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REVIEWS FROM ISSUE #11
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A
ACRID SEMBLANCE - "From the
Oblivion" (Demonstealer Records)
Style - Melodic Death Metal (So They Say)
Origin - India
Jeremy's Reviews - This album is not-so-basically
guitar-driven Euro-power in the vein of Dragonforce or even Into Eternity. With
melodious leads and solos galore, there are some quite memorable sounds. The
synth-driven backdrop adds an ethereal element, especially when the solos kick
in (which is very often). It's heavy and marches forth, much like the epic tales
from Persuader, Kamelot, Freternia, and the like. The vocalist however, is very
rough and resembles the vocal style of The Gallery-era Dark Tranquility or old
Rotting Christ. Unfortunately, his presentation seems to have little variety and
seems tedious to hear. But, he does play some mean keyboard solos. Heh. Usually,
this instrument just fills blank space or makes the band sound cheesy, but here
they accentuate the melodies and lyrical concepts, drawing you into another
landscape altogether.
http://www.acridsemblance.com
Production: 7 Performance: 8 Originality: 7
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
ACROSS TUNDRAS - "Dark Songs of
the Prairie" (Crucial Blast)
Style - Early 70’s style stoner/doom
Origin - USA
Dean’s review-Imagine the musical equivalent of early Sabbath
getting ripped with Blue Cheer and then somehow beating up early Jane’s
Addiction in the process. Sounds kinda cool, don’t it? And it is except for one
major problem I have which is the mix. I really wish the vocals were louder. The
early 70’s style production fits the music perfectly but bring up the damn
singer! Cool and unusual lyrics combine to form a surrealistic vibe but it’s
very hard to distinguish without the lyrics which luckily are included in the
disc. This took me a few lessons to “get it” but once it sinks in, it hits hard.
Highly recommended.
www.myspace.com/acrosstundras
Performance: 8 Production: 7
Originality: 8 Overall 7.5 (out of 10)
AFTER DARK - "The Resurrection EP"
Style - Metal/ Horror
Origin - New York
Heather's Review - The first thing I noticed about this band
was that they are everything that traditional metal is lacking...originality!
Influenced by Danzig, White Zombie, and The Misfits, After Dark brings forth a
heavy sound with hints of hardcore and that horror theme. The songs "Blood is
Horror" and "Lost in a World of Ghosts" were my personal favorites. The music is
unique, and the vocals match the style. If you are looking for metal with
attitude, this band fits the bill!
A little Bio: They started in 2004 at CBGB's. Two years later
the band came out with "The Resurrection EP". And in preparing for an upcoming
single for the movie 'Ghost Rider', After Dark continues to enhance their
reputation as "fearsome purveyors of New York City metal with bloodcurdling
metal with two devil horns planted firmly in your eye sockets. You'll bleed, and
then you'll come back for more".
Check them out at www.afterdark13.com ,
www.myspace.com/afterdark,
or alex.dementia@gmail.com
Originality: 9/10 Vocals: 8/10
Production: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
AFTER DARK - "Ghostriding" (Shadows In The Dead of Night...)
Style- Metal / Horror Metal
Origin - New York
Heather's Review - With the debut of the EP titled
"Resurrection" in 2006, After Dark has delivered to us unstoppable, pure evil,
horror metal. And with the new 2007 EP titled "Ghostriding (Shadows in the Dead
of Night...)", things haven't changed much. The music continues to be a cross
between Danzig, White Zombie, and The Misfits. I was somewhat hoping for them to
bring something new, but it still kicks ass the way it is. With their heavy,
catchy riffs and the pounding in-your- face vocals, After Dark has once again
proven that they are a solid, talented group of musicians ready for all that is
evil. The cd production was well done, with the vocals coming out a little
louder then the rest of the music. (good effect; adds to the horror theme). The
artwork of the cd was also well done, depicting an eerie road drifting off into
the black skies above. Check them out at
www.afterdark13.com or
www.myspace.com/afterdark
Vocals: 8/10; Originality8/10; Production: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
AGGRESSIVE
DISORDER – “Aggression Is A State Of Mind” (shopping for a label)
Style – Power metal/Thrash
Origin – Philadelphia, PA
Dion’s Review – By the end of the first track “The Strength”,
I had rips in my jeans, my t-shirt had lost its sleeves, and fuck me! If I
hadn’t sprouted big bangs! Thank the Gods of Ye Olde ‘Eavy Me’al that the song
was under four minutes long or I just know that I would’ve ended up with
something leopard-print to explain to the wife. That’s how “heavy-f*#king-metal”
Aggressive Disorder is.
My first impression wasn’t that good, but I gave it a couple
of plays, and it eventually grabbed my head and banged it for me. It’s got
everything power metal should… even what you didn’t like about it 20 years ago.
Like when the whole band yells out lines of the song… or is that just me? The
production is slightly thin, and the vocals lack heaviness a bit, but for the
most part, I couldn’t imagine anything about this debut full-length being done
any differently. And that’s why this CD gets 10/10 for “Nostalgic Value”.
Musically it hearkens back to the days of Testament, Anthrax and some third band
that does a power ballad about the problems inherent in the system. The
guitarist/vocalist knows his stuff, the drummer does what’s expected, and the
bass player does what he’s told quietly in the corner, just like the days of
Metal-yore. Did I mention that it’s even got the parts when the whole band yells
out lyrics?
I fully expected this to be a really old demo tape that one
of them had found in his long-abandoned spandex-drawer, but it’s actually a
re-issue of a 2005 album, with five demo tracks (one unreleased) as an added
bonus. The band’s only 3 years old, with another full-length due for release
later this year.
www.aggressivedisorder.net ,
www.myspace.com/aggressivedisorder ,
www.overlordmanagement.com
Production: 5/10; Originality: 5/10; Instruments: 9/10;
Vocals 7/10
Overall: 8/10 (I know it doesn’t add up, but I really liked the effect it had on
me)
AIRLINES OF
TERROR – "Our Planes Are Unhijackable!" (Self-released)
Style – Punk/Metal/European folk?
Origin – Rome, Italy
Dion's Review – Does anyone have a mate in the Roman
Department Of Municipal Water? If you do, then let that mate know there's
something horribly wrong in the Italian capital's water supply! "Our Planes Are
Unhijackable!" is queerer than a three-buck note… in the old sense of the word
"queer". This second AOT release isn't filled with floppy wrists, fluffy pink
boas and effeminate lisps. It's just fucken strange! They couldn't even pick a
language. There's English, French (I distinctly heard "Merci Beaucoup") and what
I assume is Serbian… at the very least.
The opening track, "Spaghetti Western" had me laughing within
16 bars, and kept me grinning for all four tracks. The first track could be the
soundtrack for a John Wayne flick if he was the punk-rockingest, head-kickingest
sheriff who upheld the law of his own rules. The second song "Kalasnjilkov" is a
soundtrack the bio tells me, for a '95 movie called "Underground" which will
become mandatory viewing whilst on board any Airlines Of Terror flight. I hope,
in the movie, the song's accompanied by a couple of big bearded Russians doin'
that dance they do with the baggy pants on a couple of people's heads.
There is a whole lot going on with this release. Many, many
influences covering more than a couple of genres make it really hard to define
these guys for you, so I recommend that you just visit their myspace. Three of
the four songs are on there, so you'll get more than a fair idea of what these
guys are about. So hit the MySpace link below, imagine there's a snotty little
bastard kicking the back of your computer chair, and let Airlines Of Terror take
you on a turbulence-filled aural journey. Happy landings!
http://www.myspace.com/airlinesofterror ,
http://www.airlinesofterror.com
Production: 9/10; Originality: 9/10; Instruments: 8/10; Vocals
9/10
OVERALL: 8.5/10
ALABAMA
THUNDERPUSSY - "Open Fire" (Relapse Records)
Style - Ass kickin' Metal
Origin - USA (VA)
Darren's Review - Debuting a new vocalist this release, Kyle
Thomas (Exhorder, Floodgate) adds a surprisingly refreshing flavor to ATP. The
tunes of Open Fire represent a quicker tempo and more of a hard rock/metal feel.
This is one of those albums that you can spin for any crowd and there won't be
objections Everything about this disc is a breath of fresh air. The guitars are
the highlight for me. Chuggin' riffs with twin harmonies that are mixed BEYOND
perfectly! The more and more I listen to this disc - the more it becomes like an
obsession. I will admit I was disappointed a bit on the first spin because of
the new changes, but here is a great example of why change isn't a bad thing and
can be very healthy. I am hoping I can get lucky enough to catch one of their
live shows. This belongs in any metal fan's collection, and old ATP fans, don't
worry, this one will lend itself nicely to you. Quality release start to finish!
www.atprva.com ;
www.myspace.com/atpva
Production/Engineering: 9/10; Originality: 8/10; Instruments: 9/10;
Vocals: 9/10; Overall: 9/10
AMPLIFIED HEAT - "Amplified Heat"
(Arclight Records)
Style - Blues Rock
Origin - Texas
Heather's Review - This band, which has been in the
music scene since 1999, is made up of three brothers. The music sounds like
classic blues rock with a twist. You can definitely hear the blues style,
but to that they have added classic rock. It's almost like ZZ Top meets the
blues. The first thing I thought of though when I listened to this was that the
vocalist sounds somewhat like Lemmy of Motorhead (that's a compliment) The
Austin Chronicle calls them, "loose and lethal, down and dirty Tex-ass booze
booze rock." I'd completely agree with this. Anyone who likes classic rock or
blues will appreciate this band. Check them out at
www.amplifiedheat.com or
www.myspace.com/amplifiedheat
Vocals: 8/10 Originality: 8/10
Production: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
ARAWN - “The
Call of the Cyhyraeth”
Style: Melodic Black Metal
Origin: South Wales, U.K.
Taylor’s Review: Arawn is a one man band by a talented kid
who is a mere 17 years of age. For being so young, he is on his way to a solid
future with his music. Arawn works a lot with melody and attention to strong
memorable song writing. I’m guessing that this e.p. was recorded on a home
computer since the quality is a little low, but at 17, how many can afford a
good studio. When describing his music, his influence of the band Summoning
describes it well. I think it is great that a kid this young puts forth this
much effort.
www.myspace.com/153086246
Instruments: 8/10; Originality: 7/10; Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 7/10
ARTEFIX FRAUDIS - "Sinin"
Style - Doom Death Metal
Origin - Italy
Heather's Review - First of all, the artwork on the cover, as
well as on the cd, is amazing. The title " Sinin" meaning "dead" in Japanese is
illustrated by a skeleton holding a scythe illuminated by this devilish green
hue. Musically, this band blew me away. I loved it from the first song to the
last. The third song is all piano...Loved it! (That also happens to be the title
track) A rare thing to see in death metal. It is heavy and sinister, and
everything a fan of doom death would love. The vocals added to the originality
of this band. The insert contains the lyrics to the songs, but it is so clearly
sung that they are not needed. The band itself reminds me of early Paradise
Lost. A little bio on the band:
They were formed in 1998 by Alessandro Spitale with Dameth
joining a short time later. Their first demo " Somnia Aegris" (I want this!)
came out in 1999. This was a full instrumental work. They were a 2 man band
until 2001 when Marco Spitale joined them on vocals. With him, they performed
"The Unassuaged's Maze" in 2003. A long time passed as they continued to look
for more musicans to join. In April 2004, Michele Redaeli, the drummer, was
added. But without a bass player, it was difficult for them to play out. In the
end of 2004 and beginning of 2005, musical differences caused a split. Now they
needed a bass player, as well as a singer. Finally, in June of 2005, they found
their current bass player Davide Borin and in March of 2006 they found Matteo
Galbusera. The "Sinin" demo came out in August of 2006. With a stable line up
and some extremely talented musicians, Artefix Fraudis is on it's way to
publishing some new material. Looking forward to it!! Email them at :
artefixfraudis@hotmail.com or
check them out on
www.myspace.com/artefixfraudis
(Their own website is in the making)
Production: 10/10; Vocals: 10/10;
Originality: 10/10;
Overall: 10/10
ASHES ARE NUTRITIOUS - "FRUSTRATION+"
Style - Progressive/Experimental Rock
Origin - New Jersey, USA
Jeremy's Review - While I wouldn't classify Ashes are
Nutritious as actual metal, there are moments where it can seem so. Now, don't
pass off this band just because of what was said here. One actually needs to
understand how something that is "not" metal can actually "be" metal. Jazz-like
influences, heavy rhythm sections, spastic drumming, passionate singing abound.
Combining elements of Tool, Candlebox, Pink Floyd, and many other unkowns, Ashes
is very fluid and surreal. Psychedelic moments breathe in and out, while the the
vocalist Billy Cliffton actually comes off like Iggy, with his passionate style
of delivering emotion into the music. The most interesting and emotional tune
would be Anxieux, which is like a ballad, but very artistic and poetic. The
sound of Ashes is very natural and clean, and highly recommended to everybody;
not just metalheads.
http://www.myspace.com/ashesarenutritious
Production: 9 Performance: 10 Originality: 9
Overall: 9 (out of 10)
AVERY – “There Was A
Time, My Darling…”
Style – Pop/Punk/Rock
Origin – New Jersey (USA)
Mike’s Review – Some people may wonder why I am reviewing
this style of music in a metal ‘zine. Occasionally a band of a different genre
just happens to catch you attention. With no hesitation, I admit that this is
one of those bands. Avery, made up of 3 females and a guy on drums, has a couple
elements that has drawn me to this album. 1st: The female vocals (Janet LaBelle)
are good and entertaining. 2nd: they mix piano (also Janet LaBelle) with the
rock music to create a great mix of music. Some of the songs sound a little too
similar but overall each song seems to have its own little touch to it. The
combination of pop, punk, and rock that they use takes a sound that could be
simple and boring and spices it up to give it an edge. It definitely sounds like
they enjoy performing their music. I wish this group the best and look forward
to more music from them in the future.
www.myspace.com/AveryNJ
Vocals: 8.0 Music: 7.0
Originality: 7.0 Production: 9.0
Overall: 7.5 (out of 10) B
BIRD
FLESH - “Mondo Musicale” (Candlelight USA)
Style - Grind/Death Metal
Origin - Sweden
Taylor’s Review - “Mondo Musicale” is just amazing. The
brutality of this album is well complimented by the amazing production and
subtle melodies that morph into bloodied craziness. These tracks carry a steady
onslaught of catchy humor laced grinding fun that go along with their dress
wearing stage antics. I have heard of Bird Flesh before, but with this album I
have lost my aural virginity, and I am loving every second of being viciously
ear fucked. www.birdflesh.net
or www.candlelightusa.com or
www.myspace.com/birdfleshgrind
Instruments: 10/10; Originality: 7/10; Vocals: 10/10
Overall: 8/10
BISHOP – “Steel Gods” (Bishopmusic)
Style – Biker Rock
Origin – Upstate NY
Dion’s Review - Does the term “White Collar Biker” mean
anything to you? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Me neither. But for some reason it
came to me, and it has stuck. Looking at the cover, I kind of expected stoner
rock a la Monster Magnet. “Bishop” in basic gothic font with a huge Marvel
comics-looking “Steel God” laying a fist into our fair planet! I couldn’t help
but notice that Canada bore the brunt of those divine steel knuckles.
Unintentional?
But “White-Collar Biker” came to me when I had the
professional cardboard cover open (albeit a little bashed up thanks to the good
folk at USPS), looking at the clean-cut, clean-shaven trio of “brothers from the
same mother” (it’s in their bio), as they kick their third release off with a
lively tune about adultery with a “Burnout Bitch”.
The whole album is sex, hogs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but whoever
writes the lyrics (there’s no lyrical credits at all) may need some help. Most
of the time, every line in a verse or chorus rhymed with the others, and it
started to get on my tits towards the middle. Otherwise it’s a pretty good,
solid heavy rock CD. The vocals are energetic with some well-executed Chris
Cornell-like moments, the cry-baby solos didn’t bore me, and I even half-enjoyed
the power ballad (just don’t tell my mates). I caught myself thinking “that
sounded like so and so” more than a few times, so the originality wasn’t really
there, and I thought the production was a little too polished to be convincingly
dirty biker rock. But considering the band produced, recorded, and co-mixed and
mastered “Steel Gods”, you have to assume that the sound they got was desired.
http://www.bishopmusic.com ,
info@bishopmusic.com ,
http://www.myspace.com/bishopmusic
Production: 9/10; Originality: 5/10; Instruments: 8/10;
Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
BITCHSLICER III – “Lycanthropic Fellatio” (Worldeater Records)
Style – Thrash/grind/punk
Origin – Philadelphia, PA
Dion’s Review – From the acoustic intro of the first track
“Death Of The Green Skull” to the final track “Legends Of The Green Skull”
(although the real final track is “Mommas”), all I could think was “What the
fuck? I’ve never heard of these guys, but do they even know who they are?”
Bitchslicer III has everything… not so much on the production
side (for one, the kick-drum sounds like slapping on the forehead of the
hollowed out noggin of a zombie’s most recent meal), but this porn/horror/thrash
influenced outfit have a large array of methods to confound and discombobulate
the unwary. There are the thrash anthems of songs like “Sk8 Or Die” and “Night
Of The Demons”. Or there are the ten second grind flurries of “Necroanalingus”
and “Legalize Bestiality Now”. And then there are the profoundly confusing
inclusions of the acoustic ballad of “Gimme Some Head”, or the industrial
technogrind “Bitchslicer Vs. The Police (W/ Cranial Rectosis)”. The title still
makes me smile.
Despite sitting through the entirety of the album scratching
my melon and asking “Did I miss a bloody meeting?” I actually enjoyed it. The
vast majority of songs are under two minutes, so if you don’t like a song, then
don’t fret. It’ll be over soon enough, and you can let Bitchslicer drag you by
your lobes into their next wild escapade. These lads are planning to release
Bitchslicer IV “Sex With Sharks” this summer, and are planning to tour up and
down the east coast.
The final track, by the way, is nearly forty-seven minutes of
muffled, distorted droning that is quiet enough to ignore, but would probably
get you kicked in the uglies if you put the album on shuffle at a party.
http://www.bitchslicer.com ,
http://www.myspace.com/bitchslicer666 ,
http://www.worldeaterrecords.com
Production: 4/10; Originality: 8/10; Instruments: 6/10;
Vocals 7/10
OVERALL: 6/10
BLACK ELK - Self-Titled (Crucial
Blast Records)
Style - Metal
Origin - USA (OR)
Darren's Review - Yet again, Crucial Blast gives us some
unique music. Black Elk establishes themselves right away with their eerie self
titled release. This debut follows no rules or guidelines, and the end result is
an album appearing as though it was drug right through the muck, piss and vomit.
Abrasive vocals and punkish attitude along with an instrument style to match,
Black Elk is certainly a unique find. Some compare the band to the likes of
Amphetamine Reptile, Jesus Lizard and The Melvins. Although I wasn't convinced
at first, they seem to make this all work. When you feel the need for something
different and crazy, this would be a good album to spin. Points for attitude,
and something out of the ordinary.
www.myspace.com/blackelk ;
www.crucialblast.net
Production/Engineering: 7/10; Originality: 7/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 6/10
Overall: 7/10
BLACK 'N
BLUE – "Rarities" (Crash Music)
Style – Glam/Power metal
Origin – Portland & LA, USA
Dion's Review – I don't have enough hair for this fucken job.
Ever watched a sweaty, shirtless bald man (it was damned hot!) sitting at a
computer trying to write a review on a hair-metal band? You can see all the
little red marks from me scratching' my noggin muttering "Now how do I say that
nicely?".
Black 'N Blue… sounds damned tough (or is that "tuff"?) but
all it really did was make my ears a little tender and purple. If you're a
glam/power metal connoisseur, then this is right up your leopard-printed alley,
but you would probably already know of them. This is a best-of CD that has bonus
tracks that not even the fans have heard that includes some live tracks and
studio b-sides. If you forked over hard-earned hairspray and eye-liner money to
go and see KISS and Aerosmith in the 80s then chances are these guys were that
noise while you were trying to find a parking space after taking too long to do
your makeup… I'm talkin' to the ladies, too.
