Alunah / Queen Elephantine – Split 7inch
Carnaval – 2
Deville – Hail the black Sky
Fused – The Obliquity of the ecliptic
Hicsos VS. Mortal Factor – Split
Morkobot - Morto
Mustasch – Mustasch
Obiat – Eye Tree Pi
Throttlerod – Pig Charmer
Tia Carrera – the quintessential
Tomleftmarybleeding - Tales from Stonewood Forest
Watch me bleed – Souldrinker
ZZ Top – Double Down Live

++++++

ALUNAH / QUEEN ELEPHANTINE – Split 7“ Catacomb Records

www.catacomb-records.co.uk

This is the hand numbered (250 copies) purple split 7” from ALUNAH (England) and QUEEN ELEPHANTINE (Hong Kong/New York) out on one of my favourite labels CATACOMB RECORDS. And Alunah did again a huge job. SONG OF THE SUN is very impressing, some of you will know that band with the mighty vocals. The psychedelic Doom song is one of the best songs from Alunah so far and especially the vocals will went under your skin. Queen Elephantine is more meditative Doom Metal. The band is actual from Honk Kong but are currently in New York City. But I will not find a way to their sound. It is not bad, but the hypnotic moments are not in my brain. The sound is weak and the vocals not really outstanding. Especially after the Alunah song a little disappointment! But for Stoner/Doom/Psychedelic fans a good 7”, for collectors too!

Jochen

++++++

CARNAVAL - 2

www.carnaval.si
www.myspace.com/carnavalbaraka

Maybe some of you still know PINOCCHIO PINCHBALL, a band who was featured on our BURN THE STREET VOLUME 5 Stoner Rock compilation. This is the follow-up from Slovenia called CARNAVAL. It is strange, because the first record is not finished so far (studio problems) and so the second release is out first! The artwork is amazing. That is the first positive point. And not the last one! CARNAVAL has no real filler on that record. The opener BIG SIZED MAN is a great classic album opener, with great and fat guitar riffs in the veins of DOZER and FU MANCHU. The following DIRECTOR is a mid-tempo smasher and SWEET SIGN OF SOLITARY MIND includes some old BLACK SABBATH riffs and OZZY-like vocals. GREAT! The following MONETARY ANIMAL and SWINGING FELLAS shows a lot of QOTSA comparison before ROCK COLD NO HONEY bring back the great fat old-style STONER ROCK feeling. The record got close with THOUSAND LIGHTS, a great track with very emotional vocals. So, all in all a big surprise! On that record everything is perfect. The band play tight, the songs are great, the vocals fit perfect, the artwork is outstanding. Please give that band a chance and buy that record! A great Stoner Rock band from Slovenia and with some support they can get well-known in the rest of the world soon!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs

Jochen

++++++

DEVILLE – HAIL THE BLACK SKY Buzzville Records

www.deville.nu
www.buzzville.be

After the great Split on Daredevil Records (together with Sergej the Freak) and the cool Debut (COMEHEAVYSLEEP) on Buzzville Records, the band is back with their best output so far! They are more a band than ever, more than 70 gigs all over Europe was maybe the reason for that. The songs are more straight forward, the opener LEVITATION or the following ON THE THRONE are good example for the new, heavier, slower and straighter sound of that swedish guys! Their basement is still 70s driven riffing, Kyuss and old Black Sabbath. Sometimes they remind me a little on some QOTSA stuff, but in a heavier, darker and slower version. And the result is a more darker and heavier version. On that record there is really no filler, but real highlights are the title-track with a great beginning and a heavy riff, the outstanding and impressive UNDEAD and the mighty last track DOWN TO ME. Beside the great groove they have recorded, Andreas`s vocals did another step forward, forward in the meaning of writing great and interesting lyrics and vocal-lines. This is a record which makes me not bored – I think I will listen often to HAIL THE BLACK SKY! Good work done guys! Check them out!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 48 minutes

Jochen

++++++

Fused – The Obliquity Of The Ecliptic Aguafria Records

www.myspace.com/f_u_s_e_d

The band FUSED is around since end of 2004 with Xavier on all instruments (formerly Jason, actual David on drums) and after a good EP they are back with the first full-length independent release entitled THE OBLIQUITY OF THE ECLIPTIC. It is awesome to hear what the talented musician Xavier did on that record. He plays all guitars, bass and he sings. And together with drummer David these two persons create a powerful and fresh record. The EP (2005) has more Stoner Rock elements, but now they make their sound bigger and put some 70`s and Hard Rock stuff in the sound of FUSED. And that fits perfect and sounds fresh! Sometimes they remind me on old IRON MAIDEN (guitar work or the Maiden like opening of RIVER OF LIFE) or THIN LIZZY. And beside the excellent music, the vocals from Xavier are really on the top! A mix of Rush and The Cult-like vocals for example. I really can tell you that this is an awesome record with no filler, great songs, great guitar work and excellent vocals. Maybe it is not fair to mention a few highlights on that record, but the opener and the following PROFIT OUT OF ME are excellent for you to check this band out. I really hope, that this 2 guys will find 1-2 more musicians to play live and conquer the world with that mighty mix of 70`s/80`s style.

Genre: 70`s Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 52 minutes

++++++

HICSOS VS. MORTAL FACTOR  -  Split    MR. VAIN RECORDS

www.hicsos.com.br www.myspace.com/hicsos
www.mortalfactor.com
www.myspace.com/mortalfactor

Rio de Janeiro Brazil is the origin of HICSOS, if you put any trust in the info sheet they seem to have quite a name in their homeland (if I'm right they did release 4 long-playing albums in their continent). Thrash is their genre, mainly mid-tempo and pretty classic rooted the material did remind me a bit of OVERKILL, but this goes not for the harsh vocals, they are a bit more gutty. I'm not going to put them in this retro Thrash thing, but their music is absolute old school. CRY OF SOULS is one of a bit faster paced tracks, also convincing even though it's primitive song structures, at times a bit SLAYER like. The drumbeat of VIOLENCE AND BLOOD reminded me a bit of DEATH in their LEPORSY area.
MORTAL FACTOR are from Luzern Swiss and like their Brazilian mates they are also into Thrash Metal. The 2003 formed group puts a bit more Hardcore into their material best to hear on the stakkato like POINT ZERO. The vocals are generally also a bit more Core like, the breaks also speak that tongue. Their stuff also moves in the mid-tempo section and leaving the sterile drum-sound a side the material knows also to please.
For fans of the genre a nice try out.

GENRE: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 7
INFO: 11 Songs 42 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

MORKOBOT – MORTO   SUPERNATURALCAT

www.supernatrulacat.com

MORTO is the third and final chapter of MORKOBOT'S first trilogy. MORTO consists of only one track that has been divided into three segments. The band is into instrumental stuff, I wouldn't go so far as to call it Rock, sure traces can be found splendidly but all in all it is way more atmospheric and chaotic.
It starts of with organic drums, weird arrangements follow soon, boys and girls no classic Rock music can be found here, later on it gets more and more trance like, but this trance can't be reached because the sound-landscapes are to lively and some outburst shake one right to the bone. The second part consists of real chord work and drumming, the two thunder basses roll like hell, weird, jazzy guitar strings set in later on. Compared to part 2 the third is a bit more laid back and quiet, but thus after all not that different from the other if it comes to the spirit of the track.
Open minds are only welcome at this playground.

GENRE: AMBIENTE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 1 Song 40 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

MUSTASCH - MUSTASCH   Regain Records

www.mustasch.net
www.regainrecords.com

It is good to see that MUSTASCH are back. Maybe some of you will remembering, that DAREDEVIL was the first label which released an official track from Mustasch. Back in 1999 we released one song from their Demo on our BURN THE STREET compilation and from this moment, I`m a big fan from that band. And this is the first record with a good friend of mine (David, ex-Sparzanza) on guitars. And maybe that is the point that in my eyes the self-titled record is the darkest and heaviest album from these guys so far. I really like their last record, but the only critical point about it was in my eyes, that the whole material was written in the same tempo. And now, the opener HERESY BLASPHEMY starts with a dark and heavy guitar riff which will blow your ears away! Riffs like that are only possible from Mr. Gyllenhammar! The song is led by so much heaviness, maybe it is the heaviest track from Mustasch ever. And it features an excellent 80`s style guitar solo. MINE follows and is a little faster before the real first hit-single will follow. DAMN IT`S DARK features again a cool guitar solo and a melodic refrain. The only song which could be from THE LATEST VERSION OF THE TRUTH is the song called DEEP IN THE WOODS, which would fit perfect on that album too. I`M FRUSTRATED is like a ballad, only acoustic guitars and some orchestral parts. BLACKOUT BLUES will give you dirty groovy guitar riffs and distorted vocals, a very heavy track! TRITONUS is like an outro (in the same direction as on the last record) and sounds great. Lyrics from William Shakespeare spoken by Bertram Selwyn mix this song to a dark, funeral march! Congratulations! Mr. Gyllenhammar did again an outstanding job in front of the microphone. This is a must have for every Metal / Rock listener!

Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 12 Songs / 44 minutes

Jochen

++++++

OBIAT - Eye Tree Pi Small   Stone Records

www.smallstone.com
www.myspace.com/obiat

The third long-player from OBIAT (UK) is a masterpiece. That is the first statement I have to give about that record. EYE TREE PI is a mix of Space Rock, Doom Metal, Sludge Rock and Psychedelic Rock, named Baroness, ISIS, Black Sabbath, Alchemist, YOB and Mastodon. The music is an impressive mix of hypnotic Metal and atmospheric Rock. Heavy guitar-riffs combine with tribal elements and trace-like atmospheres. Silent parts with great guitar work mixing together with heavy guitar riffs and dominate drumming. And over all thrones the mighty emotional vocals from Laz. After the creepy intro of POISON THY HONEY the old Sabbath like doom riffs and ritual like vocals come over you! You will be impressed from that moment till the last track HOUSE OF THE FORGOTTEN SINS. There is really no filler on that record, but after the opener I will tell you about DELIGHTS and NOMAD NOMIND with awesome guitar riffs, the immense power and again that mighty vocal. This is the right music for astronauts. This masterpiece got recorded and mixed with Chris Fielding (Primordial, Napalm Death, Taint). Check this band out on stage if you get the chance! Their impressive live shows will make you happy! Good work!

Genre: Epic Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 7 Songs / 58 minutes

Jochen

++++++

Throttlerod - Pig Charmer    Small Stone Records

www.smallstone.com
www.myspace.com/throttlerod

I really like the last record from the Richmond band THROTTLEROD called NAIL. It is a great album, heavy and slow as I like it! With great vocals and an immense power, which remind me a little on the mighty SUNNSHINE, one of my favorite band! Matt Whitehead is the last original member of the band, but you will not feel that in the music. And it sounds not like the stupid technical computer sound Metal albums. Producer Andrew Schneider (who played the bass guitar on that record too!), who did excellent work so far for bands like the mighty MILLIGRAM, Roadsaw or Cave In, gave that record a warm and heavy sound! That is a real recording with real musicians! And PIG CHARMER is their best record so far. It is complete on a high standard and is the simple next step of NAIL. Maybe only a little more adult. If you do not know the mighty SUNNSHINE, maybe you will hear some old HELMET or JESUS LIZARD in that band. It is full of noisy stuff! The opening track CLEAN with the great heavy guitars is a good introduction for fans of early Tool, Soundgarden or the above mentioned Jesus Lizard! What a power! Or the heaviest song called HUM, a masterpiece. Or the feedback-drenched DINK – Throttlerod wasn`t better any time before! Furious noise-laden riffs, solid and simple drumming and that Helmet like vocals. It sounds very fresh! PIG CHARMER is full of power and aggression! Buy that good record!

Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 45 minutes

Jochen

++++++

TIA CARRERA – The quintessential   Small Stone Records

www.smallstone.com
www.myspace.com/tiacarrera

From Austin, Texas comes Tia Carrera. After some EPs and full-lengths, they signed to Small Stone and released this album some weeks ago. The band played Roadburn 2008 and their sound continues the tradition of impressive instrumentals. You will get spacey-like / epic-like jams for example called THE UNNAMED WHOLENESS and shorter songs like HOME and the Jimi Hendrix inspired GYPSIES. I personally like more the shorter and riff laden songs and in my eyes a good singer is important for the band. I have some problems with instrumental bands, because after some listening I think that sounds boring. But TIA CARRERA are really a good band, with the right feeling for good jams and finally a song with vocals, called HAZY WINTER. More vocals would make (in my eyes) a better record. THE UNNAMED WHOLENESS with 22 minutes is in my ears definitely too long, but maybe I`m not the right listener for that album. Maybe you have to listen to that record with some LSD or similar stuff. Don`t know.

Genre: Instrumental Space Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 5 Songs / 51 minutes

Jochen

++++++

TOMLEFTMARYBLEEDING - Tales from Stonewood Forest

www.myspace.com/tomleftmarybleeding

Another German METALCORE band, but they are from my area and I know that they play that style before it got a „trend“. And this is the debut record from them…maybe they are some years too late. Very sad, because the material shows some potential and with some good support then maybe they could make the next step. But this is a DIY record and so the band did a good job. After a short intro STILL FRIENDS? Will give you the awaited power and progressive guitar leads you know from the other bands. Highlight is in my eyes the following FATMAN JOHN, a great and powerful number with good guitars, a great groove and cool vocals and SHE STABBED MY CHEST YESTERDAY with some acoustic guitars. On the other side the Electro/Techno ending of ONE LIFE ONE SHOW fits not really. But all in all a good debut from that Bavarian band, but maybe they are too late to get a piece from the Metalcore cake. Or maybe it is exactly what the young kids want to hear…check them and decide!

Genre: Metalcore
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 11 Songs / 37 minutes

Jochen

++++++

WATCH ME ME BLEED - SOULDRINKER   SILVERWOLF PRODUCTIONS

www.watchmebleed.com
www.myspace.com/watchmebleed667

Markus Pohl (MYSTIC PROPHECY, SYMPHCORE) and Steffen Theurer from SYMPHCORE are two names behind the newcomer WATCH ME BLEED. Knowing that they are into I did expect something in another way here. But putting the disc in for the first time I was in for a nice treat of THRASH DEATH METAL. The band was created to unleash this more extreme side compared to their main acts. The group was formed in 2007 and for that short term the music is very professional, skilled and kicking. The material is not artificial, want to be tough shit, it just sounds right.
This modern extreme Metal has all the trademarks. Uptempo Thrash with big balls (RISE, THE GAME IS ON (nice SLAYER riff by the way)), groove (SIXSIXSEVEN), slower brutal stuff (THE END OF EVERYTHING, ALL RED ROSES DIE). At times a certain Hardcore touch is around (hear the shouts in THE GAME IS ON, or the setting in JACKHAMMER), and on BLOODRED RAIN even Death Metal growls are integrated. PANTERA get a special praise in BURN DOWN HOPE, the guitars and the pissed of feeling are very much like the TEXAS dudes. For unkown reasons the last THE BLEEDING CHALICE did remind me a bit of XENTRIX, ok the added Power Metal guest vocals done by Andy B. Franck from NEMESIS are not included in that.
The album also blends with a nice production job.
What more can you ask for in modern extreme Metal?

GENRE: THRASH EXTREME METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 46 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++

ZZ TOP - DOUBLE DOWN LIVE    EAGLE VISION

www.zztop.com
www.eagle-rock.com

This is a thing ZZ TOP fans have been longing for sure, especially the German ones.
Originally aired in 1980 via the German WDR Rockpalast sessions, the show hasn't been broadcasted in it's entire length since then.
In this time the band was definitely in their prime, the gig took place right after the release of the masterpiece DEGUELLO. This was ZZ TOP in the raw, no gimmicks just pure Boogie rockin'. Even thought visual elements can be noticed even at this early times (video projections on HI HF MAMMA). The sound has been given a nice round up, you can enjoy it in pumping DTS 5.1 or DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 both very convincing and authentic. The original STEREO track is also included (of course for all the purists, some might even give this one the run). The setlist consists of all the classic, yes and I mean all. DEGUELLO alone gives nine songs to the program.
Wouldn't that be enough a second disc is also included in the set featuring live performances from 2008. Added to that are interview sections done by a french dude, not to in depth looks are given, but you get to know something behind the story of HEARD IT O THE X, some talk about changes over the years and of course the Blues.
The newer material suffers a slight bit under pretty fast cuts, the material for itself is good, but it can't hold anything against the awesome first disc. I consider it more as a bonus treat, nothing more nothing less.
Another thing you can notice on disc 2 is a at times much younger crowd, and Oklahoma has a bunch of very nice cowgirls.
For fans an ultimate must have.

GENRE: BOOGIE BLUES ROCK
MUSIC: 10
SOUND: 8-9
INFO: DISC 1 93 min DISC 2 61 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

REVIEWS OCTOBER 2009

A STORM OF LIGHT – FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSE  
COUNT RAVEN  - MAMMONS WAR 
DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA  -  No2 Sing along songs for the Damned and Delirious  
EMIL BULLS - Phoenix  
FOOBAR THE BAND  -  Your Fiend, my friend 
FREIWILD – HART AM WIND 
THE GATES OF SLUMBER   – HYMNS OF BLOOD AND THUNDER  
SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI+TREASURE CAT  - LAST DAY OF SUMMER 
MARIONETTE  -  Enemies  
MEMORY DRIVEN  –  RELATIVE OBSCURITY  
ROOT  -  ZJEVENI/THE TEMPLE IN THE UNDERWORLD  
SYLVAN  -  FORCE OF GRAVITY  
THE BLACK – ALONGSIDE DEATH  
THE FEW AGAINST MANY – SOT  

++




A STORM OF LIGHT – FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSE   NEUROT RECORDINGS/CARGO

www.astromoflight.com
www.myspace.com/astromoflight

Their are back with their second installment, the Brooklyn NY based trio which consists of Josh Graham (visual artist for NEUROSIS) who brings quiete a bunch of guest appearances along on this new porject. Lydia Lunch, Jarboe, Nerisa Campbell, Carla Kihlstedt and Marika Hughes, deliver some lines, lyrics mild back ground voices or choirs, singing in the traditional Rock way is not taking place. This is left to Josh who puts the material right into the harsh reality, of pollution, industrialisation via his not to warm voice. Compared to AND WE WEPT THE BLACK OCEAN WITHIN they use a lot more violins and cello, but compared to others this doesn't water down their material neither does it reduce the impact of their sound landscapes, they are just a nice not to bothering way to increase their atmosphere. The dynamic drumming of Andy Rice gives the material the needed kick, every hit is right into place no artificial bullshit here. Especially TEMPEST  did infects me with it's sinister vibe, yes take this one as a short peak. Even not to common instruments like country guitars make sense here, on the intro ALPHA and on the mystique ARC OF FAILURE they come to use, and on the last one they did put the thing near later EARTH.
The production is top notch.
If you dug the first one get this one blind, and people who consider them still as a tame version of NEUROSIS, do your homework.

