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April / May 2005Necro | Hobble | Freakhouse | Sybreed | Of Infinity | Sonic Warfare | Dan Lorenzo | Estee Louder | The Cringe | We Are Childhood Equals | VRR | Capitollium | Jumbo's Killcrane | Darkthrone | Jigsore Terror | Die Warzau | Hecate Enthroned | Cipher System | Transient | Rigor Sardoncous | Requiem Aeternam | Valerian | Divination | Confessor | Sounds from the Trenches | The Savoy Truffle | Monarch | Ghengis Tron | Jujitsu | Draghead | Uncle Light | Heavycore | Ikonoklast | Downtown Brown | Transient | Ramesses | Brodequin | Vixen | Scum of the Earth | Darkwell | Marilyn Manson | A Perfect Murder | Visions of Atlantis | Goatsnake | Elis | Scalla Mercall | Theocracy | Enuff Z' Nuff | Boned | Destruction | Carnal Rapture | This is Exploding | Jorn | Callenish Circle | Vreid | Lunacy | S.M.I. | Quick Change | Blastmat | Kreep | BigFastCar | Kaamos | Ezra Stone | Randy Ellefson | Silent Force | By Night | Crionics | Scenteria | Matahari | Gatja | Skincrawl | Anachronism | Yigga Digga | Thine Eyes Bleed | Transmission 0 | Tearbyte | Esqarial | Rammstein Siege of Hate | Steel Prophet | Beyond the Flesh | Jet Motor Crash | Lacrimas Profundere | The April Skies | Brookfield | Mennen | Y.O.C. | Pale Existence | Tony Koretz | Croatan | Sub Noize Souljaz | Die Romantik | Urinal Puck Ministries | Mistelein | Pantheon | Funerus | Juggernott | The Hidden Hand | Soilwork | Mors in Tabula | The Provenance | Metal Mike's Painmuseum | Athanator Vicious Art | The Lizards | Marduk | C.I.A. | Alice's Garden | Fixer | Havochate | Summon | Ooverkill | Angra | American Dog | Neal Schon | Crowbar | Concept 7 | Entombed | Rhapsody | Icarus Witch | Alex Gomez | Rage | Girls Under Glass | Stiv Bators | Azrael'S Bane | Toast | Hed P.E. | Josh Small | Crossfade Destruction Terrible, generic groove groove metal that has been done by a 1000 other bands. Same tired riffs and tough guy vocals. Nothing of value here at all. The band are a 3rd rate Pantera wanna-be band and it doesn't work. Info: http://www.destruction412.com Carnal Rapture This was a pretty cool technical death metal band in the vein of Cynic. The band write some creative and catchy riffs and songs are meaty and not boring at all. The band is a 3 piece and are brutal, but not in the vein of say Suffocation or Cannibal Corpse. The vocals are pure death metal and while the band is technical, they will not go over your head. A band that should be signed for sure. Excellent, quality release. Info: esset1@inwind.it This Is Exploding This was a power pop group that I guess was ok for what it is, but it is not something that appeals to me. This too me is like one of those college rock bands. It is light weight rock or a band that could go on the Warped tour. The band write simple catchy tunes with clear vocals. If your into bands like REM or something like that you might like this. Just not my cup of tea. Info: http://www.thisisexploding.com Jorn I feel a bit let down here. See, I was expecting this to be a METAL album. And it got off to a flying start with "Young Forever", a pedal-to-the-metal hard rocker. But the band jams on the brakes after that, and for the rest of the album, putters along at a not-so-speedy pace. Most of the album's other songs are slow or medium, and very tepid. There are a handful of songs that rock out a little more, like "Living With Wolves", "One Day We Will Put Out The Sun", and "Rock Spirit" (although this song's title and lyrics led me to believe that it would be MORE rocking than it was!), but it's just not enough to make this an album to write home about. I found "...Nation" to be very unexciting with music that drags too much. That's not to say Jorn are no good as a band. They are in fact quite talented musicians, and the songs are decently written. Their style is a mix of Skid Row type hard rock and Euro metal (They hail from a Nordic nation so of course some Euro influence is going to rub off on them), with also a bit of alternative and other more "modern" styles sprinkled in. Jorn are good enough musicians with an eclectic style, but unfortunately, they've made a rather disappointing album here. I don't understand why the bulk of "...Nation" is made up of snooze inducing slow jams. Aren't these guys supposed to be metal? Or at least rock? Would it kill them to kick things into gear a little more? You're either gonna rock or you're not. http://www.jornlande.com Callenish Circle I have known this band since there demo days and here they with a 2 disc best of cd. The band plays doom metal meets At The Gates style of death metal with some melody to it. There is 26 tracks here including some unreleased stuff as well. If you were into any of the bands releases or are just looking for some quality, solid death metal, pick this up. Vreid Old school death metal in the vein of Hellhammer and Celtic Frost. The band also mix in a just a bit of black metal to their sound. This is crude, raw, underground metal. I love the throaty old school death metal vocals too. If your into old school, this is one release you need to have. Lunacy This was a pretty neat metal band here. The band rely on riffs and are like Helmet, but with more melody and a bit of rock n roll to them. There are 3 tracks here of some solid metal and the vocals are good and the guy that sings has a nice set of pipes. I could see these guys on a signed for sure. Info: http://www.lunacyband.com S.M.I. This band plays groove metal with a bif of the slower side of metal like Crowbar. While not a big fan of these styles of bands, this band is good, cause the riffs they write are not generic and sound like there is thought behind them and not just about getting people to mosh. The vocals, while in the "tough guy' style, aren't that bad as they remind me of Gary from Pro Pain. Overall, this band is much better than a lot of the other groove metal style bands and I could see them on a signed in the future. Info: http://www.southernmenalillness.com Quick Change This is a thrash band that released a few albums back in the 90's and now they are back with a live cd. I can see why the band never made a dent back in the day and I had barely even heard of them. The songs here are just boring thrash tunes that are quickly forgetable right after you hear them. The band lack power and aggression too. The