There's not really a lot to write about this release. If
you're a fan, then you own most of the songs already. And if you're not a fan,
then you probably won't become one, because that glam-boat's already sailed (and
sank off the coast of "taste"). This is traditional, no-surprises hair-metal
that you've heard before… Except they use the term "bitch" a lot… Lyrically
bad-mouthing each other for having bigger hair and better makeup, perhaps?
http://www.stjamesofficial.com/bnb.html ,
http://www.crashmusicinc.com
Production: 6/10; Originality: 4/10; Instruments: 6/10; Vocals
6/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10
BLACK LIGHT BURNS - Cruel Melody (I Am: Wolfpack
Records)
Style - Experimental/Industrial
Origin - CA (USA)
Darren's Review - Black Light Burns is best summed up as a
couple of Nine Inch Nails fans that saw a Manson show for the first time and
decided to start jammin to see what happens. Of course, needed to mention - the
pink elephant in the corner of the room that is Mr. Wes Borland, formerly from
Limp Bizkit. Black Light Burns is his creation. I happened to catch a Limp
Bizkit show very early in their career and really enjoyed it. It was fresh, I
thought the guitar player had something special... heck, I even predicted the
band would be huge. But, years later and a genre that is all but dead (I can
only hope) Limp Bizkit is flatlined (I assume?) but a talented guitar player
still exists (Where's Fred?). On to business... I can say I wasn't surprised to
see that Borland tapped into the NIN pool and grabbed a few members (Danny
Lohner, John Freese) not to mention Josh Eustice (Telefon Tel Aviv) to make up
the industrial heavyweight. I can give or take industrial. I have always dug NIN
but only have a few of their albums. BLB does a top notch job of delivering a
somewhat fresh sound with quality song structure and excellent sound production.
Some tunes are catchy and could very well take off on commercial radio. Borland
himself handles the majority of the vocals and sounds great. Did they re-invent
the wheel? No, but they do what they do well... very well. I admit this made it
into my personal collection and I have a few friends I intend to pass it along
to as well. Any NIN, Borland, or Industrial fans owe it to themselves to give
this release a spin... chances are, it will catch your attention.
www.blacklightburns.com/;
www.myspace.com/blacklightburns
Production/Engineering: 8/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments:
8/10; Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 7/10
BULLETBOYS
– "Behind The Orange Curtain" (Crash Music)
Style – Glam/Power metal
Origin – L.A (bio), Naples, FL (myspace)
Dion's Review – I've always thought that I hated live albums,
but I've just now come to realise that I just hate paying for the cockamamie
things. They've always felt like a lazy "throw the dogs a bone to shut 'em up"
deal to me. But I didn't feel even half as jibbed listening to this one as I
usually do… 'Cause it was free.
"Behind The Orange Curtain" is another release from a band
that had it's glory-days in the late 80s to early 90s. It's a pretty good live
album with decent sound-quality, which it should be, considering they reunited
for the express purpose of recording this for their die-hard fans. Despite the
good production, there did seem to be technical difficulties early on in the
set, 'cause the vocalist was yelling "Can you hear me? I said can you goddamn
fucken hear me?"... But on a serious note. Bulletboys may look like your
friendly neighbourhood Avon representatives who copped a smack or twenty from
the ugly-stick, but they're fairly hardcore for what they were competing with at
the time. There's even a couple of moments that reminded me a little of Stuck
Mojo, which was a bit weird. They also do covers of The O'Jays "For The Love Of
Money" and Tom Waits' "Hang On St. Christopher"… and "Shake Me Awake" which is
some Reggae-esque number that stands out like dog's balls.
Bulletboys have toured with Ozzy and Cinderella, and after
reuniting for "Behind The Orange Curtain" have decided to tour again this coming
summer. You can also see Marq Torien (vocalist) on VH1 for this year's "Surreal
Life". From what I've seen of that show… he'll be the fucken normal one!
www.myspace.com/officialbulletboys ,
www.crashmusicinc.com
Production: 8/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments: 7/10; Vocals
6/10
OVERALL: 7/10
BURNIN' DOLLS - "Courage and Fear" (Independent)
Style - Old School Metal
Origin - Italy
Darren's Review - Burnin' Dolls debut album comes via help
with an "in home" recording studio and a microscopic budget. Certainly not the
first home created album I have reviewed and I know it won't be the last. In the
past 10 years, equipment and tools have made at home recording studio's a common
thing. The verdict is not too bad (recordingwise). The instruments are well
balanced and the overall mix is decent enough.... now comes the hard part. I
can't get myself to accept this singer. The vocals are high pitched and just
plain not very good. For lack of a better term... they resemble a screaming cat
recently set a blaze and stabbed with a knife! The rest of the band is average.
The music portion is fair. I commend and support the fact that they did this all
on their own, but feel they need to keep working hard at it and find a new
vocalist. www.burnindolls.it
Production/Engineering: 6/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments: 6/10;
Vocals: 1/10; Overall: 4/10 C
CASSIUS - "I Am Jim Jones" - (Lifeforce)
Style - Metal-core/Death-core
Origin - Virginia. USA
Rob's Review - At first listen, CASSIUS is not too
different from a host of other bands of the same style; Downtuned guitars,
typical hybrid Phil Anselmo metal-core vocals, lots of bouncing "E" chords...you
know the drill. But then every once in a while these guys start to do the little
things that keep you tagging behind the apple cart to see if something else good
falls off. Like dropping down into a Six Feet Under groove complete with the
trademark Chris Barnes gutteral bark. Not a lot. Just enough reel you in. Then
there's the blast beat or two that chimes in at just the right times or the
simple but effective dual guitar harmony runs with some added Cannibal Corpse
style hammer ons on occasion. Then there are songs like "Tale of the Lepar" and
"Elate and Subtract" where they veer off into dramatic and moody acoustic
change-ups that throw you way off. This is one band that, despite the metal-core
vibe, has just enough coolness to keep me interested. Good for them for throwing
in just the right subtle nuances to keep them different.
www.cassiuscult.com -
www.myspace.com/cassiusva
Originality: 8/10; Production: 9/10; Performance: 8/10;
Vocals: 7/10
OVERALL: 8/10
CAUSTIC LYE - "That That Is Is"
(Eyes of Dust Music)
Style - Prog/Thrash metal
Origin - New Mexico, USA
Rob's Review - This is one of those bands that has so much
promise in the music department that it is very disappointing to have to sit
through sub-par vocals. Its almost as if they purposely decided that their
approach wasn't commercially appealing for the mainstream so they plucked a
vocalist out of the clichéd "radio metal" crowd to make themselves legit. It's
too bad because otherwise this is some really cool shit. The musical ideas are
right on and are very inventive with almost a progressive metal vibe going on.
The mood changes and tempo shifts really keep your ears on their toes. The
arrangements are awash with depth and dynamics that remind me of Into Eternity
in parts. In the end though, I just cant get past the vocals so it will suffer a
little for it. But dammit the music rules.
www.thelye.com -
www.myspace.com/causticlye
Originality : 8/10; Production: 10/10;
Performance: 10/10; Vocals: 5/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
CHEVA - "Nameless" (EP) Self Released
Origin: California
Style: Metal/Hard Rock
Jeremy's Review - Fans of Disturbed, Godsmack, and any metal
at all should not have a problem swallowing this taster for what's to come. This
a tight, clean performance, that is neither nu-metal/goth metal/scream-o, or
whatever. Just good rhythm and clean/yelling vocals. With ten years of
experience, this band seems to shine through with emotion and melody. Check them
out at www.myspace.com/chevaband
Production: 9 Performance: 9 Originality: 7
Overall: 8/10
CLANDESTINE BLAZE - Church of
Atrocity (Northern Heritage)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Finland
Jeremy's Review - Mikko Aspa, owner of Northern Heritage, is
one busy guy. Not only is he the mastermind behind Clandestine Blaze, but he
plays all the instruments, and has many other projects under his belt (Stabat
Mater, Deathspell Omega, Fleshpress, to name a few). CB is driven mainly by the
sounds of Darkthrone or Burzum, and is actually quite a well-sounding black
metal endeavor, and the instruments are mixed good. Unfortunately the formula
for creating cold, chilling anthems is beset by monotonous drumming. The bass is
really pronounced though, and actually lends more to the musical charm of this
church. Eventually, twisting, screeching leads break the course, accenting its
trance-like delivery. Unforgiven Acts might even send chills down your spine,
but I won't spoil the surprise.
www.cfprod.com/nh/index3.htm
or
www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=988
Production: 6/10 Performance: 6/10
Originality: 5/10
Overall: 6 (out of 10)
CLOSER
- DARKNESS IN ME (Pulverized Records)
Style: Metalcore
Origin: Sweden
Jeremy's Review - Musically, this short three-song plays like
In Flames or Killswitch Engage. The vocal structure is much like newer metalcore
bands, and is actually very similar to Diecast in delivery. While I can't admit
defeat by these bands (they are all too common, and yelling is not scary or
intimidating anymore - read, "yawn"), Closer does show promise as a band who
might stick around for quite some time, as they are certainly a talented lot.
The title song, however, does kick some major ass. I was drawn by the guitars
more than anything, because I like the harmonies and killer solo.
http://www.closer.nu/
Production: 8 Performance: 7 Originality: 6
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
The COMPULSIONS - "Laughter from
Below" (Independent)
Style - Rock
Origin - USA
Darren's Review - Right off the bat my expectations were very
high. The enclosed bio sheet had a quote in big bold letters "The heir apparent
to Guns N' Roses' long vacant hard rock throne"! Some of the reviewed quotes
also compared them to ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and even the Stones! Bold, bold
statements! 3 of the 4 aforementioned bands I have the ultimate respect for..
even the Stones aren't too bad. Naturally.. after so much buzz the first spin was
pretty disappointing. Bland rock, sub-par riffs, marginal singer, un-inspiring
guitars... not impressed. As with all reviews.. I give it three chances. By the
third spin I just felt the same way. The best thing about this release is there
are only 5 tracks. Perhaps I wouldn't have been so hard on them if not all the
great rock comparisons. All in all, its ok rock. Like if you are hanging out at
your neighborhood bar and they are playing in the background and loaded. That is
the best I can do. Feel free to judge for yourself -
www.myspace.com/thecompulsions
; www.thecompulsionsnyc.com
Production/Engineering: 6/10, Originality: 2/10 ,
Instruments: 3/10, Vocals: 4/10
Overall: 3/10
CONQUEST OF STEEL - "Hammer
and Fist" - (No Face)
Style - Power metal
Origin - England
Rob's Review - My Lord. I am writing this to you as I return
from yet another bloody day in the battlefields. The enemy is strong but our
hearts and wills will prevail. I raise my sword in your honor as I am blessed
with another day on this great earth. However, there is a matter which demands
your attention and is starting to bring down the morale of some of the men. I
speak of a dreaded sound from over the hills that threatens the very souls of of
this great country. It is a sound of music that can only be described as
un-triumphant in nature. If a music is to be heard while we risk our lives and
limbs we demand that it be triumphant and not lacking in a sword raising gallop
that makes our minds strong with will and courage to protect this land. We think
this is a weak attempt of our enemy to break our spirits and weaken out resolve
but we will not be shaken. We will search for the good in its delivery and use
it to counterattack its blandness and lack of majesty in the voice. For we are
proud people and will not let petty atrocities consume our quest for freedom.
May Odin be with you and carry you to heaven on the backs of velvet dragons when
your time is here. We will persevere and prosper in your name. Peace be with
you. www.conquestofsteel.co.uk
Rating: 4/10
ADDED RUSH: a will to fight/inspiring hope/passionate resolve.
BUZZKILL: blasphemous voice/unharnessed musicianship/lack of swordsmanship.
CONTORTION - "Forever Suffer" -
(Self Released)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - Sweden
Robs Review - Sweet! This is some good old fasioned ass
kickin' old school death metal that harkens back to the Chris Barnes era
Cannibal Corpse. Maybe some old Malevolent Creation and Morbid Angel as well.
Fuck it, you can pretty much lump these guys in with most of the early '90's
scene. Those were the good old days. Give me a minute while I
reminisce......................O.K. I'm back. This style is historically
stripped down and basic as true as an axe through the center of your skull. So
its consistant that the name CONTORTION, the logo, song titles and overall look
of this four song EP is stripped down and basic as well. Nothing real original
at all, just a straight forward fourteen plus minutes of unabashed, no
appologies, classic brutal metal. They do it well and they arent afraid to push
the envelope either. Its stripped down but its far from boring. The swede's have
had a good thing going over there for a while now and show no signs of slowing
the pilage. CONTORTION is flying the flag quite nicely.
www.contortion.se -
www.myspace.com/contortionswe
RATING: 7.5/10
ADDED RUSH: performance - vo-kills - kicking my own ass upon listening.
CROME HELMET
- "Full Circle" (Skin club Entertainment)
Style - Hard Rock
Origin - Michigan, USA
Rob's Review - It's a bad sign when you settle in with a new
CD and go about doing whatever your doing at the time and before you know it the
CD is over and you don't recall anything that you just heard. And you find
yourself wondering, what the hell just happened to the new CD I was suppose to
enjoy and how long was it actually playing? I guess they call this rare
affliction "unmemorable". It's not like I was building a rocket ship while
listening either. I was just sitting at a computer drawing pretty pictures and
daydreaming neon black. Obviously, I had to run it up the flag pole again and
see if there was something to salute. Still Nothing. It's weird too because it's
not like Chrome Helmet are even that bad it's just that they don't really have
anything in the music that sucks you into its vortex and smacks you around a
little. Each song kind of comes and goes with little fanfare and they seem to all run
together. It's sort of a rock/pop/grungy thing that also brings a little of the
punk influenced chord structures and melodic choruses to the table. It would
definitely be suitable for most radio stations with its straight forward
approach. Just not good for those of you looking for something new and
interesting to hang your hat on. Give me groove or give me death!
www.chromehelmet.com
Originality : 4/10, Production: 7/10,
Performance: 7/10, Vocals: 6/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10 D
DARK SHIFT – "Gaining Ground"
Style – High-energy thrash metal
Origin – Milwaukee, WI (USA)
Mike's Review – Since I saw this band live, this review is
more about the live experience than their album. The day after I saw this band
live, I could have easily written a lengthy review for them about how much these
guys kick ass. Even two days after, my adrenalin was still flowing from that
show. Their live performance was so energetic and their stage performance was so
impressive that for the time they were on stage, nothing else seemed to exist.
The band played together so tightly it looked as if they were programmed robots
with human emotions and intense clouds of energy keeping them pumped up (or
maybe it was the beer). When I was a younger and day dreamed of being a rock
star that is the type of setting that I wanted to be in. It was a great
performance and it looked like they were four close brothers up there having the
time of their lives.
And now onto the review of the CD. "Gaining Ground" takes
their high energy metal and puts it all on this little disc that you can put
into and compact disc player and play for all for friends. But unfortunately the
current technology can't quite capture all the raw energy filtered into the air
at their concerts. So, trying to explain the cool indestructible feeling that I
got after seeing them live is a bit more difficult because it's simply just a
CD. I thought of a solution though. I am going to pop in this CD, take a beer
bong, have a friend drink about 10 cans of Redbull, eat a pound of sugar, and
then try playing some Guitar Hero or air guitar to their music. Maybe that will
give you a clue of what find at a live show that you will not experience while
listening the CD. OK, here are the details for the CD. 10 tracks of high-energy
metal. Influences include Dream Theatre, Metallica, Pantera, Kalmah, Death,
Slayer, and more. Includes numerous killer guitars solos and a bunch of good
old-fashioned ass-kicking music. Get their CD, check them out live (they are
playing at Milwaukee Metalfest May 11 th this year), and check out their music
online at www.myspace.com/darkshift
or www.darkshift.com
Vocals: 7.5 Music: 10 Originality: 10
Production: 9.0
Overall: 9.0 (the live show gets a 10 though)
DAY WITHOUT DAWN - "S/T" -
(Self released)
Style - Art Rock/Metal
Origin - New Jersey, USA
Robs Review - YES! I finally get an original band to review.
This kicks ass. End of review..........O.K. maybe a little more elaboration is
in order. DAY WITHOUT DAWN to me is a glimpse of what could be if there wasn't
radio bands shoved down your throat at every musical intersection. What a
concept to include mood, ambience and depth to a metal band. I think it would
happen a bit more often if the major record labels would accidentally fall into
a meat grinder or possibly the machine that is used to mash up all the lips and
assholes that go into SPAM. This five song self released EP starts off with a
2:17 masterpiece of Billy Holiday inspired jazzy piano/vocal utopia. That
precludes the next four songs of occasionally heavy but sonically appealing
performances perfectly. The guitars seem to be a centerpiece to these as they
pull you through a landscape of creative rhythm changes, melody runds and Opeth-like
chord structures. If you're looking for a prom queen in a room full of red-headed
step children this is your band. It is rare to find a band these days with the
creativity and originality of DAY WITHOUT DAWN in a world of also runs and
corporate clones. You agree? If so, check it out...
www.daywithoutdawn.com
Originality: 10/10, Production: 9/10,
Performance: 10/10, Vocals: 8.5/10
OVERALL: 9.5/10
DECOMPOSED – “Torn From The Womb” (Worldeater Records)
Style – Death metal
Origin – Philadelphia, PA
Dion’s Review – This is another one of those friggin releases
that do not upload to iTunes well. I was tapping my foot to the opener “Unholy
Pleasures” while starting this word document thinking “They’re damned good, but
why am I reviewing it ten years after the fact?” While I realize that this isn’t
the band’s fault, I still had to have a cry about it. At any rate, I eventually
had to hunt for them on MySpace, as their URL wasn’t listed in their bio, and
when I finally found their space, the media player kicked in with what they
describe as “Philly Metal Sickness”. And I wholeheartedly agree.
The reason I thought this album could’ve been ten years old
is because they’ve time-warped back to a simpler form of death metal. It’s the
kind of straightforward brutality that made parents bang on teen’s bedroom doors
and walls and shriek to “TURN THAT INFERNAL RACKET OFF” before it was deemed
abusive for them to do so. The kind of no-frills death that won’t require a
degree in applied mathematics to write… Or appreciate. This CD is a breath of
old, stale air (it can’t be fresh if it was done a decade ago) that stinks of
death, sin, and the crypt. It’s a much-needed respite from all that damned
counting I’ve had to do just to nod my head to recent death metal. No decimals.
No fractions. Just carnage.
So the production ended up being pretty bloody good. Nothing
is drowned out, and nothing sticks out more than it’s supposed to. The vocals
are aggressive, with low, mid, and high ranges, and with time I think I could
actually understand what’s he’s yelling about. Which is handy really, because
the lyrics weren’t included. There’s a particular “fucking whore” that he’s
unhappy with, apparently, but it has to be gory with titles such as “Inspired By
Horror” and “Butcher The Innocent”.
So if you’re into mid-90s death, and are sick of closing your
eyes and pointing at your CD rack to choose something to listen to, then I’d buy
this at the mid-90s price of $6 postage-paid (in the U.S.) Maybe you could take
it to your parents’ place next holidays and blast Decomposed through the house
when they’re trying to get “busy”… Just for old time’s sake.
http://www.myspace.com/decomposedphillymetalsick ,
http://www.worldeaterrecords.org/
Production: 8/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments: 7/10;
Vocals 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10
DEMONIC RESURRECTION - "A Darkness Descends"
(Demonstealer Records)
Style - Death/Black
Origin - India
Jeremy's Reviews - In my dreams, I dream of the living dead
walking. You will drop on your knees, and drool from your mouth, and you will
praise the name of Demonic Resurrection. There is no escape, and you will be
dominated by their superior metal wrath. I come as the prophet of doom, and I
bring word that death shall descend upon thee! For when I put this magic disc
inside my ancient machine, the sound that escapeth shall bringeth much death to
mankind!
Prelude to Darkness is the synth-laden introduction, typical
of most black metal albums, so I prepared my mind for the blast beats to come.
But alas! Dreams of the Dead pours out in abundance of pure death metal
lorespinning, with an ethereal background chiming that gave wisdom and power.
Black metal? Death metal? I'm so confused!
Apocalyptic Dawn is the next epic song, as the Euro-power
metal switches gears during the whole ride. Death-like vocals, galloping drums,
death guitar driving rhythms during clean singing passages, pianos galore...
Behind the Mask of God is truly sardonic and blasting, returning to black/death
in this seething mass of anger. The interlude with female vox and Tiamat-like
doom will kill your spirit. Did I mention the power in this recording? This band
is POWERFUL.
And then, just as I picked myself up from the floor, the
Carnival of Depravity set in. The circus-like beginning causes seizures, with so
many different instruments, and then it stops, giving way to the ultimate power
drum initiation of death. Pure death, pure insane, pure delivery. Blackened,
twisted death metal in its finest carnal moments, and the last 3 minutes will
pull you in and rip you to shreds. I assure you, this is music to take
seriously. Death vocals are superior to myriad pure DM bands, blast beats and
epic orchestration kill Dummy Burger and stomp all over them.
