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Dyscord
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July 1st -
Cradle Of Filth (black metal/metal)
Forbidden Son
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Obituary,
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#
21 LUCIFERS - "IN THE NAME
OF..." - (Pulverised Records)
Style - Death/Grind
Origin - Sweden
Rob's Review: I get hot pants now-a-days every time a band
from Sweden graces my review rotation (maybe I'm sharing too much with you
people) and I'm forced to write a plethora of kind words and gushing accolades.
Someone much more important and uglier than I should stand up someday and anoint
this country as the shrine to metal and build a statue of a giant metal hand
sign to commemorate the event. It would be like the Metal Hall of Fame and you
would ride through the museum on a giant flying V guitar.
At any rate, there hasn't been many, if any, Swedish metal
recently that has disappointed me and 21 LUCIFERS is just another example of the
excellence that flows from the loins of that country. They're calling this
death/grind which is a label that has come to mean much more than just your
father's Napalm Death sound. No, that label is much more diverse and almost
requires sub-genres to weed everyone out. In 21 LUCIFERS' case, their
"death/grind" has the familiar Gothenburg twist to the music inspired by an At
the Gates and The Haunted style. Which is really a great combination with the
classic grind sound throughout and is tighter than my short and curley's on a
chilly day. There are 21 tracks (ooh, creative) to this CD and not many clock in
over 2:00 in length.
There is absolutely no filler here and the songs bump along at a frantically
brutal pace which is also comparable to that Gothenburg aura. One of the
highlights here is the vocals which have a healthy array of Lamb of God-ish
dirty death style mixed in with a more controlled black metal thing with a few
drive-bys of some old school death gurgles as well. Very diverse and never
boring especially considering the abbreviated length of most of the songs. Me
likey long time. www.21lucifers.com
- www.myspace.com/21lucifers
Production: 10/10; Performance: 10/10; Originality:
8/10; Vocals: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
286 - "THE VIEW INSIDE" -
(Innerlight Records)
Style - Hard Rock
Origin - Los Angelas, CA
Rob's Review: It's good to see 286 is forging ahead into a
bright future. I seem to remember reviewing their first three-song EP called
"Profile" a couple years ago to a somewhat glowing review and a hope for a full
length soon after. We now hear from 286 again only to be graced with one less
song than its predecessor. But alas, they do include a video this time. My
opinions haven't changed much on the music of 286 from the last time. The band
JUNKYARD is still pretty evident as an influence (intended or otherwise) and the
performance is filled with high energy liveliness that would make any fan of
dirty, sleazy rock 'n' roll want to run out and throw a few beer bottles at them
out of pure love. But c'mon man give us some more to chew on. I think maybe the
whiskey and beer are taking its toll on the 286 rehearsal space out in
Tinseltown to only accomplish a two-song EP in the two years after releasing a
three song-er. Can't wait for the one song EP to arrive.
www.286music.com -
www.myspace.com/286music
Production: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Originality: 7/10 Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 7.75/10
40 BELOW SUMMER - "Rain"
(Crash Music)
Style - Metal
Origin - New Jersey
Heather's Review - In this day of metal, it is
difficult to try to find a way to excel amongst the masses. With their
aggressive melody, powerful riffs, and a vocalist that can jump between vocal
styles like it was nothing, 40 Below Summer pulls it off. The music sounds like
a combination of Tool, Shadow's Fall, and Faith No More, but what emerges is a
completely original sound that will take them far in the music business. Why go
and buy this? The music kicks ass!
Recorded at Crash Records, Inc, the overall sound is suburb
with great dynamics and an ever changing melody. All of the songs are backed by
defined riffs, powerful drumming, and a creative vocal style that leaves many
bands in the dust.
The band also had other albums. Their first demo, "Sideshow Freaks" , was the
demo that got them noticed by No Name Management. (think Slipknot and Fear
Factory ) Not long after, the band was invited to sign on. The band eventually
signed a deal with the London/Sire Records label. They then released their
second album with Razor And Tie Records in 2003, and sold over 100,000 albums
with the two releases! With Crash Music, the band released 9 new tracks plus a
bonus dvd. The new album is called "The Last Dance".
For more info on the band, check out
www.40belowsummer.com or
www.myspace.com/40belowsummer
Originality: 9/10 Vocals: 9/10 Production: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
40 BIRDS - "Shotgun Therapy"
Style - Hard Rock/Metal
Origin - Canada
Heather's Review - It is so nice to come across a band that
would be great for radio without falling into that "new metal" category. 40
Birds delivers a hard rock/metal blend with hints of progressive metal as well
as thrash. The music is not overwhelming, making them great candidates for radio
play, which is not a bad thing, considering most people at some point in the day
tune in. Every song on the cd features a new melody, with vocal style
variation(clean as well as harsh), and you come away with a vibrant feeling
after you realize that you liked every song on the cd. (11 songs of goodness in
all). The guitars and bass carry a vibrant edge while the drumming keeps you
interested in that non over-powering progressive feel. They are a very talented
band that you won't get tired of listening too. The Canadians already know this
as they played during Canadian Music Week. They also became the 2008 Samson
Jammie Winners for Best Group Performance, which gave vocalist Matthew Pelletier
the honor of being an honorary Samson endorsee for the Samson Stage 55-VHF True
Diversity Wireless System for the month of February 2008. Make sure you check
this band out! You will not be disappointed!
Find them at
www.myspace.com/FORTYBIRDS , at
www.FORTYBIRDS.com or at
BAND@FORTYBIRDS.com
Originality: 9/10; Vocals: 9/10;
Production: 9/10
Overall: 9/10 A
ABSTRUSE -
"Transgression"
Style - Weird/Progressive/Metal
Origin - Greece
Taylor's Review - Abstruse is a musical vision of two members
Veiler and Substant to bring forth an entity that encompasses both the visual
and musical art.
The musical aspect of Abstruse takes on a more progressive sound similar to
King Crimson at times and something totally unique at others, using the
instrumentation as the driving force and vocals only as filler.
The visual part of Abstruse I am very sad to say I was unable
to witness due to the incompatible nature of the dvd and my dvd player. I think
it would have added another dimension to the music.
An enjoyable listen from a unique band.
www.abstruseweb.com or
www.myspace.com/abstruseweb
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 4/10; Originality: 9/10
Overall: 6/10
AIRBOURNE - "Runnin'
Wild" (Roadrunner Records)
Style - Rock and Roll
Origin - Australia
Darren's Review - Pedal to the metal full on rock and roll
assault is an excellent summary of what this band is all about. From the opening
anthem "Stand Up For Rock and Roll" to the closer "Hellfire" and all 9 tracks in
between, this album will punch you in the mouth and come back to sucker punch
you in the gut. If I didn't know any better, you would swear this album is from
the 80's. Obviously influenced by AC/DC and hair metal retro bands (good ones) -
sums up the Airbourne experience. Full throttle rock and roll friends! Most
tracks are excellent, however there are a few fillers. Another album that you
can party with and doubtful you will find any guests asking you to turn it off,
if so, they don't belong at the party anyway! They are doing a ton of touring at
the moment, make sure you check them out. Great for a good time and for
listening to while on the road.
www.airbournerock.com or
www.myspace.com/airbourne
Production/Engineering: 8/10; Originality: 6/10;
Instruments: 8/10; Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 7/10
A NEW REVOLUTION
- "RISE" - (Koch Records)
Style - Modern Hard Rock
Origin - Austin, TX
Robs Review: Usually, when a band is presented to me for
review by comparing themselves to bands such as the slit your wrists favorites
Lincoln Park, Disturbed and Staind and has former members of the band Slaves on
Dope it ends up being a lesson in self control to not want to turn the disc into
a flying saucer before ever listening to it. Luckily for A NEW REVOLUTION I had
to expose my senses to this possible life ender of an album or risk losing my
lofty status as king dipshit of the Adrenalin review board. And if I lose that I
lose what's left of my low self esteem (sniff). But like other recently
reviewed, prematurely prejudged bands lately I was pleasantly surprised by what
I feel is the lack of parallels to previously said bands. Sure, there is an
obvious commercial value to the music but not so that it makes you play Godzilla
to its Japan. Although, every once in a while the inevitable radio friendly
vocal atrocities creep into the songs and make the fists slightly clench but
ultimately the catchy melodies and jumpy riffs shroud any unforgiving vocal
deficiencies. And their damn lucky I have a nostalgic spot in my heart for some
obscure 80's pop because that cover of "True Faith" by NEW ORDER could have
sealed their fate. I think A NEW REVOLUTION has benefited greatly from the stars
in my crazy little universe aligning at just the right time to hear their catchy
little ditties. But maybe there just pretty good. Judge for yourself but don't
prejudge if at all possible. If you get into bands like Stone Sour or Soil
you'll probably dig these guys.
www.myspace.com/anewrevolution
Production: 10/10 Performance: 8/10
Originality: 6/10 Vocals: 7/10
Overall: 7.75/10
ANMOD - "Monstrosity Per
Defectum" (Deity Down Records)
Style - Death/Grind
Origin - Brazil
Heather's Review - If you blend together grind and death
metal, the result is Anmod. The music has a brutality that is clean, yet
powerful. I would recommend this band to anyone into aggressive death metal.
Formed in 2005 from a prior band called Fornication, this trio displays an
extraordinary amount of talent and song writing skills. Recorded under Deity
Down Records, Anmod portrays the elements needed for death metal, and the skill
required to expand that to another level. Vocally, it is mainly death, but the
guitars and drums give this band a whole new element that makes you keep coming
back for more. Check them out at
www.myspace.com/anmod or www.anmod.com.br
for more information or to check out their other cds under the Fornication name.
