on drums during this tour. And the set list of that tour was just marvellous. Uncle Ted played most of all old material and just a few newer songs like "Klstrphnky" and "Raw Dogs & War Hogs" (both from 2002's "Craveman") and (at that time) a brand new song "Still Raising Hell" (from 2007's "Love Grenade"). The most songs he played are of his classic self titled debut album "Ted Nugent" (1975). Of that album Ted played "Stormtroopin'" (where he opened this show with), "Snakeskin Cowboys", "Hey Baby" (which is sung by Barry Sparks, who's a fantastic singer too, and a great bass player), "Motor City Madhouse" and of course the mighty "Stranglehold" (his best song ever!). But also other classic Nugent songs like "Cat Scratch Fever", "Free-For-All", "Wango Tango", "Dog Eat Dog" and "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" were in the set. And Ted ends with the encore "Great White Buffalo" (from his AMBOY DUKES period). SUPERB. Bonus features on this DVD are "Live 2007 Performances", which are three songs ("Journey To The Centre Of The Mind", "Weekend Warriors" and "Love Grenade") recorded at "4 Bears Music Fest" on June 30, 2007, interviews with Tommy Clufetos (5:08 minutes) and Barry Sparks (2:56 minutes) from the "Love Grenade" recording sessions. On this DVD Ted is also giving lessons in shooting with a bow and with machine guns on "Bow Hunting With Ted" (2:50 minutes) and "Ted On The Gun Range" (6:27 minutes). I knew that Nugent is a fanatic hunter for years, but personally I'm not into his hunting activities, I'm just a fan of Ted Nugent the musician, that's all. With this DVD there's also a CD collector's edition, which features thirteen songs of this fantastic show. The only negative point of this CD (which now is my tenth Nugent album) is that sound isn't pressed hard enough. You have to turn up the volume very much. But there's also a separate release of "Sweden Rocks" on CD too. Hopefully on that CD the sound is hard enough. But all with all, "Sweden Rocks" is a very nice DVD, which is a must for real NUGENT fans. Now I hope I can see the NUGE, who's getting 60 this year, again by his next visit to Europe/Holland. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.tednugent.com
Recordlabel: http://www.eagle-rock.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tednugent |
92/100 |
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| THE SEVENTH POWER – The Seventh Power (CD) | USA | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Christian Heavy Metal | Running time: 37:19 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| THE SEVENTH POWER is a Christian Heavy Metal band from Las Vegas, who have released their self titled debut album "The Seventh Power" in May of this year on Retroactive Records (also X-SINNER, GRAVE ROBBER) for the European market. Officially this album was already released way back in 2006 in the States. The line-up of the band on this recording is Bill Menchen (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rod Reasner (bass) and Michael Sweet (drums). Yes, readers of MMM, Sweet is the drummer of STRYPER. This debut album features ten songs and is also produced by Bill Menchen. When I put this CD in my CD-player and listened to the first few songs, I immediately didn't like the voice of Menchen. To me he sounds like a worse version of Ozzy Osbourne (any metalhead knows that Ozzy isn't the best singer in the world, but for Ozzy terms OZZY sings great, and there's just one Ozzy). The further I got on the album, the more his vocals began to irritate me. And I think, that even with a good singer, these songs should not sound any better. I don't have any favourite songs to mention, because all the songs are in my opinion not that strong enough. The bio says "For fans of classic Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Titanic, Final Axe and Stryper". Well I would advise to take one of your favourite classic Ozzy, Sabbath or Stryper albums of your collection and listen to that, then you will have much and much more fun than with this terrible album. I have listened several times to this album, but it didn't get any better. There are just a few nice moments on this debut album, with some great heavy riffs and the drums by Sweet are of course fantastic. But that's all. Sorry guys. By the way, on their official website, I saw that these guys already have recorded a second album titled "Dominion & Power", which will be released very soon too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.theseventhpower.com
Recordlabel: http://www.retroactiverecords.net MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theseventhpowerdotcom |
55/100 |
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| THE SUBWAYS – All Or Nothing (CD) | United Kingdom | September 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Garage / Alternative | Running time: 38:24 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| THE SUBWAYS are a very young English indie rock band and exists of Billy Lunn (vocals, guitar), Charlotte Cooper (bass, vocals) and Josh Morgan (drums). They started somewhere in 2003 by playing NIRVANA and punk songs (under the name MUSTARDSEED). After several band names they finally choose THE SUBWAYS as their definite name. In 2005 the band released their debut album "Young For Eternity" (the song "Rock & Roll Queen" seems to be a real classic already). "All Or Nothing" is their second album which was released in June. And it seems that this second one is a much heavier album