May 2012
Keine Kompromisse - Ace Frehley
Deep Purple - Total Abandon Australia 1999
Nick Oliveri / Chuck Norris Experiment - Split
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NICK OLIVERI vs THE CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT - Split I Hate People Records
Nick Oliveri (QOTSA, Kyuss, Mondo Generator, Dwarves) with my friends from Gothenburg, the mighty CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT. First the mighty artwork, like a Zombie comic strip will make me happy. What a cool cover! But you will get no Stoner Rock from that founder of the scene, it is more a Punk Rock record with some acoustic stuff from Nick. Nothing against the Split, but I miss a real hit on the record. The songs are ok, not more. And most of the time I miss the power and the pissed attitude from Nick. The 7 songs sound more like some unfinished songs. A little disappointment. Chuck Norris have more drive and power. Songs like TAKING OUT BERLIN or KICK are really cool and professional. And PATH OF DESTRUCTION is a small hit, maybe that song can help to push the band! Fans will buy it indeed, all others should check it out first! But if you collect vinyl, be fast and get the Vinyl version, limited on 300 copies! If you don`t like the music, buy it and watch the artwork....
Genre: Punk Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 14 Songs / 40 minutes
Jochen
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ACE FREHLEY - Keine Kompromisse
KISS! Der Gitarrenheld vieler Gitarristen mit einem mitreißenden Buch. Verschlungen habe ich es an 2 Abenden, konnte nicht mehr aufhören. Weil KISS und speziell SpaceAce meine Kindheit und Jugend beeinflusst haben. Das Buch beginnt mit seiner Kindheit und Jugend, über die Bandenmitgliedschaft und seine Parties. Und vor allem seine Bands vor Kiss. Dann kam Kiss. Und er wurde zum großen Helden für viele. Ein Einblick in die Welt von Kiss, mit all den Drogen, Frauen usw. Auch Kiss Fans werden die ein oder andere Story zum ersten Mal hören (und von einer anderen Sicht...). Interessant natürlich immer die 2 Seiten von Kiss. Er und Peter Criss (und dessen Eskapaden), Paul und Gene auf der anderen Seite. Und von seiner Zeit nach Kiss weiß man eh nicht so viel. Für mich ist THE ELDER ja immernoch ein Meilenstein von Kiss (ja - das hören wohl nicht viele Fans gern...) und auch sein Ausstieg nach der Scheibe und seine Schilderungen hierzu sind sehr interessant. Weiter geht es mit seinen beiden sehr guten Soloscheiben und der Wiedereinstieg anlässlich der MTV Unplugged Aufnahmen (als Special Guests). Die folgende Reunion Tourneen und das letzte Album mit KISS (PSYCHO CIRCUS) werden nochmal ausführlich erklärt bevor es dann zum endgültige Bruch mit der Geldmaschine Paul/Gene im Jahr 2002 kam. Ich kann mich noch erinnern, wie Kiss die letzte Tour im Originalline-up 1995 gespielt haben und ich begeistert dachte, dass wäre es nochmal gewesen (bevor es dann einfach jahrelang weiterging ala Ozzys Abgang). Geil war das damals schon und die Band war 1995 noch richtig gut aufeinander zu sprechen. Und das Drogen- und Alkoholmonster Ace Frehley ist seit 2005 trocken und voller Lebenswille. Für Kiss Fans ein MUSS! Für Rock Fans ein MUSS! Und wer einfach eine interessante Autobiografie lesen möchte, sollte sich das Exemplar sichern! Co-Autoren waren Joe Layden (Mustaine: Mein wahres Ich) und John Ostrosky (MTVs HEADBANGERS BALL). Ach ja...da die Band nicht sonderlich gut wegkommt, ist das Buch in keiner Weise von Kiss autorisiert!
Genre: Buch / Autobiografie
Info: Hardcover, 256 Seiten, davon 16 Farbseiten, 77 Fotos
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DEEP PURPLE - TOTAL ABANDON AUSTRALIA 1999 Eagle Records
This release has not been available until now. Only fan club members got the offer to get it so far. And now it will be released official, but it is now it is a single disc. First time it was a double disc. And so some of the important live stuff like PERFECT STRANGERS or SPEED KING missing on the Eagle Records release. In 1999, the band was touring on the release of their one year old output ABANDON. It is a long time gone so far and remember: it was the MK VII version of Deep Purple. Featuring Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Roger Glover and the new guitarist Steve Morse. Ian Gillian and band show every young Hard Rock band how it should sound. The highlights of TOTAL ABANDON are the usual suspects: SMOKE ON THE WATER (in a good version with some great Morse guitar intro in front of the song!!), PICTURES OF HOME, WOMAN FROM TOKYO, FIREBALL and the mighty HIGHWAY STAR. The new tracks BLOODSUCKER, ALMOST HUMAN and WATCHING THE SKY fits good into the live set. It is a good Hard Rock live album, only the fact with the missing second CD is a critical point. Deep Purple fans will buy it thought, for all other Hard Rock fans (young and old) a must have!
Genre: Hard Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 7
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
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March 2012
COWBOYS AND ALIENS - Sandpaper Blues Knockout
BLACK SPACE RIDERS - Light is the new Black
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COWBOYS AND ALIENS - Sandpaper Blues Knockout Dice Industries
I`m still addicted from their 2 records A TRIP TO THE STONEHENGE COLONY and the follow up LOVE, SEX, VOLUME. This is still one of the best Stoner Rock sound from Europe (together with Dozer and Celestial Season)! And now they are back after 6 long years with a new output! The Digipack EP is a good output to say WELCOME BACK! And still on the top! The belgium guys start with the mighty fast Stoner Rocker IN MY TIME and after the first fuzz riff break in, I felt happy! WORTH YOUR WHILE start with some acoustic intro and turns into a slow dark groove monster! Especially the outstanding vocals from Henk make that great band a special one! SIGN OF THE OMEN features some Classic Rock elements and is more Hard Rock as Stoner Rock. This song is catchy and rocks hard! And the last song QUESTION VS ANSWER is again a typical CAA rocker! Fast, with a mighty power and unique vocals. Maybe that is the biggest Stoner hit they wrote in all the last years! What a monster! The material is heavy and more varied as in the past. A mighty comeback! Thank you! If you like Stoner Rock, it is a must have!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 4 Songs
Jochen
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BLACK SPACE RIDERS - Light is the new Black Brainstorm Records / Rough Trade
Woh! What a monster! I haven`t expect so much from the German BLACK SPACE RIDERS. The debut was ok, not bad, but not really outstanding. And after I saw, that 13 songs will be on the second record, I thought it will get a boring Space rock release. OK, maybe 1-2 songs less would be better, but this is the biggest surprise in this year so far! What a mighty record! Unbelievable and a big present for my heart! This is not boring Space or Progressive Rock, this is a great mix of different styles. Starting with the DANZIG like CREATURE OF NO LIGHT I can`t believe. After the great packing of the CD the opener is a monster! SUN VS MOON is a hypnotic groove rocker with a mighty riff (like from a Horror movie) and with darker vocals. DIGGIN DOWN and I AM FIRE are more Hardcore-like. With the same hypnotic riffs, but with more aggressive vocals. The single / video WE USED TO LIVE IN LIGHT is a highlight on that record. A song with a lot of depth. Sometimes all remind me on the best Harmful moments, sometimes on some Helmet or Monster Magnet stuff. It is heavy, dark and hypnotic all the time! And some of the riffs will not go out of your brain for days! They really created some sounds you will get addicted! I really can`t name a band with a similar sound. The BLACK SPACE RIDERS are unique and I hope they will conquer the whole world with that record! This is the best trip to the universe! MÜNSTER RULES!
Genre: Space Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 13 Songs
Jochen
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February 2012
MUSTASCH - Sounds like hell, looks like heaven
CARNAVAL - Tennis Football Basketball
RPWL - Beyond Man and Time
EL CACO - Hatred, Love and Diagrams
ORANGE GOBLIN - A Eulogy for the damned
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - Corrosion of Conformity
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MUSTASCH - Sounds like hell, looks like heaven Gain Records / Sony
Stefan Glaumann mixed SOUNDS LIKE HELL, LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN (Rammstein, Paradise Lost) and hell: the sound is huge! I really like the riff laden music from the Swedish Superstars. And I like the band. The new record is a) too short (38 minutes) and b) not as good as the last 2 records. But - they always kick ass! Starting with the monster SPEED METAL (great title!!!) and all the trademarks from the band. Great riffs, fat drumming and awesome vocals from Ralph. IT`S NEVER TOO LATE is my favourite with a great guitar riff! Simple but straight in your face! Killer!
Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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CARNAVAL - Tennis Football Basketball CARNAVAL MUSIC
Some of the real underground Stoner Rock fans will (of course) know that band from Ljubljana, Slovenia. With their record "2" they released a great Stoner Rock record some years ago and now they released their 3rd output with the mighty (i like it) title TENNIS, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL. The CD is available in 3 different editions (Tennis edition, Football edition and Basketball edition) and you really support that band. "2" sounded like a fresh and groovy QOTSA - like Stoner output with a lot of hits on it! Now they sound more "adult", a step away from the typical Stoner Rock sound. Maybe a step into Art Rock, Alternative Rock? Don`t know...but still heavy and with great ideas. The opener and titletrack starts more moody, more relaxed and turns after 4 minutes into a great groove monster! NEIGHBOUR features that well-known heavy groove stuff from Carnaval. Awesome vocals, great groove, powerful drumming. KILLER TRACK! Another highlight is the longest track (8.48) called UNIVERSE. Great guitars again. And sometimes the stuff has some comparison to the mighty HARMFUL. Yeah! Start to collect the 3 editions and support that cool band!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs
Jochen
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RPWL - Beyond Man and Time The Gentle Art of Music
The fifth studio album from the Bavarian Progressive Band RPWL is finally a concept album. An outstanding Progressive Rock album with great melodies, epic moments and a lot of soundscapes. This is the masterpiece from the Germans! And without a huge record company they built a huge following after the years. With BEYOND MAN AND TIME they play now in the first row with the other dinosaur Progressive Rock bands. The limited edition of the record will come with a spoken word CD which delves deeper into the story of the record. They took the best from the leading Prog bands like Pink Floyd, Marillion, Fates Warning for example and mixed it with the great ideas and melodic guitar work from Mr. Wagner and the outstanding vocals from Yogi Lang. It is not fair to put out one single track, because all 11 tracks are on the same high level and give you the compact impression about the band and the story! But the double opening TRANSFORMED and WE ARE WHAT WE ARE are a good example for the today power of RPWL. For Progressive Rock fans a must have!
Genre: Prog Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
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EL CACO - Hatred, Love and Diagrams Indie Records
Yes yes yes. They are back! One of the best Stoner Rock bands (are they?) are back with their masterpiece! In Norway they are huge, in Germany only a handful of guys know them. And now the 6th studio record is out and what a killer! The music is still full of Stoner Rock elements, but some Classic Rock stuff too. Some magazines write about an Alice in Chains and Tool influence...I think it is hard to describe their sound. I hear a lot of RUSH too! The opener AFTER I``M GONE is a killer of a song. Great vocals, great hookline and a mighty groove. The single HATRED is another killer and especially the following AUTOPSY with a great hookline and fat drum-beat is a killer. This 3 opening tracks will blow you away. Singer/bass player Osa is one of the best worldwide in my eyes (I really think every Prog and Rush fan should listen to that record!). His unique voice and the great melodies make him special! Another highlight is the mighty SKELETON with a great chorus and great ending! What a power! What a drummer (he makes that song special with the outstanding ideas and tempo changings!). This is not only Stoner Rock. This record features some Classic Rock and Prog Rock elements too. And sometimes you hear a little Muse or Placebo in my eyes.... I really hope that they will find a lot of fans in the different genres. For me it is definately the highlight in 2012! Best El Caco so far, best record in last years, best singer in the world! Get it and support that Norwegian MONSTER!
