WINTER 2003 UPDATE
(reviews are listed alphabetically...)
12
INCH NINJA "2nd demo"
demo CD-R 79/100
Metal
UK
This one is much better than the previous demo. What the boys taped early this year was nice but these three new songs represent a definite step upward! Their singer Neil really improved his performance and I bet other Metal bands will be envious of 12 Inch Ninja for having such a great frontman. Hope they're prepared to fight to retain their winning card! Furthermore, the recording quality has improved a lot and the final result sounds hundred percent professional. Regarding the style, the tiny ninjas didn't turn their coat but they obviously polished the new compositions and made them sound quite different. Somewhat more commercial indeed... But they haven't made any asinine compromise so I think we can say they've conserved their authenticity so far. Later, we'll see into what this seed will develop...
RNO
AIRBORN
"D-Generation"
CD 68/100
Power Metal
Italy
13 months after the release of their first album, Airborn strikes back with their second long-player "D-Generation". For those who know their first CD "Against The World", I can be pretty brief; everything is very similar to what we had before. This new CD doesn't top the former one; in general, it is more a decoction of it (this is how it felt to me). Nothing new at all. For those who do not know Airborn yet, this silver disk gives you all you can expect from a Power Metal band: fast songs and some ballads characterized by the typical omnipresent keyboards and metallic vocals of frontman Perardi, the obligatory guitar solos and futuristic battles in a distant galaxy as a main theme. As it was the case before, this CD also contains a video track, "Cosmic Rebels", which looked pretty cheap and of no interest to me. Also, it should contain some more 'bonus material', but my PC refused to access these files. Not that I was very sad about that, you know. "D-Generation" is another average Heavy Metal album that might be appreciated by some maniacs of this genre. But do not worry, maybe your servant AOD is too critical and if that can be of any reference, he also thinks the quality of the latest Helloween album is way off what they used to do…
AOD
http://www.remedyrecords.de / Rock Inc.
ANATHEMA
"A Natural Disaster"
CD 90/100
Heavy Atmospheric Rock
England
Shortly after the release of their previous opus, I knew for sure that there was no possible way to turn back for my favorite curly redheads from Liverpool. They were like "launched". Yet, I also didn't expect them to develop such a great talent - a talent that in a way etches the continuity of their work making it an entire genuine masterpiece. In fact, "A Natural Disaster" sounds… Is there an actual word for this? Transcendental maybe… Whatever - it's damn good to hear they haven't sunk in muddy waters. After "A Fine Day To Exit", some could have expected their new opus to be pure shit. But if this is shit, then I'm a scat-lover! It is soft; it is Pink Floyd-ish; there is no way one can headbang like a madman on these songs. I admit it. But at least the songs have something strong inside of them! The guys showed their guts to the entire world here, using a sort of diplomacy that eventually befits their intentions very well. Some saw provocation in here. I'd say it's the contrary… "A Natural Disaster" is intense but its exterior isn't more harmful than a storm of feathers… Awesome.
RNO
http://www.music-for-nations.co.uk / Zomba
ANDRA
(FEAT. VII Sins) "Circle of Fire"
CD 75/100
Heavy Metal
Germany
Andra is the band around the frontwoman of the same name. Coming from previous Power Metal projects such as Helicon, her vocal style is also very apt for this type of Heavy Metal: raw and energetic. Take Doro Pesch, for example, as reference point-even though our favorite German Metal chick is playing in a whole other league, obviously. Still it's nice to see one needn't necessarily wear a wedding dress to be given at shot in the Metal scene. The music itself then keeps the middle ground between speed monsters, which are heavily inspired from old Metallica and balladesque emotional hymns. One other thing, they have undoubtedly made a name for themselves in the annals of campiness with their metallic take on "I will Survive".
Samoht
http://www.darkedenrecords.com / Rock Inc.
ANDRALLS
"Force Against Mind"
CD 70/100
Thrash Metal
Brazil
Andralls: Sepultura for the new millennium! Well, I can agree with this statement. If I remember well, Sepultura is actually still alive, but honestly, I gave up listening to the new Sepultura stuff a long time ago already. But I still like their old stuff and also this album of Andralls is not bad at all. A bit monotonous to be listened to attentively at home, but excellent as background music. Also, I'm pretty sure Andralls must be a rather nice live act! There are a lot of similarities with Sepultura actually; they are both originating from Brazil and play the very same type of music, discussing the situation and problems of their homeland through their music and lyrics. The music of Andralls is fast - very fast even - and extremely powerful and violent! And of course, the CD is full of nice and sharp guitar solos, so typical for Thrash Metal. The perfect combination for a nice moshpit, the kind we don't see so often anymore nowadays (in Belgium at least). Yes children, Metal in the late eighties/early nineties was something totally different… Three additional bonus live tracks on the European release of "Force Against Mind" by Mausoleum brings the total up to 14 short but fast Thrash songs which need to be played LOUD!
AOD
http://www.mausoleum-records.com / Hard Life Promotion
ASTERIUS
"A Moment Of Singularity"
CD 85
Avant-garde Black Metal
Germany
Those whom have been perplexed by listening to the first releases that popped out on the freshly shaped Cruz Del Sur Music are going to be quite surprised, because this is no Power Metal and - even better - it's a killer release signed Asterius, the Germans who surprised us a couple of years ago with their phenomenal self-produced album "As Descendant Of Stars...", which they call with a nearly disproportioned humbleness a "demo". Now, 3 years after that first and very successful attempt, they're back with another full-length - officially released this time. And they've remodeled their own style! Can you believe that? What they did in the past was extremely audacious already; so I'm practically forced to identify this latest change as a conscious will to play with fire. And that amuses me very much since there are so many bands around who are not able to come out with a single good riff... and these guys just throw the ingredients in a basket with their eyes closed and the result is simply amazing! First thing I noticed is that Asterius moved to a less "Arcturusian", to a more German standardized sound. Yet, the songs remain very strong, maybe thanks to that weird vague Gothic influence that persists in the background and grants the atmospheres a sort of cosmic shroud, which appears definitely unique in its genre. Lovers of classy, varied and elaborated Black Metal shall be conquered. Undoubtedly!
RNO
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
ASTRAL
DOORS "Of The Son And The Father"
CD 78/100
Classic Hard Rock
Sweden
I have a soft spot for bands that pretend the past 30 years never took place. Let's go back in time and imagine we've never heard a Hammond organ before or just discovered a young promising guitarist by the name of Blackmore or something. Now, there are scores of copycat retro bands that shamelessly try to relive old times. What separates those bands then from Astral Doors here, for instance, is the ease with which songs flow out of the latter. As if we actually were back in the seventies. Many Purple rehashes sound contrived, because they studied the classic albums to such extent, that many of them forgot the main point that is to make good music. With the helping hand of producer extraordinaire (the one and only genuine "ol'blue eyes") Peter Tatgren, Astral Doors manage to do just that.
Samoht
http://www.locomotive music.com / Rock Inc.