then their debut album. Anyway, "All Or Nothing" contains twelve songs and most of them are very catchy. With songs like "Girls & Boys" (super riff), "Kalifornia" (sounds really like NIRVANA), "Alright", "Shake! Shake!", "I Won't Let You Down" and "Turnaround", Billy, Charlotte and Josh really ROCK. Those are also my favourite tracks of this album. But songs like "All Or Nothing", "Obsession" and "Always Tomorrow" are nice songs too. There are also some quieter songs on it like "Move To Newlyn", "Strawberry Blonde" and "Lostboy", and those are in my opinion the less songs. But I prefer to hear them ROCK like on "Girls & Boys" or "Kalifornia". This album has a GREAT production, which was done by Butch Vig (drummer of GARBAGE, and who produced bands like HELMET, SONIC YOUTH, his own GARBAGE, but also NIRVANA's classic album "Nevermind"). I like Charlotte's bass sound very much on this album, which just sounds awesome. It all sounds really fresh to me and I think THE SUBWAYS are absolutely a very interesting band for the young generation. If you like bands like NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS, PIXIES, HOLE, SONIC YOUTH etcetera, then you will like this band too. Fantastic album of a very promising band. And I know I'm gonna buy their debut album "Young For Eternity" too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.thesubways.net
Recordlabel: http://www.warnermusic.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thesubways |
83/100 |
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| V.A. - Melodic Metal Worldwide – Part I (Sampler CD) | The Netherlands | September 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 75:02 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| The Melodic Metal Worldwide project was started in September 2007 by Shaded Moon label owner David van Hartingsveldt. David was looking for a way to help unknown, but great melodic metal bands and to gain money for the Tim & Kim Village. This is a project in Ethiopia carried out by two friends of David, Tim & Kim who are setting up facilities in the town of Gorgora. After contacting many bands only a few were interested to appear on the disc. Fortunately the bands on the MMW cd are all prepared to do what it takes to become great, known bands. So David is very proud to have them on this cd! The cd is filled with 14 bands from different regions of the world and the music ranges from female fronted metal bands to power metal, but all of the bands sound very melodic. The featured bands are Altharya (Israel – symphonic power metal with female vocals, like DragonForce, Nightwish, …), Astral Kingdom (Sweden – melodic metal), Nhorizon (Italy – symphonic metal), Thayrorod (Finland – symphonic operatic metal), Symphonia (Malaysia – neo-classical metal with high-soaring vocals), Forever Storm (Serbia – melodic heavy metal like HammerFall), Couthouse (Slovakia – metalopera with female vocals, like Nighwish, Rhapsody, …), Symbolic (Bosnia and Herzegovina – melodic metal), Fausto (Argentina – symphonic/melodic metal), Adllivyttumm (Mexico – symphonic/melodic metal), Operadyse (France – symphonic metal with female vocals like Nightwish, sonata Arctica, …), Mercuria (Italy – symphonic metal), Fugatta (Mexico – symphonic power metal like DragonForce, PowerQuest, Helloween) and The Abaddyon Project (Argentina – symphonic/melodic metal. David selected in my opinion all good bands, of which most of them are ready to sign a record deal very soon! On of the bands on this disc, Symbolic, will soon release their first album "Dreamend" by Shaded Moon Entertainment. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.shadedmoon.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.shadedmoon.nl MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shadedmoonentertainment |
80/100 |
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| AGAMENDON – Nuclear Rodeo (CD) | Germany | August 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 38:43 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Agamendon's bio says they play melodic death metal like At the Gates and old In Flames mixed with U.S. death metal like, yeah like who? I only hear U.S. death metal in the deep monotone grunts of Dugi (boooooring). For the rest this is nothing more than a clone of the above mentioned bands with some or what breakdowns. Oh boy, I have heard this music so many times before by much better bands. Production is tasteless and weak. There is absolutely no fury and fire in this record. It all sounds way too brave. This kind of metal must blow me out of my socks but unfortunately my socks are still on my feet. It is understandable when a band think they must try something different because all is done before in some genre. Certainly in this genre which has so much second and even third class bands in the past it is understandable to think this. What you then can do is mix elements of different scenes into your music as said. Sadly Agamendon doesn't know how to bring their theory in practice. And oh yeah, if you want to hear a weak Tomas Lindberg (At the Gates) imitation listen to the last song "Connecting planets". Now playing: Dark Tranquillity – The Gallery. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.agamendon.de
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/agamendon |
50/100 |
