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| ADX - Non Serviam (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 48:59 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I come from an era of listening to heavy metal that you could keep up with every release there was. That time is long gone, so I regularly find interesting bands that have been around for quite some time but somehow have eluded me until now. ADX is one of those cases. Now I'm just thinking: what if I'd heard these guys before, would I like them as much as I do on Non Serviam? Because let's face it, this is quite good. Old fashioned mid-tempo thrash with a fitting voice, melodic passages and enough musicality to impress. I'm just wondering whether some people will find this just a bit too tame, would want a little more aggression. Me personally, I'm happy with ADX in this fashion. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.a-d-x.ch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adxband |
77/100 |
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| AS DARKNESS DIES - As Darkness Dies (CD) | USA | October 2015 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Power Metal | Running time: 60:00 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Pure Steel Records has always supported newcomer bands from the United States by releasing their debut albums and giving them the chance for a wider distribution. As Darkness Dies (who started as Graven Image in 2011) is one of these cases. The debut album of the band is a blend of contemporary sounding power metal with the classic sound of the past decades and a melodic approach. I find it very difficult to put them under a label or match their sound with a particular band. Definitely Iron Maiden influenced but of course there are much more going on during these 60 minutes. Songs are mostly mid tempo (with the scorching opener being an exception) and with an epic vibe to them. If you would like to take a break from the typical metal albums of our time and try something different, then As Darkness Dies is definitely a worthy listen. No hits or great songs, just good heavy metal music. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.asdarknessdies.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialasdarknessdies |
70/100 |
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| A TIME TO HOPE - Full Of Doubts (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Post Hardcore / Metalcore | Running time: 12:07 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| A TIME TO HOPE is a French Post-Hardcore band existing of Franck F. (vocals), Charley B. (guitar), Anthony C. (guitar), Shango W. (bass) and Guillaume B. (drums). The band was formed in 2014, and "Full Of Doubts" is the band's first EP. These French guys play a mixture of Post-Hardcore and Metalcore. To me, it sounds to chaotic, only the short instrumental "VII" sounds totally different than the other songs. The only two songs which I like of this EP are "Sweet T" and "Catfish". And the end of "Catfish" is also very quietly and atmospherical. All I can say is that A TIME TO HOPE is not really my type of band. Sorry guys. But if you are into Post-Hardcore, Metalcore and chaotic stuff, then check it out yourself. | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atimetohope |
60/100 |
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| BLOBFISH KILLER - Blobfish Killer (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Metalcore / Sludge | Running time: 12:07 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| BLOBFISH KILLER is a four piece band from France that exists of Bleu (vocals), Flo (guitar), Cesar (bass, backing vocals) and JP (drums). I don't know when the band was formed. This self-titled EP "Blobfish Killer" contains 3 tracks, which are "Erotic Palace", "Party Hard" and "Never Again". Personally I only like the last track "Never Again" of this EP, which has a nice groove. BLOBFISH KILLER is not really a band for me. Quite by accident, I saw on the internet that singer Bleu tragically passed away end July, 2016. He was hit by a drunk driver. I wish the rest of the members of the band many strength with this loss. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blobfishkiller.bandcamp.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blobfishkiller |
58/100 |
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| BURNING - Nightmares (CD) | The Netherlands | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 40:05 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| Dutch metallers Burning have released an old school heavy metal debut album that has people loving it to bits. Is that justified? I'm not sure. Okay, most of the songs are well executed and do sound quite good, but the feeling is that it could have sounded just that bit tighter. That would have lifted the whole album. Now Nightmares on occasions loses itself in trying to be a little bit too pretentious, and those are the times it's just a melee of sounds and any structure gets lost. Don't worry, it doesn't happen too often, but especially the epic Anthem For The Lost Souls could have benefited from simplifying the structures a bit. Is this nit-picking? Maybe, but it's what bothers me, so I need to address it. The main part of the album is very enjoyable, and that's what counts. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.bandsintown.com/burning
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burningmetalband |
74/100 |
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| CONSTRAINT - Enlightened By Darkness (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Symphonic Metal | Running time: 35:39 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| While listening to Enlightened By Darkness I'm keeping my mouth closed. The reason being that the female fronted symphonic metal that Constraint is releasing into the world is so sweet that I'm afraid my fillings will either melt, or crack and flee. Thing is, the songs aren't really that bad, but the production is so soft and mellow that even Justin Bieber sounds heavy in comparison. So Constraint should have called this album Enlightened By Sweetness. Of course there are people out there who like this kind of music, like they do Kingfisher Sky and such. But please, if your wish is to make metal, at least sound like it! Then maybe these songs would have made me happy. Now they make me cringe. Sorry! | |||
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Visit their website: http://constraint.bigcartel.com
Recordlabel: http://www.atomicstuff.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/constraintmodena |
51/100 |
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| CRIMSON DAY - Order Of The Shadows (CD) | Finland | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 52:22 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Does Crimson Day play metal? Or is it Rock? I guess you could say they play either, when the music requires it, but the emphasis is definitely on the former. What is sure, is that in Germany they should have a massive following, because it's so bloody easy to sing along to the refrains. Not only that, most of what is on Order Of The Shadows is quite predictable. But also utterly enjoyable! Simple, effective and very catchy songs with good riffs, a pleasurable voice and a certain old school vibe makes this into ma nice album. Those of you who dig your Grave Digger, Running Wild and likewise bands, you could have a field day listening to Crimson Day. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.crimsonday.com
Recordlabel: http://www.ironshieldrecords.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimson.day.band Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/crimsondayfi |
64/100 |
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| DEAD BEHIND THE SCENES - White (MCD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Alternative Rock | Running time: 19:16 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| I never know what to expect when a band plays Alternative Rock, because that could be anything between the sun and the moon. They have pleasant songs that have a bit of a rough edge, without ever touching anything more than rock. Come to think of it, they're a bit like a mainstream version of Blur. They don't veer off too wide into any direction like their peers would like to do, limiting their borders. And that's a pity, as musically Dead Behind The Scenes is quite good. I'd like to hear them be bold and go further afield. After just over 19 minutes it's done, and I'm just not sure. Maybe you will be. Oh, and it does some time to appreciate singer Dave Bosetti's voice. Trust me, you will. I did. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.atomicstuff.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadbehindthescenes |
66/100 |
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| DEER BLOOD - Devolution (CD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Thrash | Running time: 57:13 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| DEER BLOOD is a four piece French Metal band, existing of Alexandre Bourret (vocals, guitar), Julien Doucin (guitar, backing vocals), Julien Prost (bass) and Fabien Petit (drums), and was formed in 2011. This album "Devolution", which is the band's debut album that was released in February of 2015, is my first acquaintance with the band. What an ugly album cover this is, and to me the band has a terrible band name as well. Anyway, before this debut album, DEER BLOOD already had released an EP titled "The Killing Engine" (in 2012), and the four songs of that EP ("Fist Of Fury", "Annihilation", "Killing Engine" and "Lone Wolf") are now added as bonus tracks on "Devolution". Anyway, with the first listen to "Devolution", it was clear to me that these guys of DEER BLOOD are heavily influenced by PANTERA. In the meantime I've listened several times to "Devolution", and there are absolutely some great songs on it. And the band exists of excellent musicians, only the weakest link are the vocals of Alexandre Bourret. These are sounding to monotone. Guys, just go searching for a good singer. The last track of the album "Scared To The Bone" (track 9) features a hidden track, that was composed by someone named Marc Issaly. Sorry guys, I don't understand why you putted that hidden track on your album, because it sounds very annoying and it's actually crap and most of all superfluous. The songs on "Devolution" which in my opinion are the best are "Bushmaster", "Open Letter Of Rage", "War Of The Roses", "Scared To The Bone". And once again, with a much better singer it all would sound a lot better. | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DeerBloodOfficial |
65/100 |
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| DESTRUCTOR - Back In Bondage (CD) | USA | October 2016 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 55:11 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Ohio's Speed Metal overlords are back! Dave Overkill and his rabid crew break a 9 year long studio silence and release the follow-up to the Forever In Leather album. No need to say that it is as if nothing has changed. Everything you love about Destructor is here. Actually a version of this release was scheduled to be the band's second full length album back in 1999 and three of the songs were released as a three track demo of that particular year. That doesn't make any difference at all. Destructor cannot deliver something different than ultra heavy thrashy U.S. power metal. Feels like early Slayer teaming up with Jag Panzer. Talk is cheap in cases like this. After all you cannot teach an old dog new tricks! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DestructorMetal MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/maximumdestructor |
75/100 |
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| DIABOL BORUTA - Star Gledzby (CD) | Poland | October 2016 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Folk Metal | Running time: 49:37 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Folk Metal from Poland this time to enjoy. And enjoyable it is, this second full length album from this band with the nice name Diabol Boruta. Their music is hard to find besides some videos on YouTube and on their Facebook page but this Star Gledzby is worth finding it's way to the masses. All music and titles are in Polish so I really don't know where it's all about. That ain't a problem because with this music it mostly contributes to good stuff. In the first half of the album the band sounds like a mixture of Arkona/Trollfest while the second half sounds more like Alestorm/Korpiklaani. Personally I prefer the first half because it's more metal. Korpiklaani's cover “Vodka” is nice and good but their own songs like “Epon, “Perun and “Star Gledzby” are strong enough to get the crowd going. The last two song are in English which is a nice gesture but in Polish the songs are more convincing. Good band for festivities and I hope to hear more from them. the songs really remind me of the newer stuff from Russia's ARKONA. This is the best comparison I can give and both bands are bands that are a head above a lot of the bands in Folk Metal. Some songs are really festive and it's a party atmosphere, some songs to represent the more traditional folk music and it's a good balance. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diabolboruta |
78/100 |
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| DRAKWALD - Riven Earth (CD) | France | October 2016 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Melodic Death/Folk/Pagan Metal | Running time: 44:12 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Drakwald comes from France and delivers a great solid album with their second full length release “Riven Earth”. From beginning to the end the album doesn't forsake and every track has it's own highlights. Drakwald uses very different wind-instruments, pipes and bagpipes so every track got it's own blueprint. The powerful grunts by vocalist Thibaud and the choirs by the other band members also contributes which make this album one of the best in it's genre. Eluveite may watch out because Drakwald is coming in with a blast. I can name good tracks like opener “Doomsday Argument”, “Erase By Fire” or “Chasm of Ignorance” but then I can mention them all. The fact is that it's a damn interesting album that keeps on growing. Great achievement by these French Metallers! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.drakwald.com
Recordlabel: http://www.dooweet.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drakwald |
85/100 |
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| ENEMY OF THE ENEMY - Hellequin (CD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Groove Metal / Nu-Metal / Thrash | Running time: 47:29 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| This French Metal band ENEMY OF THE ENEMY already exists since 2008. The band exists of Adrian Cavalier (vocals), Nicolas Benedetti (guitar), Fabien Grunzweig (bass) and César Boishus (drums). Although I recently got this album to review for MMM, "Hellequin" was already released in 2013. This is my first acquaintance with the band, and with the first listen to "Hellequin" bands which immediately came in mind were KORN, LIMP BIZKIT, PANTERA and SLIPKNOT. "Hellequin" is the first full length album of ENEMY OF THE ENEMY, before this debut album the band already had released the 6-track EP "Garbage Society". And I must admit "Hellequin" is a pretty good album. The band plays a blend of Nu-Metal, Thrash, Groove Metal. They even play a bit Ska at the end of the last track of the album, titled "Vendetta". To me, the least track of "Hellequin" is "This Is A Gift", but songs such as "Lost Generation", "Farm Boy", "Dangerous Species", "Angels Can Die" and "Smooth Pussy" are all fantastic songs. The album also has a good production and sounds fantastic. If you like the above mentioned bands, then you should check this band and album out. I'm sure you will like it. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.enemyofficial.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/enemyoftheenemy |
73/100 |
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| EVERYTHING BEHIND - Man From Elsewhere (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Modern Metal | Running time: 30:15 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| The French do know how to make modern and extreme metal, sometimes even combined. Just think of Gojira and Dagoba, for instance. Everything Behind reminds me a lot of Staind, but with some extra heavy parts thrown in when necessary. And it works! The melody and, more importantly, emotions are running riot all over the place. Big positive is that the voice is not just clean, but when needed also screams like a madman. In some ways it's good that Man From Elsewhere isn't longer than half an hour, because you if you engulf yourself into the music too much you might come out an emotional wreck. On the other hand it's a pity, as I really like this. Good music, great sound and an intriguing album by an interesting band. I really would like to hear more! | |||
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Visit their website: http://everythingbehind.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everythingbehind |
81/100 |
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| EXCEPT ONE - Haunted Humanity (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Death / Thrash Metal / Metalcore | Running time: 27:16 (Tracks: 7) | ||
| EXCEPT ONE is a female fronted Metal band from Paris, France, that exists of Estelle (vocals), Junior (guitar), Ad'ibou (guitar), Boris (bass) and Fanch (drums). I don't know exactly when the band was formed. Before this 7-track EP "Haunted Humanity", the band already had released an EP titled "O.M.N.I. #1" (2015). Well, "Haunted Humanity" is my first acquaintance with these French metallers. To be honest, it's something I wouldn't buy easily myself. Not that it's bad, because musically it all sounds okay, but I can't listen to the brutal aggressive vocals, screams, grunts of miss Estelle an entire album long. Okay, this is just an EP, but probably you know what I mean. Maybe on the next EP of full length album she can vary the songs with some clean vocals!!! Anyway, the songs on this EP are titled "Rise", "Lost", "Schizo Friend", "Revenge", "Elm Street", "Disease" and "7even". "Haunted Humanity" was released by the band themselves, and they got promotional help by Dooweet Agency. Anyway, to me the sound of EXCEPT ONE is a mixture of Death- and Thrash Metal and a bit Metalcore. Once again, this isn't bad at all, but you'll have to like the vocals. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.exceptone.fr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exceptoneofficial |
73/100 |
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| FAITH & SPIRIT - Glorious Days (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Hard Rock | Running time: 19:54 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| FAITH & SPIRIT is a four piece Rock band from France, that exists of Vivien Thielen (vocals, rhythm guitar), Antoine Teboul (lead guitar), Thomas Denoyelle (bass) and Julien Largilliere (drums). I don't know when the band was formed, all I know is that FAITH & SPIRIT already had released an EP before this second EP "Glorious Days", which was the 7-track EP "Strike Back". To me, this is my first acquaintance with FAITH & SPIRIT, and I must say that "Glorious Days" is a nice EP. All five songs of this EP are good songs. The EP has in "Everybody Gets It Wrong" (4:38) a quiet song, and the other four tracks, which are "I'll Be Your Man" (3:54), the title-track "Glorious Days"(4:00), "Black Moon" (3:49) and "Down The Road" (3:34), are nice Rock songs. My favorite track of "Glorious Days" is absolutely the first track "I'll Be Your Man". The backing female backing vocals on the nice EP are done by Manda, Athena, Calypso and Sané. Good band and once again, a nice EP. | |||
| Visit their website: http://www.faithandspirit.fr |
70/100 |
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| FALLEN EIGHT - Rise & Grow (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Modern Metal / Nu Metal / Melodic Metalcore | Running time: 23:28 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| FALLEN EIGHT is a 5 piece French Metal band that exists of Clem (vocals), Medy (guitar), Florian (guitar), Joffrey (bass) and JP (drums). The band was formed in 2011, and in 2014 they recorded their first demo. This 6-track EP "Rise & Grow" was released in February of 2016. But man, what an EP it is. With the first listen to this EP, and already with the great openings-track "Reborn" (3:43), the first band which came in mind was LINKIN PARK. Only FALLEN EIGHT doesn't use, besides the powerful clean vocals, hip-hop vocals but more Metalcore vocals. And besides LINKIN PARK, it also reminded me a bit of DISTURBED as well. Notable is that the last two tracks of this "Rise & Grow" EP, which are "Light" (4:32) and "Worst Nightmare" (3:42), are more rock orientated. Not that these two last tracks are less, but my favorites of this EP are absolutely the aforementioned "Reborn", "Come From The Sky" (3:10), "Final Shot" (4:18) and "Breath Of The Ages" (4:04). I have nothing negative to mention about this EP, fantastic compositions, fantastic singer and excellent musicians. FALLEN EIGHT is a promising band. With such a high level of this EP, I'm already looking forward to the full length debut album of the band. Well done guys. | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/falleneight |
80/100 |
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| FIRE WITHIN - Fire Within (CD) | The Netherlands | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Symphonic Metal / Power Metal | Running time: 36:09 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Dutch Metal band FIRE WITHIN (there's also a melodic Death Metal band FIRE WITHIN from Ukraine), which exists of Dennis van de Bor (vocals, guitar), Robbin van de Bor (bass), Lars van Mourik (drums) and Arjon Bimmel (keyboards) released its self-titled debut album "Fire Within" in November of 2014 all by themselves. Well, Mario gave it to me to review. In the meantime this debut album is almost two years old. Well, FIRE WITHIN sounds to me as a Symphonic Metal band with some Power Metal elements in it as well. After a few spins I got used to the vocals of Dennis van de Bor. I can't say he's a real great singer, but just an average singer. Of course the keyboards of Arjon Bimmel gives the Symphonic touch to FIRE WITHIN. Of the nine self-written songs, there's one instrumental, which is "Progress" (5:01). It is a nice instrumental, but in my opinion it just takes a little too long. The songs which I like the most of this self-titled debut album "Fire Within" are "Despair" (4:54), "For Your Heart Alone" (3:02) and "Fate" (4:44). To be honest, it all sounds not bad, but "Fire Within" is an album I wouldn't buy easily myself. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.firewithinnl.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fire-within |
70/100 |
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| GJUTJÄRN - Härd (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 43:55 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| GJUTJÄRN is a Swedish metal band that was formed in 2011. The band, which exists of Galt (vocals), Lesley S. Foxx (guitar), Strävbjörn (bass) and Garm (drums), sings in their native language. In 2013 the band had released the 4-track EP "100 Ton" and this debut album "Härd" was released in 2014. The four songs of the "100 Ton" EP (which are "Släggor", "Eld", "Stegling" and "An") are also on this debut album. Well, this is my first acquaintance with GJUTJÄRN, but with the first listen to this album I already knew enough. This is absolutely NOT a band for me. When I listened to this album, I really couldn't get impressed. I can't believe that there are people out there, who really like this band and album. Okay, everybody has its own taste, but man…..this is really crap. And if you look to the image of the band, what a joke. After two spins I really had enough of this shit, and this terrible album disappeared into my garbage can. Well, if the band releases its next album, Mario, please let someone else review it. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.gjutjarn.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gjutjarn |
50/100 |
