THE ABOMINABLE
IRON SLOTH - "S/T" (Goodfellow Records)
Style - Sludge/Doom/Grind
Origin - Sacramento, CA
Rob's Review: Judging by the cover art of this CD I was
thoroughly expecting to hear something straight out of stoner/doom land. I got
stoner/doom alright but covering up the downtuned goodness with a boring blanket
of bile are the ever familiar yet quickly tiring scream-o vocals. Man, I'm
really growing tired of this vocal style. then again I guess I've never really
been fond of it either. Mix it with something...anything! Throw me a curveball
once in a while. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener. Like
most of this stuff though, the music is cool. Nothing too different from most
of the stoner/doom out now aside from the fact that it might be closer to the
sludge area of the doom section of the stoner universe. (HA!) Downtuned and
muddy almost to the point of incomprehension but just audible enough to be
heard. Just as sludge is meant to be. Although as is the case with most other
bands of this style it does tend to get a little monotonous and boring after a
while. If that starts getting to you just spark up a joint and drift away on
the low frequencies. Speaking of joints I'm pretty sure these guys were
partaking in the sacred herb while dreaming up song titles for this masterpiece
such as "Parasite Hilton and Other Flaws Inherent to Wealth" , "A Distant Pond
From the Rivers of Human Limelight" and the ever popular "Hats Made of Veal and
That New Car Scent". To...tok...toke it up, man...
www.ironsloth.com
www.myspace.com/theironsloth
ABYSMAL DAWN - "From Ashes"
(Crash Music)
Style - Blackened Death Metal
Originality - USA
Dean’s review- After reviewing the Twin Method cd, I didn’t
have very high hopes for this disc. Holy hell, talk about being proven wrong.
This disc absolutely rules. A strong Dissection vibe is present throughout the
cd but only as an influence, not as a rip off. Add in touches of “The Bleeding”
era Cannibal Corpse, Nile, Morbid Angel, Deicide, and Death and you have a
strong contender for album of the year. There is no chance of being bored by any
of the nine tracks here and is one of the few cds that ends before you get bored
of it. Superb guitar playing, pummeling drums and vicious vocals combine to
produce an album that restores your faith in death metal. Absolutely recommended
to anyone that is into any of the aforementioned bands. You NEED to check these
guys at http://www.abysmaldawn.com or
http://www.myspace.com/abysmaldawn.
Production: 9 Performance: 9 Originality: 8
Overall: 10
(In this case the sum is greater than the separate pieces-buy this damn thing)
ALEX MASI - "In The Name Of Beethoven"
(Lion Music)
Style - Classical Instrumental
Origin - US/Italy
Rob's Review - Alex Masi has been around for many years getting his start in
a band called Dark Lord which had its roots in more of a NWOBHM style. After
that he got lumped into the sudden rash of metal instrumental guitar virtuoso's
and rode that wave through the 80's and beginning of the 90's. I have to admit
I haven't heard much of his material aside from some songs off 1989's "Attack of
the Neon Shark" which actually earned him a Grammy nomination for best rock
instrumental (it also featured some sporadic vocal work from Jeff Scott Soto).
So I was at least intrigued to hear this based on what I heard off "Neon
Shark". You pretty much anticipate the style of an album when it's titled "In
the Name of Beethoven" and involves a guitar hero of sorts. This is definitely
a departure from his early works in that it's all acoustic renditions of Big "B"
himself, hence the title. If your not a classical fan at all you probably wont
dig this but if you have an appreciation for all things guitar you should at
least have a little appreciation for classical and should find this a nice
listen especially as a means of relaxation if nothing else. He does an
excellent job of translating these classics to guitar so it's definitely a
worthwhile purchase. The sound and feel of this cd really reminds me of what
Marty Friedman did on his "Scenes" cd back in '92. Check this out if your at
all into this stuff and if you like this he's also released "In the Name of
Bach" and soon will release "In the Name of Mozart".
http://www.alexmasi.net/ -
http://www.lionmusic.com/artists/alexmasi.htm
AN END TO OCTOBER –
“Dividing The Tide” (self-released)
Style – Post Hardcore/Progressive/Rock
Origin – Mississippi, USA
Mike’s Review – If I was a fan of hardcore vocals, this CD
would probably get a better rating that what it’s about to get. The music is
good and the musicians seem to have the talent needed to make it someplace in
the music industry, but the vocals bore the crap out of me (even the screamo
vocals in “Beseiged”) and it just seems monotonous throughout the album. I think
this album would actually sound good as an instrumental. Too bad I couldn’t
listen to this album minus the vocals.
www.anendotooctober.com
ARGOTH – “Societatis
Draconistrarum”
Style – Death Metal
Origin – Finland
Mike’s Review – Melodic death metal with quick a bit of
“doom” elements adding in. The mix of low evil growls with the rapid black metal
screams seem to balanced well throughout the music on this two-man band’s debut
album. A lot of evil and depression lurks within their sounds. Depending on your
which side of the black and white world that you live in, this album will either
empower you to become more evil or fill your soul emptiness. But, as the overall
intent of evilness may sound promising, by the end of the album, I find myself
searching for something a little more original. The Finnish melodic death/doom
sound will never grow old for me, but there comes a point when things need to
evolve a little bit. http://www.argath.com
Vocals: 6 Music: 7 Production 7 Originality:
6
Overall: 6.5 (out of 10)
ARTIMUS PYLEDRIVER - Self
Titled (DRT Entertainment)
Style - Hard Edged Rock
Release Date- June 2006
Origin- USA (GA)
Darren's Review - I usually don't have the luxury of seeing a band
live before I get to review the sound recording, but in this case I did. Artimus
opened up for a Hank III show I attended. Not only do they have an awesome band
name (Skynyrd dude!), they put on a hell of a show that night. After the show I
chased down the singer and $5.00 later (the first CD I ever paid for to review!)
I had a copy of their new release. This is great hard edged full throttle rock
and roll. Fans of AC/DC and Motorhead will feel right at home. Each song
delivers great good ole fashion high octane rock. The singer does sound a bit
like Brian Johnson (AC/DC) at times, but also incorporates his own style as
well. I recommend this album. If you get a chance to see them live, don't even
think about it, do it!
www.artimuspyledriver.com ;
www.drt-entertainment.com
Track Highlights: Swamp Devil, Ride On, Dirt Road White Girl, Natural
Progression, Shaggin Ass
BABYLON MYSTERY
ORCHESTRA - "The Great Apostasy: A Conspiracy of Satanic Christianity"
(Indy)
Short Description - Gothic Religious Rock! (a 1st!)
Origin: USA (AL)
Darren's Review - Kind of a strange release here. Religion is
the theme throughout the album. Taken from a perspective that challenges
Christianity and its followers. "Words matter" comments Sidney Allen Johnson.
"Music should be more than just a venue for musicians to draw attention to
themselves and their skills." I agree, big time. I paid way more attention to
the lyrics and passages written in this albums' liner notes than just about
anything I have reviewed. The reason being is I tried to get into the music on
more than one occasion and just couldn't. I feel the music doesn't match the
lyrics intensity. The production and sound quality are just OK. I also have a
hard time getting into monotone singing style. The musicianship is decent,
seeing that Sidney pretty much did everything. I am not sure if it is the song
structure, the mix, or what it is, but this release doesn't do it for me. I do
give Sidney tons of credit however. He has clever written lyrics and whether you
agree with the message he is trying to convey or not, it will make you wonder.
If all it does is get people talking, he has accomplished something. I can't
help but think being from the bible belt has got to suck for him! If he kicks it
up a notch and maybe collaborates with other musicians, perhaps this could turn
into something better? Not for me, but I encourage you to decide. At least check
out this guy has to say!
www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com
BATHTUB SHITTER - "Dancehall
Grind" ([S]Hit jam Records)
Style - grind/death/weird
Origin - Japan
Rob's Review - Just one look at the name of this band will
conjure up plenty of interesting images in one's mind and as i was looking up
their website (while at work of all places) I was preparing myself for an
onslaught of crazy fetish websites to litter my desktop and render me helpless
to stop them and try to explain to the girl behind me that I was searching for
reference material for my next project. This is one strange but entertaining
band. And, to be honest, they're actually pretty damn good. After you get past
the :22 second Super Mario Brothers on Acid intro you quickly find yourself
encapsulated in this bands sense of death/grind groove not to mention a bit of a
sense of humor. The humor comes in by way of a wheezing, screaming, gurgling...I
don't know what the fuck to call it...vocal style that is so annoying it's
actually redeeming and hilarious. If you think you cant adjust to that for a
whole album your in luck because there is also plenty of death metal vox to
compliment the sillyness. The music has a real mid-paced old school death metal
vibe to it while still throwing in an occasional blast beat to keep it grind.
Then out of nowhere they'll throw in a funk thing and totally throw you off. I'm
not sure if I like this because it's actually good or if I'm just that starved
for something different in a world of stagnancy in our metal community. Either
way I like it. Too bad they have a shitty (pun intended) band name. Although it
actually seems to fit.
www.bathtubshitter.com
Originality : 9/10 Production: 8/10
Performance: 8/10 Vocals: 10/10 (yeah I said it!)
OVERALL: 8.5/10
BEYOND AGONY - "The Last of a
Dying Breed" (Indy) Style - Metal
Origin: USA (IN)
Darren's Review: Beyond Agony is a bunch of young pups from
my neck of the woods (Upper midwest, the greatest place on earth!). This 5 song
EP delivers exactly what it needs too. Hard hitting and gets to the point
without fuckin around. Opening track hits off with more of an industrial sound
than metal. First impression brought disappointment due to a dreaded nu metal
feel that is getting rather stale, but as our readers know, I always give a
release at least three spins before I cement anything. Following a upbeat tempo
and screams from vocalist Matt Tetrick, the opening track quickly gives way to
the next. This is where I start to see an improvement. The music turns more
towards a metal direction. The sound that fills the air beyond the vocals is
impressive. The folks' at the Meth Lab studio in Indiana did a killer job.
"Divulge" is the third track and is by far my favorite. That guitar tone fuckin
rules! The rest of the album follows suit, with larger than life riffs,
punishing screams and pounding bass and percussion. Most of these guys don't
appear to be a day over 18 (maybe not even!), and have managed to put together
an impressive EP. My only criticism isn't a fair one, because I can't make up my
mind on the singer. That being said, Beyond Agony has done a helluva job here
and deserves some praise.
www.beyondagony.com
BEYOND TERROR BEYOND GRACE - "Still Human, Still Humane?"
EP (Grindhead Records)
Style - Grind Core/Death Metal (Death & Grind? Grinding
Death? You decide.)
Origin - Sydney, Australia
Jeremy's Review - This four track EP comes to you from the
Outback - full throttle, byotch. I hope no kangaroos get in these guys' way.
BTBG is basically Cannibal Corpse
meets Napalm Death on the soundtrack of choking your worst enemy to death. Each
track is expectedly short, as with most grind/death albums, so this EP really
only clocks in at roughly 6 minutes. But it is a blistering ride that leaves you
wanting more. Vocals
are not cookie monster, but truly demonic sounding (which is a good thing), and
the overall sound quality tends to just hang on the fringe of vaporizing my
speakers, but not so much that it actually fizzles out. I think these guys play
on 11. Normally, I don't get into this sort of thing, but the singer really
impresses me. Intense shit. www.beyondterrorbeyondgrace.com
BLACK COBRA - "Bestial" (At A
Loss Recordings) Style - Sludge/Doom/Grind
Origin - Los Angelas, CA
Rob's Review: This is another band with kick ass artwork and
packaging not to mention a cool as hell band name that gave me visions of stoner
rock utopia. I wanted so bad to like this so I could display it proudly as a
piece of art in my ever growing CD collection yet, alas, it was not meant to be.
This two piece outfit turns out to be a more punk-ish take on the sludge/doom
genre complete with annoying hardcore vocals and guitars with the tone knobs
turned to the -11 position. There's really nothing going on here in any of these
songs that inspire me to do anything but to shut it off. Kind of depressing
after the superficial pleasure of the packaging. This is definitely a
disappointing attempt at a genre that for the most part is pretty hard to screw
up. www.blackcobra.net and
www.myspace.com/blackcobra
BLEEDING KANSAS - "Dead Under
Decor" (Abacus Recordings)
Style - Hardcore
Origin - Burbank, CA (USA)
Jeremy's Review - Mosh pits. Yelling. Loudness. I guess
that's the best way to describe these guys from Burbank, California. Fans of
Botch, Converge, and Refused will certainly want to pick up this punishing
release. Dead Under Decore is just another hardcore band to these old school
ears, but they are musically proficient and dedicated, so check them out.
http://www.myspace.com/bleedingkansas
BLOODCOW - "Railroad City"
(Independent)
Style - Metal/Punk/Hardcore
Origin - USA (NE)
Darren's Review - Quite possibly the worst named band to date.
Usually, that is an indicator that they are either terrible or brilliant! On to
the music. The release is full of heavy beats, followed with quirky yet hardcore
vocals, metal and punk rhythms. The sound recording is decent, with room for
improvement. I am really impressed with the fact you have no idea where the song
is going to turn next. All the vocal styles mix well (majority are clean).