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| AGUYNGUERRAN – Perverting the Nazarene Cult (CD) | Belgium | August 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 47:20 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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Already formed in 1999 but only released two demo's this Belgian horde (with the unpronounceable name) now comes with its first full length. People who love the style Enthroned played on their debut album "Prophecies of Pagan Fire" will absolutely love this. Fast black metal with some thrash parts here and then. I must say that I really like the guitarparts heard on this album, aggressive and harsh but also melodic at some times. Nguaroth also plays in Enthroned and does some vocal parts in there too. Within Aguynguerran he is the lead vocalist and he does not fail. His shrieks are high but understandable. Other members also contribute in some of Belgians best bands like Panchrysia, Wapenspraak & Drinkgelag and Iconoclasm. In the beginning the band concentrated on purely anti Christian lyrics. This changed in the last couple of years. Lyrics found on "Perverting the Nazarene Cult" are written in the anti-dogmatic concept. We see this more and more in the nowadays black metalscene. Bands like Antaeus, Deathspell Omega and Enthroned are also in the same boat. Much more interesting then the same old master Satan lyrics. So if you want to make a trip back to the early/mid nineties with some great fast black metal and even a classic cover by the master Kris Verwimp himself you know what to do. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.users.pandora.be/nguaroth
Recordlabel: http://www.shiver-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/agynguerranblackmetal |
79/100 |
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| ALGHAZANTH – Wreath of Thevetat (CD) | Finland | August 2008 | Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Symphonic Black Metal | Running time: 48:21 (Tracks: 8) | ||
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When one thinks of black metal from Finland the most aggressive form comes to mind. Think of the mighty Beherit, Belial or Black Crucifixion in the early nineties. More recent we have had great releases from Behexen, Baptism and Satanic Warmaster. It's obvious to say that black metal from Finland mostly stands for quality. So when I noticed that Alghazanth also comes from the land of the thousand lakes I had high expectations. Expectations that grew even higher when I saw that Woodcut's the label that's releasing this. First of all Alghazanth plays symphonic black metal. Not what I expected as stated from a Finnish black metal band, but o.k. I can live with that if the band is good in what they do and don't sound too much like Demon Burger or Cradle of Filth. Well in case of Alghazanth I have different thoughts on the subject. The Dimmu Borgir influences are surely there although the music is a bit more aggressive than Dimmu Borgir. So the points scored are not for originality. On the other side these Finnish men are experienced enough (this is their fifth album) to give that little bit extra on this overcrowded scene. These extra's contain perfect control of their instruments an absolutely more than average production and the ability to create some haunting atmospheres in their songs. So if you like symphonic black metal this-together with the latest album of Carach Angren- has to be your picks when you go to your local record shop/mailorder. Suomi Finland Perkele! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.alghazanth.com
Recordlabel: http://www.woodcutrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alghazanthofficial |
75/100 |
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| ALLTHENIKO – We Will Fight! (CD) | Italy | August 2008 | Kees Schijven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 49:54 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Alltheniko was formed in 2002, and released 3 demos prior to their debut album 'We Will Fight'. According to the band they are influenced by Iron Maiden, Saxon and Dio among others, but when you hear their music it's something else. Alltheniko plays oldschool thrash metal, with a lot power and melody in it. One thing that sticks out in a positive way are Dave's vocals, screamy old school style, great. Also the guitar sound on this album is perfect in my ears, good production and great riffs with lots of speed and melody. The variety of the songs on the album is also very diverse, with some heavy, slower ones like 'Sufferman' in the more traditional heavy metal style, but also furious thrash like opener 'Thrash All Around' or 'Strong Commandos In Black Tanks', and even some more death/black like 'Dead Brain (Exterminator)' or 'Coming Soon'. This bands knows to combine different styles in their music, and still sound really old school insane, fast and aggressive. As a bonus track on the album they recorded Motorhead's 'Ace Of Spades' to show where they are influenced by, well that can't miss offcourse. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.allthenikometal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.mygraveyardproductions.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/allthenikometal |
82/100 |