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| HARMONIC GENERATOR - Flesh (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Hard Rock | Running time: 18:13 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| HARMONIC GENERATOR is a heavy Rock / Hard Rock band from Southern France, existing of Quentin Barthes-Villegas (vocals), Renaud Satre (guitar), Charles Roussel (guitar), Nicolas Helinger (bass) and Alex Roussel (drums), and was formed in 2005. In 2008 the band released its first 6-track EP "Devil In Your Kiss", and in 2013 their debut album "When The Sun Goes Down" was released. This 4-track EP "Flesh" which I have to review, is the second EP of the 4 EP's ("Heart", "Flesh", "Skull" and "Bones"), which together form the whole second album. The first EP "Heart" of these 4 EP's was already released in December of 2014. Well, the songs which are on "Flesh" (which was released in 2015) are titled "Dance On Your Grave" (3:48), "Secret Garden" (4:14), "Something You Need To Know" (4:58) and "The End" (5:06). And although the band is influenced by bands such as AC/DC, THE DATSUNS, FOO FIGHTERS, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN etc., they reminded me with "Something You Need To Know" also to ALICE IN CHAINS, and with "The End" a bit of THE DOORS. Altogether, this is a nice and accessible EP. The songs which I like the most are the aforementioned "Something You Need To Know" and "The End". I'm curious when the EP "Skull" and EP "Bones" will be released. The EP "Skull" this year and the EP "Bones" in 2017???? | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harmonicgenerator |
70/100 |
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| HELLIGATORS - Road Roller Machine (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Stoner / Sludge / Speedrock | Running time: 52:17 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| HELLIGATORS is an Italian band from Rome that was formed in 2009. The band exists of Hellvis (vocals), El Santo (guitar, vocals), Kamo (guitar, vocals), Goblin (bass) and Alex (drums). In 2011 the band's debut album "Against All Odds" was released. But so far I never had heard of the band before. When I got this second album "Road Roller Machine", which was released in 2015, to review, and saw the logo of the band I thought by myself "hey this logo is stolen from THE HELLACOPTERS". I've listened several times to "Road Roller Machine", and I must say that there's not so much variety to find on this album, which actually sounds pretty much the same. Hellvis is a singer with a very raw voice. All with all there are 5 songs on this album which I like, namely "Nomad", "Doomstroyer", "Scream", "Snake Oil Jesus" and "Bad Ass" (of which the main riff reminds me of DANKO JONES' "Play The Blues" from the "Born A Lion" album). To me "Road Roller Machine" is nothing more than an average album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.helligators.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helligators |
69/100 |
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| HIGHER THAN - Purgatory Airlines (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 48:54 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Why do many of the current worthwhile bands have to put out their own albums? Isn't anyone interested in good, uplifting music? You'd think so. Take Higher Than. They are a proper hardrock band with mid-tempo to reasonably fast songs that have heads and tails, that sound good and that try and stick into your brain immediately, without being too predictable, sweet or even corny. Purgatory Airlines would have been a certain hit in the heyday of melodic rock, but unfortunately for Higher Than those days are gone. I even prefer this to many of those old bands trying to reinvent themselves, as this still has that hungry feel to it, the eagerness that makes a band try and surpass themselves. And it rocks. Big Time! It's time to turn up the volume again! | |||
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Visit their website: https://higherthan.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higherthanrock |
80/100 |
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| KHASM - Fenris (MCD) | France | October 2016 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Death / Thrash Metal | Running time: 12:32 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| Khasm is a four-piece band from France and this is almost the only information that I could find about the band. In March this year they have released an EP called Fenris. This is also the name of the first track on the album by the way. This self-released album has only four songs and after hardly 12 minutes it is finished. The music can be categorised as brutal thrash / death metal and the album has been produced by Jocke Skog (Clawfinger among others). The production is all-right, the only thing that annoys me sometimes is the too prominent role of the bass drum. That`s a pity with regards to the production. Musically seen, the songs are quite interesting, I have heard some nice riffs. Some of them are even black metal related. But what amazes me are the quite catchy choruses, especially during the opening song and during Turmoil. These choruses reminded me of old hard core bands. In my opinion, this fits not in the composition of the songs. However, I think this album is quite interesting for the brutal metal fan. | |||
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Visit their website: https://khasm.bandcamp.com/releases
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khasmofficial |
69/100 |
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| LUTECE - From Glory Towards Void (CD) | France | October 2016 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Black / Death Metal | Running time: 51:19 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Lutece is a black / death metal band which originated in 2006 in Paris, France. In their early years, they were strongly influenced by the Swedish metal scene of the 90s, as well as the black metal scene in Eastern Europe. Nowadays, the music is a modern mix of technical Black and Death metal which reminds me partially of Dissection. Originally, Lutece was meant to be a studio project. They released their first demo in 2007 (And Ancestors Still Remain) at the English label Triple Silence Records. This demo was soon followed in 2008 by the self-released EP “Awaking Ancient Gods”, rereleased in 2011. In 2012, the band released their first full length cd, Our Ashes blown Away. I am not familiar with the band`s earlier work, but it received a lot of positive critics. The band toured mainly through France to promote this album. Now there is a new full length cd named “From Glory Towards Void” and it has to be said that I am quite impressed by the quality of this album. It starts with a sinister intro which is part of the first song, “Let the Carnyx Sound Again”. This song illustrates perfectly what to expect during other songs on the album: powerful played black / death metal with enough space for melody, played by well skilled musicians. Listen to the drums for example… Impressive. Although the composition of the songs is not always really original, I listened this album many times. That`s a signal that the music attracts me. What I appreciate is that the tempo varies. It is not only one blast beat from the start to the end. There is enough space for melody. And last but not least, a good production takes care for a good finishing touch! | |||
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Visit their website: http://lutece.bigcartel.com
Recordlabel: http://dooweet.org/en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luteceblackmetal |
79/100 |
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| MAGNI ANIMI VIRI - Heroes Temporis (World Edition) (CD) | International | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Rock / Metal Opera | Running time: 60:56 (Tracks: 14) | ||
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This is actually not another new rock opera, but a remake of "Heroes Temporis" from 2006. The original was conceived by Giancarlo Trotta and Luca Contegiacomo, both musicians with background in rock as well as classical. The object was to merge opera and rock with the help of a few friends (Marco Sfogli, Randy Coven and John Macaluso) as well as a hundred-piece symphonic orchestra (Bulgarian Symphonic Orchestra). The original was done in Italian, and now ten years later comes the World Edition done in English. To elevate the album to the next level and attract a wider audience they've decided to hire some heavy weights in rock and metal: Russell Allen (Symphony X) and Amanda Somerville (Kiske/Somerville, Avantasia etc.) to portray the two main characters and they have also brought in Clive Riche (actor) to handle the narrating. With the basics in place and recorded a long time ago, the weight lays on the shoulders of the two vocalists, and both Amanda and Russell delivers breathtaking performances on this album. They prove to be the perfect choices for the parts and deliver one of the best vocal performances on a metal/rock album I've heard in a long time. There is plenty of room for both of them to show their full range and their strengths, and they do. I can strongly recommend that you check out Magni Animi Viri because they surely caught me off guard and I am sure many other will be equally impressed with this album. SPECIAL NOTE: All the profit for the sales will be devolved to Heroes Temporis for Autistic Children ONLUS (NPO) - that Magni Animi Viri have always been supporting - to finance the opening of a "game-and-diagnosis" ward in the MerClin clinic in Campagna, province of Salerno. Such ward, dedicated to children, will also be integrated by a clown-therapy team. | |||
| Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magni.animiviri |
85/100 |
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| MASTER CROW - Die For Humanity (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 44:47 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Frantic Death Metal from France, brought to you by Master Crow. Thanks to a really superb production everything can be heard to the note. Lesser consequence is that it doesn't sound as raw as some death metallers would have liked. But then again, Master Crow doesn't do old school, they're standing in the 21st century full-on. And what they do, they do well. Of course some will loathe the triggered drums on Die For Humanity, but the music as a whole is impressive, aggressive and aimed to kill instantly. Master Crow also knows how to vary with speed, intensity and emotion, making Die For Humanity an album that every death metal lover should at least have a listen to. Oh, and just as important, the album isn't too long, so it doesn't get the chance to bore you. | |||
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Visit their website: https://mastercrow.bandcamp.com/releases
Recordlabel: https://mastercrow.bandcamp.com/releases Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastercrowofficiel |
73/100 |
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| M.I.C. - 6th Sense (CD) | Canada | October 2016 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Rock | Running time: 30:48 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| I've done something terribly wrong, so wrong that for the second time in a row I got to review M.I.C. To be short, this M(ade) I(n) C(hina) is the band from mastermind Yvon Serre and for the sixth time it's not a convincing record at all. Sorry to say again but it doesn't get really any better. The band keeps on trying and that shows balls but hey, my patience is ending here. To be honest, there is one track that I played several times but I ain't gonna mention it. Why?, because it's simply not worth mentioning such an album at all. I dare you to undergo the same torture it took met finding out on which track Yvon accelerates. Normally I'm pretty positive about musicians and releases because they all do their best to make progress and make a good album but six times in a row … “Blast Of To Mars” is one of the tracks called … well, we'll keep that in mind ….. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www. yvonserre.com/mic
Recordlabel: http://www.twosidemoon.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/madeinchine |
35/100 |
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| MINDLESS SINNER - The New Messiah (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 46:18 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Opener Men Of Steel gives The New Messiah a very good start. Heavy Metal that gets you going straight from the first note. Fortunately the band keeps that up throughout the whole album, although they do and try to catch you on the wrong foot from time to time. These guys used to be around in the eighties, but like so many others, gave up when nothing happened. Now they're back, and they haven't taken any half-hearted measures during the writing and recording process. Good for them. Only thing is that Mindless Sinner doesn't sound as convincing when the tempo is brought down, like on the title track. It just doesn't impress as much as when they keep the flow going. Thankfully that doesn't happen too often, making The New Messiah an enjoyable listen of reasonably good songs. This makes The New Messiah a sound album. Nothing more, nothing less. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myspace.com/mindlesssinner
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindlesssinnerofficial MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mindlesssinner |
67/100 |
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| MOTH'S CIRCLE FLIGHT - My Entropy (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Groove Metal | Running time: 42:41 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| As far I know the only Italians that really are scary are the mobsters, and apparently there's enough of them going around in boot-country. Moth's Circle Flight is trying to break that monopoly, and not really succeeding. Yes, this is heavy. Yes, this is in your face. Yes, this is loud. But it's also something that's been done so many times before. Sometimes worse, sometimes better, and often in the same vein. They've played with Sepultura before, and that, with early Fear Factory, is the direction you need to look at when searching for a comparison. No, this is not bad. Not at all, but it doesn't blow you out of your chair either. They still have a long way to go to become as good as the peers I mentioned. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.logicillogic.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothscircleflight |
65/100 |
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| NO BROS - Metal Marines (CD) | Austria | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 55:54 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| In December of 2015 I reviewed the two re-releases of the albums "Ready For The Action" (1982) and "Heavy Metal Party" (1982) and the "Find Myself" (2015) EP of Austrian Hard Rock band NO BROS. Now I've got the album "Metal Marines" to review, which was released in November of 2015 on Pure Rock Records. This album "Metal Marines" contains 13 tracks and starts with the fantastic "Legends Of The Eighties". In a few songs you still hear the DEEP PURPLE influences. Freddy Gigele is a good singer, and on a few tracks he even reminds me vocally a bit of Biff Byford of SAXON. Anyway, "Metal Marines" is a fine melodic Hard Rock album. Three of the 5 songs of the "Find Myself" EP ("Back Again", "A Night In Touch City" and "Find Myself"), are also on the "Metal Marines" album. The songs which I like the most on "Metal Marines" are the aforementioned "Legends Of The Eighties", "Back Again", the beautiful quiet song "Dark Chamber", "Written In Fire", "Runaway Girl" and "A Night In Touch City". "Metal Marines" is just a nice melodic Hard Rock album, which is of course for the die-hard fans of NO BROS a must have. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.nobros.com
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fanpage.nobros MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rizonrock |
73/100 |
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| OMMATIDIA - Let's Fact It (CD) | France | October 2016 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Dark Melodic Metal | Running time: 48:32 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Ommatidia has risen from the ashes of The Old Dead Tree by gitarist/componist Nicolas Chevrollier and bass player Vincent Danhier. Completed with drummer Olivier Rouget (ex-Sinn, ex-Far From The Sun), gitarist Gilles Vardon (ex-Jarell) and singer Guillaume Richard (ex-Dustbowl) this piece of music is their second album after their 2010 debut In This Life Or The Next. Not being familiar with that one I can't say if they made progress or changed musically. That doesn't matter at all because this album is simply a damn fine one. Strong melodic riffs, fierce drums and outstanding vocals make this album certainly worth listening to. “Immaculate “ opens strong and mysterious with dramatic vocal parts while the following “Sunspot” shows their more catchy side which is very enjoyable. “Dark Swelling” reminds us of Anathema and further on bands like Katatonia and Paradise Lost come in mind. In “Sleeping Black” Guillaume shows us some growls which also sound very good and they really contribute to the song. The album closes with the “Coming Full Circle” trilogy which is a fantastic progressive epic. This band certainly deserves to be more known and this album certainly deserves a wide audience. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ommatidia.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ommatidia |
84/100 |
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| OUR BLOND COVERS - The Lost Side Of The World (MCD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Groove Rock | Running time: 19:13 (Tracks: 5 | ||
| If you are looking for a band you can feel, look no further. Our Blond Covers is just that kind of band. This is groovy. This rocks. This is melodic. This is emotional. But most of all, it's infectious. You can't but nod along to the music while listening. If you're doing something else, your mind will wander off and concentrate on the music. It's that enticing. Their promotor mentions QOTSA, and I agree. I'll give them that comparison. I know this is only 19 minutes of rock, but it makes you eager for more. And that is always a good sign. | |||
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Visit their website: http://obcdiary.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourblondcovers BandCamp: http://ourblondcovers.bandcamp.com |
83/100 |
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| PARADOX - Pangea (CD) | Germany | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal | Running time: 59:24 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| PARADOX was founded in early 1986 and within a very short time became one of the most respected bands in the world-wide metal underground. The band has a very unique style, and has always been an exceptional case, always in high esteem of the press and fans. I already bought their first album "Product of Imagination" in 1987 and that was a nice answer to the early Metallica albums in my opnion. "Heresy", their seconds album from 1989 was even muich better and a classic album that days! After that I saw the band several times live on stage but never bought any of their later releases. Well now I received the 7th (the demo collection not included) full length album of the band. I reallly had to listen to it for more than 10 times before it grabbed me. Maybe because of all the other excellent releases these days it took so long? But to be honest; its a nice album but im afraid the band will not attract more new fans qwith this stuff. Good album; nothing more, nothing less; but to moderate these days im afraid. | |||
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Recordlabel: https://www.afm-records.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradoxthrash SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/paradox-germany |
75/100 |
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| PHANTASMAL - The Reaper's Forge (MC) | USA | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 14:46 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| There are those who like to keep their music and mind in the past. Phantasmal does that as well. This is as old school as you can get. Think Hellhammer and such. They call this black metal, but it's more like 80's speed/thrash with a rough edge to the sound and black metal vocals. Of course the lyrics might be quite evil, I just don't know, but these Americans have found out that old does not always mean stale. This actually sounds vital, invigorating. There's two things I find pitiful about this release. First off, that The Reaper's Forge isn't even 15 minutes long. I could have happily (is that the right phrase here?) listened to this for an awful time longer. Secondly: Why the hell do you guys have to release this on tape? You could have reached so many more people by putting it out on vinyl and/or cd. Because let's face it, how many of you still even have a tape recorder? Rectify that and you'll be taking over the world. Maybe. | |||
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Visit their website: http://phantasmalmetal.bandcamp.com
Recordlabel: http://phantasmalmetal.bandcamp.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phantasmalmetal |
80/100 |
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| POWERSTROKE - Done Deal (CD) | Belgium | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Speed Metal / Thrash Metal | Running time: 42:08 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| POWERSTROKE are a Belgian Metal band and were formed in 2008. So far the band had released the following albums: "Once We Were Kings" (2010), "Awaken The Beast" (2012) and "In For A Penny, In For A Pound" (2014). This fourth album "Done Deal" was released in June of 2016, and this album is my first acquaintance with POWERSTROKE. The line-up of POWERSTROKE on this album exists of Bavo Coene (vocals), Frederik Nuyt (rhythm guitar), Maarten Geeraerts (lead guitar) and Collin Boone (bass). The drums on this album were done by stand-in drummer Nicolas Christiaens. It's the first POWERSTROKE album with new vocalist Coene and bass player Boone. The band plays Speed- Thrash metal, with so now and then also some hardcore influences in it as well. Well, all I can say about "Done Deal" is that it's a fine metal album, with songs such as "Blood Oasis", "Blessing In Disguise", "Call It A Day", "Judge Rules No Violation", "Poetry To A Pig" and "Done Deal". Well done guys. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.powerstroke.be
Recordlabel: http://www.spinalrecords.net Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/powerstrokeband |
76/100 |
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| POWER THEORY - Driven By Fear (CD) | USA | October 2015 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Heavy Power Metal | Running time: 38:22 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Bands like Power Theory are the proof that underground U.S. metal is still alive and kicking. Third full length album and no signs of stopping despite the constant line-up changes. This time there has been a change in the vocal department and the band welcomed Jeff Rose who makes his presence notable from the first minute owning a powerful set of pipes resembling Biff Byford in quite a few moments. Driven By Fear is yet again another straightforward heavy metal album with solid riffs, fiery solos and impressive drumming. Is there anything else that a metalhead needs? I dare to say that it is the best Power Theory album so far, the band is in great shape and it definitely shows. The mighty Peter Baltes (Accept) is the executive producer so you can definitely expect some Accept in the mix (mostly from the reunion era). The duration (below the 40 minute mark) is ideal and contributes to the enjoyable listening process. The great bands of the past have had their time. We need to show our support to the emerging ones if we want the scene to stay alive. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.powertheory.net
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/powertheory1 MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/powertheorytheband |
79/100 |
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| RAZEND - White Goat II (CD) | The Netherlands | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 50:49 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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After deathmetal icons Acrostichon split up, the remaining members formed Outburst and after this band split up too, a new band arose from the ashes from those two bands ...RAZEND... In 2013 they recorded our first 5 song promo cd WHITE GOAT (see Archive CD/DVD reviews May 2014). In 2015 they headed to the studio again which resulted in an EP which they can be proud of. This new release includes the White Goat promo from 2013 as an extra. Well what to tell about this CD? Its a nice piece of thrashmetal which is maybe not always to original BUT well done by good musicians. When listening to the first song (Girl in the Mirror) for example, i hear a lot of old Violence lines; especially vocals. On other songs (like Boktor of Horror) you can hear Corinne grunt like in her younger days with Acrostichon. This CD has a lot of variety and sounds very good. Live the band is also a must see so all buy this album and support these thrasher from the (my) Tilburg area! You wont regret it! | |||