BIOMECHANICAL
"Eight Moons"
CD 87/100
Modern Power/Thrash
UK
This is one of the most innovative bands I've heard lately. And I can assure you that nobody paid me to say that! I remember their demo was truly awesome, but this full-length shows the band's full potential and I really have to compliment them on their writing skills and audacity. The genre Biomechanical play may not seem the most original to some but if you pay attention to the additional effects, the arrangements and the way the keyboards are integrated to the compositions, you'll undoubtedly be convinced. Let's dissect the album now… First, vocals: full of personality, classy, extremely varied, always precise… Sometimes they unavoidably remind of Pain Of Salvation, especially on the calmer songs (like "Save Me" for example). Actually, I think vocals are one of the key-elements here, though the rest is pure art as well… Guitars now: they're a little loud in the mix but their cutting-edge make the songs a lot stronger. Lots of compression and again, a very precise style, even in the solos… I'm personally into warmer sounds but this is quite a good compromise between warmth and aggressiveness. Even Kreator hasn't done better so far… Bass: the guy is a killer groover. He doesn't try slapping and messing around just for the fun of it; he rather does his real job, which is great! Drums: they sound a little too robotic. I guess they've been trigged and altered through a sound-module and that's a pity. Now, if they haven't been trigged, I'm sorry but this needs a more authentic "woody" sound… Apart from that, the result is one hundred percent perfect. Precision's omnipresent in each song and the guys seems to know how to come up with interesting patterns that suit the moods. I think you've understood that you have to check them out immediately…
RNO
http://www.biomechanical.co.uk
BLUDGEON
"Crucified Live"
2CD 75/100
Blackish Death Metal
USA
Right now, I have Bludgeon's website under my eyes. Nice; concise and clear, just as I'd like all websites to look. The problem is that saying your band has invented a new style when it actually didn't, well, that's a little pretentious I think… The American horde probably forgot to complete its Metal collection before writing such nonsense on their biography page. In fact, this is the sort of music you can hear on lots of records; even on older ones (I mean from the nineties). Now, Bludgeon can't be penalized for anything else than their exaltation since what they delivered is an immaculate sort of Black/Death mixture with nice and powerful riffs, a very big sound and rather efficient growls to add the finishing touch to the brutal and evil canvas they came up with. I honestly wouldn't be able to listen to such an album twice in a row but I'm sure I'll grab it on occasions when I'm in need of some truly heavy stuff… The second CD in the box is a DVD as you probably already guessed... Both video and sound quality are OK but I'm afraid I have nothing more to add. The guys look great on stage but I'm not sure this will catch the attention of the non-initiated... Or is that just a matter of taste? In any case, the European crowd seemed to like it. So, it is a matter of taste… I guess I should have passed this to a colleague... Maybe he would have put more passion in his review… Who knows?
RNO
BOUNCING
SOULS "Anchors Aweigh"
CD 81/100
Punk Rock
U.S.A.
Bouncing Souls. This is what I call a love-hate relationship. I've know them since they started releasing albums and I didn't like them that much in the beginning. I thought they were all right but nothing more. But that has changed through the years. My love for them started with their previous album "How I Spent My Summer Vacation", which was way more melodic than the previous ones. I was kind of hoping that this new album would be in the same line… and it is. I even think it sounds better than the previous one. Bouncing Souls is growing bigger and bigger (in every sense of the word) in the song writing process. Like I said, they're melodic; they've got great rhymes and melodies and their Punk Rock is fast as fuck. They introduce lots of breaks and crush it really hard from time to time. And something I've always thought is that the singer's got a particular and recognizable voice, which adds an extra touch to Bouncing Souls. Yes, they have matured a lot and you can also tell from the artwork of the album. This is an album truly worth purchasing.
YVES
CONQUEST
"No Boundaries"
CD 83/100
US Heavy/Power Metal
USA
Strange how an album titled "No Boundaries" can sound so typical for a US release... Anyway, please do not misunderstand me: Conquest is a truly strong band that deserves your full attention! As a matter of fact, this third full-length of the furious American metalheads is not your average dish of Old School Heavy Metal, even in spite of the evident and probably unavoidable influences from the 80's that you can hear in their nearly-Saxonian overall sound. Actually, what Conquest did here is just take the best ingredients and mix 'em all together in order to come up with a record that eventually sounds everything but outdated or déjà-vu. The powerful riffing of both Mike Crook and Derrick Brumley has a nice sharp and thrashy approach and Derrick, who's also in charge of lead vocals, judiciously adds its raging style to the music creating a prefect and coherent product that is made to uncompromisingly rule. The other great thing is that they haven't lost a single ounce of power from the beginning 'til the end of the album. No key tracks indeed, just an ensemble of classy songs that every Metal fan should discover sooner or later...
RNO
CONVERGE
"Unloved And Weeded Out"
CD 78/100
Hardcore/Metal
USA
This is the sort of music that I had to learn to appreciate through the years. In fact, when I was a kid, I was a diehard Death Metal fan and brutality was nothing but my daily dish. But when it came to Hardcore, violent or not, I just couldn't endure it... Death Metal and Hardcore were like two different and irreconcilable worlds to me. Strange how a teenager can make such a distinction between two - after all - not so dissimilar styles... And yes, indeed, Converge is one of those bands whose first attempts were consciously avoided by the young me. Now, a decade has gone by and I feel kinda stupid because "Unloved And Weeded Out", the band's newest offering, which contains rare and out of print tracks exclusively, has a lot to offer. Thus, I feel guilty; as if I've let something really precious slip from my hands without any good reason... Hybridized, vivid, yet eventually quite hard to define, Converge's vision of heavy music is intriguing and therefore also very exciting. If you've missed it before, try not to repeat the same mistake twice... I'll adopt that rule too actually.
RNO
CURSED
"One"
CD 76/100
Heavy Punkish HC
Canada
Another brilliant piece of brutality made in Canada. As the title says, this nice (and sober) black and white digipack CD is the first effort of Cursed, but there's absolutely nothing to fear - I'm saying that for those who never heard of them - as the guys acted as true professionals, showing great musicianship and some originality as well. Honestly, I can't say they've created a genre but they clearly sound as a band that wants its personality to be placed in the foreground. Actually, the nicest thing here is that they found the perfect way to be heavy and fast without losing their expressiveness. In fact, each song featured on "One" is made from about nothing and rapidly evolves towards some sort of a core of complexity wherein each single note has a definite duty: to have a definite impact on the listener. And that's great because it makes the whole record really intense... Now musically, Cursed's style can be considered as Hardcore, though many will hear the unmistakable Punk touch, so eventually it remains open to quite a large portion of Metal fans. The only thing you have to be able to deal with is violence... Ain't a difficult issue for a metalhead for sure. A strong debut!
RNO
DARK
AT DAWN "Of Decay And Desire"
CD 75/100
Gothic Power Metal
Germany
DAD (not to be confused with Hard Rock combo Disneyland After Dark) take the tried formula of After Forever, Epica or Within Temptation and turn it inside out. Instead of adding Power Metal elements to a basically Gothic song , Dark at Dawn infuse their particular strain of Heavy Metal with a healthy dose of moody synths, occasionally rasping grunts and heavenly voices. "Of Decay And Desire" is still solidly built around power chords and will most likely appeal first and foremost to acolytes of classic Metal rather than black hair dyed goths in ballroom dresses. Their most noteworthy aspect, namely the tinges of Gothic in this Power Metal brew, is something they should continue to focus on and expand. Give them another record or two and we might really have something special on our hands here.
Samoht
http://www.afm-records.de / Rock Inc.
DARK
SECRET "Evil And Passion"
self produced CD 73/100
Death Metal
Italy
As far as I can tell, "Evil And Passion" is a self produced CD by the Italian band Dark Secret, even though this CD seems to be released by Brutal Symphony Prod. The way I see it, Dark Secret created their own label or something; I was not able to find further information about this. Perhaps somebody can inform me… But anyway, that is not the point; let's get to the essence of things. Dark Secret has been into music for a while already; this is their second full-length album. There are very good things to say about this band and other things that could be better. Dark Secret brings us pure Death Metal with, at certain moments, a thrashy touch. In a way, it reminds me of the early days of Death Metal. Dark Secrets' music is catchy, fast, melodic, original and indeed interesting. Very accessible (I liked it straight from the beginning), without being annoying after having it heard a couple of times. Lots of interesting riffs and tempo changes make it a good album. Man, the title track is just brilliant! Their main influence is Death; this is pretty obvious when listening to this album. Death has influenced many guitar players and yes, this album is also dedicated to Chuck. As 'not so good' I wanted to mention the general 'demo-like' sound. That is really too bad, because with a better recording and mastering, this album would have gained a lot of power, maybe making it a real killer album. I also think the cover does not really fit the music; it should be more aggressive and professional. But don't let this spoil all the fun; "Evil and Passion' is a really good Death Metal album. I sincerely hope Dark Secret will continue in this manner and find the means do to even better in future!