I will go on, as the Spirits of the Mystic Mountains will
call you forth in pure metal empowerment, and to Where Shadows Lie is a journey
that takes you into the very ruins of darkness. A Darkness Descends drives forth
through the winter snow, with guitars thrashing like Metallica's Seek & Destroy
and the death, oh sweet sweet death.
I implore you now to enter the realm of St. Vitus, for
Invoking the Demons did just that, with a sudden end to the plodding doom,
releasing epic blast beat corruption. A Frozen Portrait began in ballad form,
beckoning you to the icy wastelands, all in the wonderful power metal agony that
this song is. But... power metal with death metal/black metal vocals (they
switch back and forth), imagine that!
And finally, as I neared the end of my darkened journey, I
joined The Summoning. Be prepared for this song. It is evil, truly devastating,
much like Dimmu, but um... better. Remember Progenies? This one blows that one
away. Hands down, no contest. Epic. Closing the set is Overture to Glory. And
the vision was glorious.
Demonic Resurrection uses talent, mixes new and old ideas,
and most important of all, passion. There is desperation in this album, and
behind all the wicked, evil tales, there is an inherent beauty in all of it.
Poetry made sound.
www.mosh.in/demonicresurrection
Production: 10 Performance: 10 Originality:
10
Overall: 11 (out of 10) (Inherent god-like qualities.)
DIABOLI - The Antichrist
(Northern Heritage)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Finland
Jeremy's Reviews - Wow, this is some wicked black metal, with
influences of the typical classic regime. No need for names here, because if you
love underground BM, you'll know it. Thrash and punk influences abound with
speed and musical delivery. Complete with attempted murder, suicide, and corpse
paint, Diaboli have a solid resume for this type of metal, and regardless of
lineup changes and aforementioned atrocities, have remained true to the sound of
BM. Without saturating in keyboards, Diaboli marches along the dark side of pure
guitar & drums metal, and the songs are actually distinguishable from each
other, which gives this recording a higher replay value, and the sound quality
is very good. My favorite track is Emptiness, because the galloping drums and
rhythm guitar just flow along with melody. But Death of the Soul is eerily
depressing (the only song that exhibits keyboards, and merely an "interlude"
type of song). Every instrument stands out and the group plays in harmony,
without bandmates trying to out-perform each other. I think this is a
captivating and magical-sounding album, in all its despondent ways.
www.diaboli.net/
Production: 6 Performance: 7 Originality: 7
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
DIAMOND
REXX – "Land Of The Damned" (Crash Music)
Style – Glam/Power metal
Origin – Chicago, IL
Dion's Review – I've never seen so many blokes who look like
bloody sheilas!.. But then again... I've never been to San Francisco either.
This is the third Crash Music Classic re-release of a hair-metal band that I've
reviewed in this batch, and three is most definitely a crowd!
So… Diamond Rexx. My wife's heard of 'em, from a period in
her life that she doesn't admit to very often. From what I gather there was a
lot of hot-pink, earrings and gaudy bracelets (and who knows what the ladies
were wearin'!) And most people want to forget about it and move on…. Except
Crash Music. This is the first time that the debut release from Diamond Rexx has
ever been put on CD. It's an obscure, out-of-print vinyl release that I assume
fans are sick of hoping to find in a milk-crate full of LPs at a rummage sale.
If you haven't heard, or heard of DR, then you're probably blissfully ignorant.
This review will more so serve to inform the Diamond Rexx warriors that their
long wait for the CD version of "Land Of The Damned" is over. But if you're
slightly curious, the bio says they're a sleazy version of Alice Cooper with an
early Motley Crue feel to 'em… which I tend to agree with. Although their talent
and natural ability doesn't compete with those big names, they tried… and let's
face it. It wasn't about talent back in those days. It was about how much
big-hair you could tote whilst keeping your balance under the sheer weight of
it.
www.myspace.com/diamondrexx ,
www.crashmusicinc.com
Production: 5/10; Originality: 4/10; Instruments: 7/10; Vocals
5/10
OVERALL: 5/10
DISILLUSION - "Gloria" (Metal Blade)
Style - Experimental/Progressive Metal
Origin - Germany
Darren's Review - I discovered Disillusion when a friend of
mine made me a copy of their "Back to the Times of Splendor (2004)" release
about a year ago- I took an instant liking to the disc. Back to the Times
displayed quite a musical stew. Ranging from hardcore and melodic, powerful
riffs and choruses - it did a great job of separating the bad from the ugly. For
a band I knew nothing about, it was one of those finds that makes you gloat.
Disillusion recently released the much anticipated follow up "Gloria" in
November of 2006. I had expectations, lets see if they were met... The opening
track "The Black Sea" sets the tone for the album. Atmospheric, experimental,
and unafraid of change. The preceding tracks do a great job of taking their
previous sound to new heights - effects processing (vocals especially), time
signatures, horns, spoken word... you name it, it's all there! While I am a big
fan of the band, I can't say I am blown away by Gloria. I advocate change and
feel it is very healthy for bands to evolve, but I would have to say "Back to
the Times of Splendor" is a better choice to check out if you have never heard
Disillusion. It is still heavy, just in a different sort of way. That being
said, if you are familiar with Splendor, then you owe it to yourself to check
out Gloria. I give the band much credit for having the guts to try something
new. I also hope they continue that journey and come up with a fresh approach with
their follow-up. One thing's for sure, expect the unexpected!
www.disillusion.de/ :
www.myspace.com/timesofsplendor
Production/Engineering: 8/10; Originality: 8/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 6/10
Overall: 7/10
DOWN
RIVER - Self Titled (Independant)
Style - Dirty Rock and Roll
Origin - Australia
Darren's Review - Down River, I've lived down river.. I've
fished down river, I've camped down river.. but only until now can I truly admit
I have experienced down river! The band's influences listed are some of my
all-time favorites - Clutch, High On Fire, C.O.C., Fu Manchu, Johnny Cash,
AC/DC, Hank Williams.... I was very anxious to hear what they sounded like. What
I got was pretty much what I expected. Down and dirty rock and roll much like
the artwork, bio description and and band members' photo portrays. The vocals
are clean, the guitars blend in heaviness with a southern rock feel. The mix of
the album is bassy, which could be a knock against them, but I like my music
with a lot of low frequencies. As a purest I would say ease up on the low end on
the next album. Overall, I'd say one of the better Australian bands I have
heard. It's a great record to break out when you have a lot of friends over and
not sure what to spin, just be sure to turn up the treble! Not every song is a
gem but there are some solid numbers. I'd also like to note the more I listen to
the album the more it grew on me.
www.myspace.com/downriverband
Production/Engineering: 6/10; Originality: 8/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 7/10 E
EARTHLESS - "Rhythms From a Cosmic
Sky" (Tee Pee Records)
Style - Heavy Jammin'
Origin - San Diego, CA
Darren's Review - So, a three song disc clocking in at over
45 minutes!??? Yes, and what a trip those 45 minutes will take you on! I'm
pleased to introduce Earthless. Born out of love from Japanese psychedelic rock
and roll and some of the best classic rock known to man (I can only assume)
comes a twisted, jammin', heavy, tripped out, riffilicious three piece with the
balls to back it up! I have grown to really get into epic songs that start in
the plains and take you to the mountains, through the forest, white-water
rafting, hang-gliding, to the sea and back to camp by the time you're finished.
They take you to the outer limits without leaving your living room and (without
the help of psychedelics), sit very well with me. Improvised (good) jams live,
or captured on record is a big part of the reason why I am attracted to music.
Alright, onto business....I couldn't be more pleased with this album. The first
track "Godspeed" (20:55) is divided into 5 chapters. The chapters mean nothing
to me! This song is meant to be digested in its entirety. It has all the
elements a true "epic" needs. The second track is even longer! (21:12). Another
great epic "heavy" jam surrounded by poundin' skins and bad-ass bass playin'.
Dynamic guitar leads are prominent throughout and, oh, the majority of the disc
is instrumental. Not until the last track, their rendition of "Cherry Red" by
the Groundhogs do you hear any vox. I had never heard the original but I can
tell you Earthless did it justice. I guess my only complaint is I could have
used more tracks, which may not even be fair to ask. Perhaps a double disc
release next time? Don't pass this one up, trust me! I have to find out what
some of these Japanese rock bands have been listening to!
www.teepeerecords.com ;
www.myspace.com/earthless
Production/Engineering: 9/10; Originality: 9/10; Instruments: 9/10;
Vocals: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
ELDOPA - "The Complete Recordings" (Tee
Pee Records)
Style - Hardcore/Metal
Origin - USA (Oakland, CA)
Darren's Review - Lets start things off by letting our
readers know that Eldopa was a band from Oakland, and this release is a
collaboration of their recordings from 1995 till dis-banding. Eldopa blend a mix
of old school punk, hardcore metal and plenty of ass-kickin' attitude. The first
12 tracks are taken from their full length "1332" LP. The songs are mostly
quick, upbeat and get right to business... oh, and plenty of screaming vocals.
The music reminds me of punk at 200 miles an hour and sent through a garbage
disposal. There are plenty of tracks (26) spanning demo's, live releases and
full lengths. I've never heard of Eldopa before, and this release did not make
me a fan. They are decent, but the vocals tend to eat me alive over time. By the
time I had finished a third complete listen, I can't say I would ever spin it
again. If you are a fan however, this release would be the ultimate. If you are
fan of hardcore and punk, you should also check them out. If you make your way
over to Tee Pee records' site... check out Mystic Krewe of Clearlight -
Phenomenal! www.teepeerecords.com
Production/Engineering: 7/10, Originality: 6/10,
Instruments: 6/10, Vocals: 4/10
Overall: 6/10
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 closest 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. Check out Goodfellow Records at
www.goodfellowrecords.com
Production: 9 Overall: 8 (out of 10)
ENGINE OF PAIN - "I Am Your Enemy" (Lion Music)
Style - Metal/Hardcore
Origin - Netherlands
Darren's Review - Engine of Pain represent a lot of what a
sound metal fan would is asking for. Heaviness, hard edged vocals, twin harmony
guitars, angry songs, aggressive attitude, blasting drum beats and a talanted
bass playing. I was pretty excited upon my first spin through.
A lot of the elements I look for in a band are well
represented here. The guitars are the highlight for me. That dual harmonizing
never gets old. They find a way to compliment each other well. The
mix/production and sound recording is solid. Ten tracks to sink your teeth into.
They lose a few points with the use of Cartman's "God Damnit" (South Park for
those of you that don't know) and the fact that there isn't groundbreaking as
far as originality. Overall, a solid album.
www.engineofpain.com ;
www.myspace.com/engineofpain
Production/Engineering: 7/10; Originality: 5/10; Instruments: 8/10;
Vocals: 6/10
Overall: 7/10 F
FEAR THE FUTURE - "The Bloody Beginning" (Ninth Gate Records)
Style - Melodic Black Metal
Origin - Sweden
Crystal's Reviews - Fear the Future was formed in late 2002
in Sweden with the goal of making a harsh and aggressive metal drawing
influences from both the Scandinavian and international metal legacy. The
first recording took place in early September 2003. A 3-day studio session
spawned the demo 1:2003. In early January 2004 Dutch label New Aeon Media,
sub level to Karmageddon Media got in touch and offered a release of a CD. The
band accepted and expanded the line up with another bassist.
The band was following a long period of frustration with
their hired producer to finishing the production and he finally did so during
the spring. By the time the mixing was done the record label was no longer
together. The band finally settled with an agreement through the label Ninth
Gate Records.
Their sounds reflect between bands such as Cradle of Filth
and Dimmu Borgir along with that classic black metal flare. Check them online
at:
www.myspace.com/fearthefuturesweden ,
www.fearthefuture.se , &
http://ninthgaterecords.se
Production: 10/10, Originality : 7/10,
Vocals: 8/10, Performance:9/10
Overall: 8/10
FORTY FEET CONTAINER - "Taste of Mine" (Red
House Recordings)
Short Description - Rap Metal
Origin - Italy
Darren's Review- I really thought this genre was dead
by now, but keeping it alive in Italy are Forty Feet Container. The album cover
is somewhat interesting, but that's all I got. Recycled rap/metal that was
popular 8 - 10 years ago make up the entirety of this disc. Distorted guitars
with hip hop style vocals that don't seem cut it, even If I were a fan of the
genre. It may be a big thing in Italy, but man I don't know.... they are
representing a way tired genre and need to practice harder and seriously
consider a new singer. Best of luck to them
www.fortyfeetcontainer.com
Production/Engineering: 5/10; Originality: 1/10; Instruments: 5/10
Percussion: 5/10; Vocals: 2/10
Overall: 3/10
FRAGMENT
– “Way Down To Hell” (self-released)
Style – Progressive/Melancholic metal
Origin – Catania, Italy
Dion’s Review – “Holy Kleenex Batman! Grab this man a…
Kleenex… Batman… ”. Yeah, well I never got into Batman, but you get the point!
This guy sings like he’s on the verge of tears. It sounds
like he’s stubbed his gangrenous toe on the gunned-down corpse of his newly-wed
wife whilst being told he owes the IRS thirty-grand, his house and his firstborn
son. And you’d think that it’d shit me up the wall… yet it doesn’t. It’s
emotional, heartfelt, and expressive with an exotic Italian lilt, but I somehow
get past all this and enjoy what’s going on. You definitely have to be in the
right mood, though. The three track promo’s a break-up anthem for those who’d
rather cry by candlelight to curse lost love, rather than climb a clock-tower
with half of a third world nation’s firepower in a couple of duffle bags. He
sings, whispers, and moans in an 80s fashion most melancholy, but rarely roars,
and never screams.
The rest of the band members have learned their lessons well,
too. They’re gothic, rock, doom, and metal, but don’t resort to the white-noise
frenzy of black metal when they want to express anger, disgruntlement, or
murderous rage. The bio says that the guitarists were maturing their approach
and style, and they’ve done just that… I guess. It’s hard to tell, as this is
their first release, but they blend many genres seamlessly with a couple of
instances of short- or long-bars, and mood-swings without losing you in the
mathematics of it. I hate to admit that I like this (‘cause I’ll never hear the
end of it), but more than just their talent appeals to me. I think I’d put
Fragment in my “guilty pleasures” shoebox (or tissue-box in this case). I
wouldn’t listen to them frequently, but I’d be able to dust them off whenever a
beloved pet dies.
I still can’t believe they don’t piss me off, and if you like
Opeth, My Dying Bride, and Anathema, then they probably won’t get on your tits,
either.
http://www.vitaminic.it/artist/timon ,
fragment@email.it ,
http://www.myspace.com/darkbragment
Production: 8/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 8/10;
Vocals 9/10
OVERALL: 8/10
GOTHA - "Italian Thrash Assault" - (Self
Released)
Style - Thrash (duh)
Origin - Italy (duh)
Rob's Review - GOTHA has been around now for almost a decade
in and around Fabriano, Spain and after five self released EP's and full lengths
over that time still don't seem to have perfected their craft. Now, I'm not
going to go off in some tirade over a band who obviously have a love for what
they do but I do intend to use my super powers to offer some sort of
constructive criticism towards these five thrashzillas. I'll start off by saying
that GOTHA as a whole, really get my blood moving by virtue of a true old school
thrash sound and a truly classic thrash vocal style right from the early 80's
San Francisco Bay scene. Obviously, the music pumps through the hearts and runs
through the veins of these guys and nobody can ever fault them for that. But, I
think one of the reasons GOTHA is still toiling away in their hometown is a
lacking of performance in the music. Thrash needs to be tight and well executed
and this is far from that. The overall mix could have been better to say the
least, but I don't think that would have solved a guitar sound that's
over-distorted, sloppy and out of sync with the drums at times. Then again maybe
its the drums that are out. Either way, These guys might need to brush up on the
chops or at least practice the instruments for a few more minutes a day. It's
too bad because I can definitely see the potential and drive in them. They just
need to find a better way to channel that into the performances.
www.gothathrash.com -
www.myspace.com/gothathrash
Rating: 5/10
ADDED RUSH: Classic sound, perfect vocals for this style, music to drink funny
juice to.
BUZZKILL: subpar mix, lack of execution in the performance.
GLADENFOLD - "In Somno"
Style - Metal/Viking Metal/some folk
Origin - Finland
Heather's Review - Gladenfold, from Turku, Finland brings
forth black metal sceams, (some clean vocals as well) , viking metal riffs, and
tons of melody. The music reminded me of a cross between Children of Bodem and
late Emperor. The originality of the music was hard to pick up, but I think
people into either of those bands, or any fan in Viking metal, will like this.
The cd case is artisically well laid out (especially for an EP) and has the
design on the cd as well. The band also has some other cd's out there as well:
Self titled released in fall 2004, "Frozen Halls" in the summer of 2005, and
this one, which was done in the summer of 2006. Check them out at
www.gladenfold.cjb.net or at
www.myspace.com/gladenfold
Originality: 5/10 Production: 7/10 Vocals:
8/10
Overall : 6/10
GOLEM - "Black Era" - (Diamond
Productions)
Style - Melodic Death
Origin - Italy
Rob's Review - Not to be confused with the countless other
shittier bands with the same name, this Golem is soon the be ruler to the throne
of the Golem moniker with it's shit kickin' melodic death that successfully
utilizes its musical skills as a finely tuned weapon of mass destruction. This
reminds me a little of another band reviewed here recently by the name of Exhale
although Golem seems to shine through with a lot more melody that if you threw
clean vocals in the mix might be classified as Power Metal. Wow, these guys kick
ass. There is not a dull moment in these songs which is the main reason for the
Exhale comparison. Or if your looking for a more mainstream comparison you could
put them side by side with Children of Bodom. Great musicianship all around
here. The guitars are screaming with unabashed fury but the vocals just might be
the strong point. For a Death Metal/Black Metal style to the voice there's
enough variance to really make them stand out which is especially noticeable in
the use of some pretty different background vocals that you don't normally hear
in your average melodic death metal. This is highly, highly recommended to any
metal fan out there. There is much here to be appreciative of. Nice job guys!
www.golemneverdies.it
Originality: 9/10, Production: 8/10,
Performance: 10/10, Vocals: 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10
GOON
MOON - “Licker’s Last Leg” (IPECAC Recordings)
Style - Progressive Rock
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review: I am left at an indecisive stage with Goon
Moon’s “Licker’s Last Leg”. The cd features some interesting moments where I
enjoy the semi-progressive undertones with pop sensibility, but other times it
boarders on annoying. The chorus line for “My Machine” has a catchiness that
sticks with you despite the irritating nature of it, along with something about
“thank you for the reach around” in the lyrics.
I think this band could take off if the members can get away
from their other bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Queens Of The Stone Age to
properly tour. I can even hear some radio play for Goon Moon with “Feel Like
This” that has a strange Foo Fighter’s vibe to it.
Goon Moon branch’s out into a new area of rock, but hold on a
little too tight to a radio-friendly pop sound for me to fully appreciate their
craft. Check the samples out for yourself, and it may be just the thing for you
to munch on.
p.s.- “The Golden Ball” is awesome.
www.myspace.com/goonmoon or
www.ipecac.com
Instruments: 5/10; Originality: 5/10; Vocals: 5/10
Overall: 5/10
GROUND OF RUIN - "Visions of Obscenity" (self-released)
Style - Death Thrash
Origin - Ireland
Heather's Review - If you blend together the death
metal sounds of bands such as Cannibal Corpse and Sepultura (my 2 personal fav's)
with thrash, the end result is Ground of Ruin. The thing that separates them
from every other band that attempts this style is the range. Both vocally and
musically, they sparked my interest. The vocal range goes from the low death
metal sound up to a higher pitched thrash sound, all in the same song.
Supporting the vocals is the vast range of the music itself. From death metal
drumming to the fast thrash guitar and bass, it proves that this band certainly
has talent to be reckoned with. The quality of the cd was also well laid out.
The artwork is amazing along with the insert that contains all song titles as
well as a thank you list.
And now for a little info on them...
They formed in Nov of 2003 in Ireland. They played in events
such as Day of Darkness and Whiplash Metalfest. They have shared the stage with
bands such as Decapitated, Moonsorrow, Rotting Christ, etc. as well as touring
with Firstborn and Geasa. They have recorded 2 cd's. One is a promo made in 2005
and the other is their new e.p. that I had the pleasure of reviewing. The e.p.
features 6 tracks. Be sure to check them out at
www.groundofruin.com ,
www.myspace.com/groundofruin ,
or groundofruin@gmail.com !!