songs just seem flat and didn't do a thing for me. I hope some of the bands new songs are a big faster and a bit more memorable. Info: http://www.quickchange1.com Blastmat Blastmat offer up 8 tunes of speed/thrash/old school hardcore. Mix Hirax with Sheer Terror. Second Class Citizen offer up 7 tunes of fast raw hardcore in the vein of all those 80's hardcore bands from NY. A very raw sound, but the power of the band shines through. Great split cd. Info: http://www.blastmat.freeservers.com Kreep Kreep is the brainchild of vocalist Brett Pirozzi. A former member of Long Island, NY techno metal pioneers, BILE. John Skarre - drums, Gene Sanborn - guitars, Christophe Liglet - bass and Jay Quinlan - guitars make up the rest of the band. Kreep have a dark, techno metal sound. Pretty much all of the tracks have a very similar sound to Marilyn Manson. Pretty heavy at times and sort of, well, Kreepy. There are also some Slipknot, Scum Of The Earth elements entwined within the tracks. So if you're into the above mentioned or Misery Loves Co. or Ministry to NIN, you'll dig Kreep. Overall a pretty cool sound and a descent disk. I hear they are one not to miss live. Worthy of looking into. BigFastCar With a name like BigFastCar, you'd expect this band to burn some musical rubber. They are a pretty rockin' band, but explore a few different styles in their music. They are basically a power pop/hard rock band with a tinge of punk, kind of like Green Day, although a little harder. Matt Singleton plays some edgy guitar work, and does quite a good job. BFC kicks off the album in high gear with the hard rocking "American Dream". The band rock their way through some other kickers, including "Burned Wing", "Southern Blue", "Black GTO", "Radiator" (which has some 70s hard rock influence-Aerosmith, etc.), and "So Long (Yesterday)" (A U2-ish tune. The guitar was a bit like that in "I Will Follow"). "Conviction", on the other hand, has a Beatles flavor to it, as does "Mr. Shine"; "Some Say" leans in a poppier direction; "Down The Road" is totally unplugged, with some gospel-like vocal harmonies; and "Over There" is a mournful ballad, also with a Beatles feel, that seems to make an anti-war statement. These guys are a good band at what they do. Their music has a lot of energy and can pack a punch, but they also give it diversity. They also have a cool effect, where the beginning and end of the CD sound like a record being put on and ending. KAAMOS Straight forward death metal that hits hard and fast. Though this is not original it is solid death metal that at least is not generic in its delivery. The riffs are crushingly heavy and the vocals are pure death metal. The production is good as well. If your into swedish death metal you will want this. Ezra Stone Ezra Stone is a power metal band that's one step below being a national level band. They have the sound, which is epic in nature. However, I say they're one step below because I've heard some national releases that simply blow this band right out of the water. But, the potential is there and, with a little work, they should be able to take their music to the next level and, to be honest with you, they deserve to be a much bigger band than they are now. Track three alone, "G.O.Y.A.," is proof that this band is ready to rise in the ranks. Power metal's one thing, but, when you add a bit of what I would call rap style vocals into the mix...and you're able to pull it off...that's a sign that you've got some skills. I totally dig this tune and, for me, it was the best one on the disc. If you don't live in Orlando, Florida, which is where the band is based, you might have a little trouble tracking down a copy of this disc because, well, the last time I checked their website, it wasn't there. Now, if someone would read this review and think, "Hey, this sounds like an interesting band. I'm gonna have to check 'em out," how are they gonna do that? Ah, well, what are you gonna do? I will, however, mention where you can find this album if you're interested in hearing it. In the press material that came with the disc, it mentioned that the disc was available from www.Amazon.com (although I can't say that for sure because I didn't check). It's not my job. RandyY Ellefson This is a metal instrumental release. While I am not a big fan of this stuff, this was pretty good. The guy can write some serious riffs and melodies. The music would be better if it had vocals as there is a limited stuff for an audience. I would compare this to like Megedeth "Rust in Peace' era minus the vocals. Info: http://www.randyellefson.com Silent Force Fronted by former Royal Hunt vocalist DC Cooper, Silent Force plays very melodic power metal in the vein of bands like Gamma Ray, Iron Savior, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, Heavenly, and Sonata Arctica. Guitarist Alex Beyrodt (ex-Primal Fear) sounds very influenced by Kai Hansen, and plays very well. Cooper, on the other hand, sounds very similar to Europe's Joey Tempest. The keyboards, played by Torsten Dohore, are very dominant. Torsten goes crazy with his ivories through the album, doing a lot of fancy, classically influenced work. The music of the Force is very melodic and polished, with some catchy choruses and melodies, and some hyper riffing and skilled solos from Alex. Most of the songs go full steam ahead, but these is one ballad, "Spread Your Wings", and another song, "Hold On", has a bit of Zeppelin's "Kashmir" in it. These guys are excellent musicians who have made a superbly crafted album here. The one complaint I have about it, however, is it doesn't really sound a whole lot different from other bands of this ilk. It just doesn't stand out or push the envelope in any way. Nonetheless, there's no denying that the band are great at what they do, and one can't fault that. They just need to be a little more daring and original, and go somewhere where no power metal band has gone before. Maybe on their next album. Until then, may the Force (Silent or not) be with them! http://www.silent-force.rocks.de By Night At The Gates style death metal is the ticket here. The band churn out machine gun blasting riff after riff with some screamed dying man vocals. The band don't just blast through the tunes, there is some melody at times. If your into death metal with some wicked riffs, here ya go. Info: http://www.lifeforcerecords.com Crionics Fast blasting death/black metal that didn;t do much for me. The band just blast into hyerspeed riffing with keyboard parts that sound like a lot of other death/black metal bands. The band remind me of Cradle of Filth, who I am no big fan of. Some of the slower parts were cool, but overall this just didn't hold my interest for very long. Scenteria This just hit hard and knock me for a loop. The riffs just kept on punishing me until I waved the white flag and begged for mercy. This is swedish death metal with melody and the riffs just are so damn catchy it isn't funny. The guitar sound is mint and I can't get enough of it. The vocals are good solid growls of death and this is a great death metal release. Matahari This was pop metal like No Doubt all the way. This might be fine for some, but it is too lightweight for me and the girl has a good voice, but this is not my cup of tea. Info: http://www.mataharirocks.com Gatja Gatja is a female fronted rock band, it's as simple as that. I never heard their music before and I hardly know anything about 'em. But, their eleven song release, "Paradox," really knocked me for a loop. They've got a sound that's all their own. I mean, "Left Behind" kinda brought Guano Apes to mind. Other than that, I can't really think of any other band they remind me of. For once, I'm actually at a loss for words. It's good to know that I'm not the only who feels this way. I saw a review on their website that said their music is hard to describe and I thought to myself, "No kidding!" Let me tell you something, it's a real pain in the ass when you like something and you can't explain why you like it. It should be obvious that Gatja is a band that has something special to offer. If you have any doubts about that, listen to the album. You'll be a fan by the second or third song. I can almost guarantee it. I'd also suggest keeping your eye on this band because I believe they're gonna go places because "Paradox" is an album that's screaming to be heard and the more people who hear it, the better. Skincrawl Bad modern metal with those gruff vocals and then the lower than low vocals played along some industrial style death metal music. The 3 songs here I didn't like and the vocals are childlike and the music isn't far behind. Info: http://www.skincrawl.com ANACHRONISM An awesome hard rock band that play songs with ton's of heart and feeling. I am a sucker for a good rock band and this band fits the bill. Excellent vocals and the songs are filled with melody and passion and no they aren't some glam band. This is not metal, but a great hard rock band and is one of the best bands doing this style I have ever heard. Info: http://www.evick.com Yigga Digga Modern metal with groove. The band sound like a cross between Guns and Roses and newer Metallica. The band play groove laden metal with plenty of hooks, but I didn't like the tough guy vocals and I thought it was very generic and sounded like a million other bands. Info: http://www.yiggadigga.com Thine Eyes Bleed At The Gates style death metal which has been done to death. The band just bored me after a few songs. Same tired riffing and the throaty screamed vocals. Sure the band play vicious and fast, but the songs are just flat and this in my opinions is just not an above average band. Info: http://www.theenedrecords.com Transmission 0 Boring industrial style metal with screamed vocals and lack of quality to the music. The music just plods along with the vocalist screaming as the music just goes on and on. The group didn't excite me at all and while not a big fan of industrial music, I do like some. This just to me was not a good, quality release. Tearabyte Tearabyte will tear a bite out of your ass! They play old school style thrash metal that sounds like it came straight out of the 80s Bay Area scene, with some sprinklings of more modern style metal (Pantera, Machine Head, etc.). Their music kicks you square in the ass and goes for the throat, but good! They play fast, furious, aggressive, and abrasive. No messing around for these guys, they just kick it out and play unrelenting metal! Guitarist Kevin Mead plays some blitzing riffs, shredding like crazy all the way, while bassist/vocalist Al Mead (brothers, I presume) bangs and belts 'em out like there's no tomorrow, and drummer Jeff Owens pounds his skins like a human machine gun! This trio are a tight little unit who can kick some serious ass, and do what they do very well. Their roots are firmly planted in classic style thrash metal, but they're not just retreading what's already been done. They've got a style that's all their own, and they're taking metal forwards. Not only that but they've also got a sense of humor. There's a bunch of unlisted bonus material (almost enough for a whole separate CD), one of which is a spoof country song called "Squealing Pig Fucker" or something like that, and it's a riot! Very ribald, but hilarious! There's also a bunch of live material, all of which is new, and not featured anywhere else on the album. More thrashin' tunes recorded live, and some thrashed up, humorous versions of Christmas songs (I assume this was recorded in the holiday season), one of which is "Little Drummer Boy" being sung over the music of "Am I Evil". Tearabyte give you a lot of (head)bang for your buck on this album, with thrashin' galore, and a few laughs to boot! What more could a metalhead ask for? Esqarial Pretty cool combo of death mixed in with a touch of power and progressive metal. Sort of like Testament at times if they mixed with Dream Theatre. The production is good and the music is mostly upper paced and fast death that sounds good to these ears. Good solid riffs and vox. A hot band here. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com Rammstein Germany's own Rammstein are back to fill your palettes with some more metal. The title track "Reise, Reise," which means "Journey, Journey," begins the album with metallic heavy guitar riffs and trademark raspy doomy voice. The single "Mein Teil," or "My Tool," adds another dimension to the album that reverberates in your memory. The clever, politically charged, and social conscience song "Amerika," has a chant that makes you question our nationalism with "We all live in America / � It's wunderbar (wonderful)/ � It's wunderbra." This CD takes off where their previous album, Mutter, left off with their melodic techno undertones and typical hard hitting guitar and vocal work. Also, it is prevalent the band is growing as musicians and as people and is evident with the lyrical content that push the limits where they have not before. Rammstein are incredible musicians, songwriters, and are the ultimate rock stars. Anyone who loves Rammstein must purchase this new album. Siege Of Hate Decent fast death metal, while not original is a blasting delight of fast, pounding, almost grind like metal. The vocals are solid growls and screaming death and a good production to boot. If you like your death metal with lots of blast, but not cheezy blast, here ya go. Think Terrorizer Steel Prophet Steel Prophet return with their latest offering, another healthy dose of no-frills heavy metal, played like it was meant to be played. The band continue in their usual style of traditional/power/speed metal, influenced by all the classics. The guitars are very pronounced and skillfully played, offering a classic style twin axe attack, while the vocalist has a very strong, clear, powerful voice, operatic at times, hitting a number of different octaves, and the rhythm section is as solid as steel, with some speedy double bass drumming in some places. All the songs go full throttle, 100% pure metal in overdrive! There is one ballad but it's very powerful and emotional. Steel Prophet play hard hitting yet melodic metal, and are very talented musicians. The songs are all well written, with intelligent lyrics, and play with precision. They are a masterful band who have carved themselves a well-earned niche in the metal world. Beyond the Flesh This was good release mixing in death metal with the fury of thrash that packs a wallop. The band can write some solid head banging riffs. The vocals are more on the death metal side, but not the lower than low crap. The production is not too polished, which works for me. The band mix in older Slayer with their brand of death metal and this is one release that should be added to your collection now. Jet Motor Crash Now here's an album that I can really sink my teeth into. I really don't have to say too much about this release. All I need to do is get you to give it a listen and, once you do, the music will do all the talking. Yeah...it's that good. I think the appeal here is the fact that Jet Motor Crash is a band that's concerned with writing a good song, it's as simple as that. I haven't heard a release this strong in quite some time. I have a very short attention span. Seriously. So, it's rare for me to find an album that I can listen to from start to finish without getting the urge to listen to something else. The first time I gave this a listen, it had my attention. It has a running time that's just under 40 minutes and some people might consider that a little short, especially when you consider the fact that you can squeeze almost 80 minutes on a disc these days...and I'm sure the band is aware of that. However, I think they're more concerned with quality, not quantity. Lucky for us they have this point of view. Hopefully, they'll stick around long enough to give us a few more albums of quality music. We certainly could use it. Lacrimas Profundere This was a pretty cool release as the band show lots of emotion and feeling as this played on. Lacrimas Profundere play a style of gothic rock with sort of a Type O Negative feel. Production is soild and I like the vocals which fit the music really well. If you like Type O Negative, you'll love this band too. Info: http://www.napalmrecords.com The April Skies The April Skies are a band who seemed to have been around for some time, in one shape or another. Starting back in '88 after many recording company showcases, touring and a couple of releases under their belts, in '98 the band decided to take an extended break. Spring 2002 comes along and Jake Crawford , vocals/guitars, along with new bass player Mark Mazick, reform the group with old bandmates Mark Higgins , keyboards/vocals and Mark Tritico on the drums. The Pennsylvania-based band are stirring things up in the new millennium. This release is a very melodic to up-tempo rock sound. You can hear many elements of Elvis Costello to R.E.M. and The Cure , as well as Chris Schaffer and The Why Store. The April skies are one of those bands, wether you like the genre or not, make you think why the hell aren't those guys on a major label it. Maybe they've had the bites and are holding out? I can't answer that one. I can say that this is a very good band with a good sound. Hopefully this ep does the trick on getting them signed. I do believe there may already be in new full-length disk just released. You still need to give this five song ep a listen. What are you waiting for, go look them up. Brookfield Modern college rock with some bad songs and bad music. The band play limp jump generic light metal with no power and quality at all. This is like college rock and not very good. The songs just lacked power & didn't do a thing for me. Info: http://www.brookfieldrecords.com Mennen If you like the sounds of Whitesnake, Scorpions, and Van Halen then you will love Mennen. Mennen, a band that formed by front man Joss Mennen is making a stuning Dutch Hard Rock and Metal scene a real come back. Mennen is going straight to the charts with this new album which was released on March 8, 2005 known as "Freakazoid". This will be Mennen's 5th album to date. Onto http://www.mennen.net Y.O.C. A neat 3 track tribute to one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Y.O.C. treat the songs in their own way, while still staying true to their original style. They don't pick 3 hits, instead taking I guess 3 songs they like. My favorite is Flash of the Blade from the Powerslave release. I would love to hear more from this band . Info: http://www.yoc.kimdr.com Pale Existence Generic badly produced death metal in vein of Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus and bands of that nature. Thbe vocals are those low throaty vocals and the music is music that sounds like a million other same old death metal bands adding nothing new or exciting to the scene. Info: http://www.paleexistence.tk Tony Koretz From New Zealand comes singer-songwriter, musicianand guitar extraordinaire, Tony Koretz. This is the second release by