GENRE: POST ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 10 Songs 60 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++

COUNT RAVEN- MAMMONS WAR  I HATE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/countravenband

Out of the blue come this new COUNT RAVEN longplayer, maybe I'am just too lazy or whatever but if I remember right there was nothing to read about studio work or even a plan for a new record by the originators of the melodic Doom Metal. Only original member Dan Fodde Fondelius took it very slow, the album was in the making since 2006 well and this had surely some effect on the outcome. Apart for one  unnecessary interlude MAMMON'S WAR, the album blends with pure Doom full of emotion and soul, the  nasal voice of Fodde is the perfect form of articulation in this field. Leaving the fact behind that the last MESSIAH OF CONFUSION was released thirteen years ago, it feels like they always had been around. Compared to their earlier works the keyboards find a bit more use, but aside from that everything stayed the same. Up-tempo Doom is praised in THE POLTERGEIST, MAGIC IS.., and friends of the slower pace will find their joy in SCREAM, THE ENTITY, A LIFETIME or SEVEN DAYS.
NAHIRA is a homage to the originators of it all BLACK SABBATH, the lead riff well it's kind of recycling of an old Iommi tune, well I will look over that, the song for itself is a killer composition. Mellower feelings are brought in the slow TO KILL A CHILD, a song full of true emotions and feeling. The acoustic TO LOVE, WHEREVER YOU ARE dives into that even deeper.
The production satisfies every need.
Welcome back. I hope for a longer term.

GENRE: DOOM
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 68 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++

DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA  -  No2 Sing along songs for the Damned and Delirious   Ascendaance Records

www.ascendancerecords.com
www.myspace.com/diabloswingorchestra

Mhhhh, very confusing. A little BIGBAND, some CHANSON, some ROCKABILLY, some Hard Rock – very strange and confused. The opener A TAPDANCER`S DILEMMA is more like a Big Band sound with strange male and female vocals. A RANCID ROMANCE sounds like a TANGO with heavy guitars and tuba and Opera-like vocals. And that is the direction of the whole record. You can`t expect what is coming next! LUCY FEARS THE MORNING STAR starts with some Opera stuff and turns into a heavy Metal riff. NEW WORLD WIDOWS is more “mainstream” and could open that music for normal listeners before the scarry SIBERIAN LOVE AFFAIRS follows. It is the musical statement from some SWEENEY TODD lovers? Yeah….that is a good comparison – if you like that soundtrack and film – check this band out! Maybe you like it! Maybe you will love that crazy mix! It is very art-like! Really outstanding. But for my ears it is too a) funny and b) confuse. I listen to the old Death Metal records after that reviews again!

Genre: Crossover
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 48 Minutes

Jochen

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EMIL BULLS - Phoenix   Drakkar Music

www.emilbulls.de
www.drakkar.de

EMIL BULLS is one of my favourite bands since their debut. The last record was a masterpiece (and the album before too!) and it was clear in my eyes that the band can`t not top that record. HERE COMES THE FIRE, the opener, was like an “AHA” effect for us. This song can hold the high standard of their older material! Great guitar work, great riffs, a huge power and the mighty vocals from Christoph makes this song to an EMIL BULLS highlight! WHEN GOD WAS SLEEPING starts with some old Thrash Metal riffing and is a real surprise. It is not typical Emil Bulls and the chorus is really outstanding. THE ARCHITECTS OF MY APOCALYPSE starts again with some Thrash riff and turns into a typical EMIL BULLS song, melodic and with a great chorus. I DON`T BELONG HERE, a ballad with a great piano melody, close that record. Again the mighty vocals from Christoph make this song special. Another highlight is the emotional TIME, which turns into a monster of a song! The middle riff is killer and the refrain will not go out of your head for days! NOTHING IN THIS WORLD followed and shows more an alternative music touch before INFECTING THE PROGRAM went more into the Metalcore genre. EMIL BULLS and Modern Metal fans will love that record. I do!

Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 13 Songs / 69 Minutes

Jochen
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FOOBAR THE BAND  -  Your Fiend, my friend  Reside Records  

www.residerecords.com
www.foobartheband.com

After the cool debut record on our label the swedish Rockers from FOOBAR THE BAND are back with their second longplayer and they did the awaited step forward! That means: better songwriting, better sound, better songs….the right step I mean. First you will see the excellent cover-artwork with a naked lady lying (not on a car!) in a bath. Very cool! The sound is typical Swedish, but they mixed that Rock Sound from Gothenburg with some bands like Audioslave, Danke Jones or Clutch and so you can expect a fat sound with great songwriting. The opener MY FRIEND is a fast track with some AUDIOSLAVE comparisons and the following CATCH22 is close to some DANKE JONES stuff. Indeed pure Rock`n`Roll stuff. You will get some Punk Rock influences too and the whole songs are on the same high level. My favourites are QUEEN OF FOOLS and COMMUNICATION, but as ROCK`n`ROLL lover you will find a way to that record. It is (indeed) nothing new, but with a lot of energy and power and great songwriting! Check this band out and get your copy now!

Genre: Prog Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 45 Minutes

Jochen
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FREIWILD – HART AM WIND  Rookies & Kings Records / Soulfood

www.frei-wild.net

4 young guys from the Alps make Modern Metal with german lyrics. And….don`t know. First I really don`t like that sound ala Boehse Onkelz and I think the band is very close to them. On the musical side and on the vocals. Simple modern Metal songs, with a lot of ROCK influences and a lot of melodies. They have a good song named LAND DER VOLLIDIOTEN – a song against racism. The band is directly from BRIXEN and one song is about that area called DAS IST SUEDTIROL. On their debut record HART AM WIND they did some hymns for the German Rock supporters and it is no filler on that 17 tracks in my eyes. All have the same standard and were written to produce hot and sweaty and singing live shows. Good job, but not my cup of tea.

Genre: German Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 17 Songs / 62 minutes

Jochen

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THE GATES OF SLUMBER – HYMNS OF BLOOD AND THUNDER   RISE ABOVE RECORDS/SOULFOOD

www.thegatesofslumber.com
www.myspace.com/thegatesofslumber

The american cult trio is back for the fourth editon of their Heavy Doom Metal. So far I was not familiar with their earlier recordings, I did see them live in 2008 but that was about it.
The album starts off pretty classic Metal rooted and the track moves in the uptempo regions, the vocals are bit too thin to leave a first killer impression but overall the song knows to please. DEATH DEALER moves in the same waters, the tide is even stronger and the vocals of Karl Simon fit the material perfectly, somehow this one reminds a bit of older US Metal acts (oh yes I have to say CIRITH UNGOL, even though the vocal genius of Tim Baker can never be reproduced, don't worrry they don't make the mistake of trying).
A slower pace is choosen for the cool BENEATH THE EYES OF MARS, Doom all the way the vocals become also a bit more theatrical, convincing. The not necessarily faster THE DOOM OF ACELDAMA delivers killer guitars along with a strong hookline. THE BRINGER OF WAR combines JUDAS PRIEST in their SAD WINGS OF DESTINY times with the groove and guitarwork of CELTIC FROST, this sounds like hell, awesome. DESCENT INTO DARKNESS is a tune in the ST. VITUS way, the vocals chant, compared to that IRON HAMMER delivers Metal the straight way even though an ultraheavy Doom break comes in between this one. The last one BLOOD AND THUNDER brings along some singalongs.
The fully analog recorded album sounds perfect and authentic.

GENRE: DOOM METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 9
INFO: 10 Songs 55 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

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SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI+TREASURE CAT  -  LAST DAY OF SUMMER  UNDERDOGMA RECORDS

www.sonsofalphacentauri.co.uk
www.myspace.com/treasurecatwv

Two instrumental bands team up to deliver a split or better collaboration album, one from Britain the other US based. TREASURE CAT from West Virginia consist of former KARMA TO BURN guitar player Will Mecum and if you're familiar with their work you probably know what to expect.
They did write the material together and everything is pretty riff based and driven. From Stoner arrangements like VALHALLA over to mouth-harp spiced power Rock ala THE LYING DUTCHMAN to more chillier, mellower tuns like TRIBUTE TO HARMONIOUS every need gets it's treat. With BATTLE OF BRITAIN a cool Post Rock tune is also on the record. LAST DAY OF SUMMER reuses older 70 Rock riffs to a whole and fresh new sound structure, the guitars in UNDER SURVEILLANCE reminded me a bit of IRON MAIDEN, the track for itself has nothing to much in common with Heavy Metal, it's just that guitar sound. DRESDEN is the one with the most punch, mainly thanks to the drumming. CROSSING THE BOREDER is one of the nicest ass shakers, yeah. ON A CLEAR DAY is another more laid back tune, bit like SIXTY WATT SHAMAN styled riff Rock.
Like always I miss the vocals, but for just in between this is a nice treat. This is something that has to be experienced live. The high drive of the compositions in general make this thing even though it's pure instrumental very easy to get to.
For fans fo the no vocal edition of KARMA TO BURN (man the first one with vocals is still a totally underrated classic) a worthy purchase.

GENRE: INSTRUMENTAL ROCK
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 54 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++

MARIONETTE  -  Enemies   Listenable Reocrds / Soulfood

www.myspace.com/marionettesweden
www.marionette.se
www.listenable.net

The 2008 debut SPITE was a good output, but in that hill of Metalcore releases they haven`t got the chance to did some step forwards. But I saw them on stage in Germany on tour with MUSTASCH (!!) and they are a good live band. Now the new record is ready and the production team for ENEMIES including Pontus Hjelm (Dead by April) and Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, At the gates) and Peter In De Betou (Dimmu Borgir, Meshuggah). So much great names and I think an outstanding record is on the start. And I really hope that the band will get enough listeners to make the next step! The opener THE SWINE with the melodic guitars are really cool The following THE SILVER SPOON shows some awesome guitar sounds and a immense aggression. Musically, ENEMIES picks up where SPITE left off: adding more aggression, complexity and anger to every element of the bands established sound. Especially the vocals are full of aggression and the music is very fast and heavy. There is really no filler on that 13 songs and I especially like the Death Metal influenced ANTHROPOMORPHISM, the mighty HATELUST with the great guitar work and CREATURS, which not so much tempo but intense anger! All in all a must have for Metal fans who like it fast!

Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 13 Songs / 49 Minutes

Jochen

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MEMORY DRIVEN – RELATIVE OBSCURITY   I HATE REOCRDS

www.ihate.se

Dennis Cornelius is the man behind vocals and guitars of Marylands REVELATION, originally he started out in the Death Metal genre. After REVELATION did fall apart he formed COR later on the name was changed to OVERSOUL. After the split up of them he rejoined REVELATION, this did hold up for five years, after that he joined Victor Griffin in PLACE OF SKULLS and in my opinion he did his most impressive work there, even though Victor is the man behind it all. MEMORY DRIVEN was formerly called DWELL WITHIN and the musicians played all with Dennis before. He left the bass aside and rejoined with the guitar for MEMORY DRIVEN.
So now here it is their debut, what will bring such a long experience along???
Well the material is definitely Doom rooted, but amongst that surface progressive ways like TOOL walk them can be also made out. The heavy Rocker MOMENT blends with nice dynamics, the chords in FOREVER LASTING SADNESS also have a hard edge to them. On THE 13TH BAKTUM they do remember a bit of PLACE OF SKULLS, well he has been long enough amongst them to have the right to do so. THE END OF TRUTH is the mellow outlet of the album.  Some of the instrumental parts could have been trimmed down a bit, but generally the soul is in the right place.
The production value is of a very high standard.

GENRE: DOOM ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 61 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++

ROOT  -  ZJEVENI/THE TEMPLE IN THE UNDERWORLD   I HATE RECORDS

www.ihate.se

Another bunch of old ROOT recordings, the band around the Czech representative of the Church of Satan Big Boss is always a nice thing regarding mystical Metal.
ZJEVENI is an old recording that was done under the purest conditions.
The material has that mystical touch at times with a bit classic approach to it. Even on this earlier works the Thrash roots are present, but not to dominant (hear Vyslech, 666). PISEN PRO SATANA delivers old school Black Metal, SLAYER riffs come to use in the stamping HOBITOV, and on CESTA ZKAZY Boss uses his at times pretty operatic voice to it's best.
Along to that I HATE did put some weight on the CD via material from the ROOT archives.
The same goes for the third installment THE TEMPLE IN THE UNDERWORLD. The album moves in the same vein like ZJEVENI, at times BATHORY influenced shine through (MESSAGE), classic Metal can be experienced in THE WALL. Even a semi ballad named MY NAME.. can be found here. All in all very colorful an entertaining. The production standard is ok regarding the lower production value.
Like I wrote in an earlier review this is nothing for the first catch, give it some time, maybe you can catch the spirit, it's worth the time.

GENRE: METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: ZJEVENI 16 Songs 54 min 
           THE TEMPLE...15 Songs 61 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

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SYLVAN  -  FORCE OF GRAVITY   Sylvan Music

www.sylvan.de

POSTHUMOUS SILENCE was a masterpiece in the scene and now after the more mainstream PRESETS the seventh SYLVAN record is ready for the Prog Rock fans. And I think  the new material is more heavier and more METAL as their releases before. Maybe the new guitar player and Hard Rock fan Kay is the reason. The opener FORCE OF GRAVITY or the following FOLLOW ME are close to some FATES WARNING stuff and especially the vocals from Marco are very good. The ballad MIDNIGHT SUN, a duet with Miriam Schell (some will know them from their Presets and Leaving Backstage appearances), features great piano sounds is another highlight. And on every Prog Record a must have long track on a Prog record is (indeed) the highlight at the end. 15 minutes as it`s best with the song VAPOUR TRAIL. Sylvan shows that they can play in the same league as the American bands. All in all a good Prog Rock record with different styles and sounds. Fans of Marillion or Fates Warning should check it out!
Genre: Prog Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Info: 11 Songs / 69 Minutes
Jochen

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THE BLACK – ALONGSIDE DEATH   PULVERISED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/officaltheblack

Jon Nödveidt former DISSECTION head (RIP) did participate in THE BLACK in 1992/1993 (under the alias Rietas). Since I'am not familiar with this early stuff I can just focus on the new material.
They are into very harsh, authentic fast and at times doomy Black Metal in the vein of the second Black Metal awakening, meaning DARKTHRONE on UNDER A FUNERAL MOON, or the first MAYHEM longplayer. This authenticity manifests in a low production value, use of no trigger shit and almost a physical feel able brutality. The songs move straight ahead there is not too much room for breaks or any other fancy stuff. The slower songs like A CONTRACT WRITTEN IN ASHES or the even fiercer DEAD SEED also point to the originators DARKTHRONE (of course they took much out of HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST). FLESHLESS even delivers some kind of groove, THE WRATH FROM BENEATH delivers something for the ambient freaks before the last ALONGSIDE DEATH shreds you to pieces.
Nothing new here, but very effective in the destructive way.

GENRE: BLACK METAL like it was originated
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8 (yeah you can argue about that)
INFO: 8 Songs 31 min

Thomas Schubert

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THE FEW AGAINST MANY – SOT   PULVERSIED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/thefewagainstmany

This swedish melodic Death Metal act can be nailed down pretty easy. Just imagine EDGE OF SANITY with an orchestral side to it (all out of the pc) you get a pretty clear picture.
Especially the vocals of CHRISTIAN ALVESTAM (behind a lot of bands UNMOORED etc.) remind a lot of Dan Swäno, well this is surely not the badest thing, they also have enough fierceness and balls to keep you listening, but this lets call them „melodic“ interludes and plasters are a bit too much for me at times.
Go to their myspace site and see if they are fitting for you.
KATATONIA and DARK TRANQUILTIY members did give some lyrical contributions.
Coming back to the genre of Death Metal, Dan Seagrave did the cover-artwork in his own special way, not his best work but ok.
You have the feeling I'am not too much into their music, well that's not true I just have a problem with the bombast of the whole thing.

GENRE: MODERN DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++



REVIEWS Summer 2009

ABRAMIS BRAMA  -  Smakar Söndag  
BLACK PYRAMID – Black Pyramid  
BONE GNAWER – Feast of Flesh
ELDER – Elder
HITTEGODS  -  You reap what you sow
KILLING LAZARUS  -  Killing Lazarus
LILLIAN AXE  -  Sad day on Planet Earth
LITMUS  -  Aurora 
MANGOO  -  Neolithic   
MANGROVE  - Endless Skies  
MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER – III   
MOJO JAZZ MOB  -  Westfalenwalze   
OCEAN CHIEF  -  Den Förste LP  
POISON THE WELL  -  Tropic Root   
PONAMERO SUNDOWN  -  Stonerized  
REVOLUTION MOTHER  -  Rollin with tha Mutha 
RITE  -  Death I hear you calling but I can`t come home RITE now
SPARZANZA  -  In Voodoo Veritas
YUPPIE CLUB – Pretty Insane

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ABRAMIS BRAMA  -  Smakar Söndag   Transubstans Records

www.abramisbrama.com
www.recordheaven.com

This Swedish band is special, they sing in their home-language and the Swedish lyrics fit perfect in my eyes. The combination with the groovy 70`s Power Rock is awesome. The band added guitarist Rob (from Backdraft) and drummer Trisse (from Grand Magus) to their band and they created a huge power on that CD. The music on SMAKAR DÖNDAG (taste Sunday) contains material written over a time span of more than 12 years and shows the essence of Abramis Brama. They change the parts in the songs a lot, put some psychedelic stuff in it and they have no fear to put some funky elements into some single songs. Songs like the opener KYLAN KOMMER INIFRAN (classic Power Rock song), or the funky ENKEL RESA or the more Country / Singer-Songwriter inspired N.E.J. you will get a huge dose of Hard Rock. Especially the mentioned N.E.J. with femal guest vocals is a highlight on that record. A.B. is a great band, which is around for a long time and that you will hear from the first note. I like it! Heavy seventies Hard Rock sung in Swedish – get it!

Music: 70`s Rock
Sound: 7
Music: 7
Info: 11 Songs / 55 minutes

Jochen

++++++

BLACK PYRAMID – Black Pyramid   Electric Earth

www.electric-earth.com
www.myspace.com/blackpyramidkills

This is the double vinyl release from the METEOR CITY debut and features MACEDONIA, an exclusive vinyl-only bonus track. The 7” release of the US Doom Metal band is one of my favorite singles and now they released their debut. After a short Intro VISIONS OF GEHENNA will bring you the Doom Metal hell! This is heavy, this is slow, this is Doom Metal! MIRROR MESSIAH is catchy, especially the vocals from Andy are clearer as on the opening track and give their sound an extra note. Same with the following NO LIFE KING. Maybe this songs will find some lovers at the GRAND MAGUS supporters. Both songs are awesome Doom songs, NO LIFE KING is more classic Heavy Metal in my eyes. The instrumental interlude CELEPHAIS is a cool acoustic guitar track and close Side A. Side B starts with heavy TWILIGHT GRAVE, a faster song with strong vocals and a great drum groove. The following, only on vinyl song MACEDONIA is a cool, faster instrumental. With great guitar work and with a good drive! THE WORM OUROBOROS is classic old school Doom Metal ala Pentagram or Black Sabbath (hey, this is a Black Sabbath riff!!!). Cool and heavy and the last song on Side B! Side C start with THE CAULDRON BORN and is more complex, more progressive and especially the darker vocals (ala High on Fire) make this 8 minute monster to one of the highlights on that very good record. WINTERMUTE close this debut with a Doom Metal monster. With great vocals, great solos and awesome guitar work. The best comparison is SLEEP and THE OBSESSED, a little GRAND MAGUS, but if you like Doom Metal – you should buy it!