Bloodcow does a great job of making a feel good album that makes you want to
thrash and have some fuckin' fun! If you ever heard of Mike Patton, are a fan of
punk and hardcore, or if you are looking for something different, Bloodcow is a
great place to start. The album does a good job of keeping things from getting
anywhere near boredom. Great job of keeping things fresh and doing your own
thing. I can imagine things would get quite interesting at a live show.
www.bloodcow.com
CARDINALE - "31:13" (Arclight
Records)
Style - Hardcore/Sludge
Origin - Austin, Texas (USA)
Jeremy's Review - This debut from Austin, Texas' Cardinale is
most certainly an eyebrow raising title, as this album consists of one long,
drawn-out song. Exactly 31 minutes and 13 seconds long. Capturing the flow and
shifting melodies of Neurosis, Pelican, and Isis, Cardinale take this approach
and pay it forward with a strange new concept of turning their idea into a
single track. The heavy, sludging riffs seem to breathe with an organic feel and
then quickly shift gears to find a new layer, drawing you deeper. It's
ball-crushing hardcore, slow melodic doom, and atmospheric stoner groove all
flowing majestically. Unfortunately, due to the length of one track, your
attention may be lost about halfway through.
http://www.myspace.com/cardinale
CATHETER - "Dimension
303" (Selfmadegod Records) Style - Grindcore
Origin - Denver, USA
Jeremy's Review - Grind fans rejoice in the latest release
from Catheter, for your hour is at hand! Dimension 303 does indeed seem to come
from some otherworldly abyss. Catheter blends catchy rhythms and crunching grind
at sonic speed to form the balls-out destruction and chaos that oozes out of
this record. Not for the feint of heart or most casual listener, this album will
have you lying on the floor bleeding and begging for mercy (either in awe of the
raw speed and musicianship, or because you want it to quickly end). An enjoyable
listen if you just want to unleash pure chaos and make your grandma worry.
www.myspace.com/CATHETER
CHAIN COLLECTOR - "The
Masquerade" - Sound Riot Records (USA) / Massacre Records (Australia)
Style- Melodic Metal
Origin- Norway
Heather's Review - With their debut in 2004 with their demo "
Forthcoming Addiction", Chain Collector has already received great reviews. And
the debut album "The Masquerade" shall be no different! This cd is pure melodic
metal. With hints of thrash to keep you on your toes, as well as an additional
vocalist to add some aggression, you have one hell of a cd! The lyrics and cover
(depicting a bishop holding up a head-like mask ) blend together perfectly with
songs like Hierarchy of Murder ( Code of Silence) and Wicked Mask. Even the cd
(depicting a snake) got me thinking of the possible religious undertones as
well, including the bishop as well as many of the song titles, ex... Fallen
Angel and Crucifixion.. The music is thought provoking to say the least.
Crucifixion, the middle track, gives you an amazing look at the melodic sound
that is so hard to come by these days. I am definitely one for aggressive sound
(love the vocals), but the combination here makes me think twice! I definitely
would love to hear more from these guys in the future!!! Check them out at : www.soundriotrecords.com or
www.chaincollector.com
CONSPIRACY - "Reincarnated" (Pulverised
Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Netherlands
Dean’s review - One glance at the artwork of this disc and
you know what to expect-it’s classic Dan Seagrave-which means classic old school
death metal-right? WRONG! This disc is a one man project and it is pure killer
black metal. Absolutely no gothic or symphonic influences, instead this has
roots in primal black metal but without the shitty production values. A great
performance all the way around by the man who goes by the name Carpathian Wolf.
Fans of Cradle of Filth who want to see what true black metal sounds like need
to give this a listen. This “band” needs to be heard.
www.pulverised.net/conspiracy.htm
DARSOMBRA - "Ecdysis" (At
A Loss Recordings)
STYLE - Experimental
ORIGIN - Baltimore, Maryland
Rob's Review - DARSOMBRA was the fourth CD in a batch of four
that I reviewed this week and by this point my ears were ringing pretty good and
was hoping for something with a little less of the "jackhammer in a tin shed"
effect on my head. Be careful what you hope for. What I got in DARSOMBRA was
what in essence could have been a soundtrack to just about any horror movie made
in the 70's or 80's. This is a mostly instrumental album complete with eerie
soundscapes and volume swells of a variety of sounds and effects creating dark,
ominous temporary trips into some kind of experimental hell. It's raw in it's
delivery so it comes off at first as a poor mans Midnight Syndicate but the more
you listen the more you realize that the harsh nature of this production
actually might make this a more believable take on the same theme. For someone
who's into cool horror movie soundtracks (that would be me) this ain't bad but
you definitely need to be in the right mood for it...possibly as your slitting
your wrists. www.darsombra.com -
www.myspace.com/darsombra
DEATH BEFORE DISCO -
"Barricades" (LifeForce)
Style - Emo/Metal/Prog
Origin - Belgium
Darren's Review - Death Before Disco has a lot to offer its
listeners. For one, diversity. It is a tough to pin them into a single genre,
which is always a plus. I wouldn't say they are hardcore, maybe more popish/punkish/melodic.
The band does consist of talented musicians, another plus. The album intersects
between catch choruses, trippy time signatures and eerie overtones. Throw in
some beautiful melodies and great production and you have a decent release.
There are hints of what I would consider emo, but only hints. (Not an emo fan at
all!) There are a lot of positives about this band as previously stated. On the
flip side, my biggest issue is the vocals. The singer can sing and carry a note,
just more of a personal preference. I have heard worse, but also have heard
better. I could see how someone would argue that the vocalist fits the music
well, because he does. Some tunes I like better than others, some I don't care
for at all, the rest fall in the middle. This is not a bad band, check them out
for yourselves and see.
www.deathbeforedisco.net ;
www.myspace.com/deathbeforedisco
DIATRIBE - "A Product of Hate"
(Indy)
Style - Metalcore
Origin - Australia
Dean’s review - Holy Slipknot, Batman. Simply put, if someone
would have told me this was a copy of the new Slipknot disc before the sampling
was added, I’d have little difficulty believing it. Even the vocalist does an
excellent Corey Taylor impersonation. Other bands that pop into my mind while
listening to this are System of a Down, Sepultura, and Fear Factory. The
production and packaging are good but truthfully there’s about a thousand bands
on myspace and garageband that sound exactly like this. In a live setting I’m
sure this band rips it up but it definitely won’t do much to make you think.
Hard driving and relentless, but untimely forgettable, it is kind of surprising
that they’re not American since this style is so damn popular here. Check them
out here-http://www.diatribe.com.au
/www.myspace.com/diatribeaustralia
If I hear another breakdown, I think I’m gonna break down.
DIVINE EMPIRE - "Method of Execution" (CRUSH Music)
Style: Death Metal
Origin: Florida, USA
Jeremy's Review - Are you ready to be eviscerated? Good,
because these guys will do just that. They will grind you up and stomp on your
gooey remains, all the while pounding out the oppressing rhythms of death.
Method of Execution is the fourth installment from the Florida-based DIVINE
EMPIRE. Bow down and kneel before the growling Jason Blachowicz (Malevolent
Creation) and his entourage of execution, J.P. Soars and Duane Timlin. If more
death metal acts play this damn good, I might have found a new favorite genre of
metal. When I put this in my car I was blown away by the intensity and
technicality of these guys. Every instrument is precise and the growls are
wicked. My favorite is The Mauler. "Foaming at the mouth, deranged and
rabid/Possessed by evil, unquenching thirst for blood" GRRRRR. This is an
excellent record. Now excuse me while I go buy their other albums.
http://www.metalasylum.com/divine/
DOOM:VS - "Aeternum Vale" (Firedoom
Music)
Style - Doom metal
Origin - Sweden
Dean’s review- This is the solo project of Draconian’s Johan
Ericson and anyone familiar with that band will already have an idea what to
expect here. Deeply depressing and somber, the music contained within serves as
a release of one’s innermost fears and doubts. There is a strong resemblance to
Relapse’s Mindrot on this disc and that is a compliment to the highest degree.
Using both clean and death vocals over heavy as hell doom riffs and strong
acoustic passages, this disc is extremely addictive. I strongly urge anyone who
is into doom to check it out. Find out more here-http://www.firebox.fi/records/bands_doomvs.html
Originality: 9, Production: 10, Performance: 10
Overall: 9.5 E
EAST WEST BLAST TEST -
"Popular Music for Unpopular People" (Ipecac)
Short Description - Lounge-Core/Prog/Experimental/Jazz/Metal
Origin: USA (NJ/CA)
Darren's Review: I love to hear different, unique types of music. That is
EXACTLY what this is! This is by far the most bizarre album I have ever
reviewed! The way this album was recorded is equally as bizarre, yet very cool.
The drummer, Dave Witte (East Coast), recorded just drum tracks with no
direction whatsoever. After they were finished he sent them to Chris Dodge (West
Coast), who put everything else in place. Each of them had no idea where this
would end up! The result is "Popular Music..." Extreme time signatures mixed
with unreal sound effects, blended with some heavy riffs make up an album you
just have to hear to believe. Twenty three tracks make up 33 minutes of pure
chaos. Trippy, weird, fucked up shit man. If you dig this release, there is a
predecessor. www.ipecac.com
EMPIRE AURIGA - "Auriga Dying"
(Dark Horizon Records)
Style - Ambient Industrial Black Metal?
Origin - Lansing, MI (USA)
Jeremy's Review - I always hate putting words to the style of
artists these days, especially when the music is clearly unidentifiable as any
certain "type". The best way to define Empire Auriga is to write this while
listening to it. Walls of trance-guitar feedback are given sentience by dark and
haunting sound effects and slow drum blasts that march forth in a continuous
drone of despair that reaches out beyond the depths of space and time. It is a
tale of the cold and unsympathetic spiritual darkness that waits to drive all
life from within and bring its dark empire out into the vast unknown. Driven by
coldness and seclusion, the album reveals your darkest sorrows and lonely
hatred. For those who have ever listened to really ambient doom, Lycia or
Burzum's Filosofem, this will sound familiar.
http://www.vortexofmalice.com/empire/
Production - 8 Performance - 7
Originality - 8
Total - 8 (out of 10)
END TIMES compilation – Goodfellow
Records
Style – sludge/doom/grind/screamo/experimental/hardcore
Mike’s Review – 12 tracks on this compilation. Various styles
and influences, but all hovering around the sludge/doom/grind sound. So, this is
how the compilation is laid out....5 great bands: Spitfire, The Abominable Iron
Sloth, Intronaut, The Handshake Murders, and The Smackdown. Then there is a band
that is absolutely horrible and shouldn’t even exist: The Spirit That Guides Us.
Then there are 5 more bands that kick ass: The Secret, Taken, Cursed, Blessing
The Hogs, and Passion. Overall a nice compilation of bands and a CD that I will
definitely listen to more in the future. But what the hell is up with The Spirit
That Guides Us??? I was listening to this CD in my car the other day and forgot
to skip over that track. I was almost in tears because I just couldn’t handle
the cringing pain. The closet I could come to describing their sound is a male
version of Alanis Morissette trying to sing a nu-metal screamo/hardcore ballad.
Anyway, good fucking compilation aside from that. All the other bands are cool
though. Check out Goodfellow Records at
www.goodfellowrecords.com
Production: 9 Overall: 8 (out of 10)
ENFORSAKEN - "Sinner’s Intuition"
(Crash Music)
Style - Melodic Death Metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s review - Anyone who has been following this band will
know immediately what to expect with this one- well played Gothenburg inspired
melodic death metal. The only exception that now instead of sounding like an
European band such as early In Flames or Dark Tranquility, they now sound
similar to an American band that sounds European-in this case Shadow’s Fall. In
fact, the only thing that really separates these guys from the Shadow’s Fall
Crew is that Enforsaken does not really employ the use of any clean vox YET. If
these guys can find their own sound there is no doubt they will be deadly, as
the musicianship is impeccable and the sound is top notch. Good luck guys. No
matter what happens down the line it sure is nice to see American bands playing
like this and not just adding a breakdown every five fricken seconds. .
www.enforsaken.com or
www.MySpace.com/Enforsaken
ENOCHIAN CRESCENT - "Black
Church" (Woodcutrecords) Style - Black Metal
Origin - Finland
Jeremy's Review - Somewhere between the impious verbal
assault and twisted, putrid melodies of Cradle of Filth, and Dimmu Borgir's
orchestrated apocalypses of epic proportion, lies the foundation of Black Metal
itself. The true essence that lurks within the hearts of these warped minds.
Freedom from conformity of religion and society, to create one of its own. Black
and imperfect in its vision, yet all the while servitude to a blasphemic version
of the Creator Himself. Lyrically, this album plays like a dark psalm book, and
some concepts escape me, but otherwise it is quite chilling. Enochian Crescent
perform this ritual of worship in a way that is both musically elaborate and
psychotic in its vocal content. The high-pitched, warped voice of... um...
Sister Wrath is expertly done and the quality of the band's performance is
astonishing. It's more than just a series of black hymns that pull you into
netherworlds beyond. Rather, these songs rip and tear at your soul's comfort,
even as you tap your foot to the kick-ass music.
www.enochian-crescent.com
ERIC TESSMER BAND -
"Blues Bullets" (Independent)
Style - Blues
Origin - USA (Austin, TX)
Darren's Review - I was lucky enough to experience a little
of 6th street while spending some time in Austin. What a place! Live music is
blaring out of what seems like an endless number of clubs. The Eric Tessmer Band
is one of those bands hitting the scene really hard, playing almost every night
and making a strong name for themselves, not to mention creating a following.
Now, I realize that this band doesn't fit into our core of reviewed artists...
but make no mistake, this band is heavy! Stevie Ray Vaughan is one of my
all-time favorites, he did things with a guitar that Eddie Van Halen only
dreamed of doing. SRV made me explore a whole new genre. I really enjoyed it,
but most of the artists I found were either nothing special, or way too
predictable. What SRV did was break that barrier. He made it EXTREME, taking it
to the next level and beyond. The Michael Jordan of blues. I would get a roomful
of my metal friends and throw on a SRV video and watch their jaws drop! Anyhow,
the reason I dig ETB is they seem to bring that bad-ass attitude. I'm no expert
on blues, but I love these guys! My biggest criticism with their last disc (Last
Night at Joes ;
http://www.adrenalinfanzine.com/reviews2005.html - towards the bottom of
page) was to step it up the vocals, and boy did they ever! Eric Tessmer delivers
some incredible riffs and solo's, all with a guitar tone that would make SRV
happy. The sound recording is top notch, very professional. Sometimes it is a
good thing to take a break from metal, do so and pick up Blues Bullets!
www.erictessmerband.co ;
www.myspace.com/erictessmerband
EXHALE - "Prototype" (Emetic Records)
STYLE - Death/Grind
ORIGIN - Sweden
Rob's Review - Oh, here we go again...another Sweden band
that rules. Yawn. Dammit aren't the Swedish getting tired of kicking everyone's
ass in metal yet? I mean, it's almost unfair. EXHALE comes at you like a soul
shredding machine gun right from the very start of the CD and doesn't let up
until the last growl, snare and power chord has stopped echoing in the dark
doldrums of your "metal" head. This is some amazingly tight brutal death/grind
with a perfect mix of death metal and metal core vocals and drumming that is
relentless in it's attack with blast beats aplenty but not too much to grate on
your every last nerve. Add that to the unending display of merciless shredding
on guitars that obliterate the distortion barrier and you have a little gem that
proves to have it all. The song lengths on "Prototype" are on average around the
three minute mark which is perfect for this type of music and amounts to tons of
right to the point kick ass starts, stops and punches taking advantage of every
ear shattering second while never allowing space for a dull moment. If EXHALE
fails to become somewhat of a household name by years end I'll be a monkey's
drunk uncle. Go out and get this disc as soon as humanly possible or commence
kicking your own ass! www.exhaleswe.com -
www.emeticrecords.com
EYEHATEGOD - "Preaching the end-time message" (Emetic
Records)
STYLE - Stoner/Doom/Grind
ORIGIN - New Orleans
Rob's Review - Another in a long line of the now legendary
(at least in my little world) New Orleans (or NOLA to the local folk)
Stoner-Doom-Sludgy-Grind scene consisting of but not limited to bands such as
Acid Bath, Soilent Green, Crowbar and the more commercialized Down. EYEHATEGOD
has been wallowing in the feedback off and on since around 1992 and I assume are
still going strong unlike most of their predecessors. Being a big fan of said
predecessors I gotta say EYEHATEGOD just doesn't measure up. Although to be
fair, this cd of mostly unreleased demos and live performances plus demos of
three tunes that will show up on a new full length release, is actually the
first time my ears have been graced by their presence for some unknown reason.