Originality: 7/10; Vocals: 8/10;
Production: 7/10
Overall: 7.3/10
APOKALYPSE - "...Too
Far Back"
Style - Thrash
Origin - Peabody, Massachusetts
Heather's Review - I would love to tell everyone that this cd
is great, being that one of their main influences is Moonspell, whom I
absolutely love, but I can't. The recording is poor, which is never a good
thing. Despite that, I was hoping to have liked the songs. With good
musicianship and talent to boot, bands have been known to make up for a lax
recording. But, the songs were not impressive either. The first song was ok, but
nothing that made me think they had what it takes to make up for the recording.
Vocally I think they have a chance. They were strong at times, even. Musically,
I think they need to concentrate on variation and dynamics. The second song
isn't even really a song. It is more
like a conversation, that is not even clear at times, with music in the
background. I did find it humorous that the conversation going on stops when the
music is about to change. The third song was very similar to the first song in
terms of musicianship, which is ok, but I am not jumping up to go see what else
they have. The cd art looks like a little kid did it. It is drawn, not colored,
and looks very non-professional. I have never seen them live, nor heard anything
else that they have done so I will not totally discredit them, but this cd needs
some work.
If you wanna check them out, they are at
www.myspace.com/apokalypsetheband or at
www.apokalypsemetal.tk
Originality: 2/10; Production: 2/10;
Vocals:4/10
Overall: 3.75/10
A SECOND
FROM THE SURFACE - "The Streets Have Eyes" (This Dark Reign Recordings)
Style - Hardcore/Thrash/Metalcore
Origin - Minneapolis, MN
Jeremy's Review - A Second from the Surface. This battering
ram of a band dishes out insanely fast and pummeling hardcore in the vein of
SYL. As the band name suggests, there is something seething and boiling, but
it's only a second away, as you can see the skin bubbling and bursting out from
within. Anger, malice, frustration, and paranoia form the black liquid that
spews forth from this urban monstrosity.
www.myspace.com/asecondfromthesurface
Production: 6; Performance: 6; Originality:
5
Overall: 6/10
ASHEN REIGN –
“Immortality” (self-released)
Style – Hard rock/heavy metal
Origin – Atlanta, GA
Dion’s Review - ASHEN REIGN. Somewhat of a cool name,
although if you use your imagination, it can call to mind an anaemic king, an
alabaster queen with the flu, or an emperor that’s on his death bed and
demanding the sacrifice of his favourite stallion. But, I’m not that
imaginative.
Brent McDaniel is, however. Brent is ASHEN REIGN. Vox,
bass, drums, guitar and keyboards. He’s the heavy metal Dick van Dyke. Except
with technology being what it is, he didn’t have to play all the instruments at
once. Playing guitar with his toes, with a bass and drum sampler strapped to his
back, playing one of those kick-arse keyboard guitars that I wanted as a kid.
But speaking of technology, he recorded himself, too, with the credits for
tracking and mixing going to Brent van Dyke. Brent intentionally hearkens back
to a day of metal when it was ‘heavy”; before it became black, thrash and death.
Before it became black with a little thrash, and death-throat. Or death/grind
with punk-metal intros and a twinge of hardcore, heavy blues/southern rock.
Remember those pre-metal sub-genre days?. Brent does all of this… just not very
well. I’m trying not to just outright slag this CD. Think OZZY vocals over JUDAS
PRIEST, and MOTORHEAD when they were learning their instruments… drunk, high and
deliriously tired from drinking and drugging. Brent can play the instruments,
but he’s stale, not progressing the genre at all, which from what I gather is
what he’s all about, although he has “progressive” as one of his myspace
genre-listings. He also can’t keep time.. .with himself. The drums seem steady,
but quite often the guitar will be slightly out, or his vocals seem to have to
spurt to catch up with the rest of the music. He solos a lot, and reasonably
well, but his vocals try (and strain audibly) to reach higher notes. The toms on
the drums sound like they’re skinned with Glad Wrap and I have a sneaking
suspicion that he tried that old 80’s trick of going back and recording fills
over the beats. I could be wrong however.
For some reason, the CD seems to get better as it goes
along. Well, not better, but it’s more in time, and his vocals have better
effects. There’s also a cover of “Sometimes When We Touch” by Dan Hill. I can’t
say it’s good or bad. It just… happened. Pretty much what I think of the whole
production. I’d just check him out yourselves and make your own judgement.
www.myspace.com/ashenreign ,
http://www.ashenreign.com
Production: 6/10; Originality: 2/10; Instruments: 4/10;
Vocals: 3/10
OVERALL: 3.5/10
ASHES OF YOUR ENEMY – “The Undying” (Crash
Music Inc.)
Style – Heavy metal/Nu-Metal
Origin – New Jersey, USA
Dion’s Review – Have you ever been jumpin’ around your
bedroom, bangin’ your head for Satan, aiming haphazard spin-kicks at your
innocent little brother, and suddenly stopped and thought “I wonder if Tom Araya
has a sensitive side.”? Feel free to exchange Tom for any of the greats.
Hetfield; Barnes; Benton; A fourth metal vocalist. Well, if you’re anything like
me (and never admit to that) you didn’t care two shits about the side of Tom’s
personality that only his wife should see, flipped your SLAYER mix-tape to side
B, and started rampaging your bawling brother again.
Don’t get me wrong, reader. I don’t believe that men don’t have emotions, or
have to drink until they can’t experience them any more. I‘m quite a sensitive
bloke, myself, hence why I‘ve never submitted my reviews for review. I just
don’t see that you can accurately portray your emotional side in a chorus,
before launching into an angry-as-hell verse again. ASHES OF YOUR ENEMY are
damned good at what they do. They seem to be mixing thrash-based metal with
nu-metal influences quite well. I definitely hear METALLICA, and PANTERA in
there. They use a wah-wah pedal for these kick-arse, quick runs that smacks of
old thrash. There are some riffs and arrangements that are a bit too
radio-friendly for my tastes, but I have to say that the lads of AOYE are bloody
talented. They’re tight with a damned good production. I just can’t stomach that
fucken singing! He’s not even that bad at it. I’ve heard much, much worse, and
will remember that ‘til the day I die. It just doesn’t make sense to me. I’ve
mentioned the term ‘bipolar metal’ before. This is more of it. We’re expected to
believe that they’re pissed and all about the metal in the verses, but forgiving
and harmonious for the 30 seconds of chorus. That would be my only real beef
with AOYE, ‘cause “The Undying” is a damned good album, otherwise.
So my advice to the vocalist (if he accepts any) is: “Take
your medications, mate, and get back in that rehearsal room and do it better! If
you want people to know you have a sensitive side, go out and save a penguin or
something. Adopt a disease like a real celebrity would.”
www.myspace.com/ashesofyourenemy ,
www.crashmusicinc.com
Production: 9/10; Originality: 6/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals 4/10
OVERALL: 6.5/10
A
TORTURED SOUL - "KISS OF THE THORN" - (Eyes Like Snow)
Style - Traditional Metal
Origin - Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Rob's Review: Here is a band that hails from the very
backyard of the Adrenalin Metal Union and is quite interesting in that my
previous band had been put on the same line-up with them at a couple shows and
had actually had some run-ins with a couple of the members in the band over a
rumored faulty fog machine that seemed to have been "mistakenly" left on to the
tune of full nebulous cloud engulfment for about our first 4 or 5 tunes. The
result was pert-near a night's stay in the Waukesha County Jail for a pissed off
bass player looking for some revenge. But cooler heads and a persuasive
girlfriend prevailed and we got through the rest of the evening without anyone
coming unglued. Needless to say first impressions of A TORTURED SOUL were
tainted to say the least and we really didn’t think much of the music either but
by then we had the pissy goggles on magnify.
So when I got my batch of CD's to review this month and saw
the familiar "A TORTURED SOUL" moniker gazing bitterly at me, I was at the very
least "disappointed". The guys actually turned out to be pretty cool the next
time we shared the stage with them. Even our bassist played roadie for them upon
realization that the previous encounter was all a misunderstanding. But we still
werent impressed with their performance. The word on the street had them pretty
comparable to PRIEST and KING DIAMOND and they just weren’t pulling it off live.
So in goes the CD with all the personal excitement of a festering boil on my
ass. First song...hmm...hmm hmm...alright...so far, so good...not bad...actually
alright...borderline pretty good.........WHAT THE FUCK! Were the hell was this
when we played with them?? The PRIEST/DIAMOND comparisons were a little more
evident, the vocals were pretty damn close to being a spot on clone of
referenced bands and now that they've had studio seasoning you can actually hear
the intricacies of the old-school riffs and dual guitar harmonies and, of
course, the now seemingly in key vocal attack. Gotta love that studio magic! It
sure strips away that "standing straight legged at the front of the stage with
arms sternly crossed staring blankly at a rival band" attitude real quick. Nice
job guys. You have made me a believer. Maybe next time I see you I'll stand
straight legged with arms sternly crossed but instead nod my head in unison with
the newly appreciated beat.
www.myspace.com/torturedsoulmusic
Rating: 7/10 B
BABYLON
MYSTERY ORCHESTRA - "Axis Of Evil"
Style: Metal
Origin: U.S.A.