AOD
ELENIUM
"For Giving - For Getting"
CD 94
Death Metal
Finland
WhAt-a-grEat-relIef!!! It's like I've been waiting for centuries for this one! Which of course was just an impression since the band didn't really loaf around since the release of their latest 3-track demo last year… But you know, I like their music so much that I'm always "out of time and space" when it comes to evoking their name, so… For the other fans (I definitely hope that I'm not the only one!) the crucial question is "Did they make it?". And the answer is yes. Yes, yes and yes because they absolutely haven't lost a thing along their path. They're still those simply exceptional musicians who perfectly know how to handle their instruments. And they also still create that rather unique blend of Progressive, Atmospheric and Death Metal showing a really amazing level of inventiveness and sometimes even audacity. The compositions here all hit the bull's eye pretty badly and I swear that I still don't understand how these guys haven't been signed by Nuclear Blast yet. Especially when I hear some of the German label's newest shit, which is often way below the artistic level of Elenium… "For Giving - For Getting" is the kind of album that is not recommended. It's way more than that! In fact, its purchase should be an obligation for every single inhabitant of this fuckin' planet! If only I were a senator...
RNO
ELYSIUM
"Feedback"
CD 83/100
Melodic Death Metal
Poland
Elysium's new CD won't cause an upturn in the band's career for sure. Yet, I have to say that "Feedback" is a totally genuine piece of art that allies brutality with emotion. Furthermore, I'm persuaded that all the fans of the genre will simply love it. The ingredients you find on this record are quite basic but undeniably efficient: Swedish-like guitar shred, easy - or better - catchy melodies, classy and strong compositions and a super clear production that enhances the band's already confirmed potential. I must add that we still haven't heard that much about Elysium over here but I'm sure they'll soon find their way through this ill-fated and overcrowded jungle where thousands of Metal bands of all sorts fight - unstoppably - to access the throne of recognition... Check this out and you may realize that In Flames and Dark Tranquillity have some serious rivals around the globe!
RNO
Metal Mind / Pitchfork Promotions
EMBRACE
TODAY "Soldiers"
CD 65/100
Hardcore
USA
A relentless and violent beat, cutting-edge guitar riffs, an incredibly harsh vocal performance... Well, eventually, this is the sort of Hardcore we've all heard thousands of times. What actually saves the crew from Massachusetts is the mind-boggling plethora of energy that they fiercely released throughout each song that is featured on this first full-length of theirs. Lovers of direct and basic "in your face" Hardcore are gonna love it for sure... The others may just stop by and appreciate its bouncy content. I'm personally not sure that they're here to stay - at least not with songs such as these...
RNO
ENCHANT
"Tug Of War"
CD 90/100
Progressive Rock/Metal
US
Although the five guys from Enchant have been composing wonderful songs and albums for about ten years, it wasn't until "Break" (their 1998 opus) that I got to know their music. I loved the stuff at first audition. When I received "Tug Of War", I couldn't help venturing, however, if it would surpass the fabulous "Blink Of An Eye", which I still listen to on a monthly (and - to RNO's great displeasure - sometimes daily) basis. I've come to realize that this train of thought doesn't do a band justice. "Surpass or not" isn't a fair criterion to judge progress by. According to my personal standards, a good band is a group of gifted people forming a new, living entity together. And like any living entity, a good band merely evolves through absorbing information and integrating it into its persona with one main objective: to create touching and clever compositions. Therefore Enchant is a good band. I don't know if it's partly due to its region of origin (California), but this music exhales a kind of warmth and light I can't quite put my finger on. My perfect cure for any down mood or morose type of typically Belgian weather for sure… Funny how one can feel such mixture of melancholy and rapture after putting on a CD! Despite the clearly Prog penchant, Enchant achieves something most Prog bands do not: superior technical skill without loss of accessibility and groove. By all means, "Tug Of War" is a worthy new release. It's more straightforward than its predecessors but it's still Enchant: variegated, dynamic, soulful and so alive… This is a magical kaleidoscope; it sucks you in after only one glance inside. The only down side - to me at least - is the production. It's a bit too masculine, too dry… I don't say it's bad, nor is it different from the usual Enchant sound, though. It's just that it's rather compressed and asks to be played quite loud in order to bring out every detail, mostly on the level of vocals. I'm under the impression that sound doesn't give full credit to Ted's expressive and very humane voice, but that's just me being every bit a hair-splitter! Don't pay attention to that. This album is good for you. It beats all the uppers in the world and it's not toxic to your body. You need it, so go get it!
Fae
http://www.insideoutmusic.com / CMM
ERIC
MOORE AND THE GODZ "Twenty-Five Moore Years"
2CD 70/100
Bluesy Rock'n'Roll
USA
Yes, I abhor Blues and all closely linked genres - I wanna be clear as a bell about that - and no, I've never followed any of the Godz' paces, which undeniably puts me in a rather difficult position. Now, from a totally objective perspective, all I can say is that Eric Moore and his buddies rock hard! I can even appreciate some songs from this double CD: the ones who actually don't swing - the straight 4/4 ones... But I categorically can't stand all those bluesy licks, loops and turnarounds that eventually all sound the same and bore me to death... I'm sorry but I can't lie about this one. I know I'm a horrible root-denier troll, but I can't help it... Blues is just not for me! Let's stick to the facts then: the first CD contains 12 songs, new and older ones. All the details about them can be found in the CD-booklet, which by the way is nicely packed with all sort of info regarding Eric's career, music etc. Great. The second disc is a goldmine for the fans: live tracks, demo tracks, rarities, interviews... Great again. Now, I think you're all full-grown persons and know what to do... I personally know I'm gonna put this on the top of my shelf. As soon as I can get a ladder to climb that high, I'll do it.
RNO
http://www.outlawrecordings.com
FINNUGOR
"Death Before Dawn"
CD 89/100
Gothic Black Metal
Hungary/Finland
One year ago, I had the honor to review the first Finnugor CD that I particularly enjoyed. Well, I am pretty lucky; Nikolai Stalhammar and Gabriel Wolf of Finnugor seem to be very productive and also their second release fell in my hands. Well, they did not disappoint me; this new silver disk surpasses the previous one! Finnugor created a very personal style that was further developed in this new album. Basically, they bring us Black Metal, with lots of Gothic influences. The sound and atmosphere is very unique: it is very surrealistic and in a way very menacing and frightening. This result is partially obtained by the very dark and evil vocals, the magnificent work on the very varied keyboards (one will easily recognize Summoning in these) and the excellent guitar work. Add to this some dark female vocals and the spooky 'clown' or 'circus' tunes and the nightmare is totally complete! The artwork with this CD is also magnificent and confirms the fact that Finnugor is not doing things half but are trying to reach perfection within their possibilities. One minor drawback maybe is the overall sound. It is very similar to that of Emperor's "In The Nightside Eclipse". We all know it's possible to do better, but then again - and that's my opinion - it gives extra identity or atmosphere to the album. Do not forget that Finnugor did the entire recording and mixing themselves and the result is not bad at all! Worth mentioning also is the participation of Attila Csihar (ex Mayhem) as guest singer on the track "Cosmic Nest Of Decay". There was also a video clip recorded for this track that is also featured on the CD. The lyrics of this track are in Hungarian, so I dunno what it's really about, but seeing Attila rise from the dead and play zombie (like we used to see them in those B-series horror movies) is pretty funny! "Death Before Dawn" is thus highly recommended and I can't wait for their third release!