So it may not be fair but first impressions being as influential as they are, I
was not impressed. For the most part some of this comes across as pretty
uninspiring filler material used to fill the void until the newer abomination is
released. And the vocals are suspiciously reminiscent of the screams of one
Sister Mary Elephant of Cheech and Chong fame. Just a no holds barred yelling
match with little consistency, but fuck it, that's what's been working for these
crazies from the beginning so why mess with success(?) Bottom line is unless you
are a die hard EYEHATEGOD fan (in which case I expect to be hunted down and hung
if effigy for this scathing review) this might not be for you. Go check out some
of their earlier material and fill me in on the details. Until then...I have
some Acid Bath to listen to. www.eyehategod.com -
www.emeticrecords.com
Originality : 7/10 Production: 6/10 Performance: 6/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10 F
FACTION ZERO/AGAINST THE GRAIN
split CD- "War Stories" (Faction Zero Recordings)
Style - Punk/Metal
Origin - USA (NY/NJ)
Darren's Review - This split album offers different
sounds from two heavy ass bands. Against the Grain starts things off with a
metal/punk feel. Up-tempo and short tracks, Against the Grain let the "don't
give a fuck" attitude really shine. Musically the mix and production is good.
The guitars are heavy, and the vocalist seems to fit right in.
The second half of the disc is Faction Zero. I would compare their sound to SOD.
Even though Against the Grain actually covers "Fuck the Middle East" on the
first half! A little more raw, a little more muscle in the guitar tone, and a
deep vox make Faction Zero the winner on this disc (not the there is a
competition or anything!). My only complaint is that they may sound like SOD a
little too much. The sound recording and mix are good, and the songs, although
short, get to the point and are hard hitting. All in all makes for a decent
split. Both of these bands are pretty good, with my nod going to Faction Zero.
www.factionzero.com
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM – “Live in Japan” DVD (Crash
Music) Style - Thrash metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s Review - Sometimes it really sucks to write reviews,
especially when the band in question happens to be one of your all time favorite
bands. First the details, eight live tunes recorded opening for Death Angel
before a sold out crowd, plus the video for “Straight to Hell” On the plus side
the track list is killer, concentrating mainly on the early material. Now for
the negatives-I’ve seen Flotsam several times live, wore their shirts, own all
the discs, covered their tunes in bands, and defended them repeatedly through
the years but there is no way in hell I could recommend buying this DVD. Other
reviewers have remarked on the “awesome” performance but to me they just came
across as tired and lifeless. The sound is adequate but kind of lacking in
bottom end and the camera footage is of bootleg quality. The main problem here
is that there is only 45 minutes of live stuff and one vid which makes it
perfect to throw in with the newest cd as a bonus but to sell it alone for
19.99? I’m sorry but everything here just screams that it’s a cash grab and
nothing else. The new album is awesome, buy that instead and if you need to
check out Flotsam on DVD seek out the one they released a couple of years ago
recorded in Arizona. Sorry dudes-I KNOW you can do better.
www.crashmusicinc.com
Performance 6 Production 5 Content 4 Overall 5 (out of 10)
G
GABRIELS FALLEN - "Hell Is
For Heroes" (Endline Records)
Style: Punk-Metal
Origin: California, USA
Dan's Review: I'm really liking these guys sound. Reminds me
of "Avenged Sevenfold" in a way. Drums are really kicking on this album. Though
I'm not a huge fan of 'punk'. This punk-metal stuff is starting to grow on me.
Seems more upbeat and creative. Guitars on this album
remind me of like a melodic-metal sound mixed together with a pinch punk. My
main problem with punk bands is the repetition. It satisfies me to hear Gabriels
Fallen not doing this. The production of this album is really good as well. Its
always nice to hear every part portion of the band and not having one drown out
the other. My major problem with Gabriels Fallen is the vocals. They fit the
style, but they are generic. It makes the vocals predictable. For example... if
you use sorrow, not many words rhyme with sorrow so you know the next line will
be like 'tomorrow'. I had a buddy of mine who is real into punk listen to a few
songs. His opinion was the drums and instruments were awesome, but the vocals
were a little weak. He and I both agreed that the vocals try to sound gritty but
don't come off like so. It's not like the vocals drag the band down or anything,
but I feel as though with the style Gabriels Fallen is aiming at, they should be
a little more aggressive. Otherwise, 'Hell Is For Heroes' was a good listen.
Overall I'm
satisfied and I look forward to hearing some more tunes from these guys.
www.gabrielsfallen.com
GIDEON'S PAWN - "The Full Twelve Inches" (Levon Black
Records)
Style - Thrash
Origin - USA
Dean’s review - Quality old school thrash from this Illinois
band that totally reminded my of late 80’s/early 90’s Meliah Rage. A little bit
of Megadeth also comes across in the vocals particularly the delivery. These
guys are extremely tight and would be fun to check out in a live setting but I’m
not sure how much of a chance they have in today’s market since this old school
approach doesn’t seem to sell well to the teenybopper crowd. Either way-those
who miss a lot of the old Bay Area thrash (me) would do well to give these guys
a listen. Contact them at
www.gideonspawn.com.
GREENHAVEN - "The Last Powerful Second" (Humble Recordings)
Style - Full Throttle Rock 'n Roll
Origin: USA (AZ)
Darren's Review - This is the second time I have reviewed
Greenhaven. The first time through was only a 2 song demo. I remember thinking
there was some promise there. Their uptempo hard driving debut full-length album
opens up with a bang with tracks "Waterloo and Earthquake". The
production/engineering is of professional nature. All instruments are
represented well in the mix, just as they are played. As the album progresses it
does feel as though it kinda lags. Then it gets better. Tracks "Kitty Jo" and
"Seven Miles to Saturn" do a good job of kicking it up a notch. The short
instrumental track "Space Leapers" is great! The album closes with a mid-tempo
crusher "Ape" and "River God". I must say I am pleased. Not every track is
killer, but it is pretty rare you find that. I dig rock and roll acts that are
truly good at what they do. I feel Greenhaven is tight and are comfortable in
there element. A great rock release. Recommended!
www.nonemoregreen.com
GREG RAPAPORT - "Homunculus" (Splinterhead
Productions, Inc.) Style - Progressive Rock/Metal
Origin - New York
Jeremy's Review - At last, something I can soak my mind into.
Greg Rapaport, in his latest endeavor, Homunculus, blends heavy metal, rock,
blues, jazz, and his own unique touch to create an instrumental montage that
deserves attention. Homunculus is a journey through all the aspects of human
personality, and tracks are named according to each idea. The Alchemist
(Infernal), for example, describes (in my humble observation) the mysteries of a
creative mind who begs to question all norms and rebel to reinvent reality. Yes,
I'm that messed up. Listening to each song in succession brings new ideas and
images that evolve with every spin. This is music that makes you think, imagine,
and enjoy; or just play in the background, because it's just that groovy.
Normally, when one-man bands (even full-member bands) put something out, it
feels artificial and over-produced. You can tell each song is pieced together
track-by-track, like a cheap puzzle. Not this guy. Although created at his home
studio all by himself, all his instruments blend together seamlessly as if a
live band is performing right here in my speakers. He jams, he wails. He shreds.
The drumming and bass are well-planned and groovy at the best moments, while the
atmospheric "fusion" highlights each track to make them all stand out (the
electric sounds of The Alchemist mid-song are so Thomas Edison).
All in all, if you're a fan of any blues, jazz, and rock/metal guitars, this is
some inspiring music to listen to. It reminds me of Liquid Tension Experiment,
Steve Vai, Rush, etc. There's just so much going in here, my brain waves are
jumping all over the place. Buy Greg Rapaport.
http://www.gregrapaport.com/
GREY SKIES FALLEN - "Two
Way Mirror" (Xanthros Music)
Style - Spacey/gothic/rock/metal
Origin - New York
Rob's Review - First thing I noticed about GREY SKIES
FALLEN is their obvious affection for the band Anathema and the fact that the
vocals really annoy the hell out of me. I'm pretty sure its because he (Rick
Habeeb) sounds too much like Serj Tankian of System of a Down who's singing
sends spikes into my spine with MTV precision. Then almost as an afterthought
they throw in an occasional black metal vocal in the background of a few select
tracks that really throws off the balance and doesn't seem to fit with the
overall mood. Musically though, this is fairly ambitious with it's brooding
acoustic passages and a more tame attempt at the Opeth sound. And they do some
cool things in the instrumental breaks especially in the middle of "Forget the
Past" where they throw in an organ with overlaying wah guitar melodies that
really go great together. But in the end I just cant get past the vocals and
it sucks because I think I could probably get into this otherwise.
www.greyskiesfallen.com
HALO OF KNIVES
- "Eat God" (Grindhead Records) Style - Grindcore
Origin - Australia
Jeremy's review - Much like the other band I've reviewed from Grindhead Records
(Beyond Terror Beyond Grace), this one is a blistering holocaust of drums and
madness. Although I must be honest and say I like the previous band more. Halo
of Knives is totally fast and brutal, with some crazy breakdowns in the bass
section and a wildly savage vocalist. Less music than I anticipated and the
songs are composed very similar to each other, except those mid-song changes,
which are the only way I can tell them apart. I'm glad this was a fast listen.
Grindcore fans will hate me.
www.myspace.com/haloofknives
(HED) p.e. -
Back 2 Base X (Suburban Noize Records)
Style - Punk/Hip-hop/Rock
Origin - USA (CA)
Darren's Review - (HED) p.e. isn't new to the music scene by
any means. They have enjoyed moderate success since 1994. Previously playing
Ozzfest and other high profile gigs, they certainly turned some heads and
developed a fan base. Blending multiple genres and doing it very well, (HED) p.e.
deserves much credit. Back to Base x delivers a lot of catchy numbers that can
attract hip hop, rock, funk, metal, and punk fans alike. Some songs are very
aggressive, others are mid-tempo, sit back and groove. Back to Base x has
originality, drive, energy and plenty of flavor to keep things from getting
stale. I admit this is the 1st album by them I have ever listened to from start
to finish, so comparing this to previous releases is difficult. I dig the fact
that I can put this record in with most crowds and it would go over well.
Although there are a few tracks on here I could do without, it still is a solid
release.
Track Highlights: Listen, Lock and Load, White Collars, Sophia
HEROD - "Rich Man’s
War...Poor Man’s Fight (Lifeforce Records)
Style - Old-school power metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s review - The third release from this bunch hailing out
of Buffalo and even several listens in I’m not sure what the hell to think of
it. It’s got strong tunes, decent musicianship, and more than adequate
production but the end result seems to be lacking something that I can’t put my
finger on. A very strong NWOBHM influence pervades the entire disc and that sure
as hell is not a bad thing. Other bands that popped in my head while listening
to this were Armored Saint, Iced Earth, and old Fates Warning which are all
positive in my mind but the one feeling that I kept getting during the whole
disc was that the band was purposefully dumbing down it’s sound in order to
reach a wider fan base. So far my favorite tune on this is the heavily Maiden
influenced “Forever,” whose somber and melancholic mood is the perfect
soundtrack for a dreary day. Those into bands such as Angelwitch are definitely
encouraged to seek this out. This one will grow on you the more time you give
it.
http://www.lifeforce-america.com
THE HUMAN ABSTRACT - "Nocturne" (Hopeless
Records)
Style -
Experimental/Progressive/Metal
Origin - USA (CA)
Darren's Review - This band
caught my attention when I stumbled upon their myspace page. I heard the track
"Mea Culpa" and was really impressed, knowing I had to further investigate. The
Human Abstract are a five piece outfit from the L.A. scene, tearing shit up with
their debut "Nocturne". Combining harmonizing vocals and incredible hypnotic
guitars, they have found a winning formula. Upon 5 full listens through the
entire album, I grow more and more impressed. As as a guitar player and a metal
fan, I have deep appreciation when they compliment each other much like Nocturne
does. Mostly clean vocals with some screaming, I could understand some might
think they have a slight emo sound. (I don't feel they do... even so, it doesn't
matter!) The band has busted their ass playing live and are currently out on a
full US tour, I am sure they are drumming up a following. The album sound
recording/production is stellar, and along with the guitar players, the other
musicians can all hold their own. Great job of not boring the listeners. I am
grateful I stumbled upon them, I definitely you will think so to.
www.thehumanabstract.com ;
www.hopelessrecords.com
HYMNS OF
THE WICKED - "Never See The Sun Again" (Indy)
Style - Nu-metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s review - An indy huh? That’s a real shocker. For shits
and giggles I almost passed this shit on to Rob or Jeremy since they hate this
crap even more than I do bit then I realized that this disc was not really worth
losing friends or sleep over. For every CD I get I try to find something
positive about at I do realize how much blood, sweat, tears, and beers go into
making music so I’ll start that. For starters both the packaging and production
are good, not mind blowing but definitely passable. Now, on to the negatives;
basically this band is the combination of all the worst elements of Manson, Limp
Biscuit, Korn, the Burning Red era Machine Head, and every other shit nu metal
band I can think of. If that sounds appealing to you, you’re probably on the
wrong site. In all honesty, this does sound like something that they would play
the hell out of on the radio and as a result is the reason that I hate listening
to the radio. At the end of the day the repetitive rhythms, the whiny vocals,
and simplistic arrangements are enough to make me retch. Now excuse me while I
go clean out my ears. If you must, check them out here
www.hymnsofthewicked.com.