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Website: http://www.razendband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/razendband |
85/100 |
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| RIZON - Power Plant (CD) | Switzerland | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic / Symphonic / Power Metal | Running time: 52:44 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| RIZON is a melodic-/symphonic-/power- Metal band from the German speaking part of Switzerland, and exists of Matthias Götz (vocals, acoustic guitar), Rahel Fischer (vocals), Christian Götz (guitar), Reto Hähnel (guitar), Maik Kindemann (bass), Tom Lindegger (drums) and Marco Kündeli (keyboards). So far, RIZON has released the following albums: "Evolution" (2005), "Sudden Life" (2008) and "Masquerade" (2011). In front of me I have the fourth album "Power Plant", which was released in March of 2016 on Pure Rock Records. Personally, I wasn't familiar with the three previous albums, so "Power Plant" is my first acquaintance with RIZON. And I must admit, that with the first listen I already liked the album. The band exists of excellent musicians, and as well Matthias Götz as Rahel Fisher are both fantastic singers. Musically and with the female vocals of Fisher, it all reminds me a bit of NIGHTWISH. I can't say that there's a weak song on the album. To me the level of the songs is equal. "Power Plant" is absolutely a good Metal album. And I'm sure it make will some more spins in my CD-player so now and then. If you like bands such as SABATON, STRATOVARIUS, NIGHTWISH, HELLOWEEN, then you should check this album out. The songs which are my favorites are "Nevermore" (4:10), "Feel The Heat" (3:50), "If You Rule The World" (3:43), the ballad "Lost Without You" (4:04), "Me" (5:03), "New Age Dawn" (4:29) and "Freedom Of Life (part 1 & 2)" (5:06). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.rizon.ch
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rizonrock MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rizonrock |
75/100 |
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| ROSE'N - Wake Up! (CD) | Germany | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 42:43 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| ROSE'N is a German Heavy Metal band (from Mannheim) that already exists for a long time, and eventually released their debut album "Wake Up!" in 2015. The line-up of ROSE'N exists of Boris Proegler (vocals), Mike Wolf (lead guitar), Mike Vynnez (guitar), Steven Nicks (bass) and Ralf Taylor (drums). The album features 10 tracks of cliché 80's Hard Rock / Heavy Metal of which one is a weak cover version of EVANESCENCE's “My Immortal”. I've listened three times to “Wake Up!”, but each time I couldn't get impressed by it. In my opinion the band has in Boris Proegler a very moderate singer. Anyway, even if this album was released in the eighties, then it was already a very moderate album as well. Wake up guys, maybe it's time to quit. There are way much more better releases out there instead of this weak “Wake Up!”. The songs which are on this album are “Flying”, “Table's Turned”, “Tonight”, “Take Me To The Top”, “Don't Rush Ones Fences”, “Decide It”, the aforementioned cover “My Immortal”, “Dreamer”, “Tales” and “Wake Up”. Still interested, well check this album out yourself, and discover that there are way much better albums available. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.rose-n.com
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rosen |
56/100 |
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| SALEM - Dark Days (CD) | United Kingdom | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Hardrock | Running time: 52:53 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I'll be the first to admit that it took me a great deal of listens before the real impact of Dark Days hit home. Before I realised that Salem had put out one hell of a record. Melodic Hardrock of a very high standing. The songs are outstanding, the sound rocks, the voice of Simon Saxby is outstanding and the whole package is perfection in a nutshell. And yes, it took me almost two months to come to that decision, so it's not exactly taken lightly. Opener Not Guilty reminds me of early Dokken, one of the best melodic hardrock bands ever, and that's meant as a huge compliment. That feeling creeps up all through Dark Days, but never too obvious, never too much in your face. They never copy the music, the capture the feelings and emotions like Dokken used to. The way the harmonic voices sound in conjunction with the music is probably why. Salem is a musical force to be reckoned with. Like I said, I'm thrilled! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.salemband.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salemband MySpace: https://myspace.com/salem.uk |
91/100 |
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| SARASIN - Sarasin (CD) | Canada | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 39:47 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| I usually love Canadian bands. For some reason or other they always have that bit of class that the especially the Americans lack. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but Sarasin is not one of those. They've also got that bit of extra that keeps you interested. Their last EP, Lay Down You Guns, originated in 1987. Considering that is almost 30 years ago you must admit they've taken their time coming up with their self-titled full-length debut album. But the wait is worth it. If you love your heavy metal old fashioned, clean, powerful and not too fast, that is. With a modern production, and that does make a difference, because now it all sounds quite good. Musically Sarasin would have fit in with the NWOBHM and other early 80's UK bands, as their sound is quite British. And that's meant to be a compliment, boys! So for all those old headbangers, like me, who still love the golden era of metal, check this out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sarasin.ca
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarasin |
79/100 |
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| SAVIOR FROM ANGER - Temple of Judgment (CD) | ITALY | October 2016 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 48:01 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I lost touch with this Italian band right after the release of its debut album Lost in the Darkness back in 2008. It was a decent effort of solid power metal influenced by the U.S. metal scene. Another one followed in 2013 (unfortunately I had no clue) and this is the third strike. The band leader Mark Ryal recruited an American metal veteran for the vocals slot since the band had no permanent singer for years. The legendary Bob Mitchell (Attacker, Sleepy Hollow, Vyndykator etc.) is behind the microphone delivering some of his trademarks high pitched vocals. Unfortunately the years have passed and Mitchell is not at the top of his game. Still he probably is the best thing going on in this album since I couldn't find any top moments among its 11 songs. The sound doesn't help at all because the production is a bit weak. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad album (actually the ballad Starlight is the only bad song included) but with all the volume of albums getting released day after day, we need something exceptional to stand taller and draw our attention. If you are a sucker for U.S. metal delivered through a European perspective, give it a try! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/saviorfromanger MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/marcoruggiero |
65/100 |
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| SCOLOPENDRA - Cycles (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Extreme Metal | Running time: 45:34 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Extreme Metal can take many forms. The one Scolopendra is taking is not bad, not bad at all. The thing that most bands in this genre need to fear is that it can get just a tad too much for the listener, as they're asking a lot of them by playing so frantic, fast and close to the edge. Thankfully Cycles only clocks 45 minutes, but it shouldn't have been much more. Although Scolopendra isn't the fastest band in the spectrum, they hardly ever let you off, give you a break. They just keep on pounding away at your brain with a chisel, trying to break you down. They don't succeed, but only because what they do they do in the right amounts. The music slows down when asked for, speeds up when needed, but it's always as tight as a duck's arse. And a beating in that area for three quarters of an hour is asking much, even from the most experienced listeners. Somehow, however, Cycles gets away with it. My advice: Put your helmet and safety goggles on, make sure you've visited the toilet and sit down and listen. As loud as you can. I dare you! | |||
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scolopendraofficial
MySpace: https://myspace.com/scolopendraofficial |
80/100 |
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| SERIOUS BLACK - Mirror World (CD) | Germany | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 66:35 (Tracks: 16) | ||
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A new band - 6 members, 6 friends - all with huge experience and knowledge from many years in the business and being part of the most successful melodic metal bands: this is SERIOUS BLACK! The line-up consists of Bob Katsionis (Firewind , Revolution Renaissance , Outloud), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire), Mario Lochert (ex-Visions Of Atlantis), Dominik Sebastian (Edenbridge), Jan Vacik (ex-Dreamscape) and (last but not least) the golden voice of Urban breed (ex-Tad Morose, ex-Bloodbound). SERIOUS BLACK is different to many of the so-called “allstar” projects, because in fact, they are a real band. A band that crafted their incredible debut album ‘As Daylight Breaks’ together, with every member involved into songwriting and recordings, a band that can’t wait to enter the stages. ‘As Daylight Breaks’ is a real teamwork effort, a melodic metal jewel displaying conviction, amazing musicianship and outstanding songwriting. This all according hte bands biography. Fans who embrace classic melodic sound in the vein of Avantasia or Masterplan have found a new favorite band now. The band also had some more AOR kinda songs which fit prefect to Urban Breed's voice. Bands like Santers and Edguy also come in mind listening to some of the songs. Nevertheless a great album and also a good live band! Check them out!!! A bit softer as the below reviewed Sinbreed album (a band whch they toured with lately) but a real addition to my collection! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.serious-black.com
Recordlabel: https://www.afm-records.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriousblackofficial |
85/100 |
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| SERPENT SKIES - A Claim To Reality (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 45:57 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| I could my job very easy by saying that if you love In Flames in their Whoracle/Colony era, you should go out and buy Serpent Skies album A Claim To Reality. But that would be too cheap, wouldn't it? Well, not really, as it tells you exactly what to expect. But then I would forget to mention that the songs are quite good, that the production is way above par and that these guys do know how to make music. Plus I'd be forgetting the fact that to me the mentioned era is the best In Flames ever had, and I'm missing that kind of music in the current metal climate. So I'd be selling these guys a little short. Then again, you guys know how to make your mind up yourselves. And you don't want anything in the review that isn't relevant. Like that the cover is disappointing. So I'd better stop now. | |||
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Visit their website: https://www.bandpage.com/serpentskies
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serpent-skies |
67/100 |
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| SETA - Stupide Abitudini (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Rock | Running time: 37:09 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Rock and electronics don't always mix. They do with Seta. Stupide Abitudini reminds me of the last and self-titled album of Stabbing Westward. Big difference is that the electronics have replaced the industrial influences. The fact that the band sings in Italian is not even an issue, as that fits like a glove. It's got the same emotional but riveting vibe, but it is lacking that one element that makes an album essential: tension. Seta is just too loose, too casual. Unfortunately that results in the music being pleasant for your ears, but forgettable as well. This is perfect background music. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.setaofficial.com
Recordlabel: http://www.atomicstuff.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/setaofficial |
63/100 |
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| SEVENTH VEIL - Vox Animae (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 44:51 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Seventh Veil looks scarier than the music sounds. They look like Metallica did during their Reload period, silly. This Italian band fills Vox Animae with melodic metal to the first degree, although the guitar sound sometimes will make you think more towards the nu-metal bracket. But believe you me, it's melodic from the first till the last tone. I've tried to read the lyrics, but they seem to be too cryptic for me. Unfortunately the pronunciation of it all leaves a bit to be desired as well. But that's nit-picking, because this should be about the music. And even though I think it's not bad, it doesn't have me jumping for joy either. It never gets me to the edge of my seat, it never invites me to sing along, headbang like crazy or crank up the volume full throttle. I'm afraid it's all just too mediocre for my taste. Maybe you disagree. If so, good for you! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.seventhveil.eu
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seventhveil |
65/100 |
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| SINBREED - Master Creator (CD) | Germany | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 45:00 (Tracks: 10) | ||
|
SINBREED don’t just play around… the band’s brand new (third) studio album, titled “Master Creator”, delivers a full dose of gutsy melodic speed metal.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the German group feat. Blind Guardian drummer Frederik Ehmke and vocalist Herbie Langhans (Avantasia) offers a great blend of furious, traditional Teutonic metal though. SINBREED’s latest album “Shadows” was released in April 2014, their debut ”When Worlds Collide” even dates back to 2010. So hearing a brand new, fresh and inspired “master creation” by the band that quickly, will pleasantly be welcomed by the metal scene. This according the bands biogrpahy... Well my first acquaintance with this band was the fact that they did a tour lately with Serious Black and the bands touring line up consisted my favorite (and personal discovery) Dutch singer Nick Holleman who stepped in for Herbie Langhans who was on tour with Avantasia during that time. Vocally Nick Holleman fitted good to the music and did a hell of a job (like always) but his voice isnt comparible with Herbie's voice at all. Listening to this album it suits me that I feel a kind of Jorn Lande sound in the band; Herbie's voice comes close to the more rawer vocals of Jorn Lande. And thats a compliment because Jorn is one of my alltime favorite singer in rock music! Besides this all; Master Creator is an excellent album with a lot of variety and great musicianship! Well done guys! You have a new fan!! For fans of Helloween, Freedom Call and Jorn Lande a must have!!! | |||
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Visit their website: http://sinbreed.com
Recordlabel: https://www.afm-records.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sinbreed |
92/100 |
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| SKOX - Years of Legion (CD) | France | October 2016 | Rob Claesen |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 44:41 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| French thrashers Skox have been around since 2003. It took 13 years to release their debute. Maybe that's why this album sounds impressively good. It sounds like oldschool Sepultura with Mille Petrozza like vocals. The production sounds really good and makes every instrument coma out well. It's nice to see a band come up with some original riffs and ideas. A very promissing debute album. I'm curious about their nex steps. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.myspace.com/skoxband Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skoxband |
80/100 |
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| SLEEPY HOLLOW - Tales of Gods and Monsters (CD) | USA | October 2016 | Kostas Kounadinis |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 49:52 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Sleepy Hollow is an underground heavy metal act hailing from New Jersey. The band debuted back in 1989 with a 4 track demo and an album followed in 1991. Unfortunately the band folded soon afterwards but gained a cult status over the years. The participation of the Attacker mainman Bob Mitchell was one of the reasons. The Sleepy Hollow name resurfaced in 2000 when Old Metal records released a vinyl version of the demo and 2 years later Unisound records released a cd anthology. But the band wouldn't release a follow-up to the debut until 2012. Mitchell was handling the vocal duties once again and the result was adequate but couldn't meet the standards of the debut. Tales of Gods and Monsters reveals yet again a different line-up since Mitchell departed and guitarist Steve Stegg is the only remaining original member. Stegg's choice for the vocals slot was Chapel Stormcrow and I have to admit that this was a strange selection since Chapel's range is the opposite of Mitchell's. So it took me some time to familiarize with that change. He is a good vocalist but not Sleepy Hollow material in my opinion. The album is quite close to its predecessor though in terms of sound and songwriting. Right after the release of the album, there was yet another change concerning the vocalist as Steven Reimer (Slauter Xstroyes) stepped in replacing Stormcrow. That is definitely a logical choice and makes me wonder how the album would sound with Reimer's high pitched contribution… | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sleepyhollowmetal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowmetal MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalhollowmetal |
68/100 |
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| SOUNDCRAVE - Waiting For The Day (MCD) | The Netherlands | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 9:34 (Tracks: 2) | ||
| The impressive start to opener Waiting For The Day grabs your attention straight away. The mix between rock and metal SoundCrave show us does work. It's not fast, but not slow either. It's not pounding along, but it's not mellow either. This is right in the middle, without being middle of the road. Especially because the voice does take some time getting used to. We Are Tomorrow has exactly the same ingredients, and together these two songs make for an pleasant first impression of these Dutch rockers. Worth checking out! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.soundcrave.com
Recordlabel: http://www.soundcravecom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundcrave |
81/100 |
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| SPLIT HEAVEN - Death Rider (CD) | Mexico | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 48:51 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| My first acquaintance with Mexican Heavy Metal band SPLIT HEAVEN was when they played on MARIO'S METAL MEETING VI in the Little Devil, Tilburg, Holland on September 22nd, 2012. And the second time I saw SPLIT HEAVEN was on July 18th, 2014, which was also in the Little Devil. Both times they played there with a different singer. And with the December 2013 update of MMM I reviewed the band's third full length album "The Devil's Bandit". On that album GianCarlo Farjat was the singer. Now I've got the fourth SPLIT HEAVEN album "Death Rider" to review, and notable is that the band turned from a 5-piece band into a 4-piece band, and on this album the band has in Jason Conde-Houston a new singer. And I'm not sure if Conde-Houston already was the singer, when I saw the band on July 18th, 2014. Anyway, "Death Rider" is a nice metal album, although I must say that the last three tracks of the album, which are "Talking With The Devil", "Descarga Letal" and "Destructor" are the least songs. My favorites of "Death Rider" are the title track "Death Rider", "Awaken The Tyrant", "Battle Axe", "Ghost Of Desire" and "Sacrifice". | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.splitheaven.net
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/splitheaven MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/splitheaven |
75/100 |
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| STARBLIND - Dying Son (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 47:53 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| STARBLIND is a Swedish Heavy Metal band that was formed in 2013. The band, who are from Stockholm, exists of Mike Stark (vocals), Björn Rosenblad (guitar), Johan Jonasson (guitar), Daniel Tillberg (bass) and Zakarias Wikner (drums). The band's debut album "Darkest Horrors" was released in 2014 (on Stormspell Records), and this second album "Dying Son" was released in December of 2015 on Pure Steel Records. To me, this second album "Dying Son" is my first acquaintance with STARBLIND, and with the first listen to it, I thought by myself "hey is this the new IRON MAIDEN album?". Believe me, originality is hard to find, because from the first notes of opener "A Dying Son" until the last track "The Land Of Seven Rivers Beyond The Sea" it's all IRON MAIDEN that you hear. The pumping bass guitar, the guitar riffs, the guitar solos and the drums, all reminds to the great and legendary MAIDEN. STARBLIND exists of marvelous musicians and they have in Mike Stark a real great singer. And although this album sounds exactly like MAIDEN, I have to admit that "Dying Son" is a strong album. There isn't any weak song to find, because the songs "A Dying Son", "Blood Red Skies", "Firestone", "The Man Of The Crowd", "The Lighthouse", "Sacrifice", "Room 101" and the almost 12 minute lasting "The Land Of Seven Rivers Beyond The Sea" are all a real pleasure to listen to, despite the fact that it all sounds like the mighty MAIDEN. For originality the album should score a minus point, but once again, this album sounds so awesome, they absolutely deserve 83 points. Well done guys. "Dying Son" is absolutely a recommendation, and especially to fans of IRON MAIDEN. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.starblind.se
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/starblindtheband |
83/100 |
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| STEEL RAISER - Unstoppable (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Speed Metal | Running time: 42:50 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| From Italy comes Heavy-, Speed Metal band STEEL RAISER. The band was formed in 2006 and exists of Alfonso Giordano (vocals), Gian Luca Rossi (guitar), Giuseppe Seminara (guitar), Salvo Pizzimento (bass) and Antonio Portale (drums). So far STEEL RAISER has released the demo "Gloria Perpetua" (2007), and the albums "Race Of Steel" (2008) and "Regeneration" (2013). This third full length album "Unstoppable" was released in June of 2015, and is my first acquaintance with STEEL RAISER. To me, musically STEEL RAISER reminds me of bands such as VICIOUS RUMORS, METAL CHURCH, JUDAS PRIEST, SAVATAGE, ACCEPT etc., and vocally Alfonso Giordano sounds on several songs like David Wayne (METAL CHURCH). In fact, "Unstoppable" is a varied metal album, with up-tempo songs and more melodic stuff. The songs which are my favorites on "Unstoppable" are "Inexorable", "Decapitator", "Fast As The Light", "Thousand Blades", the title-track "Unstoppable" and "Scent Of Madness". Well, STEEL RAISER is an interesting band, who with "Unstoppable" have released an excellent Heavy Metal album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ironshieldrecords.de