Genre: ROCK
Music: 10
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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ORANGE GOBLIN - A Eulogy for the damned Candlelights Records
15 years are gone since the mighty Stoner Rock debut FREQUENCIES FROM PLANET TEN and what happens? Not so much and maybe the English press will see it different: except the very rough and punky COUP DE GRACE not so much followed, because on every release from the british rockers the music is to average. Only one or two good songs on every record is not enough. And now they release their masterpiece (if you believe the international magazines). But it can`t hold that premature praise. The music is more melodic, more Hard Rock and Classic Rock elements. And: the first time, the vocals from Ben Ward (yes..he is a legend!) are powerful and full of melodies. But again he found not the way to make the songs special and highlights. Don`t understand me wrong: the music is great, the riffs kick ass, but all in all it is again a long way to the top. The opener RED TIDE RISING is one of the best songs from Orange Goblin and THE FILTHY AND THE FEW is a cool rocker. But absolute highlight (but I think I know the vocal melodies and that riff from another band...) is the heavy, doomy and catchy DEATH OF AQUARIUS. That is the best ORANGE GOBLIN song ever! More like this please! Maybe they will do a huge step forward with that more melodic and cleaner production. In my eyes again not an essential record. Sorry guys.
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - s/t Candlelight Records
COC are back with the original “Animosity” era line-up of Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean and Reed Mullin. I know - some of you miss Mr. Pepper on that record, but if you give "COC" a chance, you will get another good output from that old guys. But if you await some Hardcore, Punk or Crossover sound like in the past, will be disappointed. Because "COC" is full of great Black Sabbath and Trouble riffs and only the vocals remind on the good old times. The slow opening riff from PSYCHIC VAMPIRE will kick you away and is full of energy. LEECHES and RAT CITY whos the punk rock influence and THE DOOM (Highlight) is pure Sabbath riffing. And THE NEWNESS could be from Soundgarden - yes - another highlight with great vocals! And the artwork of the record is a killer! COC is back with an fresh, vital and energetic record. I`m still the ultimate "Blind" fan, but I have to say: Thank you!
Genre: Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
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January 2012
Far Away Town - Old jokes new laughs
Hellamor - Relief
Centao - The Look The Wait The kill
The Buyable Sluts Wanted for stealing Virginity - Antacids
All Mankind - Simple Desire
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ALL MANKIND - Simple Desire So Recordings
Is this the next big think from Australia? If you follow and believe the international press, ALL MANKIND are Australia`s next biggest export. The songs are very professional and in the USA and Australia and UK they are on the way to the top. In Germany they try it now and I think they can do it! The music is great Rock stuff which delivers some epic and heartfelt songs. I think that is exactly the sound what the radio listeners want to hear. A mix of Radiohead, Coldplay and Snow Patrol. Not my cup of tea.
Genre: Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Info: 11 songs
Jochen
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THE BUYABLE SLUTS WANTED FOR STEALING VIRGINITY - Antacids Home Sweet Home Records
Indie-Rock, between Radiohead, Blackmail and The Strokes. From Germany. That are the facts. They are very cool and do their stuff. No influences from the modern world. 100 points for that. The music is very professional, a must have for Indie Rock fans in the whole world. After their debut EP called CASSIUS DIE IT they released their debut full-length album on a very cool label. The music is noisy, but melodic. Pavement is maybe a good combarison....check it!
Genre: Indie
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
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CENTAO - The Look The Wait The Kill MoRock Records
Centao from Austria bring you a good debut with a lot of nice and friendly melodies. Maybe the right sound for the young rockers and Alternative lovers. Since 8 years they play music and last year they supported Guns`n`Roses at Vienna. Unbelievable. You will get a mix of Alternative Metal, Nu Metal und some Emo Rock moments. The songs are all good. But tell you the truth, I think I`m too old for a music like Centao. Songs like CHANGE MY WORLD are really not my cup of tea, but the first video clip to the song NOTHING is cool. The production is great and all in all a good record for young fans. But all in all the songs are too similar to some other bands. Check it if you do not want it too heavy!
Genre: Alternative Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
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FAR AWAY TOWN - Old jokes new laughs
FAR AWAY TOWN from Austria are one of the big new hopes. OLD JOKES NEW LAUGHS starts with a great Kyuss like drum beat and some great Stoner guitars. SURREAL, the opener, sounds like a mix of old QOTSA and Deville or Truckfighters. Great song! Especially the groove and the vocals from Alex are outstanding! NO TIME TO LOOSE remind me a little about the mighty Brain Police and Dozer. STREET SKATES RIDE and especially LIKE I SAID features some psychedelic moments. LIKE I SAID is in my eyes the highlight between that great songs. Some old-school Kyuss riffs, some old school QOTSA / Gamma Ray riffs and a mighty power drumming from Mario. This band is a big surprise and if you like the energetic old school Stoner Rock stuff and riffs, this is a must have for you! The package is awesome too and the production very fat! This band will be the leaders of the new Stoner Rock hype soon! Thank you for OLD JOKES AND NEW LAUGHS and I wait for the new full-length record and some shows in my area!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 35 minutes
Jochen
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HELLAMOR - Relief
The new HELLAMOR release, the "new" band from the ex-Calamus singer Ralf, is again a self-released output with a professional standard. Packing, sound and music! Starting with a great guitar shredding and turning into the opener HERO. Especially the vocals from Ralf sounds more "pissed-off" and darker. HERO is a good opener, but the following ANGRY MAN with an very angry Ralf on vocals is the highlight on that record, maybe the best song in the short Hellamor career. OLD HOLE with a spoken word starter and a cool refrain turns into the dark monster DON`T OPEN THE DOOR with great guitar work and an slow and under the skin walking chorus. AFRAID is the song with the best guitar work on that record. It is more like some Classic Rock stuff. An oriental beginning you will get at PROZAC HAPPINESS which turns into a slow guitar riffing. Hellamor can hold the standard of the older releases and they did one step forward on the vocal side. Stoner Rock made in Germany as you all love!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 35 minutes
Jochen
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December 2011
Chron Goblin - One Million from the top
Ogressa - Warts and All
Bring the Knife - s/t
Ancient Wisdom - A godlike Inferno
Chäirwalk - Top 10
Zodiac N Black - The Aftermyth
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ZODIAC N BLACK - THE AFTERMYTH STM Records
ZNB from London are the biggest surprise in the last weeks! Yeah. this is exactly what I like. Catchy rhythms and huge crunching riffs like ONLY LIVING WITNESS or the (middle) MINDFUNK did. CHUM too! It is hard to describe, because not so many bands played that sound in the past and right now! I hope that the new Soundgarden has the same power as THE AFTERMYTH! The vocals from Jad are very cool and powerful! The record got mixed by the legendary Alex Newport (Sepultura, Nailbomb) and the sound? Heavy and clear! Not like the shitty new Metal productions! Highlights are the opener BASTINADO (great vocal lines!!!), the heavy and slow ONLY THE LONELY, the psychedelic THE JOKE IS ON US and WHO`S THE FOOL and the crushing BAD PILLS. And the last track LIGHTS ON BLUES is very close to the mighty Soundgarden/Badmotorfinger era. This is a mighty debut and I hope they will get a lot of followers with that record! Good luck and keep your eyes open for ZODIAC N BLACK!
Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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CHÄIRWALK - Top 10 141 Records
I follow that band since years and they played some cool support shows for bands like Mustasch, Hermano or Pothead. Mighty names and I`m surprised about their debut record on a cool german label. The first point to mention are the german vocals and it is not easy to play Rock music with german vocals. The music should be a mix of QOTSA and TOOL. Can`t find it. It is a good Rock record with some Alternative, Punk and Stoner influences, but in my eyes the vocals not really fit. Maybe you will love it. I`m not. Sometimes the music remind me on some HELMET stuff, some riffs are really heavy. The slow song SCHMIED is a highlight and the Stoner like FEDERN too. Check it and you decide!
Gerne: German Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 11 Songs / 47 minutes
Jochen
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ANCIENT VVISDOM - A GODLIKE INFERNO SHINEBOX RECORDINGS
www.myspace.com/ancientvvisdom
These four dudes from Austin Texas came to existence in 2009, their intention is strangley enough to bring along Neo Folk. Strange why? Because the members are or were beeing active in the likes of INTEGRITY and IRON AGE. This means in this case, acoustic guitars, clear vocals, if I'am not totally mistaken an occult lyrical touch and a somewhat eerie atmosphere. Well for a few songs this may be something, but over the whole 33 minutes it drags a bit. Grippier material like the more lively NECESSARY EVIL or DEVIL BRAIN are worth a try. The positive thing: I really can't compare their music to anyone since I'am not familiar in these fields (the first two have a not METALLICA unlike vocal arrangement, well slightly). If you like it quiet and spiritful this might trigger something in you. Man do I miss punching drums. Since this is not really my kind of stuff I will not rate A GODLIKE INFERNO in terms of the music. Be warned name dropping freaks, no Hardcore inside.
GENRE: NEO FOLK
MUSIC:
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 33 min
Thomas Schubert
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BRING THE KNIFE - same Thrashachusetts Records 005
Another cool newcomer from Boston. BRING THE KNIFE is a pounding mid-tempo monster with aggressive vocals and punshing drums. Pattie on guitar is a rifflady and songs like VIKING SKULL THRUST or WEREWOLF FUCKDOWN speak a clear statement. Sometimes it remind me on some old Anthrax and Nuclear Assault, sometimes on some new school Hardcore like Hatebreed. FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT....is the highlight in my eyes. A cool mix of some Thrash moments and the 7 Songs really kick ass. The guitar work from Pattie is in my eyes real old-school Thrash Metal and only the vocals are not on the same level as the music. I miss the real highlights on the vocal side. But do not understand me wrong: that band is cool and kicks ass! Check out the cool video for WEREWOLF FUCKDOWN! And check out THANK YOU FOR RIPPING US OFF, a great song with again great guitar work!