Sorry, I gotta it call as I hear it and simply put-I hate this shit and if you
have a problem with that please send all hate mail to
rob@adrenalinfanzine.comI
ILLUSORIA - "More Than We Are"
(Independent)
Style - Nu Metal
Origin - Italy
Darren's Review - Formed in 1998, Illusoria tries to grasp
the concept of "love/hate, action/reaction, body and mind" and apply it to their
musical style. What else is interesting, the guys in the band attended school
for music, much like Mike (Adrenalin Metal Union Founder) and myself did. The
result? Well.... it's alright. Musically it is pretty good. Solid performances,
decent sound recording, songs aren't really to boring, and the singer is average
(sings in English). On the flip side, nothing hear stands out enough to "wow"
me. I gave it 3 full spins before I judged. Also, way to many pinch harmonics
with the guitars! I would classify them as a more nu metal sound than
traditional metal, which in the states seems to by dying breed. The release is
only five tracks long, which is a perfect amount to get a good feel for a band.
Again, they aren't bad, talent is there. I think with a little more experience
(and less harmonics.. lol) they could become something special. Check em out. -
www.myspace.com/illusoria ;
www.illusoria.it
INCARNATED - "Pleasure of
Consumption" (Selfmadegod Records)
Style - Grindcore
Origin - Bialystok, Poland
Jeremy's Review - Man, you just gotta love pictures of raw
slabs of meat sitting on a table. And listening to this slab of meat has scarred
me for life. Oh my sweet Jesus, it's like the same song being played thirteen
times in a row. It won't end, please God, make it go away! I suppose there's a
catchy little groove hidden behind the walls of vocal waste matter. But I can't
take this seriously. The first track, titled Dying Sounds, really hits the mark
here, and by the time Ghettoblaster spat into my ears, my I.Q. actually went
down. www.incarnated.org
INSULT 2 INJURY – demo
Style – Screamo/Hardcore
Origin – Pennsylvania, USA
Mike’s Review – To some, this may seem like another screamo
band. Lately, I have been thinking that about a lot of bands that I hear of this
genre. Insult 2 Injury seems to stick out a little differently though. There is
feeling of raw old-school metal flavor added to the music. I noticed it right
away when I started listening and it makes a welcomed appearance throughout
their demo. The screamo vocals are fairly basic and something I have heard
before but the clean punk-like vocals raise my eyebrows and keep this CD
spinning in my player. Of course there are riffs that I feel I have heard many
times before, but for the most part, these guys seem to be on the right track.
Check these guys out at
http://www.myspace.com/rocktheinsult or
http://www.purevolume.com/insult2injury
INTERRORGATE - "Unbroken (EP)"
(Indy) Style - Melodic Hardcore
Origin: Ireland
Darren's Review: This 5 song debut E.P. opens up with
hardcore beats and a different kind of riffage (interesting harmonics!). Early
indications are it sounds like "nu-metal", or at least in comparison. But
wait... it does progress. Halfway through the intro track "Rainbow", the tempo
slows dramatically and a calm effect takes over... for a few seconds, only to
pick back up right where it left off. Having 2 singers is a plus. Both sing with
a hardcore style, but different from one another. I can't seem to make up my
mind. At times, they seem to make it work. The track "Hate You" opens up with a
killer bass lick. The percussion kicks in and then the awesome vocal harmonies
and distortion enter, a great intro. It breaks way into processed power chords
and tired lyrics stating "I hate you, you cunt" etc. and doesn't live up to what
the intro promised. Overall, I would say they have promise, but have some soul
searching to do. The instruments sound good and the riffs are pretty good
(especially on Life's a Bitch). Sound recording is decent. I think with a little
more experience it should give way to a better band. I will keep my eyes peeled
for a future full-length . This release won't make it into my collection, but it
may make it onto yours.
www.interrogate13.com
INTRONAUT - "Null" (Goodfellow Records)
Style - Experimental/noise/doom
Origin - L.A.
Rob's Review - A funny thing happened while listening to this crazy little CD
called INTRONAUT. Although I had never heard of these guys, somehow they seemed
downright familiar to me. I felt this way through the entire CD and finally
realized that it sounded almost exactly like another band I had just recently
reviewed called Anubis Rising. Then as I'm writing my review and scanning
through their bio I soon understood the similarity. I'll be damned if this ain't
the same guitarist from Anubis Rising, Sacha Dunable. Imagine that. I really
liked the Anubis Rising CD but INTRONAUT might just be better. The music is
based on basically the same premise but with a little better musicianship and a
different vocal style similar to the band Morgoth (Hail!!). Throw in a bassist
with a strong jazzy background and a drummer & guitar player who had spent some
time in the California death/grind band Exumed and you have yourself a
full-fledged fucking melting pot of metal my friends. Like Anubis Rising this
really has a strong Opeth flavor going on yet with a little less polish and a
little more of an abrasive Jazzy feel going on. Not to mention tons of cool
tempo changes and acoustic interludes wrapped up in a huge bow of aggressive as
hell vocals. Beautifully done, but five songs just aren't enough. Luckily,
there's a full length on the way in a June. Nice job!
www.intronaut.net -
www.goodfellowrecords.com
IRON MASK - "Hordes of the Brave" (Lion Music)
STYLE: Power Metal
ORIGIN: Belgium
ROB'S REVIEW: Right from the opening notes of the power metal
brilliance that is Iron Mask, you get the strange sensation of getting your ass
kicked all around your Metal Universe. Of course that's just this guy's opinion
and really that's all that matters (maybe that's why the Metal Universe is
always kicking my ass!). Anyhoo - "Hordes of the Brave", the second release from
one of my new favorite bands, mixes all the true to form power metal ingredients
with an old school 80's new-classical feel in the vein of early Yngwie minus the
never ending harmonic minor scale runs. A mix made in heaven for this guy. The
guitars, handled just swimmingly by (apparently) Belgiums #1 guitar hero Dushan
Petrossi, scream ahead at full metallic steam laying down catchy leads and
melodic, groove laden riffs while maintaining a heaviness that's beyond compare.
Just really solid musicianship that doesn't fall back on clichéd techniques. And
the performance coupled with a perfect mix make this a crack pipe in a junkies
wet dream. The vocal talents of Goetz "Valhalla Jr." Mohre add the perfect icing
over this display of perfectness (Am I going to far yet?) with a smooth yet
raspy delivery reminiscent of Mark Boals from the early Yngwie days or Oliver
Hardmann from At Vance (who coincidentally adds vocals to 3 of the albums
tracks). For christ sake for all that is metal in the world, go out and buy,
borrow or steal ( O.K. Lion Music probably wont like that) this disc and fill
your ears with the majesty of IRON MASK. Do it now dammit....
http://www.lionmusic.com/artists/IronMask.htm
JAMES BYRD'S ATLANTIS RISING - "Crimes of Virtuosity" (Lion
Music)
STYLE - Guitar driven Neo-Classical metal
ORIGIN - USA
Rob's Review - If you don't know James Byrd by now you should
but that might not be your fault. He hasn't exactly been a household name but he
does have a household sound. I once read in an Yngwie Malmsteen interview that
he had heard a guitarist, at the time unknown to him, who's style and
performance were so much like his that he thought it was something he wrote.
Essentially he played Yngwie better than Yngwie. I'm pretty sure he was
referring to James Byrd. Byrd's early works can be traced back to a Shrapnel
label band called Fifth Angel in which he tore apart their self titled 1983
album at the seams with his smooth flowing guitar work and creative songwriting.
After one album though he departed into a solo career that still thrives today
on basically the same premise as when he started only with a more classical
flavor added to his repertoire, hence the Yngwie comparisons. Some albums have
been instrumental but most have had surprisingly good vocal work by a variety of
vocalists. On "Crimes of Virtuosity" this job is handled beautifully by Kendall
Torrey whose raspy pipes intertwine perfectly with the classy passages of Byrd's
effortless fretwork. It makes a metalhead tear up. What has hurt James Byrd on
previous albums though has been a lack of production turning a flawless
performance into a thin, tinny mix. Not so on this re-release from Lion Music. A
nice remastered version gives this the fuller sound it was meant to have.
Hopefully with a good label behind him he can finally get the recognition he
deserves. Check out his website and envelop yourself in all that is James Byrd.
www.jamesbyrd.com/index2.htm -
www.lionmusic.com/artists/byrd.htm
J.B. BEVERLY AND THE WAYWARD
DRIFTERS - "Dark Bar and a Jukebox" (Helltrain Records)
Style - Old School Country (The way it should be!)
Release Date - May - 2006
Origin - Unknown
Darren's Review - I discovered J. B. & the Wayward Drifters while
doing some research on Hank Williams III. I requested to review anything they
had out, and was surprised to discover nothing was available, but it was in the
works. A few months later, I was awarded with "Dark Bar and a Jukebox". Pretty
cool to find out he has funded his band and tour, as well as the the album out
of his own pocket! How much real can you get? The fact is you can feel how real
this album is. Straight from the heart. Heavy influenced by REAL country artists
such as Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and of course Hank III;
J. B. follows the footsteps while still adding his own flavor to the mix. The
band would just be good if it wasn't for J. B.'s one of a kind outstanding
vocals. Ever hear of William Elliot Whitmore? That unmistakable raspy/bluesy
vocals that once you hear you can't live without? J. B. Beverly has got it! The
band is tight, I mean solid. The sound recording is superb. I love that sound of
an upright bass, especially when it is complimented so well by the other
members. The album delivers 13 tracks, some upbeat, some mellow, but all great!
I know Adrenalin is metal oriented in just about every way possible, but there
are a lot of metal heads that will appreciate this album. I can't wait to play
the album for my dad, as well as my metal friends!
www.helltrainrecords.com ;
www.wayarddrifters.com
KILL CHEERLEADER - "All
Hail" (Spinerazor)
Style - Punk/Full Throttle Rock -n- Roll
Origin - Canada
Darren's Review - The first time I heard about Kill
Cheerleader was a quote from Lemmy (Motorhead) hailing that "Kill Cheerleader is
the greatest rock and roll band since Guns 'n Roses". Wow, a pretty bold
statement. Since it was coming from a trusted source, I figured that at least
they had to be good, right? Well, I put them somewhere between good and Guns 'n
Roses! GNR was one of the most important rock bands of all time. Kill
Cheerleader has a lot yet to prove. That being said, "All Hail" gets things
headed in the right direction. The album tends to lean towards the punk rockers
of the world than the GNR fans. Nothing wrong with that, but Lemmy's statement
may be comparing apples to oranges. OK, "All Hail" brings high energy and pure
talent to the table. Throw in some amazing guitar playing, a tight supporting
cast and some catchy radio friendly tunes, I can see how Kill Cheerleader can
appeal to a HUGE fan base. The guitar playing may not make your jaw drop, but
the fact that it is nothing short of perfection drops mine. Riffing and solos
are phenomenal! The 12 tunes burn real fast and leave you craving more. I have
listened to this album a dozen times through already and there is no signs of
slowing down. This one is going to be on my playlist for a long time, and I have
a feeling I will still be listening to this in 5 years. A great album! Highly
recommended.
www.killcheerleader.com ;
www.myspace.com/killcheerleader
Track Highlights: Sell Your Soul, So Young, Deathboy, No Feelings, Go
Away, Bad Habit, No Lullabies
KILLED BY MEMORIES -
"Forever Doesn't Last" (Faction Zero Recordings)
Style - Screamo/Metalcore
Origin - USA (NJ)
Darren's Review - Oh boy, this is my least favorite
genre to review. I haven't been able to get into any screamo bands, and Killed
By Memories is no exception. The sound recording is decent, the instruments are
ok, but the vocals are just terrible. Even after a few spins, my mind is not
changed. Intense at times & sludgy and doomy at other times, either way, the
vocals are bad enough to keep me away.
www.killedbymemories.com
KILLER SIXGUN - "S/T"
(Independent)
Style - guitar driven hard rock
Origin - Greece
Rob's Review - KILLER SIXGUN (cool name by the way -
much better than BATHTUB SHITTER) is the brain child of a Greek guitarist by the
name of Laki Ragazas. Remember that name because he will be quickly working his
way up the "smokin leads" ladder of rock n roll if his s/t release is any
indication of what the future holds. He is not your typical fiery guitar
instrumentalist as he is more in line with a groove based bluesier style of
leadwork that really gets the arm hairs standing up. In parts of his songs he
has that "Satch Boogie" sound going on where he just rides off in a fully
equipped groove machine and does burn outs between your ears. There is vocal
work on a couple songs as well and although they could be better they certainly
fit with this style of music. Sounds like something from the Lynch Mob era. Sort
of 80's sounding but with a twinge of blues to it. Some of this even reminds me
of Gary Hoey especially in the mellower songs like "Stay with Me" but with a
more aggressive lead approach. Laki seems to have a great feel for melody and
groove and his choice of notes is pretty much impeccable. Some of you might find
this a little dated but good is good and this is better.