Taylor's Review: One man band can either be a hit or a
miss with few exceptions that are universally known among metal fans. I find
that the final product is better when there are multiple collaborators. I found
Babylon Mystery Orchestra lacking. Despite the scary message that he chose to
send with this release, the music is predictable in nature followed by an
uninspired vocal delivery. The positive thing I can say about "Axis of Evil" is
a decent production job, very crisp and clear. Music is a great vehicle to move
beliefs and thoughts, and though I find Babylon Mystery Orchestra treading
dangerous ground with his anti-Islam preaching, I commend him for utilizing his
freedoms.
www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com
Instruments: 3/10 Vocals: 1/10 Originality: 8/10
Overall: 4/10
BACKDRAFT - "The
Second Coming" (GMR Music)
Style - Southern Rock/Metal
Origin - Sweden
Darren's Review - When I got a hold of Backdrafts previous
release Here to Save You All, I was a changed man. Being a huge fan of Lynyrd
Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Molly Hatchet and a slew of other southern rock gods, Backdraft
made me realize how much I appreciate southern rock. In this business, you
really don't come across a lot from this genre There are plenty of bands that
were influenced, but virtually none that would proudly call themselves southern
rock. What I think is absolutely GREAT about them is they are from Sweden! Can
you get much further from the south? Second Coming comes six years after Here to
Save You All. All I can say is good things come to those who wait. The album
comes out firing, offering a catchy, mid-tempo rockin' tune "Just Ain't Right".
Next comes a quick tempo'd hard and heavy hitting track "Backstabbin' Bastards"
- featuring a catchy chorus along with matching guitar riffs. Track 3 is my
personal favorite, "Cannonball". A southern fried, get your ass up and rock and
roll... ah - distorted banjo never sounded so good! Track 4 "Oldtimer" is a
smooth flowing number with a relaxing feel. "Game of Life" picks things back up
and adds a little attitude and aggression. "Gypsy" is an easy to love acoustic
tune. "Sugar Mama" I think everyone could benefit from! "Hog Tied" is tune that
one could sing along while not spilling your beer. "Rising" pours equal parts
heart and soul into it. "Lady" sings about every rock and roller's favorite
gender. "Rise and Shine" closes things out with a seventies feel-good style jam.
This album is solid. Excellent sound production, fantastic vocals (clean),
talented musicianship, and can please almost all rock fans. Please do yourself a
favor and score this release. And, make sure you check out Here to Save You All!
Track Highlights: All
www.backdraft.se or
www.myspace.com/backdraftse
Production/Engineering: 9/10; Originality: 9/10; Instruments: 9/10;
Vocals: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
BEYOND
TERROR BEYOND GRACE – “Extinction|Salvation” (Grindhead Records)
Style – Progressive (Mountain) Grind
Origin – Blue Mountains/Sydney/Adelaide
Dion’s Review – Any gore/grind freaks out there kinda bored
with listening to the same oratorical prattle? You know, the short and bitter
ditties about “Yeah, I took this slut’s entrails, and I stuffed ‘em in my
gingivitis-riddled mouth while I had my pimply cock in this other whore’s
maggot-eaten arsehole ‘cause she was dead ‘cause I choked her with the hundred
dollar note I owed her for suckin‘ my pus-drooling beanbag in front of my
Viagra-fuelled Grandpa! Yeah!”. Not that there is anything wrong with that! I’m
a fan of such classics as “I Cum Blood”, “Knee-Deep In Menstrual Blood“,
“Anally-Injected Death Sperm” and “Leaking, Reeking Pregnant Cunt”. I’m quite
the gore/grind freak… hence why it only took me a couple of seconds to come up
with that lyrical scenario.
But for the sake of a new (and much-needed) option in grind’s direction, I
introduce you all to BTBG. I classify them as progressive grind, but only in the
lyrical sense. The music is awesome grind/death/punk. Old-school feeling,
old-school sounding, and yet a refreshing, revitalizing breath of fresh mountain
grind… air. “Extinction|Salvation” is 19 tracks (26 minutes) of ungorificated,
sample-less death/grind bursts with unusual lyrical messages. Messages written
with metaphors and similes so that you have to consider and digest the messages
included, as opposed to having it spelled out for you, with you learning nothing
more than a few more medical terms for newly exposed body parts coated in a
cocktail of bodily secretions. Just to give you an idea of the direction BTBG
takes the listener in, song-titles include “Smiling In The Face Of Despair“,
“Reinvention Ghost”, “Born And Raised”, “Unattainable” and “Apathy And
Acceptance”. Don’t have any idea what the song’s could be about? Then order the
CD from the band’s MySpace (PayPal accepted!!!) or from Grindhead Records.
Invest, ingest, digest. Repeat. You’ll be the envy of all your grindmates.
And besides; how many times can you hear about some depressed guy jerkin’ his
gherkin’ into the soup that he made out of his dead ex’s uterus before serving
it to her grieving parents? 12; 13 times?
www.myspace.com/beyondterrorbeyondgrace ,
www.grindheadrecords.com
Production: 7/10; Originality: 10/10;
Instruments: 9/10; Vocals 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10
BLAKAGIR
- (Pulverised Records)
Style: Instrumental
Origin: Poland
Taylor's Review: Blakagir is the instrumental project of the
man behind Hellveto. I do like this far more than his black metal project. He
seems to have stronger take what he wishes the overall outcome of this music to
be. For someone that likes dark instrumental music, this would be a winner for
you. www.pulverised.net
Instruments: 7/10; Originality: 8/10; Vocals: n/a
Overall: 8/10
BLESS THE FALLEN
– “Eclectic Sounds Of A City Painted Black & White” (Crash Music Inc.)
Style – Metalcore
Origin – Poughkeepsie, NY.
Dion’s Review – So it seems that my most pressing question
has been answered! The one that would keep me up at night. “What would Robert
Smith sound like if he were in a metal band?” I know I’ve got you curious now.
You’re either intrigued by the result of this concept, or wondering who Robert
Smith is. BLESS THE FALLEN’s vocalist doesn’t always sound like THE CURE’s
frontman. Only when he attempts to sing. Which, if you know anything about
metalcore, is quite often.
He does all the usual metalcore vocal trickery. Screams,
roars, yells, and sings… for whatever reason. I can’t get over how much Robert
Smith I hear in his caterwaulings. It’s not all his fault, I expect. The guitar
harmonies behind him sound fucken atrocious!!! The two axes sound like duelling
violins at the New York State’s “Band Camp for Beginners & The Aurally-Impaired“
(Whoops. Nearly wrote “Deaf“!). I don’t know how they got their guitars to sound
like violins, bad or good, but they did it. They just separate into their
harmonies too often, and they don’t blend. It just sounds like two guitarists
who forgot what octave they’re supposed to be playing in (“It‘s s‘posed to be G
minor you douche!!”). The only reprise from this wailing is a surprising
acoustic track called “Eclectic Sounds”. Three and a half minutes of awesome
acoustic guitar that blends. It’s a diamond in the rough, really. And then it’s
back to the same old disharmony with “The Fine Art Of Pretending”. There’s
nothing about this album I like, to be honest. Anything that lies under the
radar of atrocity, is just uninspired and obviously not noteworthy enough to
have caught my attention.
I think the whole operation would be better served if the two
guitarists started their own acoustic duo with constant appearances at a
musician’s retirement village. The vocalist could instigate a THE CURE cover
band if he shaved his face, bird’s-nested his hair and purchased some lipstick.
What about the drummer and bass-player you ask? They could look at an
illustrious and exciting career in the fast food industry, I suppose.
www.myspace.com/blessthefallen
, www.crashmusicinc.com
Production: 5/10; Originality: 4/10; Instruments: 3/10; Vocals
2/10
OVERALL: 3.5/10
BLIND THARM -
"Morbid Visions" (Tyntis Records)
Style - Metal
Origin - Norway
Taylor's Review - This album is one that I really want to
like, but due to the quality of the recording I am having a hard time. "Morbid
Visions" lies in that irritating zone where the song writing is quality but the
sound it just a hair away from a decent production, especially for the vocals. I
am left then listening to it over and over again hoping it will grow on me.
My other complaint is how Blind Tharm chose to write their
biography. I never saw the soap-opera antics of band drama appealing. Why hang
your dirty clothes out for everyone to see, all it does is let everyone know how
much you stink from a distance.
www.myspace.com/tyntisrecords
or www.myspace.com/blindtharm
Instruments: 6/10; Vocals: 4/10; Originality: 4/10
Overall: 5/10
BONE SHAKER -
"BANG...YOU'RE DEAD" - (Turkey Vulture Records)
Style - Hard Rock
Origin - Waukesha, Wisconsin USA
Rob's Review - BONESHAKER plays a fairly predictable brand of
traditional hard rock that may be good for the fine folks in Waukesha but I'm
not sure it will go far in the outer reaches of this cold, cruel world. This
kind of reminds me of those stereotypical small town bar bands that build up a
local fanbase of legendary proportions and ultimately never leave town. This may
or may not apply to BONESHAKER but they sure carry most of the symptoms
affiliated with this disease. I feel kind of dirty slagging a local band from
right down the road because I'm sure their busting their ass like everyone else
but there just isn’t much to chew on here. "Bang...Your Dead" is a pretty
un-inspiring collection of stripped down predictable rock that I would find
myself retreating for the bar for a bevy of mind numbing substances and perhaps
an overly salted basket of stale popcorn until the next band of local hero's hit
the stage. Hopefully the next effort will be a step in a better direction.
www.boneshakerinfo.com -
www.myspace.com/boneshakerinfo
Rating: 3/10
BOURBON BREATH –
Self-titled
Style – stoner/southern rock
Origin – Quad Cities, IA
Mike’s Review – Slow…….sludgy…..stoner…..southern rock
goodness. I take this album. I pop it into my CD player. I grab a beer. And I
just chill. And I chill some more. I stare into space and think about those
little things that you usually don’t ever stop to think about. Why do you we
spend so much time thinking about all that other shit? We all just need to pop
in a CD, grab a beer, and chill.