Production: 9/10;
Originality : 9/10; Vocals: 10/10 (yeah, it's that good)
Overall: 10/10 H
HAWG JAW - "Don't Trust Nobody" -
(Emetic Records)
Style - SludgeCore
Origin - New Orleans, USA
Robs Review - HAWG JAW is another offspring of New Orleans
sludge made up of semi-equal parts EYE HATE GOD, OUTLAW ORDER and THE MYSTIC
CREWE OF THE CLEARLIGHT. And although I've only heard of one of these bands they
do stay true to the sludge roots of the legendary swampland and even sprinkle
some groove into the gumbo at times. While this, to be sure, is nothing new it
does have a slight hypnotically addicting effect to it. There were more than a
few times that my "eject" finger was armed and ready for expulsion countdown but
held back due to a song saving riff or vocal break. It does remind me of St. Vitus a little as their bio suggests but it also has a punk feel going on as
well. If you worship at the feet of NOLA sludge on a regular and psychotically
committed basis this is a no-brainer. Otherwise try it anyway even if you have a
slight affection for stoner/sludge/doom metal.
www.emeticrecords.com
Originality: 5/10, Production: 6/10,
Performance: 8/10, Vocals: 6/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10
HELLVETO - "In the Glory of Heros" -
(Pulverised Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Poland
Robs Review - I've just discovered the next Bathory. I'm not
sure if that's bad or good but if you're playing black metal that should be a
complimentary comparison. Especially if you're one who composes the whole
shibang yourself the way Quorthon did (Satan rest his soul) as is the case with
a dude named simply, L.O.N., the brains behind HELLVETO. And to be honest, I
think L.O.N. blows the wrought iron gates off the ol' Quorth. Black metal, for
the most part, doesn't really do it for me but here and there I run across
certain exceptions to my rule. HELLVETO is one of those rarities along with
Dissection (also a Pulverised label mate), Satyricon and some Ophthalamia that
really gets the blood boiling with some inspiring musicianship. This is some
atmospheric shit. There is so much going on in these songs it's just ridiculous.
It takes a lot of talent to pull off the layers upon layers of storytelling
musical journeys this guy pulls you through on this disc. Plenty of acoustic and
piano wizardry mixed perfectly with mid-paced rhythm interludes and subtle but
effective vocal layering gives this an amazing mood while still maintaining a
smothering, depressive heaviness that is the trademark of most black metal.
There are a lot of mellow moments on "In the Glory of Hero's" but it doesn't
come off as mellow-dramatic in the slightest. More of a precise placement of
calmness before storms. Take cover!!
www.hellveto.com or
www.myspace.com/hellveto
RATING: 9.5/10
ADDED RUSH: Mood, Performance, Originality, Dynamics, Urge to apply corpse paint
by candlelight in corner of dark, damp unholy basement.
BUZZKILL: Vocals too low in the mix but that's nitpicking.
HIGH COUNCIL -
"Motion Denied"
Style - Metal/Neoclassic Rock/Some Prog
Origin - New Jersey
Heather's Review - This band is headed in the right
direction. The music is original, creative, and each song depicts it's own
unique story. It sounded like Iron Maiden combined with neoclassic rock with a
side of Blind Guardian. I absolutely loved this cd. The opening is somewhat
somber, but it is followed by music that is harmonious, backed up by duel guitar
leads, unique rhythms, and heart wrenching clean vocals. I looked forward to
hearing each song. The cover art, done by James Boyle, is well done, showing you
a glimpse of the stories to be told. The cd book inside contains all the lyrics,
but the sound is so clear, you don't need them...The band also has another cd
out entitled "All Rise". Check them out at
www.highcouncil.us or at
www.myspace.comhighcouncil .
Originality: 10/10; Vocals: 10/10; Production:10/10
Overall: 10/10!!!!!
HORROBLE - “Death Of A Ghost”
Style – Goth Rock
Origin – New York (USA)
Mike’s Review – Just like calling a fat guy “tiny” and a tall
guy “shorty”, the band “Horroble” is far from horrible. When first looking at
the old-school goth cover of the album, I immediately predicted that this CD was
going to suck. The catchy rock riffs pulled me in very quickly and never let me
down. While the two biggest ingredients of Horroble are quite evident (goth and
rock), Luci (vocals/guitars) and the rest of the band surprisingly manage to
keep their music original enough to stop themselves from getting buried in a big
pile of Marilyn Manson wannabe’s.
www.horroble.com or
www.myspace.com/horroble
Vocals: 8 Music: 9 Production: 9
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5 (out of 10) I
ICED EARTH - “Overture Of The Wicked”
(SPV Records)
Style - Traditional Heavy/Trash Metal
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review - At one time this band could do no wrong.
The combination of John Schaffer and Matthew Barlow was a treasured pair for me.
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” and “Horror Show” are favorites of mine. When
the news of Matthew Barlow leaving the band struck, I was very disappointed.
With this said, it is obvious that I am biased for Barlow and Ripper has huge
shoes to fill. I enjoyed his debut with “The Glorious Burden” album, but I feel
Iced Earth lost some of the flare with Barlow gone.
This e.p. of new material is descent., and after a few
listens it grew a little more on me. Filled with Schaffer’s insane gallops of
trashy traditional metal, topped by Ripper’s great metal scream opener of “Ten
Thousand Strong”. The songs do fall a little flat though, carrying the same feel
throughout all four tracks, which leaves it a little bland.
I haven’t written this band off yet, I believe I will just
have to accept the new era of the band and finally let Barlow go. I’ll be
picking up the full length when it is released, and to some extent I know I will
enjoy it. www.icedearth.com
www.spv.de
Instruments: 7/10; Originality: 6/10; Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 6/10
INBORN SUFFERING – “Worldless
Hope” (Soundriot Records)
Style – Melodic Doom
Origin – Paris, France
Mike’s Review – Believe it or not, the first time I listened
to this CD, I was drinking some rum and coke and playing a game of Scrabble. I
suddenly had the urge to spell the word “boner” because that’s what reaction
this CD was giving to me. As I often search for new bands to check out and add
to my collection, I sometimes find myself searching for something that reminds
me of bands that I use to listen to religiously. For now, this band completes my
search. As I close my eyes and feel the music, I flash back to memories in the
late 90’s when I became an avid fan of Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride,
and Edge of Sanity. How often do you find an 11-minute song and wish it was
longer? Any of the songs on this album could be twice as long and still capture
my attention. This is Inborn Suffering’s first full-length album (complete with
death & clean vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and a session pianist,
violinist, and female vocalist). Kick ass!
www.inborn-suffering.tk or
www.soundriotrecords.com
Vocals: 10 Music: 10 Production: 10
Originality: 10
Overall: 10 (out of 10)
INFERNUM- "The Curse" (Sound Riot
Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Polish roots
Heather's Review - With bands such as Marduk, Emperor and
Svartsyn out there, black metal is a hard scene to excel in. After I put "The
Curse" in my cd player, I knew I was in for a dark treat. This album is what
black metal should be. It's filled with anger, hate, and the dark occult. But
unlike a lot of black metal that is out there, Infernum brings varying emotions
to it's music, vocally, as well as musically. Infernum released this album in
March of 2006. This was after the death of Anextiomarus, the creator of many of
the songs, as well as part founder of the band in 1992. The band had signed to
Sound Riot in late 2005. It was the will of Anextiomarus to keep the band going,
and that is what they are doing. They have another album due out late 2006.
Other music from the band includes "The Dawn Will Never Come" (demo 1993),
"Damned Majesty" (cassette a few months after The Dawn demo), and "Taur-Nu-Fuin"
(full length album in 1994). Support Black Metal! With a band such as Infernum,
it's well worth it! Look them up at
www.soundriotrecords.com or
www.infernum.art.pl
Production: 8/10, Originality : 8/10,
Vocals: 8/10, Performance:8/10
Overall: 8/10
IRONWOOD
– “Ironwood” (self-released)
Style – Ambient/Neo-folk/Metal
Origin – Sydney, Australia
Dion’s Review – So out of my very first batch of CDs to
review for Adrenalin ‘Zine, Mike was kind enough to include a band from home.
Cheers mate! Your blood’s worth bottlin’!
That unfortunately is where the similarities between Ironwood
and I end. Not that they’re bad. They’re fairly talented musicians and
definitely original (their bio said so). Their lyrics are about Odin, northern
storms and sea-wyrms, but refreshingly not about banging people with big bloody
swords and the ensuing battle-glory... although I like songs about that, too.
Ironwood is just not my cup of tea. They have moments of black metal, and heavy
rock, but the ambience and folksiness kind of lost me in all the imagined fog
and forest. Add the droning vocals and spoken word in the vein of The Blood
Divine and My Dying Bride, and it just became too much atmosphere for me. I can
however picture someone sitting on their bed, playing solitaire by candlelight
while listening to this. Just be prepared. With the three track promo clocking
in at 24 minutes, the upcoming full-length promises to be longer than a morning
hike through mist-covered mountains... so bring rations. If quantity is what
you’re after in a CD, I’m sure you’ll get your money’s worth, but I’m not sure
about production quality. While I could tell what each member was doing, the
overall effect was muffled… It might win a Grammy (or an ARIA in Australia) if
they had a “Home Recording” category.
Overall, it wasn’t painful, just a little boring… But I got a
sticker for my cymbal case out of it… and you didn’t.
http://www.ironwoodsound.com.au
,
http://www.myspace.com/ironwoodband ,
henry@ironwoodsound.com.au
Production: 4/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 7/10;
Vocals: 6/10;
Overall: 6/10
ISIS - In The Absence of
Truth (Ipecac Records)
Style - Experimental
Origin - USA (CA)
Darren's Review - Isis stays true to their roots with their
newest release. Based upon the fascinating biography of Hassan-I-Sabbah (Hasan
Bin Sabah), who was a missionary from Persia (Iran) in the 11th century; a
mystic cult leader that lived a lifestyle that would make even the most
power-hungry crazed lunatic jealous (worth a look to research). The album sways
between heaviness and cosmicness. Music can be soothing and transcendent, then
smash you in the teeth. Vocals weave from mellow to mad. The songs are long with
epic structure and carry a lot of feeling. Isis opened up for Tool recently -
what a great show that must have been (Our city's show got cancelled ). Any fans
of Tool, Pelican, Rosetta, Explosions in the Sky, will feel right at home with
Isis. If you like this album, check their back catalog. Isis has brought us yet
another creation that is a cure-all for the current predictable metal scene. In
the Absence of Truth is highly recommended.
www.isistheband.com
Production/Engineering: 8/10; Originality: 9/10;
Instruments: 8/10; Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 8/10 J
JOE WHEELER - "Rock and Roll"
(Electric Blue Records)
Style - Rock
Origin - Southern Florida (USA)
Dean’s Review-Hmmmmm. Hmmmmm. Zzzzzzz. What? Well you can
tell this guy busted his ass to produce what is pretty much a one man project
with the sole exception of a guest drummer. The problem is he seems to have the
chops but needs to find a strong band to back up the tremendous effort he put
into this. I guess this is his second disc but starting with the hand drawn
artwork to the material, everything here just seems to scream amateur. That this
guy worships Hendrix is obvious but to be taken seriously he needs to get a good
production for starters, as this “production” just is not cutting it. Sorry Joe
this one just begs for the skip button. Classic rock without any hint of being
classic. Feel free to check him out at
http://cdbaby.com/cd/joewheeler2
or
www.myspace.com/joewheelermusic
Production 3 Performance 5 Overall 4 (out of
10)
Maybe you can “get it” Not me. Say it ain’t so Joe.
JOHNNY VOMIT - "Extreme
Championship Drinking" - (NGS Records)
Style - Hardcore/Metal/Punk
Origin - Chicago, USA
Rob's Review - JOHNNY VOMIT...the next best thing to BATHTUB
SHITTER. We must be running low on band names these days. I have to say I
reacted the same way to "Vomit" as I did to "Shitter" the first time their CD's
graced my presence by shoveling it to the back of the review line 'til the last
possible moment. Now, a week late on my monthly submissions I finally get to
JOHNNY VOMIT. And just like BATHTUB SHITTER, it ended up being one of the best
CD's of the batch. This is some fun shit. Kind of a mix of DRI, SOD, DBC and any
other three letter band name you can think of. There's even some Sacred Reich
thrown in the mix as well. I'm a sucker for the audio clips in songs now and
again and upon hearing the words "Nobody in this neighborhood swallows paste
like I can" during the first song, "Barface", I was hooked. Not sure what movie
its from but I'm hoping something porn-related. Makes it a little funnier.
Unfortunately, they don't use these in every song or it would be an instant
classic for me. This is party music at its best and perfect for the Chicago
attitude. And, surprisingly, the music is pretty damn good. And with song titles
like, "Tuna Taco"," Beer Bong Barf Bag", and the instant classic, "Fuck", you
can get a good grasp of what kind of lyrical content your in for. Here's a quick
sample from the hit single "Rock N Roll Pussy Hole" for your morbid curiosity:
'lick my balls/wipe my ass/make me food/pass out nude/when you watch MTV/fall
out boy makes you cream/you're so fucking dumb/your stomachs full of
cum'.......Cheers! www.johnnyvomit.net
Originality: 6/10; Production: 8/10; Performance: 8/10;
Vocals: 7/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
JUNGLE ROT - "Warzone" (Crash Music)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - Wisconsin, USA
Rob's Review - It is a crime and atrocity of the highest
order that JUNGLE ROT haven't achieved a greater success than it has over the
past ten plus years. Maybe its bad luck, bad location, who knows, but I say
they've gotten a raw deal. Singer/Guitarist Dave Matrise has been the brains and
brutality behind JUNGLE ROT since the band's inception and even though the
line-up has been somewhat of a revolving door through the years he has been the
glue that keeps this well-oiled machine operating and has gone on to produce one
of the most consistently infectious, groove laden, aggressive old school death
metal bands of it's time. This is some shit kickin' stuff and always has been
ever since "Skin The Living" arrived in '95. Now, eleven years and five albums
later, "War Zone" kicks it up a notch, if that's possible, with its unrelenting
assault on your every last neck muscle as it somehow commands your head to bang.
There isn't a bad moment on this disc and I can confidently say that about most
JUNGLE ROT efforts. If you haven't already, run don't walk to your friendly
neighborhood metal shop and purchase ANYTHING from these guys but especially "Warzone".
These guys have been working their asses off for a long time and deserve every
bit of good that should come their way. Keep pluggin' away dudes, one day this
is all going to pay off! www.junglerot.net
- www.crashmusicinc.com
Originality : 8/10, Production: 10/10,
Performance: 10/10, Vocals: 10/10
OVERALL: 9.5/10 K
KILLING CREED - “Menticide”
Style - Melodic Screamo
Origin - Italy
Mike’s Review - All I can say is that this band seems to have
some potential. I am sure they are all talented and will continue for quite
awhile longer. BUT, I am soooo sick of the emo screamo music right now. I am not
sure how this genre ranks over in Italy, but here in the states I don’t see this
going much further than what it is. Even though Killing Creed blends some more
extreme music with their sound, it is still what it is.
www.killingcreed.com
Vocals: 4 Music: 7.5 Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 5.5 (out of 10)
KRATORNAS - "The Fourth Seal (Demo)"
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Philippenes
Jeremy's Review - True cult, underground black metal. This
sampler of gritty, raped by drum machine fire, recorded in what sounds like a
tin can, and I have absolutely no idea what their website says due to uber-tiny
text. Only two tracks were laid down for us as a demo (and I do mean DEMO); On
Death Wings and The Fourth Seal. When we got this, it came as a CD-R, with an
outdated flyer (and I quote, "Flyer printed 1989, fuck off"). Being redirected
to myspace for more goodies, I was treated to some older tracks, all in their
absolute worst underground sound glory. I will not joke about this; what you
will hear is RAW, badly composed, unclean and ear-shattering. The flyer also
includes an apologetic note about that and the latest release will sound better.
I hope so. Given a good production and some better equipment (and a real
drummer), this could actually be good. Don't get me wrong, I like some of the
nasty underground BM and their sick imagery. Unfortunately, this score is given
to you on account of the demo in my hands.
www.kratornas.com
Production: 1 Performance: 3 Originality: 2
Overall: 2/10 L
LOCKJAW -
"Starving For Salvation"
Style - Industrial/Goth/Glam
Origin - Milwaukee, WI
Heather's Review: Lockjaw, considered to be Milwaukee's "Hell
Rock" band, is anything but commercial. The cd, produced by MEDAVON (vocalist),
is like nothing you would hear on the radio (just what we like!!) The music is
full of industrial/glam sounds combined with a metal edge. (Think NIN and
Bauhaus meet Motley Crue) They have a distinctly original style and a huge
devotion to the music they produce. The band has opened for bands such as
Mudvayne, Damage Plan, KMFDM, and a sold out 4000+ show featuring Marilyn
Manson. I chose to feature them in Adrenalin because of this originality, and a
lot of metal fans, especially the ones into in your face metal like WASP will
love this band. Be sure to check them out at myspace.com or
www.lockjawx.com
Originality: 10/10; Production: 10/10; Performance: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
LOCKJAW - "Hell Inside"
Style - goth/industrial/glam
Origin - Milwaukee, WI
Heather's review - Milwaukee's "Hell Band" has done it again
with their release "Hell Awaits". With the band labeling themselves as, "Sex,
drugs, and debauchery portrayed through music in a nondiscriminitive way" ,
Lockjaw is out to prove that they are all that they say they are. The lyrics are
still dirty (tracks like "Porno Face" and "Swallow"), and the music has that
distinct industrial/electronic atmosphere combined with the raw glam sound that
helps seperate them from everything else out there. The music is intense, as
well as entertaining. (I hear that they sometimes put on an amazing stage show!)
The band has many loyal followers, and continues to play to look for new ones.
As a metal fan, I highly recommend them, especially those that are looking for
something outside the norm. The vocalist (MEDAVON) has agreed to do an interview
with me, so look for that in upcoming issues. Lockjaw is completely addictive
and I am looking forward to hearing more from them! Check them out at
myspace.com or www.lockjawx.com
Orginality: 10/10; Production:10/10; Peformance: 10/10
Overall : 10/10 (love it!!!!!!)
LOS NATAS - "El Hombre
De Montana" (Small Stone Records)
Style - Stoner
Origin - Argentina
Rob's Review - Most stoner rock, just like any genre, starts
to sound the same after a while, at least to these soiled ears, so it takes a
lot to sit through some of them and find something that stands out as unique.
LOS NATAS don't really have that thing that makes them shout from the highest
dune in the desert but they do seem to have that "something" that endears me to
them. Their style is more in line with the early Kyuss sound that I love so much
with its long winded down-tuned melodic passages and smokey vocal style which,
if I could understand them or decipher the lyrics they might just pull me in
further with what they were going for in the songs. But you can definitely hear
a little John Garcia in the vocal approach so I'm sure Kyuss has somewhat of an
influence here. The production leaves a little to be desired but it kind of
gives it a little character all the same. It's dirty, its dry and its stoner.
Love it...learn it...live it. BUY IT!
www.www.smallstone.com/14-losnatas.html
Originality : 7/10 Production: 8/10
Performance: 9/10 Vocals: 7/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10 M
MARAZENE - "MachiNation" (independant)
Style - Industrial
Origin - USA (IL)
Darren's Review - Marazene was yet another accidental
discovery via Myspace. Their heaviness/industrial blend caught my attention
immediately. A few months later MachiNation was submitted to Adrenalin Metal
Union for review. The album is filled with 15 tracks of distorted industrial
mayhem. The songs do a great job of reigning fury on the audience with its
aggressive tendencies. The bio describes Marazene as combing elements of
Smashing Pumpkins (songwriting), Ministry and Disturbed. I detect not only
Ministry but also a Marilyn Manson influence. Especially in the presentation of
the vocals. Production is above excellent. The band even scored a few of their
tunes on the Matrix: Revolutions DVD! MachiNation is a solid album and I
wouldn't pass it up. www.marazene.com :
www.myspace.com/marazene
Production/Engineering: 9/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 8/10
Vocals: 7/10; Overall: 8/10
MASTODON - "Blood Mountain" (Relapse)
Style - Metalcore
Origin - USA
Jeremy's Review - Long after the reviews were in and all the
hype established, I picked up this title, curious at what I might find. The Wolf
is Loose blasts forth from the beginning in all its yell-core heaviness. At
first, I wasn't sure I'd like it at that point, but I closed my eyes and let the
music wash over me. Now, this is just one of those albums I just can't stop
listening to. There is so much going on here, that the music, production,
lyrical ideas, and art simply astound. Mastodon is pure rock on 'roids, but so
much metal in between. Guitars and bass just writhe and whirl, connecting for
moments, only to be swept up in the storm of sound that makes Mastodon what it
is. Vocal styles vary, keeping the whole experience memorable and never leaving
the brain. Sleeping Giant has a trippy stoner-groove that suddenly bursts out,
ready to crush any tiny humans in its way, and every song just "twists." That's
the only word I can think of for this, imagining the musicians' fingers climb,
slip, and jump across the fretboards with rapidity, creating notes that never
cease to merge, blend, fly away, and come back in hyperactive waves. I would go
so far as to say that Mastodon is neither Stoner, 'Core, Rock, nor Metal. But
what they are is absolutely amazing, a blending of all kinds. It's really hard
to describe; just something you have to hear. But then again, I like
off-the-wall stuff, and this succeeds in every regard.
www.mastodonrocks.com
Production: 10 Performance: 10 Originality:
10
Overall: 10 (out of 10)
MEATHOLE INFECTION - "Meathole Infection"
Style: Old School Death/Thrash
Origin: Montgomery, Alabama
Heather's Review : This 3 piece death metal band sends to the
listener a four-track cd of pure old school death. There is nothing original
here...just pure, raw death metal with thrash riffs and a horror movie feel
(with a intro to get you in the mood) They reminded me of early Obituary (that's
a good thing!!) With the main influence of Impetigo, it's easy to know what you
are in for when you listen to this. The main thing I noticed, however, is the
production. The drumming, as well as some guitar riffs, sounds programmed. It
really throws you off..It takes away from the death style. They have since
obtained a drummer, so hopefully that issue can be remedied! With a good general
sound, the cd is still worth listening to.