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/steelraiserofficial |
78/100 |
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| TEARS FROM VENERE - Temporary Lives (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Rock 'n' Roll | Running time: 31:59 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| As far as I know, Italian Rock 'n' Roll isn't very big outside their own country. Tears From Venere won't change that, unfortunately. The reason being that although Temporary Lives houses some good music, there's nothing innovative her. We've heard it all before. Neither is there a tune that will amaze you or get stuck in your brain within an instant. And those are essential to a band like Tears From Venere getting noticed. Don't misunderstand me, this isn't bad at all, but in the big pond of rock bands they should be lucky if they're the ones being hooked by the masses. Oh, and of the voices there's one that gets on my nerves. Don't know who that is, but that's the biggest disappointment of Temporary Lives. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.atomicstuff.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tearsfromvenere Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tearsfromvenere |
64/100 |
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| THE DEVIL'S 3rd - Ventriloquism (MCD) | The Netherlands | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 24:32 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| THE DEVIL'S 3RD is a Dutch Thrash/Heavy Metal band from Tilburg. The band exists since 2012, and the members of the band on this first EP "Ventriloquism" are Frans Wijnen (vocals), Bart Geisen (guitar, backing vocals), Sam van de Leur (bass) and Jeffrey Rolink (drums). This EP was released in January of 2016, and in the meantime bass player Sam van de Leur has been replaced by Django van Loon. The band exists of excellent musicians and Frans is a nice singer, who also uses high pitched vocals so now and then. “Ventrilloquism” starts with the fantastic “Desert Storm” (3:59). The guitar riff in “I, Dictator” (3:23) reminds me very much of “Anti-Social” (ANTHRAX, originally by TRUST). The beginning of “The Devil Speaks Through Her” (5:41) reminds me of SLAYER's “Hell Awaits” era, and the riff halfway “Discipline Is My Sword” (4:42) reminds of METAL CHURCH's “Metal Church”. Altogether, THE DEVIL'S 3RD has released with “Ventriloquism” an excellent EP. Well done guys. | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thedevilsthirdband |
73/100 |
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| THEM - Fear Them (MCD) | International | October 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 16:31 (Tracks: 3) | ||
|
THEM is a new U.S. metal band featuring bassist Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) and drummer Kevin Talley (SUFFOCATION) and has inked a deal with Belgium's Empire Records. This is imited-edition tour CD called "Fear Them"which was available on THEM's U.S./Canadian tour as the support act for German power metallers HELLOWEEN. "Fear Them" contains three tracks ("Forever Burns", "Dead of Night" and "Blood From Blood") from THEM's upcoming debut album, "Sweet Hollow". The band plays metal with "a macabre tale of tragic loss, pain and suffering," From the first till the last second I was blown away! The band is much inspirated by King Diamond/Mercyful Fate but is not a copy-cat (which is btw impossible) of these bands. Musically this is even 1000x better than bands like Attic or Portrait. Personally I also hear some influences from bands like NEVERMORE and GHOST (but way more heavier). What a superb EP! Hope to receive the complete album soon too because I cant wait !!!! THEM is: Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) - Bass Kevin Talley (SUFFOCATION) - Drums Markus Ulrich (LANFEAR) - Guitar Markus Johansson (SYLENCER) - Guitar Richie Seibel (LANFEAR) - Keyboards Troy Norr "KK Fossor" (COLDSTEEL) - Vocals | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.empirerecords.be
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thembandofficial Bandcamp: http://them6.bandcamp.com/releases |
99/100 |
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| THE OATH - Consequences (CD) | France | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Death Metal | Running time: 47:40 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Death Metal plus keyboards plus occasional clean voice equals melodic death metal. Right? Well, it doesn't in this case, as most of the time this is straight forward and lethal stuff. The Oath is not the most fortunate of band names, as there are and have been so many of them before. Consequences is definitely modern in sound, approach and music, but it still has that one key element you look for in death metal: good old fashioned aggression. At those times you really are brought back some years, as it does sound like other bands of old, mainly Paradise Lost, to be exact. But only when they drop their speed quite a bit. Don't be alarmed, they're not copying anyone, but sometimes similarities will creep in unintentionally. Consequence is that Consequences is a good album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.theoath.org/
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoathmetal Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-oath-1 |
72/100 |
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| THE WALK - Wrong Enemy (CD) | France | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative Rock / Cultural Rock | Running time: 59:44 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| THE WALK is an Alternative- / Cultural Rock band from France that exists since 2012. The band exists of Hervé Andrione (lead vocals, guitar), Claudio Dos Santos (bass, acoustic bass, vocals), Nicolas Beck (tarhu (looks like a contrabass violin), vocals) and Victor Binot (drums, electronics). So far THE WALK had released the 6-track EP "1st Step" (2013), the 3-track Single/EP "Frozen Hands" (2014) and the 4-track EP "Sit By The Fire" (2015). The "Sit By The Fire" EP was released for promotional use only. Well, this full length debut album "Wrong Enemy" is my first acquaintance with THE WALK, and although it has nothing to do with Metal, I have to admit that after a few spins I began to like the album. Notable through all the songs is that oriental instrument the Tarhu. Anyway, the band exists of excellent musicians, and Hervé Andrione is a good singer. There's nothing negatives to mention about this album. The songs which I like the most are "Sit By The Fire", "Wrong Enemy", the beautiful quiet song "Words Of Wisdom", "Security Slap", the 8:02 lasting quiet song "Far From My Dreams" and "A Price To Pay". After the last track "Expanding Universe" there's also a hidden track on the album, only I don't know the title of that track. "Wrong Enemy" is a good and beautiful album, only I don't think most of the readers of MMM will appreciate this type of music. Anyway, well done guys. | |||
| Visit their website: http://www.thewalkmusic.com |
78/100 |
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| THUNDER LORD - Prohecies Of Doom (CD) | Chile | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 48:16 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| How many Chilean metal bands can you name? Well, from today I know one. And I do like that one. They're called Thunder Lord and they play old school fast paced heavy metal, edging towards speed/thrash metal. With the corresponding sound to match! And although they won't win any prizes for innovativeness or originality, they have got that one factor every band needs: this sounds interesting. It's a joy to listen to. The music is contagious, the voice complements it all and you can't help but start tapping your feet and nodding along to the music. Slowly though you'll find that your neck starts to work harder and harder, until you're banging away like a maniac. Next you'd really like to start moshing, but you're afraid of what the wife will say when you do. Or are you? WTF, let's do it! Next thing is you find out this is actually their third album, so here we go, let's find the other two. Great stuff!! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.ironshieldrecords.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderlordofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/underheavymetal |
85/100 |
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| V-ANGER - In Shovel We Trust (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Groove Metal | Running time: 42:56 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| With an album title like In Shovel We Trust I was expecting something in the vein of Zimmer's Hole, but I'm completely off the mark. V-Anger isn't funny at all, they sound dead serious. To try and explain where these guys are to be found in the musical spectrum is relatively easy. They have covered Biotech Is Godzilla on this album, and that's where you need to look. V-Anger sounds fierce, like a battering ram coming at you at full speed. Nothing wrong with that, but even a battering ram should take a break sometimes. No luck here, unfortunately, so you should be glad In Shovel We Trust doesn't last much longer than 42 minutes. That sounds like about the maximum time to be able to survive this mayhem. Because although these guys aren't treading any new paths, they are flattening the ones they're charging along. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.vanger.it
Recordlabel: http://www.wsliptrickrecords.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vangerita |
73/100 |
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| VEONITY - Gladiator's Tale (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | Frans Neelen |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 55:44 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Veonity is a Power Metal band from Vänersborg in Sweden. The band was formed in 2013 and in 2013 they released an EP ”Live Forever” and this 2015 ”Gladiator's Tale” is their full length debut. Sometimes I wonder if there are worse musicians in Scandinavia because this Veonity also consists of great ones. The line up is Anders Sköld - Vocals, Guitar, Samuel Lundström - Guitar, Kristoffer Lidre - Bass and Joel Kollberg - Drums. These man are responsible for a great Power Metal album in the line of Hammerfall, Gamma Ray, Helloween and Manowar. Being not that fond of the more cheesy, sing along stuff like they present in “Into Eternity” and “For The Glory” this band comes up with bold killer tracks that the mentioned bands leave in despair. Listen to powerful mighty tracks “Let Me Die”, “Born Out of Despair” , “Chains Of Blood” (Manowar eat your heart out !) and the epic “Gladiator's Tale”. This album is filled with powerful, galloping riffs, fabulous guitar solo's, fine choirs and fantastic vocals. The energy and power drips of and it's a must have for every Power Metal lover. In September their new album already comes out which will be named “Into The Void” . Can't wait for that one already. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.veonity.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/veonity |
85/100 |
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| VITA MUSEUM - Frozen Limbo Zero (CD) | United Kingdom | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Alternative Rock / Modern Metal | Running time: 46:50 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| I was very surprised by this debut album "Frozen Limbo Zero" of VITA MUSEUM. The band exists of Ivan King (vocals, guitar), Jan Argenio (bass) and Nicolas IX (drums). All songs on this album were written and composed by Ivan King. And I must say, this guy can write fantastic songs. I understand that "Somebody To Destroy" was the first single of the album. It's a very accessible song with a "danceable" groove, but to me, it's the least song of the album. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad song, but I like all the other songs more. "Frozen Limbo Zero" starts with the instrumental "Limbo", which, to me, sounds like music of a movie-score. Musically VITA MUSEUM reminds me very much of LINKIN PARK. "Leave Me" is a nice quiet song. The songs of "Frozen Limbo Zero" which are my favorites are the intro "Limbo", "Circle", "The Addiction", "Never Be The Same", "Another Time, Another You" and "In An Instant". Excellent band with a fantastic album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.vitamuseum.com
Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vitamuseum |
80/100 |
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| VULTURIC EYE - Vulture Manifesto (CD) | United Kingdom | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 19:04 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| On their Facebook page the band just state: If Rush were a nihilistic band. That just hits the nail on the head, because that's what this Mini album gives you. Plus some early Heir Apparent and Fates Warning, and that's definitely a good thing. The thing is, Vulture Manifesto reminds me of the time when I first heard the first Queensryche EP. You got blown away by the sheer musical qualities of the songs, making you just want to hear more of Vulturic Eye. No, the production isn't brilliant, the volume of the recordings is very low, but by listening through it all time and time again you find that this is quite a gem. Now we wait for the full length album. Soon, please? | |||
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Visit their website: http://vulturiceye.com
Recordlabel: https://howlinginvocations.bandcamp.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vulturiceye |
87/100 |
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| WASTAGE - Slave To The System (CD) | Slovakia | October 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal / Thrashcore | Running time: 37:27 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| WASTAGE is a band from Slovakia that plays a mixture of Thrashcore, Hardcore and Metal, and exists of Bohus Michalko (vocals), Roman Madej (guitar), Jozef Daras (guitar), Ferry Sarközi (bass) and Miroslav Szeman (drums). I don't know when the band was formed, and I assume that "Slave To The System" is the debut album of the band. Anyway, don't expect something new here. As well as musically as vocally, these eleven songs on "Slave To The System" are sounding far from original. I have listened several times to this album, and okay I can listen to it, but I can't say that each time I listened to it I really got impressed by it. All I can say is that "Slave To The System" is nothing more than a very average Metal album. The few songs which I like a bit are "Away From Darkness", "No Way Out" (reminds me of PRO-PAIN) and "You Can't Stop". Are you still curios about this album of WASTAGE, well….check it out yourself. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.sliptrickrecords.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WastageSK |
59/100 |
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| WASTE PIPES - Fake Mistake (CD) | Italy | October 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Rock 'n' Roll | Running time: 31:03 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Happy first notes on opener Headstrong of Fake Mistake grab your attention, as they should. This is pleasurable rock 'n' roll with vocalist Chris having the same nasal sound to his voice as Klaus Meine of the Scorpions has. Like many bands there's not a shred of anything new to be found, but because this sounds so infectious it does make you feel good, keeps your ears and mind with the music. This will lift your spirit when you most need it, that's how positive this all sounds. I don't know where the band got the name Waste Pipes, but it doesn't fit their uplifting music. But, as this is their third full length album, I doubt they'll be changing it soon. This album is no Fake, and nor a Mistake. Thank you guys for ending my day on a high! | |||
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Visit their website: https://www.facebook.com/waste-pipes
Recordlabel: http://www.atomicstuff.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waste-pipes |
72/100 |
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| XENOFANES - Pissing in the Holy Grail (CD) | Sweden | October 2016 | Rob Claesen |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 56:52 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| When I saw the albumtitle I thought the bandmenmers were 16 year old adolescents. I was very surprised to see the band was formed in 1993. So to be honest: I was a little prejudiced by the childish title. All in all, I must revise my opinion, as Xenofanes is better than expected, and the four members of the band managed to attract my attention. A little Nasty Savage influence with a very brutal musical attack, are the ingredients that Xenofanes offers. Most outstanding song is the titletrack, which lasts 10 minutes. If you like olkdschool, messy bands like Nuclear Assaultyou should check this album out. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.myspace.com/skoxband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xenofanes |
75/100 |
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| ACE FREHLEY – Origins Vol.1 (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Hans van Peppen |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 51:03 minutes (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Ace Frehley's follow up album of Space Invader is Origins Vol.1. I don't think I have to introduce Ace Frehley to you Metal Maniacs? Just kiddin' … Well, Origins Vol.1 has songs on it which Ace liked in his teen years or have influenced him from outer space. Just like Ace himself has influenced many, many guitar players on the globe. For example Scott Ian (Anthrax), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Slash (Guns 'n' Roses, Slash) and late Pantera legend Dimebag Darrell. Ace himself was of course influenced by “older” heroes. Although there are also three Kiss songs on the album. Parasite (featuring John 5), Rock N Roll Hell and Cold Gin (featuring Mike McCready). Those tracks have Ace on vocals. The other tracks are White Room (Cream), Street Fighting Man (The Rolling Stones), Spanish Castle Magic (Jimi Hendrix, feat. John 5), Emerald (Thin Lizzy, feat. Slash), Bring It On Home (Led Zeppelin), Wild Thing (The Troggs, feat. Lita Ford), Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf), Till The End Of The Day (The Kinks) and maybe the most exciting song on this album Fire and Water (Free) with Paul Stanley on vocals! Who could have predicted that ten years ago and made a bet of it? He would became a millionaire in 2016! Paul Daniel Frehley has delivered the goods again with this Origins Vol.1. Unmistakable you hear the sound of Ace Frehley throughout this album with on some tracks, as mentioned, his recognizable voice. As this is Vol.1 there might be coming a Vol.2 in the future. “I am really thrilled with the whole thing” says Frehley and so am I. The master speaks again. This time from his past. And I am on my way to buy to vinyl version of Origins Vol.1! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.acefrehley.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialacefrehley |
80/100 |
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| AFTER APOCALYPSE – After Apocalypse (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Symphonic Metal / Death Metal / Gothic | Running time: 45:15 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| AFTER APOCALYPSE is an Italian female fronted band from Brescia that started in 2014. The band exists of Elena (vocals), Seba (guitar), Zendra (guitar), Megres (bass), Varghar (growls, clarinet) and Al (drums). This self-titled debut album "After Apocalypse" features 10 tracks and was released in November of 2015. The album is actually a mixture of Symphonic Metal, Death Metal and Gothic. That's because Elena is from origin an opera singer, and clarinetist Varghar does backing vocals with his dark deep growls. Okay, Elena has a good classical opera voice, but the first 2 or 3 spins it was really a hard job for me to finish the end of the album. The reason about that is that Elena's voice sounds the entire album all the same. And that could well be a disturbing factor. But musically, this album is okay. The band exists of good musicians, and the songs are nice compositions as well. All with all, I think I have listened in total 6 or 7 times to this album, and I must admit that it's a nice album, but I wouldn't buy it myself easily. If you like the combination of Gothic, Symphonic- and Death Metal, with high opera vocals and deep dark Death Metal grunts, then you should check this band out. The songs which are on this album are titled: "After Apocalypse", "World Of Marzipan", "Dark Side", "Glorious Way", "Insight", "Crying Moon", "One Day", "White Page", "Mechanical Mask", "Sentence". Personally, I don't have any specific favorites. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.logicillogic.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/after-apocalypse |
67/100 |
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| BARK - Voice of Dog (CD) | Belgium | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Groove Metal / Death 'n' Roll | Running time: 27:14 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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BARK is a new pack of Antwerp stray dogs of extreme sound. Infectious dirty riffs and a voice that tears your speakers apart. They serve their tunes raw, unpolished, gritty and dark! Ive seen the band lately and was blown away by their energy!! Not the typical metal I listen to often but this longed for more and so guitarplayer Martin Furia sended me this promo CD. Well glad I got it!!! Musically its a mix of punk, hardcore, metal, sludge and a bit of stoner. Difficult to compare these guys with other bands but personally i hear influences of old Sepultura, Down, Prong, Wargasm, Carnivore & Pro Pain. This a great album but personally LIVE the band convinced me complete! Need to check these guys again soon!! Excellent album! | |||
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Visit their website: http://barkantwerp.bandcamp.com
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/barkantwerp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bark666 |
92/100 |
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| BEAVERSTORE - Beaverstore Presents The Vomiteer (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | Jordy Brouwers |
| Style: Rock 'n Metal | Running time: 35:17 (Tracks: 10) | ||
|
The history of Beaverstore goes back many years ago until the moment that bassist André Hendriks got the idea to create “innovative music”. With the bass guitar in his hand the first songs were born. He found band members in the person of Daan van Dijk (Guitar), Bas de Kruijff on Vocals and Dirk Verspaget on Drums. Beaverstore was a fact! After a year the band recorded their first demo entitled "Rock 'n Death”. After this release, quite quickly a period of inactivity followed. But a few years later, Andre, Daan and Dirk decided to resuscitate Beaverstore. Soon, Billy Bouw joined the band as the new vocalist. When the ideas for the album “Beaverstore Presents: The Vomiteer" originated, guitarist Daan decided to leave the band. It was difficult for him to combine his private life with all the activities of the band. Hakan Simsek quite quickly joined the band as the new guitarist. Last November, Beaverstore released their first album: "Beaver Store Presents: The Vomiteer". The album is available in a limited edition with a comic and it introduces the Vomiteer, a new hero who fights evil with his "Master Deathray Vomit". By super human control of his stomach and oesophagus, he vomits with deadly precision. The comic “learns” us how the Vomiteer acquired his powers and who his enemies are. Actually, one do not buy a CD, but a comic with a CD. The debut album has been recorded in the Split Second Sound studios in Amsterdam under the direction of Jochem Jacobs and Bauke Visser. It has been released by Kaiserschlacht Records. I have to say that the end product has really surprised me. The band as well as the producers have delivered a really nice album. The opener of the album immediately sets the tone for the album. After a nice intro (marching music), the band shows what we can expect, some really good rock `n roll with a huge touch of metal (that`s why rock `n metal). The tempo in the first songs is quite high, and this persists during the first half of the album. The consequence is that you have to listen the album several times before you can fathom all the songs. This can maybe be a trap for the band. It lasts until the seventh song until they band slows down a little bit. During this song (“Above the law abiding citizen”), Beaverstore shows also that it`s not a problem to compose songs which have a lower tempo. This song is by the way one of my favourites, together with Scum Redeemer. I am really impressed by the guitar solo of Hakan during this song (without depriving the other band members.) The album ends nice with the songs Ultimate Ugliness (with a nice middle east intro) and Infinite Depredation, in the style in which the album began. I have only one advice: go out and check it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.beaverstore.nl