Genre: Doom Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info:  10 Songs / 56 minutes
Jochen

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BONE GNAWER – FEAST OF FLESH    PULVERISED RECORDS

www.pulverised.net

Ups, somewhere I did read something about this american/swedish Death Metal project, giving it not too much thought I put it in the tray and nearly was torn to pieces. Behind this musical holocaust is Kam Lee (MANTAS, MASSACRE, DENIAL FIEND) and Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, DEMIURG, RIBSPREADER) as well as Morgan Lie from NAGLFAR and Ronnie Bjornstrom (RIPSPREADER, HATE AMMO). The idea came up in 2008, in this time the project was called REVOLTING, with the joining of Morgan and Ronnie the whole thing moved from project to real band installment.
The lyrics are all about cannibalistic mutants and flesh eating freaks, so far nothing new. The same could be said about the music, but hold on,  this is without exaggeration one of the best, freshest and kicking Death Metal releases in quite some time. The basics are American Death Metal with the low tunned chordwork of the classic Swedish Death Metal origins (ENTOMBED, NIHILIST etc.). Sure this may not sound to tempting but give it a try and you have to give me the benefit of a the doubt.
No matter which track is picked they all kill. From FEAST OF FLESH that brings MASSACRE in a slight more Punk vibe, over the midtempo brutality in SLICED & DICED right to the groove monster CANNIBAL COOK-OUT. Alone this opening trio is worth the purchase, but it gets even better with THE SAW IS FAMILY they created a Death Metal monolith that will stand long in the anuals of Death Metal. And SFU not unlike groove is plasterd with sharp riffs, growls from hell and ball crunching hooks. CANNIBAL CORPSE did deliver some inspiration concerning the guitar work in ANTHROPOPHAGUS BEAST, DEFLESHED AND SKINNED as well as the uptempo stamper HATCHET FACE dig deep in the Swedish Death Metal tradition. And like it comes as no surprise THE LUCKY ONES DIE FIRST gives us the final stab with blastbeats.
By the way the production is also top notch.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 10
SOUND: 9
INFO: 10 Songs / 34 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

ELDER – ELDER   Electric Earth

www.electric-earth.com
www.myspace.com/beholdtheelder

This 5 Song album got released by METEORCITY in January 2009 and now the cool ELECTRIC EARTH Label release it again as an heavy 180gramm vinyl in heavy gatefold sleeve. Limited on 500 copies – so – you should be fast! The music is a mix of Stoner Rock and Doom Metal. Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, Sleep for example. The vocals are rough and dirty. The guitars are bluesy and they have a great groove, but I think the real outstanding songs are missing. Sorry! Sometimes they remind me on the mighty LOOSE (35007), especially on the heavy moments. Side A starts with the song WHITE WALLS, a good groove monster with a long jam like end part. HEXE is slow and heavy. The vocals remind me a little on the old PRONG stuff and the song is very heavy, but again the very long solo part makes this power gone. RIDDLE OF STEEL PART ONE is a massive slow groove monster, but PART TWO is more like a reprise of the main riff … over this distance of the two parts it is too boring in my eyes. 5 Songs in 40 minutes, Doom Metal! But not boring, they try to make something special and put some different tempos in their songs. Very good moments on that record, but I think next time it will be a much better album! Good band, check them!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info:  5 Songs / 42 minutes

Jochen

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HITTEGODS  -  You reap what you sow

www.hittegods.net

HITTEGODS from FINLAND are back with their fourth Demo and I really can´t understand why that band has no deal so far! The third Demo FLOWER POWER was full of great songs, near the AC/DC sound and now they go one step back into the 70`s Stadion Rock. Musically they are top and the music is really good. The opener YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW is like an old 70s KISS song and a young OZZY on vocals. This song is a real hit and I think every OZZY or KISS fan will love that song. LIVE AND LEARN is again a Hard Rock song with a lot of class. Especially the softer acoustic parts fit perfect into that song. NOW AND FOREVER is a little faster as the song before and features great guitars from Mikko Lähdeoja. The last WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER could be from KISS again and is a great Classic Rock song again with great vocals from Mikko. And the other 2 guys in the band are awesome too: HP Nummela on drums and Anssi Korkiakoski on bass. The Demo is very professional with a good booklet (all lyrics) and a professional sound. If you like good Hard Rock – get in touch with that band! Support the underground.

Music: Classic Hard Rock
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 4 Songs / 15 Minutes

Jochen

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KILLING LAZARUS  -  Killing Lazarus

Maybe some of you remember the Irish Stoner Rock band CARRIAG with their record HAYMAKER back in 2003. It was a good record. Ex-guitarplayer Andrew formed a tribute band with talented vocalist Dave Lee. The vibe was so good, they formed together with ex-Carraig bass player Al Colohan KILLING LAZARUS. And everybody who expected a Stoner Rock band could stop reading at that point. KILLING LAZARUS is an awesome Progressive Rock band. The opener KILL FOR FUN is awesome. Only acoustic guitars, simple drums and the great vocals are on the first three minutes before the song explodes into a Progressive Rock monster. The following SPLIT THE SKY s another song led by acoustic guitars and under-your-skin vocals.  Highlight is DREAM KILLER, a song with acoustic guitars and the mighty vocals, sometimes that song remind me on ANATHEMA. The song is dark, melancholic and full of emotions. AWESOME! HIDE AND GO EEK shows some Carriag riff, it is powerful and sometimes like some Desert Rock song, but it is different – I can´t explain. Because it is not “full-sound” – it sounds like far away…strange but very cool and interesting! GEMINATE, the last song is a 10 minute epic ambient song with a lot of acoustic stuff and piano plus Lee`s phenomenal voice. Progressive Rock who could be from the 70`s – great! I hope they will get a deal and I hope they have a great future! I love that Demo! Check this band out! Please!

Genre: Progressive Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 7 songs / 35 Minutes
Jochen

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LILLIAN AXE  -  Sad day on Planet Earth   Blistering Records

www.lillianaxe.com
www.myspace.com/lillianaxe

The second ablum for singer Derrick Le Fevre, who gave their debut on the 2007 record WATERS RISING. But all the modern parts from WATERS RISING are gone now and they concentrate again on the basement: melodic US Power Metal. The ninth record is with 75 minutes very long and shows some different styles and sounds. Starting with the well-known high energy rocker called MEGASLOWFADE and turning into the second, more melodic track JESUS WEPT fits perfect and especially the guitar-work is awesome! And the following faster IGNITE is awesome too. But you will find some ballade-like and darker songs too. For example WITHIN YOU REACH or the title track. Especially DIVINE is a great song and will be a highlight in their live-set in the future! Another highlight is THE GRAND SCALE OF FINALTIY with an awesome solo. The last song FIRE, BLOOD, THE EARTH AND SEA is over 13 minutes long with different influences. From Power to Prog Rock – this is a masterpiece! A good record and old fans should check this record out!
Genre: US Melodic Metal
Sound: 8
Music: 7
Info: 15 Songs / 75 minutes
Jochen

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LITMUS  -  AURORA     RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.litmusmusic.co.uk
www.myspace.com/litmusspacerock

Well sure I'm no expert than the focus comes to the Space Rock genre, HAWKWIND is a name even I know (I also did hear something from them, Lemmy was also in early incarnations of them), and a lot of combos in the Stoner/Doom genre take some ideas for their cause. The London based band comes around with their third longplayer, and for me a virgin to the scene, I have to admit that their material has quite a touch to it. All of the eight tracks move in the epic length considering the running time, but all of them do rock as well. The riffs get reapeated over and over again, a trance like state is aquired thanks to that, and some of the compositions return to their earlier staring theme. Somehow this closure makes this stuff sound whole and warming. At times I felt the spirit of older MOTORHEAD (yes the ghost of HAWKWIND was still present), hear IN THE BURNING LIGHT or STARS (at times the keys reminded me a bit of FAITH NO MORE, no shit). The title track KINGS OF INFINITE SPACE is warm tune that sounds a bit like older PINK FLOYD, the end reminded me a bit of vintage DAVID BOWIE material, to this one you really can let yourself go. Ma:55oN RIFT drifts into space for a while till the beat gets ahold of you, the words get repeated over and over again.
Sure this might take some time, but even I got the spirit of the thing (in the basics) after only a few runthroughts.
For fans of the genre highly recommended.

GENRE: SPACE ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs / 66 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

MANGOO  -  Neolithic    745 Records

www.745records.com
www.mangooloid.com
http://www.myspace.com/mangoomusic

MANGOO is a good Fuzz Rock band from Finland. They play a mix of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and some RADIO Mainstream sound. A mix of groovy Desert Rock and Grunge maybe. Don`t know exactly. But the 10 songs are good! Every song has an catchy groove and there is really no filler on that record. Highlights on that record are BIRDS OF PREY (great part in the middle) and QUEEN OF GLAM (powerful mid-tempo track!). The ballad (NOT YOUR DOG) is not 100% my type of music, but fit good between the other catchy songs. Especially some epic moments make this songs, which sound all similar, special. PLANET with a strong PINK FLOYD vibe, THE SHIT with some ALICE IN CHAINS influence and the cool moody THE BAD HABIT should be mentioned here too. NEOLITIHIC is a good debut and mix some styles together (70s Space Rock, 90s Grunge and 00s Desert Rock). Open minded listeners should listen to that band! Good start!

Genre: FuzzRock
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Info: 10 Songs

Jochen

++++++

MANGROVE  - Endless Skies   Transubstans Records

www.myspace.com/mangrovesweden
www.recordheaven.com

Since 2006 are the two SIDEBURN members on the road to wide their musical limits. And they created a huge record! Everything fits perfect on that record. The riffs are huge, the vocals and melodies are impressive and the songs are great! The opener UNIVERSAL TIME is a great Stoner Rock song with a cool jam part in the middle and awesome vocal melodies. The following PIECES OF OUR YESTERDAY is like a ride on a rocket and again the vocals from Jani give that band a special note! ENDLESS SKIES is a straight forward Stoner monster before the RIVER OF MY SOUL slow down and will give you an example for a great 70`s inspired song. I really like the following TIME OF SORROW with this mighty riff power and mighty vocals. After a good instrumental ELECTRIC EYE and MANGROVE are good 70`s Psychedelic Rock songs with the typical Mangrove heaviness. Especially MANGROVE is a real highlight under that good songs. Starting more like an acoustic song, very slow, emotional and silent, the song turns into a great melody and energy. Awesome. The last song QUIVERING GROUND close that record with some psychedelic influences. A huge surprise, a great band and if you like the old 70”s sound or only good Rock – get this band!

Music: Stoner Rock
Sound: 8
Music: 9
Info: 9 Songs / 37 minutes

Jochen

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MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER – III    Ferret / Hellfest / Universal

www.ferretstyle.com
www.myspace.com/mayleneandthesonsofdisaster
www.mayleneandthesonsofdisaster.us

First I have to mention that four out of the six members are new. So it is a new band…?! The debut from MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER was a big surprise and their following, called simple “II” couldn`t hold that standard. Their mix of Metalcore and Southern Rock was good, but after the time the record lost some of their strength. And now, album three called “III” is again not a surprise. The music is too weak. And there is not a real hit on the record in my eyes. The album starts with some banjos before cranking up the guitars. Their Metal / Hard Rock shows some Southern flavor, but the opening track WAITING ON MY DEATHBED is a great rocker. A heavier track, called SETTLING SCORES BY BURNING BRIDGES shows the Metalcore elements from the past. At the beginning some good songs, some heavier stuff and some interesting stuff,  but at the middle the songs turns into a mix of Southern Rock (especially the guitars and solos on that record are more as good) and Glam Rock inspired modern Rock album. Especially the vocals from Dallas Taylor are clearer. His shouts in the beginning of the record are rough and raspy, but the melodic and clear parts are not my cup of tea. Sometimes he sound like Rob Zombie, sometimes like Marilyn Manson, sometimes not good. A song like STEP UP (I`M ON IT) is only boring. And the following LISTEN CLOSE could be from a late MOTLEY CRUE record too. LISTEN CLOSE is pure Southern Rock. And the ballad THE END IS HERE…THE END IS BEAUTIFUL close this record. Maybe the songs will fit well on stage, but on that record they are mostly boring.

Genre: Southern Rock / Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 39 Minutes

Jochen
++++++

MOJO JAZZ MOB  -  Westfalenwalze    Black Desert Inn

www.mojojazzmob.com

German Stoner Rockers MOJO JAZZ MOB is back with a new EP. They release it via the new label THE BLACK DESERT INN. And surprise, it is a huge step forward since their debut record on Swamp Room Records. The opener RAPID CYCLER starts with an SLOBURN like riff and is a real great fast forward rocking Stoner Rock song. This song was led by a great groove and cool vocals. On that song everything is perfect! No single second who is wrong on that track! Good work guys! HORNED WINGED CREATURES FROM HELL has a great groove and this mid-tempo track is really cool, but the vocals can`t hold that high standard on that track. But cool as hell too. CHEMICAL PILOT starts with an IRON MAIDEN like intro and is a cool rocker too. Especially the melodic vocals from Adrian fit perfect on that song. This song is with the opener the highlight on that EP and in the whole MOJO JAZZ MOB career. SAMBA and the cool 27,5 DEGREES CELCIUS (JAQUELINE`S SONG), which features again great guitar – melodies, close that EP, which is a big surprise and an awesome output for an German band. I think they can make a big step into the Stoner Rock scene, I really hope they did! And the title of the EP is awesome!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs / 25 minutes

Jochen

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OCEAN CHIEF  -  Den Förste LP   Electric Earth

www.electric-earth.com
www.myspace.com/oceanchief

3 downtuned arrangements played by that three piece from Mjölby, Sweden. And fans from UFOMAMMUT or ELECTRIC WIZARD can buy this record without any pre-listening! This is slow, this is heavy and unbelievable dark! The combination of groove, overdriven, sludgy guitars and dark vocals will walk deep under your skin! The opener DEN FÖRSTE is an example for slow and heavy music. 12 minutes pure Doom! After that monster of a song, the following TOMRUM includes more psychedelic and space-like moments into the song. It fits perfect again and made this band outstanding. And he 16 minute long track called SANG is again pure Doom Metal. This band is really slow and Doom fans will know them I think! If not, check this third (and best) release from the swedish guys! They rule!

Genre: DOOM METAL
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info:  3 Songs / 37minutes

Jochen

++++++

POISON THE WELL  -  Tropic Root    Ferret Music / Universal / Hellfest Records

www.poisonthewell.com
www.myspace.com/poisonthewell

The American GUITAR WORLD magazine called their 1999 output THE OPPOSITE OF DECEMBER as one of the most important 100 Rock outputs ever. I personally like the 2003 release YOU COME BEFORE YOU more and it is still one of the best records in my collection. The last record VERSIONS was a little disappointment. And I really haven`t expect anything from their new record (because their last tour with 36 Crazyfists was not so good like the old gigs…) and surprise, South Florida-based post-hardcore titans are back with their fifth studio album and are again on the right way! A great POSTCORE output! Again non-traditional instrumentation lead you through that record, the guitars are more aggressive as on the last, more atmospheric record and the vocals are again full of aggression, except the clean melodies you know from that band. THE TROPIC ROT is instead reminiscent of everything that came before. The opener EXIST UNDERGROUND is heavy, reminds me on some DEFTONES stuff and especially the clean vocals will walk under your skin! SPARKS IT WILL RAIN is a song straight in your face! Fast and dark before the mighty vocals will lead you to another universe! Killer! CINEMA is aggressive, atmospheric and spectacularly insightful all at once. This is all great stuff, musically on the top! But the real songs which will went under your skin are the more slower and melodic tracks like PAMPLEMOUSSE or WHEN YOUR LOSE I LOSE AS WELL. They are more cool and went the same direction as some THE MARS VOLTA music. And this is the point why POISON THE WELL is still relevant today. They are still aggressive, but they went forward with every release. This record is the best POISON THE WELL output so far in my eyes!

Genre: Postcore
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 47 minutes

Jochen

++++++

PONAMERO SUNDOWN  -  Stonerized   Transubstans Records

www.ponamerosundown.com
www.recordheaven.com

Ponamero Sundown from Sweden released some Demos in the last years and this full-length record is a classic Stoner Rock record, sounding like the bands from the late 90s and their classic outputs (like Mustasch, Sparzanza, Dozer, Awesome Machine, Lowrider…). So – that is a big plus in my eyes. ALCOHOLIC DEATHRIDE, the opener is the best example for that sound. Fuzz Rock as its best. Simple, straight forward heavy rock. CURTAIN CALL starts with WAH-WAH guitar-riff and turns into a slow groove monster. The slower tracks like ROTTEN RELIGION or LIVE THE LIE (a cool song, maybe the highlight on that record) are more impressive as the faster tracks in my eyes. INTERMISSION (HEARTBREAK DISEASE) is an acoustic song which could come directly out from the desert. HELL SENT is close to some old SPARZANZA stuff but after the whole 50 minutes I really miss more than 2-3 good moments on that record. And especially the vocals are not strong enough on some parts. And can transport the right feeling of such a heavy fuzz rock sound. All in all a good old school Stoner Rock record. It is good to hear that sound again! But in comparison to the above mentioned classic releases, real highlights which will not go out of your brain for days or maybe years are not on the record. But if you like the above mentioned bands and/or classic Stoner Rock played 10 years ago – check this CD out.