Check them out at
www.myspace.com/meatholeinfection420
Production: 6/10 Vocals: 8/10 Originality:
6/10
Overall: 6.66 (out of 10)
METALIUM -
"Nothing To Undo - Chapter Six" - (Crash Music)
Style - Power Metal
Origin - Germany
Robs Review - Metallium has always been one of those bands
that never really does anything remarkable in the originality department but
they always seem to stay consistant to the sound they agreed upon back around
'99 or so. I first heard these guys back on the "State of Triumph - Chapter Two"
release and even back then they were pretty average in terms of the popular
power metal scene at the time. I will say that since that early album they seem
to have improved the songwriting and toned down on the never ending double bass
runs and have incorporated some real groove moments here and there. Like most
power metal, they still have those soaring high range hyper-melodic (is that a
real word?) choruses coupled with the big "strum and raise your fist in the air"
chord progessions that make us all weep the blood of ancient warriors. The more
I listen to this new effort, the more I hear "Sigh No More" era GAMMA RAY. Must
be something in that warm dark German beer (wipe drool from chin). Overall,
"Nothing to Undo" kind of surprised me a bit with how good it was. I probably
never would have listened to this if I wasnt reviewing it based on past albums
so this is a very welcome surprise and could possibly make it to my "most
improved" list. Let this be a lesson to all of you who give up on a band too
early. Maybe not. www.metalium.de
RATING: 9/10
ADDED RUSH: vocals - production - improved performance - mmmmm, warm dark German
beer...
(((MICROWAVES))) - "Contagion
Heuristic" (Crucial Blast Records)
Style - Experimental/Avant Thrash
Origin - USA (PA)
Darren's Review - OK, this band re-invents the word
different! I can honestly say I have never heard anything quite like it. Using
what electronic sounds are available they conjure up what appears to resemble songs
of structure. The band seems to really take experimentation to a new level. I
give them props for that. Overall, it doesn't work for me. Too much fucking
around and not enough balance. The songs don't seem to take you anywhere, just
leave you scratching your head. There are vocals, and the singer isn't half
bad... but I just can't get into this band. If you are bored and/or want to
check out something different, give 'em a shot. At least they don't sound like
everyone else!
www.myspace.com/microwaves ;
www.crucialblast.net
Overall: 4/10
MONARCH!
– “Dead Men Tell No Tales” 2CD (Crucial Blast)
Style – Tectonic Feedback Doom
Origin – France
Dion’s Review – The band is Monarch! With an exclamation
point. Don’t forget that exclamation point, because it’s quite possibly the most
interesting thing about this band. They got on my tits within the first minute,
and I still don’t fucking get it! For me this was only slightly less painful
than masturbating with a cheese-grater (I wouldn’t ask how I know this).
To give you any indication of what I’m on about, the first
track is 19 minutes and 28 seconds long, and in the first five minutes of this
song “Winter Bride”, there are only 32 chord or note strikes. I know, ‘cause I
actually counted them. Four of those chord strums are accentuated by four (count
‘em) four bass drum/crash combo hits (I think the drummer was on his bong-break)
and the female vocalist breathing into the microphone… probably whilst setting
the damned thing up. Which is a shame, really, cause the chick can actually
scream when she applies herself, but a lot of it is just breathing and
whispering. I don’t even know if it’s in English of French, I paid such little
attention to her. And it’s like this for the entirety of the song… and the other
4 are no different. There are two songs on the first CD and three on the second
that in total run for an hour and a half of “music”. I could’ve played this
stuff after two days of learning whichever instrument, and I really don’t think
I’m exaggerating.
I’m trying really hard to come up with some positives for
this band. I’m sure there are people out there that’d get into this. If you’d
enjoy say… Type O Negative trying to play a set while they’re in full-body
casts, then you still might get bored with this.
Okay here’s a positive… Monarch!.. They can’t make you
listen to there stuff.
http://www.myspace.com/monarchuberalles ,
http://www.crucialblast.net
Production: 4/10; Originality: 3/10; Instruments: 2/10;
Vocals 2/10
Overall: 4/10
MORIONOR - "Noctem Invictus"
Style - Black metal with hints of Death and Power metal
Origin - Atlanta, GA
Heather's Review - If you took Dimmu Borgir and Emperor and
but them in a blender and added some power metal for a bit of flavor, you get
Morionor. The result is melodic black metal with kick. The sound is heavy, fast,
and addicting. It is not often that you hear power metal riffs, black metal
vocals, and death metal type drumming. Not to mention the melodic keyboards that
make it all come together. If that isn't unique enough, the last song will catch
you by surprise. It is a cover song called "Disciples of Babylon" done by
Dragonforce. The vocals on the song were clean and done by Peter Armstrong.
Those into power metal will appreciate this song. The band also has a self
titled cd that came out in 2005. For those into black metal with speed check
them out. They are found on www.myspace.com
as well as www.morionor.com .
Production: 7/10; Vocals: 8/10; Originality:
10/10 (yeah, they are unique)
Overall: 8.5/10
MYKORRHIZA - "Northern Remembrance" (Konqueror Records)
Style - Death/Black Metal
Origin - Stockholm, Sweden
Jeremy's Review - Mykorrhiza was formed in 2001, and have
released one [self-titled] EP and two full-length albums: 2003's "Shattered
Dreams" and 2006's "Northern Remembrance". They include former members of
Necrophobic, Excruciate, and others, and this latest offering spits out Swedish
death/black metal with melodic brutality. Death metal vocals are broken by black
metal screaming, and even further mixed up when clean passages are introduced.
Mykhorrhiza sounds a bit like Unleashed, Grave and Dark Tranquillity. After the
first listen I had a hard time liking it, yet once again I spun it (and again),
and now it's become another good piece of my collection. But in all its melody
and death, for some reason I think I still like Shattered Dreams more. If you
haven't heard these guys yet, check 'em out!
http://www.myspace.com/mykorrhizainfo
Production: 7 Performance: 8 Originality: 6
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
MY LAMENT – “Beneath The Hidden”
Style – Doom Metal
Origin – Belgium
Taylor’s Review – This kind of doom metal is the style that I
feel evokes the most emotion, bitterness and despair pounded out in an almost
romantic display of sound. Melody combined with slowly driven heaviness in an
awesome display of doom inspired death metal. The three song e.p. offered by My
Lament holds true to a style shared by such bands as Novembers Doom and Swallow
The Sun. Very strong emphasis on solid song writing and powerful death growls
with the occasional spoken word added.
I was impressed with the overall sound and production
achieved on this release due to it being recorded at the hands of the band
outside of a studio. This release is for anyone that likes their metal slow,
atmospheric and heavy. My Lament is yet another band I can add to my admired
among this genre. www.mylament.be or
www.myspace.com/mylamentdoom
Instruments: 9/10 Originality: 8/10 Vocals: 9/10
Overall: 10/10
MYOPIA
- "Enter Insectmasterplan" (Selfmadegod Records)
Style - Progressive Technical Thrash
Origin - Poland
Jeremy's Review - Ooh, I like this. A lot. Here is what
happens when creative minds collaborate and just experiment with their guitars
and drum kits. Let me describe this to you: Voivod (think Killing Technology)
meets Cynic meets Atheist. And the best part is that these guys actually come
from outer space. I'm not kidding! Stop-go motion and twisting rhythms set the
pace for a journey into (what else?) the Insectmasterplan. I won't divulge the
secrets, because you need to hear this for yourself.
http://www.myopia.bielsko.pl/
Production: 8 Performance: 9 Originality: 8
Overall: 8.3 (out of 10)
MY SHAMEFUL - "The Return to
Nothing" (Firebox Records)
Style - Doom
Origin - Finland
Jeremy's Review - Slow, pummeling drums. Long, drawn-out
chords backdropped by a wall of shimmering guitar ambience, and despondent
scream-singing. If you like the funeral march sound that is slowly oozing out of
the woodwork, the feel of lonely uselessness and abandonment, this is for you.
Relating to the succor of doom's heart; feeling this way is just another thing
to live with every day (under control, it becomes your second voice; the man in
the background laughing and plucking at your emotional strings like some scary
musician). The highlight of this record is its title track, urging you to "dig
deeper". These guys pluck the strings of disgust and self-loathing, just like
the one in my head, its emotional impact scraping at my own scars, drawing its
bubbling black blood. But now that I'm older, it's all good.
www.myshameful.com
Production: 6 Performance: 8 Originality: 6
Overall: 7/10 N
NAHEMAH - "The Second Philosophy" - (Lifeforce)
Style - Melodic Metal/Death
Origin - Spain
Rob's Review - When NAHEMAH'S biography proclaims a
comparison to Opeth they aren't kidding around. This is pretty damn close to the
real thing. Parts of this little gem could also be confused as carrying some
better traits such as less repetition in the riffs and more ambience (if you can
get more ambient than Opeth). There is some pretty cool shit going on in most of
these tunes that's even on the edge of being a little eerie in parts. These guys
have really pushed the envelope on every song to make it unique and the mood
never walks the same path. "The Second Philosophy" carries a fairly light to
mid-paced groove complete with keyboards, violins and foreign speaking women
(yes!!) so there's not much that blasts forth with sonic fury but there is so
much depth and dynamics to the songs that it creates its own heaviness. This is
put together very professionally and there seems to be some great chemistry
here. This is well worth it for anyone who is a fan of this style.
www.nahemah.es -
www.myspace.com/nahemahband
Originality: 10/10; Production: 10/10; Performance: 10/10;
Vocals: 10/10
OVERALL: 10/10
NAPALM DEATH - "Smear Campaign"
(Century Media)
Style - Grind
Origin - Birmingham, England
Rob's Review - When you think of godfathers of grind or just
plain old metal for that matter you need look no further than NAPALM DEATH.
They're only responsible for starting most of the extreme metal out there
weather its death, grind , or black metal. That's all. But I gotta confess, when
I first heard them back around '92 or so I hated them. Harmony Corruption was
the first I heard of NAPALM DEATH and when I think back on it now and why I
hated it I must've been a fucking idiot because I love it now. My old band even
did a couple covers off that album (Suffer the Children and Unfit Earth) and
they usually turned out to be the best songs of the set. Over the years NAPALM
DEATH has really experimented with some different sounds and styles and while
most of the hardcore fans might have been a little confused by it I respected
the hell out of them for and actually liked them better because of it. On Smear
Campaign, just like the previous couple of albums, they seem to have gone back
to the more grind approach from the Harmony Corruption/Utopia Banished days and
it kicks major amounts of ass! And to make it even better, and to prove yet
again that they're not afraid to shake things up, they brought in Anneke Van
Giersbergen of The Gathering to help out on a couple tracks. Sounds like a weird
combination but it works perfectly. And you cant do much better in the female
vocal department than Anneke. Once again NAPALM DEATH fails to disappoint and
there seems to be no end in site to their reign on top of the metal world.
HAILS!
www.napalmdeath.org
Originality : 10/10 Production: 10/10
Performance: 10/10 Vocals: 10/10
OVERALL: 10/10
NIOBIUM - "Call Of The
Tribe"
Style - Psychedelic Tribal Trance Metal
Origin - Twin Cities, MN-USA
Crystal's Review - Niobium is a wonderful band I got to
recently view live at a local venue in Wausau, WI. With 3 guitarists adding
vocals, a bassist, hand drummer, and Justice adding in with a keyboard and a
didgeridoo makes for an amazing unique experience to witness. Niobium gives such
an awesome stage presence that you can even imagine it anywhere while listening
to their first EP they put out 'Alpha Prime'.
Niobium immediately draws you in closer making you feel as if you are a part of
their tribal trance experience. You can check them out at
www.myspace.com/niobium
Production: 8/10, Originality : 10/10,
Vocals: 9/10, Performance:10/10
Overall: 9/10
NOMINION
- "Remnants of a Diabolical History"
Style - Death Metal
Origin - Sweden
Crystal's Review - Nominion is a fast thrash like death metal
band throwing in Cannibal Corpse like guitar riffs to their unique sound. They
have toured in the past with bands like Benediction, Godhate & Vital Remains.
After going through a few line up changes they ended with adding in their
bassist Anders Malmström to make it final.
Nominion comes pushing out much of an older classic death
metal style which is quite fine by me. They have been through a few record
companies in the past, and since November 2006 they have been signed with
Singapore Record Company Pulverized Records. The CD features covers, unreleased
demos and re-recorded older songs. It is definitely worth checking out.
www.nominon.com &
www.myspace.com/nominon
Pulverised Records www.pulverised.net
Production: 10/10, Originality : 7/10, Vocals: 7/10,
Performance:8/10
Overall: 8/10 O
OVERTHRONE - “Declarations of Secession”
Style - Melodic Black Metal
Origin - Illinois, USA
Taylor’s Review - This release by Overthrone is their first
full length. A two man band of brothers who spew talent from every corner of
their being. I find the song writing very in depth and interesting. A complex
arrangement of sound that takes many listens to fully appreciate. They say they
draw inspiration from current black metal bands, and with that in mind, I can
hear slight leanings towards Emperor and Dimmu Borgir. With anyone worried about
another copycat band, don’t worry, they retain a sound all their own. Moving
melodic ideas over a very aggressive groundwork. The track I enjoy the most
would have to be “The Vitriolic Fervor” I am very surprised this music comes
from the U.S., let alone Illinois. Overthrone is for those who like their metal
intelligent and original.
www.myspace.com/overthroneband
or
www.geocities.com/overthroneband
Instruments: 10/10; Originality: 10/10; Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 9/10 P
PASSION - The Fierce Urgency of Now (Goodfellow
Records)
Style - Hardcore
Origin - USA (PA)
Darren's Review - Passion is another American hardcore act
that spews forth aggression and energy in punishing form. Quick tempo'd,
hardcore and backed with a thick wall of sound. The album spans 12 tracks of
equal fury. Just because it delivers in most categories doesn't necessarily make
them great. The vocals make or break it for me, and thumbs down with Passion. It
isn't screamo and whiny, but feels like the vocalist is trying to "oversell" the
listener on his abilities, and seems to be rather monotone throughout. It has a
lot of the right elements (guitars, drums and bass, production/sound quality)
and should please a good portion of today's hardcore fans. I.M.O. - I am getting
burned out with a lot of the modern metal. Especially when nothing new is
brought to the table. To me, nothing special. Not horrid either. I know there
are some gems out there, the search rolls on!
www.thisispassion.net
Production/Engineering: 6/10; Originality: 5/10 ;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 2/10
Overall: 5/10
POINT ONE – “Unlucky Stars” (Wenzl/Hopper
Records/Adrenaline)
Style – Hard rock/metal
Origin – Seattle, WA
Dion’s Review – If you’re anything like me (which I know
you’d actually never admit to) you really think that bands like Muse and
Radiohead have a lot of talent. But you also wish that for a song or two, they’d
give up that infernal whining, and just go and punch whoever’s pissing them off
right in the neck! I think that Point One (or PO1NT) would be what they’d crank
up and make devil-horns to in their Hybrid on the way to their intended victim’s
house.
As far as radio rock goes, this actually isn’t that bad. If
you’re into a Muse/Radiohead kind of mesh with a lot of new-millennium Metallica-fuelled
angst, then this’d probably make you at least daydream about dancing on your
younger sister’s boyfriend’s head. If you’re a metalhead, these guys aren’t that
heavy. But if you’re content with what they play on rock-radio, this might raise
your heart rate a bit. There are a few ballads as well as their anger-anthems,
just to prove these guys are willing to kiss arse, as well as kick it. They’ve
even got a glammy little number with “whoa-whoa”s in the chorus. PO1NT’s newest
release is very-well produced, although they don’t tell us where it was
recorded, and despite their intended mass-appeal, they have a few untrendy
tricks up their sleeves.
“Unlucky Stars” has been out since the 22nd of May, and PO1NT are touring the
country June/July with new dates being added to their website all the time. So
get off the damned computer and get out there and scare the ticket money out of
that snotty little bastard-of-a-younger-sister’s boyfriend before it’s too late!
www.point1music.com ,
www.myspace.com/pointone
Production: 10/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 6/10; Vocals 6/10
OVERALL: 7/10
(No little-boyfriends were harmed in the creation of this review.)
PSYCHOPATHIC TERROR -
"Fucker"
Style - Thrash/Death Metal
Origin - Finland
Crystal's Review - This album I would rate overall just ok.
It reminds me of a Cephalic Carnage type death metal with some speed thrash
thrown in. Psychopathic Terror came as a side project of the band Diaboli after
they had some songs written in that didn't fit in. Even after adding in a
different lead guitarist and vocalist to a few songs there is really nothing
that makes this album stand out aside of other classic death metal albums. Feel
free to check for yourself.
www.diaboli.net or
www.serpentseye.net
Vocals: 6 Performance: 7 Production: 7
Originality: 5
Instruments: 8 Percussion: 8
Overall 6 (out of 10) Q
QUEST OF AIDANCE - "Fallen Man
Collection" (Pulverized Records)
Style - Grindcore/Brutal Death Metal
Origin - Sweden
Dean’s Review- Another quality release from our Scandinavian
brothers, All I can say is if brutal death and gut crushing blackness are you
thing, this is the one that makes you want to commit bodily harm.
In some spots I’m reminded of Napalm Death and Terrorizer in that it’s much more
palatable than some of the grindcore I’ve heard lately. The fact that this was
merely a demo that Pulverized snapped up and wanted to release tells you that
the musicians involved are both talented and extremely professional in their
presentation. Highly recommended for those who like it brutal. Check them out
here; www.questofaidance.tk
Performance: 8 Production: 8 Overall: 8
(out of 10) R
RABIES CASTE – self-titled
Style – Doom/Sludge
Origin - Israel
John’s Review (guest reviewer) – Poor Rabies Caste. After
only a short-lived existence, they decided to call it a day, leaving only with a
few splits and such mentionables behind. It’s a shame because this Israeli band
had something good going. This CD is a collection of songs from splits and so on
from this doomy, sludgy, heavy outfit. All of the songs showcase a band with an
appreciation for the slow and heavy. The only real gripe I have is that the
production is somewhat lacking on ALL the songs (each few songs were recorded at
various studios). The guitars lack beef and…well everything does. A band like
this needs a big sounding production to do it right. This CD is alright but with
a little more umph, it could be great. It’s a damn shame Rabies Caste broke up
without leaving behind a proper souding representation of themselves.
www.myspace.com/rabiescaste
Overall: 6.5 (out of 10)
Buzzkill: Poor recording quality.
RAFTREE - Self-titled
Style – Hard Rock
Origin – New Jersey (USA)
Mike’s Review – I don’t remember a CD that I was so quick to
give a “two thumbs down” to before. I liked this CD for the first 30 seconds.
After that, I was just waiting for it to end. Actually, I was waiting for
something cool to happen so I could give them some kind of praise. The music
teases you by showing signs of something good, but nothing good ever comes.