Recordlabel: http://kaiserschlacht-records.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaverstore |
85/100 |
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| BED OF A NUN – Waiting For A Visit (CD) | Austria | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 56:21 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| First off, this is a strange name for a band. But as they're Austrians, I'll let them off. They must have thought that the Bed Of A Nun is a comfortable one and felt the name would fit their music. Because this is a stress free exercise. It's rock with a little eerie underground, but always easy to listen to. Nothing wrong with that if the songs are alright, and they are. But honestly said, to me they're nothing more than that. And that just isn't enough. The album never explodes, or even implodes, for that matter. It just dabbles on. It makes Waiting For A Visit exactly just that, an album that will have to wait until it's played next time around. It might be a long wait. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bedofanun Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bedofanun |
61/100 |
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| BLACKSLASH – Sinister Lightning (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal / NWOBHM | Running time: 42:21 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| BLACKSLASH is a German Heavy Metal band that was formed in 2007. So far I wasn't familiar with this band. BLACKSLASH, which exists of Clemens Haas (vocals), Christian Haas (guitar), Daniel Hölderle (guitar), Alec Trojan (bass) and David Hofmeier (drums), released their self-titled debut EP "Blackslash" in 2011, followed by the band's first full length album "Separate But Equal" (2013) and the 3 track EP "Stellar Master" (2014). Now I've got the band's second full length album "Sinister Lightning" to review, and man…..this album is awesome. The band plays old school Heavy Metal / NWOBHM like in the eighties. Okay, you'll hear influences of IRON MAIDEN and THIN LIZZY. The band exists of excellent musicians, and Clemens Haas is a good singer with a clean melodic voice. It's a pleasure to listen to the great twin solos of Christian Haas and Daniel Hölderle. There's one semi-ballad on "Sinister Lightning", which is titled "Made Of Steel", and is a good song. In fact, there isn't any weak song on "Sinister Lightning". The beginning of the second track "Lucifer's Reign" also reminded me a bit of VANDERBUYST. All three tracks of the aforementioned "Stellar Master" EP ("Stellar Master", "Steel Stallions" and "Don't Touch Me") are also on this album. The vinyl version has a bonus track, which is titled "Bleed Out". Too bad, that song isn't on this CD as well. Anyway, this is a superb album, and believe me all tracks, which are "Empire Rising", "Lucifer's Reign", "Stellar Master", "Edge Of The World", "Rock 'N' Roll", "Steel Stallions", "Wild And Free", "Made Of Steel" and "Don't Touch Me", are great. Once again, "Sinister Lightning" is a superb album, which is really a recommendation to anyone who's into the Heavy Metal of the eighties, but also likes newer bands such as DEAD LORD and NIGHT DEMON. Anyway, I really hope that Mario of MMM will book this fantastic band in the Little Devil, Tilburg, Holland pretty soon. Thanks guys for this making this great album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.blackslash-band.de
Recordlabel: http://www.ironshieldrecords.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blackslashband |
85/100 |
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| BLIZZARD HUNTER – Heavy Metal To The Vein (CD) | Peru | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Speed Metal | Running time: 49:08 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| BLIZZARD HUNTER is a 5 piece Heavy Metal / Speed Metal band from Lima, Peru, that started in 2006 as a tribute/cover band under the name BLIZZARD. "Heavy Metal To The Vein" is the band's debut album and was released in June of 2015 on Pure Underground Records. The line-up of the band on this album exists of Sebastian Palma (vocals), Lucho Sanchez (guitar), Toòo Rojas (guitar) and Lalo Salas (bass). The drums on this album was done by a session drummer named Juan Miguel Leon. But I saw on their Facebook page that BLIZZARD HUNTER has a permanent drummer in Bruno Gadea. Well, this is an awesome debut album. The band plays 80's Heavy Metal and Speed Metal, and their singer Sebastian Palma sings with high pitched vocals. The album starts with a nice instrumental titled "Conqueror Of Destiny", followed by "I'm On My Way" and the title track "Heavy Metal To The Vein", which are two awesome speed metal tracks. "Heart Of Fire (Vampire Hunter's Song)" isn't a bad one, but it's my less favorite song of the album. So now and then, it sounds a bit like IRON MAIDEN on speed. Since I've got this album to review it already made lots of spins. Anyone who's into old school Heavy Metal / Speed Metal with high pitched vocals, check this band out, because "Heavy Metal To The Vein" is an excellent album. The songs which are my favorite tracks are the aforementioned "I'm On My Way" and "Heavy Metal To The Vein", but also "Ghost Rider", "My Revenge" and "The Joke". Thanks guys for this fantastic debut album. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.pureunderground-records.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blizzardhunter |
80/100 |
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| BOSTOK – Land Of Fire (CD) | Spain | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Alternative Metal | Running time: 38:01 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| The thing you really need to get used to is the voice. Once you get past that there are the not so standard songs you have to find your way through. Crowbar does come to mind regularly, but the extra high clean voice, the keyboards and the structures stray away from that. These Spaniards know what they're doing, I'm just not sure they've taken enough time to think it all through. It prevents the songs from becoming whole and therefore memorable. You get the feeling that they reckoned that this was enough, let's just end it here. It just doesn't gel. Not only that, sometimes instruments are so obviously out of tune it seems deliberate. As if they are striving to release an album that's not easy to comprehend. Well, they have succeeded. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.metalrevelation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bostokband Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bostokband |
60/100 |
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| BRAINSTORM – Scary Creatures (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 49:57 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Although German Power Metal band BRAINSTORM already exists since 1989, I never had heard any album of the band, and I also never have seen them live. Now I've got "Scary Creatures" to review, which is the band's eleventh studio album. The line-up of the band on this album exists of Andy B. Franck (vocals), Torsten Ihlenfeld (guitar), Milan Loncaric (guitar), Anotonio Ieva (bass) and Dieter Bernert (drums). Well, to be honest, after several listens to this album, I come to the conclusion that BRAINSTORM is not really my band. The band exists of good musicians, no doubt about it, but I am not so impressed about the vocals of Andy B. Franck. Sorry guys, but the only songs which I like a bit of this album are "The World To See", "Where Angels Dream" and "Twisted Ways". To me, BRAINSTORM are just an average Power Metal band. But nevertheless, I'm sure die-hard fans of BRAINSTORM will be very happy with this eleventh album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.brainstorm-web.net
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialbrainstorm |
68/100 |
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| CHASTAIN – We Bleed Metal (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: US Metal | Running time: 44:51 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| I remember that in 1985 I bought the debut album "Mystery Of Illusion" of CHASTAIN on vinyl (the US Import version on Schrapnel Records). That still is a great album. But I actually don't know (or remember) why I never listened to (and bought) the albums "Ruler Of The Wasteland" (1986), and "The 7th Of Never" (1987). The second CHASTAIN album in my collection was the 1988 album "The Voice Of The Cult". Anyway, now I've got this eleventh studio album "We Bleed Metal" of CHASTAIN to review for MMM, and with the first listen I already liked it very much. I understand that female singer Leather Leone wasn't in the band for eleven years, but since 2013 she's again a member of CHASTAIN. In fact, since 2013 the line-up of CHASTAIN exists of Leather Leone (vocals), founder David T. Chastain (guitar), Mike Skimmerhorn (bass) and Stian Kristoffersen (drums). The band recorded 9 tracks for this eleventh album, and besides some fast songs, there are also some "slow bangers" on "We Bleed Metal". My favorite songs of "We Bleed Metal" are without a doubt the title track "We Bleed Metal", "All Hail The King", "Don't Trust Tomorrow", "I Am A Warrior" and "The Last Ones Alive". But the rest of the songs, which are "Against All The Gods", "Search Time For You", "Evolution Of Terror" and "Secrets", are good as well. "We Bleed Metal" is a good US Metal album, which is a recommendation to all US Metal fans. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.davidtchastain.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidt.chastain MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/chastainofficial |
78/100 |
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| CHILL – Artificially Alive (CD) | Finland | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Modern Metal | Running time: 17:52 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| This EP is very interesting. chILL is a Finnish band that gets their influences from different sides of the heavy spectrum. Nu metal, melodic death metal, hardcore, math core, it's all there. And it makes for a pleasant listen. Opener Recycled Unentertainment delivers what it says on the package, because you do get the feeling you've heard it before. Just not in this order or in this fashion. Nonbeliever is a headbanging monster of a song, making it very hard to sit still and type this review. More Beast Than A Man and Useless Byproducts go on in the same fashion as the first two songs, jolting you every way possible. In short: you've got to be a metal chameleon to take it all in and enjoy chILL. If you're not one of those, you won't appreciate Artificially Alive. | |||
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Visit their website: http://twistedent.net/chill
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillinyourspine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chillpe |
71/100 |
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| CIRCUS MAXIMUS – Havoc (CD) | Norway | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Progrock / Progressive Metal | Running time: 56:07 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. Situated in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft.) in length and 118 m (387 ft.) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators. But Circus Maximus it's also the name of a Norway based progressive metal band. The Oslo 'quintet started as a Dream Theater - Symphony X-cover band, combining technical skills and grandeur songs from both bands and other bands in the genre, but since 2004 the band employs the use of symphonic and power metal influences that feature synths and occasional keyboards. The three albums they've made until 2016 were / are all very tasteful; my personal favourite is “Nine”. The new album 'Havoc' is a really step forward for the band, however in many aspects. Nine well-crafted songs with a great diversity of structures are making this 56 minutes album a real tasty affair. The sound is a little more commercial than the former album (Nine), the sound of the band has changed also a bit. There are a lot more modern twists and injections of other genres on the album, like in “Highest bitter “, “The beautiful people” and “Pages'. There's also a bigger focus on melodies, more melodic structures and themes. It will have a certain impact on the listener ánd the fans. The lyrics are a pleasure as well, the theme of 'fire '(in many personal aspects) is the mainframe of the thoughts and words. But fans of the Norwegians will be pleased by the epic tracks. The prog-power-metal is still intact and it brings great moments. Nice album! | |||
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Visit their website: www.circusmaximussite.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circusmaximusband MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/officialcm |
80/100 |
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| DIAMOND HEAD – Diamond Head (CD) | England | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: NWOBHM | Running time: 48:26 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| That's the way I like it, uh huh, uh huh, that's the way I like it. Sorry to start off with a little KC & The Sunshine band, but I'm quite psyched by this. Diamond Head are back with a vengeance. This is the natural follow up to the White Album and Living On Borrowed Time. And with Rasmus Bom Andersen they've got the new version of Sean Harris in their midst. This is magic to my ears. I've been playing this over and over again. And yes, of course you hear parts that remind you of older songs (Speed, Bones, Blood On My Hands), but does it bother me at all? No, because the songs are all so outstanding. And yes, their love for Led Zeppelin is still rife all through the album. Just listen to Set My Soul On Fire and Silence. It's impossible to mention all the songs and their characteristics, but you'd better believe me that every song has that hint of a classic over it. Diamond Head have outshone themselves massively, and are delivering my first sure fired Top 10 album of 2016. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.diamond-head.net
Recordlabel: http://www.palmerturneroverdrive.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/diamond-head |
99,9/100 |
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| DIRTY FINGERS – 250 Dollars (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock / Sleaze Rock | Running time: 39:46 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Well, first of all, I discovered that there are several bands with the band name DIRTY FINGERS. This album, which I have to review is from the Italian DIRTY FINGERS, which are a Hard Rock/Sleaze Rock band which was formed in 2010. The line-up of DIRTY FINGERS exists of Gabriel Grisanti (vocals, guitar; he's the only member from the original line-up), Riccardo Menini (guitar), Edoardo Micheloni (bass) and Giorgo Nuzzo (drums). This album "250 Dollars" is the debut album of the band, and was already released in March of 2015. Although I've listened multiple times to this album "250 Dollars", I can't say that I really got impressed that much by it. The only songs which I like a bit are "Back To The Move", the title track "250 Dollars" and "Dirty Fingers". The rest of the songs aren't, in my opinion, that fantastic. All with all, this CD "250 Dollars" is nothing more than a moderate album. In the meantime I have reviewed plenty albums of Italian bands, and most of the time those bands are very moderate. Anyway, if you are interested in this Italian DIRTY FINGERS and their album, well, check it out yourself. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.logicillogic.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dirtyfingersrockmetalband MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dirtyfingersvr |
63/100 |
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| EDGE OF PARADISE – Immortal Waltz (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 40:40 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| EDGE OF PARADISE is an American female fronted Heavy Metal band (there's also an Brazilian Progressive Metal band called EDGE OF PARADISE) that was formed in 2011 and exists of Margarita Monet (vocals), Dave Bates (guitar), Nick Ericson (bass) and John Chominsky (drums). Personally I wasn't familiar with EDGE OF PARADISE so far. The band released its debut album "Mask" in 2011. Now I've got the second album "Immortal Waltz" to review, which was already released in May of 2015. I've listened a few times to this album, but every time I couldn't get impressed by the songs on it. The band exists of good musicians, and Margarita is a nice singer. But you have to love her voice I think. The album "Immortal Waltz" features nine tracks, of which the last one is a nice cover version of BLACK SABBATH's classic "Children Of The Sea" (from the classic "Heaven And Hell" (1980) album). And to me, although it's a cover version, "Children Of The Sea" is the best song of the album. Their own compositions on this album can't compete with the aforementioned cover version of "Children Of The Sea". If you are still curious about EDGE OF PARADISE and this album, check it out yourself. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.edgeofparadiseband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/edgeofparadiseband |
55/100 |
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| EISENHAUER – Horse Of Hell (MCD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 24:00 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| EISENHAUER is a four piece Metal band from Germany and was formed in 2007. The band exists of Christian Wagner (vocals, guitar), Simon Bihlmayer (guitar), Thomas Aschermann (bass) and Johann Beckteler (drums) released their debut album "Never Surrender" in 2013. And this 4-track EP "Horse Of Hell" was released in November of 2015. Personally I wasn't familiar with EISENHAUER, so I was curious what to expect. But with the first listen, I already knew enough. This is absolutely not a band for me. The four tracks on this EP can't impress me at all. To me the songs, which are titled "Sail My Soul", "Horse Of Hell", "Never Surrender" and "Eisenhauer", are sounding pretty simple and are very boring. And I also don't like the vocals of Christian Wagner that much, because his vocals are sounding boring as well. I just can't believe that there are metalheads out there who will like this band. To me, this EP is nothing more than a waste of time. Very moderate stuff. | |||
| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eisenhauermetal |
45/100 |
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| EKTOMORF – Aggressor (CD) | Hungary | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Groove Metal | Running time: 46:48 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| Hard and heavy. Ektomorf have always been that. More importantly, they go on where Max Cavalera era Sepultura left off. And the heavier side of Soulfly. Not always as good as they were, but always as pure. The songs, the structures, the sound, it's all there. I know they're probably sick of hearing it, but it's what I hear. Aggressor is no different. But on a positive note: this is easily their best album to date. Because now the songs are finished, make sense and make sure you keep listening and wanting more. Actually, Ektomorf must still be following Max. As this time you hear they also adore Cavalera Conspiracy, because some songs (like the title song) could have come straight from them. If after reading this you haven't got a clue what I'm on about, you must have been asleep the last 25 years or so. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ektomorf.com
Recordlabel: http://www.suburban.nl Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ektomorfofficial |
70/100 |
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| EVENLINE – Dear Morpheus (Deluxe edition) (2CD) | France | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Modern Metal / Alternative Metal | Running time: CD1: 50:45 (Tracks: 11) / CD2: 23:36 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| EVENLINE is a French Modern Metal band that was formed in 2009. The band, which exists of Arnaud Guezie (vocals), Fabrice Tedaldi (guitar, vocals), Thomas Jeagle (bass) and Olivier Stefanelli (drums), released their first EP "The Coming Life" in 2010 and their full length album "Dear Morpheus" was released in July of 2014. Now, in January of this year, "Dear Morpheus" was re-released as a deluxe edition. This deluxe edition features a bonus disc (titled "In The Arms Of Morpheus") with 5 acoustic songs of songs from the "Dear Morpeus" album("Misunderstood", "Without You", "A Letter To A Grave", "Hard To Breathe" and "Already Gone"). To me, EVENLINE sounds like a mixture of bands such as ALTER BRIDGE, NICKELBACK and STAIND. Well, if you like these mentioned bands, then I'm sure you will like EVENLINE as well. The band has delivered an album with eleven strong songs. In fact, this is a very accessible album. What else can I say, EVENLINE exists of excellent musicians, and they have in Arnaud Guezie a fantastic singer. The "Dear Morpeus" album was produced by Jim Dewailly and sounds marvelous, and the bonus disc "In The Arms Of Morpheus" was produced by Thomas Jaeger. Well, the five acoustic versions on disc 2 are sounding nice, but personally I do prefer the original versions of disc 1. Anyway, I like the entire "Dear Morpheus" album very much, and there isn't any weak song on it. But if I have to mention my favorite tracks, then I will say my favorites are "Misunderstood", "Without You", "Insomnia", "Already Gone", "Hard To Breathe" and "Judgment Day". EVENLINE is a fantastic band and "Dear Morpheus" is a superb album. Absolutely an album which will visit my CD-player more often. Well done guys. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.evenline-music.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/evenlinemusic |
83/100 |
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| GAMA BOMB – Untouchable Glory (CD) | Ireland | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 32:02 (Tracks: 12) | ||
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GAMA BOMB are a band out of time. They combine the reckless, headbanging intensity of 80s thrash metal with a 21st century love of all things geek. Formed in Newry, Northern Ireland in 2002, GAMA BOMB bonded over cassette tapes of obscure thrash and 1950s horror comics at a time when Nu Metal ruled the world. Following three strict, self-imposed rules (no clean guitars, no ballads, and no synths allowed) the five-piece cut their teeth on the UK's punk and hardcore circuit over years of backroom shows. After self-releasing their first album “Survival Of The Fastest” in 2005, the band slogged to endless UK gigs on public transport before finding themselves at the forefront of an unexpected thrash revival. Albums “Citizen Brain” (2008) and 2009's “Tales from the Grave in Space” marked them out as a band with big ideas, with Tales one of the first albums ever released as a free download by a signed band.In 2013, the band signed to AFM Records to release “The Terror Tapes”, followed this year by their most audacious move yet: “Untouchable Glory”, an unapologetically hooky thrash album inspired by vintage kung fu movies. This all according their official biography Ive seen the band live and these guys know how to enjoy the audience; full speed ahaid thrash/crossover metal with a lot of humor. Well hope they come to tour soon again because this new release is again great. Okay; its not all that original but hey; which retro thrashband is original nowadays? I love this album; full speed songs; lots of energy and a perfect production! Check it out if you didnt do it already!! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gamabomb |