Music: Stoner Rock
Sound: 7
Music: 7
Info: 12 Songs / 50 minutes

Jochen

++++++

REVOLUTION MOTHER  -  Rollin with tha Mutha  Ferret Music / Hellfest Records / Universal

www.ferretstyle.com
www.myspace.com/revolutionmother

In the info – sheet they got called Southern Fried Metalcore. The opener could be from Entombed or some of the Biker Rock bands too. The band toured a lot in the past and quickly built up a rapport with the audience completing U.S. Tours with Tiger Army, Bad Religion, Social Distortion, Every Time I Die and Danzig as well as a European Tour with Funeral For A Friend. OK, now ROLLIN`WITH THA MUTHA is released and the opener and title-track is a kick ass fast forward rock song with rough punk vocals, close to LG Petrov. A big surprise. MOFO starts with an ENTOMBED riff again before the rough vocals and the drive make this song to a highlight. Mike Vallely (vocals) is really a great shouter and after some Hardcore projects and being an iconic pro skater for the past 23 years, the band is very heavy and cool. The third song KILLIN` MACHINE is a simple fast forward Punk Rock song before the mighty BORN TO ROCK`N`ROLL will make all Biker hearts happy. The song is in mid-tempo with a great MOTORHEAD-like riff and again the mighty vocals from Mike. A real headbanger! Killer song! THE SNAKE is cool before the heavy RIDE THE SKY will blow you away. Great Death´N`Roll guitars and an awesome groove. HIT LIST is ok and RUNAWAY TRAIN got opened from a great guitar riff. This song is after one or two weaker track again great. I think that song will especially on stage kick ass! TIME MACHINE is too simple and boring in my eyes but CROSSROADER features some classic Hard Rock elements and got only “destroyed” by the vocals from Mike. Great slow ending track. REVOLUTION MOTHER is a big surprise in my eyes and this record will be often at my player! Not every song is a hit, but most of the material is great! Get it if you want it dirty and heavy!

Genre: Heavy `n ` Roll
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 46 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

RITE  -  Death I hear you calling but I can`t come home RITE now   Long Fellow Deeds

www.riteband.com

RITE is a cool Heavy Rock band from Finland! They are around since 1994 and with that new output they released their best record so far! The music is a mighty mix of Stoner Rock and Death`n`Roll ala ENTOMBED. And that is the main influence in my eyes. A big dose of ENTOMBED and some HIGH ON FIRE references – ready is the Death`n`Roll from RITE! The opener CRACK OF DOOM shows that on the guitar side! This track could be from an Entombed record too! GREAT! Crunching guitars and a dirty energetic sludge influence. The following MAN OR MAGGOT is slower as the opening track, but with the same punch as an ENTOMBED song. The vocals sound like they got drenched with whiskey. They are rough and deep, but not real Death Metal like…and they fit perfect to the music. GOING GOING GONE is a kick straight in your face! MEANWHILE IN HELL is a 7 minute slow Doom monster.  BLOOD TURNING BLACK, the last track on that record, is one of the highlights on that record.  This is a real awesome band and I think Stoner Rock fans will love it, Death`n`Roll fans will love it, Heavy Metal fans will love it, Death Metal fans will love it, Punk Rock fans will love it – so get it!

Genre: Death`n`Roll
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs / 30 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

SPARZANZA  -  IN VOODOO VERITAS   Kabuki Records

www.sparzanza.com
www.kabukirecords.com

Some of you will remember the legendary SPARZANZA, which released 2 great Stoner Rock records and they played the STONED FROM THE UNDERGROUND Festival in Germany and toured in Germany and left some impressed listeners back. Something changed in the last years. They got big in Scandinavia, they entered the Metal charts in Scandinavia and they signed to the same management as MUSTASCH and left their guitar player David Johannesson to MUSTASCH (but David played on that record). Their third record BANISHER OF THE LIGHT got only released in Scandinavia and the new record is again only available in the north. And I really can`t understand why! SPARZANZA changed their sound from STONER ROCK to heavy MODERN METAL. Sometimes they remind me on some stuff like SOILWORK, only with some more desert feeling. But it fits perfect to that band and the huge mass of listener show that they are on the right way! OK, but let`s the music talk. Again the vocals from Fredrik Weileby are outstanding. In my eyes he is one of the best singers in Sweden! His voice is powerful and it makes this band special! The opener THE BLIND WILL LEAD THE BLIND is full of power and the guitars are awesome! Great guitar riffs, great vocals. This is a monster of a song! It shows perfect the sound of SPARZANZA: great powerful riffs, dark and on the other side melodic vocals and the right hand for great melodies! The following GONE start with a classic NEW METAL riff and is in my eyes too much New Metal. A surprise, but only the great refrain is like Sparzanza. But with BLACK GEMINI the powerful band is back with their sound! MY WORLD OF SIN is like a ballad and is written for the Stadion tour and radio stations. Highlight with the opener is the song called ROBOTA. Great guitar riffs and powerful drums make the right base for Fredriks awesome shouts! METHADREAM could be from the late SENTENCED era too (but in SPARZANZA style!) and is the first Videoclip. ON THE OTHER SIDE and BLOODLINE are good too, but the song between that is RED DEAD REVOLVER, a smasher with some double guitar and a lot of energy. SELF MEDICATION reminds me on some METALLICA stuff (the vocals too!!!) and is a great song! This record is full of power and you should give them a chance! Try to get this record! And if you are open-minded and if you love the first 2 records, you will find a way to that record! This is the right way guys! Hope to see you soon again in Germany!

Genre: Modern Metal
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 38 minutes

Jochen

++++++

YUPPIE CLUB – PRETTY INSANE    FINEST NOISE/SOULFOOD

www.myspace.com/yuppieclub

This is the follow up to PRETTY BRUTAL 2008 the debut of the german „Old School“ Grind/Hardcore/Metal act YUPPIE CLUB. Who's exactly behind the masks (yes they do wear some) I honestly don't know, but puting some believe in the info sheet the band members seem to have some history in the genre, in 1991 they quit they original doings, in 2002 their ways crossed again and the come out of that could be heard in 2008 for the first.
Their Grind/Death is full of muffled growls, low tuned chords that reminded me a bit of the simplicity of the likes of DEFECATION, UNSEEN TERROR (I never really dug their stuff) and a very clinical drum sound (I even would call it shitty). The slower stuff (not to many) also knows to please (hear DON'T CROSS THAT LINE). One of the best is the groovy cover tune of NAPALM DEAHTs WALLS OF CONFINEMENT and BEYOND THE UNKNOWN which is sung by Martin Schirenc (HOLLENTHON, former PUNGENT STENCH voice). This last mentioned tune also appeared on PRETTY BRUTAL, the band plans to put this on each and every release of them (longplayers only), but in each case with a different voice. EXHUME TO CONSUME from CARCASS as well as a new interpretation of GO SLOW from the former NUCLEAR BLAST artists CHRONICAL DIARRHOEA can be found no PRETTY INSANE.
Andy Brings did some lead work on the album, he also produce and mix the album in a very old fashinoned way.
The members call themself Lee, Bill, Ken and Jeff, does this ring any bells??? I hope it does, or else you haven't done your homework.
Well not to bad, but also not to stunning to impress me right away, the produciton can be blamed a little for that.

GENRE: GRIND DEATH
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 6
INFO: 19 Songs / 31 min

Thomas Schubert

REVIEWS JUNE 2009

AXIS POWERS – MARCHING TOWARDS DESTRUCTION
BURIAL HORDES – DEVOTION OF THE UNHOLY CREED
CHICKENFOOT- CHICKENFOOT
CHURCH OF MISERY – HOUSE OF THE UNHOLY
CONSPIRACY – CONCORDAT
ELSUPREMO  -  Elsupremo  
EXTREMA  -  POUND FOR POUND 
FIREBIRD – GRAND UNION
IL PASTO NUDO  -  Deep Inside  
KILLING TOUCH  -  One of a Kind  
MOSS – TOMBS OF THE BLIND DRUGGED
MUDWEISER  -  Holy
Nahemah - a new constellation   
NECRODEATH – PHYLOGENESIS
NECORPHOBIC -DEATH TO ALL
PROFUNA OCEAN  -  watching the closing sky   
SKYCLAD – IN THE...ALL TOGETHER
SPIRITUS MORTIS – THE GOD BEHIND THE GOD
TENSIDE  -  Tear down your fears  
TRIBULATION – THE HORROR

++++++

AXIS POWERS – MARCHING TOWARDS DESTRUCTION   PULVERISED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/axispowersdeathmetal

AXIS POWERS there formed back in 1997 at a party in Sweden, the band consists of members form SUICIDAL WINDS. Their goal is to create Death Metal in the original swedish way, meaning low tunned chords in the vein of NIHILIST/ENTOMBED/DISMEMBER combined with simple and effective songwriting that goes right to your jugular. So take all that put some Crust on it any you got it. At times I also feel a bit of IMPALED NAZARENE here, the approach is kind of the same, as well as the nice pissed of attitude. All the lyrics are about war, so lets do as the info does at call it War Metal. BRUTAL WAR starts of like DISMEMBER just to become this bastard out of Crust and swedish Death Metal. This goes for the most tracks but they do it with so much enthusiasm that it gets contagious. All lot of the riffs seem familiar, but he this is thats it all about catch the old spirit and bring it into this modern times that are reigned by plastic sounds and triggering.
The produciton could have used a bit more depth but overall its satisfactory, what I heard this is on intention, feel the bass baby.

GENRE: DEATH CRUST METAL OF WAR
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 9 Songs / 35 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++++

BURIAL HORDES – DEVOTION OF THE UNHOLY CREEP    PULVERISED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/burialhordes

The pure Black Metal freaks from Greece are back. They date back to 2001, 2005 was the year of their debut WAR REVENGE AND TOTAL ANNIHILATION and now three years later DEVOTION OF THE UNHOLY CREED is here to stay.
BURIAL HORDES are into a very raw and primitiv form of the genre, the produciton value is also very basic, not DARK THRONE like (sometimes the spirit is kind of the same) but very low-fi indeed. On thing that caught my attention right away is the very original guitar sound, dirty, low and haunting. Most of the eight tracks are pretty fast paced, Thrash elements shine through at times (the guitars on PRAISE THE BLOODCODE OF HATRED), some groove can also be found in the very pissed sounding title track. Slower moments increase the heaviness in INFERNAL NECROMANCERS, HELLBORN and the final STENCH OF IMMORTAL DOOM take the benefit of CELTIC FROST like doomy elements.
Very nice treat indeed.

GENRE: BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 8 songs / 37 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++++++

CHICKENFOOT- CHICKENFOOT   EAR MUSIC/EDEL ENTERTAINMENT

www.chickenfoot.us

A new Hard Rock supergroup comes around, you could read about it almost everywhere but here it is to prove that it is worth of it's existence. Former VAN HALEN vocalist Sammy Hagar is the voice of the band, former VAN HALEN bassplayer Michael Anthony came along to that, the guitar is played by none other than the great Joe Satriani and the last to that big name list is Chad Smith (from the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) on the drums.
AVENIDA REVOLUTION is the held back but strong start in the classic Rock way, Satriani blends with killer leads and Sammy still proves that his one of the best in the circus of Hard Rock. SOAP ON A ROPE delivers a catchy tune with a nice hook to it, a real assshaker (is this really written with three fs?), this one also breaths a bit of LED ZEPPELIN, the vocal arrangements are VAN HALEN typical as hell. After the lightfooted SEXY LITTLE THING (again strong chorusline) comes the radioairplay supported OH YEAH a nice Rock song with big balls (wonder if the other big ones in the scene are capable of creating such a monster tune), man dig the main part and sing along to it. GET IT UP is a very hard kicker and in contrast to that LEARNING TO FALL is a nice power ballad that really pleases. DOWN THE DRAIN reminds of VAN in the David Lee Roth area (sounds stupid but it is that way, sorry), MY KIND OF GIRL is probably the best for the next single cut, it gets right into your head, and won't leave that that easily. TURNIN' LEFT blends with killer chordwork by Satriani, the track for itself is an uptempo tune that really hits the nail, killer. On the last FUTURE IS THE PAST they got a funky feeling, and well thats good, the harmony vocals along with the minor piano parts do their magic, in the end it gets a bit oriental.
So one thing is sure this band is not an ego trip for any of the participants, they make a nice homogene whole appearance.
One of the best Hard Rock albums so far this year.

GENRE: HARD ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 11 Songs / 58 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++++++

CHURCH OF MISERY – HOUSE OF THE UNHOLY   RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.churchofmisery.net
www.myspace.com/churchofserialkiller

Japans Serial Killer freaks are back this time with the support from Lee Dorians Rise Above. Like they did on their last release they are still into Hard Rock, Doom Rock with mulitiple layers to it. I personally feel a bit more New Orleans flair that manifest in the massive chord sounds, the opening tune EL PADRINO underlines that more than obvious. The also use Boogie elments (SHOTGUN BOOGIE or MASTER HEARTACHE), the tracks consit of fine mini jam sessions (BLOOD SUCKING FREAK nice bass guitar duel), and all that makes the material pretty lively. BLACK SABBATH are a definite main influence on them the basics for tracks like THE GRAY MAN or the last mentioned BLOOD.. are made out of Birmingham blood. BORN TO RAISE HELL again breaths a bit Southern Rock blood, the harsh chorus also has it charm, on top of that the integrated Doom part smashes your balls just like that. BADLANDS at last on the list is one of the most convincing ones, a strong theme and nice catchy hooks crown this one.
This is much more than just Doom, come along an discover this creation.

GENRE: ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 7 Songs / 48 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++++

CONSPIRACY – CONCORDAT   PULVERISED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/metalconspircay

This is the baby of Al Hazred  former bassplayer of MELECHESH now under the name of Alex Carpathian Wolf. This is the second longplayer and the album was mastered by none other than Andy LaRocque in Sweden. The coverartwork was done by Dan Seagrave. So thats for the name dropping.
The first impression is not a good one,the sound, boy what happend here muffled like hell and very dull, is it the promo or my stereo (Andy had a bad day). But the music is a nice treat of fast Metal with a huge Thrash input and nice Maiden/Priest like guitar duels, SLAYER also left some traces. The material is overall on the fast lane, and the melodic guitarsegments make it a real treat. The vocals are not unlike that of Ashmedi from MELECHESH. DIE IN STYLE uses the same techniques as the likes of ABSU therefore it's pretty good. Black Metal harshness does it's best in CONQUERDATE, nice blasts richen TERRORIZED INTO SUBMISSION. Mellower tunes can be heard on FATIH pretty Heavy Metal based with bombastic vocals and arrangements. The final LAST VETERAN is an instrumental not worth mentioning.
Hope just my promotional copy is fucked regarding the sound, man otherwise do a re-recording. The same shit happened with the last MAYHEM release, great songs shity produciton value.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 5
INFO: 8 Songs / 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++++

ELSUPREMO  -  Elsupremo   

www.myspace.com/elsupremomusic

Out of Fargo, North Dakota, USA came EL SUPREMO, a one man project with some guest musicians. Chad Heille wrote all material and plays all instruments for that debut. Tom Canning and Neal Stein did some solos and Dave Johnson played some gongas and timbale on a song. That is the basement of the music and the project. The opener INTRODUCTION is a slow Stoner inspired song before LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE follows. The guitar work is interesting and not boring. The basement is Stoner Rock, 70s Hard Rock and Doom Metal. But the problem on that record is the point, that over the whole distance it is too boring! Sometimes good vocals would make a song like LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE 60% better. LIVING IN A WHISKEY BOTTLE BLUES is a typical instrumental with a lot of solo-parts, but again on the great groove waltz called WHITE HOT MESCALINE FEVER vocals would fit perfect. All in all good music and if you like instrumental stuff, maybe this will make you happy. In my eyes an important thing is missing - the vocals. But decide for yourself!
Genre: Instrumental Stoner Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 6
Info: 7 Songs / 37 Minutes
Jochen

++++++++

EXTREMA  -  POUND FOR POUND   Scarlet Records

www.scarletrecords.it
www.myspace.com/extrema

Extrema is pure Italian Heavy Metal! Around since 1986! Unbelievable. And after some weaker records they are back on the cool SCARLET label with a turn back to their beginning! THRASH METAL! They supported over all the years the biggest bands on tour (METALLICA, KORN and SLAYER for example) and are one of the biggest bands in Italy. And I think with this Thrash hammer they will find some new fans in the whole world. But let`s talk about the music! The record starts with the introduction called EVERLASTING, a song which could be from a 80`s American Thrash Metal record. The following ANYMORE is a mix of PANTERA and TESTAMENT. Killer guitar riffs and vocals close to Chuck Billy. SELFISHNESS shows more the PANTERA influence, same with FALL DOWN, a great groove monster. The start is perfect and straight in your face (but with the right feeling for some small melodies). FROWNING AND HAGGARD could not hold that high standard of the other songs before the slower monster THE BAD ITSELF is the right answer to the headbangers out there! Especially the melodic refrain is killer! The following YOU MAKE ME SICK is a big surprise, because it features the post-core legend Page Hamilton from HELMET on vocals. The song is different as the other material and went away from the Thrash basement to a more Hardcore sound. FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDREN shows some classic Power Metal comparison and is a highlight on the record. Especially the awesome guitar work (on the whole record) is special at that song. FAT LIARS is more a boring filler, but FROM THE 80`s is a pure Thrash Metal song. And the KISS cover (DEUCE) is not special, but it fits good on the record. MY MISERY starts with some classic acoustic stuff and turns into a modern Metal song before the great F.Y.W. (which reminds me a little too some heavier Metallica – especially on the refrain) close that surprising record. I like it and I hope they get more positive feedback from the Metal world! ITALY!
Genre: Thrash Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs / 44 Minutes
Jochen

++++++

FIREBIRD – GRAND UNION   RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.firebirhome.co.uk
www.myspace.com/firebirdblues

Bill Steer (former NAPALM DEATH/CARCASS guitarplayer, lately a bit active with them) is back with his great Hard Rock act, and this deserves mentioning, he was into that analog 70s vintage sound long before this nowadays more and more poping up Retro Rock acts (you now who they are).
Like almost used with them the group delivers a bunch of new powerhouser Classic Rock tracks with soul, balls and feeling to it. With Ludwig Witt (SPIRITUAL BEGGARS) and Smok Smoczkiewicz he has such a thundering rhythm section on his side that the power is almost transported right into your living room (not the ipod, kids, just kidding).
Hard guitars accompany the first BLUE FLAME, the strings of JACK THE LAD have that heavy MOUNTAIN sound to it and the basslines are fat. LONLEY ROAD is a slower tune, the loose Rocker FOOL FOR YOU invites to shake it baby. It gets mellower on the warm sounding RELEASE ME (some Hammond parts are also included), after the fat beat blessed GOLD LABEL Bill takes out his mouthharp in the Boogie moving WORRIED MIND. The Blues Rock number FOUR DAY CREEP reminds a bit of Gary Moore.
Like used to with them another classic, and believe me you have to seem them live to get the whole picture.