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| ASIAN TYPHOON – Wings (CD) | Japan | August 2008 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 51:44 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Vocalist Minoru left Loudness in the late 80's to pursue a new sound, eventually winding up in X.Y.Z. with legendary Japanese guitarist Fumihiko Kitsutaka. Re-titled Asian Typhoon for the North American market, Niihara and Kitsutaka are joined by virtuoso bassist Tatsuhiko Wasada and acclaimed drummer/producer Funky Syeyoshi. The quartet formed in 1999 and has released 6 albums, 6 singles and 2 dvd's. "Wings" is the band's first North American release. "Wings" shows the band at its heaviest yet also its most melodic with Kitsutaka's shredding guitar solo's. In my opinion not all the songs are that interesting. Some of the songs sounds a bit too boring for me. But luckily there's always Kitsutaka to play some interesting guitar solo's (listen to the instrumental track "Incubation"!). Niihara is still one of the best Japanese vocalists, but you got to get used to his high-pitched vocals, and his Japanese/English lyrics. Asian Typhoon plays in general typical 80's heavy metal/hard rock, especially influenced by Loudness and Van Halen, with also some more modern influences. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blasty.jp/xyz/e/index.htm
Recordlabel: http://www.nightmare-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/asiantyphoonxyza |
73/100 |
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| ATROCITY – Werk 80 Part 2 (CD) | Germany | August 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 46:26 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Atrocity is a well respected name in the metal scene that goes way back to 1988. They released about a 20 albums. But this isn't their first cover album. In 1997 they released "Werk 80" and I must say that brings back good memories, songs like 'Mussolini', 'Shout' and 'Send me an Angel'. Well that wasn't enough for them because their latest release contains 11 good old 80`s hits. Songs like 'Small town Boy', 'Relax', 'Her Comes the Rain Again' etc. The songs are very well performed and sound great, the production of course is very good (what else can you expect from a band like Atrocity). The only thing that surprises me is that "Werk 80" is more brutal (the vocals and guitar sound). Nevertheless if you like to hear covers of you're favourite 80`s songs then you're going to love this record. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.atrocity.de
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/atrocitypage |
75/100 |
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| BLOODY REMAINS - Part hard at the Graveyard (MCD) | The Netherlands | August 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 20:17 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Bloody Remains is a new name in the death metal scene. This is their first release "Party hard at the Graveyard" (self-financed). This record contains 7 tracks of pure old school death metal. All the songs are straight in your face. The drums are pounding through every song like a drilling machine. The guitar riffs are very Swedish (think of Hypocrisy or Grave) and then there is the grunts that are deep and filthy….very nice. The composing of the songs is what you can expect of death metal…fast and brutal with a lot of groove in it. Eventhough its self-financed the production of this record is great. If you like bands like Grave, Hypocrisy (old) etc. then you have to check their site and fucking order it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.bloodyremains.nl
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bloodydelicious |
75/100 |
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| DEDICTED – Argonauts (CD) | Belgium | August 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Metalcore | Running time: 41:48 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Dedicted started out in 1999 but it's this year that their debut album is brought forward. The year 2008 is also their 'breakthrough' year. This success is the result of the many (important) tour dates the band has in its schedule, such as the Graspop festival, which is a great opportunity to show your band's performance. After the gig on the Graspop festival there were a lot of good reactions of the public, saying 'this band could be the next big thing in Belgium'. In my opinion they are technically very good and the music is great. The sound is highly influenced by Meshuggah and the band is similar to that other band Textures. But there are some flaws to the album. There have been comments by the press on the voice of singer Renaat Lombrez and I must agree. I'm not saying his voice is bad, that's not the case at all. But it would be better if there were some variation in the songs, it seems all is alike and that bores people. An other flaw is that the record doesn't really gives you a big impression of the band, which is a must for any debut album. I believe that this band can produce much more and better than this album. Again, I'm not saying the album is bad. Simply it could be better. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.dedicted.com
Recordlabel: http://www.shiver-records.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dedicted |
65/100 |