Thanks to Bourbon Breath’s self-titled album, I had a chance
to bob my head to some good ol’ southern rock tunes tonight. The 4-piece from
the often overlooked state of Iowa take their Clutch and Soilent Green
influences and meld them into a solid presentation of hard crunchy riffs and
mental bliss. At first listen, I was quick to judge the initial simplicity of a
few of the tunes. But when I tune out the rest of my surroundings and tune into
Bourbon Breath’s music with some quality headphones, I slip into some kind of
trippy rockin relaxation mode. I checked these guys out live a couple months ago
and pretty much experienced the same effect. I like it. Check them out.
www.myspace.com/bourbonbreath
Vocals: 8.0 Music: 9.5 Originality: 7.0
Overall: 8.5
BURIAL RITUAL
– “Last Rites EP” (self-released)
Style - Death Metal
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor's Review: Death metal and not that much more.
Bits and pieces of the "Last Rites" e.p. are descent, especially when they reach
their faster tempos. At these times the drummer really shined. The guitar work
is to repetative and predictable for my tastes, they never really venture
outside the box and stay in rather sterile territories. The vocals are done well
with a strong and vicious belting of death metal goodness. If Burial Ritual took
a little more time utilizing the obvious talent they possess, I think they would
make a more convincing sound for themselves.
www.myspace.com/burialritualband
www.trig.com/burialritual
Instruments: 5/10 Vocals: 7/10 Originality: 4/10
Overall: 5/10
**oops....I accidently had two people
review this CD. Here's the other review:
BURIAL RITUAL
– “Last Rites EP” (self-released)
Style – Thrash/Death metal
Origin – Milwaukee, WI
Dion’s Review – Okay. I’ve listened to this CD a few times
through now. That’s not hard; there are only four tracks. But I cannot really come
to any definitive opinion on BURIAL RITUAL’s EP. I can’t put my finger on
anything. I feel as if I couldn’t pick my nose for fear of jamming that
unplaceable finger in between a pair of my toes.
There’s really nothing I don’t like about this Milwaukee
outfit, but there’s nothing that gets me excited, either. I wouldn’t even call
them mediocre. That’s not it, at all. It’s pretty much happy-sounding thrash,
with some definite Slayer-influenced riffs, add a teensy-tiny bit of black
metal, and it all accompanies death vocals. Well, not all death-neck. There’s
also some shrieking/yelling, and this insanely high-pitched screech that is
ripped out every now and again. I can nearly taste the blood in the back of my
own throat whenever he does it. The production’s snappy and clean with a
well-polished drum-sound… that sounds like drums (have I mentioned that I like
drum-sounding drums before?). In fact it’s so clean, that it squeaks. Maybe what
I’m feeling is that the “Last Rites” EP is a conglomeration of things that have
all been done before, and isn’t particularly original in its approach and
presentation. Or I’m just in a death/grind mood. That happens a lot.
I definitely recommend these lads to any thrash-junkies out
there that have a slight penchant for death metal. Not into it enough to scare
the kids that walk past when you play your CDs loudly, or convince their
mother’s they should be contacting some form of authority, but enough to give
“the man” “the finger”.
www.myspace.com/burialritualband
Production: 9/10; Originality: 4/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals 8/10
OVERALL: 7/10 C
CARBON 9 - "The Bull" -
(The Interface Entertainment Group)
Style - Modern/Alt Metal
Origin - Los Angeles, CA
Rob's Review: There are many elements in the music and vocal
of CARBON 9 that normally would force me to hate them in another life. First you
have your resurrection of the digital early 90's industrial fad, which I was
never a big fan of. Then you have a slight (very slight) touch of 80's new wave
(just enough to make you twitch). Mix that in with a mid 90's alternative rock
edge with vocals that teeter on the edge of being good or bad depending on your
mood that day and drive it home with a heaping portion of a hammering distortion
metal crunch for the final touch. These elements on their own (aside from the
metal captain crunch) don’t necessarily make for a good day in my little world
but then if you put it all together and call it CARBON 9 and somehow it fucking
works. Don’t ask me how, but there's obviously a good and bad way to do it and
by god they've figured it out because it’s pretty damn cool.
Any time a band comes along that does a little experimenting
in the metal genre I'm usually a big fan. Like most things there is a time and
place for everything and right now CARBON 9 is hitting the spot. The older I get
the more I seem to appreciate this kind of stuff. It breaks up the monotony
quite nicely. The vocals are tolerable if not above average, slightly raspy
delivery without too much of the alternative whine and more of a metal edge to
them. I hear a lot of Non-Fiction and Hades in these guys at least in the metal
parts and a little in the vocal department. A more rock-y comparison would be a
band called Beyond Surface if you’re one of the 13 people that have herd of
them. Overall a very good effort from a band that seems to have put everything
together perfectly.
www.carbon9.com -
www.myspace.com/carbon9
Production: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
Originality: 10/10 Vocals: 8/10
Overall: 9.25/10
CAVALERA
CONSPIRACY - "Inflikted" (Roadrunner Records)
Style - Thrash Metal
Origin - Brazil, USA
Mike's Review - Since I specifically requested this CD
for review, I was praying not to have my hopes smashed once I finally got a
chance to listen to it all. I am a huge fan of all the Sepultura albums, so
finding out that Max and Igor Cavalera were together again ( and making new
music ) really got my blood flowing. Max's vocals are definitely similar to his
Sepultura days and the music has a definite Sepultura influence to it (more like
sound on "Arise" and "Beneath The Remains"). The differences are great enough
though, so that I can honestly say that this isn't just a continuation of the
Cavalera Brothers' venture of their previous bands. Along with guitarist, Marc
Rizzo and bassist, Joe Duplantier, this album is an evolution into another
chapter of their careers and a step into a slightly different direction.
Overall, it's a great CD for both fans and for newbies to metal (who may have no
idea who Max and Igor Cavalera are). I look forward to checking more of these
guys in the future. I imagine they will continue to explore their sound so one
day people like me won't feel the need to constantly compared them to Sepultura.
I just had the urge. Go check them out!
www.myspace.com/cavaleraconspiracy or
www.cavaleraconspiracy.com
Vocals: 8 Instruments: 9 Production:
10 Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5 (out of 10)
CLUTCH - "FROM BEALE
STREET TO OBLIVION" - (DRT)
Style - Alt metal/stoner groove
Origin - Maryland, USA
Rob's Review - I can't believe I actually get to review this
CD since our staff's senior CLUTCH specialist, Darren, usually engulfs
everything from this band as soon (or earlier if he hijacks the mailman) as it
arrives in our mailbox and will probably be buried next to Neil Fallon upon his
departure from this sad sack of a planet. But I digress. CLUTCH has been quite
an enigma for me since their early 90's inception. I never really gave them a
chance until "Elephant Riders" came out and even then it was just a passing,
"yeah, I guess their kinda cool" reaction to them. Then they fell off the map
again for me until a little album called "Blast Tyrant" came along in 2004 and
blew the doors off my top ten list forever. To this day it is firmly planted
into my desert island discs. It is that good. I believe it may have been because
I think that specific disc was recorded digitally whereas the others, including
the releases afterward, are done analogue. There was a completely different
sound to "Blast Tyrant" but the songs where that much better as well. Its like
they sold their soul for one album. So naturally, the bar had been set pretty
high for each succession of albums and of course the follow up, "Robot Hive:
Exodus" failed to produce in my eyes aside from a few winners here and there.
But thankfully, with "From Beale Street to Oblivion" they just may have captured
a little bit of that magic again. The songs are once again consistently catchy
and thick with groove and as always consumed with the articulate bassy toned
Neil Fallon who continues to amaze with his unique lyrical prowess. He is truly
gifted. Analogue or not this is a nice return to form in my opinion. Still
doesn't knock off "Tyrant" but you cant win them all.
www.pro-rock.com -
www.myspace.com/clutchband
Rating: 8/10
COLD MEAT
SOCIETY/ KONVOI - Split CD
Style - Stoner Metal
Origin - Finland
Heather's Review - These two bands from Finland have created
a cd that features 2 songs from each band. First up is Cold Meat Society. This
stoner metal band brings forth a very unique sound with metal guitars turned
down very low and an alternative feel. The music is very melodic with a heavy
tone without the fast-pace. There are even some acoustics to keep you
interested. The vocals are also very unique and somewhat reminded me of Blind
Melon. Overall, this band that formed in 2006, is music for the fan that is
willing for something new and refreshing. Next up is Konvoi. They deliver a much
heavier sound, with rough vocals, and heavy riffs. The music is mostly made up
up broken melodies with that stoner feel, but they have also added a gloomy,
doom feel. The result is a hypnotic sound that is sure to be greatly loved by
fans of stoner metal. Even though they offer a very different sound from their
predecessors, this band is definitely worth checking out, especially if you are
into the heavier sound. The production was great, bringing out the unique
attributes that each of these bands has to offer. The cover artwork was also
well done, with a very unique drawing that gives equal emphasis to both bands.
Check them out at
www.myspace.com/coldmeatsociety
and at www.myspace.com/konvoiband
Originality: 7/10; Vocals : 7/10;
Production: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
COMMON GRAVE –
“Dehumanized” (Twilight)
Style – Death/thrash metal
Origin – Regensburg, Germany
Dion’s Review – I just can’t help it! Every time I think of
“German metal” I think of filthy-lookin’ nut-bar thrashers toting denim jackets
with the sleeves ripped off at the last show they attended, jeans that both
genders have to be lubricated into and studded belts that double as weapons
against would-be car-/truck-/bus-jackers on their trip home.
Before you demolish your keyboard typing up hate-mail to me,
my European friends, please rest assured that I know it’s not like that anymore.