AOD
FLESH
DIVINE "Necropolis"
CDR 65/100
Atmospheric Dark Death
France
This is a hard one. This French band, founded somewhere in 1999, brings a strange mixture of some folky Power Metal influences (riffs and solo's from the lead guitar), Death influences (grunts and some rhythm parts), thrashy guitars and atmospheric keyboards. The drums have a clean, but not that powerful sound. They sometimes remind me of certain industrial bands but with less power. Now all these things put together give us an original but not yet finalized own sound. Things are too separated from each other; it's almost as if they have pasted different elements together to get the songs. Sometimes I felt like there were 2 different songs in one track. The production lacks the necessary power that befits this type of music. Especially the drums and guitars aren't as 'fat' as they should be. When I remix these songs in my head and make them much heavier and 'fatter', this music could really make me bang my head. Now it doesn't. Also, the solos aren't always as smooth as they ought to be: little mistakes pop up once in a while. Anyway, it isn't that bad at all but improvements are desirable. Songwriting is something difficult, yet I believe these guys can handle it. Near the end, the songs start lacking originality. However, tracks like numbers 8, "Pulfe", and 10, "Silence", show us that Flesh Divine have it in them to write good melodic Death/Thrash Metal songs that make you move. To show us that they can also make other music than Death Metal, we get treated to 2 atmospheric pieces, which aren't that bad, but totally stand out from the other tracks. The last track, "Dreamland" (a song from their demo) was added as a bonus track. Its intro is the 'O fortuna' Part of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana". The rest is some German humpa stuff on a Metal guitar, which is nice to hear once, but then boring as hell. To conclude I can say that there are some fine tunes to catch but that there's still a long way to go.
Mr Moshpit
GREYSWAN
"Thought - Tormented Minds"
CD 87/100
Atmospheric Rock/Metal
Italy
Still captured in that half-Gothic, half-Doomy web - exactly as they appeared on their latest demo - the Italian 5-piece has now finally released its first full-length album, which by the way is made even more special due to the fact that it's the very first one to see the light through Ebony Tears, Cold Blood Industries' brand-new Atmo/Goth-oriented division. One thing is sure: all the people involved in this venture didn't sweat for nothing. In fact, all soundscapes (without any exception) that are depicted through both the few old and the new songs featured on the present "Thought - Tormented Minds" are violently touching and expressivity levels thus seem to have reached their highest point. Greyswan's palette indeed portrayed sort of a vast and dramatically beautiful ocean of melancholy, where each note that enters your body feels like a "little death", be it orgasmic as a breathless kiss or simply painful as a stake perforating your chest. Productionwise, I was expecting something different. But that happens very often when you hear a good demo. You just start to imagine what the next release could sound like and you usually unconsciously keep that "film" in the back of your mind… Anyway, the airy mood they eventually came up with during the mix totally matches with the music itself. They cleverly emphasized the presence of flangers or swelling sounds and also applied very special care to both definition and homogeny. All these things make the whole record sound just perfect for any true Atmo lover. One you shouldn't miss out on…
RNO
HIRAX
"Barrage Of Noise"
CD 81/100
Heavy Metal
USA
With this new opus from the Hirax clique, many Metal maniacs shall rediscover Katon DePena's inimitable touch. And even those who forgot about this band that earned his spurs twenty years ago on the henceforth legendary Metal Blade, they'll feel the good old Metal flame revive inside their heart and soul. To put it briefly: I'm sure you're all gonna love "Barrage Of Noise". Many people (journalists actually) complained about the short length of the CD but I don't see why one should nag about a disc that is so intense from the very first until the very last second. There's no place for common "filling holes with shit" action here. Every song carries the necessary power and catches the attention of the listener as if he was like hypnotized or something... And that's it. In 2004, Hirax will unleash another record (their best so far, according to what Katon told me) and they'll tour in both Europe and the States. So be prepared!
RNO
http://www.blackdevilrecords.com / Hardebaran
HAMMERS
OF MISFORTUNE "The August Engine"
CD 88/100
Atmospheric Metal
USA
Let us put things straight from the beginning: Hammers Of Misfortune bring us highly original and unique Metal that is very difficult to rank. I added the label 'Atmospheric' because it is a very strong album, with a particular atmosphere throughout the different tracks, which can go from euphoric to really dark and melancholic. Not so good for sensible and schizophrenic people I would say! It is really amazing that this band had to wait so long before getting a serious deal for the release of this excellent album: it was finished in the beginning of 2002 and got released only recently… Luckily for us all, the Americans found an Italian(!) label prepared to offer the necessary deal! "Where is this world going", is what I ask myself from time to time… As I said in the beginning, this second album of Hammers Of Misfortune is a blend of different musical styles and influences. I could name for example Pink Floyd or Suicidal Tendencies, but I'm pretty sure other listeners would come up with other names… The musicians are really highly skilled; the composition of the instrumental opening track "The August Engine Part 1", is as sophisticated and variegated as what we are used to hear from let's say Steve Vai. Really excellent! But these sophisticated parts can also be found in other tracks throughout the album. This album is really rich: different instruments are used (piano, acoustic guitars, organ,…), lots of different male/female voices (everybody in the band takes care of some vocals except drummer Chewy (well OK, if his voice is similar to that of our Star Wars friend with the same name, that is pretty understandable!). Really, pay a visit to this band's website (www.hammersofmisfortune.com) and take some time to listen to the few tracks they propose in their music section, and I'm pretty sure you will all agree with me: this piece of art is really classy! For those who already know this band (I guess they are not so numerous): as I didn't hear their first album "The Bastard" I can't make the comparison but from what I read about it this new album is also very unique!
AOD
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
ICED
EARTH "The Reckoning"
CD 81/100
Heavy/Power Metal
USA
Here's a nice short yet mouthwatering excerpt from the new Iced Earth album that shall see the light in mid-January next year. This limited edition digipack MCD contains four tracks of genuine Heavy/Power Metal with Jon Schaffer's henceforth easily identifiable touch. The first track is of course "The Reckoning", where Tim Owens shows great versatility through the rich harmonies that are developed throughout the whole nearly symphonic composition. With its past experience in Judas Priest, Tim is no real newcomer, I know, but names don't always make the difference so… Good job! Pity the song comes in a fade-out version… We'll have to wait another bit to hear the rest… The second song is quite special as it's an unplugged version of "When The Eagle Cries". The result is a tad mellow but I can't deny that it's a nice tune. Next, we have another fade-out version track, which is "Valley Forge". This one contains particularly vibrant vocal lines and - again - I'm really looking forward to hearing the full version… Last but not least, you get "Hollow Man" that strangely reminds me of the first Shadow Gallery album, probably because of the acoustic verses, the strong chorus and the general catchiness… Anyway, be prepared for "The Glorious Burden"!
RNO
http://www.spv.de / Petting Zoo Propaganda
IN
PIECES "Learning To Accept Silence"
CD 91/100
Emo Hardcore
U.S.A.
Oh my god! Why didn't I hear about this band before? To be honest, I received the album and I didn't pay much attention to it due to lack of time. It was the last CD I listened to from this big pile here on my desk. Once I discovered the beauty of it, I regretted the fact that I didn't have much time for it. But I made up with the album! Since then, I've been listening to it over and over again. It's very simple, if I have to compare In Pieces with another band: Thursday! Just with the simple exception that they push it all a little much further. They are more Emo in their Emo parts, and more Hardcore in their Hardcore parts. Meaning they flow from very emotional, stirring parts to hard crushing beats. And the singer does the same thing with his voice as well. To complete the full picture, they also introduce very fast Punk Rock in a few of their songs, like Astream does. Many bands try to combine lots of styles and happen to fail, but not In Pieces; they do one heck of a job! And putting a peaceful song right in the middle of the album… it takes a big pair of you know what! I've got really nothing negative to say about this album, on the contrary, I truly love it!