Genre: Hardcore Thrash
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 7 Songs
Jochen
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CHRON GOBLIN - One Million from the top
Calgary´s young band CHRON GOBLIN with a great looking debut CD. The basement of their music is Stoner Rock, but mixed with a lot of Punk music and some old school Thrash Metal stuff. On the CD you will find a lot of energy and tight played songs, but all in all i miss the some highlights. The opener and title track starts with some cool riff attack and some DANKO JONES comparisons. MAKE YOU MINE, my personal highlight on the record, features some MONSTER MAGNET groove and this mix you will get on the whole record. The record with some up and downs is not bad and good for a debut, but with the next record they have to reduce the mistakes (most songs sound similar) and they have to work on some more hooklines. But do not understand me wrong. That band rocks and it makes a lot of fun to listen to ONE MILLION FROM THE TOP. Check it out if you like a good mix of Punk and Stoner Rock! Kick ass rock from Calgary - good luck!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 9 Songs
Jochen
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OGRESSA - WARTS AND ALL Dalisllama Records
Oh, a new output from Dali’s Llama Records. It is not the new Dali’s Llama record; it is a side project of Zach Huskey from Dali’s Llama and Scott Reeder (KYUSS!!!!) and it rocks! First I saw that cool comic like artwork. The music is a cool mix of Stoner Rock and Doom Metal. The guitars are down tuned and the slow (most of the time). And it really feels great to listen to that record. The opener GIVE ME SOME SPACE is a killer and the following MANGE is one of my favourites with the great guitar work. The slow LADY OGRESS is true Doom Metal. Killer! And with THE BOSS you will find a great cover version from THE MUTANTS. The more acoustic SONORAN DEBRIS features Zach on vocals and is close to some Dali`s Llama stuff. Absolut highlight is the last song ANIMAL MASK, which turns into the song the direction. I hope that they will get a lot of feedback and fans with that record. They deserve it! Try to get that record!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Info: 10 Songs
jochen
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November 2011
Diretone - Diretone
Placebo - we come in pieces DVD
Rush - Time Machine DVD
OZ - Burning Leather
Chäirwalk - Top 10
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CHÄIRWALK - Top 10 141 Records
Mmmhhhhh....what should I say: it is not my cup of music. The info-sheet told me something about Deftones, QOTSA and TOOL, but I only hear some Punk Rock stuff with some Stoner elements. And the vocals (in german language) do not really fit on the music....maybe they do...don`t know. It is hard to listen to it, but if you like German Rock maybe you like it. The artwork is terrible, but cool on the other side and the guys are cool in my eyes... They are not bad, but not my cup of tea. Sorry.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Music: 4
Sound: 7
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
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OZ - BURNING LEATHER AFM Records / soulfood
Some of you old Metalheads will still know the legendary OZ from Finland! OZ and BATHORY contributes on the first SCANDINAVIAN METAL ATTACK compilation and now they are back with a cool new records (some new stuff and some old re-recorded classic songs!). The opener DOMINATOR is a great song in the veins of ACCEPT and JUDAS PRIEST. Pure old school Heavy Metal at its best! SEARCHLIGHTS in the new version is more Speed Metal and TURN THE CROSS UPSIDE DOWN and THIRD WARNING are more powerful as on the old recordings! The funny lyrics from ENTER STADIUM are the one side, but the groovy Dio-like song is really cool. Especially the vocals on the songs are cool and sounds like a mix of all the classic Heavy Metal singers from the 80s. SEASONS IN THE DARKNESS couild be from an old Judas Priest record and that is not a bad word about that song! This is real heavy played Metal for the old guys/girls and the younger Metal fans! I hope they get now the following to make a huge step forward in the Metal scene! The production from Nicke Andersson (Hellacopters) is heavy and modern and fits perfect to push the songs to the right level! The booklet and package is great! If you like Heavy Metal - this is a must have!
Genre: Heavy Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 42 Minutes
Jochen
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RUSH - Time Machine Eagle Vision
The mighty MOVING PICTURES was released 30 years ago and now the canadian Prog Masters did the whole record on stage. The show was recorded in Cleveland (the city was the first radio supporter of the band) and show the band in a brilliant constitution and as perfect musicians. It is every time an awesome moment to watch the band on stage and listen to the mighty songs. And especially the short movies in front of the songs with the musicians as characters are very funny. THE REAL HISTORY OF RUSH is very cool! The stage looks like a Time Machine, very close to the H.G. Wells movie. The first set is a mix of some new and old and rare live Rush highlights (PRESTO for example, what a great song!) and the second set starts with the complete MOVING PICTURE record (I`m still addicted from songs like the mighty RED BARCHETTA, TOM SAWYER and WITCH HUNT). And all the fans know: two new songs from the forthcoming album CLOCKWORK ANGELS where on the setlist too and believe me: the new record will be a masterpiece! BROUGHT UP TO BE is very progressive and CARAVAN is a good song in the Rush tradition. Highlight for all musicians is the drum solo from Neil Pearts. Only hits (only the Reggea like WORKING MAN sound a little strange)
SET 1:
1. The Spirit Of Radio
2. Time Stand Still
3. Presto
4. Stick It Out
5. Workin’ Them Angels
6. Leave That Thing Alone
7. Faithless
8.Brought Up To Be (BU2B)
9. Freewill
10. Marathon
11. Subdivisions
SET 2:
1. Tom Sawyer
2. Red Barchetta
3. YYZ
4. Limelight
5. The Camera Eye
6. Witch Hunt
7. Vital Signs
8. Caravan
9. Malignant Narcissism / Moto Perpetuo
10. O’Malley’s Break
11. Closer To The Heart
12. 2112 Overture
13. Far Cry
Bonus:
1. La Villa Strangiato
2. Working Man
More questions? NO! Buy that high quality DVD/Blu Ray right now!!
Genre: Prog Rock
Music: 10
Sound: 8
Info: 26 songs / 164 Minutes
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DIRETONE - DIRETONE Gateway Music
A new Groove Metal hope from Denmark? After listening to the 10 song debut album I have to say: NO! The music is not bad. Tight played Groove Metal; heard 100 times before (and with more magic!). The riffs and the songs are good, but without the magic feeling and groove from the "big bands". But the biggest "no go" on that record are the vocals which sound too much like James Hetfield. No bad words about the Metallica singer, but Lars tries exactly to sound like the big frontman and it sounds bad. And: it fits not to the music! The riffs and the uptempo drive in songs like IT NEVER ENDS, DRAWN TO LIFE or ROAD are good, but every second you feel the unfinished thoughts in your ears. I think that band can make their way with the next record if they work on their songs and especially the vocals.
Genre: Groove Metal
Sound: 8
Music: 6
Info: 10 songs
Jochen
++++++
PLACEBO - WE COME IN PIECES DVD Eagle Vision
WE COME IN PIECES is a visual Overkill! This double DVD is a killer and a must have for every fan! Recorded during the BATTLE FOR THE SUN world tour you will get on DVD 1 a great concert filmed at the London Brixton Academy. Awesome light show and an excellent playing band is the standard, but they mix some different scenes into the songs and make the concert to a visual masterpiece! This live concert will not get boring for a small second! And (of course) you will get all the highlights from the band (especially the opener NANCY BOY will kick your ass!). 21 songs from London (including EVERY YOU EVERY ME, BITTER END, TASTE IN MEN, BATTLE FOR THE SUN) and 6 Bonus songs recorded in Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Belgium and Japan show you how big Placebo are today! I follow that band since their debut and I saw them over 10 times on stage and I`m still a fan from their first performances, but I really like that concert from London. The band is still great! On the second DVD you will get a documentary from the world tour with all the hectic and bad moments of a rock star and a band. For fans and music lovers this documentary is very interesting! Well done! And as bonus you will get a short film titled TRIGGER HAPPY HANDS, which is very dark and impressive! 5.1 sound and a great package - buy it! One of the best DVDs ever!
Genre: Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 2 DVDs / 179 minutes
Jochen
++++++
October 2011
RIOTGOD - Invisible Empire
THE QUILL - Full Circle
THE FUCKING WRATH - Valley of the Serpent`s Soul
SCHIZOFRANTIK - Oddities
NORDIC NOMADIC - Worldwide Skyline
++++++
THE FUCKING WRATH - Valley of the Serpent`s Soul Tee Pee Records
www.myspace.com/thefuckingwrath
A new monster for all the HIGH ON FIRE, MELVINS, DISCHARGE and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY fans. The band from southern California is not a newcomer (Valley of the serpent`s soul is their second record), they have played over 150 gigs per year and they are well-known in the DIY scene! TFW do a hard Stoner Rock, some up-tempo Thrash stuff like Metallica did in their beginning and some doom. Highlight is the slow and destroying SWAN SONG OF A MAD MAN. Especially the vocals from Vocalist Craig Kasamis fit perfect! They are rough and heavy. The right vocals for real beer drinking rockers! I really like THE NEURODYSSEY with the great forward punching power and the cool drum drive. And after some silent moments at GRANDELUSION the song GODDESS OF PAIN will bring you back to the moody water of South California. Clutch-meets-Alabama Thunderpussy in old school style. I only miss one or two more hits on that record, but maybe with their next record.....a mighty band will grow in southern California!
Genre: Sludge Stoner Doom
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 8 songs
Jochen
++++++
THE QUILL - Full Circle Metalville Records
The next Stoner Rock highlight on the new and very cool Metalville label. My old friends from THE QUILL are back. Back to the good old PEOPLE LIKE YOU releases, THE QUILL was one of the best and interesting newcomer in the crowing Stoner Rock scene, but after a tour with MONSTER MAGNET I haven`t heard anything by THE QUILL. Ex-singer Magnus did the vocals on the AYREON record and the bass player works still for SPIRITUAL BEGGARS and ARCH ENEMY. And now a new record from the swedish rock monster. 13 new Stoner Rock songs on a great new release. SLEEPING WITH YOUR ENEMY is a cool riffmonster with some MOTHER MISERY influence on the melodies and the following FULL CIRCLE is so heavy and slow; great! Especially the vocals gave that song the last kick! BLACK STAR is without that power, but a good Rock song with excellent vocal melodies indeed. MEDICINE is a real hit with forward driven guitars and punching drums. What a power! Only 2-3 songs less at the end of the record (like RUNNING) would make that record to a masterpiece. I miss the last kick at the end (I really prefer short and straight in your face records...) , but that is not a huge criticism, but in my eyes the end can`t hold the high musical quality of the beginning. But the two ballads RIVER OF A MOONCHILD and NO EASY WAY OUT show the high musical potential of THE QUILL. So, go out and buy that record and help that band to get more fans! It is time for THE QUILL!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs
Jochen
++++++
RIOTGOD - Invisible Empire Metalville Records
OK, I really like the debut record from Riotgod and I was happy to get their second record in my mail box. But after I put it in, I got a hit on my head! Man, that is awesome! The opener BREED sounds like some unreleased UNIDA song (especially the vocals from Mark Sunshine) and the following FOOL show the same quality! Straight forward kick ass Stoner Rock with mighty vocals and a huge power! Especially the vocals are one of the best todays! In the whole Rock scene! CROSSFADE is close to some old SOUNDGARDEN stuff and unique too! The guitar riff from Garrett Sweeny is full of power and feeling! SLOW DEATH is more Hard Rock, but fit perfect after that triple heavy opening. With GAS STATION ROSES and REBIRTH they wrote two excellent ballads and TOMORROW`S TODAY sounds like some ALICE IN CHAINS on Stoner stuff. The only critic: the second part of the record can`t hold the power of the beginning and one or two real Stoner kicker are missing (only SAVING IT UP rules). The debut was a pure Stoner Rock trip, but with INVISIBLE EMPIRE they create an outstanding Stoner Rock record with some great Hard Rock influences! I saw a describtion like: MONSTER MAGNET play WOLFMOTHER (maybe the vocals)....that is not fair, because in my eyes RIOTGOD are a real unique band! Uh...if you don`t know it: Riotgod is the band from the 2 MONSTER MAGNET members Jim Baglino (Bass) and Bob Pantella (drums) and in my eyes it is better as the last (good) MM record! One of the best Stoner Rock records 2011!!! GET IT and support that killer band!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
++++++
NORDIC NOMADIC - Worldwide Skyline Tee Pee Records
NORDIC NOMADIC is a solo project from Chad Ross, who play guitar and is the singer at Canada´s Psych Rocker Stars QUEST FOR FIRE. But WORLDWIDE SKYLINE has nothing to do with his mainband (because it is a solo record...) and you will get some whispered vocals and acoustic guitars with some effects. I personally miss the highlights on that record, but maybe Chad won`t do some highlights. The music and his guitar work is really excellent and the vocals fit perfect in my eyes. And songs like the opener and titletrack or SUMMER FRIENDS are very good. Maybe the right music to walk through the hills and woods. Or to relax. Darkend music, mood-driven atmosphere and a evil feeling after listening to that record....I don`t know...maybe you will get addicted to that record. I prefer the chaos. But the guitar work is really cool, beautiful finger picked acoustic riffs, effect dowsed electric guitar and the whispered vocal melodies make that release special. If you like THE VERVE, NEIL YOUNG and his ZUMA or the legendary EARTH, check Chad´s solo record out! ,
Genre: Psychedelic / Folk Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs
Jochen
++++++
SCHIZOFRANTIK - Oddities Gentle Art of Music
This is very strange. Martin Mayrhofer from the german Jazz band PANZERBALLETT with a new band, Progressive Jazz Metal maybe. I really do not like that stuff of music, but this is not bad. And after all that hectic and tempo changings, you will find some good songs between that "chaos". And it is very impressive. Some parts remind me on the second WATCHTOWER record, but not all is real Metal. The opener MY PONYTAIL starts with a weird guitar theme and the following songs are deep into the Jazzrock context. My favourite is the cool LAST SIGNAL DISTORTED, which is close to some WATCHTOWER fragments. KING CRIMSON, MESHUGGAH or PAIN OF SALVATION are some comparison too (but more progressive). SPOCK`S BEARD was maybe the inspiration for the song NERDS DON`T SMOKE. This is very hot and I think every music lover and Progressive Rock / Metal fan should check this out! This is fresh, this is cool, this is the future! KILLER!