90/100 |
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| GHOST MACHINERY – Evil Undertow (CD) | Finland | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Heavy Metal | Running time: 42:05 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| From Finland comes GHOST MACHINERY, a four piece melodic Heavy Metal band that exists of Pete Ahonen (vocals, guitar), Mikko Myllylä (guitar), Sami Nyman (bass) and Jussi Ontero (drums, keyboards). So far, the band had released two demos "Ghosts In The Castle" (2003) and "Ghosts In The Castle pt. II" (2008), and two albums "Haunting Remains" (2004) and "Out For Blood" (2010). Personally I am not familiar with these 2 demos and 2 albums, so this third GHOST MACHINERY album "Evil Undertow", which was released in November of 2015, is my first acquaintance with the band. Although it all sounds far from original, I must say that "Evil Undertow" is a fine melodic Heavy Metal album. You hear some IRON MAIDEN influences, but it also reminded me a bit of JORN, DOKKEN, SURVIVOR. Pete Ahonen is a good singer, and it's a real pleasure to listen to the great guitar-solos on this album. I assume that Mikko Myllylä is the lead guitarist, and he is a talented guitarist. Mikko must be heavily influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen, because his solo's remind me of Yngwie Malmsteen, but also a bit of George Lynch. The beginning of "Lost To Love" reminded me very much of SURVIVOR's "Burning Heart". This album features also one cover, which is the ROBERT TEPPER cover "No Easy Way Out" (from the "No Easy Way Out" (1986) album, and which is also on the "Rocky IV" (1985) soundtrack album). My favorite songs are "Arms Of The Strangers", "Fatal", "Kingdom Of Decay", "Go To Hell (It's Where You Belong)", the aforemention cover version of "No Easy Way Out", "Lost To Love" and "The Last Line Of Defence". If you are into melodic Heavy Metal with great guitar-solos, then you have to check out this album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.ghostmachinery.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ghostmachinery MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ghostmachinery |
80/100 |
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| GODSIZED – Heavy Lies The Crown (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock, Modern Metal | Running time: 51:59 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Well, so far I only knew GODSIZED by name. I never had taken a listen to the band's first album "Time", that was released in 2013. Anyway, GODSIZED are from England, and exists of Glen Korner (vocals, guitar), Chris Charles (guitar), Gavin Kerrigan (bass) and Dan Kavanagh (drums). "Heavy Lies The Crown" is the band's second album, and was released in March of 2015. The album features eleven tracks, and with the first listen I liked the album immediately. "Heavy Lies The Crown" opens very strong with "Welcome To Hell". While listening to this album, the first band which came in mind was ALTER BRIDGE. In that case GODSIZED sounds almost exactly like ALTER BRIDGE. The band exists of fantastic musicians, and GODSIZED does have an excellent singer in Glen Korner. Although this album reminds me very much of ALTER BRIDGE, it's absolutely not bad. In fact it's just an excellent album, and I'm sure "Heavy Lies The Crown" will visit my CD-player more often so now and then. To me, there isn't any weak song on this second album. All songs are fantastic compositions and are very accessible. There are two ballads on it, which are the songs "Fade" and "Do You See What I See?". Anyway, although I like the songs such as "Push Against The Ride", "Forgotten Friend", "Out Of Fear" and "Pay Your Debt" very much as well, my favorite tracks of "Heavy Lies The Crown" are "Welcome To Hell", "Saving You", "Never A Better Time" and "Stone Cold Blow To The Head". Well, if you also like ALTER BRIDGE, then I'm sure you will like this album "Heavy Lies The Crown" as well. Check it out. Once again, excellent album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.godsized.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.metalville.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/godsizedband |
80/100 |
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| GOOM – Solar Motel (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Stoner Rock | Running time: 43:59 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Dutch Stoner Rock, brought to you by people are in Zeus and Astrosoniq. Zeus delivers Roy Jansen (guitars & keys) and Paul Jansen (drums). Before you ask: no, they're not related. Erik de Vocht (vocals & bass) is the Astrosoniq connection, and the power trio they formed is called Goom. And, in all honestly, this is just as good or even better than the bands these guys come from. Heavy sound, fitting voice and great songs make this an easy listen. Heavy, grooving, rocking and with a touch of grunge here and there. But the main part is Black Sabbath like doom. All these parts put together make Solar Motel into a very fine album. Here's to hoping that there's more to come! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.rvprecords.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goommusic |
75/100 |
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| HEAVIEST – Nowhere (CD) | Brasil | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Power Metal | Running time: 42:47 (Tracks: 10) | ||
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Founded in 2014 by guitar players Guto Mantesso and Marcio Eidt, “Heaviest” was born from the desire and with the purpose to produce quality music within the Brazilian heavy metal setting. Both the guitar players had already worked together on previous successful projects such as the late “Ready Mades” band in the mid-1990s. The compositions of the debut album, which would be called “Nowhere”, began in September 2014 and the album realease took place one year later. The bass player Renato Dias (Marakutaia, ex-Cobaia 7) joined the band during the recording process in the beginning of 2015. After that, the acclaimed singer Mario Pastore (Pastore, ex-Depht, ex-Acid Storm) was invited to join the group, accepting quickly the invitation when he realized the quality of the work developed by its founding musicians by that time. To complete the current lineup, Vito Montanaro, a drummer known especially for his work of many years with the “Rush Project”, came up too. Singer Mario Pastore is one of my favorite singers and his own band PASTORE was the first and only CD that ever got the maximum score on MMM webzine. Well musically Heaviest is not really comparable with Pastore. Pastore is a pure powermetalband and Heaviest has lot of modern influences which make their sound a lot more unique. Also listening to the vocal parts I must admit that Mario Pastore surprises me a lot; his voice is rawer and more powerfull. Sometimes he reminds me to Jorn Lande (also one of my favorite vocalist) and Russell Allan (Symphony X). Musically this album is great and it should attract a wide audience if you ask me! But the only problem will be the promotion; Hope to see this band (and PASTORE as well) someday in Europe…cant hardly wait! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.heaviestband.com
Recordlabel: http:// www.msmetalagencybrasil.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heaviestband |
88/100 |
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| INGLORIOUS – Inglorious (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Melodic / Classic Hardrock | Running time: 50:49 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Inglorious is the brainchild of Nathan James, singer of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and former vocalist for the ex- Scorpions guitar player Uli John Roth (on his Scorpions Revisited album). In the Northeast of England Nathan found musicians he wanted to share his musical ideas with and I must say he's especially found a great rhythm section, Phil Beaver (drums)and Tim Parkinson (bass) and Wil Taylor (rhythm guitars). They play like they've been haunted by a monster, they've finally killed. The Swedish guitar player Anders Eriksson completes the band with his soulful, bluesy and melodic playing. Very tasteful guitar player! Listening to this Frontiers' release the British Classic Rock giants like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Rainbow and Whitesnake come in mind. The songs, the vibe, the great vocals and the musical approach, it all has a lot of references to the late seventies and the band sounds like they're going to give a good shot or go down fighting, what a massive songs are played here. I like the album, the vocals are mainframe of the production, done by the band itself, but the musical background is heavy like an elephant storm. If you are a fan of the genre, check this album out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.inglorious.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareinglorious MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/njamesmusic |
80/100 |
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| IN VAIN – The Little Things That Matter (CD) | Spain | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 40:40 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| Old school heavy metal with a twist of power metal, coming from Spain. Fast, furious, forceful, impelling, with a good sound and some great sounding tunes. This definitely is music to bang your head to extensively and repeatedly. The band In Vain itself isn't too shabby either. All four know how to handle their instruments and even the voice of Daniel Cordon is exactly right for this kind of music. The songs are sharp, have content and, very important, don't linger or repeat themselves too much. This makes them just the right length. It's some of The Little Things That Matter, and In Vain has taken that advice by heart. Good for them. Now, where can I find their first two albums, because this is just the right kind of metal to keep yourself (and the neighbours) awake. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.invainmetal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/invainmetal Twitter: https://twitter.com/invainmetal |
81/100 |
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| INNFIGHT – Boulevard Of Pain (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Alternative Metal | Running time: 45:55 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| What starts off as a power metal intro soon turns into a proper rock song with All In. The next one is Liars Place, and that has a more nu-metal vibe over it. Till I Fall has a bit of folk metal in it. After mentioning these three songs you'll get the drift: Innfight doesn't constrict themselves to just one style. The use of keyboards with all this ensures it never gets too heavy, preserves a bit of lightness where needed. Boulevard Of Pain might have songs coming from all angles, it still has a certain cohesion. The voice of Frank Widderson (ex Virus) is the main contributor to that fact, but there's also always a bit of recognition built in. You can hear that you're listening to Innfight. And for a debut album, which Boulveard Of Pain is, that's rare these days. And as all songs are very well written and executed, I can only conclude that Boulevard Of Pain is a very good album. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.innfightmusic.com
Recordlabel: http://cargorecords.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innfight |
80/100 |
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| JAMESON RAID – Uninvited Guests (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: NWOBHM | Running time: 56:28 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Jameson Raid really is a name from the past. But they're still around, and having seen them live at Brofest, my conclusion was that they were past it. They just didn't wow me while playing on stage. I just figured it would be the same with this album. Well, I was wrong, very wrong. Uninvited Guests is a very respectable album by a band in form, even though the riff in the title song is stolen direct from Fight. But they do remind me of that Rob Halford band more often, caused by the way the music and the vocal lines run along with each other. For the rest I can't fault anything they are doing. If you don't know Jameson Raid; they're not very fast, they're not the most adventurous band to listen to, but they are steady, rocking, and surely delivering with Uninvited Guests. Old fashioned metal all the way. Loving it! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.jamesonraid.co.uk
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesonraid |
75/100 |
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| JOHN DALLAS – Wild Life (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 35:55 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| John Dallas? Who is he? Well, he's actually called Luca Stanzani, but when playing American style hard rock a good sounding name might be beneficial. He's the singer, but who the rest of the band is remains a mystery, as they don't wish to mentioned for “personal reasons”. Well, he should be very grateful to them, as the musical side is well catered for. Thankfully all the songs are of a rather good standard, sometimes even quite high. As for John, he's got quite a diverse voice that covers a lot of octaves, and tries to deliver as best he can. That is always a game of hit and miss, and both are prevalent on this album. John is somehow lacking that extra spark, that little something that makes him stand out. It's the one thing that prevents Wild Life from becoming a great album. Unfortunately. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.streetsymphonies.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john-dallas |
69/100 |
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| KELLY SIMONZ'S BLIND FAITH – At The Gates Of A New World (CD) | Japan | April 2016 | Ronny Elst |
| Style: Neo-classical Hardrock | Running time: 51:16 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| At the beginning of 2015 I reviewed "Blind Faith", Kelly Simonz's fourth solo album. In July of 2015 his record label King Records already released the follow-up of that album. Well, Kelly's new album "At The Gates Of A New World" is in my opinion even better as "Blind Faith"! It's once again a perfect mixture of (mainly) neo-classical hardrock/metal, melodic rock and once again some great instrumental tracks. Kelly got the help of some guest musicians, of which Yama-B (vocals) is the most important. This one sings on 5 songs, with a strong, operatic vocal style. But the star of the album is of course Kelly Simonz himself, his guitar playing gets better and better!! Okay, several Yngwie influences, but with a more melodic touch. This album is almost as good as Kelly's first album ("Sign Of The Times"), which I still like the most. For fans of Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Elegy, Concerto Moon, John Norum and Dokken. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.kellysimonz.com
Recordlabel: http://www.kingrecords.co.jp Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellysimonz |
94/100 |
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| LACHRYMOSE – Carpe Noctum (CD) | Greece | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Dark Metal | Running time: 49:33 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Lachrymose is a Greek band with two members of Rotting Flesh. Thus making the expectations of what's on offer quite high. “Carpe Noctum” is filled with quite good Dark Metal. Songs that have that mysterious edge, making you feel in constant twilight. Lachrymose easily delivers, at least musically. Unfortunately the female vocals of Hel (what's in a name) spoil the whole experience for me. Not only does she not fit as well as hoped, she misses the necessary steadiness to keep her voice in tune all the time. The on the other hand fitting male voice of Blackmass doesn't sing often enough to counteract that enough to take away the annoyance Hel creates. | |||
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Visit their website: http://lachrymose.gr
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lachrymose.band.official |
59/100 |
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| LAST IN LINE – Heavy Crown (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Classic Hard Rock | Running time: 50:38 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Former DIO-members Vivian Campbell, Claude Schnell, Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain decided to release an album with former Lynch Mob and Raiding The Rock Vaults- shouter Andrew Freeman, an album that would sound like the era in which the first DIO-albums shocked the airwaves. The quintet was 'Last in Line', named after the second DIO-album. But faith has struck the band. One month before the release of 'Heavy Crown ', Jimmy Bain died in his sleep when the band was on The High Sea Cruise-bill (with Def Leppard, Kix, Eric Martin, Richie Kotzen, Kip Winger, Tom Keifer and many other guests and bands).In an epitaph-interview Vivian Campbell stated that there would be no successor of the album I'm listening to. Too bad……because the album has a lot to offer for DIO-fans. I like the production by Jeff Pilson, former bass player for Dokken and bass player in the current fantastic and revamped Foreigner-line up. The guitars are perfect, Vivian still has that bluesy touch and feeling, and the rhythm section still has the no-nonsense power from above. The vocalist is not a copy of the mighty Ronnie James Dio, but he does his job well………but the songs (sigh) doesn't have the electrifying spirit and the grander momentums of the DIO-repertoire. I like the songs, but I can't say that they can match the classy output of the first four DIO-albums. The musicians don't leave their comfort-zone and their stylistic armour and that's a pity. I think Frontiers Records brought a nice fitting tribute on the market, it's the last album featuring the solid bass playing of former Rainbow, Wild Horses, Grand Slam, Dio and Hollywood All Starz-member Jimmy Bain, but it isn't the solid backfire-album many fans had hopes for. The band still has some tour dates in the late spring in the USA. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lastinlineofficial.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastinlinerocks |
77/100 |
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| LITA FORD – Time Capsule (CD) | USA | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 44:14 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Lita Ford has been through her personal archives and has come up trumps. She has dug up some forgotten gems from the past and has revived them in her own fashion. She decided to record them with a bunch of guest players and singers. It has worked a treat. Jeff Scott Soto, Dave Navarro, Billy Sheehan, Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, Jimmy Tavis (ex Odin), Rodger Carter (Rick Springfield) and Chris Holmes, who spoke the intro, are all on this album. This is a tribute to eighties metal Lita Ford style, and it certainly has her quality and taste written all over it. If you love her old stuff, like Dancing On The Edge, don't let this one slip. It's just too good. Now let's hope she's got more treasures to unearth. | |||
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Visit their website: http://litafordonline.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litaofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/litaford |
79/100 |
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| LOLA STONECRACKER – Doomsday breakdown (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 62:11 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Hair Metal like Dokken and Van Halen mixed with Party Metal like Andrew WK and Manitoba's Kingdom. All transferred and set in current times with a very slight but serious twist of Faith No More. How would it sound if you mix all those elements together in one band. Well, Lola Stonecracker have tried just that. The result is Doomsday Breakdown, and it is anything but a disappointment. The heavier songs all have that recognisable fast and happy vibe, without being too frivolous. And they all rock in a proper fashion. Even the ballad Secret For A Universe is good. I'm sure that if Doomsday Breakdown had been an American release, the press and public would have been all over it. But as this is 'only' Italian, there's not much chance of that happening. And as far as I'm concerned I think that's a real pity. And a loss for those who don't get to hear how good this is. All 62 minutes long. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.lolastonecracker.com
Recordlabel: http://www.thisiscore.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolastonecracker Twitter: https://twitter.com/lolastonecracker |
78/100 |
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| LUCID DREAMS – Build And Destroy (CD) | Norway | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Symphonic Metal / Progressive Metal | Running time: 37:36 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| In February of 2014 I reviewed the self-titled debut album "Lucid Dreams" of Norwegian Symphonic / Progressive Metal band LUCID DREAMS. Now, in front of me I have "Build And Destroy" to review, which is the band's second full length album. Well, there has been one line-up change, namely former guitarist Adne Olastuen has been replaced by new guitarist Henrik Antonsson. The rest of the line-up still exists of Frederik Sindsen (vocals), Rune Cutuen (guitar), Jan-Erik Lysø (bass, backing vocals), Rune Hagen (drums) and Thorleif Østmoe (keyboards, backing vocals). Well, also this second album is a fine melodic Metal album, with so now and then Symphonic and Progressive moments. Also this album was, just like their debut album, produced by guitarist Rune Cutuen, and sounds fantastic. "Absence Of Innocence" is the semi-ballad of the album, which is one of the songs that also has it's symphonic moments. The songs which I like the most are the opener "Wings Of The Night", "Hellbound", "Fear No Evil", the aforementioned "Absence Of Innocence" and "Eye Of The Storm". If you already liked the band's debut album "Lucid Dreams", then you will like this second one as well. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.luciddreamsband.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lucidreamsrocks |
80/100 |
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| LYNCH MOB – Revel (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Bluesy Hardrock | Running time: 55:31 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| George Lynch is a guitar hero. Last year I reviewed his album with Michael Sweet and it was a pleasure hearing George's riffing and soloing again Many listeners would expect George would fill his new Lynch Mob album with fast-paced tracks and blazing, high-pitched guitar solos, but those are not to be found on “Rebel “the new Lynch Mob album. Rather, this is a bluesy, groove-oriented rock release. The songs of George and his vocalist Oni Logan (glad this great voice is back again) certainly feature guitar solos, but they're of the subtler variety and are interwoven into the fabric of the music instead of those lying overtop of it. “Rebel” has a bluesy rock -approach with alternative overtones. Guitar fanatics will be pleased as George riffs like hell and there are indeed a lot of great guitar solos. But George has left a lot of room for his singer and the solid driving backbone of the tracks, provided by Brian Tichy and Jeff Pilson. What an amazing rhythm section they are. The songs on “Rebel” are mostly mid and slow tempo fat and bluesy rock opuses, too bad there isn't more variation. Oni's vocals are crystal clear and have a great expression, but the narrow range makes me longing for more variety. This makes the album a bit one- dimensional for me. Rebel is one of those albums that really can't be pigeonholed into a particular category. This amalgam of music has a lot to offer and with the powerful vocals, the 'don't let the door hit you in the face 'riffs and soloing of George and the best rhythm section you can create music with, you can't go wrong. Just try this one out. Frontiers Records has released this opus already! Jimmy Danda (Bullet Boys) will take care of the drums on the Lynch Mob tours and Sean McNabb (Dokken, Burning Rain, and Great White) will play bass. Both musicians toured with George Lynch earlier. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.georgelynch.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynchmobband MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/georgelynch |
80/100 |