GENRE: ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Tunes / 41 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

IL PASTO NUDO  -  Deep Inside   

www.myspace.com/ilpastonudo

IL PASTO NUDO is another Stoner Rock band from Italy, which is not bad, but nothing special. And they have the same problem as most of the other bands; on the vocal position. The opener MY HEAVY WAY is a good rocker and maybe some IRON MAIDEN fans will love the refrain. The song is short and straight in your face (with the typical Stoner Rock sound) and features a cool but short guitar-solo. DEAD MAN WALKING follows and again the vocals disturb the feeling. The music is typical and fat, well played and with all the trademarks and maybe you say the refrains have a simple in-your-ear-touch, but I think it sounds too boring. HOT BLACK WATER sound more interesting. Starting with some slower parts and especially the drums are heavy. This song is a real highlight, but again the singer can´t hold the good standard of the band. SUFFERING shows again the problems and MY TIED EYES starts with a great guitar solo/melody. Musically another highlight on the record, but the vocals destroys the good feeling. Same with the title track. Great groove Rock – but Tarcisio….maybe he only should play guitar (because he did it great!) and  a new singer give the right punch. IL PASTO NUDO is maybe a kick-ass live band, but not in the first row in the Stoner Rock movement.
Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 6 Songs / 16 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

KILLING TOUCH  -  One of a Kind   Scarlet Records

www.scarletrecords.it
www.killingtouch.com

KILLING TOUCH got formed by Vision Divine's Michele Luppi, one of the most esteemed Metal singers of our times, and they play melodic Metal mixed with some Power / Progressive Metal elements. The band line-up includes some of the best musicians in the Italian scene and also some very special appearances, coming from Oleg Smirnoff (Vision Divine, Death SS, Eldritch), Andrea “Tower” Torricini (Vision Divine) and Federico Puleri (Vision Divine) on the debut record. The lyrics are based on Stephen King's 'The Dead Zone' novel. The music is powerful and was led by the voice of Michele Luppi. The whole CD shows no filler and it is not fair to pick out some single song – because the harmony and melody of the music fragments are awesome. Sometimes they are full of bombast, sound like an opera. What makes this band so special is the presence of true elements and instruments: acoustic drums, guitars and piano (the latter played by Luppi himself). The CD is a must have for all fans of Melodic, Progressive and Power Metal.
Genre: Melodic Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 66 Minutes
Jochen

++++++

MOSS – TOMBS OF THE BLIND DRUGGED   RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.mossdoom.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/cthonicrites

TOMBS OF THE BLIND DRUGGED is the follow up to the last longplayer SUB TEMPLUM (2008 also RISE ABOVE), this time it's only an EP but with a running time of about 40 minutes you get your moneys worth.
Still the Southhampton/England based trio is into ultra slow motion Doom, the info sheet speaks of a total purification of Occult Horror Doom. The vocals are really gut wrenching but for my taste they could be a bit more dominant regarding the mixing of the album. The sound is also very vintage and at times a bit muffled. This means you have to crank it up to experience the whole thing. If you still haven't any idea, I once again quote Tom G. Warrior from CELTIC FROST:“ It sounds like a WITCHFINDER GENREAL 7“ played at 33 rpm!“. This hits the nail pretty good. All very monolithic and the instrumention is also kept to it's lowest (this goes also for the tunning of the chords). Especially the title track nows to please my tastes, slow, rumbling chords pissed vocals. MAIMED AND SLAUGHTERED takes a lot out of HELLHAMMER, with the bit like Mike Williams sounding vocals (EHG) they are also on the winning side.
If you dug their last stuff you can get this one blind (like the riders of the TOMBS OF THE BLIND).

GENER: SLOW MOTION DOOM
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 7 Songs / 40 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

MUDWEISER  -  Holy Shit   Head Records

www.head-records.com
www.myspace.com/mudweiserband

A big surprise from France! I will not tell too much shit, but it is not normal that a Stoner Rock band from France impress me or made a big step outside the land in the past. But now MUDWEISER is ready to get on the top of the scene! The band sounds heavy, a great mix of the mighty 60 WATT SHAMAN and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY. Yeah, I think with that release they would get a lot of fans in the United States. The opener MY WORLD was lead by a cool Stoner Rock riff and the whiskey – drenched vocals impress me from the first moment. DIRTY ANGEL is a masterpiece! What a groove, what a great guitar riff and the pounding drums. Congratulation to that song! And the vocals punch the song on the top! That is Stoner Rock should sound! 10 points for that song! MISSING IN ACTION and GOLDEN TIMES are good, but can`t hold the high standard of the songs before. They sound too similar. HOODOO MAN starts with a Rock`n`Roll like riff and is a good rocker! MILLSTONE features again a good Stoner Rock`n`Roll riff and with ELVIS LOVES ME they wrote a slow and heavy Doom monster! Great lyrics, great song, great title and great groove! BUMPER HUNTER is pure great Stoner Rock. TOPLESS ICON shows some MOTORHEAD influences and EVIL WOMAN is the last song, again with mighty vocals and a great groove! Maybe they are too late. I don`t know. 10 years earlier and they could be leaders of the scene together with 60 Watt Shaman and Alabama Thunderpussy. Not every track is a burner, but most of it are over the top! Great artwork too! Good luck and come to Germany!
Genre: Southern Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 46 Minutes
Jochen

++++++

Nahemah - a new constellation    LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/nahemahband
www.lifeforcerecords.com

This release is not typical for LIFEFORCE RECORDS and I think that is good, because in the past the release sound too similar. From Spain are NAHEMAH and after 10 years in the scene the band get now the support from a good working label. The music remind me of a mix of DARK TRANQUILITY, MOONSPELL, OPETH and other heavier Gothic Metal acts. Sometimes some experimental Black Metal fragments are in the songs, sometimes some Pink Floyd like elements. It sounds very interesting. Especially the dark vocals give that record a Gothic touch. The material is a mix of Death Metal, Power Metal and Dark Rock.  . Don`t know…but very interesting. The vocals from Pablo show some comparison to Omnium Gatherum in my eyes. Rough, between Death and Doom Metal. But on the song FOLLOW ME he uses clean vocals and that fits perfect too. Highlight is UNDER THE MOURNING RAYS, a long epic song with some interesting parts. NAHEMAH is a big surprise and the mix of the music is interesting! With the right tour and the right promotion from the label-side they have a chance to break through! I hope they do it, because I like that rough style.

Genre: Dark Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 48 minutes

Jochen

++++++++++

NECRODEATH – PHYLOGENESIS   SCARLET RECORDS

www.myspace.com/necordeath100X100

This is already the eighth longplayer by the italian Thrashers, so far I only did read about them, their music is new to me, so all longtime followers forgive me about that.
The band runs for 25 years now, the usual line up changes took place and this new one is supposed to be their heaviest output up to date.
Their Thrash is fierce and fast, the vocals do have a bit of Proscriptor from ABSU, but this is not the only similarity, the very varied drumming also shows some likenesses. NECORDEATH also have some love for the classic stuff KREATOR can be heard at times, and on the other hand modern Thrashers like MACHINE HEAD also left their traces just hear the opening of I.N.R.I. this is a fact that can't be swept easily. The extraordinar drumming gives this one a special place on the album, it also spreads a certain fierceness.
Back on the faster track with the wild THE THEORY but this one also consits of tons of midtempo stuff, always a surprise in the backhand, also that KREATOR feeling is here again. All the midtempo desires are fullfilled with EXTREME EMOTIONAL SHOCK and TIME NEVER ENDS (this one blends with killer drum fills) to name some. Oh yeah and SLAYER also get their hommage on FINAL WAR.
Very convincing and on a very high level.

GENRE: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs / 49 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++

NECORPHOBIC -DEATH TO ALL    REGAIN RECORDS

www.necrophobic.net
www.myspace.com/necrophobic

One of the most static acts from Stockholm/Sweden is back to show us for the sixth longplaying time how it's done in the satanic Death Metal art (they are active for twenty years now). All the prior releases of them have been praised by the press and the following of the band is also not considered small (even though the tend to be a cult act).
On this new eight tracks they even do sound a bit more fiercer and stronger like on the last HRIMTHURSUM (2006), and with a title like DEATH TO ALL theres nothing else to be expected.
Apart from the bit slower WINGS OF DEATH (consits also of a female choir, not to cheesy) the material is pretty fast. Every track consists of slower parts that increase the heaviness on one side, and on the other give them space to unfold their great musicanship that unfolds in great melodic segments. On REVELEATION 666 the end part with it's killer guitarharmonies could also be on an IRON MAIDEN album, the last three parted DEATH TO ALL also brings and not MAIDEN unlike part to the game. For fans of the departed DISSECTION this one also has quite something to offer, hear the cool Deathgrunt crowned TEMPLE OF DAMNATION and you will notice the similaritys, I'am not talking about copycats, it's in the same musical vein that's all. The basic sounds for the fast LA SANTISIMA MUERTE are definte of a Thrash origin, and at times it gets a bit SLAYER like.
The production is a very clear one, the coverartwork has been done by brother in mind Erik Danielsson from WATAIN.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs / 45 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++++

PROFUNA OCEAN  -  watching the closing sky    Farr Records  /  Cargo

www.myspace.com/profunaocean
www.profuna-ocean.com

An awesome Progressive Rock band hit the stage from the Netherlands. PROFUNA OCEAN is around since 2008 and this 4 Song EP is an impressive step into the music business. They mix some spherical and progressive sounds with a strong Rock background. Sometimes they remind me on the mighty SAGA, sometimes on some softer VOIVOD (on their experimental phase). CHANGING LEGACY is more a driving Rock song, but with great intense vocals from Raoul Potters (who play guitar too and wrote the songs) and the mighty musical talent of that band. LOST INSIDE (THE LANDSCAPE) features a great Rock riff and turns from time to time into a spherical  symphonic atmosphere. Again the vocals are outstanding and make this great music special. SAD SILHOUETTE is more smooth, shows some SAGA comparison and is the highlight on that record in my eyes (between 3 other great songs!). S.C.I.T.S., the last song of that great EP, shows again the technical and emotional potential of that band. Rene Visser on keyboards transforms the vocals straight into your brain and the basement done by Arjan Visser (Bass) and Fred den Hartog (Drums).  This is a fine piece of Progressive Rock / Rock and this 4 songs make hope of more music! I think the next CD will be out on a huge label! Believe me!
Genre: Progressive Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 4 Songs /  31 Minutes

Jochen

++++++++++

SKYCLAD – IN THE...ALL TOGETHER    SCARLET RECORDS

www.myspace.com/officalskyclad

To be honest after original singer Martin Walkyer left the band I lost a bit track of the very active group and after hearing this new, what can I say shame on me. After the departure of the original singer Kevin Ridley took over the main vocals and he does a more than satisfactory job (yes the vocals of Martin are once of their own, and therefore can not be replaced). Since the last album A SEMBLENCE OF NORMALITY five years have past, and boy I can't believe that this is already the thriteenth album.
Like before they are into Heavy Rock with Thrash/Speed influences as well as some Folk parts (mainly due to the use of the violin). Some even call them the inventors of Folk Metal. WORDS UPON THE STREET is a catchy heavy Rock track, the fast drinking number STILL SMALL BEER has a definte Punk rooting and BLACK SUMMER RAIN sounds pretty modern and hard. BABAKOTO plays a bit with Prog elements and the violin takes a very strong role in this one, MEGADETH somehow did inspire the songwriting of HIT LIST, no shit. The modern SUPERCULTURE brings up oriental parts as well as Punk Rock and very classic Metal guitar work. WHICH IS WHY is probably that would best fit in the cupboard called Folk Metal, the rhythm in MODERN MINDS has a bit of WHITE ZOMBIE in bed with Jimi Hendrix, sorry can't help it it just popped my mind.
For their fans a very wide thing to be experienced, this is not only a one way experience.

GENRE: HEAVY ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs / 40 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++

SPIRITUS MORTIS – THE GOD BEHIND THE GOD    FIREBOX

www.spiritusmortis.com
www.myspace.com/spiritusmortis

1987 was the year Finlands Doomers S.M. (ha) started out, in these more than twenty years only three longplayers saw the light of day. THE GOD BEHIND THE GOD is the latest one, line-up changes took place plenty of times and on this new one Sami Hynninen (formerly REVEREND BIZARRE) filled the gap.
The album starts of classic, and uptempo Metal composition that is true to the bone and the guitars also scream IRON MAIDEN and it gets thrashy towards the end, well it has to be this way the song is called THE MAN OF STEEL. From that point in it gets much slower only the last PERPETUAL MOTION is another faster paced Heavy Metal outlet. And on this much gloomier stuff they really show their class. DEATH BRIDE is on of the best Doom songs I heard in some time. Massiv and melodic chords build up this heavy monster the classic lead work does the last to it and the not to high pitched vocals give it the needed soul. THE ROTTING TROPHY is a bit more bombastic,WHEN THE WIND HOWLED WITH A HUMAN VOICE brings up stamping power Doom, HEAVY DRINKER (all about drug abuse) is a bit faster paced and very Metal based. The title track delivers Doom in it's purest form, the dual vocal work is a killer.
The produciton is just fine.
For Doomerhearts who like it a bit more girppy a must have.

GENRE: DOOM METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs / 49 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++++

TENSIDE  -  Tear down your fears   Hellfest Music

www.tenside-music.de
www.myspace.com/tensideband

This is the third record from Bavarian TENSIDE, the first one on the huge HELLFEST RECORDS / Universal. The first 2 records are really boring outputs in my eyes, but with the new label in the back they released a small surprise. I haven`t awaited such a powerful record. A big plus is the mighty and fat production. The band was on tour with EKTOMORF and the sound and music shows a huge comparison to the Hungarian mosher. A song like the opener FLAG OF DESTINY is huge and could be from the latest Ektomorf or an old Soulfly record too, but the band should end this song earlier and it is a mistake to repeat the parts of the song so much. And that is the problem with TEAR DOWN YOUR FEARS. The music is a good mix of power and groove, the musicians have some talent and the vocals are (for a German band) really cool. But I miss the right feeling to create good songs, songs which will not go out of your head. Highlights to remember… Over the whole distance they create a powerful atmosphere, with some slower parts for headbangers and some technical stuff. The band is tight and the mix of Death Metal, Neo Thrash and Nu Metal will find some followers. TENSIDE recorded 10 good songs, not more. But I saw them on stage and they are a real live band, but on CD it is over the whole distance too boring. But fans of Soulfly or Ektomorf should check them out. Not band, but nothing to be in player for 2-3 times.

Genre: Neo Thrash
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 47 Minutes
Jochen

++++++++

TRIBULATION – THE HORROR PULVERISED RECORDS

tribulation@hotmail.com

This TRIBULATION is not the 1987 formed Thrash band, to make it even more convusing they are also from Sweden. This one hear are also into Thrash but compared to the others in a very more fiercer at times a bit Death Metal infiltraded harsher way.
INTO THE JAWS OF HELL is a fresh and fast Death/Thrasher that stuns, the also speedy CRYPT OF THANATOPHILIA reminds thanks to it's melodic middlepart a bit of DISSECTION. Blast beats come to use in the raging CURSE OF RESURRECTION and the bit like KREATOR sounding SACRILEGIOUS DARKNESS. SPAWN OF THE JACKAL is a bit slower tune. Thrash all the way is also on the menu on SEDUCED BY THE SMELL OF ROTTEN FLESH, and the last GRAVEYARD GHOULS also tastes a little bit like Punk.
No compromisses just pure aggression, ah and once in a while even SLAYER take a small peak around the corner.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs / 33 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++++

REVIEWS MAY / JUNE 2009

ALLHELLUJA  -  Breath your soul  
BLIND EGO – NUMB
DARKNESS BY OATH – FEAR YOURSELF
DEVILS WHOREHOUSE – BLOOD & ASHES
DOZER  -  Beyond Colossal  
ENDSTILLE- VERFÜHRER
FORSAKEN – AFTER THE FALL
HAND TO HAND  -  Design the End/Follow the horizon        
HELLAMOR  -  Secrets buried in your mind  
MINOTAUR – GOD MAY SHOW YOU MERCY WE WILL NOT
MUCC – KYUTAI –SHPERE
Nahemah - a new constellation   
RIOTGOD - Riotgod    
SONS OF OTIS- EXILED
SPICE AND THE RJ BAND - Shave Your Fear    
STONE AXE  -  Stone Axe   
TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED- THE GREAT DEPRESSION
TRUCKFIGHTERS  -  Mania  
UNANIMATED – IN THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS (THE COVENANT OF DEATH)
WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH  -  In shoals
WHITEY MORGAN AND THE 78`s  -  Honky Tonks and cheap motels  


+++++++++++

ALLHELLUJA  -  Breath your soul   Scarlet Records

www.scarletrecords.it
www.allhelluja.com

This is the third record from Italian Death / Stoner Rocker ALLHELLUJA. Jacob Brehdal (former HATESPHERE) was the singer in the past and they got a huge following, especially in Italy, with their outputs. After he left the band, they decided to put 2 singers into the band. Perotti and Trevor did a good job and nobody will miss Jacob, because the music is of course “over the top”. After a short intro FACE TO FACE WITH THE DEVIL starts and the mix of Death Metal and Stoner Rock is like a wall of sound. The following THE EVE OF DESPAIR shows some mainstream potential before STEP BY STEP can`t hold that standard. Not bad, but after the 2 opening bombs too weak. My personal favorite is the next track, THE BLACK JAR. Great vocals and awesome power. Same with MY MEDICINE, great guitars and a huge Stoner Rock drive! BLOODTRIP is classic Death Metal with some Neurosis moments. I WILL RISE AGAIN show more the mainstream influence and could be a hit single! It has some DAMAGEPLAN and STONE SOUR moments. The vocal sounds very close on Phil Anselmo on that song! Great! I`M THE ZERO is more the kick-ass song. With a great refrain! INTO MY HEAD went the same direction as the song before. Most of the material remind me on a mix of Entombed on the "To Ride, ..." times and classic Stoner Rock. If the 3 cover versions (King Crimson - ok, Black Sabbath - ok, and a one from the Italian band GOBLIN - killer!) are essential, I don`t know. And I think maybe 3-4 songs less would give that CD a clearer direction. But all in all a great CD and with BREATH YOUR SOUL the band will hold their fans!

Genre: Death Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 14 Songs / 60 minutes

Jochen

++++++++

BLIND EGO – NUMB    RED FARM RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE/UNIVERSAL

www.blind-ego.com
www.myspace.com/blindego

Known Prog Rock guitarist Kalle Wallner (RPWL) did impress the scene with his first solo step MIRROR, now in 2009 he felt the urge to do this again, this time a bit more classic Rock orientated. The band also features Paul Wrightson on vocals (ex-ARENA) bass-player John Jowitt form IQ as well as his band mate Yogi Lang (RPWL), Michael Schwager from DREAMSCAPE does the drumming and Sebastian Harnack (SYLVAN) did also some bass work. Igor Cavalera (former SEPULTURA skinsman) plays the set on CHANGE REPRISE. Kalle delivers a wide variety of the genres trademarks along with a times pretty heavy tunes, minor world music flair and in between just pure Rock. The melodic and hard LOST plays a around a bit with TOOL elements, the fragile voice has also some charm, it gets a bit DREAM THEATER like in GUILT, tribal drums and splashing chords mark the double bass underlined NUMB and a bit of sadness can be experienced in LEAVE. Powerhouse Prog Rock is the way of CHANGE, SEEK starts of pretty straight, the vocals are balladesc the instrumental part of the track is very dynamic and stunning leads are webbed in till the end of the composition. RISK is another fine mellower tune (or ballad if you like to call it that way), flamenco guitars find some use in the grippy up-tempo Rocker TORN. VOW is the heaviest and most classic structured tune on the record. Igor performs killer beats on CHANGE REPRISE the song breaths some minor TOOL air. Of course the album is very well produced, didn't expect anything else.