Genre: Jazzrock
Music: 9
Sound: 7
Info: 10 Songs / 55 minutes
Jochen
++++++
September 2011
DETONATED - Pre-set to annihilate
EGONAUT - Electric
SKULLFIST - Head öf the pack
+++++++
SKULL FIST- HEAD ÖF THE PACK NOISEART RECORCRDS a divison of ROCK THE NATION/EDEL
www.myspace.com/skullfisted
So here it is the next big thing in the genre of Heavy Metal. Hype or the real deal. Honest like I am, I have to admit that the prior released EP HEAVIER THAN METAL didn't stun me that much. Sure the route is the same on their first longplayer, but this time it's a bit more focused. Another thing benefiting the listening pleasure is the organic sound, guess to get the whole spectrum you have to get the vinyl (of course). No False Metal and Ride The Beast made it over from the EP, here in a grippier suit. Especially on the later mentioned the vocals remind a bit of Vince Neil in a younger, fiercer way. All the arangements are pretty classic of course. A tune like Commanding The Night or the very melodic Commit To Rock have JUDAS PRIEST written all over, but to hell with it as long as it rocks. I don't knwo who is the virtuoso on the lead guitar (Jackie Slaughter the soon to be star among the bunch, or Jonny Nesta) because the solos really blend in very nicely (check out the leads all over assault Get Fisted). No Metal album without harmony guitar duels, this gets proved with Attack Attack (praise the beast).
You see the sceptic has been convinced. And if you're into the new wild ones like ENFORCER (touring mates of them) and BULLET this is a treat for you.
You didn't hear similaritys in the voice of Jackie to Vince from MOETLY CRÜE, well I do.
GENRE: HEAVY METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 43 min
thomas@daredevilrecords.de
+++++++
DETONATED - Pre-set to annihilated
A new Thrash band from California. Detonated released that 4 track EP and the sound reminds me a little to the old heroes. The vocals sound like some old Crossover (I mean the DRI, Wehrmacht, Cryptic Slaughter stuff) power and the music shows a lot of the old heroes too! The opener and title track is very powerful and with great guitar riffing. Sometimes it remind me on some DRI stuff, especially the riffs and the vocals. The following GENETIC DEFORMATION is slower, but with the same power. I miss a real hit, something that would be in my head for days. LOST IN THE UNDERWORLD starts slow and turns into a fast Crossover crusher! The guitars are really cool and the solo/melodies are a good part on that EP. They will release their debut record in the next month (produced by Steve Russell/As I lay Dying, POD) and they will find some fans in the world. And now I know why every track was titled with "Radio Edit"... I still will listen to the old heroes, because Detonated is a good band, but it will be hard to get their quality. Good luck!
Genre: Thrash
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 4 Songs
Jochen
+++++++
EGONAUT - Electric Bastard Rock Records / Rambo
A very cool band will release their first record in the next days! EGONAUT from Sweden play a great mix of Hellacopters, Gluecifer, Motley Crue and Classic Rock. The 9 songs are on the same high level and will get their chance in the music business! The opener BACK HOME is the best moment on that record. Some good chart and radio positions of that song show the potential of that band! Songs like the mighty GRUDGE or the groovy GENERATION WASTE show the high potential of the musician and the power to get a big band! The last song THE HURT close that record with a crush and will make you addicted. Egonaut play no spectacular or new sounds. They mix the best moments from Stoner, Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Punk Rock to a cool mix and good songs. And with the great vocals from FREDRIK they have another ass in the band. Good luck to a bright future!
Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 9 songs
Jochen
+++++++
JULY 2011
MONSTERTONE - Thrills Pills and Kills We riff for food Music
One of the most important and best Stoner Rock band from the Netherlands are back. COWBOYS AND ALIENS did some festival shows this summer and it is great to have that band back. And another surprise from the dutch country. MONSTERTONEs with their record THRILLS PILLS AND KILLS. 10 great produced songs and a cool, Punk Rock like artwork, will bring you some old school Stoner Rock with cool vocals. Of course, it is nothing new....but the sound we all love with some cool riffs. Kick ass Stoner Rock at it´s best! The title track is the opener and features great riffs, great power drumming and a nice solo. BACKDOOR SALUTE features a great refrain and some Hard Rock like guitars. The song MONSTERTONE is a cool straight in your face rocker with faster guitar riffing and power drums. Especially the vocals fit good and most of the refrains will not go out of your mind for days! And that is important on a record! All in all a very good record and with some help and (of course) luck, this band will make a huge step forward. 10 Songs, over 40 minutes, no filler....fuzz baby! Support that (so far) unknown band!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 40 Minutes
Jochen
+++++++
JUNE 2011
Drawers - All is one
Anorak - Sick
A Pale Horse named Death - And hell will follow me
Scoff - Lambda
Grandloom - Sunburst
Lambs - Short on leash and still running
Freeride - Dead Man`s Hand
Pneu - Highway to Health
+++++
DRAWERS - ALL IS ONE
www.myspace.com/drawerskvlt
facebook drawers metal
DRAWERS play their style of Metal since 2006. An EP was realesed prior to their debut back in 2009 called THIS IS OIL. The original singer was replaced, and now with a steady line up they show what they have to offer.
Well right after the first tunes I can already state that this is mine to enjoy.
Low chords, deep, throaty vocals (no grunts), heavy tunes and an overall New Orleans feeling to the whole. On Caput Mortuum Ocean IRON MAIDEN harmonies can also be noticed, but in the eminor version. GREY SAILOR delivers a catchy bastard, the Rock'N'Roll version of CROWBAR, and these low chords really delvier the goods. Another thing that comes to my mind, DOWN on the sludge side. NOLA moods with some Hardcore twists can be heard in the deathgrunt (Uh!) started BLACK QUEEN, the break in induced Doom, Sludge part is a real hiter, yeah.IVORY LIGHTHOUSE takes us into the gloomy pit of France via ultra low chords, the track for itlself has a nice pace to it. BLUE KEEL takes it on the acoustic way just to lead to the ballsy SILVER HAND. A nice mans tune is delivered in PURPLE RIDE, sweaty beards all over baby. Those breaks just stun, hear RED BALLET (again a deathgrunt puts the cherry on the cake). ELECTRIC SEAT lets you ass swing, mood the doomier way is praised in GODLEN ADIEU, MUDDY SMOKE shows a more mellower side, but stil is not whimping out, in the end it gets deep and heavy. The final AZURITE CONSTELLATION lets the chords swing extra low(MESHUGGAH style, maybe the guitar has eight strings, but honeslty I really don't know too much about such things), fine instrumental closure.
The procuction makes the joy even greater.
For fans of BEATEN BACK TO PURE, SIXTY WATT SHAMAN, DOWN, CROWBAR, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY a must have.
GENRE: METAL with a NOLA twist
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs / 53 min
Thomas Schubert
++++++
ANORAK - SICK Maximum Douglas Records
French ANORAK was formed in 2005, prior to this new one called SICK, MY OWN HAZE did rumble our living rooms in fulltime form. FACES OF CRUEL KIDS ON ROTTEN WALLS showed the short treatment in 2007/2008. Do I need medical terms to describe their music, no. They play a at times psychotic (medial term anyways), chaotic, very explosive Hardcore with a slice of harsh Metal. Honestly I really don't know their Amiens, Picardie is located in France, but regarding the music of ANORAK it can't be the nicest place. No prisoners are taken here. The first tune blends with dominant basslines (NOMEANSNO on speed) the overall brutal track is not to heady just pure aggression. Well it changes a lot, it's not only one way to go, a lot is offered here. Theme changes, mood swings, and of course screams (no whining). The second one has something of the unavoidable CONVERGE (at least in this genre), blasts are added, the chords sing a nice tune, and some of them remind a bit of VOIVOD, no shit. Number three comes a bit more tame, but still dangerous. Number four takes the same route with some drumassaults on the side. Number five works with melodies and the aura is darker than the over overtures. Number six is the easiest to get to, but still a fierce one. Number eight is a real brute one, harsh, deep growls attacking drums, and once again some VOIVOD chords (sure this was unintentional, but they do sound like the canadians). Eight takes the mellower approach, but still keeps it's deadly charm. Why the hell isn't he mentioning the songtitles, because I don't have them. The production is excellent.If this one is for you, well the above should define that for you.
GENRE: HARDCORE METAL (with an overall progressive touch)
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 41 min
++++++
A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH - AND HELL WILL FOLLOW ME Steamhammer Records
APHND is the new band from Type O Negative / Life of Agony drummer Sal Abruscato: songwriter, on guitar and microphone. The other part of APHND is Matt Brown, a Brooklyn native producer, engineer and actual musician at SEVENTH VOID. Matt has worked with major artists such as Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Peter Gabriel, Jane’s Addiction. Sal said that this is the best record he had ever done, so I hope that he was not involved in the songwriting of the Life of Agony and Type o Negative material. Because this record is good, but can`t hold the high quality of the mentioned bands / record. The music is good, a little 90 inspired. Sometimes it reminds me a little to PIST ON (does anybody remember?), some guitars sound like some ALICE IN CHAINS stuff...most of the material sound like ALICE IN CHAINS on a heavier spin. They mix all that influences from that time (some neo-Grunge, some Doom, some Type O Negative, some Stoner) to a interesting mix and fresh record. The opener AS BLACK AS MY HEART is a good start and the following TO DIE IN YOUR ARMS is a little too weak at the chorus in my eyes. HEROIN TRAIN rocks and DIE ALONE is a real hit. The vocals from Sal are good, maybe he is not a real singer and maybe on the next record he will do some steps forward, but for a debut it is ok. So, you have to check the band on stage with the mighty line-up Sal (guitar and vocals), Johnny Kelly (Type o Negative, Seventh Void on drums), Bobby Hambel (Biohazard on guitar), Matt Brown (Seventh Void on guitar) and Eric Morgan on Bass. And I forget: Keith Caputo from Life of Agony did background vocals on that record.