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| MAGNUS KARLSSON'S FREEFALL – Kingdom of Rock (CD) | Sweden | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 54:48 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| In 2013 I reviewed the solo-album of guitar mastermind Magnus Karlsson. I was very enthusiastic about the songs and his composing talents. Magnus has the ability to write hard, guitar driven metal songs with an open feel, a strong melodic backbone and he avoids being cheesy, writing he same stuff all over again. Magnus has worked with a lot of artists in the genre as well, it helps him to create the great riff, the great solo and the great song he has in mind. His first solo-album had three vocalists and for his second release 'Kingdom of Rock' he has booked an army of the 'who is who' in vocal-rockland......he has a friend-list every rocker would be jealous about. Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Primal Fear-producer) was hired in to produce the album and Jamie Salazar provided the thick and heavy drum sound. And what an album it is! Okay....what would happen if Magnus sings the album all by himself, because the guitarist has a nice voice as well (Magnus sung two tracks on this album and three songs on his first solo-album). It would make the album cohesive, but the vocal power of this list of friends....you can't top them! What an overwhelming and amazing package of tonsil troubadours we have here: Harry Hess, Rick Altzi, Tony Harnell, Jorn Lande, Joe Lynn Turner, Jakob Samuel, Rebecca de la Motte, Tony Martin and David Readman, these master craftsmen provide their skills to the great songs Magnus write. The songs provide room for vocal strength; Magnus has a great sense for melodies that fit vocalists perfectly! I'm getting straight to the point: This is the best Frontiers release at this moment. Although the album has the best of all Magnus' worlds and projects, and the lack of variety comparing these projects to this album is a minor critical point, this is a great album! Try it, you won't be disappointed!. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnuskarlssonsf MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/magnuskarlsson |
86/100 |
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| MARTYR – You Are Next (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | Hans van Peppen |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 43:17 minutes (Tracks: 10) | ||
| You Are Next is the next chapter in the history of the Dutch Heavy Metal band Martyr. Once a promising band mid-eighties last century with two great albums For The Universe (1985) and Darkness at Time's Edge (1986). Then it went all quiet at the Martyr front until 2011 when they had a comeback with the Circle Of 8 album. That was a nice album but wasn't able to reach the level of the eighties work of these guys. Now five years later we have the follow-up full-length You Are Next with several guest musicians, but more important much better songs on it. So after five intense touring years this might be the best album from the Dutch Metal Legends (since 1982). The opening track, Into The Darkest Of All Realms, starts and ends with the voice of the 9-year old Johanna Kindt (daughter of the Into the Limelight Records director). In my opinion this is maybe the best song on the album and gives you an impression where Martyr stands for today. If you couple that with songs as Souls Breathe and In the End the band has evaluated into the direction of thrash metal without losing their roots. And that is a compliment worth! Some guest musicians who appear on this album are Marloes Voskuil from Izegrim who brings the track Soul Breathe to a higher level in companion with vocalist Robert “Rop” van Haren. On Unborn Evil you can enjoy the vocals of John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers from Praying Mantis and DEO. And maybe the best vocalist at this time in the Netherlands Nick Holleman (Vicious Rumors, Powerized and Methusalem) is upgrading the tracks Monster, Crawl and Souls Breath. On InThe End we have Andreas von Lipinski from Wolven. And on Monster we have Gert Nijboer (Highway Chile, DEO and Deathriders EU). The album end with the successful Raven cover Don't Need Your Money which will appear later this year on a tribute album to this English NWOBHM band. You Are Next is the most heaviest album in the history of Martyr with a lot to discover on it. Did you know that even our own Mario van Dooren is “singing” on two tracks? He does that on Into The Darkest Of All Realms and Mother's Tear. It's only April but this one might be in my top 10 list from 2016 already. I'm gonna play You Are Next again with a nice cold beer called “The Martyr Experience”. What more do you want? | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.martyronline.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.ittlr-shop.nl/en_gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martyronline |
89/100 |
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| MARTYR – You Are Next (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 44:36 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Martyr are a phenomenon in their home country The Netherlands. They are a band from the early eighties that just seems to get better as the years go by. You Are Next starts off with Into The Darkest Of All Realms, that has a certain touch of Testament over it. It's thrashy and loud. Infinity is more of a NWOBHM based song, whilst Inch By Inch is a heavy metal song pur sang. There you have the three elements that gel Martyr nowadays, and you've got to be able to keep up with what they do. Thankfully that isn't too difficult, as the whole album has the class and quality one might expect from a band that has been around for so long. As for the voice of Rop Van Haren, he can go from Chuck Billy all the way to Geoff Tate, ensuring that the voice used does fit the heaviness of the songs played. The backing vocals are done by some fans, and I for one am grateful I can't distinguish the individual vocals (sorry, Mario!). Just kidding, they are also slotted in properly and tastefully. So no complaints at all? Yes, only one, really. They should have left Don't Need You Money off, as nobody can ever come within a mile of Raven's original version. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.martyronline.nl
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martyronline Twitter: https://twitter.com/martyronline |
83/100 |
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| MONOMYTH – Exo (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Progressive Rock | Running time: 43:43 (Tracks: 5) | ||
| The name Monomyth says it all, really. The Mono is not because it's not stereo, but because there's no voices on their albums. The music is the real Myth, because how on earth do you think of five soundscapes that have the impact that Exo brings to me. As they state themselves: we make music for the mind, the body and the soul. And that's exactly how you need to experience this, with all your senses in full flow. You could say that this is one massive jam session put on record. But it's one with all five members in the unison on everything they do. Musically this is progressive in direction, spacy in atmosphere and intense in mindset. Fans of early Genesis, Pink Floyd aficionado and Steve Wilson adorers will relish Exo. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.monomyththeband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.suburban.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monomyththeband Twitter: https://twitter.com/monomythnl |
61/100 |
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| NORDIC UNION - Nordic Union (CD) | Sweden / Denmark | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Melodic Hardrock | Running time: 42:33 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Ronnie Atkins, Pretty Maids -singer and one of the most recognizable and versatile voices in Melodic Rock and Metal joined forces with Erik Martensson? The raspy Danish rock meets the bombastic, highly polished, smooth voices of the AOR? Yeah right…many fans of both bands had their questions about this union, but the collaboration between the musicians sets the bar for many Euro-melodic rock- releases in this year. Martensson brings not only the hottest song writing pen in melodic rock these days, but he gives away excellent musicianship, production and (backing) vocals as well. Ronnie Atkins lends his voice to most of the songs and brings that rocky feel, in a fantastic way. The other musicians are Magnus Ulfstedt of Eclipse on drums, Magnus Henriksson ( Eclipse), Thomas Larsson (Glenn Hughes Band) and Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed) on guitars.There are eleven songs on the Nordic Union debut, and they're all good. Opening track “The War Has Begun” and “When Death is Calling” are the most Pretty Maids-sounding of the bunch, while the swift, catchy “Falling,” “Hypocrisy” and “The Other Side” could have come directly from Eclipse's Armageddonize sessions. Atkins has a particular flair for ballads, and Martensson gives him a great one in “Every Heartbeat,” which will have even the most jaded rockers wiping away a tear. Nordic Union is on par with the recent releases by both bands Erik and Ronnie come from, and that's really saying something. Great Frontiers' release! Pretty Maids in on tour now and Eclipse will be touring in April. I hope there will be a follow up for this album soon. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.eclipsemania.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettymaids MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords |
84/100 |
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| ONSLAUGHT – Live At The Slaughterhouse (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 70:12 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Onslaught have long been the hidden gem of thrash. At least in my country, The Netherlands. Thankfully that has changed during the last couple of years, giving these guys the recognition they deserve. To demonstrate how they sound live they've released this live album. It's a rough, unpolished, honest, loud thrash statement that leaves no room for confusion. This is how Onslaught sound, plain and simple. Take it or leave it. My version of Live At The Slaughterhouse is the CD version, but there's also the DVD, with a bonus DVD on the side. Be sure to get yours. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.onslaughtuk.com
Recordlabel: http://www.suburban.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onslaughtuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/onslaughtuk |
78/100 |
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| OZONE – Self Defence (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Adult Orientated Rock / Melodic Rock | Running time: 51:18 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| City Boy guitar slinger Mike Slamer is the man behind many classics in the AOR (adult orientated rock)-genre). Seventh Key, Steelhouse Lane, Streets, those magnificent albums were all made by this guy and his musical friends. Mike has provided guitars on a lot of albums in the past as well. I was enthusiastic when Escape Records signed Mike to make an album with Steve Overland from FM and Chris Ousey from Heartland, Virginia Wolf and known for his collaboration with Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden from the first line up of Whitesnake. But after hearing this album I must admit I'm a bit disappointed. The guitar work is fantastic, The riffing reminds me a lot of the musical contribution that Mike did to the Terry Brock album, the Chris Ousey solo album (Rhyme and Reason from 2011) and the first Steelhouse Lane album. But the songs aren't that spectacular and the crispy voice of Chris Ousey doesn't fit that good in the musical adventure. There are some great songs on this album (Practice what you preach, Save my soul, Tiger by the tail, Evolve) but most of the songs aren't that compelling. This isn't the melodic rock top disc many fans had hopes for. I put on Steelhouse Lane – Slaves of the new world instead, now that was a killer! Great stuff, this new Mike Slamer opus, but no homerun..... Try it.. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.escape-music.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/mike-slamer MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/mike slamer |
83/100 |
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| PLACENTA – XV Greatest Hits (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Extreme Metal | Running time: 68:30 (Tracks: 15) | ||
| Placenta isn't your run of the mill band. Grindcore, death metal, math core, alternative metal, industrial and even some emo tunes are mixed together to make you aware that you should always expect the unexpected. XV Greatest Hits is a celebration of their history, with 11 songs that you must have heard on your radio at one point or other. Two oldies are added that were never released before, just to add to the excitement. To top it all they have even written two brand new songs to complete the festivities. They are actually the first and last song on the album, and fit in perfectly. So if you're looking for a good time and some accompanying music to boot, why not get this Placenta record and enjoy the XV Greatest Hits. Oh, don't turn the cd off until it's really finished, just to add to the laughter. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.noizgate.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/placentametal MySpace: https://myspace.com/placentametal |
61/100 |
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| PRONG - X-No Absolutes (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Rob Claesen |
| Style: Thrash / Groove metal | Running time: 41:18 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| Bands which have such a unique sound, you recognize them after listening to their music for just a few seconds are rare. Prong are one of them. X-No Absolutes is Prongs 12th studio album and it contains their unique, trademark mixture of thrash, groove, hardcore and punk filled with pinch harmonics and hooky riffs. If you like classic albums like 'Cleansing' or 'Prove you wrong', you can blindly purchase this album. Does this mean Prong is repeating itself? Not at all! The song 'Do nothing' allmost sounds like a ballad and some tracks even have some radio potential. X-No Absolutes has no weak spots and contains all the ingredients that makes Prong the one of a kind band they are. | |||
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Visit their website: http://prongmusic.com
Recordlabel: http://www.spv.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prongmusic |
88/100 |
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| RED MORRIS – Lady Rose (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Rock | Running time: 33:38 (Tracks: 8) | ||
| The intro makes me look up, makes my hair stand on end and my ears extra alert to what's coming. That actually doesn't change once the music starts. Red Morris is an Italian called Maurizio Parisi, who's been writing music his whole life. Finally he's taken up the courage to record it and have it released. Word of warning; this album is completely instrumental. But whereas some guitarists make themselves more important than the songs, Red Morris defies that feeling. It's because the compositions are simple and straight to the point that this works. Lady Rose is dedicated to his wife, and listening to it all I can understand why. Feel good guitar tunes that have a slight progressive streak, but more often than not are as effective as a bouquet of roses. The last feather in his cap is the length of the album: just over 33 minutes is more than enough. Well done. | |||
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Visit their website: http://redmorris.jimdo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/red.morris.musician |
76/100 |
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| RESURRECTION KINGS – Resurrection Kings (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Classic Hard Rock | Running time: 53:32 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| When Serafino Perugino, the Napoli based manager of Frontiers Records Italy, wanted to form a band with a lot of eighties musicians, a small DIO-reunion took place. Craig Goldy and Vinny Appice (former DIO-players) joined forces with Sean McNabb (Dio, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob) and Chas West (Bonham, Lynch Mob, Red Dragon Cartel). Alessandro DelVecchio took care of the production and added keyboards as well. Ah…a few old dogs cashing in on their past-offspring and their history in rock music? Many fans of the genre were thinking this. No way, Resurrection Kings has brought out an album that holds a good and solid mix between retro-classic rock and melodic rock. You can hear traces of the former bands the members are known for, but I especially like the musical contribution of Craig Goldy, peeling off one riff after another and giving away nice solos. The music of Resurrection Kings is a little polished and there's no exceptional stand-out track on this album, a few minor points for me. I had to get accustomed to the voice of Chas West as well, a bit too high-pitched for me. But besides those minors, the production is fair and bright and the playing is phenomenal. Check this Frontiers' release out! | |||
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Visit their website: www.craiggoldy.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resurrectionkingsmusic MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/craiggoldy |
81/100 |
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| REVERENCE – Gods Of War (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Melodic Power Metal | Running time: 55:20 (Tracks: 12) | ||
| So far I only knew REVERENCE by name. I never had heard the 4-track EP "Gatekeeper" (2011) and the debut album "When Darkness Calls" of the band, that was released in 2012. So, this second album "Gods Of War" is my first acquaintance with REVERENCE. Well, what else can I say, after this album has made lots of spins in my CD-player, is that "Gods Of War" is an excellent melodic Power Metal album. Anyway, REVERENCE was formed in 2010, and the line-up exists of Todd Michael Hall (vocals; RIOT V, JACK STARR'S BURNING STAR), Bryan Holland (guitar; ex-TOKYO BLADE, ARREST), Pete Rossi (guitar; OVERLAND, SANXTION), Michael Massie (bass; OVERLOADED, INNER RECIPE) and Steve Wacholz (drums; ex-SAVATAGE, CRIMSON GLORY). "Gods Of War" features 12 high quality melodic Power Metal tracks, of which the last track, "Kick The Dog", is a bonus-track. There's also a ballad on "Gods Of War", which is titled "Splinter". You can say that REVERENCE is an "all-star" band, that exists of excellent musicians, with Todd Michael Hall as a brilliant singer. Well, I just don't have any negative to mention about this album. Great songs, fantastic riffs/guitar solos, awesome vocals, what else do you need? Now I need to check out the band's debut album "When Darkness Calls" myself. Anyway, my favorite tracks are the strong opener and title track "Gods Of War", "Heart Of Gold", "Until My Dying Breath", "Angel In Black", "Tear Down The Mountain", "Battle Cry", "Cleaned By Fire" and "Race To Obscene". Great band and fantastic, strong album. Without a doubt a recommendation to anyone who's into high quality melodic (US/European) Power Metal. It would be great if Mario could book REVERENCE for a show in the Little Devil, Tilburg, Holland. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.reverencemetal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/reverencemetal |
85/100 |
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| RICK SPRINGFIELD – Rocket Science (CD) | Australia | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Adult Orientated Rock (with a country twist) | Running time: 47:20 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| I was very fond of the latest output by the Australian legend Rick Springfield. The albums 'Venus in Overdrive' and Songs for the End of the World' had that eclectic, modern vibe and the lyrics he offered showed Rick's emotional background and the weaker, vulnerable side of his personality. Really great stuff! On this eighteenth album (yes, Rick makes music since 1972, his heyday-era however spans between 1982 and 1988) Rick proves us that he has never made the same album twice. The songs on Rocket Science might sound familiar: well crafted, well played, holding a chorus that sticks in your head, multi-layered vocals and guitars in a million bucks production atmosphere, but Rick has opted a more country musical- approach this time. Don't be afraid….the songs breeze even more than before, but the emphasis on the lighter country genre is obvious. And the vibe is reflected in his lyrics. His stories are more spiritual, positive, brighter and lighter than his former introvert songscape- attitude. Rick has chosen the great set of musicians to lay down the musical tapestry (tasty guitars by George Nastos and Tim Pierce!) and in the song writing department he's helped by Matt Bissonette (former bass player for Elton John, David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani a.o., who also took care of the production and mixing), Jay deMarcus (Rascal Flatts), and Tad Kubler (The Hold Steady). I like this album very much. The diversity, the enlightens, the vibe have that positive feel. I rate this album not as high as 'Songs for the End of the World', it had more balls, more adventure. But I think this record will please the fans of Rick and fans of the Midwest- AOR genre. Great record, this fourth album for Frontiers, it will be the first Springfield' record that will be distributed by Frontiers Records Italy in the United States. Good luck, Rick! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.rickspringfield.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickspringfield MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/officialrickspringfield |
85/100 |
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| RUSTY PACEMAKER – Ruins (CD) | Austria | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Doom / Rock / Metal | Running time: 53:28 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| In October of 2011 I reviewed RUSTY PACEMAKER's debut album "Blackness And White Light" for MMM, which got 69 out of 100 points. Well, as you can read in my review of "Blackness And White Light", RUSTY PACEMAKER did seven years over that album. For this second album "Ruins", RUSTY PACEMAKER a.k.a. Rusty Hessel started in 2011 with writing songs for it. For this album RUSTY got help from Franz Löchinger, who played drums on this album, and also LADY K. sings on a few songs ("Ocean Of Life" and "Night Angel"). Rusty himself is again playing all the guitars, bass and keyboards…..and he's doing the vocals as well. But to be honest, Rusty isn't a fantastic singer, which I already mentioned in my review of his debut album. Musically you can expect a mixture of Doom, Rock and Metal. It all sounds atmospheric, dark and very depressive. The shortest track is "Forever" (± 1:20) which is dedicated to Rusty's wife. To me, that song is nothing more than a superfluous one. Well, I didn't listen to RUSTY PACEMAKER's first album anymore, after I finished the review of it. I think the same goes for this second one "Ruins". The track list of "Ruins" exists of "Ruins", "Made Of Lies", "Ocean Of Life", "The Game", "Night Angel", "Candlemass", "Forever", "Matter Over Mind", "Knowing" and "Pillow Of Silence". | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.rustypacemaker.com
Recordlabel: http://www.solanumrecords.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rustypacemaker |
67/100 |
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| SECOND RATE ANGELS – II (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Metal | Running time: 16:02 (Tracks: 4) | ||
| This UK band are making a name for themselves on that big island. Judging by what I hear on II they would be very welcome on the main land of Europe to strut their stuff there as well. Grooving melodic heavy metal with impressive clear vocals. The songs sound good, they make sense and all have that je-ne-sais-quoi over them that makes you want to listen over and over again. They have promised a full album for later this year. Well, I'll be waiting for it. Second Rate Angels my arse, this is first class good flowing metal. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.secondrateangels.com
Recordlabel: http://www.metalrevelation.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secondrateangels Twitter: https://twitter.com/secondrateangel |
85/100 |