YVES
http://www.escapeartistrecords.com / Conspiracy Records
INVOCATOR
"Through The Flesh To The Soul"
CD 80/100
Thrash Metal
Denmark
Hey hey hey, look who's back! It's been quite a long time since Invocator brought us a new album! For those who don't remember, the Danish band released four excellent full-lengths in the early nineties (the two first on the cult label Black Mark and the others on Progress/Die Hard Music) and they finally split in '95 due to the classic lack of chemistry. Why didn't they come back earlier? Good question… I suppose Jacob Hansen was too busy with his studio work to find new musicians. Or maybe he consciously wanted to take a break and get some distance, I don't know; that can be another option… Anyway, now they're back in full force with an extremely strong album on which you clearly hear that Jacob hasn't really been absent (in the figurative sense) for all those years. Well, with his job, he definitely couldn't; that's a fact… But the ideas he developed with the backing of his new band mates do not sound like a pathetic patchwork/copycat of all the bands he worked with lately in his studio - just in case you were wondering… So, we can affirm that Invocator has found a new, impressive and very personal way to compose. Without shilly-shallying. Now, there's also one thing I don't really agree with. I'm talking about the "we're hundred percent Thrash" attitude, which they apparently overemphasized a crumb. Invocator is no R'n'B for sure, but I'm sorry: one can't say they're a true Thrash band either because there are too many modern - sometimes nearly "Nu" - elements disseminated in their songs and one must be deaf as a post not to admit such evidence. And it's not all about the clear vocals on the airy refrains only. There really are many things here that make this release a very special and certainly not-just-Thrash one. I really wanted to insist on this. Nevertheless, just for "Fire Cleanses All", I'd buy it immediately! If I didn't have it already of course…
RNO
JOYKILLER
"Ready Sexed Go"
CD 77/100
Punk Rock
U.S.A.
Well, well, well. What do we have here? A new Joykiller album? Actually not! It's an anthology! I've got to be honest; I've never been a huge fan of Joykiller (although I do enjoy them), but I've always appreciated their music and their eighties Punk spirit, although they're a band from the mid nineties. On this 32-song album you'll find excerpts from their 3 albums plus 8 unreleased tracks that were originally going to be released under the monikers "The Go" and "Gentleman Jack". If you haven't heard about this band before - meaning you like Sum 41, Blink 182 and Good Charlotte 3785 - you have probably missed one of the pillars of Punk Rock and you probably won't like this album on one hand; or… you'll discover one of the 'legendary' Punk Rock bands on the other hand. It's never too late for it. Others, who have been there since the beginning, won't hesitate to go to the record store at once.
YVES
KLIMT
1918 "Undressed Momento"
CD 83/100
Atmospheric Metal
Italy
One thing is sure: the Italian label My Kingdom Music knows where talent hides. Born from the ashes of the slightly progressive Melodic Death Metal combo Another Day, Klimt 1918 is one of those bands that make you wander through ethereal dreamy landscapes, where emotions draw inimitable schemas in your heart and soul. Influenced by both the avant-garde Metal wave and the 80's New Wave, Klimt 1918 achieved to amalgamate the best of each of these genres to eventually make one new and enjoyable breed that has very little in common with what you've heard so far. Some will consider this a non-Metal release but I can't help deaf and blind people... Be open-minded enough and check it out; I swear it's worthwhile!
RNO
L.A.
GUNS "Golden Bullets"
CD 70/100
Hard Rock
USA
When there's an old Hard Rock band to exhume, there's only one thing to do: call Mausoleum Records. I still wonder if all those old-fashioned bands can really sell but at least, the Belgian label sticks to its beliefs and the guys just do what they have to do for the supposedly existent old (and maybe new) fans. L.A. Guns are one of these bands that voyaged through countless complex stories and hearsays before they finally reunited to bring some more noise. It all started twenty years ago, in days that were evidently more profitable for the genre. Then, shortly afterwards, started the connections with the famous Guns 'n' Roses, followed all the splits and the unfortunately unavoidable standard chaos for the boys who obviously were all in a "sex, drugs and Rock'n'Roll" state of mind. Concretely, what we get here is a collection of songs taken from a couple of the band's albums, some live shit and the track "My Michelle", which is extracted from "A Rock Tribute To Guns And Roses" featuring Phil on vocals, Tracii on guitars, Gilby Clarke on guitar, Kyle Kyle on bass and Randy Castillo on drums... Not that bad after all, don't you think?
RNO
http://www.mausoleum-records.com
MADOG
"Fairytales Of Darkness"
CD 68/100
Teutonic Power Metal
Germany
We begin this fairytale with a calm pseudo Irish melody. You know, the kind that makes ships crash into icebergs. The next track, "Fairy Of Darkness", reaches familiar shores, mid tempo Power Metal with a touch of Speed here and there. Unfortunately, in the next 2 or 3 songs the quality of the relatively decent musicianship is sinking faster than a steamboat due to the vocalist's horrendous English pronunciation. Luckily enough, things take a turn for the better with the fifth song "The Hunter": invigorating refrain, catchy tunes and the vocals are also slightly better (Incidentally, it can provide for an unwanted comical effect, like at one point I was sure he was singing I am your Tracy Lords until I checked the lyrics). "Fairytales Of Darkness" is actually a rerecorded version of Madog's originally self financed record. Let's give 'em the benefit of the doubt: buy their record so they can send the singer to English class.
Samoht
http://www.soundriot.net / Rock Inc.
MATCHBOOK
ROMANCE "Stories And Alibis"
CD 92/100
Emo Punk
U.S.A.
I knew Matchbook romance before from their EP "West For Wishing", which was excellent, but now they've really done it. They reached real deep into their genius minds and made one hell of an album. What I've been through with this album is really particular and personal. It's something that doesn't happen often in life; this album "Stories And Alibis" sounded exactly how I felt that precise day and the feeling never left. I'm sure you had that once, maybe twice, in your life… However, this is not the reason why it got such a high rate. This album just rocks in every sense of the word. It's an accomplished album, with lots of variation: Rock, Punk, Emo, Hardcore,… emotional, passionate, sharp, melodious, … and I can go on like this. I especially love the acoustic songs on it because they bring such variety. Then again, I also like the clean voice, the repeated screaming (although they're less frequent than on their previous album), and all those breaks... I can't even find the right words for it. One thing's for sure: I just can't wait to step into my car tomorrow to go to work so I have an excuse to listen to this album once again!
YVES
MATERMACHINA
"...Into Serenity"
self-produced MCD 84/100
Modern Insane Metal
Italy
The Italian Matermachina make me feel cold. Note that I'm not saying they're insignificant. On the contrary! In fact, the coldness that I feel inside is the evident result of their perfect aptitude to express themselves and share their anguishes and fears through their music... Probably - partly - because the musicians learnt to flawlessly control their rhythms (they probably trained on Meshuggah or similar crazy stuff) and also because the singer acquired an excellent grunt technique that allows him to be efficient in a Death range as well as in a more Hardcore-oriented frame. Moreover, Industrial and Atmospheric influences finalize the opera, with more clear vocal interventions, dirty effects and a clear will to drive you insane. To me, one of the most representative tracks is the second one, "Neurohaeven", where progressive/noisy structures make their appearance and eventually end into sort of a hysterical debauchery, which finally falls into heavy and frank atmospheres again shortly afterwards. And you find yourself trapped inside a weird twirl where you encounter so many elements you can't concentrate anymore and... Waw, this is so great! I'm really looking forward to hearing their first full-length album. Such an exceptional band must be shown to the entire world!