Genre: Metal
Sound: 9
Music: 8
Info: 13 songs
Jochen
++++++
SCOFF - LAMBDA Sonic Sound Music
Scoff, the band from Munich/Germany, is back with their second record, a long time after REVERSE UNIVERSE some years ago. In the meantime they shared the stage with bands like JOHN GARCIA plays KYUSS
(USA), BRANT BJORK (USA), HERMANO (USA), KARMA2BURN (USA),
HARMFUL (GER), LOS NATAS (ARG), HELLFUELED (SWE) COC (USA) and many more. Yeah...not bad! The new record is musically 100 steps forward! All songs are great, no filler. The opener THE DAY OF THE LOCUST start with a mighty riff. The power of the music is awesome and yeah....you will feel that the 3 guys spent a lot of time and discussions in the music. Especially Malte on drums is awesome! Great powerful drumming with great licks and drive. The guitar-riffs and ideas from Christian are over the top, it makes a lot of fun to listen to the songs.The mentioned opener is a highlight. Some great Stoner songs like TEMPER THE GOAT or WRATH kick ass. And the production is fat too! So, everything perfect? It is hard to say, but it isn`t. Especially the vocals from Christian fit not really and sounds sometimes strange and wrong in my eyes. The vocals take a lot of the flow and groove. It is not really bad, but with a better singer that record would be a masterpiece. So, you have to decide and listen. I like the record, but with a more powerful singer more would be possible in the music business.
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
++++++
GRANDLOOM - Sunburst Rockzilla Records
Instrumental Stoner Rock from Germany. A lot of you will know them from their support slots in the last month and after a great EP they are back with their debut record. The artwork is killer in my eyes. It fits perfect to the sound of Grandloom. The opener ORBIT WOBBLER starts heavy and turns into a more smoother direction with great melodies and cool effects. Psychedelic rules at ORBIT WOBBLER. The following WODDBRIDGE is a cool Stoner rocker and on that song I really miss cool vocals! APOLLO MOON sound like a trip inside the Space Shuttle and shows some comparison to the HOW TO PLEASURE...material from The Gathering: only 100% heavier. But a cool track. LARRY FAIRY is maybe the best song on SUNBURST. Awesome riffing close to BLACKMAIL (Bliss Please material) and very groovy! Again a vocalist would fit perfect to that song! I have it in my ears ... THE HOLY LETTER features again some space sounds before the 12 minute rocker EARTHVALLEY close the album. Again with mighty riffs and a fat groove! The whole record is a mix of silent psychedelic parts and great Stoner Rock riffs. I personally think a good (!!) singer would help that band, but I know that a lot of instrumental bands have a huge following. GRANDLOOM is definately a leading band in that genre! Good work!
Genre: Instrumental Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 50 Minutes
Jochen
++++++
LAMBS - Short on leash and still running
Very cool Heavy Rock / Stoner Rock from Finland! SHORT ON LEASH AND STILL RUNNING is the 6th record from that 3 piece with a cool mix of Metal and Rock`n`Roll! I`m still impressed! They mention Motörhead, Rose Tattoo and Corrosion of Conformity as influences and hell yeah - that fits! The opener BROKEN SHOULDER is a kick ass Metal song straight in your face! Awesome vocals, awesome power! Great! PINED AWAY is cool too, close to some heavier Rose Tattoo stuff and HEART OF STONE could be from DANKO JONES. Why is that band not huge? Why they don`t have a major deal? The world is not fair! SECOND BEST remind me a little on Danzig (music) and with the raw vocals and the melodic refrain it is a highlight. PEACE FOR THE PERSON, WAR FOR THE WORLD starts with some double bass inferno and is a pure Thrash Metal song; very cool! Another highlight is the mighty riffing of LOCKED and the cool vocal lines again near Danko Jones. Great song with a cool refrain, I think that song is the best example to show the power and sound of LAMBS! TWILIGHT OF THE DOGS and KILL SCREEN close that great record. What a big surprise, what a great band! No filler - only killers! If you like good music = buy it!!! And support that 3 guys!
Genre: Rock
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 28 Minutes
Jochen
++++++
FREE RIDE - Dead Man`s Hand
Again 3 guys from Finland and now with a good Rock`n`Roll / Southern Rock / Western Rock record. I saw that DEAD MAN`S HAND is the second record from Freeride and they fit perfect on every Biker party! Don`t expect anything new, but it sounds professional and fresh. PUT YOU DOWN rocks, STABBED IN THE BACK is typical Rock`n`Roll and the mighty HOLD ON (I`M COMING) rocks like hell! It sounds like a heavier and modern version of ZZ TOP. HELLRIDE make no prisoners and HIGH GAIN is a good food for every Southern Rock lover. So, no real filler on DEAD MAN`S HAND. But no real highlight in my eyes. Not bad, but not essential. But for a good Biker / Beer party in the summer the right music to listen beside the beer and girls.
Genre: Southern Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 11 Songs / 41 Minutes
Jochen
++++++
PNEU - HIGHWAY TO HEALTH Head Records
What an outstanding cover! Very cool! And the music? Very strange! A mix of Alternative, Hardcore and Metal. Mathcore maybe.... AUTOSAFE UNICORN sounds interesting. Great guitar work and a great groove. The musical talent of the members is very high and the songs have good arrangements and if you really like instrumental Math Rock, this is maybe a masterpiece for you! TROPICON for example is the same riff at the whole song, but it went crazy at the end. Something like a small man inside your head turns your brain faster and faster.... I`m really impressed about that record, but I can`t listened to it so often. HIGHWAY TO HEALTH has been recorded and mixed by Kurt Ballou from Converge and on the song KNIFE FIGHT you can find vocals, done by Eugene S. Robinson from OXBOW on the microphone. But it sounds strange too...the right choice from the band with their vocalist! If you want new and interesting heavy sounds - check this band out! Unique!
Genre: Mathcore
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs / 27 Minutes
Jochen
++++++
May 2011
Burn Pilot - Bohemian Trauma
Drakar - Let Draka / Flight of the dragon
Black Oath - The Third Aeon
Rise And Shine - Empty Hand
Samavayo - Cosmic Knockout
Sasquatch - III
Solace - A.D.
The Brought Low - 3
Diablo Blvd - Builders of Empires
Blackmail - Anima Now
Outshine - Until we are dead
Guns of Moropolis - In dynamite we trust
180 Proof - The gutter Sessions Pt. 1
Tenside - Chain Reaction
++++++
BURN PILOT - Bohemian Trauma Setalight Records
This 3 guys in the classic Rock formation drums, bass, guitars, vocals from Germany are here to bring you Psychedelic Stoner Rock. With a lot of jamparts and psychedelic moments. The material sounds like a big jam, mainly without any clear direction. The singer sounds like he his in ecstasy and into a drug dream. Others will say "full of emotion and energy". I don`t know. Songs like WARPAINT or BETRAYED will find some lovers, I prefer the straighter material. But I will not say that Burn Pilot is weak or a bad band. I think they will find some followers and maybe with the next record they can bring some clear direction into their sound.
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 8 songs
Jochen
+++++++
DRAKAR - Let draka / Flight of the dragon I Hate Records
After years of delay the prague (Czech Republic) Heavy/Speed/Thrash band DRAKAR, originally sprung in 1990, release their debut album! The double CD features both: the Czech and English versions of the album. The band recorded 2 versions, one for the former East block states and one for the foreign market. And they were one of the heaviest and most obscure bands behind the Iron Curtain! Ivan Sekira (Vocals, Guitar), Martin Ježek (Guitar), Milan Kamenik (Drums) und Michal Linha (Bass) started short before the Iron Curtain burned down to earth and they used that feeling and fears for their music. The record is over 11 years old, but songs like DVOJNIK (KINGDOM OF THE WALLS) with a great old school Trash riffing like old Kreator or the Slayer like ZRADA A POMSTA (CROWN OF THE CLOWN). The music is very interesting and 100% underground, only the vocals are different as on other bands. The lyrics (I only got the Czech version) and vocals sound strange. More spoken, very dark....interesting style. The band is on tour right now and if you like cool and interesting Underground bands, buy that cool CD!
Genre: Thrash Metal
Music: 6
Sound: 6
Info: 8 Songs / 40 Minutes
Jochen
++++++
BLACK OATH - The third aeon I Hate Records
A very cool true Doom Metal release from I HATE RECORDS again! BLACK OATH from Italy released a great records between old CANDLEMASS and SOLITUDE AETURNUS. Especially the music of EPICUS DOOMICUS METALLICUS is a huge influence for that young band in my eyes. The simple, but effective Doom Metal with cool (but heard before) riffs and simple drums are not outstanding, only the vocals (which remind me a little on the Solstice material) lead this band. It is not a bad record, but I think they are on a good way to create a masterpiece in Doom Metal in the future. The last song THE BLACK OATH is in my eyes with some more "progressive" moments the outstanding song between good Doom Metal hymns.
Genre: Doom Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 6 Songs / 45 minutes
Jochen
++++++
RISE AND SHINE - Empty Hand I Hate Records
www.myspace.com/flowerpowermetal
Yeah..they are back! 20 years is the swedish Retro / Psychedelic / Stoner / Doom band around and they released a new record via the cool I HATE label. After some good releases some years ago they are back with the 4th record. Highlight in that band are the warm and emotional and almost painfully hot vocals from Lady Josabeth, which are dark and pessemistic on the lyric side. Rise and Shine worships the doom sound from bands like The Obsessed, old Black Sabbath and of course Trouble. The great 70s inspired riffs from Joakim and Daniel are full of blues and psychedelia elements. And that make the sound so special. The bluesy vocals fit (on the first look) not really into a old fashioned Doom Metal band, but if you dive into that CD, you will get addicted (like you felt on Jex Thoth)! In my eyes the new record is more powerful and riff - orientad as the older material. The music lives from the great interaction of the two guitar players and the outstanding vocals from Josa. The CD is a complete art statement. I think it is not fair to pull out one single song. All 10 songs are important and on the same high level.
Genre: Doom Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 47 Minutes
Jochen
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SAMAVAYO - Cosmic Knockout Setalight Records
One of the most popular and talented german underground Rock band is back with a real great record. In the early years they started as a Stoner Rock band and crow into a great Rock band. The 12 songs (plus 4 Jams) are strong and well arranged. The guys from lovely Berlin created something own, but if you need some comparison, we can mention some Queens of the Stone Age, Harmful and a lot of Blackmail. Not the badest bands! The packing looks awesome and show at the first look, that all is very professional: from the booklet to the production. This is international standard! The opener COSMIC STORM is a simple Rock song with some 70s and 80s Hard Rock influences. Simple, but effective. Especially the second song PAYBACK is a real hit which I miss on the new Blackmail for example. This song can be the key to the mainstream audience! GIVE A FUCK is close to some QOTSA material and I like COUNT 2 3 with great rhythms and cool guitars. All songs are really different, but all in the classic Rock building. The Stoner Rock elements are reduced to a minimum and they really tried to great something special. Definately one of the best german bands and I hope they get a lot of followers with that record. If you like Blackmail or QOTSA, give COSMIC KNOCKOUT a chance!