GENRE: PROG ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 9
INFO: 11 Songs / 69 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

DARKNESS BY OATH – FEAR YOURSELF   CYCLONE EMPIRE

www.darknessbyoath.com
www.myspace.com/darknessbyoath

They appeared on the SLAUGHTEROUS SOULS - A TRIBUTE TO AT THE GATES and the Gothenburg melodicc Death Metal is a major influence for the 2002 founded Spain based group. Dan Swanö took them under his wings and aside from that he also speaks of them in the highest. Hm, so my skeptism can't be swept away that easily and in the case of DARKNESSS BY OATH my gut feeling was right. Sure the riffs and the arrangements are not bad, but everything sounds the same and honestly much too tame. FEAR YOURSELF opens up fast and the switch between growls and screams has it's charms at times, but the mainly mid-tempo based material can't bring out the animal in me. BLEEDING FOR MY SINS really did bore me like hell, the growling in ECHOS OF SILENCE is really teethless and for me much more faster paced stuff like I ESCAPE FROM would have done no harm. The best one is the bonus track SOLUTION IN 9mm, a deeply Thrash rooted mid-tempo (again) stomper. Maybe they should stick to that genre. The drum-sound is overall much too dry. Well this is just nothing for me.
GENRE: MELODIC DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 5
SOUND: 7
INFO: 10 songs 41 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

DEVILS WHOREHOUSE – BLOOD & ASHES  REGAIN RECORDS

www.devilswhorehouse.com

The name says it all, since being a big fan of the work of Glen Danzig Morgan from MARDUK along with his former mate B War decided to form a project in the vein of their idol. Soon after that they started writing their own stuff and some EPs followed, their so far one and only long-player REVELATION UNORTHODOX that saw the light of day in 2003 was the swansong of them. Now they are back with a new line up, some tunes could be checked out at the known places (myspace) and somehow they made me crave for more. The earlier stuff of them took more inspiration from SAMHAIN than the MISFITS, the same goes for the new material, but this time even more typical newer, dark DANZIG stuff was also a big inspiration. Another big step is the new singer Maelstorm (I hope he's new), his voice is very near the master one and it just sounds more authentic. Morgan  plays the bass on this new one left his marks all other, a lot of the chord work does sound like classic Black Metal, but this gives the material an even fiercer darker side (or a harder edge if you like). OCEANS TURN TO BLOOD is pretty much SAMHAIN with a very twisted aura around it, WICKED ONE is the one to go, this up-tempo hammer brings in even a Mosh part and the vocals are very Danzig like. For a second I thought Glen sings on the mellow and gloomy SPEAK THE NAME OF THE DEAD, songs who are also in that tone are DEMONS OF THE FLESH/TIGHT WHITE ROPES, SHADOWS NEVER CHANGE and WEREWOLF NATION. This reinterpretation of newer Danzig along with a hard Metal edge is pretty stunning. Some mysticism as created by the master on his mellower interludes can also be found here (THE CULT OF DEATH, SMELL OF THE ANCIENT ONES).  WEREWOLF teams up the MISFITS with the CRO-MAGS (hear the vocal arrangements) and FACE THE MASTER is another Hardcore eruption. As a bonus treat a cover tune of SAMHAINS LET THE DAY BEGIN can also be found. The thick production does the last to that masterpiece. So far they were good, now they are in the league of the master himself.

GENRE: DARK ROCK
MUSIC: 10
SOUND: 9
INFO: 12 Songs 40 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

DOZER  -  Beyond Colossal   Small Stone Records  

www.smallstone.com
www.dozermusic.com
www.myspace.com/dozerrock

One of the best and longest into the scene Stoner Rock band is back. Swedish guys from DOZER are back to bring you some new material and again: so far not one bad DOZER song was released. The new record called BEYOND COLOSSAL is a little different as the other records. After the legendary releases via MANS RUIN RECORDS, the band opened their sound a little and now this is the most surprised record from them so far. The opener THE FLOOD shows the typical DOZER trademarks and is a mighty opener. EXOSKELENTON (part II) produces the same power as MASTODON, DOZER was on tour with the mega stars and the power is like the same. The vocals are not so rough on that record and the song features a mighty chorus! This is one of the best and most emotional DOZER song so far! MESSAGE THROUGH THE HORSES and THE THRONE show that MASTODON influence too! This wall-of-sound fits well to DOZWER. EMPIRE`S END go the same way! What a vocal line, what a groove, what a great refrain! This is the best work from Fredrik so far, and he is since years one of the best singers in the genre! Some songs are very different to the old material (like THE VENTRILOQUIST, which is pure psychedelic stuff) and the typical DOZER stuff (like GRAND INQUISITOR, which is another highlight and hopefully in the Dozer live-set-list) is full of power and great melodies! FIRE FOR CROWS and TWO COINS FOR EYES feature again some progressive Metal parts, which remind me on Mastodon and are not easy head bangers (expect the mighty refrain on FIRE FOR CROWS). BOUND FOR GREATNESS close that record with an acoustic song (with some Hammond organ) and an awesome vocal melody. This DOZER record is a big surprise and I`m a lover of their old material, but this sound fresh and hopefully will make their audience bigger! They are still impressive on stage and now they are unique on CD too! Thank you for that record! 

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 44 minutes

Jochen

++++++

ENDSTILLE- VERFÜHRER    REGAIN RECORDS

www.endstille.com

They achieved quite a name in the Black Metal scene, some idiots did try to put them in the right corner this was mainly the misinterpretation of the use of World War I & II images. So enough about that, on their new long-player they show their brutal way with a bit more variety to it, also the production value is much higher than the last recordings. The album was once again recorded in JAKs-Hell, and this time the best was put out of them. ALTERATION OF ROOTS delivers the usual full frontal assault, the same goes for the second ...OF DISORDER, but even in these to blasters some mid-tempo parts come in very handy. HATE ME...GOD? is a blasphemic smasher with a bit of old GORGOROTH to it. DEPRESSIVE/ABSTRACT/BANISHED/DESPISED is slower but very dangerous and brutal indeed, MONOTONUS delivers blast all the way and SYMPTOMS alternates midtempo and fast segments the whole running time. Strange sounds have been webbed into SUFFER IN SILENCE, the final ENDSTILLE (VERFÜHRER) brings an uptempo march with some blast spikes to it. The lesser use of their typical machinegun firing blasts makes this one even more brutal, but don't worry enough of this fire can still be found on the VERFÜHRER. Nice coverartwork by the way.

GENRE: BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 9 Songs 51 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

FORSAKEN – AFTER THE FALL    I HATE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/forsakenmalta

MALTAs FORSAKEN date back to the year 1990, three albums have been released so far all delivering Doom put into a very classic Heavy Metal frame. Right from the start the very warm voice of Leo Stivala knows to please my hearing, no high pitched mayhem. AIDENN FALLS opens the reign with an uptempo Doom Rocker with a spice of BATHORY to it, SINS OF THE TEMPTER delivers classic and slow Doom. Heavy and sluggish like lava are the best terms do describe THE LORD SAYETH, riffs ala BLACK SABBATH can be heard on VANGUARDS OF THE VOID. The epic ARMIDA'S KISS reminds a bit of SOLITUED AETURNUS, the long running tune never bores. The massive riff based DIES IRAE is in the vein of CANDLEMASS. The production also pleases. For epic Doom freaks a must.
GENRE: DOOM METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 57 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

HAND TO HAND  -  Design the End/Follow the horizon         LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/handtohand
www.lifeforcerecords.com


Hand to Hand from the sunshine state Florida are back with their sophomore full-length effort DESIGN THE END / FOLLOW THE HORIZON and did the next important step forward. Their debut album from 2005 called A PERFECT WAY TO SAY GOODBYE got good critics in the scene. The music is still a mix of EMO, Progressive Metal and METALCORE and the songs are in the vein of the leading bands like Atreyu or Killswitch Engage, but with more technical aspect. And the band is really great and maybe better musicians as 70% of the bands out there. Especially the drummer did an awesome job. The material has a great fat production and let enough space for some technical guitar stuff. The songs are heavy and with good guitar harmonies and the mighty voice from Rob make this band good too. Only a song like MR WARWITHIN fit not really on that record, it could be from LINKIN PARK too – maybe written for the radio stations?! But you can find some Gothenburg style in the music too (like Dark Tranquility or Soilwork did). The material is darker and more modern as the debut. But I personally I have problem with the screamed vocals followed by melodic choruses with clean vocals, because they are boring right now. Every band did it. A mosh part following….blablabla. This band is not bad, but maybe some years too late to make the big step on the top. But for fans a must have. And sorry, but HAND TO HAND made no risk, they still went the safety way and sound like so much other bands in that genre. 
Genre: Metalcore
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 49 minutes

Jochen

++++++

HELLAMOR  -  Secrets buried in your mind  

www.myspace.com/hellamor

HELLAMOR is the new band from Ralf and Adrian from the well-known CALAMUS, which broke down some years ago. The fix-point on the band is still Ralf, his voice in unique in the Metal scene and his work for the Stoner Rock underground is legendary! OK, to the facts: HELLAMOR is more complex, more progressive and heavier as his old band. The opener (instrumental) FALLING shows the power of the band, some Thrash Metal influences guitar riffs produce a lot of power! The following LIAR reminds me a little on some older Power/Heavy Metal bands and over that throne Ralf with his voice. He did a huge step forward too and his voice shows more changes and varieties. He speaks some parts of the pre-chorus and produces a scarry atmosphere before the refrain kicks you away. Again the guitars, with a small IRON MAIDEN touch after the refrain, and the solo is great! Nino did a real good job on that record. SPEED AND COCAINE starts with an OVERKILL-like bass intro. The song has a lot of atmosphere (done through the guitars and vocals) and is in my eyes the highlight on that Demo. PLACE IN HEAVEN is full of power and a great and complex guitar-riff will lead you through that song. At the end the song turns into a fast and psychedelic Jam session. EMPTY EYES is a real heavy song with a great groove and great vocal-lines and the last song NOT HERE is very special. The song starts with a more emotional part and turns at the refrain into a heavy headbanger. Again a great solo-part and a short power groove with the whole band close that good CD. I can`t wait to hear more from that new band. The limited CD (500 copies, hand-numbered) is out in a metal box with a mighty booklet, a button, a sticker and a patch! Get it!

Genre: Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 29 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

MINOTAUR – GOD MAY SHOW YOU MERCY WE WILL NOT   I HATE RECORDS

www.minotaur-thrashers.de
www.myspace.com/minotaurthrashers

MINOTAUR go way back to the year 1983, in 1988 their debut POWER OF DARKNESS was released, compared to the other great Teutonic Thrashers MINOTAUR never left such a impression in the scene, or better they did not get that much attention. Now 20 years later after their birth they are back with the new long-player. Right from the furious start ARMAGIDDO you get your dose of old school Thrash Metal (in their case this is a fact and a right), the vintage production value underlines this even more. PRINCESS OF HELL borrows a KREATOR riff and gives it some nice new undergoing, SOULLESS gives space for a bit more melodies and a reminence of an old SLAYER riff. The album is closed by a cool cover-tune of WASPs classic ANIMAL, the tune has of course undergone the German Thrash treatment. Especially for fans of the old KREATOR a definite ear-candy. By the way the vocals of Andreas Richwien are very extreme and hysterical.
GENRE: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs

Thomas Schubert

++++++

MUCC – KYUTAI –SHPERE    GAN-SHIN/UNIVERSAL

www.55-69.com

Like with the predecessor GOKUSAI that saw the light of day back in 2007 the Japan based reaching for world fame Rock outfit MUCC deliver pretty Metal bleached sounds.
They made themselves a name as a very tight live band this can be checked on the included bonus DVD that features six tracks recorded in New York. METALLICA are still a big influence to them, check HOWLING (at times a bit like TRIVIUM, guess who was their mentor in mind) or AGEHA. The later one also brings in some Power Metal melodic lead-work and a bit of SLIPKNOT. They bit at the Pop world pointing HIDE AND SEEL allows QUEEN choirs next to modern Metal string sound. HEAT DEVIL is a bit mellower and very melodic and warm, the guitars have a slight latino touch (SANTANA). A kind of modern Thrash is played in the fast LEMMING, the song also spreads a bit of Punk and a nice melody on top of that, thinking about it, SYSTEM OF A DOWN do an equal thing. It gets very electronic in OZ, FLOTAGE is a bit South American, Flamenco guitars an easy beat nothing fancy just a chilling tune. HYMN is best for your ballades needs at the end a lot of pathos is spread, boy it gets bombastic. Another one in that category is HANABI this time with violins and piano sound, the electric guitar also finds some use towards the final run of the composition. Maybe not the typical food for the none Asian world but a very colorful plate of sounds. Of course the production fullfills all the needs of our time.

GENRE: ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 9
INFO: 11 Songs 48 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

Nahemah - a new constellation    LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/nahemahband
www.lifeforcerecords.com

This release is not typical for LIFEFORCE RECORDS and I think that is good, because in the past the release sound too similar. From Spain are NAHEMAH and after 10 years in the scene the band get now the support from a good working label. The music remind me of a mix of DARK TRANQUILITY, MOONSPELL, OPETH and other heavier Gothic Metal acts. Sometimes some experimental Black Metal fragments are in the songs, sometimes some Pink Floyd like elements. It sounds very interesting. Especially the dark vocals give that record a Gothic touch. The material is a mix of Death Metal, Power Metal and Dark Rock. Don`t know…but very interesting. Keyboeards create the ambiance and the guitar produces the right power! The vocals from Pablo are between Death Metal and Doom / Gothic Metal and especially a track like FOLLOW ME (with clean vocals and clean guitars) or the 7 minute epic UNDER THE MOURNING RAYS are highlights on that record. A good record and with a good promotion they find some fans in different genres! Check this band out – they are great!
Genre: Dark Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 48 minutes

Jochen

++++++

RIOTGOD - Riotgod     Fullbelly Music

www.myspace.com/riotgod
www.riotgod.com

MONSTER MAGNET. Drummer Bob Pantella and bassist Jim Baglino of MONSTER MAGNET are together with guitarist Garrett Sweeny and vocalist Mark Sunshine the new monster….RIOTGOD. On their debut are 14 real great and fresh forward rocking Stoner Rocks songs. Only the Willie Dixon cover-version of EVIL (IS GOING ON) is not important on that record in my eyes. And this is not a record which will impress after the first and second listening, this is a record which will impress you in some years too! All songs are catchy, full of power and that mix of MONSTER MAGNET, ATOMIC BITCHWAX and in some parts HAWKWIND is impressive and their is definately no filler on that album. But this is not a Stoner Rock record you have heard 100 times before, it is unique and after the songs you will put with a smile the repeat button. Especially the vocals from Mr. Sunshine are great! And the pumping sound is perfect for a long ride! The opener LIGHT OF THE SUN is straight in your face and with a great refrain. CRUSADER and the minimal sound of SWEET KAOS and PINATA is awesome! Clever melodies (vocals and guitars), a great groove and Hard Rock influences. And some Grunge or Arena Rock from the 80`s (High Time or DRONE STATION) are on it! And a song like COLLAPSING STARS must be written from another band first before they talk shit about that band or that genre! Very recommended!


Genre: Heavy Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs / 59 minutes

Jochen

+++++

SONS OF OTIS- EXILED   SMALL STONE RECORDS

www.smallstone.com

Formerly OTIS are back on SMALL STONE, yes they are named after the character from HENRY   :PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (played by Tom Towles) if anyone wonders what the hack the name means. In their earlier days they also had been a part of the genre loved MAN'S RUIN company, just to add this fact here. Six tracks sixty minutes this speaks for long, monotone monster tracks, and yes this is a fact. Low tuned chords, gloomy atmosphere, chanting vocals that preach the world downfall are some impressions that are induced by the first HATERS. Massive drumbeats versus quiet spell cursing vox crown the a bit drugish (if that word even exists)  LOST SOUL. BAD MAN is almost up-tempo like, massive riffs crown this one. The two epic instrumentals OXAZEJAM and TALES OF OTIS take us to the very own interpretation of MOTÖRHEADS IRON HORSE, very slow and very OTIS like and very convincing. The two none vocal tracks are full of wah-wah sounds, chilly hypnotic tones and TALES OF OTIS repeats the same riff over and over again until you're nearly in trance. The sound is a bit muffled, but for this music it fits perfect.
GENRE: ROCK the slow way
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 6 Songs 60 min

Thomas Schubert thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SPICE AND THE RJ BAND - Shave Your Fear     SCARLET RECORDS

www.myspace.com/spiceandtherjband
www.scarletrecords.it

Ex-Spiritual Beggars and MUSHROOM RIVER BAND master SPICE is back with his 2nd solo-output. His new band KAYSER is more Thrash Metal, but with this band he is back in the Stoner Rock genre, like Spiritual Beggars was. Spiritual Beggars and The Mushroom River band was cool, but they broke down some years ago and now Spice is back with another Stoner record. The genre, which is the home-base of the Swedish guy. And Spice is a real Rock star in my eyes, one who is really important for the scene. I like the debut THE WILL, but to tell you the truth, in my eyes the material was too boring after some listening sessions. OK, his voice is awesome and made the songs special. But it is not a record, which is in my player since month. And now he did some changing in the song writing. The material is a step away from the Stoner Rock genre. It shows more 70`s Rock`n`Roll and Hard Rock influences. The instrumental opener THE LURE is pure Stoner Rock, heavy, fat and the way Stoner Rock should sound! The following THE WOMB is another hit, perfect Stoner Rock song, which could be on a SPIRITUAL BEGGARS release too! But with the next song NO ONE TOLD ME, you can hear the first KISS (the beginning) influences, and is a little surprise! Especially the refrain of the song is outstanding and give that record a good start. But from this point, the material can`t hold that standard and sometimes boring guitar riffs dominate the songs. Over all thrones the great voice and make some songs good (like WAVES WE FORM or BAD ACCOUNT), but for example TONITE, the pure Stoner Rocker WHERE WILD HORSES DIE or the second acoustic song, TOSCAELLI, is very boring. Maybe a 10 song CD would be the better choice. But songs like THE MAN IN THE MIRROR (a long and slow Stoner groove rocker) and the acoustic track FAR & AWAY (a highlight on that record) and the great groove rocker I`LL TAKE THE BLAME bring back a smile in my face. Again: it is not a bad record and the voice of Spice is still one of the best in the scene! But from such a godfather I expected more that only an “OK” record. It is not a must-have record, but Spiritual Beggars and Hard Rock fans should check it out!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info:  15 Songs / 56 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

STONE AXE  -  Stone Axe    Roadburn Records

www.myspace.com/stoneaxe
www.myspace.com/roadburnrecords

This is a Roadburn Records release, on vinyl too! It sounds like they have recorded in the good old days, like THE FREE are back. Or LED ZEPPELIN! Or Thin Lizzy (RETURN OF THE WORM) and Deep Purple or (a little) the Doors. The 2 men project features members of MOS GENERATOR and THE SWINOS and it is an awesome release. Dru Brikerhoff on vocals and his unbelievable great voice - killer! And Tony Reed played all instruments. Awesome! The material is very catchy, driving rock full of emotionas, with true devotion in the voice. Some bands tried in the past to catch the feeling and sound of the glory past days, but this is the only band I know which re-produced that in a perfect way! The opener RIDERS OF THE NIGHT is a killer of a song, with some 70`s classic heavy blues riff. MY DARKEST DAYS is awesome and BLACK WIDOW could be from an unreleased LED ZEPPELIN record!  With DIAMONDS AND FOOLS you get AC/DC sound, somewhere between High Voltage, Let There Be Rock, and '74 Jailbreak. Great record with no filler! You should buy that stuff (on vinyl) if you miss the good old sound!