www.killersixgun.com
LEVEL-C – “11:11” (self-released) Style – Metal/Hardcore
Origin – Ohio, USA
Mike’s Review – This is one of those CD’s that I have
listened to quite a few times and am still not sure whether I want to praise it
or rip it apart. On one side of the spectrum, I could criticize the band for
lack of originality (with their music often reminding me of Godsmack or newer
Machine Head) On the other side, as I listen to the CD, I hear a neat guitar
riff once and a while or something else neat and think, “wow, that was cool”. It
seems like this band is still getting a feel for themselves and have this bubble
of creativity waiting to burst as the band matures. Level-C was ranked in the
top 10 of 800 bands who competed in the battle for an Ozzfest spot. Recently,
they signed a 2-album contract with Crash Music Inc. and are going to hit the
studios in August for a new album. They definitely have good things going their
way. Let’s see if they can establish themselves in the music business and not
become a part of the fading trend. For now, I rate this all-female band as
average. The level of excitement just isn’t present. I see some potential
though. www.level-c.net or
www.myspace.com/levelc
LISTERIA - "Full of Fire" (Lion Music)
STYLE - Power/Thrash
ORIGIN - Italy
Rob's Review - Hell yeah, now this is an old school metal
assault straight from the glory of 80's thrash lore! I have a good strong
feeling that LISTERIA is going to awaken a demon in the hearts of us ageing air
guitarists of yesteryear forcing us to shake the mothballs out of our tattered
acid washed jeans, bullet belts and rotting white hi tops to once again claim
the throne that was rightfully ours. "Full of Fire" is not your average ma and
pop metal band kids. This shit is going to rock your Walkman (Walkman: a
transistorized miniature portable cassette tape player invented in 1979 that
allowed people to carry their own choice of music with them...for you 90's
children) into sweet oblivion with it's full frontal guitar onslaught and
metallic fury. This is a sound reminiscent of 80's thrashers LIEGE LORD coupled
with maidenesque guitar runs and non stop screaming leadwork that echoes in your
brain like a ball-peen hammer on a diamondplate stairwell to hell. I was in full
possession mode with this disc as it unmercifully made me listen to it's
savagery twice in a row and beyond with an increase in volume each spin. Thanks
a lot jackasses, I'm hooked. In fact, I think its safe to say that Listeria and
I are..........well, we're going steady. Welcome to the wonderful world of Rob's
short list of the permanent weekly rotation.
www.listeriaband.com/Band.htm
LOUDNESS - "RockShocks" (Crash
Music)
Style - Old-School Metal
Origin - Japan
Rob's Review: By now most of us into metal have at some point
heard something from the 80's born Japanese sensation LOUDNESS. My nostalgic
memory is of my buddy's and I making fun of their name back in high school. I
admit I've never been a huge fan but you cant ignore their place in metal up to
this point in history. LOUNDESS formed waaaaaay back in 1981 by guitar phenom
Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi and by the mid 80's, thanks to the
back to back releases of "Thunder in the East" and "Lightning Strikes", had
achieved nation wide acclaim in the metal community. The 90's saw the band go
through numerous line-up changes and even had former EZO vocalist Masaki Yamada
enlisted for a few albums but the driving force has always been the amazing
guitar work of Akira Takasaki. Well, it is now the new millenium and just like a
lot of our other favorite metal bands of yesteryear, the original line-up has
reformed and is kicking ass once again. "RockShocks" is a retrospective CD of
sorts covering most of the bands more popular tunes but re-recorded to give them
an updated sound. And I have to say I'm getting into them a lot more now than I
ever did. The recordings are obviously much better than they were back in the
80's so you get a much beefier wall of sound coming through those 20 year old
blown speakers in your '83 shit brown Camero. If your a fan of LOUDNESS at all
you'll want to pick this up. Even if its only for nostalgia purposes.
www.myspace.com/loudnessisback
- www3.livemedia.co.jp/loudness
LOW TWELVE - "This Side Toward
Enemy" (Rotting Corpse Records)
Style - Heavycore
Origin - Illinois (USA)
Jeremy's Review- "This Side Toward Enemy" paints the sick
story of a serial killer who is haunted by twelve angry voices. It's a brutal
and violent concept, but then again, so is Low Twelve. Vocals are on the
obnoxious side, akin to a bipolar heavyweight wrestler spitting insults about
your mother into your face. While the demo-quality production of this album
grates off the bones, this band does have energy.
www.lowtwelve.com
LUCIFIXION - "As Evil As Me" Self Released
STYLE: Death Metal ORIGIN: Wauseon, Ohio ROB'S REVIEW: Here we have your typical mid-paced death metal
with main vocals that remind me a bit of old-school Benediction in parts. That
in itself is a plus in my book. Musically, what sets this apart from said
comparison is the distance between Wauseon, Ohio and probably.......the moon.
Not to say that it's horrible, it just needs a spit polish so to speak in the
performance department. In all fairness they are hampered a bit by poor
production, but what really kills them for me are the unfortunately stomach
churning vocals of Maria "Angel" Seeburger. Sorry dudes, she needs to be a
"Fallen Angel" and quick before the band takes a quick trip down the slimy back
of Satan into the abyss that is underground death metal anonymity. That might be
a bit harsh but it has roots in the truth. She just doesn't seem to have the
power needed to pull these parts off. Most of the time she's teetering on the
edge of the wrong key and doesn't seem to be committing to the notes (now I'm
just talking out of my ass). The rest of the band seems to have the right idea
going and I think eventually they'll get it together and make a run. One thing I
do like about these guys is the jumping around they do within the songs in the
form of acoustic interludes and assorted mood swings. This seems to set them
apart from at least some of the crowded field of blood spitters. The ideas are
definitely there but the performance needs a little tweaking. You can start with
calling up Anneke Van Giersbergen to take over the vocals. I'm sure she's
waiting for the call. http://www.lucifixion.com
LULLACRY - "Vol. 4" (Century Media)
Style - metal/hard rock
Origin - Finland
Rob's Review - I first got into these guys after
hearing the song "Don't Touch the flame" from their last CD "Crucify My Heart"
and that song, coupled with the fact that they have a completely smokin hot
singer (Tanja Lainio), made me run right out and purchase for my
collection...and viewing pleasure. What I found out after several spins and now
a couple spins of "Vol. 4" is that the act gets a tad old after a while. It's
not quite Goth, it's not quite Metal. Lullacry is more on line with a more
distorted, harder rock version of Pat Benetar. Which, I guess, isn't necessarily
a bad thing. Where this band seems to lack a little is in their lyrics. They
seem to venture a little too far into what sounds like a diary of a jilted 16
year old girl at times and it's not a very good mix with the music. Compared to
"Crucify My Heart" though, "Vol. 4" stands out as a better Rock performance
overall with great melodies and soaring choruses and even some more creative
vocal performances from Tanja. So at least they're progressing. Now they need to
sell some of those cheeseball lyrics to Britney Spears and darken things up a
little and you got yourself a better Lullacry.
www.lullacry.com
MAD LAUGHTER "The Shined"
(Recorded at Axis Studio) Style - Metal
Origin - Milwaukee, WI
Jeremy's review - Mad Laughter is a local band from Milwaukee, and they play
some old school heavy metal. While this recording focuses on good old classic
metal themes (corrupt politics, bribery, drinking, rough sex...) The production
is above average, and guitars are nice and solid. The band is highly supported
by friends and family, and quite a growing fan base locally. Check these guys
out with Helion (Milwaukee's own Judas Priest tribute/look-alike band). Drink
beer, eat METAL! http://mad-laughter.com
MERCENARY - "The Hours That Remain"
(Century Media)
Style - Progressive Melodic Thrash
Origin - Denmark
Release Date: August, 22nd - 2006
Darren's Review - A new Mercenary, I am still not over their last release! 11
Dreams (predecessor) was a ground-breaking release. It incorporated almost all
types of metal in one finely tuned album. Nothing but perfection through and
through. Since then, I went backwards and checked out the early release
Everblack (although there is more). It was pretty good, but not in the same
class as 11 Dreams. I was thrilled when The Hours That Remain arrived for
review. One of my most anticipated releases for 2006. I will say when I heard
the opening track "Redefine Me" I had quite the smile on my face! The album
progressed at a moderate pace. Some tracks outshining others. The guitars are
every bit as powerful as their last, as well as all the other instruments. The
sound recording and production is dynamite, perfection. I consider myself not a
power or progressive metal fan, but I absolutely love this band! They do enough
to keep things from being one dimensional. The vocals alternate from clean with
tons of harmony to hardcore growling with plenty of muscle. All-in-all, I would
NOT pass up scoring this release. Even better, it will come with a bonus DVD. I
would have to say that it isn't quite as good as "11 Dreams", but it is about as
good of a new release as you are going to find. I can't wait to see what is
gonna come next out of Denmark!
www.mercenary.dk ;
myspace.com/mercenarymetal
Track Highlights: Redefine Me, Year of the Plague, Lost Reality, Simplicity
Demand, Obscure Indiscretion, The Hours That Remain
METALHEAD - "Metal Bands Only"
(Independently released) Style - Hard Rock/Metal
Origin - Illinois (USA)
Jeremy's Review - Highly acclaimed by the boys from Metallica,
Bod Fedderson of Loudmouth has a new project, titled Metalhead. It is more a mix
of Stone Temple Pilots and Corrosion of Conformity, add a little bit of hard
rock/blues, and this is the result. If you're looking for extreme punk/thrash,
look elsewhere. Other than the heavy-pounding, Motorhead-induced "Speedball",
the rest of Metalhead is less metal, more hard rock, yet something you'd get
stoned to (late in the afternoon, the TV on mute, you and your buddies digging
through a near-empty case of warm beer and fighting over the last salty
Pringle). For fans of Nascar, pot, road trips, and just plain jammin' out.
www.metalheadtheband.com
Production - 8 Performance - 8 Originality -
8
Total - 8 (out of 10)
METHODUST "The Numbing Victory"
(Demo) Style - Death/Black Metal
Origin -California
Jeremy's Review - This demo is something to hear if you enjoy
early Venom, Possessed, Death, Emperor, and all those goodies. Production is raw
and unclean, the vocals gruesome, and the mix is a bit sloppy. However, this is
not a bad thing, considering this as a purely underground endeavor. And as such,
it's goood. But, if you are one of those who enjoys feeding the nu-metal media
embarassment, you probably won't like the bitter taste, poseur. But we all know
that after the bitterness is over, you'll come back for more.
www.methodust.com
MOONSPELL – “Memorial” (SPV
Records)
Style – dark/death/metal
Origin – Portugal
Mike’s Review – Wow, these guys are on role! 8 albums in 12
years. “Memorial” is definitely one of their darkest releases and has very
quickly become my favorite of theirs so far. After going from goth metal to a
slower more artistic metal approach with their previous albums, Moonspell have
kicked it into high gear. With some killer growling vocals, death metal riffs,
melodic tones, a little black metal influence, and back-to-their-roots gothic
feel, Moonspell has once again reinvented themselves. Even though they like to
keep mixing things up by evolving their sound from one album to the next, I hope
to hear more of this style on future releases. This is one of those albums that
I would recommend to everybody because whatever craving you have for metal, you
should be able to find at least a little taste of it here. A DVD is scheduled to
be released later this year through Century Media Records. Definitely looking
forward to that. Kick ass! www.moonspell.com
or www.myspace.com/moonspell
MOUNTAIN MIRRORS - "Mountain
Mirrors" (Independent) Style - Dark Mellow Acoustic Folk
Origin - USA (MA)
Darren's Review - Fans of Pink Floyd and mellow Opeth will really
dig this one. Mellow yet melodic throughout the entire 8 epic tracks, this album
is perfect for the metal fan when they would like to take a break from the
intense music we have all come to love. Mountain Mirrors is the brainchild of
Jeff Sanders. What impresses me is what he has done with very little. I also
appreciate the fact that many of his influences are not music related, but
rather from movies and life experiences. Jeff's vocals are hypnotizing to say
the least. The music flows behind him and does a good job of painting a vivid
picture. This would be difficult to listen to over and over, but a good one to
bring out when the mood calls for it. I would suggest checking out Mountain
Mirrors for sure.
www.mountainmirrors.com ;
www.myspace.com/mountainmirrors
MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT
- "The Ties That Bind" (Translation Lost)
Style - Ambient psychedelic rock
Origin - USA
Dean’s review- This is the second disc from this band from Ohio and
since I’ve never heard it, I can’t say that it’s an improvement over the first
one but I can say that I can’t stand this one. I’ve seen numerous comparisons to
Isis and Neurosis for these guys and since those bands bore the hell out of me,
these guys pretty much do the same. The songs are long and drawn out and instead
of drawing me in, they just keep getting more annoying. I realize I’m probably
the wrong guy on this zine to review these guys since a couple of the other guys
would probably like this so I’m going to hand it to them and maybe they can give
it a decent review. Otherwise I’m pretty sure I can make this sucker clear the
parking lot next door. Sorry guys.
http://www.myspace.com/mouthofthearchitect
Originality: 5, Performance: 6, Production 6
Overall: 3 (out of 10) (yeah-I know it don’t add up but fuck it)
NOTE: A second review of this CD may be coming soon....
MOWER - "Not for You" (Suburban Noize
Records)
Style - Full Throttle Metal
Release Date - April 2006
Origin - USA - San Diego (CA)
Darren's Review - I was impressed right away at the sheer power
that emitted from my speakers with the opening track. Not to mention the sound
production is top notch, which is always a plus. Mower has been around since the
late 90's and have opened for such acts as Deftones, Soulfly, Linkin Park, P.O.D,
Metallica and Slayer! I must admit I have never heard of them before receiving
this disc. A twin vocal attack powered by a solid "ego-less" cast is a winning
combination. Although I am sick and bored with most Nu-metal bands, I would not
classify Mower as such. Most tracks are upbeat with a ton of muscle behind them.
I can see why they were named one of the hardest working bands. You can really
tell when a band focuses on what matters and leaves the bullshit by the wayside.
Trivium is a fine example of this, and look where they are now! What this band
has going here is special and a rarity these days. The album immediately passed
my test and landed on my hard drive. They are on a stint with (hed)p.e. in the
states, check them out. In fact, on June 11th, they are going to be in the
Madison Area at Big -E's in Edgerton. The album is filled with 15 tracks, and
all of them are worthy! Highly recommended!
www.mowermusic.com ;
www.myspace.com/mower
MY GREAT ESCAPE - self titled
(Underground Economy Productions)
Style - Metalcore
Origin - USA
Dean’s review- In what just might be my last review here (maybe not), here is a
band that pretty much typifies the majority of the current heavy music scene.