Genre: Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 16 Songs
Jochen
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SASQUATCH - III Smallstone Records
The 3rd release on Smallstone. LA`s finest Stoner Rock band is back with a great record! 12 great Stoner Rock songs with a lot of downtuned guitars and a lot of fuzz (with some influences from the mighty Kyuss and older 70s stuff like Led Zeppelin) you can find on "III" and so far it is the best and most energic output from that 3 piece. Most problem with all that Stoner Rock releases is the fact, that real cool melodies on the vocal sides are missing. But Sasquatch are different! They have the power and class of the big bands (Dozer, Unida, Fu Manchu), especially on the vocal side (Keith Gibbs)! The opener GET OUT OF HERE shows some old Soundgarden (Loud Love) dynamics with some Unida riffing. Slow, dark and heavy! The following TOOK ME AWAY is a blast too! Rough vocals and great melodies...I remember the mighty years of Stoner Rock 1998-2001! PULL ME UNDER is another highlight! Very slow with a fat chorus and a kick ass groove! Again the slow burning vocals from Keith will went directly in your head - awesome! QUEEN, another unique song, is Doom Metal with some classic Heavy Metal passages. Infectious melodies by the way. COMPLICATED is a more "mainstream" song; a song who can get into the heavy roatation of some radio stations and hopefully make that band bigger! 12 varied songs full of power! "III" is a great Stoner Rock output, maybe one of the most important Stoner CDs in the last month! GET IT!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
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SOLACE - A.D. Smallstone Records
One of the most important and best US Stoner and Doom Bands are back with a new output. Their 2000 output FURTHER is still one of my favourite albums, maybe for my whole live. The following "13" was good too, but without the hypnotizing feeling, without that crushing songs like on the debut. But good too! And after a great THE BLACK BLACK EP and great live-shows in Germany, here it is: A.D. And with that record they will get again the throne in the underground, but I think for more it is not good enough. Don`t understand me wrong. This record is as good as "13", but more confused, more complex and not easy at the beginning and of course not outstanding like the debut 10 years ago. They still combining Stoner and Doom Metal into a heavy massive monster. If you dive into that record, you will get a great experience indeed. But I prefer still the dynamic and clear song structures from the debut. The guitar riffs are still awesome and heavy and of course the mighty, unique vocals from Jason (he changed his style a little...sometimes clear and sometimes screaming...) are a big point in that band. Slow Stoner Rocker like SIX YEAR TRAINWRECK or the doomy ZA GAMMAN are very cool. But on the other side you will find new influences like King Crimson comparisons at THE IMMORTAL, THE DEAD AND THE NOTHING (progressive elements in it) or FROM BELOW (a great epic track). The opener THE DISILLUSIONED PROPHET is the most energetic song on that record in my eyes and with THE SKULL OF THE HEAD OF A MAN they do some fast punk stuff. So, we have Stoner, Doom and Progressive Metal on a record recorded from one of the hottest underground bands. Highly recommended.
Genre: Progressive Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs
Jochen
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THE BROUGHT LOW - 3 Smallstone Records
A cool Southern Rock band from Brooklyn, USA. With a lot of drive and authenticity. This is music directly from the heart! Some classic guitar sounds, some ZZ Top and Lynrd Skynyrd comparisons, a good singer and good songs. Some Blues Rock, some Dixie stuff. Do you want more? Do we need more? This is music directly out of their hearts. That feeling you will get every second on that record. All that retro and classic Rock fans should check that band out. Songs like OLD CENTURY, EVERYBODY LOVES A WHORE or the relaxed A THOUSAND MILES AWAY are a true and good output and got written to take a long ride with your car on a hot afternoon. This is not the music I prefer. And it it nothing for my player, but I think a lot of Rock fans will dig that sound! Great band, great songs, great output on a great label!
Genre: Classic Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs
Jochen
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DIABLO BLVD - Builders of Empires PIAS
I found a very cool and fresh band, called DIABLO BLVD. I missed the previous album THE GREATER GOD, but I try to get a copy, because I like BUILDERS OF EMPIRES a lot. It is a fresh mix of Metallica, Volbeat, Danzig and Black Label Society. Not like a copy, but the music is in the direction of that bands. The opener BETWEEN THE HAMMER AND THE HOLY CROSS is a great groove Metal song with excellent riffs and powerful drumming and the following BUILDERS OF EMPIRES show some Metallica (the middle era) comparisons. And after 2 songs it is clear: they really have an outstanding singer! Sounds like a young Glenn Danzig at some parts. Highlight and a real hit - single is the following BLACK HEART BLEED, which is a great mix of Metallica, Sparzanza and Danzig. Great song, great arrangements and melodies! The other songs can`t hold that high standard of the opening tracks in my eyes, but it is a solid metal release and better as 60% released every week. Tracks like ENDLESS REIGN or THE FALLEN are good too, but I miss a real hit in the second half of the album. But with a good label and promoter they will find a lot of fans, because their music and especially that mighty vocals is exactly what Volbeat/Metallica fans will hear! The production is really heavy yeah...try them out!
Genre: Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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BLACKMAIL - Anima Now 45 Records
This is the first sign of life after the split with one of the best vocalist in Europe, Aydo Abay, who left the band late 2008 and now they are back. And it is like a birthday for me. I was so excited, one of my favourite bands are back. And the first single, which was released some weeks ago, DEBORAH, was a good choice in my eyes. And now, I listened 5 times to the whole record, I don`t really know what I should say. All in all I`m not happy. The best songs are the mentiond DEBORAH, SKY ON SKY with the typical Blackmail trademarks and ROCKET SOUL, all other tracks are good, but can`t hold that high standard of the old records. For me it is important to say, that it is not the mistake of the new singer Mathias Reetz. He did a great job and from time to time he is very close to Aydo. But 80% Mathias did their own style. The vocals are not the problem. More the music. It is nothing on it I can remember, no real highlights or special sounds like in the past. No killer riffs. Don`t understand me wrong. It is maybe better as 85% of all other releases, but I expected a real blast from Blackmail. The opener for example (RESONAT WAVE) is one of the weakest tracks on the record. Maybe I will talk different after 10-15 listening sessions. Maybe that is the start for a new Blackmail hysteria in Europe. I really don`t know what I should think about Anima Now. But again: a good record, but not really one single hit on it..... Sorry!
Genre: Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 9
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
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OUTSHINE - Until we are dead Dead Tree Music
Since 1998 the swedish Dark Rock band is around and a lot of well-known musicians played in their carrer so far in that band: Thomas from EVOCATION and Simon from PAIN OF SALVATION. UNTIL WE ARE DEAD was released in Sweden 2 years ago and get re-released for Europe via Soundpollution right now. The music is something like Dark Rock, Modern Metal with some Gothic influences. Paradise Lost or The 69 Eyes for example. The opener ONE FOR THE NERVES is a great song with great guitars and for the first time you will get in touch with the great vocals from Erlend Jegstad. He sounds like the singer from THE CULT. And the heavy guitar riffs from Dead Tree owner Jimmy Norberg is like a punch in your face. I like the heavy WISCONSIN H.G. with a lot of drive, but it is really no filler on that record. I think with some luck they will get huge! This is music for the masses. So, good luck to the band and if you like modern sounds with a lot of groove and an outstanding singer, check them out!
Genre: Dark Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
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GUNS OF MOROPOLIS - In Dynamite we trust Recent Records
In germany there is a big hype about Guns of Moropolis and most of the people talk about the next big band. And after the big crowing of VOLBEAT it was clear that some bands the same sound try to get a piece from the "Volbeat-cake". The german band GUNS OF MOROPOLIS mix some Rockabilly with Hard Rock and Metal and the title IN DYNAMITE WE TRUST is the direction. The title track and opener compines all the trademarks of their sound. Good vocals, typical Rockabilly sounds and a huge Metal energy. The whole record (12 songs) are on the same high level and the Punk influences on some songs fit good. Songs like ROBERT THE HERO, MC BOOGIE or ROY`S PARTY are all good and I think they will find a lot of followers after this summer. For myself it is too funny and not with the potential to get very big. I really think that they have not an own sound at the moment. But for the bright masses the right music in my eyes. And that is what the band (maybe) want....
Genre: Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs
Jochen
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180 PROOF - THE GUTTER SESSIONS PT. 1
www.myspace.com/oneeightyproof
A cool Rock`n`Roll band between Danko Jones and old Kiss from Melbourne, Australia. A great mix of Punk, Hard Rock and Modern Rock from that three piece. The 4 track EP is full of energy and raw sounding Rock. Some AC/DC at the time. The opener STICK IT TO THE MAN is a cool rocker, in the veins of the great Kiss and Danko Jones material. Good start. IT SUCKS TO BE YOU with great vocal lines and INTOXICATION and LIVE TOO DIRTY can hold that high standard. It is not easy to say anything after 4 Songs, but it is a good start and if they can hold the standard with new songs and a full-length record, maybe this band can find some supporters worldwide! If you like good ROCK MUSIC, check them out! Well done J.J. Mötherfücker (guitars/vocals), Professor Serious (bass/vocals) and Andrew Andrew "Andy" Andrews (drums).
Genre: Rock`n`Roll
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 4 Songs
Jochen
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TENSIDE - CHAIN REACTION Recent Records
This is the fourth record from german New Metal Band TENSIDE. They play a modern kind of Heavy Metal, sometimes like some EKTOMORF stuff (especailly the vocals), the heavier Soulfly, Caliban or Heaven Shall Burn. The opener DEATH is a good groover and ARMED AND DANGEROUS is the first single. The vocals are a mix between "clean and scream" and without that good production it will get a bad record. It is not really bad, but today it is not special and that kind of music is out in the scene 100 times better! The song VIOLET WORLD with the Emil Bulls singer is not the highlight (sorry Christ!), it is more a weaker song between a lot of weak songs. All in all a disappointing release. And the terrible artwork give the rest...
Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 6
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs / 40 Minutes
Jochen
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February 2011
SPARZANZA - Folie a Cinq
HERETIC - Praising Satan
RIVAL SONS - EP
MOTHER OF MERCY - IV
PYRIOR - Oceanus Procellarum
SIMEON SOUL CHARGER - Meet me in the afterlife
LEE`S REQUEST - Aggressive past
ALUNAH - Call of Avernus
EVOKEN / BENEATH THE FROZEN SOIL - Split
MINOTAUR - Power of Darkness
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SPARZANZA - Folie a Cinq Spinefarm Records
After two outstanding records (Angels of Vengeance and Into the Sewers) at the beginning of the 2000 and a good following here in Germany, the band released 2 great records (Banisher of Light and In Voodoo Veritas) without any feedback and promo in Germany. In Scandinavia they are very big, they play the huge open air festivals and the new record hit the Hard Rock Charts in Finlan on #1! And now they are ready to conquer back their part in Germany! And I hope they can come on tour, because especially on stage they are awesome! And with Spinefarm Records they found the right partner to make a huge step forward. The record is similar to the last record IN VOODOO VERITAS. Especially the vocals from Fredrik are still outstanding (powerful like James Hetfield). I personally like HELL IS MINE with fat guitar riffs and darker vocals and the great NIGHT OF THE DEMONS. ALONE WITH A LOADED GUN with a excellent chorus line or the more aggressive MR FISH. Anothe great album from Sparzanza and with that record they did the step out from the underground pool into the mainstream heaven. Good luck and come back to Germany!
Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 37 Minutes
Jochen
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HERETIC - Praising Satan Soulseller Records
www.myspace.com/hereticmaniacs
The dutch Black Metal band HERETIC celebrating 15 years of ultimate Satanic Sleaze with a collection of supreme re-recordings of their first 2 albums, including the complete 8 tracks of the sold out SPLITTING SKULLS FOR SATAN CD/LP, both 7" singles and unreleased single and 2 tracks recorded exclusive for this compilation. Right? Don`t know. I only know that great HERETIC band from the 80s. HELLFIRE SATANIST is the new track. The music is old school Black Metal. The vocals remind me to early Venom material, but the music is really primitive Punk Rock. I like that old school Black Metal and I prefer newer bands like Tyrant, but Heretic has no power (especially the drums are boring) and the riffing reminds me a little on darker Misfits (but without their quality). This is underground. I know. And it is not bad, but I`m not impressed about Heretic. Maybe it would be a hurricane in the mid 80s, maybe not. Because the songs have no hooklines like for example the Venom songs or the Bathory stuff. The opener BLOOD AND BLASPHEMY is cool, WE WILL DESTROY partly. Maybe they will find some followers, I put it away and listen to the old Black Metal gods Bathory and Venom.