RNO
http://www.matermachina.com / Hardebaran
MECHANIX
"History Re-rotten"
self produced CD 66/100
Speed Metal
Germany
Everybody has his doppelganger they say, well this is for sure true for Megadeth. And its name is Mechanix. For those who might ignore it, Mechanix is also the name of the last track of Megadeth's "Killing Is My Business'. Coincidence? I don't think so… Mechanix is the band founded by one Wolf Reinish, back in 1995. This is actually their first full-length album; they released some EP's before. Mechanix is indeed an almost perfect clone of Megadeth: if somebody would have put on the CD without letting me see the cover first, I might just have mistaken it for the newest Megadeth album. Megadeth older style though. Same overall sound, almost identical vocals, same type of compositions… Also, same type of nice solos; this must be said. The sound quality is rather equal to that of the first Megadeth album too, which is not as good as the solos… Mechanix claim to combine elements from Sex Pistols, The Exploited, Crowbar, Ministry, Metallica and of course Megadeth, but honestly the influence of the latter one is then really DOMINANT! OK, for those who did not get it yet, this is food for old school Megadeth fans, but make no mistake, it does not tip the real thing and I should know because I am one of those old fans!
AOD
MISTRESS
"II:The Chronovisor"
CD 68/100
Harsh Deathcore
England
This second release of Birmingham's Mistress remind me of Bolt Thrower, Abomination and a lot of other hateful Death Metal bands from the early nineties. I presume it's because of the strong Punk/Grind touch the guys plunked in their tunes. Unfortunately, I don't believe they're going to make it with such an outmoded approach. This album certainly won't leave you totally indifferent but it's not a transcendent work either. "Hit Bottom" and "Piss For Blood, Shit For Brains" may wake you up for a little while but having only two killer songs on your album is really not a solution. They have the technique; they have the sound... now, they should focus more on the writing and the feel.
RNO
NICKELBACK
"The Long Road"
digipack CD 88/100
Damn catchy Heavy Rock
USA
I know... You probably all saw them on MTV already and maybe there's no use to waste extra liters of ink to express how great "The Long Road" sounds. But that's my job as a reviewer, so I'm gonna be a good boy and I help spread the word for those who - how can that possibly be? - missed Nickelback's newest album. Where do I start? Mmh, well, I guess the only thing I really want to talk about is the super easy-listening edge that the band developed through the entirety of its work. Actually, the songs are so pleasant that I'm thinking: Staind was really good but these guys went even further, including more nearly atmospheric Rock elements and using in-your-face and efficient composition patterns exclusively. Songs such as "Feelin' Way Too Damn Good" remind me of Sense Field; probably because of the Beatle-ish groove that gently drives all melodies straight to the point without losing an ounce of intensity. Others, like the ultra-commercialized "Someday", are damn "stupid" in a way, yet they're always hundred percent irreproachable. Just because you feel all right when you listen to them… Who said you had to make it complex to hit the jackpot? Here come the Nirvanas of the new millennium!
RNO
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com
NICTA
"Dark Rays Rip The Light"
demo CD-R 80/100
Power/Black mixture
Italy
Apparently, the Italian underground has plenty of good stuff to offer lately, like for example this new promo of Nicta, which is a rather young band that had the guts to mix Power Metal with more extreme styles like Thrash and Black Metal to eventually come up with a very innovative and not at all nonsensical result. I'm really pleased to hear newcomers as great as these guys, especially since labels sometimes have pathetic deaf morons working at their respective A&R departments, thus making it virtually impossible to grab an official disc from the shelves without having to fear that it could be pure shit compared with what the self-production department can offer. I'm sure you all know what I mean... Anyway, let's go back to Nicta... Apart from the general musicianship that is hundred percent awesome, I think the utilization of symphonic arrangements - totally synth based - enhance the beauty and the fullness of the atmospheres and that is the band's true winning card. In fact, without the different synth layers, the guitars would find themselves lost in emptiness; same thing goes for vocals, though their tone variations are pretty nice and colorful throughout all the songs. The sound quality, as about everything on this demo, is professional, so I'll simply recommend you check it out for yourselves...
RNO
NOCTAMBULANT
GRIMNESS "No Title"
demo CD-r 69/100
Atmospheric Black/Death Metal
Netherlands
Dear Tjaard, yes,
this demo CD is for sure worth a review in Beyond Webzine!
Noctambulant Grimness is a semi-professional act, which, according to what I
could read about this band, knows to play good live shows. Not everybody is
allowed to play as support act for The Gathering I suppose… Nowadays, Noctambulant
Grimness consists of 6 band members of whom - very worth mentioning - 2 nice
girls on keyboards and bass guitar. The band plays very atmospheric Black Metal.
This second demo was recorded in 2002. From the very first seconds of this 3-track
demo on, gentle keyboard waves support the structure of the rather complex tracks,
full of tempo changes, various guitar riffs and varied vocals going from clean
to very deep grunts. The double guitars give a lot of body to the songs and
probably explain the strength of Noctambulant Grimness live. Unfortunately,
the production of this demo is not really great. I would be very, very curious
to hear Noctambulant Grimness with excellent sound quality. I really hope for
me, and of course also for them, that this will be possible one day!
AOD
http://www.nocta.nl / T&M Promoties
PENNYWISE
"From The Ashes"
CD 83/100
Punk Rock
U.S.A.
Pennywise is one of the bands that have shaped me musically, when I was a "kid". I remember listening to their albums back in the days when I was 15 and that really taught me that music is more than what our ears get to hear. Since then, the band hasn't changed a bit. They are what they've always been. And it is the same thing with this new album "From The Ashes". They received lots of criticism because people reproach them playing the same thing over and over again. But I don't agree with that. Pennywise is Pennywise and they should keep doing what they do in order to keep their identity! They've done a great job at it with this album. Pennywise is not only about Punk Rock, it's about politics and their vision on it. They've always got interesting issues to talk about on their albums. And this one has got a whole lot to offer, due to the problematic government in the States - something I don't have to explain to you. From this point of view, this album has got lots of personality. Music wise, I think this album is better than their previous one. It's more solid, harder, stronger and faster. Also, this album features a DVD with fragments of the recording of their newest album, of songs in the studio and rehearsal room, of live performances, of how they discuss songs, of old footage… All in all it doesn't have that much to offer - only fragments here - but it does give you a big overview of what they are and what they do. It's kind of worthwhile to take a good look at it. And it has got a lot of funny footage. In two words: Pennywise rules.
YVES
PROJECT:
FAILING FLESH "A Beautiful Sickness"
self produced CD 86/100
Death Metal
USA
Putting the CD of Project: Failing Flesh in my player for the first time was like a sledgehammer blow right in my face! Didn't pay too much interest at the CD cover and documentation at first but I did pretty soon after my recovery, trying to identify what attacked me with such brutal violence! Well this aggressive sonic experiment seems to be the work of three scientists (as they call themselves); co-founders Kevin 131 (sound-engineer at Assembly Line Laboratories for a living) and Tim Gutierrez, together with Eric Forrest, an old Metal stager from E-Force and of course Voivod. Project: Failing Flesh stands for sophisticated Death Metal with and industrial touch, with some influences of Voivod (of course) but also for example Strapping Young Lad. Pounding drums, fast guitar lines and fragmented raw Death vocals form the basis of this work. Some additional vocals, keyboards and instruments (e.g. the viola on "9mm Movie") provide the finishing touch. This CD contains nine original tracks; it closes with a nice version of Venom's "Warhead". It is one of those CD's you can put on a couple of times in a row without feeling bored, so what else needs to be said??? Well maybe just this: the good news is that Project: Failing Flesh has signed a deal recently, so we will all be able to buy and listen to this masterpiece very soon (in December). Only if you are ready for it, of course!