It’s a solid well played effort by some good musicians but the problem right now
is most of it just sounds too familiar to my ears. Through all 5 tracks I could
pretty much pick out riffs that sound like different bands and it just took a
lot of the enjoyment out of it. Three years ago these guys would have ruled, but
their twin vocal “tough guy” metal has been done before and better by other
bands. Trying to find something original here had me as confused as a blind
lesbian in a fish market but much less excited. For sound references, think
Unearth, Bury Your Dead, and all the other bands doing this stuff right now. If
this does sound like your kind of thing check them out at
www.uepmusic.com - Sorry guys.
Originality: 5 Performance: 7 Production:
8
Overall: 6.5 N
NACHTMYSTIUM - Self
Titled (Battle Kommand Records)
Style - Blackest Metal
Release Date- June 2006 (2002 Re-issue)
Origin- Hell
Darren's Review - I first heard of these guys from a ex-bandmate of
mine who I have much respect for. Again, not being an expert by any means when
it comes to black metal, I would have to imagine it doesn't get much blacker
than Nachtmystium. Full of punishing riffs, blast beats and sickly insane
vocals, this 6 track EP would satisfy any black metal fan. If black metal was my
thing, I would totally be into them. Although quite different, I kind of dig
what they did with this album. Much like Rob's review of their latest release
(see the review below) I agree with where he is coming from. The last track is a
cover the Judas Priest tune "Gaze Upon Heaven In Flames". Overall... evil as
hell, which is surely what they are trying to accomplish.
www.battlekommand.com
NACHTMYSTIUM - "Demise" (Battle
Kommand Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - First left at the river Styx (vacation home is
somewhere in the USA)
Rob's Review - Could it be that I've actually run across a
"Raw" Black Metal band that I can get through without wanting to scratch my skin
from the bone? There are a few that grace my cd player on occasion: Rotting
Christ; Ophthalamia; Dimmu Borgir (probably banished by now by the "real" Black
Metallers) to name a few. But nothing like this. This is your pure underground
Black Metal complete with a tinny as hell guitar sound played through layers of
distortion on what seems like some 80 watt Crate practice amp with nary a low
bass tone to be found. Vocals are typical for this style but thankfully the
"Satan spit" is fairly low in the mix allowing the cool mid paced chord
progressions, which actually have a little groove to them at times, shine
through. The opening riffs of the song "Solitary Voyage", which comes in after
the oh so very scary 1:34 intro, sounds eerily reminiscent of the beginning of
Metallica's "Phantom Lord". That should give you a good idea of where these guys
are going musically. It's gritty, it's raw...It's Black Metal. And dammit it
aint bad. Hail Satan!
www.battlekommand.com
OBSCENE GESTURE - DEMO 2006
(none) Style - Thrashy Punk Metal
Origin - Downtown Los Angeles
Heather's Review - Made up of members of Agent Steel,
Gutterthug, and Body Count/Steel Prophet, Obscene Gesture is one to be reckoned
with. This band has an intensity not often seen in the punk metal world.
Rightfully speaking, it's like taking Slayer/ S.O.D/ Agnostic Front/ D.R.I. and
blending them together. And it works!!! The Cover (the infamous obscene finger
gesture) fits the band to a tee.. The music is blunt with a raw edge. It fits in
well with the fast guitar solos (I found myself replaying these) and drum sound
combined with the punk lyrics. The songs are not overly long, and the vocals
have that punk metal feel that brings it all together. They already have a 6
song demo out, recorded in 2005. The goal is to bring back Old School
Thrash/Punk Metal back. Bring it on! It's great to hear something that is worth
listening to! Look for their debut album in late 2006/early 2007! I know I am
looking forward to it! Here's the website. Check them out!
www.obscenegesture.net
OMINOUS - "Intercorpse" (Rotting
Corpse Records)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - New Jersey (USA)
Jeremy's Review - A corpse rotting in the moonlight, its guts
splayed out for all to see, is straddled by a naked woman - how she is molesting
this desiccated being is beyond me. Strap-on, perhaps? Well, so much for dinner
plans, I think I'm going to be sick. So, I put this CD in my player and was
amused by the belching/screaming and disarrayed riffage (or seemingly at first,
until you dissect the music a bit, and find it to be arranged quite
interestingly). Heh heh - he said dissect. Lyrically, there is only one song
that relates to the album's apparent concept - that being Intercorpse. The rest
reads like an eighth grader that wishes he was depressed enough to commit
suicide. Well, there are some really good hooks and deadly slower-paced
chunking. Fans of Obituary, Aborted, Impaled, and the like, will enjoy this
listen. www.ominous-nj.com
OPPOSITION PARTY - "Zombified" (Pulverized Records)
Style - Hardcore Punk
Origin - Singapore
Jeremy's Review - Well, it seems Pulverized Records is making
a name for itself lately. I can't wait to see what brutality they can unleash on
my nigh-deafened ears next. Opposition Party is a hardcore punk band that comes
from Singapore (Geography Lesson: Singapore is an independent country located
just south of Malaysia.) These guys have been playing heavy thrash-induced punk
since 1986 and you can hear their influences throughout this full length
battering ram of intense proportions (Exploited, Broken Bones, Chaos UK). Not
only is this pure unadulterated punk with attitude, but I swear I heard early
Sepultura, Nuclear Assault, Exodus, and even Motorhead. Like the song title
says, "It's Chaos". But well organized.
http://www.oppositionparty.net/index.htm
Vocals: 6 Performance: 9 Production: 8
Originality: 9
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Music like this gets people hurt.
OSTINATO - "Chasing The Form" (Exile
on Mainstream Records)
Style - Orchestral rock
Origin - Virginia / Washington area
Heather's Review - Ostinato, an Italian music term meaning -
a recurring melodic fragment, is exactly what this band is. The songs are long,
but with a sonic vibe combined with a constant melodic change that keeps you on
your toes. Created by three musicians, (with the addition of a variety of guest
musicians on strings), chasing the form brings to the listener a unique sound
full of expression. With two records out that have already gained endorsements
from fans, this one is sure to make them come back for more. Check them out at :
www.southern.net/southern/band/OSTIN/press
PANTERA - 3 Vulgar Videos From Hell
(Electra/Rhino) Darren's Review - This two disc DVD set is a must
have for any Pantera fan. It combines the original Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar
Video, and Watch It Go home videos (with all their music videos they ever made),
plus bonus footage from the Monsters of Rock performance in Moscow! I can
remember seeing the original Vulgar Video when it came out sometime in the early
90's. It brought back memories of not only my youth, but the overall no care
attitude when you were 17 and didn't worry about anything (just where the fun
was coming from next). That is what exactly is portrayed in the majority of the
DVD contents. These guys are doing everything from setting off firecrackers to
lighting their road crew on fire, drinking, smoking, and even making a cheezy
short film where Phil's arm is ripped off its socket! The first DVD's content
(The band looked so young!) was around Vulgar Display of Power era (92ish), with
the second disc sometime around the Far Beyond Driven era (96ish). They have a
blast at everything they do. I admire the fact that not only where they one of
the best metal bands that ever existed, but they had so much fun doing it. You
really get to see Dime's personality shine through. He has so much fun and
treated everyone with respect and kindness (with the exception of the tortured
roadies!). Perhaps he went a little overboard with his jokes, but watching it
sure keeps the viewer from getting bored! Anything for money segment featured
drinking insane amounts of hot sauce, and Big Val's attempt at a GIANT cake, of
which $4,200 couldn't convince him to pound it down. Another plus was all the
beautiful naked women! There was plenty of male nudity for the female fans too.
Even some exploding ass zits. The videos were a huge highlight. The Far Beyond
Driven videos are especially great. Wayne Isham directed 5 minutes alone,
awesome job. All in all, over 4 hours of non-stop chaos that was Pantera. The
boys certainly knew how to have fun and I am glad the cameras where there to
tell the story. Part of me felt down because I know there will never be a
reunion, but then Dime did something insane and makes you laugh. I am thankful I
am a fan and right there for the ride. You can't go wrong "3 Vulgar Videos from
Hell".
Overall: 9/10
PEEPING TOM - self-titled
(Ipecac)
Style - Experimental
Origin - USA
Release Date: 5/30/06
Darren's Review - Mike Patton has always amazed me. His
unique approach to any project he tackles is priceless. Mike takes a little
different approach with this release. What Peeping Tom delivers is a hybrid of
experimental pop, hip-hop, techno and rock. I am probably missing an adjective
too. The fact that this is Mike Pattons' creation is clearly imminent. I haven't
heard every project of his, but I was a GIANT fan of what he did with Dillinger
Escape Plan (Irony is a Dead Scene). The opening track has quite a groove that
morphs into a quick witted chorus. Track #2 (Mojo) is one of the strongest on
the album, also the first single. It starts off with a eerie rhythm and a catchy
chorus reflecting ones' fondness to indulge in (insert vice here) whatever keeps
you from sobriety. Track 5 -"Your Neighborhood Spaceman", is one of my personal
favorites. So quirky and bizarre, you just can't help but dig it. The Norah
Jones collaboration "Sucker" is pretty decent as well. The album closes with a
bang with "We're Not Alone". The tracks in between that didn't get a mention are
decent. The whole album is a nice change of pace. I can't say I love every track
or will listen to it everyday, but its perfect for special occasions. Lots of
guest stars make this one of a kind.
www.myspace.com/peepingtomispatton ;
www.ipecac.com
POWERMAN 5000 - "Destroy What
You Enjoy" (DRT Entertainment) Style - Rock/Metal
Release Date: 8/1/06
Origin - USA (MA)
Darren's Review - I remember seeing Powerman 5000 back in
1997 when they were quite different. I always remembered them because they were
so different than anything I had heard before. Something resembling a
rock/hip-hop/reggae experience. Later I learned PM5K was the brainchild of Rob
Zombies' younger brother (Spider One). Sometime around 1998, they shifted into a
more straight forward rock/metal band. I always wondered what would have
happened if they didn't change? I would hear PM5K so much on our local radio
station I learned to simply tune them out. I did have a chance to check them out
live around the millennium and thought they delivered a tight and very solid
performance. In 2003, when I heard the track "Free", I loved it. I still love
it. Last week, I received the follow-up to "Transform" and was pretty excited to
see what the band has been up to. The album is hard drivin', pedal to the metal
- full throttle rock and roll, like I expected. Upbeat and highlighted
throughout with Spider Ones' one of a kind vocals. A lot of the songs are radio
friendly, but in a good way. A great album to listen to on a road trip, or when
it is time to rock and roll! PM5K fans won't be disappointed.
Track Highlights: Enemies, Murder, Now That's Rock and Roll, All My Friends
are Ghosts, Miss America
PRIESTESS - "Hello Master" (RCA)
Style - Melodic Hard Rock
Origin - Canada
Darren's Review - Wow, some great acts coming out of Canada
these days! Well, I am happy to report we got yet another one! Having blown
critics away almost everywhere with their major label debut, Priestess has also
wowed audiences with their live show. How would one describe their sound?
Classic rock spiked with heavy riffs, catchy choruses, melodic vocals and
talented musicianship. This is one of those albums you can get away with playing
almost anywhere. Fans of all types of music will get into this one. This is a
professional release, so I don't even need to mention how great the production
is. I have spun this release so much I had to give myself a break! They also
toured with Motorhead and a new band from Austin, TX called "The Sword", whom I
think is the best new band right now. I see much success in store for Priestess.
If they can survive the road and not kill each other, they will become a huge
force in rock and roll. The future is bright for Priestess. 100% recommended!
www.priestessband.com ;
www.myspace.com/priestessband
Track Highlights: I am the night, Colour Me Black, Lay Down, Run Home, Talk
To Her, Everything That You Are, Blood
PSIONIC – demo
Style – Cyber-metal
Origin - California, USA
Mike’s Review – Heavy metal featuring cyber (electronic outer
space) keyboards and programming. I like the cyber sound in metal when done
properly. It hasn’t been overdone yet, so it still catches my attention a lot.
Some of the music reminds me of an artist called Leatherstrip that I use to
listen to. It took me a couple spins to get into this CD, but now that I have
given it a chance I am starting to get into it a lot more. The vocals aren’t
what I would hope them to be. It sounds like there should be a little more angst
or evil added in. The rest of the band with their catchy synth sounds and riffs
make up for it. The guitar solos are a very good touch. I look forward to
checking out some new stuff by these guys once more is released.
www.psionic.info
Vocals: 7 Music/Programming: 8.5 Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 8.5 (out of 10) R
RAUNCHY - "Death Pop Romance" (Lifeforce Records) Style - Futuristic Hybrid Metal
Origin - Denmark
Darren's Review - Raunchy is another band that I have been
listening too for a year or so. Their last release "Confusion Bay" was one of my
most cherished discoveries. Blending the best parts of old school metal with a
new refreshing sound, I knew Raunchy was the real deal. Plus.... they are yet
another BRILLIANT discovery from Denmark!!! Must be something in the water?
Volbeat, Transmission0, Mnemic, Hatesphere, Mercenary all hail from Denmark. If
you haven't heard of some or any of these artists, do so immediately. The new
wave of DANISH heavy metal man! OK, so I fell in love with "Confusion Bay". I
picked up the predecessor "Velvet Noise" and didn't much care for it. Then a
headline appears that Raunchy parts ways with their singer of 10 years (Lars
Vognstrup). Tough to replace a singer. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when
"Death Pop Romance" is released, featuring a new singer (Kasper Thomsen). I knew
the band was already well above average, but what will the new singer bring?
Much to my surprise, Kasper is phenomenal. Very few times in history has a band
rotated front men and gotten BETTER! Death Pop Romance is brilliant from
beginning to end, front to back, top to bottom, through and through. The
production and sound engineering is beyond excellent. So heavy, melodic,
ambient, it's unreal. I have listened to this album at least 20 times in the
last two weeks, and won't be stopping anytime soon. What a masterpiece!