Genre: Old School Black Metal
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 13 Songs / 40 Minutes
Jochen
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RIVAL SONS - EP Earache
It is a real Promo CD from Earache! A real CD since years! Can`t believe! And after I put it in my stereo the second shock. Earache! My home of my favourite Death Metal records release a classic Rock band like Rival Sons. Again a look on the back of the CD and really....Earache Records. 70s influenced Hard Rock with 6 great songs in 30 minutes. RADIO is a real cool rocker and TORTURE too! Great groove, great guitar work! Very heavy! I really like TORTURE. SACRED TONGUE slows down the heaviness and show the band on a bluesy Classic Rock side. Especially the vocals from Jay are outstanding and he can be the next Rock`n`Roll superstar! Tracks like SACRED TONGUE or SOUL are more relaxed and more like a ballad. But not boring or something like that! Classic Rock magazine called RIVAL SONS as a band to watch in 2011 and I think they are right! The second longplayer will be out on May 2011 and if it can hold the high standard of the EP, it will get killer! A band with a bright future!
Genre: Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 28 minutes
Jochen
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MOTHER OF MERCY - IV: Symptoms of Existence BRIDGE 9
www.myspace.com/motherofmercyhc
This is the second (real full-length) record from Pennsylvanian MOTHER OF MERCY with pure 90`s Hardcore. No shitty breakdowns or stuff like that! This is how Hardcore should sound: straight forward, full of dynamics, power and like a hit in your face. The vocals from Robert are awesome and without any melodies and fit perfect to that stone of hate and anger! It sounds like the good old 90 Moshcore and fans of RINGWORM or the mighty old CRO MAGS should check it out! Highlights are the killer song FOREVER NIGHT, FOREVER MOURNING with some Metal influences. Highlights in my eyes are 2 songs. DROWN and WORLD OF PAIN with some mighty groove and excellent guitar work! Nothing new, nothing special, but a good old Hardcore record for your stereo...and maybe it is better to check them out on stage first.... 10 songs in 30 minutes. 10 songs straight in your face. Yeah!
Genre: Hardcore
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 30 Minutes
Jochen
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PYRIOR - Oceanus Procellarum Away Music
www.myspace.com/awaymusicberlin
www.myspace.com/pyrior
PYRIOR is a new Stoner Rock band from the mighty Berlin. At the moment bands like KARMA TO BURN or LONG DISTANCE CALLING have a lot of followers and maybe the 4 guys Torsten (bass), Max (guitar), Danilo (drums) and Mathias (guitar) can have a piece of the cake! Because they are really good! A mix of Stoner Rock and Psychedelic Rock, some 70s influences and a lot of drive in tracks like NOSTROMO (the beginning!) for example. The CD start with a long intro (it is not easy to say without vocals...) and turns into the cool, relaxed PULSAR. The following ORBITER, with a lot of more punch, follows and shows the great potential of the single musicians. JANITOR is a Prog Rock masterpiece and POINT OF NO RETURN is really darker as the other material. Slower. Doomy. Cool! DUSTOWN is more straight and with great jam parts. Cool band, but over the whole distance I personally miss the vocals! That is the only critical point. But I miss it at Karma to burn too! So, no bad word about Pyrior.
Genre: instrumental Stoner Rock
Sound: 8
Music: 7
Info: 9 Songs / 43 Minutes
Jochen
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SIMEON SOUL CHARGER - Meet me in the afterlife Gentle Art of Music
SIMEON SOUL CHARGER are a band from the USA which life in Germany right now. Maybe they will find more listeners in a music lover country like Germany. The music is cool! A mix of 70s Rock ala Led Zeppelin, some Rush elemens and some Coheed and Cambria. It really sound great! THROUGH THE TREES THEY TALK and AND HE SKINNED THEM BOTH features a cool Stoner Rock guitar riff and have a lot of power and drive. In both songs are a lot of changings and new parts and so they have a hush of a progressive song too. But not every track is like that (I like it most with the opener). A song like PLEASE is more Bluegrass music and the opener features some RUSH influences. Musically the best track is EUROPE`S GARDEN with a cool mix of Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, 70s Rock and modern Alternative sounds in one song. Piece for piece! And if you want it more with Folk influences, you will get it with A CHILD`S PRAYER and DEAR MOTHER. No filler and the last, THE SWALLOWING MOUTH end that good record with a Psychedelic Hard Rock sound! Great band - check them out!
Genre: Alternative / Independent
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs
Jochen
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LEE'S REQUEST - AGGRESSIVE PAST FINEST NOISE
www.myspace.com/leesrequest
Lee is the singer of the German Grinders YUPPIE-CLUB. With AGGRESSIVE PAST he gives a history lesson of influencial Metal, Hardcore and Grind classics, because he thinks people under thirty have a define need for that.
The following can be found here, see brackets for individual comments by me:
TERRORIZER-STRATEGIC WARHEAD (a classic not to be touched, good in general but the drumming of Pete Sandoval can't hardly be reproduced, clinical drum sound, trigger?)
DOOM-LIFE LOCK (very close to the original and convincing)
NEGATIVE FX-FEEL LIKE A MAN (puh, Chokes vocals are just missing too much, by the way this Choke became the voice of SLAPSHOT, history lesson)
MASTER-PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE (the vocals sound a bit strange there, the drum sound is to clinical, maybe something is stuck in my retro ears)
HERESY-CONSUME (again, I respect this choice, but the original can't be approached)
EXTREME NOISE TERROR-MURDER (ok, nicely done)
GODFLESH-LIKE RATS (lacks the coldness, heaviness, intensity of the original recording)
UNSEEN TERROR-OBLIVION DECENDS (to be honest one of the best, if not the best interpretation in the compilation)
NAPALM DEATH-EVOLVED AS ONE & IT'S A M.A.N.S. WORLD (both of the Lee phase of the Grind kings, I remember hearing it an what a killer it was back in the days, this just can't be reproduced).
In between some of the tunes, you can find spoken word passages by John Peel, Bill Steer, Tom Angelripper and Martin Schirenc (Austrian slang all the way, cool as always).
Stick to the originals, the opinion considering this is quite different to Lee's. I also don't need remakes of classic movies by the way. But I have to admit he's musical taste is very equal to mine. But still I will go listen to the...........ok enough said.
But if the original artists get the intention, well….
By purchasing the CD you also get a free T-Shirt.
GENRE: SEE ABOVE
SOUND: 7
INFO: 14 Cuts 22 min
Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de
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ALUNAH - CALL OF AVERNUS CATACOMB RECORDS
www.alunah.co.uk
www.alunah-myspace.co.uk
Does anybody remember the FALL TO EARTH EP by this British Doom Rockers that was released back in 2008? Well anybody. Ok doesn't matter anyway, none of the Mini CDS tracks appears here. After heavy SLEEP chords it gets very lifely with the up-tempo Rocker LIVING FAST IN AN ANCIENT LAND. The vocals of Soph Willet are at times a bit demanding, at least in my ears. The Stoner vibe is all present on the album, just hear SONG OF THE SUN or CIRCLE OF STONE. Classic Doom is harder to find, maybe HIGHER shows some GOATSNAKE like guitar work, but in general this one can be categorised Heavy Rock if you need categories. At times some of the compositions run a bit too long, ETERNAL SEA (the title might suggest such a thing) is a good example for that.
The production is very powerhouse like, impressing.
Hmmm, nothing out of the ordinary, but ok.
GENRE: HEAVY ROCK
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 50 min
Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de
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EVOKEN / BENEATH THE FROZEN SOIL - SPLIT IHATE RECORDS
www.myspace.com/evoken
www.myspace.com/btfs
Two Doom Deather, one from the United States of America, the other from Sweden.
Evoken (estimated in 1994) bring in four new tracks (one of them originally written in 2002), they stay on their path of not to happy sounds. The only thing that troubles me a bit is the at times extensive use of key carpets. Well a nice horror atmosphere might add some spirit to the songs, but I personally like it more basic (as far as I do remember their last A CARESS OF THE VOID did not consist of such dominant synth work). But to hell with all the nagging, the music in whole is great. Slow, creepy classic Death Doom (for others Funeral Doom, if it has to be), with hyper low chords and deep growls is the way to go here. The heaviest bastard of all the four is THE PLEISTOCENE EPOCH and the final instrumental INTO THE PRIMAL SHRINE did remind me a bit of HELLHAMMER thanks to its eerie moaning.
BENEATH THE FROZEN SOIL from Sweden (born 2004) move in similar waters, but they do bring in a bit more Black harshness. The vocals in IRONLUNG do prove this, later on it gets more typical (Death Doom). With MONOTONE BLACK I they do remind a bit of the outstanding, hopefully not forgotten UNHOLY from Finland. The midsection of the tune is a very impressing Doom almost Sludge outburst. MONOTONE BLACK II opens with almost positive, melodic guitar chords, but soon this turns into gloom, somehow not ASPHYX unlike (on their great ASPHYX album, totally underrated classic).
Well very well indeed. Who's the winner here, decide for yourself, I picked mine, but won't tell.
GENRE: DOOM DEATH
MUSIC: 8 both of them
INFO: 7 Songs 64 min
Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de
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MINOTAUR - POWER OF DARKNESS IHATERECORDS
www.minotaur-thrashers.de
This is the first official re-release of Germanys Thrashers MIONTAURS debut. The record was originally taped back in 1988, only a non authorised reprint of the debut was put out earlier. Now 22 years later the Teutonic Thrash assault can be purchased by everyone (today with the revival thing going one, probably not the worst thing).
Compared to their comeback album GOD MAY SHOW YOU MERCY... (2009) they have a more raw, primitive approach to the songwriting. This old charm just can't be reproduced.
Especially the vocals in the earlier days sound totally over the top and insane.
Most of the tracks move in the faster section, cook hooklines can be found (INCUBUS), it's classy as it can get (MAGGOTS IN MY BODY, a bit of SODOM here and where) or very shot (NECROMANCER). For Thrash hounds the define food to get.
They did add some new recorded material, like said before the vocals lack a bit of the insanity of the original days. With WASTED they did a very outstanding cover tune of a compostion from DEF LEPPARD, check it out.
Freaks of modern productions (who won't dig this anyway) be warned, no trigger no nothing, pure analog mayhem. The way it should be, even in our plastic days.
GENRE: TEUTONIC THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 34 min
Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de
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January 2011
RAMON ZARATE - Oyster
BURN - Rock Royale
DEATHTRACK - Deathtrack
GEIST - Feuerengel
EARTH FLIGHT - Blue Hour Confessions
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RAMON ZARATE - Oyster
www.myspace.com/ramonzarateband
A long time gone since a real Stoner Rock record impressed me (maybe Sungrazer last), but this Stoner Rock band from Belgium did it! Packed in a mighty impressive digipack, everything on that release is top! Musically I haven`t heard such great riffs since month. And: the vocals fit perfect! Starting with MONKEY, starting with a mighty heavy fuzz riff and I still can`t believe! A great mix of Dozer and Motorhead. Rolling forward like a tank. The song is mega heavy and the following BURNING BOB will bring to your house a huge earthquake! The title-track, OYSTER, is like another great ride. Fuzz guitars and mighty pounding drumming will make Stoner Rock fans happy. EIGHTBALL and the mighty LOSING GRACE (which is more pure ROCK) show the power and potential of that band. It is a shame, that this handmade music will not get the same audience as all the "plastic unreal Metal bands" out there! I can`t say any bad word about that record. OYSTER features all (!!!) what a good Stoner Rock record need! Better is not possible today! I have to see that band on stage! Get it!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs
Jochen
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BURN - ROCK ROYALE Burn Music Adventure
What a great new band from Gothenburg, Sweden. BURN released a kick ass Rock album with a lot of influences of bands like MC5, Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Hellacopters and some TURBONEGRO look-a-like. Especially the music and vocal lines show some comparison (in my eyes) to the KISS stuff back in the 70s. The debut album ROCK ROYALE is full of energy, drive and power! And: ROCK ROYALE is produced by PETER DOLVING (The Haunted)! And Peter did lead vocals on the song "OH!!" and some backing vocals as well. Starting with the mighty C`MON C`MON (remember the KISS comparison) and followed by THE WRESTLER, the direction was clear: straight in your face! Pure and good old ROCK`N`ROLL with some modern touch. I really like the number with Peter on vocals, because it is a real earburner! And the vocals (does anybody remember MARY BEATS JANE?) are awesome! Other highlights are I NEED SOME TIME, A GIRL LIKE YOU and MISS KNOW WELL. But you can`t do anything wrong to skip into a single song of the album. The album transform a lot of the live feeling and you will stomp with your feet over the whole time. BURN need fans! BURN will be the next big thing! BURN is ready to conquer the world! Well done!