Genre: Classic Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 39 minutes

Jochen

++++++

TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED- THE GREAT DEPRESSION    RISING RECORDS

www.myspace.com/triggerthebloodshed

TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED was one of the first releases of RISING RECORDS, their second is also under the wings of the label. Like on their previous album PURGATION the Brits are still into very harsh Death/Grind this time the minor Hardcore elements and breakdowns are nowhere to be found and the material sounds even more brutal. MORBID ANGEL did some inspirational work on the first track  THE GREAT DEPRESSION (and DESSICATE EARTH), HATE ETERNAL are present in WARBOUND and especially SANCTUARY OF THE WRETCHED a song that also allows some slower parts. Doomier stuff like THE SCOURING IMPURITY unfolds an even greater brutality. The drum sound is also a bit more organic compared to the first long-player of them (triggering???), but still I doubt this is all played by human hands and feet (without artificial help I mean), if so I'am sorry and my deepest respect for such skills. Compared to the first one, a definite step in the right direction of mayhem and brutality. For fans of the originals HATE ETERNAL or newer stuff like JOB FOR A COWBOY a very nice treat indeed.

GENRE: DEATH GRIND METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 34 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

+++++

TRUCKFIGHTERS  -  Mania   Fuzzorama Records

www.fuzzoramarecords.com
www.truckfighters.com
www.myspace.com/truckfighers

The Swedish Stoner Kings with his new record. OK, what should I say about that band? I think every Stoner Rock fan own a record of that band and with their extensive live shows they won most of their fans in the last years. The new record is a little more different, a step back from the typical psychedelic influences Stoner Rock. LAST CURFEW starts with a psychedelic like 70`s beginning, more acoustic with a driven drum beat and distorted vocals. But short before the middle the first fat guitars break through that 70`s inspired sound and if you await now the full power Stoner groove, no – again the more acoustic part is in the song and a great distorted and fat refrain make that groove monster perfect. A real untypical opener, but a good choice! MONTE GARGANO and THE NEW HIGH follows and shows the Truckfighters sound, Fuzz guitars as it`s best, with the typical QOTSA groove, but some little sound changes to the progressive genre. Some MARS VOLTA and TOOL parts could be found into it too! MAJESTIC, a huge 13 minutes monster and especially the emotional vocals at the beginning make that song special. Again some typical TOOL sounds and progressive guitar parts give their sound a new atmosphere. MONSTER is more a short and relaxed simple Rock`n`Roll song and the following CON OF MAN could be on GRAVITY X or PHI too, but especially the psychedelic part at the end is awesome! LOOSE is a typical Truckfighters Stoner Rock groover and the last BLACKNESS has nothing to do with their old record. Relaxed, full of atmosphere and some silent played parts close that good record. Truckfighters will get some new fans in my eyes and can hold the old fans in their rooster! They try to grow in their sound and that is a good sign for a band. Nobody won`t be disappointed! Again a great work done from the band!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs / 50 minutes

Jochen

++++++

UNANIMATED – IN THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS (THE COVENANT OF DEATH)    REGAIN RECORDS

www.myspace.com/unanimated08

One of the most influental Melodic Death Metal acts is back, without the works of the swedish group the sound of for instance DISSECTION would surely have taken another course. After their comeback performance at the 2008 edition at the Party San the dudes are back with their third album. The two predecessors THE FOREST OF THE DREAMING DEAD 1993 and especially the last ANCIENT GOD OF EVIL 1995 are highly acclaimed in the genre. The line up consists of members (former and partially still in the bands) of NIFELHEIM, CELESTIAL PAIN, ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, KRUX, MURDER SQUAD. In these fourteen years since the last recording not too much has changed. Being pretty familiar with them I even have to admit that the newer stuff does at times sound heavier compared to their original recordings. RETRIBUTION IN BLOOD shows their likes of DISSECTION (yes again) took their ideas from. Raging fast material, harsh vocals and on the other side the melodic guitar work that by the way has nothing to do with the Gothenburg-style. THE ENDLESS BEYOND moves in a bit slower pace, the brutality increases thanks to that. DIABLOLIC VOICES is a harsh monster that has a little bit of older MAYHEM but more regarding the aura around the tune, and the drums show a similar chaos drumming (I mean this in the best way), the leads are groundbreaking. IN THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS allows some minor groovier moments, the mid-tempo based track develops an impressing fierceness, the melodic guitar work is striking as one used to be by them. The chords in THE UNCONQUERED ONE are a bit like the harmony tunes in IRON MAIDEN, the fast blast cut ins are a nice contrast to that. ENEMY OF THE SUN has a slight BATHORY epic touch to it, the slow marching track will find many adorers, of that I'am pretty sure. SERPENT'S CURSE unleashes the full fury, fast drums, heavy chords and a fat beat crown this one. DEATH TO LIFE brings in some riffs that reminded a bit of the late DEATH, awesome the more technical approach is very well fitting with the heaviness of the composition. Welcome back.

GENRE: MELODIC DEATH METAL (in the way it was intended, not that new thing)
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 10 Songs

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH  -  In shoals     LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/warfromaharlotsmouth
www.lifeforcerecords.com


From Berlin come WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH and with their debut record called TANSMETROPOLITAN they did a strange and heavy mix of all the harder styles (Grindcore, Metalcore, Melodic Death Metal, Jazz, Progressive) and they got a lot of fans with that sound. If you spend some time to their music, you will feel that this band is special. But with IN SHOALS they haven`t wrote a second TRANSMETROPOLITAN. The new sound is more dark, sometimes slow and heavy. The second huge changing in their sound are the more progressive elements. You will find a lot of instrumental stuff played from excellent musicians and of course the Jazz parts in their sound (like in JUSTICE FROM TUE LIPS OF THE HIGHEST BIDDER). Or the groove monster called THE CERTAIN NOTHING. But especially SCULLY, the ending track with over 8 minutes is a monolith of a song. Like a bulldozer is driving slow over your head. The record is different to the debut and they did a good step forward. It is more a record for listeners, more adult people. And with the extreme power songs of the debut, on stage they have now a great live-set! It is not the awaited record, but for the band (and for musicians) the right step forward! Good record from a great live band!

Genre: Extreme Crossover (from the info-sheet)
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 36 minutes

Jochen

++++++

WHITEY MORGAN AND THE 78`s  -  Honky Tonks and cheap motels   Smallstone Records

www.smallstone.com

Pedal steel guitar from some Detroit outlaws, Country music from one of my favorite ROCK label from the states. Solid vocals with a solid back up. For my (European) ears that music sounds the same from every combo. It is well played and maybe in some small Western bars it work, but not in my car or my stereo. Sorry. If you had lived in the 70`s in Nashville, Tennessee, you will like that fresh breath of music. It shows the flavor of the classic country outputs and would fit perfect in every 70`s Country Radio show and maybe you find a way to that music and to that band. I can`t …. Sorry.

Genre: Country
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 50 minutes

Jochen

Reviews April 2009

Fjaell - SOILED HARDS
Giant Brain – THORN OF THRONES
Hackman - ENTERPRISES
Hatesphere – TO THE NINES
Lazarus A.D. - THE ONSLAUGHT
Lion`s Share - DARK HOURS
My Dying Bride - THE LIES I SIRE
Razor of Occam – HOMAGE TO MARTYRS
Semlah – SEMLAH
Seneca – REFLECTIONS
S:T Erik – FROM UNDER THE TARN

++++++


FJAELL - Soiled Hards

www.myspace.com/strongholdfjaell
www.fjaell.org

FJAELL from Germany sent us this Demo CD. At some listening sessions I can`t tell which music they make. That is no bad point, but I have to tell the truth and only a handful of good ideas are not enough. And not enough for a 6 Song CD release (plus 3 intro/outros). Maybe they should try to put the good ideas together to 3-4 songs, maybe this would be the way for FJAELL. But there are 2 more problems on SOILEND HANDS. First the vocals, they really sound bad. It will be a long way for Dan to get a national standard. And the second: the sound is terrible. Today it is no problem to produce a clear and heavy sound. So, partly it is a pain to listen to that record. And there are no real good moments in my head after the listening. Maybe PREDESTINED is a good point. It is a slow and heavy song, but the vocals destroy the good moments. So, don`t hate me for that, work hard on your style! And maybe the next output will be better!
Genre: Heavy Metal
Music: 5
Sound: 5
Info: 9 Songs /

Jochen

++++++

Giant Brain - Thorn of Thrones Small Stone Records

www.smallstone.com
www.myspace.com/thegiantbrain

After the debut called PLUME the band is back with a perfect mix of Space Rock, Stoner Rock and Kraut Rock. First I have to mention that the cover artwork is awesome! Like some old C-90 CHROME Tape, awesome! I study every detail on that artwork. Andy Sutton (bass, programming, keyboards), Philip Durr (guitars, effects, drums, vocals), and Al Sutton (loops, programming) stand behind that band and have their classic Stoner backgrounds with Five Horse Johnson, Don Caballero, and Big Chief. The opener RELENTFUL RESENTLESS shows some techno influences, with some programmed beats, which got spared with some Space Rock music. And that programmed beats are the backdrop for some jams. Not easy to listen to it. THIS IS WHRE THE ROBOT ESCAPES HIS EVIL CAPTOR, FINDS RAYGUN, PLOTS REVENGE and ASIAN LOVE SONG WHAT? went the same direction. It is very interesting to listen, but I prefer straight forward kick ass heavy groove Rock music. But again, it is very interesting, these long jam-sessions on that computer sounds. EMPYRIAN features some smooth vocals and a cool beat and excellent acoustic guitars! PHONES is like a soundtrack and fits perfect into that record before GOOSER features a good riff and bounding drums. This beat and song is the highlight on that record. SPACE MANNEQUIN is again a song with a good drive and WATER-BORED is again only a sound of flooding water. DROWNER end this record with a great jam! Techno, programming, jams, improvisations … this is THORN OF THRONES. Read this review as a compliment.

Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 9 Songs / 47 minutes
jochen

++++++

HACKMAN - Enterprises Small Stone Records

www.smallstone.com

The new record from Hackman starts with a stomping instrumental (not the best way to start an record in my eyes) before MONOCEROS follows. The band from BOSTON is very slow, heavy and their aim is only to put some heavy riffs through your speakers. MONOCEROS is very slow, Doom Metal as it best. Especially the drums are very heavy and the vocals are rough, deep and full of hate. MARCH INTO VICTORY (10:26 minutes) is the right name for that stomping groove monster. Again slow and very heavy. END OF MEN is an acoustic song before the mighty NUMBER EIGHT, NO BULLET shows the little bit faster side of the band. Again the vocals (for the second time) are screamed and rare. I like the slower stuff from Hackman more. BLUDGE and TRAGEDIAN are the same direction before the more Stoner Rock song NOT ANYMORE AND NEVER AGAIN will bang your head. It shows some progressive elements inside the song (especially the drums) and again the untypical vocals. WAR GONG is a long song with a good jam-line beginning, a lot of silence in the middle and some feedback/distortion at the end. If you like it mostly instrumental and the atmosphere from Neurosis, check this band out! Sometimes it is a bit too boring, but they really produce fat and heavy riffs and if you like that style – this will be exactly the CD for you!
Genre: Doom Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 66 Minutes
Jochen

++++++

HATESPHERE – TO THE NINES NAPALM RECORDS

www.hatesphere.com
www.myspace.com/hatsphere

This is the first without Jacob Bredahl, the former singer left a big gap in the band since he was somewhat the face of the band. The Danish dynamite is active since 2000 and TO THE NINES is the fifth long-player and the first in collaboration with the Austrian NAPALM label.
First things first on the studio stuff the change of the voice is not to drastic (if this goes also for the live performance I can't tell), Jonathan „Joller“ Albrechtsen does a very impressing job and aside of that he brings in a bit of Death Metal.
Modern Thrash is still on the menu, this time a bit faster paced and a ton fiercer than before. The faster stuff like TO THE NINES, CLOCKED IN SHIT or OCEANS OF BLOOD remind a bit of THE HAUNTED, the songwriting approach is kind of the same. The groovy CLARITY or the tow mid-tempo bangers THE WRITINGS' ON THE WALL and IN THE TRENCHES admit some growls that fit perfect into the brutal way of their music. Some of the chords also know who to impress on the later mentioned. Under all that still some Hardcore roots can be felt, and the sound of the strings is a times very SLAYER like (hear the beginning of AURORA).
Tue Madsen did a not to clinical job producing the album.
By the way you lovely folks at NAPALM voiceovers do suck ass, ahm pardon my french.

GENRE: MODERN THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 35 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

LAZARUS A.D. - THE ONSLAUGHT METAL BLADE RECORDS

www.myspace.com7lazrus1
www.metalblade.com

Kenosha/Wisconsin is the birthplace of this new young Thrash act. The band is active since 2005 and this album (the debut) was mixed and mastered by James Murphy (namedropping always comes in handy).
The first two LAST BREATH and THOU SHALL NOT FEAR remind a lot of the long forgotten EVILDEAD. Even though modern sounds and arrangements are present, the vocals and the song build up reminds a lot of the former mentioned. ABSOLUTE POWER is the first to bring in a bit of EXODUS, the drum rhythm in REVOLUTION is also of a define EXODUS root, the songs also brings in some not Chuck Billy untypical vocal lines. TESTAMENT did also give some ideas for the great REBIRTH. MINISTRY with staccato riffing works very well in combination with this EVILDEAD thing in the hammering LUST.
One thing needs to be mentioned here, the drum sound is much to clean (another thing they have in common with MINISTRY, just listen to FORGED IN BLOOD and you have to admit I'am right, by the way the track also brings in a bit of PANTERA). The at times sprinkled in BLS guitar chords also give some extra candy to the album (THOU SHALL NOT FEAR or REBIRTH). Compared to others LAZARUS are not to heavily infected with the SLAYER riff virus, even though traces are also to find on this one (EVERY WORD UNHEARD, THOU SHALL NOT FEAR).
Like always a bit more faster paced stuff would have left an even better impression (but this goes only for my taste).
For Thrashers of the old or new school (for anybody who needs labels) a worthy try out.

GENRE: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 10 Songs 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

LION`S SHARE - Dark Hours Blistering Records / Edel

www.lionsshare.org
www.myspace.com/lionsshare
www.blisteringrecords.se

After 4 records between 1995 and 2001, the Swedish Power Metal band was back 2007 with their fifth record and a new team. EMOTIONAL COMA, the 2007 record, featured for the first time the ASTRAL DOORS singer Patrik Johnansson and now they released on a new label their masterpiece! DARK HOURS is the best and most aggressive record from the Swedish guys so far. Especially Patrik is very very close to the voice of the Metal maser Ronny James DIO! The opener JUDAS MUST DIE is a kick in your face. They unleash a guitar - fronted assault, double bass attacks and that unique vocals - unbelievable powerful! The following PHANTOM RIDER is a great song, which have the potential to get a Metal hit soon! DEMON IN YOUR MIND sounds like a DIO song and can hold the high standard of the opening tracks. HEAVY CROSS THE BEAR is mid-tempo and again very DIO like - all sounds like a fresh DIO output - but that is no negative point, only the sound is very very close! Lars Chriss on guitar did an awesome job too and is behind the singer the most interesting point in that band! His riffs are full of power, but every time melodic and the guitar solos kick ass. THE BOTTOMLESS PIT took out the power for a short time, and that is ok to fill your lungs with some fresh air. FULL METAL JACKET is again full of power and excellent vocal lines before THE PRESIDIO 27 shows a melodic refrain. A must have for all DIO, BLACK SABBATH (Tony Martin releases) fans. The record is heavy, melodic, fresh and straight in your face at the same time! DARK HOURS is a Power Metal masterpiece, featuring Michael Romeo (guitars - SYMPHONY X) and Conny Pettersson (drums - ANATA) as guest on this new album. The record was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (OPETH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST, AMON AMARTH).

Genre: Power Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 11 songs / 49 minutes
jochen

++++++

MY DYING BRIDE - The Lies I sire Peaceville Records

www.peaceville.com
www.mydyingbride.com

I follow that band since their Demo and after the last awesome CD (A LINE OF DEATHLESS KINGS), which was dark and full of Doom Metal smasher, they are back with a not awaited better record. Can`t believe that this is possible! I thought, with A THE LINE OF THE DEATHLESS KINGS all was said in the name of MY DYING BRIDE. But FOR LIES I SIRE is the most complex and most interesting record from that British Metal kings. Including the classic BLACK and WHITE ALBUM in the mid 90`s! Especially Aarons voice is the big plus on that output! The band has 3 new members since right now, Dan Mullins of drums (from Bal-Sagoth), Lena Abe on bass and Violin/keyboard player Katie Stone. The record starts slow and acoustic with MY BODY A FUNERAL, an awesome sad song full of depressive moments. The vocals are awesome and will not go out of your head for days! After the violin (yes, they have one again and it fits perfect) breaks into that tearful moments and after a spoken middle part, a heavy riff with which turns into a double bass monster close that song. FALL WITH ME features a slow headbanger riff, driving (double bass) drums and again that middle part is special. In my eyes is that riffing one of the best MDB stuff in their history and turns into a great fast solo. The song is very heavy and turns from time to time into that typical MDB riffs, again with suffering vocals. The following title track is a Doom crusher, which starts acoustic and turns into a suffering monster including some spoken words and violin. Great song! BRING ME VICTORY is for real Doom Metal fans and ECHOES FROM A HOLLOW SOUL starts with dark keyboard and unique sad vocal lines. SHADOWHUNT starts again with a violin/acoustic guitar/drum opening and turns in a mighty heavy riffing and dark vocals at the end. A highlight in the MDB history is the song SANTUARIO DI SANGUE, a typical DOOM monster which features the best MDB refrain ever! A big surprise is the following A CHAPTER IN LOATHING, with Black Metal vocals and fast Death Metal sounds. This song is after a long time from the feeling very close to the debut record! A big surprise! DEATH TRIUMPHANT closes that masterpiece! After the mighty last record and the good live recording last year, the band is back, stronger than ever! BUY IT! A MUST HAVE!