Definitely the best 2006 release so far.
www.lifeforcerecords.com/ ;
http://www.myspace.com/raunchy ;
www.raunchy.dk
RAVINGS OF A MADMAN -
"Drowning Under Heaven" (self released)
STYLE: Thrash/metal core
ORIGIN: Montana, USA
Rob's Review: RAVINGS OF A MADMEN bare an uncanny resemblance to eighty
percent of the metal bands that my band played with in the early 90's. In that
respect its got a pretty cool nostalgic feel but nothing that will propel them
to superstardom by any means. It's definitely garage metal at it's finest with
plenty of good ol' thrash (or "Trailer Thrash" if you ask these guys) moshed
together with dashes of metal core and a slice of Nu Metal to keep the baggy
pants listening. Tons of blazing guitars with nice solo work and great tone
really highlight this short four song burst of hillbilly metal for me. I do,
however have to give them hell for the straight out of high school bio picture
in which the maniac in the middle is striking the classic crossed arms with
devils horns pose while standing with his two other compadres in socks on a
white piece of paper. It might be just me but they might be trying a little too
hard to be metal. But, Judging by their first attempt at this sweet oblivion
that is thrash metal they may be on there way to backing it up very soon. I'll
be looking forward to something new from RAVINGS OF A MADMAN down the road.
www.myspace.com/ravingsofamadman
REQUIEM LAUS - "Promo 2006" Style - Death Metal Origin - Portugal Dan's Review - First off, I know Death Metal
is a vague category, but from what i hear these guys have a lot of styles going
on. Which isn't a bad thing. At first listen I was a little scared because the
first couple seconds sounded like it was recorded in a garage. Was this some
kind of TRICK?! Thankfully, it switched over to a nice crisp sound. If I would
compare these guys to anyone I would say early Amorphis with a hint of black
metal. First track sounds almost like
a grim death metal/ black metal. Next few tracks have a very missed Amorphis
sound. Harmonies on this album are nice and solid. This promo has a nice flow to
it. Sinks into you very well. The problem with a lot of metal now is there
isn't many styles that aren't overdone. Reqiuem Laus thankfully has a sound of
their own. I have to say I respect anyone who can come up with something new.
Vocals on this album are great. Staying articulate and clear with cookie monster
growls is hard to do. Production was done very well. It was also nice to see
Requiem Laus made a flash intro on their disc with some video clips. Nice to see
they went the extra mile to let people see who they are and what they are about.
Overall this was a solid promo and I hope to hear more from these guys.
http://www.myspace.com/requiemlaus
or www.requiem-laus.com
ROADSIDE
BURIAL/CORPSICKLE split (Grindhead Records)
Style - Grind Fuckin Core
Origin - Australia
Darren's Review - OK, so my attention was immediately drawn
to this, since one of our own team members is in a band named "Corpsicle". Quite
different bands and thousands of miles away - the only thing they have in common
is the name. The album is a equal split with 18 tracks (9/9) of a grindcore
frenzy. Roadside Burial opens things up. Deep throated vocals, blast beats and
de-tuned heavy riffs. Not too bad for a brand new band (2006) with two members.
Oh yeah, they love beer, sluts and meat (in that order). Pretty good if you like
grindcore. Corpsickle handles the second 9 tracks. Pretty standard grindcore,
short, up-tempo songs. The band has been around longer but Roadside Burial seems
to have an edge on them. Perhaps just a personal preference. It's cool to see
that Australia is producing some heavy shit. If you like grindcore, you will
probably dig this release.
www.grindheadrecords.com ;
www.myspac.com/grindhead
ROSETTA - "The Galilean Satellites" (Translation Loss
Records)
Style - Atmospheric Metal
Origin: USA (PA)
Darren's Review: Yet another great band from PA! I dig these
guys. I love experimental music, especially when metal is involved, and
especially when they are about a space man! I dig just spacin' out and just
letting the music take me to wherever It decides to. The Galilean Satellites
does a great job of this. Sometimes hardcore, sometimes heavy, sometimes spacey,
but always brilliant! If I had to compare them, I suppose ISIS or Neurosis would
fit. This release features two discs. The first disc had a lot more muscle to
it, whereas the second disc is more of mellow, spacey journey. I have yet to
experience them fully, as they are meant to be played simultaneously. Production
and engineering are very good. My only beef with it is I don't think I could
listen to it all the time, and more so when the mood strikes. I would love to
see them live. If you get a chance, let me know how they are! I would recommend
this release. www.rosettaband.com
SAPTHURAN / LEVIATHAN Split CD
(Battle Kommand Records) Style – Misanthropic Black Metal Mike’s Review - Well, to start things
off, the production alone makes me want to takes this disc out. I have a hunch
that the raw sound quality may be intentional though (as it is occasionally done
with some black metal albums). Regardless, it is not working for me. SAPTHRAN –
This music is definitely uneventful. As I listen to the songs of this one-man
project, boredom quickly sets in. If I was a guitarist playing this music, I
think I would be yawning up on stage during these songs. Repetition is a total
buzzkill. Yet, this seems to be the thing for this style of Black Metal (a
sub-genre that I will probably never get into). OK, I have talked enough about
this project. Next band! LEVIATHAN. More interesting than Sapthuran. Less
repetition and more attempts at creativity. Leviathan mixes things up a little
more while still keeping the black metal feel. The vocals resemble regurgitation
a bit too much for me, but the music can get you into a mind-altering dark
trance. You are presented with a big black hole to suck up your soul. If I ever
had a nightmare of being slowly devoured by a giant slug, this would be the
soundtrack for my dream. Slowly gnawing at my body and gumming me to death. If
that sounds good to you, check out
www.battlekommand.com
Overall: 5 (out of 10)
SATYRICON - "Now, Diabolical"
(Century Media)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Norway
Dan's Review - After such a great album as "Volcano" by these guys, I had high
expectations for their newest album. Norway's black metal trio has done it
again! Their newest album is just as good, if not better than the previous.
Satyricon has changed much since their beginning. They used to have this
"symphonic sound", but they threw that away and went back to their roots.
Needless to say their new sound is just amazing. It's like that old school black
Metal sound, but with an amazingly clean sound. The production of this album is
awesome. Did I mention the production of this album is awesome? Everything mixes
together really well. Satyr sounds just as evil and raw on this album as ever.
Right from the beginning this album kicks your ass. Its heavy yet melodic.
Sometimes with black metal groups i tend to skip around through the tracks
i like, but not with Satyricon's newest albums. Every song is well written and
hits you like a punch in the face. I'm really liking where this band is
heading. I really feel as though Satyricon has set the bar for what black metal
should sound like nowadays. Kudos to Satyricon for going back to their black
metal roots. If Satyricon keeps doing what their doing, I really feel as though
they
will be the "K.I.N.G." of black metal.
www.satyricon.no
SAVAGE CIRCUS - "Dreamland
Manor" (Dockyard 1 Records)
Style - Power Metal
Origin - Germany
Rob's Review - SAVAGE CIRCUS formed when drummer Thomen Stauch decided he wasn't
getting any of his song ideas into the Blind Guardian rotation and decided to
leave the band for greener pastures. Well, these greener pastures must have
cattle roaming around mooing Blind Guardian tunes (yeah, I know, pretty lame)
because this is almost a complete rip-off of Thomen's old band right down to the
Hansi Kürsch vocal style and the overall approach to the music. Make no mistake,
this is very, very good power metal. Everything on this CD is worthy of a raised
sword atop a majestic mountain top, but maybe ol' Thomen should have tried a
little harder to be a little different to set himself apart. Otherwise they just
sound like a cover band. You can pretty much chalk up SAVAGE CIRCUS to a band
that could have been great if it had it's own identity. But as of now it's just
a good band emulating a greater one.
www.savagecircus.de
Mike’s Review – This CD kicks off with some a very aggressive old-school
rock-n-roll tune, “We’re Going Out Tonight”. Lyrics and themes stick with the
sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll” attitude throughout the CD. The first few songs of
the CD will suck you in and convince you to listen to the other 9 tracks. The
music is very catchy and the vocals are good. BUT, I found myself
fast-forwarding through the middle of the CD every time I listened to it. With
the album starting of with such energy, I was in no mood to listen to those slow
songs that got thrown onto the middle of the album. It reminded me of watching
some romantic chick movie or listening to a sappy album full of ballads.
Luckily on track 7 they pick up the speed and get things rolling again with
“Thank God For Jack Daniels”, and the follow it with “See You Naked” and several
rockin’ tunes worthy of checking out. Overall a good CD. Check them out
(especially if you are a fan of old-school rock, Gun N Roses, drinking, and
girls).
www.sexslavesnyc.com
SIRROCO - "Nemed: An Triu Creathan"
(Indy) Style - Instrumental Celtic Thrash!
Origin - Ireland
Darren's Review - Sirocco hails from the mighty Ireland. I
have done quiet a few reviews now where the bands are Irish. Most of them pretty
good! Celtic instrumental thrash, hmmmmm another first for Adrenalin! I was
pretty impressed with this disc the very first spin. It only got better from
there. The album does a great job of telling a story, without the presence of
vocals (although enclosed in the album is lyrics). I have given this thorough
listens and enjoyed it enough that it passed the ultimate test.. graduating to
my hard drive for permanent storage! The guitars are heavy and melodic,
percussion and bass are right there to only add to the full sound. The only
thing that could use improvement is the sound quality. Although it is fine to
most, It would be even better if the production was kicked up a notch. I am
excited for them & hope nothing but the best. I wouldn't pass this album up.
This is something you can spin with your friends and no one will bitch the
vocals are too harsh or to whiny. Looks like the band is getting a lot of
feedback asking for vocals. Looks like very soon you will be able to access the
tracks w/ vocals if you purchase the CD and enter in a code found in the liner
notes. Very cool idea. I just hope that the singer does the rest of the band
justice, because they as well as their fans deserve that!
www.siroccoband.com
SKULLSHIFTER - "Here in Hell" (Self Released)
Style - Thrash
Origin - New Jersey
Rob's Review - Nice logo...cool packaging...enjoyable chic
picture...professional website...great production...adequate
performance...gratifying guitar sound...brilliant mix..........crap band. I had ya going didn't I? Sorry, for all the superficial goodness of SKULLSHIFTER
the inner soul is tainted with moldy song ideas and borderline annoying vocal
work. Yeah, I know it's thrash, but I'm a huge thrash fan and this just doesn't
measure up. It's unoriginal at best and leaves little to be desired in the lyric
department as well. If I had to subject a better band to compare with
SKULLSHIFTER it would probably be Sacred Reich without the.......the umm......uhh......good
stuff. Yeah that's it. I just cant get past the blandness, but if you so desire,
check out their professional website:
http://www.skullshifter.com/
SLAVE ZERO – “The Pain Remits”
(Independently released)
Style – Metal/Death
Origin – Ireland
Mike’s Review – Ranging from slow chugging guitars to fast blasting drums, Slave
Zero touches base with metal, death, hard core, and even some black metal
influences on this album. The main vocals are of the shouting/scream style.
Some death and black vocals and black metal scream are added in as well. Cool.
They proclaim themselves as the “hardest working unsigned metal act” in Ireland
and plan on touring extensively in Ireland to support this EP (their 3rd
release). Their music is definitely worth of recognition. Fans of Slayer,
Hatebreed, Crowbar, and Kingdom Of Sorrow (just to name a few), should check
these guys out. You can find them at
www.slavezero.net or
www.myspace.com/slavezerometal
THE SMACKDOWN - "Someone Has To
Kill The Headwriter" (Goodfellow Records) Style - Hard-Core/Grind
Origin - Sweden
Rob's Review - THE SMACKDOWN is one of those bands that
have so much potential as the music comes barreling at you with full force but
then the vocals come in and beat it into oblivion with the crazed frenzy of a
mad axe men. The music definitely stands alone as the strength of the framework
with its crazy little chord progressions and its tightness in the lightspeed
rhythms. But thank god these songs are short since the vocals really get old by
about the :45 second mark of the first song. There is absolutely zero variation
in the scream-o approach of vocalist Rob Hardy. And cool first names aside, its
like fingernails on a chalkboard. After a while even the music gets a little too
punk for these tortured metal ears. It is definitely a lesson in endurance
trying to get through the whole disc but by god I did it even though the vocals
just about make me leave an involuntary protein spill upon my keyboard. A short
line in their very own bio sums things up nicely when it states, "The sound is
bland and without nuance. The lyrics are incomprehensible." There ya go. Get
back to me when you decide to go instrumental.
www.the-smackdown.com and
www.myspace.com/smackdown
SO I HAD TO SHOOT HIM - "Alpha Males and Popular Girls"
(Crucial Blast)
Style - um.....math metal, art punk, I dunno I give up.
Origin - USA
Dean’s review- I’m starting to think of Crucial Blast as the
“What the fu....?” label as almost everything I’ve heard the label produce
lately usually takes a couple of listens to sink in before you can even begin to
start to comprehend what you’ve just heard. Vocalist Libby Schaub comes across
as the female version of Mike Patton in that she is pretty much liable to do
anything vocally to get her point across and usually sounds plain psycho. Mix
parts of Dillinger Escape Plan with the equally unstable Mr. Bungle and you
might have an idea where the band lies musically but this somehow seems more
cohesive and works together tremendously well. Go to Crucial Blast’s site at
www.crucialblast.net where you can
find samples of this release and more from their eclectic catalog.
Originality 9 Performance 9 Production 9
Overall 9 (out of 10)
SOIL - "True Self" (DRT Entertainment)
Style - Metal
Origin - USA (IL)
Darren's Review - I have been listening to Soil for a long
time. Being just a few miles north of Chicago, they were considered a local band
in in the Madison (WI) area. The first album that turned me on to them is 1999's
"Throttle Junkies". I still spin this album on a regular basis. Excellent from
start to finish. "Scars" was very good, but when "Redefine" came out, it lost
me. Then, the news comes out that Ryan McCombs was leaving to be the frontman
for Drowning Pool. I had completely written Soil off. After all, 2 good albums
isn't too bad. Last week, I find "True Self" in my mailbox. I gave it a spin
right away, wondering what it would be like. A new singer and a new label,
perhaps this was the rejuvenation Soil needed? Well, it was. The new singer (A.J.
Cavalier) is a great addition. Soil fans that loved Ryan shouldn't have any
problem adjusting with A.J. What is really good, is that he isn't just a clone.
He adds his own style, and the band couldn't sound more tighter. I liked this
album the more I listened to it. The album opens nicely and flows all the way
till the end. There are a few filler tracks, but not enough to keep you away. I
still say "Throttle Junkies" is their best, but this one isn't too far behind.