Tony in the past four years. He also has a 2000 release , titled 'Destiny'. His sound is that of a wide range of rock sounds. From a seventies classic to a progressive rock with a jazzy mix , as well as slowed tempo blues. It's all there. This is definitely some driving guitar rock. Koretz's style is reminiscent to that of an early Journey(pre Steve Perry), Yesterday and Today (Y&T ) and Foghat. Very nice on the blues riffs. CD highlights for me are ," If Your Love Was A River, (radio hit chart topping sounds to that one) and the infectiously depressive, And The Wind Blows". Ripping guitars. A good jam. This is a must listen for any and all fans of rock-and-roll. http://www.koretzmusic.com Croatan This was some weird demented shit. This is a 2 piece band that play metal with a grunge sort of edge, but also whip in some like early 70's style doom metal to the cause. Production is raw and the vocals are like Geddy Lee of Rush. The band also has some wild screaming female vocals too. Weird, but cool band. Info: http://www.peaceordierecords.com Sub Noize Souljaz I've been on a Steven Segal kick lately and the music on this release brought that to mind because, in some of his more recent films, this is the kind of music that's usually playing when he's kickin' bad guy ass. Although, instead of a song or two during a fight scene, you've got a whole album here, one that was created by somewhat of a super group. The Sub Noize Souljaz is actually made up of artists who appear on the Suburban Noize Record label. The line up includes Judge D, Chucky Styles, Just Cause, Dirtball and members of Opm and Kottonmouth Kings. I happen to like the whole rap/hip hop mixed with rock style of music. I know some people who say that it all sounds the same and, to a certain degree, I can agree with 'em. But, the way I look at it, there's only two ways it can be and that's good or bad. Either the songs stick with you and excite you or they're plain, boring and easily forgotten. When you're talkin' about this album, I don't think it's one that you're gonna forget anytime soon. The way I view a release like this is, if the first song on the disc doesn't catch my attention, then it's probably not a release that I'm gonna be interested in. With that in mind, I threw this disc in the player and track one, "Frontline," caught my attention in a big way. It had an aggressive beat and the rhymes were pretty kickin' and that was enough to keep me listening. I ended up going through the entire disc in one sitting and considering the fact that I have an exceptionally short attention span, that's saying a lot. This is one for the collection. Fifteen songs, close to an hour's worth of material, all of it strong and worth listening to, you can't beat that. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. http://www.suburbannoizerecords.com Die Romantik This is not my cup of tea at all. The band play like pop music with a classical feel and it is something I am not into at all, so I didn't care for this, but the vocals fit the music and for the style they play I guess they are good. Not metal nor heavy enough for me. Info: http://www.dieromantikmusic.com Urinal Puck Ministries Metalcore comes alive with the help of Pennsylvannia/Maryland-based Urinal Puck Ministries with their new CD. The song "Bow to the Ministry," starts off with deep heavy crunchy guitar riffs that have a whiplash rhythm section that any metal head can admire. The beautifully titled "Poop," has raspy vocals and the I-don't-know care attitude that represents this band well. If you like a band with a sense of humor that can still kick ass, check Urinal Puck Ministries. The musicianship is high caliber with lyrics that are original for their genre. Mistelein Same ole black metal in vein of Immortal, Cradle Of FIlth, etc. Same old pick riffing, screeching vocals and blasting away in the name of satan. Wow the band even use keyboards that ever other black metal band uses. Nothing of value here. Info: http://www.ww3music.com Pantheon What do you have when you cross cartoon-like characters and have them play metal? Pantheon is your answer with psychotic theatrical props such as masks, knives, and white goth makeup assemble this band. "Crush of the Weak," starts with keyboard synth sounds that sound tacky mixed with female vocals that are out of place and take away from the music as a whole. "Reaction," is a confusing song that does not focus on one style but move in between rap, metal, techno, and goth combined. The end result is lackluster and half-assed. Do not waste your time with this CD. The image and sound this band is going for is original, which I respect, but has no clear potential but a laugh. Funerus This punishes, crushing and just beats you into total submission. Some of the heaviest slabs of meaty riffs you will ever hear. Think Immolation/Incantation meeting Autopsy and Rottovore. This is what death metal should be. Thick brutal riffs along with real death metal vocals. This band also features John from Incantion and his wife Jill. Perfect production too. A must have underground release. Info: http://www.ibexmoonrecords.com Juggernott Juggernott have a huge sound that exult with intensity of vocalist Steve Lawrence and guitarist Barry Bollinger. "No Good-Byes," show all sides of the band with an acoustic guitar arrangement that later is heightened by a heavy and melodic chorus. The aggression that is shown in this song is amazing and later climaxes with a volatile guitar solo that any musician can applaud. "Quest for Comfort," has an old-school nasty metal guitar riff that reminds me of Anthrax and Metallica back in the day. The vocals go from a high to a low register and sound like Rob Halford but better. Juggernott is old-school all the way with great musicianship and songwriting ability. Buy this CD and you will not be sorry. The Hidden Hand The escapades of Scott "Wino" Weinrich are many and on the rise. The dude goes from band to band, lending his mark to a release and then moving on. Spiritual Caravan, Place of Skulls, Probot (the Dave Grohl metal project), and others have been impacted by the man's guitar and vocals. The Hidden Hand is a stoner rock trio that pulls plenty of references from Black Sabbath and one of my favorite Seattle-by-way-of-Iowa City bands Sludgeplow as the band transcends their material to the