You metallers grew with the rest of the world, and look back on those days with
the same mix of reminiscence, envy and humor that we all do. And the lads of
COMMON GRAVE progressed with us. This mid-paced death ensemble’s sound is
awesome. Both talent-wise and production, with the latter being accredited to
Stephen Fimmers and Muhammed Suicmez, bassist and vocalist/guitarist of
Germany’s NECROPHAGIST respectively. See! Members of another Deutch band that
have all their jacket sleeves, and don’t have to peel their jeans off! I’m hip!
I’m with it! NECROPHAGIST have always had one of the crisper death metal sounds
that I’ve encountered, and they’ve used their knowledge to make COMMON GRAVE
sound professional. While they’re a decent death metal band, I can’t help but
feel that they sound at their best when they slow it down. I understand that the
faster bits give contrast to the well-written tempo-dives - I’m not a complete
dummkopf after all - and I’m not asking them to stop the speedier moments in the
least. I just prefer these lads when they’re chugging it out. They have such a
great palm-mute sound.
Check out the links below if you’re into old-school death
metal with a new-school production. Hell, you can even tear the sleeves off your
best jacket if it’d make the experience more organic-feeling.
www.myspace.com/commongrave ,
http://www.commongrave.de
Production: 9/10; Originality: 6/10;
Instruments: 8/10; Vocals 6/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
CRADLE OF FILTH
- "Harder, Darker, Faster: Thornography Deluxe" (Roadrunner Records)
Style: Black Metal/Metal
Origin: England
Heather's Review- This well known black metal band composed
of vocalist Dani Filth, guitarists Paul Allender and Charles Hedger, bassist
Dave Pybus, drummer Martin Skaroupka, Keyboardist Rosie Smith, and female
vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva are on a mission to dominate. Already very sinister
in nature, this album proves that this band is out to conquer the scene. The
album is as the title proclaims. It is a harder, darker, faster Cradle of Filth,
and it is more brutal than anything I have heard from them in the past and I
loved every minute of it! They even bring on a guest vocalist for the song "The
Byronic Man" (This song features HIM's Ville Valo). This deluxe cd also features
a bonus disc with videos, behind-the- scenes footage, as well as other goodies
that is a must have for every fan. I would recommend this cd to current fans, as
well as those that have never heard them. You will definitely be impressed!
www.myspace.com/cradleoffilth
or www.cradleoffilth.com
Originality: 10/10 Vocals: 10/10
Production:10/10
Overall: 10/10
CRIMSON ORCHID - “Chapter XIII:
Nightmares and Fairytales”
Style - Metal/Rock/Prog
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review - This band has a strong ability to bridge
the gap between pop music and extreme metal. The pop melodic style of the
vocalist is well matched by the intense instrumentation. Where Crimson Orchid
falls short is the singer’s tone, which detracts from his great vocal melodies.
With some concentration on bringing out the fullness in his voice Crimson Orchid
would be a very strong and complete unit.
The backdrop of sound created by the rest of the band is impressive and well
constructed, leaving them set up to do great things.
www.myspace.com/crimsonorchidband or
www.justrockpr.com/crimsonorchid
Instruments: 8/10 Vocals: 5/10 Originality: 6/10
Overall: 6/10
CRITICAL BILL –
“Downtown The World” (SMC/Westbound Records)
Style - HipHop/Rap/Rock/Metal
Origin - Mount Clemens, MI
Mike’s Review – Hmmm…..as much as some people would love to
see rap metal go away, some groups such as Critical Bill and standing up strong
against the haters with a big “I don’t give a fuck what you think” type of
attitude. As a fan of the old-school crunchy rock guitar sound, I am drawn to
some of the music of Critical Bill. I am also strangely drawn to the Rap/HipHop
vocals. It brings me back to the days when I would simply listen to whatever
music MTV was pounding into my brain. Buuuuuut, at this point of my life I
search for music that is more original. The Linkin Park/Dope/Rap Rock/Nu-Metal
sound has gotten old quite awhile ago. About 25% of this album gets a 9.0 in my
mind. The other 75% is below average due to lack of originality and the weak
sound. That leaves me confused on how I want to rate this album….
www.critical-bill.com or
www.myspace.com/criticalbillmusic
Vocals: 7 Music: 6.5 Originality: 2
Production: 8
Overall: 6.0
CURSED - "Three" (Good
Fellow Records)
Style - Metal/Punk
Origin - Canada
Taylor's Review - Cursed is a Canadian metal band that is
anything but pretty. There are no sing-along choruses wooing the pop fanatics.
No trendy angst-driven teenage rage. Just noisy distorted aggressiveness,
screamed in an awesomely raw fashion.
The vibe carries a dirty rock/metal sound that is very
guitar-driven in a simplistic yet effective array of primitive skull cracking
sonic pleasures.
The mid-paced doom assault of my favorite track "Unnecessary Person", conveys a
musical equivalent of the slow peeling of flesh. Songs such as "Magic Fingers"
and "Dead Air Pulpit" could have a punk comparison to Nausea from New York.
(Could just be me) Cursed is a band who harness a sense of distorted brilliance.
Check em out.
www.your-funeral.com -
www.goodfellowrecords.com
www.earsplitcompound.com
Instruments: 9/10 Vocals: 9/10 Originality: 9/10
Overall: 9/10 D
DEADEN – “Displaying The
Art Of Carnage” (Epitomite Productions)
Style – Brutal death metal
Origin – Chicago, IL
Dion’s Review - I’ve had this CD for a little while now. Not
quite as long as its release in 2006, but it feels like it. I’m just not the
biggest brutal death metal fan, and I’d heard DEADEN before, and knew them to be
balls out, by-the-book gory death. It’s not that I don’t appreciate death, I
just like some twists; a little flavour. I’m not really the kind of tea-sipping
twat who wants a twist of lemon or a drop of honey. Or a Corona enthusiast who
can’t drink it unfiltered by a lime-wedge. In fact, if anyone tried to stick
fruit in my beer, I’d quaff that beer, and bang ‘em about the knees with the
empty bottle ‘til they promised never to do it again. I will not waste beer to
punish a fruit-toting lunatic.
So we’ve established that I take beer ungarnished and DEADEN
are brutal death metal. I actually like this Chicago outfit. They’ve got a clean
sound, and they never lose time, which I’m starting to get a little pissy about
bands that do. The drummer is metronomically solid, without tricky flair, except
some awesome high-hat work spattered through this full-length. I don’t really
care for his snare-sound, but that’s just me bein’ a bit picky. The bass work is
pretty good too, executed by Jake Lahniers (credited for backing vocals) who’s
also in HUMAN ARTIFACTS and ARMOROS. He has his moment or two in the sun, which
really shows what he can do, and then pretty much follows what the guitars are
doing with a couple of somewhat memorable exceptions. But he keeps in time, and
isn‘t fore in the mix. Good enough for me. The guitars are fairly
straightforward, but do come out with a couple of whacky ideas that are
definitely out of the box. A couple of black metal sounding moments, and even an
intro that would belong more on a thrash album than a death release. With the
sample they chose playing over it, it creates a certain amount of apprehensive
atmosphere though. The vocals have a fair range, and are performed by
guitarist/vocalist Von Young, also of LIVIDITY and PUTREFACTION. He bellows out
shattering highs, guttural lows, and phlegmy mids. There’s even a croaky low
style he does. All completely unintelligible.
If you like your death metal brutal and gory, with more than
a couple of samples of a lot of heavy breathing and panting, then Displaying The
Art Of Carnage might be your lemon-free, honeyless cup of tea. And with
song-titles such as “Perverted Fecal Embodiment”, “Vomiting Felch” and “Only
Genitals Remain” you know you’re going to get your gortastic money’s worth.
www.myspace.com/deaden ,
www.deaden.net ,
www.epitomite.com
Production: 8/10; Originality: 5/10;
Instruments: 8/10; Vocals: 9/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
DEADNIGHT – “Messenger
Of Death” (Rotting Corpse Records)
Style – Blackened thrash.
Origin – Chicago, IL
Dion’s Review - Okay. So I think I’ve got this right. There
were four members in DEADNIGHT, then when it came time to record, there were
only two. John on bass, and Mike Thrasher on guitars, drums, vocals and
keyboards. And now the drum-slot’s been filled by Jeremy and they have a session
guitarist in Tom. This was recorded between ‘04 and ‘06, mixed in ‘07 and
released in ‘08. Phew. I hope that’s right, or I’m going to be up for nomination
to replace Adrenalin Rob as King Dipshit. I’m already the “imported worker who
works for no pay”. There’s a more concise and notorious name for that, but I’m
not gonna go there… girlfriend!
DEADNIGHT; Chicago thrash metal with some definite black
metal tendencies. This is rather good for a “Devilish Duo Of Deathness And
Stuff”. The production’s clean, with the kick drums being a little too prominent
being my only complaint. They’re just not in the mix. They kind of sound slapped
on top of the rest of what’s going on. The music’s tight, the keyboards sparing
and nothing is drowned out by anything else. The solos, I have to say are
definitely the high point of this CD. I’m not even into solos all that much,
thinking them “stringed wank-fest ego-stroking”. I appreciate the talent, of
course, but there’s no I in band. Despite my opinion of them, Mike Thrasher’s
solos are well-written, well-executed and thrashy. Other than that, there’s not
a whole lot that sticks out about this band. Vocals have the one range, although
I appreciate him not busting out into clean vocals just to break up the
monotony. The drums are called percussion, but to me they’re just drums. And the
bass doesn’t step out on it’s own. At least not audibly. Fairly unprogressive as
far as thrash and/or black metal’s concerned.