Their bio makes this release sound so promising with all their accomplishments
and experience but even the albums production is weak. Even though Raftree is a
4-some when live, there are only two musicians on this EP. I don’t think that
changes much though. So what does this music sound like you ask? 4 songs similar
to a mix of Creed and a crappy Sevendust ballad (with bad backup vocals). I cry
for this. It is such a waste of talent. OK, end of story, I am turning this off
now. www.myspace.com/kraftreeband
Vocals: 3.0 Music: 5.0 Originality: 4.0
Production: 4.0
Overall: 3.5 (out of 10)
The RED KING - "Somniferum" (Sonic
Abyss Records)
Style - Gothic Industrial
Origin - USA (OR)
Darren's Review - I have been getting some very different
albums lately to review. The Red King is no exception. Dubbed "part tragic, part
magic, and all bombastic" and combining elements of "symphonic fire, industrial
poison, and gothic beauty" you can only imagine what this must sound like. The
packaging and art all check out. I only received a promo copy, but I can say I
was drawn to the presentation, even if it wasn't the entire package. Ok, on to
what matters. Maybe they would or would not appreciate this, but I hear quite a
Marilyn Manson influence. The singer somewhat resembles Manson, and the music
has an evilness about it. There is a heavy influence of industrial sound - I
would say is their primary influence. There are plenty of eclectic sounds,
samples, spoken words, etc. that results in yet another one of-a-kind release.
Seven tracks make up an hour and 14 minutes, with track 7 clocking in over 30
minutes. Positives - unique, eerie, clever, good vocals, great ambiance, song
structure... Negatives - mix could be better, guitar tones (too much treble),
track #7, and the drum machine. Yes the positives outweigh the negatives. I like
the fact that they try and present and give the listener a different experience.
Worth your time to at least check out.
www.myspace.com/somniferumalchemy ;
www.sonicabyss.com
Production/Engineering: 6/10; Originality: 7/10;
Instruments: 6/10; Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 6.5/10
REQUIEM
- "Volume 6"
Style - Metal/Thrash
Origin - Las Vegas, Nevada
Heather's Review - The first thing I noticed about this band
was their cd artwork. The artwork is almost cartoonish, but in an evil kind of
way. Very interesting and unique to say the least. The music itself is heavy
metal meets thrash with Gwar-like sounding vocals. They reminded me of Motorhead
mixed with thrashy metal like Sacred Reich. I was not surprised to see that both
of these bands were their influences. Ketzer Records produced the cd in 2002.
This band has played over 275 touring roadshows with bands such as Leprosy
(Mexico). They continued to make a name for themselves when they were invited by
commander Fidel Castro to play. (This was the first time an American metal band
was invited to the island)
Anyone that loves metal and thrash is going to wanna hear this band! Check them
out at www.myspace.com/requiem420
or www.requiem.ratherbad.com
Originality: 8/10 Production: 8/10 Vocals: 8/10 Overall: 8/10
REQUIEM - "Lock the Dead"
Style - Metal/Thrash
Origin - Las Vegas, Nevada
Heather's Review - Requiem, a band that formed in 1991,
continues to make a name for themselves with "Lock the Dead". The cd dated 2006,
has the trademark evil cartoonish theme, and the music is just as brutal. The
vocals still remind me of Gwar, but this time, the music sounded more intense.
Tracks such as "The Day the Lights Went Out" and " Bomb Grade Plutonium and Nuke
Waste" really make you think. I loved the lyrics, and the continuation of the
thrashy style. This band has proved that they can take their music to the next
level with every cd. With influences such as Sacred Reich and Motorhead (both
completely talented bands), Requiem continues to enhance their talent and still
maintain the originality that most of us listeners are looking for in a band.
Yeah, we are all sick of the bands that sound completely like someone else! But
I don't think that is something that is ever going to happen to this band! Check
them out at
www.myspace.com/requiem420 or
www.requiem.ratherbad.com
Originality: 8/10 Production: 8/10
Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
RIDE
FOR REVENGE - “The King Of Snakes” (Northern Heritage Records)
Style - Obscure Black Metal
Origin - Finland
Taylor’s Review - Ride For Revenge compared themselves to
Unholy, which for me meant excitement growing in anticipation for another band
to worship. I was left though after the 8th or so listen unsure of what to
think. I can see the originality of this band, and the possibility for me to
really like the music, but the drums just kill it for me. Drums don’t have to be
complex, but sometimes you need to change things up a little bit to compliment
the rest of the music. The simplistic nature of his approach makes the music
even boring in some parts. On a high note I like the sludgy down tuned guitars
and the old-school black metal vocals akin to Hellhammer. This is not a horrible
band, but with the right attention to the detail for their future music, they
could really be really great.
www.cfprod.com/nh/
Instruments: 5/10; Originality: 8/10; Vocals: 8/10;
Overall: 6/10
RIVETHEAD – “Rivethead” (Self-released)
Style –Industrial metal/rock
Origin – Dallas, TX
Dion’s Review – Have you ever been sitting on the toilet
(where all great thinking is done) and thought to yourself “I wonder what
Metallica would sound like if they were hardcore Ministry fans.”? Well then.
Flush your most recent daily deposit down, poke what’s left down with the
plunger-handle, and wash your hands (or at least tell people that you did). Then
go check these guys out.
This could very well be a leaked copy of the next Metallica
release. Well, that was my first thought, but then I figured I was being just a
little too harsh, and silently apologised… to Rivethead. The lead vocalist may
have been James in a Metallica cover band that only did post ‘…And Justice For
All’ songs, but it’s also the sound. The production’s got that clean, crisp
metal sound that we’ve all heard, with all the tricks of a thumb-twiddling,
coffee-logged sound engineer’s trade in there somewhere. Despite that, nothing
really sticks out for me. Most of the heavier riffs are very
Ministry-influenced, but will change into a different riff before my coffee goes
cold (or the milk that’s in it curdles), thereby making it seem less punishing
to listen to than the aforementioned industrial gods. It’s still the
“intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus….” deal, and all of those intros, except
“Volatile” which leaps without hesitation, are done with a sampler, programmer,
and/or keyboard. I found myself praying for a quick drum-stick count-in that
just never came. I’d have even settled for a “One. Two. One, two, three, four”.
But programming is the nature of the electronic beast that is industrial metal,
and if samples and programs are your bag, baby, then grab a sackful of
“Rivethead”.
Overall this third release of theirs sounded decent with
shop-worthy packaging, but was, if anything, hurdle-less. Didn’t seem to change
tempo, or feel, and sounded like a mix of bands rather than sounding like
Rivethead. If I had to sum the album up in one word, then it’d be “meh”.
http://www.rivetheadonline.com ,
http://www.myspace.com/rivethead
Production: 8/10; Originality: 5/10; Instruments: 6/10;
Vocals 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10 S
SABATAN - "Fire Angel" (Self Released)
Style - METAL!
Origin - Spain
Rob's Review - TRUE METAL! A refreshing phrase in this
sometimes nasty music world today and it is a true phrase in association with
SABATAN. First of all, the name kicks ass. It just sounds cool and fits the
music perfectly. It sounds like these guys spent a lot of their early days with
bong in one hand and beer in the other sitting in a dark, smelly basement
enjoying the sweet sounds of the true fathers of metal pouring out of their
cheap, dirty, tape eating cassette players. PRIEST, SAXON, MAIDEN,
ANNIHILATOR...you get the picture. These guys are right in line with any of
those legends as far as content goes. It is straight ahead ass kickin, ram it
down your throat classic metal. Even the vocals are kicking my ass and that's a
rarity these days. Why are these guys not signed? Oh yeah, I remember, no one
likes or listens to this shit anymore. At least that's what the corporate
machine wants you to believe. Fuck the corporate machine! Go get some SABATAN
and support any true effort to keep metal alive! Great job guys.
www.sabatan.com
Originality : 8/10 Production: 9/10
Performance: 10/10 Vocals: 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10
SAMMATH
– “Dodengang” (Folter Records)
Style - Aggressive Hate-Fueled Black Metal
Origin – Germany
Taylor's Review- On very few occasions will I come across an
album that leaves a lasting impression. The kind of album that could very well
define in which way you choose to think about a specific genre of metal. Sammath
is one of those bands to supply such an album. “Dodengand” is a release that
deserves multiple listens even after you fully grasp the musical message they
set out to create. By far “Ravager” off this release is a personal favorite with
the cleanest use of speed picking I have ever heard combined with a very cool
opening riff.
This album represents how black metal is best played, dirty
with a strong vibe comparable to the bloody chunk filled bag of your mother’s
remains you choose to sit and admire lovingly. The point is made and executed as
to the reason why you need this album.
www.myspace.com/sammath666 or
www.sammath.nl
Instruments: 10/10 Originality: 9/10 Vocals: 9/10
Overall: 10/10
SAW III - Motion picture Soundtrack
Style - Various metal tracks
Origin - Various
Heather's Review - First of all, I was extremely excited when
I got this cd. I loved the movie. (loved all of them). The songs chosen for the
movie speak for themselves such as "Walk with me in Hell" from Lamb of God
(great song) , "Eyes of the Insane" from Slayer (the ultimate metal gods), and
"Fear is Big Business" from Ministry. Overall, the bands that made on here were
well chosen. The songs relate well with the scene that is portrayed in the
movie. I would recommend this cd to any lover of metal. Whether it be fans of
bands like Disturbed, Bullet for my Valentine, or Helmet, there's a little for
everyone. For more info, the press contact is PFA Media (Keith Hagen) and the
Label contact is Artists Addiction (Jonathan Miller)
Since this is a compilation, I'm only going to give it an overall score: 9/10
SCOTT MARROW - "For All The Time
You Spend Losing...You Better Enjoy Your Failures" - (Whiteroom)
Style - Alternative Rock/Folk/Punk
Origin - Florida, USA
Robs Review - Sit back...this is going to be a long
one......Sometimes we get CD's in the mail that none of us in our right polluted
minds would ever imagine coming across as music deserving of a metal review from
a world reknown 'zine to the stars (yeah right) such as Adrenalin. I mean, its
pretty much assumed that we're metal, right? And before I lash into this I
should explain my musical credentials a little by saying I do like a lot of
other music other than Metal and consider myself a fan of such artists as
Jefferey Gaines, Chris Whitley, Ian Moore, Richie Kotzen and the like so I don't
automatically assume anything that isn't metal, sucks. That being said, SCOTT
MARROW isn't metal. And in my eyes he's not even Rock N Roll. This is more along
the lines of a poisonous mixture of Alternative, Punk, Folk and Bluegrass gases
which emit a poison of catastrophic proportions upon my mind body and soul
causing some sort of chemical reaction by which my eardrums become so enraged
that they launch themselves from my ear canal and into my Cheerios whereby
voluntarily drowning themselves in a sea of oat dusted 1% milk (takes
breath...). I'm not sure what prompted this fine fellow to tread the hollowed
grounds of suckness, but a lot of people obviously pissed him off in the past
and he's getting back at everyone at once. I'm trying really hard to think of
something good to say about this disc but nothing is coming to mind. The songs
are short. That's one. Other than that, the already harsh vocals are slathered
in effects and really low in a mix of distorted, scratchy guitars and drums
swimming in a cesspool of feedback and static. That about covers it. If morbid
curiosity overcomes you, check these sites out for yourself. I could be all
wrong. www.scottmarrow.com
- www.myspace.com/scottmarrow
Rating: 3/10
ADDED RUSH: Short songs.
BUZZKILL: Everything.
SEVEN YEARS EXISTENCE –
“Execute Erase”
Style – Death/Thrash/Metal
Origin – Champaign, IL (USA)
Mike’s Review – This is another one of those bands that I was
able to check out live before hearing their album. Excellent performance and
stage presence. This CD captures a lot of their in-your-face ball0busting
energy. The Carcass-like vocals and their lower growling blend together well and
fits smoothly with the music. The first couple songs seem to mush together a bit
much but soon after you start to get a feel for the death thrash sound that
makes Seven Year Existence stand out. Each song has more than enough muscle and
originality to carry you to the next track and beyond. I would definitely like
to check these guys out live again. It takes a good band like this to form a
decent mosh pit. Check them out.
www.myspace.com/sevenyearexistence
Vocals: 8.0 Music: 9.0 Originality: 8.0
Production: 9.0
Overall: 8.5 (out of 10)
SEVEN YEAR
EXISTENCE – Untitled E.P.
Style – Hardcore/Thrash/Metal
Origin – Champaign, IL USA
Mike’s Review – Damn. I am in a state of confusion right now.
After giving this band an 8.5 on their full-length album “Execute-Erase”, I have
to give them a lower rating this time. The music kicks ass. I saw these 5 songs
live so I know it’s good. But the recording is wrong. I listened to this in
several different players in hopes of finding better quality. It just seems like
there is too much high-end and the band sounds like they are in the background.
A lot of vocals and not enough music. I am hoping they will re-record these for
a full-length soon. So I give the band a good score again but the overall rating
of this EP will drop. Definitely go check these guys out though if you are into
hardcore thrash.
www.myspace.com/sevenyearexistence Better yet, go see them live! They
even have their own party bus.
Music: 9.0; Production: 5.0
Overall: 7.0 (out of 10)
Adrenalin Rush: Great vocals / Buzzkill: poor recording
SIN
MACHINE - "S/T" - (Self Released)
Style - Hard Rock/Modern Glam
Origin - Tucson, Arizona USA
Robs Review - Arizona sure seems to be a hotbed for good
music these days. It must be the weather that motivates one to do something
constructive with their day. Out of all the CD's I had to review this month I
was most looking forward to hearing SIN MACHINE. Maybe it was the sleeve art
with the pink and black color combo, maybe it was the live band pics inside that
resembled a mix of sideshow freaks (guitarist playing in a half tuxedo half
wedding dress), drag show and all out sunset strip glam fest, or maybe it was
just morbid curiosity for something strange. Either way, I saved it for last in
the review rotation because for some reason it looked like Rock n roll dessert
to me (Plus there was the big chocolate cake with pink frosting on the back of
the CD.......mmmmmmmm cake). SIN MACHINE isnt exactly pure 80's glam but more of
a Hybrid of some of the better modern garage rock (Glucifer, The Datsuns) and an
updated more metal version of Hanoi Rocks with a singer that sounds almost
exactly like Mark Osegueda from Death Angel. And just for the fuck of it, we'll
throw in a dash of Pretty Boy Floyd for looks. Now there's a birth defect in the
making. But...I love it! Its different, its adventurous and its a good fuckin
time. Plus it sounds like a 50 foot guitar in front of city block stack of
Marshalls cranked up to 11. You just cant go wrong with that. Now, I'm sure most
of the newer music crowd with turn there little pimply noses down to these guys
and write them off as nothing more than a band with rehashed sounds and ideas of
decades past, but thats the fuel that kept this shit going back then and its the
fuel that will start the fire back up today. And I'll be standing nearby with
the can of gasoline. Bithces!
www.sinmachineband.com -
www.myspace.com/sinmachine
RATING: 9/10
ADDED RUSH: Performance, Mix, Heavy as a two ton heavy thing
SKEWERED - "Homegrown
Brutality"
Style- Brutal Death Metal
Origin - Dublin, Ireland
Heather's Review- Formed in late 2004 under the name
Necrosis (later changed due to the result of numerous bands taking the same
name, Skewered brings forth everything that is brutal about death metal.
Released in early 2007, the music is extremely heavy and the lyrics are as
brutal and nasty as you can get. They somewhat reminded me of Cannibal Corpse
mixed with Malevolent Creation. With songs titles like "Wretched Cum Slut" and
"Cannibalistic Horror", this band doesn't leave anything out. The recording of
the CD (done at Kross/Void studios) was well done (I liked the added intros) and
the cover art is just as brutal as the music, depicting a bloodstained home with
a dark shadow in the doorway on the front, and a naked girl hanging from the
rafters on the back. If you are into pure brutality, extremely heavy riffs
combined with dirty, nasty vocals, then this is definitely a band for you to
check out! Check them out at
www.skeweredmetal.com ,
skeweredmetal@hotmail.com , or
www.myspace.com/skeweredmetal
Originality: 6/10; Production: 8/10; Vocals: 8/10
Overall Rating:7/10
SKULLFLOWER - "Tribulation" (Crucial
Blast)
Style - Noise
Origin - United Kingdom
Dean’s Review-Usually, when I see the name Crucial Blast I
can be pretty sure of two things; number one-it’ll be fucked up, number 2-it’ll
usually be pretty damn good. Well, one out of two isn’t bad I suppose. This cd
is definitely fucked up. The problem lies in the fact that I have absolutely no
interest in or about the genre known as Noise. It does absolutely nothing for me
at all. Hell, I work in a industrial factory, if I wanted to hear stuff like
this I’d just stay at work. There is not any such thing as songs here, just one
wall of scraping feedback at various levels of sound deconstruction. At one time
I guess these guys used to be considered a metal band but not in any sense that
I use the term. If you’re into Noise you might like it-otherwise steer clear of
this one, not even worth downloading for free in my opinion. Sorry. These guys
are easy to find online but if you’re still interested go to the Crucial Blast
website and prepare to die. Hehehehe.
http://www.monotremata.com/skull/
Performance: 0 Production: 1 Overall 0.5
SOCIETY 1 - "Years of
Spiritual Dissent" (Crash Music)
Style - Nu metal/Industrial/Performance
Origin - Los Angeles, CA
Rob's Review - If you've never heard of SOCIETY 1 it's
probably because you don't get into porn. And that's one strike against you
already. I say this because the front man, Matt Zane is an established porn
director whose antics came to popularity with the ever popular "Backstage Sluts"
series. Through this time he's managed to put together SOCIETY 1 and release
four somewhat anonymous albums since 1999. His latest "Years of Spiritual
Dissent" is made up of timeless selections from two of the earlier releases,
"Slacker Jesus" and "Words As Carriers". If your looking for a comparison here
I'd have to go with Marylin Manson. In fact, its pretty heavy on the Marylin
Manson. Another famous trait of SOCIETY 1 is their live show where one Mr. Zane
performs while suspended in the air on giant hooks through his back. You can
also find a couple people setting themselves on fire if you can sit through the
DVD (there's one included in this collection) long enough. So basically its a
freak show of sorts accompanied by not so interesting music. it's clear that to
enjoy SOCIETY 1 to its fullest it must be experienced in a live setting. Who
knows, maybe you'll even see some live sex acts. That is if your into that sort
of thing...sinner!
www.societyone.net -
www.crashmusicinc.com
Originality : 7/10, Production: 8/10,
Performance: 7/10, Vocals: 6/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10
SOLACE OF REQUIEM - "Utopia
Reborn" (Ruptured Silence Records)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Rob's Review - SOLACE OF REQUIEM harkens back to a time when
death metal was but an ant in the afterbirth of the Brutal Beast Mother that
would become what the scene is today. A time when pioneers such as Death, Napalm
Death, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse and Obituary ruled the underworld and laid
a path of destruction through a metal genre that no one thought could get any
heavier. In other words...the good ol' days. In a day when every band is trying
to out-brutal each other (Nile, Krisiun, Origin, etc.) SOLACE OF REQUIEM takes a
step back to the roots and plays a straight ahead attack of pure early '90's
death metal and does it well. On "Utopia Reborn" they achieve an even more old
school vibe with back-up vocal help from Brett Hoffmann who's old band,
Malevolent Creation, could be classified as the 2nd tier of pioneers from the
era. Brett gives this that extra kick that didn't necessarily need to be there
but makes it that much better with his efforts. Even though this is "old school"
it has enough variance and creativity in the music to give it a freshly brutal
sound that kicks your ass out of your grave and sends you running after fresh
brains. Highly recommended to any one of you maniacs who drank, smoked, fought
and fucked your way through the early '90's. I know a few of you...
www.solreq.com -
www.rupturedsilence.com
Originality : 8/10, Production: 10/10,
Performance: 9/10, Vocals: 10/10
OVERALL: 9/10
SONIC REVOLUTION - “Power
Failure”
Style - Radio Rock
Origin - New York, USA
Taylor’s Review - I may not be the right person to properly
review this album. With that said, they are good at what they do. Sonic
Revolution is looking to join the number of other rock bands out there striving
for a big break by incorporating radio pop rock elements into their song
writing. I can easily see them next to the currents such as Audio Slave and
Alter Bridge. One thing this band possesses that a lot of other current rock
bands don’t is a good vocalist that actually can sing, instead of the most
commonly used bad Eddie Vedder impersonation. If you’re looking for the next
band that could dominate the top 40 charts, here they are, catchy song writing
ripe for mass appeal.
www.thesonicrevolution.com
www.myspace.com/thesonicrevolution
Instruments: 6/10; Originality: 3/10; Vocals: 9/10
Overall: 5/10
SOULIDIUM – “Children
Of Chaos” (Knightvision Music/Adrenaline)
Style – Alternative rock
Origin – Springfield, MO
Dion’s Review – Have you ever caught yourself wondering what
Brian Molko, the British pop-group Placebo vocalist (relax, I didn‘t know the
name. I had to google it) would sound like if born a male? Well, wonder no
longer. This “group representative of the new technological age” has graciously
provided your long-awaited answer in the vampiric form of Michael McKnight.