AOD
http://www.projectfailingflesh.com
SANITY
"The Demo"
2 CD-R demo 84/100
Symphonic Melodic Metal with Progressive Influences
The Netherlands
This Dutch Progressive Rock quintet has brought us a nice professionally packed demo called "The Demo". It's a 2 CD-demo. The first disc contains "The Audio Demo"; the second one is "The Video Demo". Now I must be honest… I haven't seen the video demo yet, so I won't say a thing about it. I concentrated on the audio demo. What I heard here were two songs from their first demo "Beyond Believe" and three live tracks. I will be short about the live tracks. I felt some good things where going on but the sound wasn't good enough to give you a fair review on these songs, so I will give a full comment on the 2 studio tracks now. The first track is called "Together As One". It starts with a great catchy riff and turns into a more heavy song with good singing and nice keyboard leads. The second song, "Man Along The Line", is a beautiful ballad that starts with a very nice acoustic part that lasts for more than three minutes. During these three minutes the lead guitar does a marvelous job. Then comes in the rhythm guitar, with good riffs, but still the song remains rather balladesque. The sounds of the combination of keyboards and the guitar riffs provide the music with a lot of Dream Theater and Queensrÿche influences, but also with a personal sound. The singer reminds me of Bono (U2) and also David Bowie. It has something to do with the fact that he holds the notes and words for a long time. There is a lot of variation in the songs, thanks to the excellent drumming and, as I said, combination between guitars and keys. Anyway, a good demo. I can't wait to hear the new 4-track single that's going to be released soon.
Mr. Moshpit
SAVALLION
DAWN "The Charge"
CD 65/100
Power Metal
Germany
Power Metal scene nowadays has to face continuous internal struggle to allow individual bands to set themselves apart from one another. As it is, there is in fact no real room for true innovation. It is called CLASSIC Heavy Metal for a reason. You just can't tamper with it. So the only way to secure your place in this style is to make sure the songs are just that sparkle better than that of the next eager wannabe. Technically, Savallion Dawn are relatively well on the mark here, but their Achilles' heel is the vocalist. While he does not sing out of tune really, his range is rather flat. In his defense it must be said that his utterances are laden with emotion, but his voice simply needs more control in order for him to meet the epicness of the guitars.
Samoht
http://www.soundriot.net / Rock Inc.
SPIRIT
WEB "Far Beyond The Visual Mind"
CD 60/100
Heavy/Power Metal
USA
I tried to listen to this one a couple of times already but I was never able to find something interesting to say about Spirit Web. Maybe their music sounds cool on stage, I don't know... Fact is that on the CD, they're rather much boring me... The songs are not really bad, but I can't find any "anchor" in them. There's nothing catchy. I mean melodically. Now, if we bring the subject to groove, more points can be gathered. In fact, the rhythm section works really fine. But you can't make a record if you have nothing more than a beat to put forward. Also, the production dynamics are not the best. Everything sounds a little bit too crude and the whole recording/mixing shit doesn't render justice to the nice weird elements that Spirit Web sometimes incorporate in their compositions. With different arrangements and a richer sound, they might please me. For the moment I feel a little disappointed...
RNO
http://www.mausoleum-records.com
SUFFERING
SOULS "Incarnated Perfection"
CD 72/100
Symphonic Black Metal
Germany
This is good for Black Metal fans indeed. The CD starts in Dante's Inferno (that's what I thought of), suffering souls all around and a very cheerful voice welcoming you in this doomed place. After that, 7 melodic Black Metal songs, all of them very fast all the way; the only time you're allowed to gasp for some breath is actually in between the songs, for maybe one sec every time! Well all right, the beginning of the fifth track allows you to rest a bit; first come some samplings and after that an intro with a nice keyboard part (very majestic indeed), followed again by a hurricane of guitars, almost invariably supported by high speed drums and melodic keyboards. Black grunts from outer grave fit perfectly with this concept. Not bad at all but it also does not leave a 'living' impression either. With this I mean that no melodies remain spinning around in your head, no real recognizable parts. It is all very well performed, everybody will agree with that, but for me, it is just too monotonous.
AOD
http://www.darkwind-records.de / Rock Inc.
TEUFEL
"Diabolic And Tender"
demo CD-R 76/100
Melodic Gothic Death Metal
Cuba
Those whom would have no great expectations about a Cuban Metal band should absolutely listen to this demo and stick to facts instead of gossips... Teufel is one of these nice discoveries you sometimes make in the underground scene; at least if you dare to look beyond your own boundaries (I know lots of people just don't, which is a real pity...). The sound quality is a little fuzzy and oversaturated, the female vocals don't always appear their best (because of the recording quality, not because of the singers, which are quite good), but the overall result remains awesome and I personally find it rather original even. The songs are well constructed with nice melodic lines, catchy and varied vocal performances, strong and heavy rhythm guitars and also a couple of special interventions that make the demo sound more unique. The evolution between the first demo "Apocalyptic Show" that was recorded back in 2001 and this newest effort is astounding. If they keep on improving their style like this, the forthcoming third demo shall be a true masterpiece...
RNO
THE
DAY EVERYTHING BECAME NOTHING "Le Mort"
CD 76/100
Goregrind
Australia
First of all, thank you very much guys for having such an ultra concise name. Very easy to keep in mind by the way... Now, the nice thing is that these Australian sickos seem to really care about what they play, thus they're not delivering the usual noisy crap where rhythms collapse every two bars. Besides, blast beats are (deliberately) not their specialty and the few ones they dive in are very nicely controlled, which indicates two distinct things: an evident will to stay accessible and also a very welcome mastery both compositionwise and technically speaking. The ten songs featured on this album however remain very heavy and fast, though the emphasis is clearly put on loudness more than speed. Downtuned guitars, crushing grooves... not for the hypersensitive among you for sure...
RNO
http://www.noescaperecords.com
THE
FIFTH SUN "The Moment Of Truth"
self produced CD 87/100
Death Metal
USA
"Wow, this one has an excellent production!" was the first thought I had while listening to this CD for the first time. Not surprisingly one would say; it was recorded at studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordstrom (for those who might ignore it, that's one hell of a reference in the Swedish Metal scene). But the surprising part is that the guys from The Fifth Sun flew over from Northern Minnesota, USA to Sweden for the recording of this album and, having no record deal, entirely financed this by themselves. Also, they waited many years before actually recording their first CD. This proves indeed how dedicated these guys are to their music and they can truly be proud of this album, for it is ranked highly above the average nowadays' Death Metal releases. The Fifth Sun basically bring us Metal with a very high Death value without just copying it. This album contains all necessary elements to make it an excellent album: highly skilled musicians (brilliant heavy guitar sound and solos), interesting lyrics and powerful varied vocals, a great and clear sound and a nice packaging (referring to Maya and Aztec tribes, which I suppose inspired the name of the band and probably fascinate at least one of the band members). If you are interested in the band and album, please visit their website, try out the sample MP3's and order "The Moment Of Truth" straight from The Fifth Sun. You won't regret it; I guarantee you that! As The Fifth Sun would be saying: Let the music do the talking!
AOD
THE
WAKE "Ode To My Misery"
CD 65/100
Melodic Death Metal
Finland
A title like "Ode To My Misery", an explicitly moody cover of several doves in flight and the mere fact that The Wake hails from Finland almost had me convinced that I would be hearing the kind of depressive tunes that Sentenced are so good at. That is until the first note came out of my speakers. Turns out these 4 Fins have more in common with the modern Swedish Death Metal scene (Arch Enemy, At The Gates around "Slaughter Of The Soul"). This sort of deceptive strategy is as bold as it is tricky. While it will surely offset it against the competition - many of whose covers, admittedly, are of poor ilk - it also stands a good chance of repelling/attracting the wrong people. Apart from that, the crisp production, courtesy of the famous Finnvox Studios, makes this a very enjoyable record , full of enticing guitar harmonies, yet also fairly generic in a musical sense.