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| SHADOWKILLER – Until The War Is Won (CD) | USA | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Heavy Metal / Progressive Power Metal | Running time: 54:34 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| SHADOWKILLER is a 4 piece Heavy Metal/Progressive Power Metal band from Northern California, U.S.A., that exists of Joe Liszt (vocals, guitar), Marc Petac (lead guitar), Dan Lynch (bass) and Gary Neff (drums). In 2013 the band released their debut album "Slaves Of Egypt" through Stormspell Records. According to the attached biography, with that debut album SHADOWKILLER were quite successful in the U.S. underground. Now I've got the band's second album "Until The War Is Won" to review, which was released in August of 2015 on Pure Steel Records. This second album is my first acquaintance with SHADOWKILLER, and I must say I like it very much. I can understand that their debut "Slaves Of Egypt" was successful in the U.S. underground scene. The more I listened to "Until The War Is Won", the better the album got. So now and then you hear some NWOBHM and especially IRON MAIDEN influences in their songs as well. Anyway, the album starts with the fantastic "Flames Of War", and I must say the rest of the songs on this album are really good compositions as well. SHADOWKILLER exists of excellent musicians and Joe Liszt is a good singer. The songs on this album which are my favorites are "Flames Of War", "Legacy", "A Price Of Freedom", "Staring Into Oblivion" and the title track "Until The War Is Won". SHADOWKILLER are a fantastic band, and this second album is absolutely worth checking out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.shadowkillerband.com
Recordlabel: http://www.puresteel-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shadowkillerband |
77/100 |
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| SIGNS OF DARKNESS – The Age of Decay (CD) | Belgium | April 2016 | Iron Dennis van Dommelen |
| Style: Melodic Black Metal | Running time: 41:10 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| Wow! Another long time running black metal band from Belgium I haven't heard of before. We are talking about Signs of Darkness here who are hailing from Genk and are already existing since 1994 releasing three albums and an EP before this album that was unleashed last year. For starters the production is typical studio sounding and not that powerful especially where there's blastbeats used most of the instruments sound too quiet except for the vocals which are high pitched and wherein you can hear a sense of commitment which is important playing this kind of music. The drummer is below average and the guitarists produce an interesting riff here and there but it is mostly one generic melo-death, tremelo picked riff or melody after the other. That being said there are some moments here and there like in "The Sound of Winter" that has some nice melodies and "Like Flies on your Coffin" which is a nice fast one. Artwork done by the infamous Marc Niederhagen from ArtWars design is always great to see. A better studio and producer could help this band to the next step in their career. In the beginning of the nineties this would be a good record but for now it's way too generic and missing power. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.signsofdarkness.be
Recordlabel: http://www.shiver-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/signsofdarkness |
60/100 |
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| SINATRAS – Six Sexy Songs (CDemo) | Italy | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Metal | Running time: 26:46 (Tracks: 6) | ||
| SINATRAS is a five-piece band from Italy, that exists of Fla Sinatra (vocals), Lele Sinatra (guitar), Minkio Sinatra (guitar), Lispio Sinatra (bass) and Jenny B. Sinatra (drums). The idea to start this project came from Emanuele Zilio (guitarist of Italian metal/hardcore band STRANGE CORNER). Anyway, these guys recorded six songs for this CD-demo, which is titled "Six Sexy Songs". The band hopes to find a label deal with this demo for their upcoming debut album. The songs on this demo are "Contamination", "Frank Is Back", "Sunshine", "The Game", "W.A.F.S. (We Are Fucking Sinatras)" and "All Or Nothing". To be honest, after one listen I already had enough of the songs on this demo. To me, those songs are sounding way to moderate. The only songs I like a bit are "Contamination" (that sounds a bit like MACHINE HEAD) and "All Or Nothing". Well, like the title of the last track ("All Or Nothing") this demo is all or nothing for getting a label deal. I would say it's nothing. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.sinatras-band.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sinatrasband |
55/100 |
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| SOLUTION .45 – Nightmares In The Waking State – Part 1 (CD) | Sweden | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Melodic Death Metal | Running time: 59:21 (Tracks: 10) | ||
| Melodic Death Metal. Another new band. Will Solution .45 offer anything new to the genre? No, not really, but hey, they're not exactly bad either. Nightmares In The Waking State Part 1 (NITW) does benefit from the addition of some modern influences, preventing the album becoming monotonous or dreary. For the rest it's just as others have done before them. (Darkane, Soilwork, In Flames and such.) Clear? | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.solution45.com
Recordlabel: http://www.afm-records.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solution.45.official |
69/100 |
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| SPITANGER – SpitAnger (CD) | Denmark | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Groove Metal | Running time: 46:59 (Tracks: 9) | ||
| It's not too often that you see a band actually encouraging you to share their album freely. “It is legal to share and replicate this cd according to the copyright agreement consolidated by Creative Commons.” So if you've got trouble Here You Go, you probably really haven't been looking. And maybe you should be. Because SpitAnger don't only know how to rock, they also have a great sense of humour. Just listen to Tales From Reality. This is music to bang your head to, but with caution. Sometimes the use of two different voices throws you off, as they don't always work too well together. I'd almost call this Death 'n' Roll, but that would mean comparing these guys to Entombed (AD), and that's a fight they'll always lose. Main reason being that the quality of the songs is about par. Nothing more, nothing less. But as this is their debut album I for one am hopeful that they will take time to improve with time. In the meantime, if you're just looking for 47 minutes of headbanging, Here You Go! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.spitanger.com
Recordlabel: http://www.fastbeatrecords.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spitanger Twitter: https://twitter.com/spitanger |
66/100 |
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| STARQUAKE – Times That Matter (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Hard Rock | Running time: 73:07 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| STARQUAKE is a German Hard Rock band/project that mainly is influenced by IRON MAIDEN, SPOCK'S BEARD and seventies Hard Rock (think of DEEP PURPLE, YES, URIAH HEEP etc.). Well, I never had heard of the band/project before. In 2010 STARQUAKE had released its debut album "A Matter Of Time", and this second album "Times That Matter" was released in May of 2015 on Pure Rock Records. STARQUAKE is Mikey Wenzel (vocals, instruments, programming) and got help from Alex Kugler (guitar), Joe Wagner (guitar), Michael Wopshall (guitar), Jan van Meerendonk (drums), Andi Pempeintner (Hammond organ), Corinna Reif (violin) and Sandra Wenzel (additional vocals). Anyway, this second album counts eleven tracks, and has a running time of 73:.. minutes. To tell the truth, after two listens, I really had enough of this album. The entire album couldn't impress me at all. The title track "Times That Matter" is a boring ballad, "Rise And Fall" has a running time of 21:59 minutes and takes in my opinion way to long, "Goodbye My Friend" is a moderate instrumental track and "No More Hate" is nothing more than a rip-off of IRON MAIDEN's classic "Wasted Years" (from the classic 1986 album "Somewhere In Time"). No, although I grew up with the seventies Hard Rock, and I also like IRON MAIDEN (Paul Di'Anno and Bruce Dickinson era) very much, I really don't like this album at all. The only thing which is awesome, is the fantastic album cover, which was done by legendary fantasy artist Rodney Matthews (DIAMOND HEAD, PRAYING MANTIS, ASIA, NAZARETH, MAGNUM to name a few). | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.starquake.de
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com |
40/100 |
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| SYNAPTIK – The Mechanisms of Consequence (CD) | United Kingdom | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Progressive Metal | Running time: 52:04 (Tracks: 11) | ||
|
SYNAPTIK is a British Metal band from the East Coast of England. Formed in 2012,known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive.
Synaptik aren't afraid to mix up the influences and certainly don't fear melody with their heavier than a black hole riffage and dynamic vocals, death metal aggressiveness with a progressive, melodic outlook. They draw on influences old and new to create a mutant hybrid sound-scape that makes them stand out. This is the bands debut album. Personally I came in contact with the band due to the cooperation with one of my alltime favorite singers Alan Tecchio Watchtower/Hades/Non Fiction/Seven Witches/Power). Alan sings on the song “Your Cold Dead Trace”. Synaptik's music is not the standard stuff most metalheads will like; its very complex and only for the open minded metalheads. Well personally I love this kind of metal very much and I share the band in the same category like Biomechanical, One Machine and Hades (USA). Progressive metal with some very good compositions. But no easy-listening stuff. Great album which you need to check if you're open-minded in metalmusic! | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.synaptikmetal.com
Recordlabel: http://www.rebeltunerecords.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/synaptikmetal Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/synaptikmetal |
85/100 |
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| THE SHIVA HYPOTHESIS – Promo 2015 (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Black Metal | Running time: 20:41 (Tracks: 3) | ||
| My floor is shaking beneath me. My walls are cracking beside me. My ceiling is starting to cave in above me. My windows are rattling because all the ghosts in my house need to leave. The Shiva Hypothesis is spewing their brand of (black) metal over me and I feel completely numb. I daren't move, as I feel that my intestines are wishing they could be somewhere else. This is as ungodly as it gets. The structured songs and proper production are the only things keeping my ears stuck to my head. I can feel one eye is starting to bleed, whilst the other one just wants to retract and hide within the mush that is now my brain. I thank Satan for the fact that this promo doesn't contain any real fast songs, otherwise I suspect there would only be a black hole where I'm seated right now. Phew. | |||
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Visit their website: https://the-shiva-hypothesis.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshivahypothesis |
80/100 |
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| TRANCEMISSION – Paranoia (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Rock / Hard Rock | Running time: 55:21 (Tracks: 14) | ||
| In October of 2012 I reviewed the album "Naked Flames" of German Rock, Hard Rock band TRANCEMISSION (formerly known as TRANCE). That album got 48 out of 100 points of me, simply because it was a terrible album. At that time I was really disappointed, because I had expected that TRANCEMISSION would sound exactly like TRANCE. But "Naked Flames" did not even came close to the level of the two legendary TRANCE albums "Breakout" (1982) and "Power Infusion" (1983). And after I had finished my review of "Naked Flames" for MMM, the CD disappeared in my garbage can. Anyway, now I've got "Paranoia" to review, and also with this new album, I really can't do nothing with it. It features 14 tracks (of which 2 are short intros), and there are just two songs which I like a little bit, namely "Killer" and "Rockin' Is Ma Business". And even these two songs aren't really superb. The rest of the songs, which are titled "Queen Of The Night", "Make My Day", "Paranoia", "Hey There Gipsies", "Lone Wolf", "Jesus Christ" (one of the low points of the album), "The Soil Of Man's Heart", "Legal Highs", "Diamond Pretty" and "Power Of The Heart (Act 4 Aid)", are really awful to hear. After two spins, I already had enough of this album. The line-up of the band hasn't changed since the previous album "Naked Flames", so it's still Lothar Antoni (vocals, guitar), Andreas Meyer (guitar), Joe J. Hagl (bass) and Alex Franken (drums). Well, the album was produced by the band themselves, and sounds good, but about the songs…..once again these are really terrible. I can't believe that everyone who knows and likes the classic TRANCE albums "Breakout" and "Power Infusion", are still interested in the albums of TRANCEMISSION. Well, what will happen with this promo CD of "Paranoia"? You probably know the answer!!!! YES……also this CD will finds its way to my garbage can. My conclusion is, after reviewing two TRANCEMISSION albums for MMM, that any other new album of TRANCEMISSION doesn't belong at any Metal webzine like MMM at all. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.trancemission-music.com
Recordlabel: http://www.purerock-records.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/trancemissionrock |
45/100 |
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| ULYSSES SIREN – Justifiable Homicide (MCD) | USA | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Bay Area Thrash Metal | Running time: 28:57 (Tracks: 6) | ||
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Ulysses Siren is an oldschool thrashmetal band from the mighty Bay Area. Ulysses Siren formed in 1983 in South San Francisco when Steve Pickering and Manny Lopez got together in their senior year in high school and decided to form a band. Ulysses Sirens demo Terrorist Attack in 1985 became the No.1 selling underground demo at the Record Vault and radio play on KUSF Radio. The band reunited in 2002 when Relentless Records decided Ulysses Sirens 80s demos were worth pressing. The underground popularity grew and Ulysses Siren received strong reviews comparing Ulysses Siren to early Slayer. Justifiable Homicide consists of three "new" studio tracks (2012), three live tracks with Leviathan and Above The Ashes recorded as one (2006). The second half of Ulysses Siren's - Justifiable Homicide is filled with live material, one of these tracks being a cover of Destruction's - The Ritual. Musically Ulysses Siren reminds me most to the oldschool version of Exodus (Paul Ballof era) mixed with oldschool Death Angel. This is Thrash metal at it's very finest. Pity the band is not really productive with their releases but musically they could have been as huge as above mentioned bands!!! Their brand of thrash metal and sound was an invention to say the very least about these San Francisco natives; (Circa 1983). Justifiable Homicide is a definite must have for the true die-hard thrash metal fans! Justifiable Homicide was in remembrance to the untimely and unfortunate death of Jon Torres in September 2013, long time Ulysses Siren guitarist and bassist. Jon Torres was one of the driving forces behind Ulysses Siren for many years. Jon was both a brilliant and iconic musician. Rest in Peace Jon 1963-2013. I had the luck to see the band on stage twice in 2006; also live this band is killer!! Hope to hear from them in the near future!!! | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.malevolence-records.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ulyssessirensfmetal |
85/100 |
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| UNCHAINED REALITY – Unchained Reality (CD) | The Netherlands | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Thrash Metal | Running time: 37:46 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| UNCHAINED REALITY is a pretty new band from Tilburg, Holland. The band exists of Koert van Zon (vocals, ex-NUCLEAR SUSHI), Daan Janzing (guitar), Martijn Balsters (guitar), Jason Duykers (bas) en Tim Verheijden (drums; also RAZEND, THE COVERING), and their self-titled debut album "Unchained Reality" was released in September of 2015 on Painted Bass Records. UNCHAINED REALITY plays a mix of Metal and Thrash Metal. This debut album sounds damn good. Well, I know Koert van Zon already since the nineties, when he sung in SINISTER FOOTWEAR. Anyway, Koert has gathered fantastic musicians around him for this album. The band also recorded a tribute song for Ad "Fozz Bear" van Oudheusden (who played together with Koert in the KISS cover band KISS MY ASS), who passed away at the age of 44 in February of 2015. That tribute song got the title "You Will Always Be Alive (Ad's Song)". This album is very well produced, and sounds fantastic. The songs on this self-titled debut album "Unchained Reality" which are my favorites are "Better Off", "Computerized Humanity", "You Will Always Be Alive (Ad's Song)", "Stranger", "Legalize" and "Still Fucking Mad". Once again, this is a good debut album, and UNCHAINED REALITY is absolutely a band to keep an eye on. If you are into good Thrash Metal, then you'll have to check this band and album out. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.unchainedreality.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unchainedreality |
78/100 |
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| V.A. (VARIOUS ARTISTS) – Epictronic (CD) | Italy | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Various | Running time: 68:28 (Tracks: 18) | ||
| A compilation album with six acts each doing three songs is very difficult to review. You're in danger of writing a very long story, picking out every artist individually and trying to explain what they do and how they sound. Well, bugger that. No way! So I'll start off with saying that this is NOT a metal album , but an alternative one. With emotional but powerful songs by Jamie-Lee-Smit (Azylya) and Ashes To Ashes. Earthist sounds like a modern version of Blur. The Way Of Purity is very empowering electronic rock, whilst Deplacement treads the more poppy side of it. Last band is Arsenic Unbirthday, and they are an emotional outburst of musical styles. Every band sounds interesting, and that's not often the case on a compilation album. Epictronic have done it right. Check it out. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.epictronic.com |
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| VIOLENT DIVINE – Hyperactivity Disorder (CD) | Sweden | April 2016 | MetalWim van Grunsven |
| Style: Heavy Metal | Running time: 50:21 (Tracks: 13) | ||
| Hyperactivity is one thing this album is really inviting me to embrace. The catchy tunes, the laser sharp riffs, the thundering drums and bass and the great use of voices make this an absolute joy to listen to. The Disorder part stems from the dirty rock 'n' roll with a melodic metal edge they play. It has your foot tapping, your neck nodding, your head swivelling, your mind racing and your stereo blasting. And it makes you feel happier than you did before you started listening. This is Violent Divine's fourth album, and I'm seriously asking myself why I haven't heard of them before. I need to rectify that. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.violentdivine.se
Recordlabel: http://www.metalrevelation.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violentdivine Twitter: https://twitter.com/violentdivine |
83/100 |
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| VIOLENT REVOLUTION – Damaged Society (CDemo) | USA | April 2016 | Mario van Dooren |
| Style: Crossover / Thrash Metal | Running time: 13:57 (Tracks: 5) | ||
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Formed in late 2014 by George Robb (Agent Steel/L.S.N./Detente/Obscene Gesture) with the idea of bringing Old School 80's style Thrash/Crossover back in the new style mix. With influences by Old School Slayer, Exodus, S.O.D., The Exploited, D.R.I. and Suicidal Tendencies.... Violent Revolution is trying to make their mark on a new generation of metalheads.This according their biography! Well; a better way to subscribe the band is difficult Years ago I already reviewed a demo of the band Obscene Gesture in which Georg Robb was also the bandleader. Well this is the “new” project of Georg Robb and again its classic crossover thrash in a style I like it most; fast, aggressive and powerfull. No technical bullshit; just Thrash with a T!! Check this band out if you're into oldschool crossover; you wont regret it! I hope that the band will record a full length soon.... | |||
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Website: http://violentrevolution.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violentrevolutionaz |
78/100 |
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| VOODOO HILL – Waterfall (CD) | USA / Italy | April 2016 | Manfred Werger |
| Style: Hardrock | Running time: 55:18 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| After an eleven year coffee break Glenn Hughes and the Italian guitar player Dario Mollo have joined forces again in the eleven songs of the third Voodoo Hill release “Waterfall”. This album is brought to you by Frontiers, the Italian melodic rock label. Waterfall is the best Voodoo Hill record in my opinion. It has more groove, more nods to the eighties of the former century yet keeping its Deep Purple seventies' feel and cohesion. What surprises me are the vocals by Glenn Hughes. He still has got the power, the expression, the magic and the technique for his awesome vocal stigma on all the albums he's lent his vocal chords for (California Breed, BCC, Trapeze, John Norum, Gary Moore, Hughes / Thrall, Black Sabbath, Purple, Hughes / Turner, his solo stuff.....at the age of 64). Waterfall doesn't have that darker image of the former Voodoo Hill album (Wild seed of Mother Earth from 2004). The songs have more open structures and a guitaristic approach (the excellent Savona based Dario mixed and produced the music as well) has a more eighties 'feel. The album made me think of John Norum's Face the Truth from 1992. The songs on Waterfall are catchy and have a lot of attitude. Check this album out, its great hearing the collaboration between these musical dinosaurs again!.. | |||
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Visit their website: http://www.glennhughes.com
Recordlabel: http://www.frontiers.it Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennhughesonline MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/glennhughesonline |
84/100 |
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| WATCH OUT STAMPEDE – Tides (CD) | Germany | April 2016 | Ad van Osch |
| Style: Post-Hardcore / Metalcore / Modern Metal | Running time: 32:00 (Tracks: 11) | ||
| WATCH OUT STAMPEDE is a 5-piece Modern Metal band from Bremen, Germany that exists of Andreas Hildebrandt (vocals; screams/shouts), Dennis Landt (clean vocals, guitar), David Werner (guitar), Stefan Poggensee (bass) and Tolga Özer (drums). In 2014 the band had released its debut album "Reacher", and this second album "Tides" was released in September of 2015. This album "Tides" is my first acquaintance with WATCH OUT STAMPEDE, and I must admit that I liked the album already with the first listen. In fact, it's a very accessible album, and "Tides" will do it very good among the younger generation. The songs feature melodic harmonies, with as well clean and brutal vocals. You hear a mixture of Punk, Metalcore, Modern Metal. To me the eleven tracks are all of an equal level and are fantastic compositions. There isn't any moment that "Tides" gets boring. Okay, you could say that it all doesn't sound very original, because there are lots of bands in this kind of genre, but nevertheless these 5 German guys delivered with "Tides" an excellent album. I don't have any specific favorites, because "50/50", "Vultures", "Scheme", the title track "Tides", "No Confidence", "Until We Drown", "Interlude", "Twenty Drinks", "Ironhide", "Chances" and "Misunderstanding" are all great and accessible songs. | |||
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Recordlabel: http://www.noizgate.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/watchoutstampede |
80/100 |
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