Definitely recommended!
http://www.myspace.com/soil
Track Highlights: Fight for Life, Give It Up, Pick Me Up, The Last Chance,
Forever Dead
Mike’s Review – I am usually skeptical of live DVDs and band’s home videos. Not
much of it is enough to entertain me. Fortunately, this DVD stands out as one
of the better concert videos that I have seen. Anybody checking out this DVD
looking for CD quality sounds may be disappointed as half the vocalist on the
tour can’t quite sing as well live as in the studio. But, the overall sound
quality of the performances is impressive and gives you as good feel of what you
would have witnessed if you were there. Each performance is separated with some
back stage interviews and footage of the bands having a little fun on their
off-time. A well-balanced DVD that will keep you entertained for awhile.
http://www.soundsoftheundergroundtour.com/
Live performances by: All That Remains, DevilDriver, A Life Once Lost, Madball,
High on Fire, Strapping Young Lad, Throwdown, Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, Gwar,
Chimaira, Unearth, Clutch, Poison the Well, From Autumn to Ashes, and Lamb of
God
Overall: 8.0 (out of 10)
SOURVEIN - "Emerald Vulture" (This Dark Reign Records)
Style - Doom/Sludge
Origin - New Orleans, USA
Jeremy's Review - Sourvein is a southern doom metal band who
began playing punk/metal more closely related to Melvins or Black Flag, but has
taken to playing sludgy doom. Emerald Vulture is supposedly the first of three
EPs to come, and this is a lot heavier than early works. Fans of Eyehategod,
Electric Wizard, Sleep, and Neurosis will definitely enjoy Sourvein. Not mere
stoner metal, this is raw, bone grating doom with a crusty outer layer. The
guitars are nice and heavily laden with crunch. Lots of crunch. At first listen,
I wanted to rip the CD out of my player (mostly because of the sing..err
yelling). But, after several spins I've begun to actually like this band, and
even though the vocals are not to my liking (I think they're intentionally done
in a way to chill the nerves), the rest of the team manages to blend it all in a
bleak and dismal vision of the sonic underground. This is definitely what you
might hear playing in the background of a dimly lit used punk/metal shop or
playing live at some dingy out of the way club.
http://www.devildollrecords.com/DDR/TDR/frameset.htm For earlier works,
check out Southern Lord Records (
http://www.southernlord.com/sourvein.html )
STIGMA – “…the failure of me…”
Style – Melodic Rock
Origin – Norway
Mike’s Review – Yikes! If you check out any review of these
guys, you will find basically the same message in every review. This CD will
bore the crap out of you. Well, even though my review may pass on the same
message, I am going to elaborate a little more than the other reviewers did. If
you are looking for something with a lot of energy to it, this CD totally blows.
This is a jam CD, not something you would find at metalfest. It reminds me of a
few guys who sat down in the studio and just jammed together. I use to listen to
my friends do it now and then and loved it. And if you pay attention to the
music and totally ignore the dreary ballad-like vocals, this CD is listenable.
The Maiden influence in the first couple tracks is a plus. Even the vocals can
be ok at various times. This kinda reminds me of what you would have got if Dave
Mustaine got a little softer and released an album full of depressing ballads
about how life just isn’t going his way. One or two tracks of that wouldn’t be
bad. But 8 tracks of this and a King Diamond cover isn’t something I will ever
find myself listening to again. With a few suggestions, these guys could turn
into something really good. Unfortunately, right on the CD sleeve, these guys
say they don’t listen to suggestions of reviewers and just play what they want
to play. I respect that, but maybe somebody else should tell them.
http://home.no.sigmas
Vocals: 4.5 Music: 7 Production 7
Originality: 6
Overall: 5.5 (out of 10)
STORM THE CASTLE! - "The Free of CHARGE! Demo" (Unsigned)
Style - Heavy Metal
Origin - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Jeremy's Review - CHAAARGE!!! Listen, if the Viking on the
cover of this demo says so, then do it. Just looking at this CD makes you want
to cringe. Do it anyway. These guys are actually quite talented and creative,
despite the silly song titles and goofy website. Storm the Castle! play heavy
metal in the vein of what sounds like Indie/Prog rock mixed in with '80s Maiden,
Steel Prophet, Sabbath, and their own thing - whatever that is, I haven't
figured that out yet. The key here though, is melody. There is a plethora of
melody to be found in these five songs.
Where is My Crossbow? Um... I don't know dude, let me help
you find it. This is a pretty good opener, the song is actually very melodic and
has a nice chorus to
hum to. Then comes Firebreathing Sympathy Machine. Uh... oookay. But hey, I
can't stop whistling this tune while I'm at work! Now they tell me they're Lost
in the Goddamazon. Don't worry Roscoe Metal, I'll come look for you just as soon
as I'm done with this review. Victory...But at What Cost? continues the nice
melodic and somewhat-almost-banging-my-head-more-like-bobbing-up-and-down
rhythm, and finally comes The Day Roscoe Got His Big Boy Britches. I want my big
boy britches. Where can I find some? First it's silly, then I hear Maiden, I
like Maiden. Up the Irons!
Apparently these guys put on an even better and more
entertaining live show. So if you like your metal with lots of melody and humor,
you will find yourselves pleasantly surprised and humming these tunes all day
long. But if you don't agree with me on the final score, you can just put on
your big boy britches and go get lost in the Goddamazon.
http://www.stormthecastle.org/main.html
STRIBORG - "Embittered Darkness /
Isles de Morts" (Southern Lord) Style - Black Metal
Origin - Tasmania
Heather's Review - The very first release of this underground band speaks of the
forest as well as nocturnal desires while the cover of the CD depicts this
dreary forest scene. The intro reminded me of Midnite Syndicate. The music that
followed was very raw and depressing. At times it was difficult to hear the
vocals with the blurred, distorted sound, and that was a downfall because the
lyrics were well thought out...
" Nature's breath is the wind among the trees of solitude
her arms are the branches ever so draping
The roots and tree trunks the legs bound to the ground
hoping for eternal existence without the human race"
This recording also contains a very rare track from a demo they made in 1997.
Check them out at
www.southernlord.com/striborg
STRIK 9 - "Philadelphia In Ruins" (Bowsh Records)
Style - Nu/Rap Metal
Origin: USA (PA)
Darren's Review: Hmmmmm. I thought this type of music has gone away? Alright. My
first spin through I wanted to take this out to my back yard and shred it with
my shotgun. I came back to it a week later and feel pretty much the same way.
Trying too look at the positive, they musicianship is good. The guitar playing
is above average. Bass player can throw down quite a groove. This band has
talent, I just feel with the rap/rock thing going on they aren't going to get
very far. Sound recording is average, and the vocalist is alright at times,
especially when he gets into the hardcore screams. To me, the negatives outweigh
the positive. I just can't get into them. Maybe you will?
www.strik-9.com ;
www.myspace.com/strik9
TEETH OF THE HYDRA -
"Greenland" (Tee Pee Records) Style - Metal/Stoner/Doom Origin - USA Dean’s review-Everything about this disc is
dirty-from the production to the performance. Vibes of early Sabbath, Skull era
Trouble, and Sleep combine with the more modern sounds of High on Fire and newer
Corrosion of Conformity to form a mind altering substance known only as Teeth of
the Hydra. To be honest, I didn’t like this disc the first couple of times I
heard it but it grows on you until you find yourself humming the damn tunes
without realizing it. At times the vocals sound like the guy is gargling razor
blades but it fits the heavy grooves that are raging behind him. Lyrics about
Vikings also seem to fit into the whole scenario so if this sounds intriguing to
you, definitely give this a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/teethofthehydra
TIDAL - "Impulsive Disturbance" (Greasy
Pop Records) Style - Metalcore
Origin - Australia
Dean’s review- Another Australian band that sounds remarkably
like Slipknot especially during the heavier parts while the melodic vox sound
very similar to bands like Saliva, Godsmack, or Drowning Pool. Well executed but
ultimately forgettable, this is not going to win any words for originality. The
bands image looks just as manufactured as the sounds on this disc and in the end
is about as predictable as George Bush rigging an election. Sorry guys. Prove me
wrong at www.tidal.com.au
TRISTWOOD -"The Delphic Doctrine"
(Sound Riot Records) Style - Death/Black Metal with Industrial Invention Origin - Innsbruck, Tyrol Austria Heather's Review - When I first saw the music type,
I wasn't sure what to think...Death metal and Industrial?? I put it in my cd
player, and I have yet to take it out! With hints of Nile and Behemoth, I was
getting hooked already, and then I heard the industrial additions..It blew me
away! For those that are into both metal and Industrial (such as myself) this is
the perfect band! It is unlike anything I have ever heard...Now for some bio on
the band.... The band formed in 1996 (called December back then)
with a style close to Dimmu Borgir. At this time they released a demo called
"Torment" in 1997. After that, the band quit temporarily and reformed in 2001 as
Tristwood. In 2002, they wrote "Fragments of the Mechanical Unbecoming". This
was a 5 song album recorded in 2003 where the music is brutal with a hint of
industrial black metal. In December of 2003, they found their current singer and
came out with "Amygdala", an album with a new found maturity. In 2005, they re
-recorded some early songs and came out with "Svartu Daudi" EP for their friend,
Jack Daniels.. In the middle of 2005, they started to do more with the
Industrial black metal/death metal invention. This paved the way for their
signing with Sound Riot Records in September, 2005. The album in review came out
in October/November 2005. They were scheduled to come out with a brand new album
"The Cyberstorm" in March 2006 featuring 8 songs plus and intro and an outro in
45 minutes of pure Industrial Metal! Go get it! I know I am!!
T-VIRUS - "Horror Thir13teen" (Bloodandguts
Records)
Style - Horror Rock
Origin - Sweden
Jeremy's Review - T-Virus: Short for Tyrant Virus; a
mutigenic strain that inhabits a living host, transforming that creature into a
living, flesh-hungry zombie. For those who have played the video game Resident
Evil, this will sound familiar. This punk-infested heavy rock is just the fix
you need to slake your thirst for horror, blood and guts! Similar to Misfits,
these guys churn out heavy horror anthems in such punk style as to make you want
to join the armies in They Came Marching out of Hell. Living Dead Doll is so
rhythmic rock & roll it will go on many home-made compilations to come, and
Caroline just reeks of old-school punk rock. The anthemic The Cannibal Song (We
Eat People) will have you singing along with cannibalistic glee. I love it!
www.t-virus.nu/news.asp
Production - 8 Performance - 9 Originality -
9
Total - 9 (out of 10)
TWIN METHOD - 2 song promo from
“the volume in self” (Crash Music)
Style - Nu Metal
Originality - England
Dean’s review-Too little, too late. Nu-metal is already dying
a much deserved early death. This band hails from Liverpool which is kind of
surprising since they would fit very well with half the crap that continues to
pour out of the USA. These guys reminded me of a cross between Sevendust,
Burning Red era Machine Head and the ghastly Linkin Park. Since I have only two
songs to go by, I see very little chance of redemption for the whole disc. The
music switches back and forth between manufactured aggression and plenty of
melody in a teen angst way and has been done a thousand times before by better
bands. I’m kind of surprised that this is on the same label that released
Abysmal Dawn since that album absolutely rules. Oh well, you can’t win them all
I guess. Feel free to prove me wrong and check them out at
http://www.twinmethod.com.
Originality: 2 Performance: 4 Production: 6
Overall 3
U
UPON INFLICTION - "To Escape
is to Suffer" (Crash Music) Style - Death Metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s review - Good old fashioned kick ass Floridian death
metal. An old school feeling is evident on this disc but it avoids sounding
retro. You can definitely tell these guys paid attention to the gods of death
metal who originated from their home state. Elements of Death, Obituary, Morbid
Angel, Deicide, Cynic, and Atheist are evident but don’t appear as plagiarism,
just great influences. If you’re a fan of the aforementioned bands, you can’t
really go wrong with this disc. It’s not perfect but it’s definitely worth a
corpse or two. You can check these dudes out at
http://www.myspace.com/uponinfliction
Originality 7 Performance 9 Production 8
Overall 8
URIZEN - "Autocratopolis" (Indy)
Origin - USA
Style - Progressive Metal
Dean’s Review-Wow, this one came out of left field and
smacked me up the side of my head. Supposedly, these guys originated as an
extreme metal band originally called Dunwich Horror, but those days are far
behind them. Currently, the band plays a brand of metal that brings to mind
everything from Age of Silence, Arcturus, and Borknagir to Fates Warning, but
they definitely have a style all their own. This concept album has
everything needed to have this band compete with most product produced by all
the signed bands. So why this band isn’t bigger than they are completely
blows my mind. Get in on the action and check this band out at
www.urizenonline.com and give a
serious listen to the audio samples because it should only be a matter of time
before prog freaks are all over these guys.
Originality: 10 Performance: 10 Production: 10
Overall: 10 (out of 10) Hard to find faults with a cd like this so if you’re looking for any negative
shit here-you’re screwed. V
VERISMO – “City Of Kings”
(Independently released) Style – Hard Rock/ Thrash Metal
Origin – Brooklyn, New York (USA)
Mike’s Review – My first impression of this band’s debut
album is good. The musicians have a solid sound going on and know how to
musically please their fans. I like the guitaring in all of the songs a lot.
Stephen Laboccetta does an excellent job at keeping the sound entertaining
throughout the album with a mix of classical, metal, and rock. He is also the
vocalist of this 3-piece metal band. The vocals impressed me at first as well.
They can be a little monotonous at times and tiresome but not enough to keep me
from listening to the album. They just don’t seem to have the same excitement as
the music. I kind of feel band mentioning anything negative in this review, but
that’s life and it definitely knocks a point or two off my rating for this band.
I think I will learn to live with the vocals and give this album a few more
spins. Definitely looking forward to their next release or checking them out
live if play in the area. Check them out at
www.verismetal.com
VORE - "Maleficus" (Indy)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - USA
Dean’s review-Semi technical death metal is the order of the
day here with a definite nod toward bands such as the godly Morbid Angel and
Nile. The band works in quite a bit of mood and atmosphere as opposed to pure
speed but the intensity is definitely there. Honestly this is way more of a
breath of fresh air compared to what many labels are releasing as death metal
these days so it’d be nice to see these guys gain a little more recognition.
Obtain this at www.vore.org if quality death
metal is your thing.
Originality 7 Performance 7 Production 5
Overall 6.5 (out of 10) W