Samoht
TRANSCENDING
BIZARRE? "The Four Scissors"
CD 80/100
Melodic Death Metal
Greece
This debut album of Transcending Bizarre? is definitely highly original. Basically, you could say it is melodic Death Metal, but when you listen to this album it is pretty obvious that Transcending Bizarre? mixes many different styles. It is sometimes very industrial, sometimes pure Death or Speed Metal, sometimes rather Atmospheric in a dark way. I even found some Folk elements! A very unusual mix but I think it really works. Many elements such as the female vocals, varied male vocals, keyboard arrangements, samplings and the guitars make this music and compositions of Transcending Bizarre? very sophisticated and unique. I particularly loved the track "Coils (0.618….)". Very atmospheric intro, majestic female vocals, excellent guitar work, once melancholic then again very aggressive and cheerful… This track has been spinning around in my head for days already. The leading theme through the album is about the system of which we all are prisoners and how it breaks down the human mind. This sounds pretty familiar to me I'm afraid and it is indeed very frightening! Just have a look at the nice artwork of this CD and you will know! Wanna listen to something new? Well, then you definitely should give this CD a try...
AOD
TRANSPORT
LEAGUE "Multiple Organ Harvest"
CD 82/100
Hostile Nu Metal
Sweden
Seamiew Records' newest hope is nothing but a very experienced act that could impossibly disappoint the fans of the genre. "Multiple Organ Harvest", the fourth opus released by the Swedish sound terrorists, can be compared with an accumulation of heaviness and violence, which is - fortunately enough - not totally impermeable to melody. Musically very close to both Nu Metal and Thrashcore, the new songs the band delivered are haunting thanks to their very modern approach that is nicely enhanced by the killer production the whole album benefits from. Some riffs inevitably remind you of the nineties Scandinavian Death Metal wave but the grooves make them sound totally different and I would even dare say original. In fact, I've heard many bands so far that tried to attain a similar result but only Transport League found the right answer. Your collection needs it!
RNO
http://www.seamiewrecords.nl / Zomba
TRIVIUM
"Ember to Inferno"
CD 65/100
Modern Death Metal
US
Far from being trivial, Florida based Trivium deliver 12 examples of mid tempo Speed induced Death Metal. Mind you, Trivium sounds nothing like your typical Cannibal Corpse clone with the kind of (sub)standard Morrisound production that Tampa Bay usually spawns. Instead they form a hybrid between the modern Melodic Death of their European contemporaries Arch Enemy and Dark Tranquillity or old Metallica (when my magickal master, mystical Cliff Burton was still alive). Unfortunately, the Metallica element is a bit too familiar for comfort, as many a riff is ripped straight off "Ride The Lightning" or "Master Of Puppets" and then pasted in a Trivium song. Aside from that it is a nice record in its own accord.
Samoht
http://ww.lifereforcerecords.com / Hard Life Promotion
TVANGESTE
"Firestorm"
CD 77/100
Symphonic Black Metal
Russia
Don't be fooled by the cover on Tvangeste's sophomore album Firestorm. It may look exceptionally amateurish in today's world of Photoshop and the like, but its content is far from your run off the Datsja mediocrity. The songs take a strong influence from latter day Cradle of Filth, particularly in the synths department, courtesy of the beautiful Naturelle (I know, it sounds like a porn star). What makes this album stands out from all the other symphonic Black Metal combos is the way they worked together with the Baltic Symphonic Orchestra. Now, usually the combination of a classical orchestra with Metal does little to impress me, certainly when it comes to Black Metal. This time around, however, the cooperation does seem to have brought something more than merely the sum of its parts. While such records often come across as amalgams of cut and paste work with sections that are at times individually exquisite but fall incoherently short as a whole, Firestorm consists of SONGS, thoughtfully arranged and lovingly executed with wonderful violin melodies and celestial vocals. It may not concern any Deathcult Armageddon, but it is definitely worthy of your attention.
Samoht
TYR
"Eric The Red"
CD 90
Viking Metal
Norway
Folkish Metal releases often lack intensity and/or authenticity and that's where Tyr really stand out from the crowd as their songs are strong and pure to say the least. Based on the great Norse tradition, all of the compositions and lyrics reflect the band's deep will to revitalize the Northern ballads in order to spread the word to the entire sphere that apparently forgot about the Scandinavian epic past including its legendary drakkars, its ancient wisdom, myths and what not. Lyrics in languages as different as Faroese, Danish and English make the second Tyr opus much diversified and - most importantly - extremely haunting. The other great thing here is that the recording is remarkably clean, unambiguous and full of dynamism, which confers a confident and majestic aspect of some sort to the already powerful hymns the guys eventually came up with. I can hardly be more eloquent than my other press-colleagues who already said the best about Tyr. Just go ahead and buy it…
RNO
VICTORY
"Instinct"
CD 82/100
Heavy Hard Rock
Germany
Seven silent years have passed since the last opus of the illustrious German Hard Rockers. But they're back in force with a new album that is among their loudest I've heard so far (though I have to admit that I haven't heard lots of them). The songs are straight, sometimes even basic, but they carry the required constituents and eventually all hit the bull's eye. Only a few (actually the more bluesy ones, like "Another Notch In The Bedpost" for example) are not strong enough to compete with the rest, though this may be due to my allergy to Blues. Hey, you even get a new "Starman", which is not the one by David Bowie, but also damn catchy and I think it deserves to be broadcasted on all major radio stations twice a day... I was a little too young to discover Victory at their early stages but I swear I'm gonna keep both my eyes on them in the future! I just hope we won't have to wait another seven years for the next record...
RNO
http://www.spv.de / Petting Zoo Propaganda
VOICE
"Soulhunter"
CD 65/100
Melodic Teutonic Metal
Germany
Considering the amount of Power Metal releases coming from Germany each month, I wonder if you walk up to someone at Wacken and ask him if he (or she) plays in a band, he would look at you in with bewildereed eyes and say: "What, you think everyone plays in one? Nono, I play in four bands." Aside from this, I wouldn't want to tarnish Voice's accomplishments with their fourth album "Soulhunter". The Germans know how to deliver bombastic anthems for the metal hearted. Sure, there is not the slightest hint of innovation in sight, but none are requested or desirable for either band members or fans. Each song is crafted for a single purpose: to show the denim and leather clad metalheads a good time. Hair down, Bittburger in one hand, the other fist raised in the air to the sign of the beast.
Samoht
http://www.afm-records.de / Rock Inc.
WHILE
HEAVEN WEPT "Of Empires Forlorn"
CD 87
Doom Metal
USA
And there we go again with another fantastic release that is brought to us by the English Rage Of Achilles. For those who missed While Heaven Wept's first steps, here's a brief presentation of their line-up: Tom Phillips on vocals/guitars (also known for his work in the cult True Metal band Twisted Tower Dire), Jim Hunter on Bass (another TTD member...), Scott Loose (member of the brilliant Atmospheric Metal band Brave - I truly love them) and Jason Gray on drums. Nice people, huh? Now, if you never heard about them, it's quite normal. In fact, it's been five years since their latest release "Sorrow Of The Angels" so we're obviously not dealing with a super productive band... Moreover, "Of Empires Forlorn" was initially released on the Italian Eibon Records through a limited pressing of 1000 copies only. Fortunately, some people with good taste noticed that the album had to be spread on a larger scale. And these people have been damn right because this album is a real masterpiece mustn't end in the wrong hands - business-wise I mean... Heavy, airy, passionate, melancholic... It has all the necessary assets to represent the Doom Metal genre. A must...
RNO