listener. Only if you totally immerse yourself into the attitude and music will this powerful material really get to you. Wino constructs memorable riffs, especially on the duo "Desensitized" that leads into the brilliant "Draco Vibration." The pulsating drums of Dave Hennessy provide the background foundation for Wino. "Travesty As Usual" starts out with a driving Led Zeppelin "Kashmir" type drum beat (slow and heavy) before the hypnotic guitar and special effect-enhance vocals begin. I found Mother Teacher Destroyer to be an excellent release. Soilwork This band used to be a wicked swedish death metal band, but now they are nothing more than a 3rd rate nu metal Pantera wanna be band with tough guy vocals and those jump metal riffs. What happended to the brutality and originality guys? I read some of the other reviews this got and all I can say is what were those people smokin? This is nothing but a cash in on all the new jump metal bands and Soilwork have now hopped on that train. This release sucks. Info: http://www.nuclearblastusa.com Mors in Tabula If the music of Phantom of the Opera and Cannibal Corpse had a baby the result would be Mors in Tabula. This is one of the most explosive and highly original CDs I have heard in a while and is nothing to be taken lightly. "Blood Path," opens with a juggernaut of eclectic sounds ranging from string quartets and chilling eerie vocal arrangements that then come crashing in with heavy guitar and heart thumping drum work that can make anyone's head explode. "M/K Ultra," is an industrial masterpiece with a memorial guitar riff and low vocals that are from the depths of hell with the lyrics "Run away / There is no escape / You cannot hide." I am not a big fan of industrial and doom music, but Mors in Tabula is the exception. The songs have everything for everyone from metal, techno, and the weird. THE PROVENANCE Industrial/goth metal with female vocals. This was ok, I am not a big fan of this style of music as I find it quite boring. The band plod along with the songs with little power and feeling to my ears. The girl does have a pretty cool voice, but overall I just was bored with this as I listened on I found no valiue in it. Info: http://www.scarletrecords.it Metal Mike's Painmuseum Metal Mike Chlasciak, metal guitar master. Most notably known as a key role in launching of Rob Halford back to the metal god status he deserved with writing, touring and recording with the bands three album history. Mike since joined up with Testament as a full-time member. Can't wait for that. Backing up Mike on this release are Bobby Jarzombek on the drums( Iced Earth, Halford, Riot), Steve DiGiorgio - bass (Testament, Death, Sadus, Iced Earth) and Tim Claybourne - vocals.(Hatred) First I've got to say , Holy Crap!!! Not what I expected. Right out of the gates, non-stop metal fury. This disk has a thrashing death metal classic sound. Ripping guitars , of course, pummeling drums, heavy as hell , All-star metal from an all-star lineup. I could give a brief description of each track, but there's no point. I'd have to write great 11 times. We'll maybe not for all 11 songs, there are a few excellences in that list. Metal Mike does not screw around on this disk. This is pure unadulterated, heavy fighting metal. A must-have for all. Metal Mike is in his own right to metal god. Painmuseum is just one outlet for his godliness . This is not an ass kissing review by the way, this is truly a killer release. www.painmuseum.com ATHANATOR This four piece thrash metal band hails from Medellin , Columbia. Athanator has made quite a name for themselves in South America , and are ready to take on the world by starting a major world tour this year. 'Earth Of Blood' is the band's latest release. This is for the most, a pretty good thrash release. Most of the tracks have the familiar sounds we as thrash metal heads have all grown to love. This being said, leaves the part where I say that this does not pop a wood. Heavy threshing drums, terrorizing guitars , and a decent thrash bellowing vocalist. A good album all-around, but it doesn't have that WOW!!! anywhere that I could find. Even without the wow, I think you should at least check them out. They are very worthy of at least that. VICIOUS ART Fast razor sharp riffing in the vein of Morbod Angel and Imolation. These riffs hurt and punish and dull your senses. The fast slicing riffs and skull smashing drum patterns make this an above average death metal release. Good solid non generic death metal vocals too. The Lizards The Lizards are, if I may introduce them, Bobby Rondinelli, who recently left Blue Oyster Cult to work full-time in this band, Mike DiMeo, the incredible vocalist from the heavy metal group Riot, bassist Randy Pratt and the awesome guitar sounds of Patrick Klein . This is a solid rock-and-roll release. The bands sound explores the rock, metal, blues and soul sounds. A highly talented conjuring of musicians. All the tracks are very memorable. Many bands come to mind when listening to this release, most of for me is Jake E. Lee's Badlands. There are a couple tracks here you could have pulled right off the first album. Some Whitesnake as well. A great mixture of genres altogether. Great musicianship and songwriting. A couple highlights 'The Opal Crest Of Zed, Take A Rideand Down'. The whole disk is very good. If you're wanting something on the heavier side, stay away. But if it's something good you want to hear, this is one for you. The Lizards are carrying the hard rock torch into the new year showing to all great rock still exists. http://www.thelizardswebsite.com Marduk Yes, yes, yes. A unholy display of what black metal should be 100%. Total hate and speed, power, emotion and just plain anger. This hits fast hard like a speeding train. This band has been tearing it up for years and here they come again with another splendid release of godly black metal. Great production and the speed and emotion this band show is unmatched. A must have if your into underground metal. C.I.A. Screaming Ferret Records/Escapi Music have re-released the 1992 sophomore effort by Nuclear Assault drummer, Glenn Evans. Glenn Evans is a great musician. He writes records and plays all the instruments , as well as singing for C.I.A. This was originally released In limited capacity back in '92 , without a proper release . I