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| DIPHTHERIA – To Wait for Fire (CD) | Cyprus | August 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 49:55 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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I remember writing to Diphtheria in 1996 after listening to "Living to Die" on the radio. I asked them for their demo and was really ecstatic when I received it. I was willing to bet my money on this band; I was sure that it was going to be the next big thing in the Greek/Cypriot scene but unfortunately they disappeared. Several years later I heard that the band continued as Arryan Path. The Arryan Path works were equally great but this group didn't last either. Now the guys from Diphtheria continue as Prodigal Earth but decided to resurrect Diphtheria and release the long awaited debut album. What we are dealing with here is top notch power metal with elements from both the European and American scene. Amazing high pitched vocals, inspired compositions, brilliant guitars and a progressive approach that won't let anyone disappointed. These guys guaranty 50 minutes of high quality metal with top class. Although the songs where written 12 years ago, they sound so fresh and inspired! If you are looking for influences, Iron Maiden is one of the most obvious but Diphtheria has developed a style of its own. I really hope the band's resurrection will not stop with this release. They have many great things to offer. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.diphtheria.net
Recordlabel: http://www.pitchblackrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/diphtheriametal |
88/100 |
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| DISCIPLINE – Old Pride, New Glory (CD) | The Netherlands | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Tribute / Hardcore/ Oi / Street Rock / Punk | Running time: CD1: 36:08 (Tracks: 12) & CD2: 50:50 (Tracks: 18) | ||
| DISCIPLINE started as a pure hardcore band, but during the years they changed their sound more into Oi! and Street Rock/Punk. These guys from Eindhoven definitely belong to the top of the European Street Rock/Punk scene. The title of this brand new album "Old Pride, New Glory" says enough, it's an album full of covers from legendary hardcore, street rock, oi!, metal, rock and hard rock bands. See it as a kind of tribute to their musical heroes. "Old Pride, New Glory" contains twelve new recorded cover versions from bands like MOTÖRHEAD, AGNOSTIC FRONT, TWISTED SISTER, WARZONE, BILLY IDOL, CRO-MAGS, SLADE, 4 SKINS and even GOLDEN EARRING. The band tried to stay as close to the original version. For the Motörhead song the band choose a less-known song, namely "Stand" (from "March Or Die"). A real surprise is "Going To The Run" from the GOLDEN EARRING. That's a song which I didn't expect by this band, but it's a notable version. Joost & Co. also choose "Power" from AGNOSTIC FRONT's best album ever "Victim In Pain" (a legendary debut album in the Hardcore scene). Other great versions, in my opinion, are TWISTED SISTER's "We're Not Gonna Take It" (which fits perfectly for a band like Discipline or any other punk or hardcore band, 'cause of it's rebellious lyrics and great chorus), of course CRO-MAGS' "Show You No Mercy", WARZONE's "Don't Forget To Struggle" and BILLY IDOL's "Rebel Yell". The only song which is a bit less is THE RAMONES song "I Wanna Live". With this CD there's also a bonus album with 18 covers which Discipline recorded over the past years. My favorite cover versions on this second disc are definitely the two ROSE TATTOO songs ("Nice Boys" and "One Of The Boys"), but also SHEER TERROR's "A Tale Of Moran", "Astro Zombies" from THE MISFITS, SLAPSHOT's "Hang Up Your Boots", SLADE's "When I'm Dancing I Ain't Fightin'", which is in my opinion a much better version (and song) than the famous "Cum On Feel The Noize" (which is on the first disc), "No More Heroes" from THE STRANGLERS and THE BUSINESS' "Saturdays Heroes". Fantastic tribute/cover album. Now let's wait for the new full length album with brand new material of their own. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.discipline.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.iscreamrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/disciplineband |
90/100 |
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| EMIR HOT – Sevdah Metal (CD) | Bosnia Herzegovina / England | August 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Neoclassical Metal | Running time: 48:25 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Guitarist and composer Emir Hot originates from Bosnia Herzegovina but is currently living in England. He introduced himself through Bosnian act Neon Knights several years ago but now he's trying to make it on his own. Emir is assisted by veteran drummer Mike Terrana, vocal superstar John West and an "army" of guest musicians, mostly fellow countrymen. The best words to describe "Sevdah Metal" are Neoclassical Progressive Folk metal. This is a truly original recording; I have never heard something close to this one. Emir combines European Neoclassical power metal influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen with traditional music of the Balkans which include saz and accordion parts. John West is giving some amazing performances and to be honest is the main reason for my high ranking. I simply love his voice! Emir Hot is a great guitarist as well. Give this record a try. I think you will like its originality and will enjoy some excellent performances by all musicians. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.emirhot.com
Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/emirhotguitar |
80/100 |