Genre: Rock`n`Roll
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs
Jochen
EARTH FLIGHT - Blue Hour Confessions Recent Records
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Good to hear such a fresh and outstanding record from Germany. Earth Flight started as Doom Metal band and played a lot of gigs in the last years, but with their new (excellent digipack artwork by the way) album they dive into a more progressive sound. This 10 songs are a very good mix of bands like PORCUPINE TREE and ANATHEMA, mixed with some old school BLACK SABBATH and DEEP PURPLE stuff. Really outstanding! All the 10 songs are very melodic and (unbelievable) progressive too! BLUE HOUR CONFESSIONS is not a happy record, it is more dark and full of sadness. But the great Hard Rock parts give the music a positive side! I think they work a lot on that material, every second sounds like the perfect moment. The more silent opener BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON or the mighty NOONDAY DEMON are only two examples for that great record. The mighty and heavy OTHER SIDE OF THE RINGS is my personal favourite song and RESTLESS remind me on some RADIOHEAD stuff. Really excellent album! Check this band out! They will get big soon!
Genre: Progressive Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info : 10 Songs / 45 mintes
Jochen
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DEATHTRACK - DEATHTRACK Halfstone Records
A really big surprise from Finland! Since 2007 Billy Bob Blastoff, Jonny Thunder, Harry Hellriffer and Zyborg create real cool music in a mix-zone of Stoner, Thrash and Hard Rock. Named ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY (the dirt), METALLICA (riffs, groove) and MOTÖRHEAD (power). The opener FRIDAY NIGHT`S (ALL RIGHT FOR FIGHTING) is a great opener with excellent vocals and melodies and sheer guitar power.THE BLOOD THAT MOVES YOU is a slower, more darker sound with simple guitar work and again that excellent vocals. HEARTLESS starts with a classic Hard Rock riff and turns into a cool guitar solo and rougher Hetfield vocals. It is really no filler on that record and a big surprise to listen to it! And THE SOUNDS OF VIOLENCE is the next hit in the underground! This is total Rock! Fresh and full of power! Listen to it and get addicted!
Genre: METAL
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 9 Songs / 33 Minutes
Jochen
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GEIST - FEUERENGEL Enorm Music / BMG / Brainstorm
Since 2000 the german band GEIST (Ghost) travel through Germany and now, 2011 they will release their best and most supported record called FEUERENGEL. But this is not another (bad) RAMMSTEIN cover band, they play a good mix of Alternative music and pure Rock. And the vocals (with german lyrics indeed) from Fares are over the top. Great voice man! Beside the great ROCK basement of the band you will get some Electro, Country or Punk elements too! And it really sound fresh and rough. It is a little surprise in my eyes (I haven`t thought it!). Highlights are the titletrack and DEN TEUFEL TUN. But all 11 songs are on the same high level and with the right support on that record they will make a huge step forward! SCHWEIG MICH TOT, WUNDER STERN or PANZER were made to play it on the huge festival stages. Not my taste of music, but the bright masses will buy that music!
Genre: Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
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WINTER 2010
SORROWS PATH - The rough path of nihilism
CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT - Dead Central
GRANDLOOM - 5 Dollar Jam
VELVET REVOLVER - Live in Houston (DVD)
HEAVEN & HELL - Neon Nights/Live at Wacken (DVD)
TRAKTOR - Early Adaptor
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SORROWS PATH - The rough path of Nihilism Rock it up Records
This is the official debut record (their last album 2006 was a best of Demo recordings) from greece Doomster SORROWS PATH and it is a great record! You will get fine Power Doom Epic Metal in the veins of Candlemass, Forsaken or Solitude Aeturnues. And they also put some progressive parts in it and make it different to the more simple playing other Doom Metal Bands. ALL LOVE IS LOST start that 60 minute Epic Doom Metal trip with a great song (with some oriental influences) and especialls LOST INNOCENCE is a real killer! QUEEN OF DOOM with great guitars and a cool hookline in the refrain is another great song. FETISH is the highlight on that record with the opener, because the psychedelic piano sounds and the female vocals make the song special for the band. The vocals from Angelos Ioannidis are clear and fit perfect into the doom ladden riffs and the whole band is really tight. The artwork and the booklet is really awesome too! A big thank you to the great ROCK IT UP RECORD label: thank you for the SP support! Doom Metal fans have to buy it right now!
Genre: Doom
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 60 Minutes
Jochen
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CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT - Dead Central I hate People Records
My friends are back! Back in time, the parent band RICKSHAW released some stuff on Daredevil and CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT released their first official song on Daredevil too! So, we are in touch with them over 10 years and I`m really happy to tell you, that DEAD CENTRAL is so far the best CNE output! Starting with an excellent packing and great booklet. The opener PSYCHO MAN (featuring Texas Terri!!!!) is a killer of a song! Simple, but really awesome! The following ALL WE HAD IN COMMON WAS OUR NAME show the power of the band and especially the vocals are fantastic! To tell you right now, there are really no fillers on that record! The titletrack is my favourite and the last song KILLED BY DEATH, a Motorhead cover version, will kick your ass! I think songs like BITCH or EVIL EMPIRE have enough potential to push the band on the top and with some luck and good work from their label they can get a good name in the rock scene! Maybe they will get the new Gluecifer or Hellacopters soon! Get it!
Genre: Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8myspace.com/grandloom
Info: 11 Songs
Jochen
GRANDLOOM is a cool 3 piece instrumental Stoner Rock band from Germany! And : they rock! I really don`t like instrumental bands so much, because some songs need a singer in my eyes....but GRANDLOOM are cool on that 4 tracks and I hope they can hold that standard on the forthcoming longplayer. The opener ALL IN is a cool groove rocker with excellent riffs and the following SWAMP with a lot of groove is a highlight! Especially the drummer is awesome and make the riffs special! Short and simple (guitar) song, but straight in your head! BRING ME THE GUBBER is again very heavy before the 11 minute long PAULA`S VOODOO GROOVE close that record with a lot of changings, breaks, psychedelic moments, great riffs and wah-wah effects. I`m really impressed and can`t wait to hear the full album in 2011!
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Info: 4 songs / 26 minutes
Jochen
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VELVET REVOLVER - LIVE IN HOUSTON EAGLE VISION
www.eagle-rock.com
Why now? That is the only thing that wonders me doing this review. The show presented on the disc is from 2005. At this time the group (still searching for a replacement for Scott Weiland) lies dormant. Well with the release maybe they don't sleep into the void of nothingness, considering Slash is pretty busy with his solo project at the time.
Well enough of the speculations.
The herein caught show in Houston Texas shows the whole class of the group. Filmed during the CONTRABAND tour, you see them at their peak. Apart form material from that album to Gunners clips come in pretty handy. IT'S SO EASY and USED TO LOVE HER are pretty convincing. The STONE TEMPLE PILOTS also get their blessing with CRACKERMAN and SEX TYPE THING. Now in 2010 Scott is back again with STP, but I'am sure you are well aware of that fact.
Clips from the originally aired in 2005 VH1:INSIDE VELVET REVOLVER are cut in between the live set to give some background information about the group. Even in this early stage the problems of substance abuse, considering somebody in the band are discussed here.
A girl wearing a Third Reich uniform is asked obscure stuff about Hitler, Bush the Third Worldwar and so on. Here in Germany I wonder that's this gonna cause.
The gig is nicely filmed at times the split screen effects are a but overdone, also these I don't know that to call them curtain morphing are a bit too much at times.
The DTS soundtrack is preferable if you have the right equipment at home, warm and fullfilling.
A nice treat for their fans.
GENRE: ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 78 MIN 12 Live Cuts
thomas@daredevilrecords.de (Thomas Schubert)
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HEAVEN & HELL - NEON NIGHT / LIVE AT WACKEN EAGLE ROCK)
www.eagle-rock.com
This is a sad one, this was the last performance of HEAVEN & HELL (alias BLACK SABBATH) with the voice Ronnie James Dio filmed professionally (if you believe the info sheet). As you all know (hope thats a fact) Dio passed away this year losing his fight against the consuming sickness cancer.
So the show consits of the same set the played during their THE DEVIL YOU KNOW european tour, the stage setting is also the same as far as I can tell (the gates, the demons (and the disco ball for that matter)). The setlist includes tracks from the SABBATH classics HEAVEN & HELL and MOB RULES as long with some newer cuts of their awesome THE DEVIL YOU KNOW record. The performance is pretty tight, DIOs voice stuns as always. As special mentionig deserves the power drumming of Vinnie Appice which benefits most from the crunchy DTS soundtrack. Speaking of the sound the Dolby Digital and the original Stereo tracks also know to please.
Appart form this triumphant gig (the Wacken crowd is very honouring, and the moody lightning also does it's charmes) what was filmed without to hectic cuts or picture alterations, interviews concerning the 30th anniversary of each member (which gives each a 15 minute segment to tell about their experience and nice anectodes) as well a very short Ronnie James Dio tribute on which the three remaining members share some thoughts.
If anybody thinks of a rip off here I would say now, first of all value for money, and the gig was shot before the news of the health about Dio was known.
GENRE: HEAVY METAL
MUSIC: 10
SOUND: 9
INFO: Wacken Gig 88 min Interview segments all together 63 min
thomas@daredevilrecords.de (Thomas Schubert)
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TRAKTOR - EARLY ADOPTER ATLAS/APOCAPLEXY RECORDS
www.traktorbiz.com
www.myspace.com/traktorbiz
Surely their have a name in the newer Hardcore, Screamo (whatever) scene, doing a lot of opening slots (THE OCEAN and many many more) they work their way up from below.
So now on their third longplayer they bring in more melodies and the tracks run a bit longer which makes them a bit not too much in your face . Folks who heard the record called it their Sgt Pepper, well opinions are like, yeah you know.
Well it's a fact than a lot lesser screaming takes place, I felt a lot of a D.C. spirit in the tunes, especially at times FUGAZI come in my mind. The info sheet puts them in between the BLACK HEART PROCESSION and DRIVE LIKE JEHU, well I honestly don't know about that, but I give them the benefit of a doubt.
TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT opens up with a lot of D.C. hunches, EXTENSION'94 uses minor horns. It gets mellower with WHERE WATER GOES, but the strings still cut sharp, laggards can be called almost silent before it gets way livelier with WE'RE NOT SCIENTISTS. VAMPIRE/VAMPIRE is one of the simpler compositions on EARLY ADOPTER, NORTH TO OAK ISLAND could step out of itself a bit more, somehow this one is a bit to conform and tame. The multiple singer use in THE SERIES has it's definte charm.
This is something to give a headspeaker run, there's pretty much to discover in this layered work.
Marcus Sjöberg (producer and recorded) did a stunning job, giving them a warm, organic and a really touching sound.
Fans of he german ANYTHING BUT YOURS will find their joy in this (who influenced who , or whatever may be the origins is of no concern here).
GENRE: POST ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 43 min
thomas@daredevilrecords.de (thomas Schubert)
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