am mixed on this one. I went ahead and dug into the old cassettes , and played the first release 'In The Red'. Yes , I said cassettes. I've had this puppy forever. It was a killer release , sounding a lot like Nuclear Assault to me .This release sounds way different. If you've heard 'In The Red', you know what I mean by the thrashing metal sounds of all the tracks. Well besides , the ballad 'Samantha'. Well , 'Attitude' has a different vibe to it. There is a couple of cool tracks to it, but it sounds to me is if Evans lightened up a bit towards the more mainstream sounds of the time. Maybe monetary reasons? There were several personal issues going on during the recording of this . Those things make no difference these days. And this review does not follow up 'In The Red'. So maybe I should just shut the hell up and say there are some cool off tempo beats, ripping solos and plenty of mosh pit influenced riffs throughout. A pretty good listen. It does take a couple of times to catch on. Well it did for me. 'Right Or Wrong , No Remorse and Land Of Gloom and Doom' are some of the disk highlights. It's worth checking into if your metal head. http://www.screamingferret.com Alice's Garden A neat heavy metal band with vocals not far removed from Rob Halford from Judas Priest. The band don't sound like Judas Priest, but instead play a brand of pure metal that is both original and refreshing. The band don't play power metal like Hammerfall nor nu metal, just plain old metal. Can't compare them to anybody, but if you like straight forward metal that is really metal and not grunge, death, or black check this out. Info: http://www.alicesgardenband.com Fixer Rock music becomes weaker thanks to the help of washed-up musicians in Fixer. All songs on this five song EP are trite, monotonous, and lack inspiration. The first track "Two into One," has an awesome groove and is catchy. The vocals have range and are progressive with the melody lines that stick in your head. "Mary Bell," gives you insight into the band's sound that defies the many labels going from rock to blues to down-right-sucky. "Need it Now," starts off with constant snare drum hits complimented with an annoying guitar riff and stupid lyrics that makes you dumber after each listen. After the first couple of listens you will become bored with this band that has no clear vision or musical objective. The styles range from all genres of music but are inconsistent in the music and clich�d amateur lyrics. Havochate This sort of reminded me of modern Judas Priest, which is not a bad thing at all. The music is powerful metal with a touch of thrash and speed to it. The guitar sound has a wicked crunch to it and the vocals are clear, but nervertheless powerful. The songs are good to excellent solid pounding metal songs that anybody into solid metal will like. Info: http://www.indecentmedia.com Summon Oh my god it is the attack of the killer death/black metal bands. What can I say about this release? How about you go out and buy it now. This is 100% prime death/black metal that blows away and Dying Fetus wanna be band down in its tracks. Hate, speed and power is the ticket here. Great death metal vocals and the riffs and speed had my head spinning. Production is on the money and the emotion and feeloing the band have is unmatched. Buy or die. Info: http://www.moribundcult.com Overkill Overkill really shake things up on their latest effort, which brings the group back to their roots and is a welcome revisitation to the sound the band had during the years of “Under The Influence” and “ The Years Of Decay”. Featuring some severely thrashing rhythms on songs like “Loaded Rack” and “A Pound Of Flesh” as well as Bobby “Blitz Ellsworth’s trademark vocals, this is an album that is sure to appeal to any Overkill devotee or those listeners who are engaged with up-tempo thrash metal. “Play The Ace” is a serious headbanger, while “The Mark” may just be this record’s best kept secret. Over the years, Overkill has proven itself as a band dedicated to keeping the fundamental tenets of thrash metal alive, keeping with a distinct sound that has garnered the band legions of loyal followers. With this powerful headbanging release, they show that they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Angra With each album, Angra just keep getting better and in “Temple Of Shadows”, they have created their definitive release thus far. The band labored intensely in the studio to birth this power metal monster and the effort definitely shows on epic tracks like “Angels And Demons” and “Temple Of Hate”. Very few artists can pull off such a high degree of instrumental prowess coupled with such superb songwriting. This album is filled with dramatic, majestic sounding choruses and intense riffing that meld together in order to form a tremendous onslaught of metal. “Spread Your Fire” seethes with energy, enhanced remarkably by a tremendous performance by Edu Falaschi on vocals. Angra is a group that seems to be completely unstoppable. With the release of ‘Temple Of Shadows’ they have solidified their position as one of the best groups in the power metal genre. Songs like “Shadow Hunter” and the ravaging “Morning Star” will no doubt get plenty of fists flying as the group embarks on their world tour in support of the effort. If you are any kind of fan of power metal, this is a crucial release that you most assuredly will not want to miss! American Dog American Dog serve up a bluesy, rollicking good time on this eleven track release, displaying a gritty, dirty rock n’ roll sound that is exactly the kind of thing that sets a roadhouse on fire! Take for example, the slinking grooves of “Workin’ Man”, a track where the band exudes a macho, grimy feeling throughout. American Dog offer up a road wizened take on pumping eighties metal on “Faded”, while the buzzed out, blue collar sounds of “Lucky 13” kick off with a major tip of the hat to the blues, followed by a sludgy riff that is accompanied by a tasty walking bassline that gives the tune a dirty rock feel. Displaying a devil may care attitude on “Another Lost Weekend” comes second nature to these boys, for them every night is another bar and another show to rock. Here they bash this one out with lyrics that spell out a classic club crawler ethos. The bottom line is that if you enjoy bluesy rock that’s bashed