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| FLOODSTAIN – Dreams Make Monsters (CD) | The Netherlands | August 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Stoner Metal | Running time: 42:06 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Stoner rock and metal bands seem to pop up everywhere in Europe these days. And hell I'm not complaining! You can definitely hear that this band is influenced by bands such as Kyuss and Queens Df the Stone Age. Every song is very catchy and the voice of singer Boy is great. Even in the slow parts, that can be very tricky, his voice stands as a brick house. Although the voice is great, the best things about the sound are the guitars. They take you back to the Sabbath years mixed with formerly mentioned QOTSA. The album is great, but like I said there's a lot of stiff competition around these days and in there are a lot of excellent bands, maybe even better. I'm sure that the future will bring great prospects for the band. I'm really interested how they sound live. Oh yeah and that acoustic part of the song "end of trail" does sound a lot like System of a Down's "Chop Suey"… And that's also the best song on the album. The least one is the first one "Monster" because the voice doesn't have that power that it has on the other ones. I'm surely going to check them out when they are playing somewhere near! Hope to see you there. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.floodstain.com
Recordlabel: http://www.solitude-prod.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/floodstainstonerrock |
78/100 |
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| GRIFFEN – Linked In Eternity (CDemo) | Sweden | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 25:36 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| GRIFFEN is a Swedish Metal band who exists of Jörgen Söderberg (vocals), Tomi Peltonen (guitar), Stefan Törnblom (rhythm guitar), Harri Tuovila (bass) and Kristian Huotari (drums). Both guitarist Tomi and Stefan have also played in the band MADIGAN (album "Shades Of Youth" 1992) before. Guitarist Tomi also plays together with drummer Kristian in the legendary band TORCH. And Kristian is also the drummer of Swedish Thrash Metal band SCAAR (who recently released their third album "Next Level Of Torture"). As you can see, those are very busy guys. Anyway, "Linked In Eternity" is their second promo demo and has 5 great tracks on it (their first promo demo was released in 2007 and featured 4 songs, see Archive CD/DVD reviews). Griffen plays a blend of traditional Metal with Melodic Hard Rock. And with Jörgen Söderberg the band has a very good vocalist. All songs are very strong and powerful compositions with great guitar riffs and fantastic solos. This demo starts with the title track "Linked In Eternity", followed by "Secret Life", "Falling Inside", "The Hydra" and ends with "Life Is On The Way". Sometimes I even hear some SAVATAGE influences through those songs. The band is currently seeking for a record label, and I hope they will find one because this is great stuff on "Linked In Eternity". Hopefully they will get signed so that a full length album will follow soon. A fantastic new upcoming band who's worth checking out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.griffen.se
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/griffentheband |
83/100 |
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| GUN BARREL – Outlaw Invasion (CD) | Germany | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 53:21 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| GUN BARREL is a four piece Metal band from Germany, which was formed in 1999. As so many other bands, also Gun Barrel have had some line-up changes. The current line-up of the band is Xaver Drexler (vocals), Rolf Tanzius (guitar), Tomcat Kintgen (bass) and Toni Pinciroli (drums). So far they have released the albums "Power-Dive" (2001), "Battle-Tested" (2003) and "Bombard Your Soul" (2005). "Outlaw Invasion" is the fourth album of the band (and the second one with Xaver on vocals) and features thirteen songs. Personally I didn't know this band so far, so this is my first acquaintance with those Germans. Well, after listening several times to "Outlaw Invasion" I came to the conclusion that Gun Barrel isn't that very special, they are just an average power metal band. But all with all it sounds nice enough. After the short intro "Invasion Warning" we get "Front Killers" which is in the typical MOTÖRHEAD style. They also remind me a little bit to KROKUS during their "Headhunter" album. I don't know how Guido Feldhausen (their first singer) sounded, but Xaver Drexler is a nice singer. My favourite songs are "Front Killer", "The Redeemer", "Keep On Movin'" (which has a very catchy chorus), "Cheap, Wild & Nasty" and "M.I.L.F.". In my opinion the 'semi-ballad' "Tomorrow Never Comes" fits not between the rest of the songs. Not superb but just a nice metal album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.gunbarrel.de
Recordlabel: http://www.limb-music.de MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/yourgunbarrel |
74/100 |
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| HATRED – Blasphemous Deliverance (CD) | The Netherlands | August 2008 | William Nijhof |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 36:39 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Hatred started terrorizing the metal scene in 1999 and released their first demo in 2000. They released their "Chaos in the flesh" MCD in 2003. Their latest release "Blasphemous Deliverance" by Deity Down Records (Vermin (Dutch) and Devious). This record contains ten tracks of brutal old school death metal. All the songs have a great variety in it. The guitar riffs are very 90`s and reminds of Morbid Angel and Dismember. The drums are pounding through every song like a fucking train that can't be stopped. The vocals are very stable; he has a brutal grunt but very easy listening….very nice. The composing of the songs is great, from the first song to the last not annoying or boring. The 6 the number (transition) reminds me a lot to Tiamat (Clouds). The production of this record is very good. If you like death metal of the 90`s then you're going to enjoy this album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.hatred.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.deitydownrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hatredholland |