There’s really nothing to complain about on the CD if you’re
a black/thrash fan. Eight misanthropic-, death-, Armageddon-themed tracks of
tight, thrashy goodness. Available for purchase from their NightSpace, link
below. Tell ‘em Adrenalin Metal Union’s Mr. Slave sent ya.
No! Wait! That’s not right…
Jesthsusths Christhstt!
www.myspace.com/deadnightthrashmetal ,
www.myspace.com/rottingcorpserecords
Production: 7/10; Originality: 3/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals: 5/10
OVERALL: 5.5/10
DAEMOS - “Surface”
Style - Metal/Hardcore
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review - Daemos is a four piece metal band from San
Diego that has reached a few accomplishments that any band starting out would be
proud of, the building of a solid fan base and openings lots for touring acts.
This e.p. titled “Surface” has shining moments in the riffing
department. I enjoy their simple yet articulate musical approach to songs. Their
biography states: “A Daemos show is one of the few places where you’ll see an
old die-hard Iron Maiden fan head banging next to a kid in a Slipknot hoody.” I
couldn’t agree with them more, they combined the best of these two worlds into
one. Simple yet intelligent.
www.daemos.com or
www.justrockpr.com/daemos
Instruments: 7/10 Vocals: 6/10 Originality: 6/10
Overall: 6/10
DAWN OF
RETRIBUTION - "Blood Drunk - Demo"
Style - Thrash/Death
Origin - Geelong, Victoria - Australia
Darren's Review - I've come across some decent Aussie music
lately. Seems as though the exposure is greater or the country is starting to
put its stamp on the metal world. Dawn of Retribution makes quite a statement
with their 3 song demo. I am impressed with the pure aggression captured on just
3 tunes. Guitars are massive and create such a full sound in the mix. Props to
the recording engineer too by the way! Vocally I wouldn't call it clean, however
it is pretty apparent what the bloke (Clint Williams) is saying. These folks
have been dosin' heavy on the testosterone and in many ways represents just what
metal needs. I'm very impressed and am looking forward to a full length in the
near future.
www.myspace.com/dawnofretribution
Production/Engineering: 9/10; Originality: 7/10;
Instruments: 8/10
Vocals: 7/10; Replay Value: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
DEATH MENTAL -
“From The Archives OF The Asylum” (Bloody Carnage Music)
Style - Thrashing Death Metal
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor’s review - I am a firm believer in using art as a
means to cope with personal issues. That is what I believe Ian Aiken has chosen
to do with Death Mental. Thrashing guitars and pained growls screaming the
“Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” and Panic Attack/Drug Induced Dream” from mere
song titles to the fore-front to be dealt with in true metal style. Music is a
form of mental therapy, and if this is what Death Mental is all about, I am glad
he is using it. If you like old death metal from the early nineties you’ll
appreciate Death Mental.
Instruments: 8/10 Vocals: 8/10 Originality: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
DAYMARES -
"Can't Get Us All" (Selfmadegod Records)
Style - Hardcore punk/Metal
Origin - Poland
Heather's Review - If you took Entombed and combined it with
hardcore punk, you have Daymares. Formed in 2006, this band combines various
styles of raw riffs and vocals to produce a sound that is intense, melodic, as
well as emotionally heavy. Most of the vocals were close to a death metal sound,
but the clean vocals really gave this band originality. And from not being
around very long, this band has the potential to excel.The cd contains 11
examples of why this band is going places. This cd, as well as a previously
recorded demo, got them signed Self Made God Records. They play out often to get
more exposure, and continue to devote their time to producing more music.
Check them out at :
www.myspace.com/yourdaymares or
www.daymares.org
Production :8/10 Vocals: 8/10 Originality: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
DEADSEA - Self Titled
(Chrome Leaf)
Style - Metal/Experimental
Origin -Columbus, Ohio
Heather's Review - If you are a fan of Sabbath, Voivod, and
Mastodon, you will love this band. Their unique style and interesting dynamics
make them one to watch out for. The songs are lengthy,with one lasting as long
as 16:20 minutes, but it is worth it. With mood-changing riffs and vocals that
ring on in your mind long after the song is over, DEADSEA is a little bit of
everything we love about metal. There are hints of black metal, prog-metal,
thrash, death metal, and even some jazz to keep you interested. It is a
versatility that few bands have, and this band is overflowing with it. It is
aggressive music at times, but with an intellectual feel, and that is what kept
me wanting to hear more. The bands has other cd's as well, including a demo in
2002 and "Desiderata" that was released in 2005. Check them out at
www.myspace.com/deadsea or
www.deadsearising.com and for
contact/booking find them at
deadsearising@gmail.com
Originality:10/10; Vocals: 8/10;
Production: 8/10
Overall: 8.7
DELIVER US FROM EVIL -"Behold a Pale Horse"
Style - Metal
Origin - Indiana
Heather's Review: Ever since I saw this band live, I have
appreciated what they can do musically. After I got the cd, I was convinced.
They are a fast paced, technical band with melodic attributes that make them
difficult to classify. With the addition of movie-type clips and other sound
effects, the cd is downright evil. With the soaring guitar solo riffs combined
with the heavy, dark vocals, this band is definitely portraying their talents to
the fullest. Playing with well-known acts such as Diecast, In This Moment,
DAATH, Goatwhore, and Drowning Pool, among others, they are trying to gain a
larger fan base. And by playing 2007 Milwaukee Metal Fest, Indianapolis Metal
Fest, and in many other states as well, they are looking to expand their music
to the masses! Don't just get the cd. Go and see them live! You will not be
disappointed! Look for them at
www.myspace.com/deliverusfromevil
Originality: 8/10 Vocals:
8/10 Production: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
DEMON DOG SPERM
– “Hopeless” (Open Grave Records)
Style – Stoner/Death Metal
Origin – Pennsylvania
Mike’s Review – Demon Dog Sperm. Great name. Great sound. I
love stoner rock. And I love death metal. These guys blend these two genres
together as if it was meant to be. Sludgy death metal with a lot of pissed-off
aggression. The trio of vocals styles (growl, clean, and screeching) are all
done well and keeps the monotony away. That definitely adds to the originality
and overall sound of the band. This is their debut album and an impressive one
it is. I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
www.deomdogsperm.com -
www.myspace.com/demondogsperm666
Vocals: 8.0 Music: 9.0 Originality 8.
Overall: 8.5
DEN OF GERMS –
“Beer And Anger” (shopping for a label)
Style – Drunk metal punk
Origin – Baltimore, MD
Dion’s Review – BOTTOMS-UP TO THIS FUCKEN BAND!!! Den Of
Germs sent lyrics! I unfold the bio with “Beer And Anger” crankin’ in my
headphones, and lo-and-behold! The third page: lyrics! The printed lyrics (or
the lack thereof) can, and will, decide whether I hand over my hard-earned
beer-allowance for a CD or not. No lyrics? No sale!
But moving right along. D.O.G, self-proclaimed drunk metal
punks, actually live up to their proclamation. Well… musically and lyrically, at
any rate. They could be jolly bus-drivers, mild-mannered reporters, or that old
bloke down the road who has two poodles called Queenie and Buttercup-Snugglebear
for all I know. But considering they’re ex-members of Fear Of God, Have Mercy
and Jakkpot, I somehow doubt it. And besides, that old bloke probably listens to
Liza Minnelli and Charlie Pride anyways. Not Venom, Black Sabbath and Carnivore
like these guys. D.O.G are fans of, and perfectly recreate, old-school heavy
metal and punk. This 8-track promo of their 13-track full-length (that’s a lot
of hyphens!) include songs such as “Cocktail”, which is about drinkin’ yourself
into a booze-fumed oblivion and bumping uglies with a barmaid in the carpark. Or
“Row House Stomp”. A timeless ditty about bein’ a Baltimore-bred grog-sponge
with a penchant for Natty Boh and fisticuffs… although I put it a bit more
eloquently than they did.
So if you’re fond of Maker’s Mark with the Misfits, or Black
Tooth Grins with Black Sabbath or just plain punchin’ the bejeezus out of
unsuspecting victims, then Den Of Germs should be your cup of tea… hard-tea,
obviously. And if it’s just struck you like a well-thrown beer-bottle that you
don’t have enough (if any) booze companies in your myspace friends, then check
out D.O.G’s top 20 mates. Maker’s Mark, Newcastle and Crown. All the companions
a self-respecting drunk metal punk needs. Well… them, metal and punk.
AND THEY PRINT LYRICS!!!
http://www.myspace.com/denofgerms
, http://www.denofgerms.com
Production: 7/10; Originality: 6/10; Instruments: 7/10; Vocals 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10
DESTROY
EVERYTHING - "Freedom Of Speech Means Talk Is Cheap" (Trent City Records)
Style - Punk
Origin - U.S.A.
Taylor's Review: Destroy Everything is a punk band from
Chicago that understands catchiness. They have common ground between the new and
old punk sound. The abrasive sound of the classics meshed with the semi-pop
sing-a-longs of the non-commercial currents. The one thing that stood in the way
of this being a phenomonal album is the vocalist. His use of a nasally
high registered sound was mildly distracting from his strong ability to properly
place his lyrical delivery in the music. I believe this is just a personal
preference in punk vocals, and many others could easily see he is good at what
he does. The band doesn't stray too far from traditional punk chording, the
bassist holds his own though constructing solid catchy bass lines over the rest
of the band's sound. Check them out, they really are quite good at what they do.
www.destroyeverything.com -
www.justrockpr.com
Instruments: 7/10 Vocals: 7/10 Originality: 6/10
Overall: 7/10
DEVASTATOR - "Morbid
Force"
Style: Black Metal/Thrash
Origin: N/A
Heather's Review: Starting with the name Avathar and then
changing their name to Devastator in 2003, this band is out to revive the old
school black and thrash metal sound and style. The music is compelling, evil,
aggressive, and addicting. The production quality of the cd was well done, and
the quality of the music reminded me a lot of Kreator (A band that they actually
played a show with at one point) The vocals have more of a black metal feel and
the music that follows has definite thrash dynamics. The band also has other
recording you can check out including "Infernal Devastation", and an album
titled "The End". Following that, the band recorded a split cd with the Black
Metal band, Blasphemer. In 2005, they recorded "Nuclear Proliferation" which was
created in honor of the old days. Their newest creation is "Morbid Force", and
they are working on the next assault, "Conjuring Evil" as we speak. Check them
out if you a ready for a trip back to the good old days! Find more
info on them at www.morbidforce.com.