out with a good dose of beer drinking attitude, American Dog’s latest is right up your alley. Neal Schon Something of an icon in rock guitar circles, Neal Schon is back with an album of tasty axework that would make Joe Satriani blush. “Blue Passion” finds this six string master employing deep bends and crisp, vibrant arpeggios that are full of emotion. On the title track, Schon offers up a spacey trip into the vast unknown of progressive rock guitar. The sounds here are very smooth and clearly geared toward axe afficianados. Schon’s performance is top notch as he crafts vibrant melodies that perfectly underscore this tunes driving beat. “The Chamber” offers modernistic synth effects, dramatic drum hits and soaring six string melodies that will take the listener directly into the stratosphere. “Moon Dust” is at once laid back and radiant with a warm, soulful tone. This track reminds the listener of the early work of Steve Vai as Schon takes a clean electric guitar tone to a new level. On the experimental, funky “Loner’s Dream”, Schon continues to impress, sailing over top of a dirty, Prince inspired beat. Possibly the greatest piece on this wonderful record is the introspective, loving tones of “Father”, a track that will inspire you with its depth of emotion and lush, rich textures as Schon plays a skillful melody that is nothing short of remarkable. Not just for shred heads, “I on U” is a diverse, well produced album that will certainly set just about any mood you’re looking to create. Sit back, relax and enjoy this fine album from one of the pre-eminent forces in the world of guitar today. Crowbar Kirk Windstein returns from his stint on the Down project with a super heavy record that rivals that supergroup in terms of songwriting, performance and production. Warren Riker turns in another stellar studio job, as this record is about as heavy as it gets while at the same time, each individual player’s instrument comes through crystal clear. In the past this factor has been an opportunity on Crowbar records, but no more! Kirk’s vocals have improved tremendously on this album. He has finally nailed the more melodic vocal parts, making for a record that is full of dynamics and catchy, yet heavy rhythms that will surely have fans in a rabid metal frenzy. Kirk has had the benefit of working with some of the best songwriters going in Down, and obviously, this factor has had a huge impact on his approach to songwriting. With “Lifesblood For The Downtrodden”, you have the perfect example of a group that has gotten nothing but better with age, showing a refined maturity that creates both a tremendous musical impact as well as imparting some seriously heavy doses of emotion. “Slave No More” stands out as one of the albums best tracks, an unforgiving slab of power that features what is Windstein’s best vocal performance to date. “Coming Down” echoes with a doomy vastness. This whole album is a prime example of Deep South, NOLA heaviness that is nothing short of crushing. Crowbar has crafted a behemoth of an album this time around that is sure to garner the group an even wider range of metal listeners. Definitely recommended! CONCEPT 7 3 techno dance tracks that bored me to death. I didn't find anything of value and this is sure no Minsitry and sounds like something you would here in one of those NY race nightclubs. Not for me at all. Info: http://www.concept-7.net Entombed This is a live recording of this band from a opera house with like 30 ballet dancers onstage. Must be a pretty funny site on video, but I have the cd and the band crank out a bunch of tunes including Left Hand Path and In The Flesh. The sound is good for a live recording and even though I lost interest in the band a few releases back this was decent for a live cd and the bands newest release (the double cd with old and new stuff) had me being a fan again. Rhapsody Rhapsody, the kings of symphonic power metal, return again with another album of epic proportions, this one perhaps their most ambitious to date. They continue in their trademark style of epic power metal mixed with classical music, and touches of medieval/Celtic music as well. This time, however, they have gone all out and hired a sixty piece orchestra to play on the album, as well as enlisting legendary actor Christopher Lee for some spoken narrative on the album. The band plays its trademark style galloping, melodic, classically-inspired speed metal, with vocalist Fabio Leone singing his heart out, and guitarist Luca Turelli and keyboadist Alex Strapoli playing up a storm, among the complex classical arrangements of the orchestra. They have dubbed their style "Hollywood Metal" or "Film Score Metal". That is rather fitting as this does sound like it could be a soundtrack to a Hollywood epic, with more than a touch of metal! As always, this is a concept album with a medieval, Tolkien-style, good vs. evil tale, part of which is told in Lee's narrations. Rhapsody stay true to their roots, without abandoning their established style, but they build on that style, experimenting a little more, and appear to have raised the bar for themselves. There are no less than two ten minute long epics on here, those being, "Erian's Mystical Rhymes" and "Sacred Power Of Raging Winds". There are the classic Rhapsody galloping metal tunes, there are a few ballads, there are a couple of all-Celtic/medieval songs, they use some rather unusual instruments, like a harpsichord and a clarinet, there are some operatic background vocals, and of course we have the orchestra to make the style all the more grandiose, but that certainly doesn't make the band wimpy! These guys are really talented and unique, and are taking metal to a new level. They have also taken themselves up a few notches. The arrangements and songwriting and structures are nothing short of amazing! I think Rhapsody have outdone themselves with this one. Rhapsody are truly masters of their craft, and have turned out a brilliant piece of work indeed. I'll admit it can be a little self indulgent and, in places, like they overdid things; and also sometimes the orchestra drowns the metallic side of things and takes away some of the bite, but nonetheless, Luca, Fabio, and the boys are still a great band who have made a tremendous album here, topping all their previous work. Rhapsody are one of a kind, for sure. |