Michael McKnight: Vocalist, songwriter, eyeliner-enthusiast
really does remind me hardcore of Brian Molko. There are some of you rock fans
out there that would think that this is a shitty comparison to make, but pardon
me! I’ve spent way too much money on CDs to listen to the radio, so I really am
ignorant. I just grabbed at that comparison like I would the last burger at a
BBQ and swallowed it. Now just shut up, and eat your damned review! I’m not
saying that these guys are terrible, they’re just not my cup of tea. But as much
as I can’t get into Soulidium, they smack of professionalism and dedication. The
fact that a Columbian, a Canadian eh, and a Missourian moved to Florida to hook
up with two more members, just to relocate to Missouri really does prove that
these guys believe in what they’re doing. They put a lot of time and money into
the production of “Children Of Chaos”, the packaging of the promo, and their
myspace and website that I can’t help but take them seriously.
If you think you’d be a fan of a Placebo rehearsal just after
they’d watched a “Basics Of Metal” DVD, then Soulidium just might be your thing.
“Children Of Chaos” is set for a 19th of June release, but four of the 12 tracks
can be heard on their myspace already, and there’s a high chance (or risk) that
you’ll be hearing them on your local “metal” station during the long, hot summer
of ‘07.
http://www.myspace.com/soulidium ,
http://www.soulidium.com
Production: 10/10; Originality: 3/10; Instruments: 4/10;
Vocals 5/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10
SOULS HARBOR (Crash Music Inc.)
Style - Modern/Alternative Metal
Origin - USA (SC)
Darren's Review - What is very cool about this band is it
started aboard the USS George Washington, while three of the members were
serving our country. After their time was finished, they kept in touch and
continued efforts toward writing. Over time, they managed to enter a twin state
(SC and GA) battle of the bands and won not only once but twice (2001/2002 and
2003/2004)! They recorded an E.P., as well as opened for big names such as Cold,
Slayer, Sevendust, Non-Point, Mastodon and many others. They have also enjoyed
some exposure via rock stations and even MTV. I like this album. It blends
melody with a solid cast of musicians and an above average singer. I could see
how some may think they have a too much of a "poppy" sound, but I am a sucker
for good music no matter what. That being said, it isn't the best thing I have
ever heard either. Good, solid radio friendly metal. Those of you from the
Madison area would hear something like this on WJJO. Quality solid rock make
Souls Harbor a good release.
www.myspace.com/soulsharbor
Production/Engineering: 7/10, Originality: 6/10,
Instruments: 7/10, Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 7/10
THE
STONE - "Magla" (Folter Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Serbia
Heather's Review: Voted the very best album of 2006 on
www.metal-archives.com, this melodic, yet sinister, black metal band is on the
rise! Hailing from Serbia, the band brings forth pure, raw, aggresive, yet
melodic black metal backed by one of the best vocalists I have ever heard.
Unlike alot of traditional black metal, the combinations between aggressive and
melodic melodies are heard throughout the album. The production quality of the
album was also well done. With 3 other albums out there, I am anxious to hear
more. Check them out at
www.myspace.com/thestonehorde or
www.thestonehorde.com
Orginality: 9/10; Vocals: 10/10; Production: 9/10; Overall
9.666
SUICIDAL WINDS – “Total Death n’ Live” (Pulverised Records)
Style - Black/Thrash Metal
Origin- Sweden
Taylor’s Review – Live albums can be a great window into the
true essence of the band. Many times though, through overdubbing, these
recordings are stripped of the rawness that made the concert a unique
experience. This release by Suicidal Winds is very raw and very to the point,
capturing the band as the live force they seem to be. A combination of black and
trash metal with a nod to classic Kreator, Sodom, and maybe even “Dark Endless”
– era Marduk finds me enjoying this release. The band is tight and embodies
speed and aggression in a blistering array of evilized hatred.
The only downfall on this album is the very faint sound of
the crowd, which detracts slightly form the overall experience of “Total Death
n’ Live”.
Suicidal Winds is a band I would expect to have a bright (or viciously dark )
future.
www.myspace.com/suicidalwinds or
www.pulverised.net
Instruments: 7/10 Originality: 6/10 Vocals: 6/10
Overall: 8/10
SUNN0))) and BORIS
Collaboration - “Altar” (Southern Lord Records)
Style – Sludge/Doom/Drone
John’s Review (guest reviewer) – Bow down before this fucking
“Altar”. I know what you are thinking; Boris and Sunn together? No Way! Well,
“Way” my friend. “Way” indeed! A host of other musicians also made it onto this
disc. One of the more noteables being that of one Kim Thayil, the S.G. Weilding
fuzzed-out feedback freak formerly of the mighty Soundgarden.
So what about the disc, you may ask? The only way to put it
is it’s really, really, fuckin heavy. Definitely some of the best drone ever. A
prefect mix of Boris’ sense of heavy psychedelia and Sunn’s crushing
glacier-paced drone. Pure heaviness indeed. I’d go as far as to say that this
disc is basically the musical equivalent of the Earth blowing apart in slow
motion. So get this disc, throw it into your stereo, turn it up to 5. If you
turn it up to 6, I must warn you that you’ll either damage your speakers or
you’ll have to hire somebody to put your house back on its foundation.
http://www.southern.com/southern/
Overall Rating: 10.0 (out of 10)
SVARTSYN - "BloodLine" (Sound Riot
Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Sweden
Heather's Review: In the Black Metal scene, it's hard to find
bands that have music that is both dark and fast, yet melodic. I tend to become
a bit picky when it comes to keeping the aggression and intensity in the music
without it just being a monotonous sound that differs very little from song to
song. I was quite impressed when I started listening to Svartsyn. They possess
every quality that Black Metal should have. They have intensity and aggression,
and I wasn't getting bored with it at all. They remind me of Marduk and
Satyricon.
If you are fans of them, I highly suggest you check out Svartsyn. Band Bio: They
formed in 1991 under the name Chalice, and changed it to Svartsyn in 1993. In
1996 they were signed to Folter Records and released "The True Legend" cd. In
'97, they recorded their "Tormentor" EP. The first recording of "Bloodline" was
done in 97-98. This was put out as a double LP. In Feb of 2000, they released
"His Majesty" and they signed to Sound Riot for that album exclusively. It was
in 2003 that they resigned with Sound Riot and released "Destruction of Man" and
the re-release of "Bloodline" only this time including the "Tormentor" Ep as a
bonus track. This came out on 2005. For more info on Svartsyn check out :
www.myspace.com/svartsynband
or www.soundriotrecords.com
Production: 8/10, Vocals: 9/10, Originality : 8/10
Overall : 8/10
SYZSLAK
– “When Demons Ride Angels” (Worldeater Records)
Style – Grindcore/punk
Origin – Philadelphia, PA
Dion’s Review – This is the third CD from Worldeater Records
I’ve done in a row. They’ve all been recorded at Deathstar Studio by the same
bloke, Gary Stienour (King Gary of Bitchslicer). Yet Bitchslicer, Decomposed,
and now Syzslak have managed to sound completely different, production-wise. So
I have to give a huge “Bottom’s up!” to the half man/half yeti that is King Gary
for keeping each band’s identity separate. But I’m supposed to be reviewing
Syzslak, so His Majesty must return to the background, like the Yeti in a
blizzard.
These guys have been around. These guys have been around more
than your friendly, neighbourhood cheerleader. Sorry if you’re a cheerleader
reading this, but you were aware of the stigma when you chose that career.
Syszlak were originally a two-piece from Denver with Kate on bass (ex- Zed),
drummer Joseph Vigil (ex-Jeno, Superbuick) who eventually relocated to Philly
and hooked up with guitarist Brian Nothing, ex-member of Dallas-based bands
Urine Trouble and Spasm 151… in a nutshell. They all share vocal duties, which
lends them some versatility, and they all seem like talented metal musicians who
are happily doing their own thing. You’ve got the blast-laden grind tracks of
“Fallen Hand” and “Betrayed”, the slow, ponderous “When Demons Ride Angels”, and
even the grind clichés of having annoying tracks. In this case, it’s three 10
second-long blank tracks of silence (titled “Blank”), followed by a “bonus
track” of feedback and other infuriating noises. It is 25 minutes long, with an
additional four minutes of “we wish we’d written more music before booking the
studio” shenanigans and goings-on. But I just rolled my eyes and sighed, clicked
“forward” a few times, and started the album again. But that would have to be my
only complaint with Syzslak’s first full-length release. Take the irritating,
talentless tracks away, and it’s not really a full-length… is it?
http://www.worldeaterrecords.com
, syzslakmuszyk@yahoo.com
Production: 5/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments: 6/10;
Vocals 5/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10 T
TERMINAL - "Tear You From the Inside"
Style - Metal/Hardcore/some Prog notes........
Origin - New York City
Heather's Review - This was by far the most interesting cd I
have reviewed thus far. The music is difficult to describe... It's classic
metal, prog metal, and a little bit of everything in between. With 2 guitarists
and a talented bass player, it didn't take long for me to start appreciating
this band. With their "old school" style and prog metal riffs, they display
their originality as well as their diversity in music. Track 3, "Earth,
Evolution, Extinction" is by far my favorite song. The lyrics for all the songs
are included in the well laid out cd case. This song is also featured in the
opening of Maximum Threshold, which is an internet radio show.The band also
picked up sponsorship with Level 27, a clothing company geared for us
metalheads! And to top it off, they were selected as a featured artist on
America's Best Unsigned Bands, a website designed to find the best undiscovered
talent. Check them out at
www.terminalnyc.com or at www.myspace.com
Originality: 9/10 Production: 8/10 Vocals:
8/10
Overall: 8/10
TERRORIZER – “Darker Days Ahead”
(Century Media)
Style - Death/Grind
Mike’s Review - Well, I have had this CD for several months
now and am thrilled that I am finally taking the time to review it. This album
has become such a part of my collection of CD’s, that I momentarily forgot that
I still needed to review it. Within the first couple of minutes of listening to
this disc, I knew that this brutal death grind ensemble would reign and take
over my CD player for awhile. The music is catchy, yet brutal, without a single
sign of wimpiness. There are killer blast beats and some sweet guitaring topped
off with the growling vocals of Anthony Rezhawk (who has one of the best growls
that I have heard in awhile). If you don’t know who Terrorizer is, go smash your
piggy bank, whore yourself out, or do whatever it takes to get your hands on
this album. www.terrorizer.us
Vocals: 10 Music: 10 Production: 10
Originality: 8
Overall 9.5 (out of 10)
TIA CARRERA – “Heaven/Hell EP” (Arclight
Records)
Style – Instrumental psychadelia
Origin – Austin, TX
Dion’s Review – I don’t think I do near enough drugs for this
job sometimes… or any. I’m not sure you need any kind of mind-benders to
appreciate these guys, but I’m pretty sure that it would help the majority of
you. For one, I don’t get instrumentality. Music without a voice?.. It’s like a
piss without a fart. And it just feels unnatural.
This Texan three-piece are most certainly not lacking in
talent and ability, but it is definitely haloed in smoke rings that smell a bit
funkier than your chain-smoking school cook‘s breath. The guitar work is highly
reminiscent of Hendrix, and overall sounds like ponderously long, vocal-less
Cream. Three songs in 30 minutes of impromptu stoner rock “jammage” which I’m
pretty sure you’d have to trip down to Austin and enjoy in person to get the
full effect. I could see myself kickin’ back in a blues pub after a hard day’s
cattle-rustlin’ and shit-shovelin’ to Tia Carrera. On CD however, I think
they’ll be a bit harder to get into. I can appreciate them as musicians, but
they’re kinda hard-as-hell musak, in my eyes (or ears). Easy to ignore and
utterly voiceless.
So if you’re fiendin’ for a soundtrack to clean your bong to,
then Tia Carrera might just be up your tie-died alley. The CD was released on
the 12th of June, and could quite possibly be crankin’ at your dealer’s house
the next time you’re a patron there. Oh! And in case you were wondering: Yes…
for some reason they are named after the Relic Hunter herself. God I hope I’m
not the only one who hasn’t smoked away the memory of that fucking show…
http://www.myspace.com/tiacarrera
, http://www.1970tiacarrera.com
http://www.arclightrecords.com
Production: 7/10; Originality: 5/10; Instruments: 8/10;
Vocals 0/10
OVERALL: 4/10
TILT 360 - "Point
Blank" - (Entropi Records)
Style - Hard Rock
Origin - Ohio, USA
Rob's Review - This is an interesting band in that there
really isn't anything interesting about them. I thing they're trying hard to
reinvent the oh so popular Nickleback sound and falling short. Not that
Nickleback is something to strive for but at least they do what they do fairly
well. TILT 360 seem like they have an identity crisis. From one song to the next
on this four song EP, they go from rock to metal to a slight rap feel and it is
thoroughly confusing. The vocals seem to be lacking life and need a little more
soul to them for this style. On the plus side the guitars sound great. They're
not playing anything very cool but they sound really good at being so-so. Maybe
they're trying too hard to be different and that's commendable but I'm not sure
they have the chemistry yet to pull it off. But with a little seasoning under
their belts they should find their way in time.
www.myspace.com/officialtilt360
Originality: 5/10; Production: 4/10; Performance: 4/10;
Vocals: 4/10
OVERALL: 4.5/10
TME – “Worlds
Collide” (Aphotic Records)
Style – Thrash/black
Origin – Sweden
Dion’s Review –I’m still trying to figure out what “TME”
stands for. “Thrash Metal Extravaganza”? “The Mouldy Excuse”? I could just write
‘em and ask, but it’s much more fun guessing. Any ideas?
But seriously. TME are sensational! I haven’t done many
reviews (this is my seventh), but TME are the first band that’s going into my
“personal” CD rack. I’m sure that I’m going to have a mountain of CDs that I’ve
reviewed that will never get listened to again (unless Adrenalin gives me the
arse by firing me), but these guys will surely get regular rotation. They were
shit-hot from the get-go, and they just keep growing on me. They’re definitely
thrash, but have mid-paced Swedish black metal in there as well. Try and imagine
Exodus, early The Haunted, heavy Opeth, bits of Satyricon, some Lamb Of God and
a pirate sea-shanty bit thrown in for the hell of it. But regardless of who they
remind you of, they’re relentless. They don’t back off, they don’t take
breathers, and there are absolutely no frills or fillers. While the vocals
remain in the mid and high ranges, they’re changed up enough so that they don’t
get boring, which is one major reason I applaud TME. They have a spokesman that
you don’t wish would shut his overrated word-hole and let the talented
band-members take the spotlight. I’ve had it up to here with the uninspired, the
monotonous and the range-less. TME also have well-executed breakdowns that make
you sense an imminent crescendo, making you ball your fists in anticipation, but
this doesn’t make them predictable by any means. What’s coming up next can be
harder to pick than a broken nose, while remaining in the thrash/black genres.
It’s a testament to their song-writing prowess and musical ability.
In a nut-shell, I’d buy it. It’s familiar, yet original, and
I didn’t once get bored or think it could’ve been done any better.
Still unconvinced? Would it help if I told you that there are
no bloody keyboards?!
http://www.generation666.com ,
http://www.myspace.com/generator666
Production: 9/10; Originality: 9/10; Instruments: 9/10;
Vocals 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10
TODTGELICHTER - "Was Bleibt" (Folter Records)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Berlin, Germany
Crystal's Review -Wow, this disc was interesting to review to
say the least. A very great classic style black metal band from Germany but I
didn't get to catch all the lyrics as they were in German which I can't
understand. Overall the disc was very well put together. Very evil, wicked
vocals and great melodic sound to the rest. A strong sense of sadness was
brought throughout although in a nice relaxing way. A band I might enjoy going
to see. Todtgelichter started playing music in February of 2002. This is their
second EP of two put out in 2003. You can check more info at their website:
http://www.todtgelichter.de/ , Label
Site http://www.folter666.de/ ,
Distribution by Twilight Vertrieb/Germany
www.twilight-Vertieb.com
Production: 10/10, Originality : 6/10,
Vocals: 8/10, Performance:8/10
Overall: 8/10
TOR
MARROCK – “A Gothic Romance” (Casket Music/Copro Records)
Style – Gothic/Black metal
Origin – Wales, UK
Dion’s Review – Holy poop on a stick, that floor tom is deep!
I had Tor Marrock playin’ as I was setting up this word document for their
review, and that was the first thing that pierced my wall of concentration. I do
it with every band, just to see if something’s interesting enough to take me
away from what I’m doing… and that’s what hit me about this Welsh outfit.
They’re very Type O Negative influenced, but get heavier than
the Brooklyn doom/gloom lords ever did. The drummer even breaks out into a
slow-ish blast beat every now and again. But to tell you the truth, I don’t know
what to think of these guys. They’re not my thing, but I don’t think they’re bad
at what they’re doing. Every song’s unique and differs from the others. Even
while I don’t get into it I can tell one song from another. They’re melodic with
that 80s pop-sounding lead guitar effect (the vocalist/guitarist is also named
Tor Marrock), solid drums, and bass that stands out every now and again. The
vocals are fairly versatile. There’s singing, roaring, whispering and even a
little “Nu-Metal” influenced yelling every now and again. There’s a fair amount
of electronically generated sounds throughout the album, and Tor Marrock (the
member or the band?) seems to have a penchant for reverb.
So, err, in short: They’re not my thing. Tor Marrock are
talented. I like bread. Bye.
http://www.myspace.com/tormarrock
,
http://www.coprorecords.co.uk/casket
Production: 6/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 7/10;
Vocals 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10
TOR MARROCK - "The Death of Summer"
(Casketmusic/Copro Records)
Style - Gothic/Death Metal
Origin - Wales, UK
Crystal's Review - Tor Marrock is a 3 piece band based in
Machynlleth Mid Wales that was formed in late 2004. They have a very interesting
and original style with having a melodic gothic feel most of the time, but they
do break it down occasionally adding in more of that thrash death metal. Every
song seems to be different, unique & very well put together. Tor Marrock's music
reminds me a lot of Type O Negative at times although I can't really place it
amongst any others because they are so very unique. You can check them out at:
www.myspace.com/tormarrock &
www.soundclick.com/tormarrock
Production: 10/10, Originality : 10/10,
Vocals: 8/10, Performance:9/10
Overall: 9/10
TOTAL DEVASTATION - "Wreck"
(Firebox Records)
Style - Metal
Origin - Finland
Jeremy's Review - Get your mosh boots on, grab your duct tape
to tie your mother down, and crank this bitch up. I want you to picture Slayer,
In Flames, Hatebreed, Today is the Day, and Lamb of God all swirled together.
Hell, plop it into a blender and watch this fucker spin. This band plays with
unbelievable force. I wanted to say Hardcore, but the metal roots are so
pronounced, that I will ignore any style or genre preconception. When you visit
their website, be sure to check out the videos for Struggling for Chokehold and
Reclusion. No, check them all out! Now, let's see about getting these guys
Stateside. www.totaldevastation.org
Production: 7 Performance: 9 Originality: 8
Overall: 8/10
TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION - "ZEN" – (Translation Loss Records)
Style – Craziness
Origin- USA (PA)
Taylor’s Review – Two words to accurately sum up this
album…”Holy Shit”. A flawless release that achieves an aggressive nature very
few are able to reach. To be pummeled by a jack hammer in the center of you
for-head would only begin to describe this band. The musicianship is
spectacular, especially the drumming. I would be able to go on indefinitely with
positive things to say about this band except for the limited nature of the
English language. The first part of the album is where the intensity is, and for
a sharp turn that leaves you dizzy, the second half is all acoustic. Bands that
come to mind to mildly compare them to could be Cephalic Carnage and Today is
the Day, but Zen And The Art Of Total Fucking Destruction stands alone amongst
all others. If you need an adrenaline boost to jump start your day, here it is.
www.myspace.com/totalfuckingdestruction
http://welcome.to/totalfuckingdesruction
www.myspace.com/translationlossrecords or
www.translationloss.com
Instruments: 10/10 Originality: 10/10 Vocals: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
TROLL -
Army of Lost Souls (Screaming Ferret Wreckords)
Style - Rock/Metal
Origin - USA (MA)
Darren's Review - August 2005, I reviewed Trolls' debut demo.