75/100 |
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| HEART – Dreamboat Annie Live (DVD) | USA | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 1:36:00 | ||
| Seattle (USA) based Hard Rock band HEART, with sisters Ann & Nancy Wilson, belongs to my favourite bands for almost two and a half decades now. I must have been eleven or twelve years old when I heard songs like "Magic Man" and "Crazy On You" for the first time on the radio. And those songs gave an enormous big impression on me. I was immediately in love with Ann Wilson's voice. But, I think it was around my twenties that I finally bought their legendary debut album "Dreamboat Annie" (1976) on vinyl at that time. What I liked on that album was the variety of fantastic Rock songs with beautiful Folk songs. More albums of Heart followed of course to my vinyl collection and with the arrival of the CD I sold my albums of Heart and bought them back on CD. Except "Dreamboat Annie", I still have that fantastic debut album on vinyl (and on CD too of course). I have several favourite albums of Heart (like "Little Queen" (1977, with the heavy "Barracuda" on it, which is also an all time classic of the band), "Magazine" (1978), "Dog & Butterfly" (1978), "Bebe Le Strange" (1980) and "Bad Animals" (1987) to name a few), but "Dreamboat Annie" is my all time favourite. And now after 32 years there's the release of "Dreamboat Annie Live", which is a concert registration of the band recorded on April 17th, 2007 at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. This concert is as well available on CD as on DVD and it's released by Eagle Vision. Well, I have bought the DVD, because there are some extras on it too. The DVD starts with an introduction of almost 10 minutes by Ann & Nancy where they tell different things about the band etcetera. And then the show starts with "Magic Man", which is the first track of the album. The album title speaks for itself, so the whole "Dreamboat Annie" album is played in the exact same order as on the CD. "Magic Man", "Dreamboat Annie (Fantasy Child)", "Crazy On You", "Soul Of The Sea" (superb), "Dreamboat Annie", "White Lightning & Wine", "(Love Me Like Music) I'll Be Your Song", "Sing Child", "How Deep It Goes" and "Dreamboat Annie (Reprise)" are all there, and fantastically performed. Also the Stockholm Strings have come over from Sweden to perform with Heart on this DVD. To me, Ann Wilson still is the best female rock singer on earth (after all those years I'm still in love with that great voice of hers). After the complete "Dreamboat Annie" set, Ann & Nancy tell a little bit more, like about their musical influences etcetera. And then we get the encores, which are the mighty "Mistral Wind" (from "Dog & Butterfly"), "Goodbye Blue Sky" (PINK FLOYD), the LED ZEPPELIN songs "Black Dog" and "Misty Mountain Hop" (Heart was heavily inspired by ZEPPELIN; Ann sings those songs perfectly, she's just the female version of Robert Plant) and THE WHO's "Love Reign O'er Me". But man, of those encores, "Mistral Wind" and the ZEP & THE WHO songs are superb versions. I get goose bumps by these songs. Again……what a VOICE of Ann. Bonus features are "Mistral Wind" (again) and "Straight On" (both from Live At The L.A. County Fair), a photo gallery and "Heart Mongers Speak" (4:40), which are Heart fans saying something. This is an excellent DVD. A real must for fans of Heart. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.heart-music.com
Recordlabel: http://www.eagle-rock.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heart |
96/100 |
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| HEAVY LORD – Chained to the World (CD) | The Netherlands | August 2008 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Stoner / Doom Metal | Running time: 49:18 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Heavy Lord comes from the Netherlands and this is their second full length album. The band made its appearance in 2004 with the "Holy Grail" demo and presented its debut in 2006. The band's style is mostly stoner with some doom in it. Lots of seventies sounding influences like old Sabbath and some Pentagram. The stuff is heavy and rotten but I cannot find many interesting elements in this kind of music. It somehow repeats itself and eventually you might get bored. Only for fans of the genre. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.heavylord.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.solitude-prod.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heavylord |
60/100 |
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| HOLLENTHON - Opus Magnum (CD) | Austria | August 2008 | Kay Vloeberghs |