Production: 7/10 Vocals: 7/10
Originality: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
DISARRAY
- “Edge Of My Demise” (Inner v.o.i.d. Records)
Style: Metal/Rock
Origin: U.S.A.
Taylor’s Review: Disarray is a band from Tennessee that
bridges the gap between rock and metal nicely. Taking gritty guitar driven tones
laced with raspy vocals that move along at a mid to fast paced onslaught
reminiscent of 70’s rock and 80’s thrash. The music on “Edge Of My Demise” is
catchy with no shortage of attitude enhanced by a production that is anything
but crisp, it’s dirty, and that’s part of the charm. Disarray has a strong work
ethic and believes that anything worth doing takes hard work and drive. At 13
years of existence they show no signs of letting up. They have the talent to
compliment their drive and I hope they succeed. Check them out.
www.disarrayonline.com www.myspace.com/disarray
Instruments: 7/10 Vocals: 9/10
Originality: 7/10
Overall: 8/10
DISSENT AND REVOLT - "Demo"
Style - Experimental/Hardcore
Origin - USA (Madison, WI)
Darren's Review - I've been listening to Dissent and Revolt
for quite some time now. What really caught my attention about this band was
what they deliver live. Having experienced many shows - few match the intesity,
sheer power and energy of a Dissent set. They found a way to instill that happy
feeling within that reminds me why I adore music so much. When I got word the
five song demo was going to be released, I was grinning from ear to ear. Having
cited Dillinger Escape Plan and Necrophagist and influences, Dissent finds a way
to put their unique spin on some fuckin' heavy and hardcore beats. This five
song demo does an excellent job showcasing the bands talent and creativity. One
of a kind vocals delivered by Aaron Miller that mimics an instrument itself. The
instrumental representation is tight and powerful. The demo tunes were recorded
at two points in time (winter 2006/summer2007) so there is some slight variances
in the sound recording. All five tracks are genius but I would have to give my
nod to "Dripping from our Tongues" and "Servants Erupt". I cannot wait to see
what comes next with this band - and I hope they find a way to embrace
longevity. Live, one of the better bands I have ever seen. Preview some tunes on
their myspace page - but better yet, go see them live - you will thank me later.
www.myspace.com/dissentandrevolt
Production/Engineering: 8/10; Originality: 9.5/10;
Instruments: 9.5/10; Vocals: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
DOMINICI - "O3 A
Trilogy - Part 3" - (Inside Out Records)
Style - Power/Prog Metal
Origin - New York
Robs Review: Once upon a time in, Charlie Dominici had stock
in a band that would come to be the pinnacle in the world of progressive metal,
inspiring a bevy of similar bands along the way and commanding respect
throughout the metal world for years to come. That band was Dream Theater and
the album was "When Dream and Day Unite". Unfortunately, Charlie cashed out his
stock one album too early and was left floating in limbo for the next 15-20
years becoming a somewhat anonymous former member of a now famous band. There
were reasons for his demise in the band and the split had been amicable. Sounds
like the band decided a different singer would be a better fit and the rest was
history.
So what has Charlie been up to? Well, he ended up on skid row
eating out of dumpsters and wearing old ladies shoes with no help at all from
his former band mates and just about the time he was ready to give up and cash
in his next stock for the afterlife a beacon of hope reaches down to him in the
gutter and....wait a minute...that's not how it went. No, in fact, none of that
happened. Although it would've made a better story. In the real story Charlie
fell out of the music business for a fairly long stretch working as an
automobile finance manager at one point. Then a few years back he managed to get
back with his former bandmates for some onstage appearances for the 25th
anniversary of his day in the sun. This then inspired him to get his ass in
gear, so to speak, and return to what he was meant to do. To be honest I never
like his voice in Dream Theater so I always thought it was a good move on their
part to go another direction and we all know how that worked out. But enough
about them....
DOMINICI...I gotta admit I've never heard the first two of
this three part trilogy O3. I've read that they were mostly on the acoustic side
rather than the full on progressive metal that O3 A Trilogy - Part 3 has morphed
into. And goddammit if Charlie's voice isn't anything like I remember. This guy
has somehow gathered up the many storms above his head over the years and
released them unto the world with F5 status. Its damn near a flawless
performance for a dude his age. I guess when you're out of commission like he
was you don't spend a lot of time wasting your pipes. It also helps that the
rest of the band (former members of the band Solid Vision from Italy) is
phenomenal and really was the perfect choice to compliment his voice. It does
have slight similarities to the Dream Theater in parts but then most prog metal
does these days. Mostly it's just aggressive as hell and really, very well
written. There's not a wasted track on the album. You can tell this final
installment in this three part conceptual undertaking was painstakingly thought
out and mapped out exactly how they intended.
So, no, it's not a "gutter to glory" story but by god its
good enough in my mind. A lot of respect is deserved to Charlie for never giving
up and realizing what he had. Nice job!!
www.dominici.com -
www.myspace.com/charliedominicimusic
Production: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
Originality: 9/10 Vocals: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
DROWN IN HATE – “Promo 2007”
Style - Modern Metal/Thrash Metal
Origin - Finland
Taylor’s Review - Finland has no shortage of talent. There
has to be something in the water that feeds the musical prowess of their
country. Drown in Hate play a style similar to a thrashier version of Machine
Head with a little Grip Inc. thrown in. A strange American metal influenced
release from a country that has its own sound for the most part. This is music
that inspires both mosh pits and energetic stage shows, but really does not
stand out too much. Drown in Hate is a talented metal band that with good music,
but doesn’t hold my attention as much as the American metal bands I believe they
try to emulate.
www.myspace.com/drowninhate
Instruments: 6/10 Vocals: 5/10 Originality: 5/10
Overall: 5/10
DUB TRIO - "Another
Sound is Dying" (Ipecac)
Style - Experimental/Instrumental Rock
Origin - Brooklyn, NY
Darren's Review - Dub Trio offers a release of hypnotic,
instrumental rock and roll in varying fashion. The band is signed to Mike
Patton's Ipecac records, and Mr. Patton does make an appearance on "No Flag",
delivering the only vocal track on the album. This is their fourth album (three
studio/one live). I can't comment on how their sound has or hasn't changed, but
judging by this release, I think I will be inclined to explore earlier albums.
The album opens up with a heavy hitter "Not For Nothing" that uses the guitar,
bass and drums as a foundation as it loses you into mid-tempo bliss. As the
album progresses it does a great job of graduating ambiance from track to track.
Some resemble a calm and collected mood, while others get wild and crazy in
parts and groovy and jazzy in others. The listener is left with a fresh feel by
the time each track is finished. You aren't going to hear any blazin' solo's or
riffs, but you will get a chance to experience something unique. I love
instrumental albums, and this one is pretty good. Some tracks take awhile to
develop, and some don't develop at all, and some are great.
www.dubtrio.com or
www.myspace.com/dubtrio
Production/Engineering: 7/10; Originality: 9/10 ;
Instruments: 7/10
Vocals: N/A
Overall: 7.5/10
DUST IS EVERYWHERE -"Attics and Catacombs"
(Creeping Vine Productions)
Style -Black Metal
Origin - Creeping Vine is located in PA
Heather's review - After the first note, I was addicted. This
band kicks ass! With King Diamond inspired vocals (he once screamed, "Every
Night To The Attic Shrine") and the primitive Gorgoth sound, D.I.E. is taking
black metal to the next level. The gloomy feel of the music, the shrieking
vocals, and the funeral-like drumming invite you into the attic with no hope of
return. The cd is divided into 2 parts: Attics and Catacombs. With songs such as
"Horrid Places"(Attics) and "Inhaling Cryptic Air" (Catacombs) the intoxicating
rhythm and feel keeps you wanting more. This band is black metal at its finest.
The cd production was very well done, and each creeping note is noticeable. The
artwork for the cd, provided by Mike Hrubovcak (vocalist of Monstrosity, Vile,
and Devine Rapture) has also done work for bands such as XXX Maniak, Mortician,
Revolver Magazine, and the Relapse Slimewave Series. Check them out! Look for
them at www.creepingvine.net
Vocals: 10/10; Production:
10/10; Originality: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
DYING REGRET – “The Price Of Human Ruin” (self-released)
Style – Metalcore/Bipolar Metal
Origin – San Diego, CA
Dion’s Review – You know what? I like everything about this
band… except for the music! Isn’t that odd? I’m still scratchin’ my melon trying
to nut-out why I really dig these guys, yet constantly fight the urge to hit the
eject button. Am I a bad metalhead? Am I an intolerant music-fascist? I really
don’t know. I just know that I don’t like this. I love the band name - even
amongst all the other metalcore bands out there with variations of either
‘dying’ or ‘bleeding’ in their name… and there are just a couple - the album
title’s awesome, the CD packaging, although a little lacking due to it’s
self-released and promotional nature, promises to be professional, and the bio
was well-written. I’ve just heard these guys plenty before. And I loathed it
when I heard their predecessors doing this, too.