I remember that the band displayed promise, but needed to step things up
production-wise. Army of Lost Souls is a step in the right direction. Nine
tracks that are well produced and mixed. I wouldn't label them metal or rock..
but somewhat of a cross-breed. Well, I can say the album is solid. It has plenty
of things going for it. The guitars are good, the singer is good the majority of
the time, and you can tell sweat and tears were shed making this album. The
artwork and lyrics are also decent. I guess the only knock is that it doesn't
turn on that switch that makes you crazy! You know how you get when you find
that album that fits you just right, the one you can't stop listening too no
matter what? I guess that isn't really fair to criticize Troll because 95% of
albums never graduate to that status. Troll has a decent release here and you
should make it a point to check it out. Rock and roll and power metal fans will
enjoy. www.trollrock.com
Production/Engineering: 7/10; Originality: 7/10; Instruments: 7/10
Vocals: 7/10; Overall: 7/10
TWIN METHOD - The Volume of Self
(Crash Music Inc.)
Style - Modern/Alternative Metal
Origin - England (Liverpool)
Darren's Review - Derived from musical roots spanning from
glam, thrash, punk and grunge, Twin Method meshes all in its debut release.
Heavy and abrasive with catchy riffs and melodies, the band does their part to
please the radio goers and the modern day metal fans. Hardcore metal fans may
raise a few eyebrows as well. The band is decent with their songwriting,
instruments and overall presentation. The songs greatest features are their
cleanly sung, catchy choruses and professional structured qualities. The harder
edge vocals are where the band looses a few points with me. Overall pretty good,
but doesn't blow me away. Fans of modern day metal will mend nicely with Twin
Method. www.twinmethod.com
Production/Engineering: 7/10; Originality: 6/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 6.75/10
2 HEADED CHANG -
“Deliver Us”
Style - Metal
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review - I wanted to do this review as a testament
to the bland American macho-man metal that seems to creep its way in and quickly
out of my cd player, and how much I despise the “too metal for metal” mentality
of small minded metal heads. But I decided to take a more professional approach
to this review in fear that this band will show up at my door feeling I
challenged their penis sizes.
I just don’t like this band. I tried through numerous listens
to get it, but I just don’t. The music offers nothing interesting to grasp onto.
This seemingly puffed out chested, hear my masculine expression through metal is
almost laughable. The music starts off all right with The Haunted coming to
mind, but soon loses everything and drops way down into mediocrity.
The music reminds me of falling off a boat in deep water and
struggling to the surface to get some air, than coming to the realization that
you are doomed, so you just give up and sink to the bottom.
www.myspace.com/2headedchang
or www.2headedchang.com
Instruments: 3/10; Originality: 1/10; Vocals: 1/10
Overall: 2/10
TYPE O NEGATIVE - "Dead Again" (SPV/Steamhammer)
Origin - New York
Style - Metal/Goth
Heather's Review - Type O Negative has done it again,
expressing their musical diversity even further. The new album "Dead Again",
which reminded me of "Slow, Deep and Hard" is an ambitious, tempo changing cd,
with some slow gothic melodies, some doomy, faster songs, and finally a couple
of songs that actually sound somewhat thrashy. All the songs are somewhat long
(even one longer than 10 minutes!), but Peter Steele's deep voice (and dark
humor) Kenny Hicky's guitars, and the amazing drumming of Johnny Kelly in the
track "Some Stupid Tomorrow" make this cd worth buying. There is even some
classical piano in the track "September Sun". And to make an even bigger impact
there is "Halloween in Heaven", a song written by Steele after the death of
close friend Dimebag Darrell from Pantera. The cover is also interesting,
showing Rusptin along with English text combined with Russian text (and its
legible too!). This is the seventh album for the band, and they continue to
mature. It's the quality, and diversity of influences, that will advance this cd
to becoming the best of the bunch thus far. Definitely check this out! You will
not be disappointed! Look for them at
www.myspace.com/typeonegative
or
www.typeonegative.net
Originality: 10/10; Vocals: 10/10; Production: 10/10
Overall: 10/10 V
V/A - Defaced & Split
(Demonstealer Records Comp.)
Style - Kick Ass Death Metal From India (Mostly)
www.mosh.in/demonstealerrecords
Jeremy's Review - Here's Demonstealer's debut of brutal death
metal acts: Narsil, Exhumation, Reptilian Death, Warface, and Infinite Hate
Project. We'll break them down by artist, because each band actually is unique
compared to its counterpart on this recording, and I'd hate to give the whole
thing a good or bad score if one or more bands comes out way ahead (or falls
into obscurity).
Exhumation - For Personal Consumption Only
Welcome to Exhumation. Guitar introductions and demonic voices a la Hell Awaits,
and suddenly the machine gun fire drums and low growling death metal is all you
hear. Musically, this band pulls off five tracks of brutality and catchy rhythms
(as only death metal can do) with ease. The screeching of fingers rubbing on the
fret boards is clean and polished, and the speed. The speed... Song #3: On the
Platter, is my favorite, as it sounds right out of a horror movie, complete with
an acoustic passage that eventually fades out and gives way to a rising
crescendo of terrorizing bliss. 5/10
www.mosh.in/exhumation
Narsil - Carcinogenic
Oh wow. This is sick. This is not even DM "singing", this guy is actually
possessed, I swear. He whines, wheezes, screeches, howls, growls, groans, moans,
and everything in between. And it is just petrifying to hear. The first listen
actually gave me chills (edit: okay, every listen). The double-kicking, machine
gun firing, guitar crunching and bombastic bass really give you the feeling that
Death Metal is reaching out to new ideas, all the while staying true to a solid
formula of brutality and violence. 6/10
www.mosh.in/narsil
Warface - Demo
It's likely you've heard of these guys by now, or seen them in other 'zines. I
actually had no idea they were on Demonstealer, to be honest, so having a promo
of these guys makes me quite giddy inside. The vocalist is really low here, and
the plodding death metal just steamrolls you over and over, even as it slows
down and hits reverse to flatten you once again. Chug chug chug chug, chug chug
chug chug. I went a little higher on this one because it seeps with classic
thrash/DM influences, even being a fresh name in the market. 7/10
www.warfacemetal.com
Reptilian Death - Intestinal Feast
Mmm, intestines. Slap it on my plate with a side of tongue, please. This one
never lets up. While the production is slightly covered in goo, this relentless
assault is quite exhausting with it's changing riffs and drumkit fills. Vocals
are as putrid as ever, undistinguishable from most Death Metal acts (Bathed in
Blood introduces some dual vocals which sounds pretty evil), but it does crush
in such a way that pieces of my face kept falling off. 6/10
www.reptiliandeath.tk
Infinite Hate Project
Blast of Hatred is indeed just that. I don't know why these guys are so mad, but
I assure you it wasn't me. This blasting riff-fest delivers the goods. When Fuck
the Sena Master kicked in, I didn't really grasp it, as the drums sounded like
they were laid out on a computer. In any case the first blast was the best.
Neither one of these tracks reached the 2-minute mark, so now I have a moment to
pick up my body parts. 4/10
Defaced & Split truly gives us a fistful of death metal and for what it's worth,
the quality of production here is a nice start. These bands are definitely
proving that original ideas can still leak out of a tiring death machine.
Overall: 6/10
V/A - Fine Tuned Disasters (Demonstealer
Records Comp.)
Style - Kick Ass Metalcore From India
www.mosh.in/demonstealerrecords
Jeremy's Review - This teaser disc of six bands and eighteen
tracks is a metal cornucopia from Demonstealer Records. Bands featured are
Bhayanak Maut, Scribe, Amidst the Chaos, Skincold, Bitchslap, Pin Drop Violence,
and a bonus track by members from all the featured bands (Including
vocalist/guitarist of Demonic Resurrection, one who calls himself the
Demonstealer). This one titled, of course, Fine Tuned Disasters. Now for the
breakdown:
Bhayanak Maut - Malignant
Four pummeling, chunky, riff-laden tracks come rushing at you with fierce um...
malignancy? The vocals and mathematical onslaught reminds me of a harsher Lamb
of God thrown into a blender with Killswitch Engage. This is raw, and one of my
favorite bands on the disc. 8/10
Skincold - Artificial Existence
Four more tracks come screaming out, broken down and laid bare. All manner of
thrash-heavy influences seem to materialize. Clean singing passages and
emotional breakdowns blend into screaming. Because of this method of delivery,
it would most likely appeal to a younger audience, whose influences are
Slipknot, Disturbed, Korn, etc. 6/10
Scribe - Have Hard. Will Core
And another four tracks. Don't be deceived by the hard. core. part, as this may
obviously be hard. core., but the mechanical drumming and stop-go rhythmic
pounding is very influenced by Fear Factory. The vocalist also tries to emulate
Mr. Bell, which comes off a bit slurred in comparison. However, what he does in
Bookie Love Song is pretty damned cool. "Get this thing outta me!" Wow. Hard.
Core. This. Shreds. 6/10
Bitchslap - Through the Looking Glass
We are only treated to two songs by these guys. A shame, really. This is really
interesting to hear. Total oldschool death metal here with double-kick mayhem,
but more hardcore styled vocals. Mid-song on My Chemical Dream is a sweet little
"swedish" harmony (?) double-kicking all the way until the clean guitar exit.
Through the Looking Glass ends our two-song session leaving me wanting more. The
solo at the end of this song is insanely fast and just drops off. End of story.
Damn... 8/10
Amidst the Chaos - Catharsis
Oh my Lamb of God. The vocalist sounds exactly like Randy Blythe. Yes, another
one attempting this sound, but they pull this off very well. He even gets down
in that low range perfectly. If you threw this on and didn't tell me what it
was, I would say it's the new Lamb. They do this really kick-ass rock thing in
Latent Principle, complete with screechy wailing! Because, what rocker doesn't
make his guitar break glass? 7/10
Pin Drop Violence - No Regrets
This is another one with old school death metal riffs, blending hardcore vocals.
It's thrashy, moshing. This has kind of a punk feel to it for some reason -
actually if you ever heard of the Crucified, the clean vocals are just like
that. One hell of a solo at the end. 5/10
Demonstealer - Fine Tuned Disasters
Now this is a pretty wicked song. Multi-vocals by like, six people really make
it sound possessed. This song chugs with rigid timing and metalcore groove. But
it blends everything, so every few seconds the structure is redefined. Mid-song
blast beats knocked me off my chair, and the switching off of all these singers
is just too cool for words. 8/10
This is a great compilation by a great new label. Especially Bhayanak Maut. I
can't pronounce that, but I do enjoy good conversation with their demons. The
quality of these bands is astounding, considering I had never heard of them, and
coming from somewhere unexpected, I admit I was pleasantly surprised. All in
all, if you want to hear some different material, and are sick of the American
scene, this may be a good change of pace for you, and I recommend it, seeing as
these bands tend to combine styles of metal with fluidity and passion.
Overall: 7/10 (Tilt for Production & Originality)
VALD - "Boycott Your Life" - (Treason
Troops)
Style - Grind/Thrash
Origin - Helsinki, Finland
Robs Review - This is another band that reels you into it's
evil vortex by way of cool looking CD packaging and a killer logo only to
disappoint a little in the music department. This is not to say that VALD are a
bunch of slouches sitting in the Finland snow just throwing out any old metal
song willy nilly. It just means there's not much substance to the product. There
are glimpses of hope in some of the choruses where you can hear some cool melody
under the grit of vocal barks and down-tuned chaos but for the most part the
vocals tend to get a little old after a while which ruins the vibe a bit. At
least they look mean though. They probably mean business. This band is filled
with metal clichés right down to the aforementioned mean looking photos
(especially the guy flashing the international "pussy eating" symbol) and a
guitarist that names himself Nick Napalm. VALD classifies themselves as a
"Brutal Motherfucking Metal Massacre" and I tend to agree. I just wished they'd
also throw in some more "Motherfucking Variation" to some of the music. But
maybe I'm just getting old. It could very well grow on me after a while. It does
have a little of that quality to it. By the way, another metal cliché...using
the word "Motherfucker" in every sentence. Check these Motherfuckers out if you
dare. Motherfuckers!
www.vald.info.com -
crust_metal@yahoo.com
Originality: 6/10, Production: 8/10,
Performance: 7/10, Vocals: 5/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10
VELCHANS - "S/T Demo"
(Crast Productions)
Style - Black Metal
Origin - Italy
Rob's Review - Never been much of a fan of this "Raw" black
metal scene and I've heard my share over the years by being a good friend to a
"true" black metaller. The lifestyle kind of weirds me out to be honest. And I
gotta be a little cautious with people who welcome sadness and depression with
open arms. But having said that, by god (whoops, I shouldn't say God in this
review...) some of this stuff grows on me. Maybe its the incessant repetition
that annoys you into liking it or maybe its the simplistic approach. It sure as
hell aint the vocals. Never will be. Even in the very best black metal out
there, you know, the kind that all the true black metal dudes condemn as
sellouts, the vocals are still a little hard to take for any prolonged length of
time. VELCHANS actually keeps me interested all through this 4 song CD of
blasphemy and I'm not sure why except for reasons stated earlier. They do throw
in some acoustic passages that seem to fit pretty well with the mood too. Its
nothing groundbreaking that's for sure but I don't think they want to be anyway.
It's a lot of the chords that sometimes can be confused with having some melody.
Somehow that's enough to suck you into into its vortex.
www.velchans.altervista.org/index.htm
Originality : 6/10 Production: 6/10
Performance: 7/10 Vocals: 5/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10
VOLT - "Rorhat"
(Exile on Mainstream)
Style: Noise Rock (WTF???)
Origin: Germany
Jeremy's Review - Uh. Well, this surely is different. I'm not
entirely sure what to make of it, except that if you blend Tool, Helmet, and
Primus, you get a strangely familiar (yet not very familiar) vibe. The song
structures follow the same stop-go pattern as each other, that makes me picture
traffic at the lights in motion-capture effects. It doesn't really go anywhere
from there, but the vocalist surely puts a smile on my face. At times, it's like
Les Claypool having a bad acid trip. Strange sound effects in the background add
to this flashback. This is strange music. The pounding and hardcore style rhythm
doesn't really do much here, but the other parts are quite interesting, and
scary. www.myspace.com/voltnoise
Production: 6 Performance: 4 Originality: 6
Overall: 5.3 (out of 10) W
WEDNESDAY 13 – “Fang Bang” (Rykodisc)
Style – Rock N Roll (with a touch of goth)
Origin – USA
Mike’s Review – If you want to rock, this is definitely the
CD for you. “Fang Bang”, the 4th album by Wednesday 13, is a disc jammed full of
energy and rock 'n' roll. The band’s attire and the song lyrics give a hint of a goth theme, but it really isn’t
that evident in their sound. If I listen to any of
the tracks on this album separately, they all kick ass. I like the sound of the
“let’s party all night long” vocals, but listening to the album straight through
to the end could be a difficult task for me. The vocals are the same in every
song which makes them all blend together. Luckily, the rest of the sound varies
enough to add some excitement. This is an interesting CD to check out if you are
a fan of old-school rock 'n' roll. The music definitely reminds me of the Skid
Row, big hair, party all night, phase that I experienced at one point. Not a bad
phase to reminisce. www.wednesday13.com
Something that I find interesting about reviewing this CD is
that about a year ago I wanted to do a “where are they now” thing for bands that
I helped out with Adrenalin back in the earlier days of the ‘zine. One of the
first bands I interviewed was a band called Maniac Spider Trash. I did some
searching and tracked one of the MST members to Wednesday 13. Another MST member
confirmed that Wednesday 13 was the vocalist for that band. Yet, there is no
mention of this band on any of Wednesday 13’s sites. I guess he prefers to let
the past be the past.
Vocals: 7 Music: 9 Production: 9
Originality: 6
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
WICKED LITTLE DOLLS (Carnygoat)
Style - Punk
Origin - USA
Jeremy's Review - Dirty, local punk rock band seeks suicidal
maniac to worship living, murderous dolls. If that sounds creepy, and you like
it, join the Wicked Little Dolls. Lead singer Scarefina is very scary, with her
little girl's voice drops the F-bomb most frequently and calls you BITCH. Fellow
bandmates LuCi (guitar), MiZari (bass), and Marcelo (drums) play freaky, gritty,
raw punk. It's rebellious, spiteful, and simply hearing it, lets you in on a
world where you suck and Scarefina hates you for it. Lalalala.
www.myspace.com/wickedlittledolls
Production: 7 Performance: 6 Originality: 6
Overall: 6.3 (out of 10) X
XASTHUR
– “Subliminal Genocide” (Hydra Head Records)
Style – Black Metal
Origin – California, USA
John’s Review (guest reviewer) – We’ve been blessed with a
new Xasthur album tastefully titled “Subliminal Genocide”. For those of you who
are unfamiliar with this one-man, blacker-than-the-pits-of-the-abyss black metal
band, I’ll describe it for ya. Imagine listening to Burzum’s “Filosofem” album
on acid or mushrooms. There you go. Eleven track of bleakness and despair are
present here, complete with a barren cold, atmospherically crushing production
and plenty of psychedelics to keep it interesting. For those who know Xasthur,
this will probably be nothing new to you, but that doesn’t mean it ain’t worth
looking into. In fact, if you don’t, I feel sorry for you. Track 6 – “Arcane and
Misanthropic Projection” is worth it alone. Malefic sounds as despondent as ever
(which isn’t surprising since he always plays alone). Definitely a fuckin
masterpiece. Kind of a weird one for the Hydrahead catalogue!
http://xasthur.mercurous.net/index.html
Overall rating: 9.0 (out of 10)
XASTHUR – Self-titled E.P. (Hydra Head Records)
Style – Black Metal
Origin – California, USA
John’s Review (guest reviewer) – Holy Shit. It hasn’t even
beena few month since “Subliminal Genocide” was released and here we have an
E.P. this one-man suicide waiting to happen. 3 songs at just over 24 minutes!
Fuck yeah! Just sit back and let the alcohol and pills guide you through the
depressingly evil instrumental. Brake those razor blades and smile as song #2
“Bubonic Plague” kicks in. If you aren’t dead after track 3 “Doomed by howling
winds”, celebrate the fact that you can do it all over again. Seriously dreary
and hauntingly psychedelic. This is definitely another must-have for the fans.
http://xasthur.mercurous.net/index.html
Overall rating: 10.0 (out of 10)
Y
YEAR OF NO LIGHT - "Nord" - (Crucial Blast)
Style - Atmospheric
hardcore/grind/doom mix
Origin - France
Rob's Review- On "Nord" We are introduced to YEAR OF NO
LIGHT with a 5:04 slice of doomy melodic goodness called "Selenite". It's
simplistic, repetitious nature coupled with a dreamy base melody make this a
perfect intro to what lies ahead. There are no other songs quite like this one
on the rest of the disc but there are glimpses of everything from doom and grind
to ambient and hardcore (or dirgecore as mentioned in their bio) that build
quite nicely off "Selenite's" beauty. Song two kicks in and you're immediately
thrown to the wolves with a christening of all that is good in metal; a good
layering of hard charging guitars over inventive, aggressive drumming and a
hardcore/grind vocal style that is just low enough in the mix and sporadic
enough in the songs to not be overbearing. The best part of YEAR OF NO LIGHT is
the never-ending well of ideas churning out in each song. A song may start out
grind but end up with a droning, seemingly endless doomy conclusion. None of
these songs on "Nord" have a steady stream of any one style which makes for a
very unique and enjoyable listen. There are lots of comparisons on their bio as
well as other reviews with the band Neurosis as well as Isis and even The Cure,
but being as I am not an avid listener to any of those bands I'll have to take
their word for it because all I hear is massive amounts of awesomeness filling
my soul and inspiring me to start writing music again. I don't know about you
but I think that is a tell tale sign of a successful album. Enough said.
www.yearofnolight.free.fr -
www.myspace.com/yearofnolight
Rating: 10/10
ADDED RUSH: originality, creativity, diversity.
BUZZKILL: some songs tend to drag at times.
Z
All the older reviews for Adrenalin can be
found on the following pages by using our
SEARCH function:
For reviews posted from March 2006 to November 2006 go
HERE
For reviews posted from January 2005 to March 2006 go
HERE
For reviews posted from March 7, 2003 to December 17, 2004 go
HERE
For reviews posted from January 31, 2003 to March 1, 2004 go
HERE
For reviews posted prior to January 31, 2003 go
HERE
CD Submission:
We review almost all the CD's we receive and we will review them in the order in which we receive them
(or as close as possible). Check out the list of CD's
in que to see what CD's we have lined up. If you would like to submit a CD or demo for
review send it (along with a bio) to:
ADRENALIN METAL UNION
PO Box 296
Waunakee, WI 53597
USA
Don't send us a CD unless you are willing to deal with what we say (either good
or bad). Sending us an email to say you don't agree with what we wrote is pretty
much pointless (but I will read it anyway).
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