| Style: Black / Death Metal | Running time: 46:15 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| Hollenthon has already made a name for itself, especially with their second album 'With vilest Worms to Dwell'. And now with "Opus Magnum" they tried to produce an even better one. For some critics, impossible. But I believe anything can happen. Yet I'm not convinced about the album… It has a lot to do of personal taste of course so don't pay attention to the score I give this album. The album may not have convinced me but I was still surprised about the talent of this band. There's a lot of variation in the songs and the voice fits perfect with the sound. Some songs lean a lot to Opeth and then others to a band like Therion. Every song fits perfectly into each other. And cheers to Elena (ex-wife of singer Shirenc) with her amazing voice that accompanies Shirenc. The band played a lot of important festivals this summer and I believe they will tour again at the end of the year. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.hollenthon.com
Recordlabel: http://www.napalmrecords.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hollenthonofficial |
70/100 |
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| JORN – Lonely Are The Brave (CD) | Norway | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Running time: 54:52 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I have to admit that, until I bought this fantastic album of JORN, I never had anything in my collection with Jorn Lande on vocals. Of course I knew his name for years, and I knew he had sung on albums of MASTERPLAN too, but somehow I never bought any albums with Lande on vocals. During his almost 30 year old career he's been a very busy person. So far he has recorded albums with of course JORN and MASTERPLAN, but also with ALLEN/LANDE, MILLENIUM, ARK, THE SNAKES and VAGABONDS as well as several projects. Well, when I saw this album in a record store I thought let's take a listen. And man, when I heard the title track "Lonely Are The Brave" I was immediately impressed. What a voice. After listening to several songs, I decided to buy this album. I told Mario that I had bought the new JORN album, and Mario asked me if I wanted to review this album, because he had a voice protected promo copy (lately all promo albums from Frontiers are voice protected). And to tell the truth, it's not funny to listen to songs and getting disturbed every time by a voice who's saying "you are listening to the new album of …". Well, luckily I had bought my album, so I didn't have that problem this time. But, now I know for sure, Jorn Lande belongs definitely to one of the greatest rock singers on earth. He reminds me very much to great singers like DAVID COVERDALE and specially RONNIE JAMES DIO (both favourites of me). Sometimes I have to think of BLACK SABBATH (with Dio) and DIO too. Anyway, "Lonely Are The Brave" is the 8th album of JORN and features officially nine great songs. But I have the limited edition version with two bonus tracks. One of those bonus tracks is a cover of DEEP PURPLE's "Stormbringer" (with David Coverdale (and Glenn Hughes) on vocals, do you get the point!!). What do I have to say more about this fantastic album. Songs like "Lonely Are The Brave", "War Of The World', "Stormbringer", "Soul Of The Wind", "The Inner Road" or the heavy "Hellfire" (BEYOND TWILIGHT), are all awesome. This is just high quality Hard Rock/Heavy Metal which I like to hear. If you like Hard Rock/Heavy Metal with superb vocals, then this album is a must. Nice to tell, on the back of the booklet you see a statue of Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) and inside the booklet one of Elvis Presley. Two great legends who mend a lot to the music scene. Anyway, since now I'm a fan of this great singer too, and I'm sure I will buy more albums too. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jornlande.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/realjorn |
92/100 |
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| KISKE – Past In Different Ways (CD) | Germany | August 2008 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock, Acoustic | Running time: 52:48 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| MICHAEL KISKE is best known as the singer of German metal band HELLOWEEN during the period 1987 and 1993. Kiske was responsible for the great vocals on the classic Helloween albums "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 1" (1987) and "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 2" (1988). He also did the Helloween albums "Live In The UK" (1989), "Pink Bubbles Go Ape" (1991) and "Chameleon" (1993). In 1996 Kiske released his first solo album "Instant Clarity" followed by "Readiness To Sacrifice" (1999) and "Kiske" (2006). Well on his newest solo album "Past In Different Ways" Michael goes way back to his Helloween period, by recording a complete album of old Helloween songs of the above mentioned period 1987-1993 he was in the band, but then all as acoustic versions. The album is also produced by Michael Kiske himself, who's playing guitar too by the way, and sounds very good. Other musicians on this nice album are Sandro Giampietro (guitar), Fontaine Burnett (bass) and Karsten Nagel (drums). For me, the best song on the album is "I Believe" (from "Chameleon"). That's by far the best track on the album. But I like the songs "You Always Walk Alone", "Your Turn", "Going Home" and "A Little Time" too. However it's not Metal or Rock he's making nowadays, it's still a pleasure to listen to Kiske's great voice on "Past In Different Ways". Well, I think there are still a lot Helloween fans hoping for his return. Time will tell! Anyway, if you are curious, | |||