It really is that bland, flavourless recipe of “Bipolar
Metal” that we’re all used to, even if we change the station when we hear it.
“We’ll roar and heavy it up for the verse, then I’ll sing for the chorus while
you guys become tender. Then the bipolar meds will wear off, and we’ll do that
all over again, then have a meaningful interlude before we do that verse/chorus
for a third time. Then it’s valiantly onward to the passionate outro. Cool? Band
meeting adjourned, then.” That meeting happened completely in my own
imagination, but it comes with an hilarious picture of them jealously eyeballing
each other’s Celtic/tribal tattoos and sipping iced chai, which I really wish
you could all see. I know that was uncalled for, but I’m trying to make this
review interesting enough so that you’ll make it to the ratings at the bottom.
If you’re into As I Lay Dying, Between The Buried And Me, Bleeding Through,
Everytime I Die, Bleed The Sky, After The Burial, Dead To Fall, bleeding, dying
and being buried (or going to funerals), then you should check out the links
below, too.
And I can’t, in all good conscience, take credit for the term
“Bipolar Metal”. That is thanks to my lovely wife. The poor woman weathers
enough drama with my mood-swings. She doesn’t need to hear it when she flicks
through radio stations too.
www.myspace.com/dyingregretmusic ,
www.dyingregret.com which takes you to their myspace, anyway.
Production: 10/10; Originality:
2/10; Instruments: 6/10; Vocals 6/10
OVERALL: 6/10
DYSCORD – “Dakota”
(Prime Cuts Music)
Style – thrash/death metal
Origin – Perth, Australia
Dion’s Review - Firstly, this band is pretty bloody
kick-arse! Secondly, I wanted to classify this Aussie outfit as “deathcore”, but
for some reason, and I totally disagree with it, there’s a very smelly stigma
attached to that particular metal subgenre, and even any subgenre with the
syllable “core“ anywhere near it. So I didn’t stylise these blokes as deathcore,
just so you’d read this review before judging them. You’ll thank me for it.
Now that we’ve established exactly which genre DYSCORD fall
into, let me opinionate on this ‘08 full-length release. This is a well-produced
(with the sound engineer nominated for an unfamiliar award), tightly-executed
extreme metal CD. How’s that? Bands such as SLAYER, JOB FOR A COWBOY, and
CANNIBAL CORPSE are audible in this band’s sound, even if it is unintentional.
Dakota is 10 tracks of aggressive mid-paced, mid-range deathcore thrashiness
with an angry bloke mostly yelling (with some gutturals and shrieking) over it
all. There are a couple of tricks they pull out of their sleeves that I’m not a
fan of; a clean vocal passages in “Dakota“ and “The Picador” and some very
nu-metal parts where the guitars, bass and kick-drums do the same percussive
rhythm, but for the most part it’s a damned solid CD that I might even play on
my own time… if I ever get any more of that. There’s not a whole lot of
blasting, or flat-knacker foot-work from the drummer, with the guitars’
chord-progressions, which make it a little less death metal, and a little more
deathcore for me, but the overall effect is a very uncomplicated, easy to follow
CD.
If you’re a fan of any metal that sounds good and is played
well, no matter what over-populated, mostly-talentless, sub-genre it‘s stuffed
into, then you’ll probably get a kick out of this band’s second release; first
full-length. You know what? “DYSCORD: Style - Dyscord”. Wrap your aural organs
‘round it.
www.myspace.com/dyscord ,
www.primecuts.com.au ,
www.dyscord.com
Production: 9/10; Originality: 7/10;
Instruments: 8/10; Vocals: 7/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
DYSFUNCTIONAL BY CHOICE - "Travelling In Travel"
Style: Grunge/Metal
Origin: France
Heather's Review: It has been a long time since I have heard
a band that can pull off the grunge style well. This band makes a good attempt
at it, and I can say that I was somewhat impressed. The music is full of heavily
distorted guitars, contrasting song dynamics, and apathetic lyrics. Vocally, it
is somewhat raspy, but it works. This is not the most original grunge band I
have heard, but they have the talent to make that jump. The sound quality of the
cd was ok, and I can imagine that this band would put on a good live show as
well. I would recommend this band to anyone that is into hardcore grunge. Check
them out at www.myspace.com or at
www.DYSBY.com
Originality: 7/10 Vocals: 7/10
Production: 7/10
Overall: 7/10 E
ERA
VULGARIS -"What Stirs Within"
Style - Progressive/Metal
Origin - Ireland
Heather's Review - With the ever growing style of progressive
metal, "What Stirs Within" is just what the scene needs. The music is fast, the
guitars are heavy, and the overall heavy metal melodic tone gives them
originality.
With their own label titled Open Your Ears Music, formed in
order to gain the attention of those that choose to pass by unsigned musicians,
as well as a full UK & Ireland distribution deal with PlasticHead/Code7 in order
to line up more shows, they are one to look out for. With Rock Sound Magazine
calling them "prog-metal overlords in waiting", Era Vulgaris is on the way to
becoming one of the top progressive metal bands. Opening for bands such as Amon
Amarth, Candlemass, and Entombed,their goal is to play their music live in front
of their fans. As "one of the top 100 acts you have to know in 2007", you will
sure to become a fan as well. Check them out at
www.eravulgaris.com or
www.myspace.com/eravulgaris
Production: 10/10; Vocals:
10/10; Originality: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
EREBUS – “Prey For Our
Nation” (self-released)
Style – Heavy/thrash metal
Origin – Green Bay/Madison, WI.
Dion’s Review – “Erebus”. Interesting name for a band. It’s
both the darkness the dead must pass through before they get to Hades in Greek
mythology, and an active volcano on Antarctica’s Ross Island. Now I hope you’re
all thinking either “these guys must be all about the majesty of death in battle
with a band-name associated with Hades”, or “He’s gonna say that Erebus sound
like a plane crash”. I have one thing to say to you all… “PSYCH!!!”
This local thrash outfit are neither heroic, or a soundtrack
to an aerial accident. They’re straight up thrash, with tinges of rock, and/or
roll. For me the standout is the vocals. It’s all there; death growls,
spoken-word that sounds Pattonesque, yells, squeals, whispers, and even a little
raspy singing. I’m not trying to slight the band, though. The guitars are
balanced in both the mix, and their tone. Not too much high, or low. The bass is
there, and even gets a few of it‘s own moments, and the drums are tight and
unpretentious. It’s everything a good heavy metal band needs. Nothing seems to
drown out the other. I’m not saying the production’s as crisp and clean as
unsoiled undies, but it’s well-balanced. There’s a couple of really kick-arse
riffs, and a vocal build up in the opening track “Failure” (I think) that really
impressed me. There’s even some groovy (dare I say “funky”?) moments as well
that fit tighter than an 80s thrasher‘s jeans. I am told however that their live
performance outshines their recording more than a really shiny thing does. Maybe
some tin-foil, or a halogen lamp? They’re pretty shiny.
At any rate, this is a solid heavy metal album that‘s not (in
my opinion) even an obvious “let’s get back to our roots“ album. For all I know,
these guys have been doin‘ heavy metal since before all the cool kids were doin‘
it. The same cool kids that thought women were selfish for keeping all the
make-up for themselves, and discovered you can get high on cans of whipped
cream.
http://www.myspace.com/erebuswi
; http://www.erebusband.com
Production: 6/10; Originality: 6/10;
Instruments: 7/10; Vocals 9/10
OVERALL: 7/10
ETERNAL DESCENT - "Losing Faith" (Incendium Records)
Style: Metal/Industrial/ Experimental
Origin: London
Heather's Review: By far, this is the most interesting cd I
have come across. The cd is based on a story, and each track represents a comic
book. The music is surreal, with a lot of melody and rhythm, combined with hints
of metal and an industrial feel. With emphasis on each individual story,
vocalist Elysha West changes her tone and feel with each emotion that is
expressed. She does an amazing job getting the listener to feel as the
"characters" feel. With that, there are also sound effects, such as rain, to get
the mood flowing. This 2-member group, headed by Llexi Leon, has split the cd
into 3 chapters with 4 tracks. Each chapter is to be released separately as a 4
issue "mini-series". The cd sleeve itself portrays an anime picture of the main
character, accompanied with artwork telling more of the story.
The story, and the music, is very well done, and I recommend
this to metal and Industrial fans alike. This is definitely a cd worth picking
up. You can find more info on them at
www.myspace.com/eternaldescent
or at www.eternaldescent.com
(which contains anime, games, videos, and more to further entertain)
Vocals: 10/10; Originality:
10/10; Production: 10/10
Overall:10/10
EVANGELI
DVD - "...in sin"
Style - Black/death metal/folk
Origin - Sweden
Heather's Review - After reviewing this DVD, the only thing I
found wrong was the lack of participation from the crowd. The band kicked ass,
with heavy riffs, pulsating drum sounds, and violins to keep it interesting. The
clarity of the DVD was very well done (loved the graphics) and I loved the fact
that the band added the song title on screen before the song begins. There is
even a photo of the band included when you open it up. What distracted me was
that fact that it's not until a multitude of songs go by that the crowd made any
visible interest! There was no headbanging or anything....which is surprising
because the band played great!! That's not a reason not to get this though, I
would Definitely recommend getting this!! It is well worth it!!!! Check them out
at www.evangeli.se ,
info@evangeli.se or they can be
found at
www.myspace.com/evangeli
Clarity: 9/10 Production: 9/10 Creativity: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
EZURATE – “An Ending To
Revela