Genre: Doom Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 9 Songs / 59 minutes

Jochen

++++++

RAZOR OF OCCAM – HOMAGE TO MARTYRS METAL BLADE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/razoroccam
www.metalblade.de


The roots of the RAZOR go back to 1998, the Australian band is partially from the better known DESTROYER 666. The band does resident in England, just to let you know.
They did release two EPs and one demo tape prior to HOMAGE TO MARTYRS. Hearing their material for the first time I have to admit that I'am overrun by their intensity and musicianship. The very original mix out of Thrash and Black Metal is such a fierce bastard that this is an absolute must have. Thinking about the masterful arrangement of their compositions, I'am going that far to compare them to the not of this earth ABSU. The razorsharp chords are really of a special class and the brutality is feel-able and not a artificial mockery. None of the eight tracks undergoes the very high level of geniality, no shit. Be it the insane lead work (BITE OF DOGMATA and especially DAY OF WRATH), the hymn character (PATTEREN ON THE STONE, hearing is believing) or the overall outstanding drumming, I still can't believe it.
The clear and very direct production gives this last cut to rip your head of right away.
Get it now.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 8 Songs 34 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SEMLAH – SEMLAH CYCLONE EMPIRE   Cyclone Empire

www.semlah.se
www.myspace.com/semlah

SEMLAH was formed back in 2001 by ex-COUNT RAVEN bass-player Tommy“Wilbur“ Eriksson, after a EP this is the first official long-player. The band did perform on the 2006 edition of the genre praised DOOM SHALL RISE FESTIVAL, so far they did not leave the old continent.
The band is in Doom Metal with a big heap of Power Metal to it, this is mainly the benefit of Johan „Joleni“ Nilssons vocals that deliver the typical at times high pitched vocals skills of the classic genre (at times it reminded me a bit of old AGENT STEEL, even though the vocals are not as high).
On PATH OF A WANING MOON CANDLEMASS/COUNT RAVEN Doom swings hand in hand with Power Metal, pure slow motion is performed in AXIOMS OF LIFE, the powerful NACHINATION and the acoustic introduced BEYOND SALVATION. The band also shows their mellower side in tracks like PERENNIAL MOVEMENT III & II or HAVOC. Only AXIOMS OF LIFE is a bit demanding at times, the rest lives through the well balanced mix of the two heavy genres.
The production is also a very satisfactory thing to listen to.

GENRE: POWER DOOM
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 60 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SENECA – REFLECTIONS LIFEFORECE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/senecaband
www.lifeforcerecords.com


North Carolina brings forth SENECA, the band is active since 2002, 2006 is the year in which the self-titled debut was released, and like the first the new one was also produced by Jamie King (BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, BENEATH THE SKY).
So the music is a brutal bastard that mixes Grind, Death Metal, melodic atmospheric parts, massive breakdowns and a bit of Hardcore, so far so good, but the clean vocals are a absolutely no go, sorry.
The harsher moments remind a bit of the younger American Death Metal scene, in their case JOB FOR A COWBOY. BLACK GOLD has a nice melody to it and the guitar work really impresses, but several breaks and theme changes make this one also a bit hard to follow (oh boy clean vocals as well, again). The song structures in the extreme CAOUSELS take a Jazz curse, the breakdowns put some structure in this heavy mother that also deliver this cheesy vocal stuff. The whirlwind riffing in BIRDS let one stun and there are no vocals of the softer matter. With ILLUSIONS a kind of ballad can also be found on REFLECTIONS, well done and not to whimpy. THE 29TH DAY and CREATOR are the two tracks with the most Death Metal affiliations, and therefore the most heavy ones as well.
Sorry but this clean vocal thing just don't work for me. Don't get me wrong I like clean vocals but just not in such a context.

GENRE: MODERN METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 33 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

S:T ERIK – FROM UNDER THE TARN
www.myspace.com/sterik

Uppsala Sweden is the origin of S:T ERIK a young Doom band (isn't GRAVE also from this place?). FROM UNDER THE TARN is their first full length recording, and with a running time of 49 min with only five songs you know what to expect.
One main influence to the band which is active since 2006 is definitely ELECTRIC WIZARD, just hear the opener GODESS and you will know what I mean, the riffs and the song arrangement are clearly inspired by the British Doomers. The vocals sound a bit like chanting, and the atmosphere is all dark and gloomy. With THE SEARCH and SWAN SONG (the final one of course) two epic monster tracks can be found on the CD. Both very long in their running time, but on the other hand also very different from another. The first gets to it silent, acoustic to be come soon after that the riff ridden massive hammer, the quiet middle part gives some space to breath, the later one lives through dynamic of louder and more mellower tunes, at times I can feel a bit of THE MELVINS.
The vocals are not to classy, that's the only negative thing I can add to this review. For fans of the usual suspects (see above) a nice treat.

GENRE: DOOM ROCK
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 5 Songs 49 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de



++++++



Reviews March 2009


ABSU – ABSU    
BROTHER LOVE KAIN  -  same
CHAOSWAVE  -  Dead Eye dreaming  
DANKO JONES- B-SIDES   
DECEIVER – THRASHING HEAVY METAL
EGOIST – ULTRA-SELFISH REVOLUTION
MICHALE GRAVES  -  Illusions Live / Viretta Park
GRIFTER  -  The high unholy mighty rollin EP    
GUNSLINGER  -  Earthquake in E Minor  
KONKHRA – NOTHING IS SACRED  
MINDREADER  -  Cold start  
MOTHRA – DYES    SELFMADEGOD RECORDS
REVEREND BIZARRE – DEATH IS GLORY... NOW     SPIKEFARM RECORDS
THE TARDY BROTHERS – BLOODLINE   
VIKING SKULL – DOOM GLOOM HEARTACHE & WHISKEY   


++++++

ABSU – ABSU     CANDLELIGHT/SOULFOOD

www.absu.us

Man it was about time, seven years since the last real album TARA have been passed, now in 2009 Proscriptor is back with a new line up and believe me nothing has changed or has been undergoing some adjustments, ABSU is ABSU.  In these years Proscriptor injured his hand and was forced to lay down for a while, the rumor of him never been able to sit behind the drumkit did also rumble the scene, but none of that did come true. While his stay in Europe he worked with the ABSU not unlike MELECHESH, on this new ABSU album guys of the last mentioned along with others from MAYHEM, FIRSTBORN and ENTHRONED did also contribute to the masterpiece.
First of all the line-up changes can be noticed only marginal (regarding the music), the mix out of Death, Black and original Thrash Metal is still one of it's own (they self label them as „MYTHOLOGICAL OCCULT METAL“).
The grand opening THE ABSU OF ERIDU & ERCH brings all, the voice, the total over the top drum skills, everything is back. None in the scene can deliver such a feeling, the music almost can be smelt, the guitars sound like swords, and the very high skilled song arrangement just stuns. On NIGHT FIRE CANONIZATION or the mid-tempo starting MAGIC(K) SQUARE CIPHER show the Thrash core of the songs most obvious. Each track lives through the multiple theme changes, there's simple just not one direction, it all goes several ways. Raging parts are followed by quieter atmospheric warmer parts, all put perfectly together and played at the highest level of musician-ship. Especially the drumming is just amazing (I'am still wondering that impact this would have had on the SLAYER sound, Proscriptor did audition for the vacant spot back in the days).
Of course the production is a great benefit for the album.
And if you're not sure about that all check out 13 GLOBES and let yourself get blasted away.
ABSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

GENRE: MYTHOLOGICAL OCCULT METAL
MUSIC: 10
SOUND: 9
INFO: 13 Songs 54 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BROTHER LOVE KAIN  -  same

www.brotherlovekain.de

Brother Love Kain from South Germany are a good newcomer in my eyes. OK, maybe 1-3 songs less and that record would get a better rating, but for a debut it is good. The opener IN THE END EVERYTHING STARTS TO BEGIN is a huge hammer, a mix of CROWBAR with DEATH METAL vocals.  Especially the guitar riff in the middle is a killer and fits perfect to the aggressive dark vocals. The following NEVER AIMED THE TARGET starts again with great guitars and drums and went into a slow monster. Again it reminds me on a darker version of CROWBAR. The song PURGES is slow and cold and the following DAS MANN includes German vocals, which fit perfect to that dark sound and image. KAIN and ABEL are two slow and emotional instrumental tracks. TRACE THE TWINE is a faster song and rocks like hell before the next German title, DER HERR TRAEGT SCHWARZ, shows some comparison to the mighty TOTENMOND. The following songs can hold that high standard, but the 2 bonus tracks IN DA LAUNDRY and TRINK DEN WEIN take some of the darkness and depths on that album away. But all in all a good newcomer from Germany, which will find some supporters with their sound! Only the production could be a bit heavier and darker. Well done guys – hope to see you soon on stage!

Doom Metal
Genre: Slow Death Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 13 Songs / 49 Minutes

+++++++

CHAOSWAVE  -  Dead Eye dreaming   Silverwolf Production

www.chaoswave.it
www.myspace.com/chaoswave
www.silverwolf-productions.com


This is the second record of the Italian / Danish Modern Thrash combo called CHAOSWAVE. The record DEAD EYE DREAMING was released in the United States last year and now the new German label Silverwolf / SPV release the CD in Europe. The legendary KING DIAMOND guitar-player Andy LaRocque produced that record and with NEVERMORE / TESTAMENT guitar-player Steve Smyth they found an guest-musician on 3 songs! So, enough name-dropping – let the music talk! Chaoswave play a style, I will say something around NEVERMORE guitars and LACUNA COIL vocals, especially the vocals from Miss Giorgia Fadda have a warm touch and dominated the vocals-duo with the male singer Fabio Carta. The music is both: very aggressive and very melodic. The rhythms and guitars have a modern touch and hard hitting approach, not far from bands like Nevermore and Killswitch Engage. The opener is the highlight on that record. 10 YEARS OF DENIAL shows the power and the feeling to write good hook lines of the band. There are great guitar riffs and excellent vocal lines. The following 2 tracks are picked with great guitar-riffs too, but can`t hold the standard of the opening song and A MARCH FOR THE DYING is the first small step down from the speed pedal. ANOTHER LIE TO LIVE IN VAIN and BLIND EYE FOCUS features good guitar work, especially the last mentioned song is a small hit again. The record is ok, with some good songs and moments, but not more and after a third run it gets boring in my ears. It is not bad, but it is far away from outstanding! In Italy they are huge stars, maybe I`m too old for that sound and maybe they will conquer the world soon. But I really can`t understand why such a great guitar-player like Steve Smyth play on that record.

Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 62 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

DANKO JONES- B-SIDES    BAD TASTE RECORDS

www.dankojones.com

So this is a hit in the face of the collector who tries to get everything of his favorite act, well for guys like me this is more than just a nice treat. Some of the tracks did see the light of day prior on Eps (like the title might suggest). Decpite of it's title this stuff really kicks ass, no B shit at all. Some of the songs haven't been put out so far, and if I'am not totally on the wrong track even a new track has been added, and some didn't seem good enough for the regular releases.
Anybody who's new to DANKO let`s just say the band is into riff Rock with balls, somewhere in-between AC/DC (the song SEX is dedicated to Bon Scott), Blues, Boogie a bit of THIN LIZZY and the charismatic voice make this a real bringer. The lyrics are mainly about what people can do with each other and some are about music, just if anyone wonders that message is delivered (Rock'N'Roll baby). Honestly the last NEVER TOO LOUD was a bit watered down for me, this 27 track monster makes up for that more than enough. Which track was taken from what EP or whatever can't be answered here, the official release will consist of a booklet with extensive liner-notes, so this might full-fill all your curiosities. Most of the songs are hard to get anyway.
Sure not every track is a winner (I LIKE TO BALL or NEVER AGAIN are not the cream on the overall tasty pie) but with THE RULES (great vocals) and many others he shows his balls. MY PROBLEMS reminded me a bit of THE OFFSPIRNG, STARLICKER delivers it simple and dirty, CHOOSE ME has a nice MOTÖRHEAD drive, and this nice drive also puts SOLD MY SOUL on a very high level. Known from SLEEP IS THE ENEMY, FIRST DATE comes along even more wicked and dry, cool. Oh boy PUMP IT UP is it a cover tune or not, the keys remind me of ALICE COOPERS Lost In America, but who can tell. Since comparing is so easy, is it just me or is YOU RUIN THE DAY a bit like old BEASTIE BOYS, and THE RETURN OF JACKIE AND JUDY is an homage to THE RAMONES. Oh enjoy the BLACK FLAG like DROP YOUR MAN, yeah. Ok that`s enough get it yourself.
Definitely worth your money.

GENRE: ROCK'N'ROLL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 27 Songs 70 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

DECEIVER – THRASHING HEAVY METAL    PULVERISED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/deceiverswe

Like with FLESH Pete Flesh stays to the genre, this means classic Heavy Metal elements can be found all over. The band was originally started in 2004, 2005 the debut came out, the 2006 released HOLOV POSEN TRO MAY TROT is the first to feature Pete on vocals. In 2007 the group was laid to rest, in 2008 they did reform for their final work THRASHING HEAVY METAL. On their last album they deliver Thrash with tons of great Heavy Metal homage. THE TAIL'S OF WHOM I SHADOWS FALL has that typical Hank Sherman guitar sound, therefore it sounds a lot like MERCYFUL FATE, that combined with Thrash elements make a very impressing start. The guitar harmonies in GRAVEYARD LOVER or the fast DEAD TO THE WORLD and LEGACY are definitely of IRON MAIDEN origins. The main part of the material moves in the mid-tempo sector faster stuff is harder to find, GHOST OF SOULS & INNER HATE is one of three exceptions, the last THRASING HEAVY METAL is embedded in Thrash a bit of the teutonic kind.
Tommy Tägtgren did the recording.

GENER: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 35 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

EGOIST – ULTRA-SELFISH REVOLUTION    SELFMADEGOD RECORDS

www.myspace.com/egoistpoland

Stanislaw Wolonciej is in the music business since his eight year of birth, a brain child of his is NeWBReeD a band (project) that is still active until this day. He was also part of C-187 Patrick Mamelis (PESTILENCE) Progressive fieldtrip, somewhat a dream come true. On two of the songs of ULTRA Patrick did some solo-work. On this second ego-trip, he again did everything by himself.
The very complex material comes along in a fat soundwall, everything is played on the point and even the craziest the-me-changes have a flow to them. THE REST WILL FOLLOW has more of MESHUGGAH, the more atmospheric parts like in LIFELESS LOVE/LOVELESS LIFE or (NOT) THE END remind a bit of THE DEFTONES (hear the vocals in THESE STRANGE THINGS). The first mentioned also uses up a bit of NIN. The very dry bass and drum sound let's you think a bit of KORN, but the music in general has nothing in common with them (ok the start of JUST ONES did have something of them). ON combine massive powerhouse parts with quieter more relaxed segments, even that works fine.
Still no clue, just think of MESHUGGAH in bed with the DEFTONES, and to stir this up a bit mix it with some Prog lemon taste.
Give this young guy a chance (born 1986), this material really has class.
And like I wrote before the production value is stunning.

GENRE: FUSION METAL ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 9
INFO: 8 Songs

Thomas Schubert

++++++


MICHALE GRAVES  -  Illusions Live / Viretta Park   Screaming Crows Records / Soulfood

www.soulfood-music.de
www.pirate-smile.de

Michale Graves, the mighty ex-MISFITS singer is well-known as an aggressive Punk Rock artist, but now he strips his music down to himself, only a friend, a van, 2 acoustic guitars, a microphone and a long tour through the United States – that is the new MICHALE GRAVES. And on that long tour he blew away the audiences night after night! He tried to capture some of that magic of that tour on that CD! He played some tracks of his solo career and a few songs he wrote with THE MISFITS like "Fiend Club," "Shining," "Scream (including a short LIFE OF AGONY / WEEDS - cover!!!!)," and "Crying on Saturday Night." It features 23 songs, 17 of which were recorded live on April 24th, 2008 at Club Bourbon in New Port Ritchie, Florida during Graves' Illusions tour. The 6 remaining tracks are demos that Graves recorded in Bukarest, Romania, where he was filming scenes for the upcoming film Perkins 14. The live-album starts with BLACKBIRD (the opening track on the demo too), a mighty song and one of the highlights on his set list. The classic MISFITS songs have been re-worked acoustically and more intense as the original versions! Especially SCREAM, with the ending of LIFE OF AGONYs “WEEDS” is awesome. Graves' voice is superb and absolutely haunting. It is not fair to pick up some single songs, because the whole CD is really impressive. But if you need some single songs on that record, check out FIEND CLUB, BLACKBIRD, OPHELIA and FROST BITE. The demos at the end of the album are just as fantastic as the live tracks. The most notable is VIRETTA PARK, Graves' opus to his fallen hero Kurt Cobain. The song was written after Graves visited Viretta Park in Seattle, a refuge for heartbroken Cobain fans worldwide that is adjacent to Cobain's former home. The track captures all of the sadness and happiness that Graves felt that rainy day he visited the park in Seattle. Illusions Live/Viretta Park is a amazing live album that shows the talent of a highly underrated singer/songwriter - and maybe much better as his (excellent) work with THE MISFITS!

Music: Acoustic Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 7
Info: 23 Songs / 73 minutes

Jochen

++++++

GRIFTER  -  The high unholy mighty rollin EP     FURY 76 Records

www.myspace.com/grifterrock
www.fury76.com
www.myspace.com/officialfury76records

Classic Stoner Rock with some old Hard Rock influences you will get from the UK. The opener HIGH UNHOLY MIGHTY ROLLIN is a cool song, with some excellent vocals at the refrain and a mid-tempo guitar sound. Very Southern Rock like. Close to some ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY and CLUTCH stuff, but without their heaviness. SWEAT LIKE HORSES has more drive and again some shredding guitar like riff, but all in all it is more boring as the opening track. The following SLOW BOY is more my touch. Slow, as the title says, and with a mighty groove! And here the vocals fit perfect and that FU MANCHU like guitar leads fit perfect! What a great song! The bluesy licks are excellent. This is music for the stage, with a lot of beer, a small club and a sweaty audience. This EP is not bad, but I think the band is born for authentic live-shows. This 5 song EP will give you a good taste to join their next show. But with the leading bands they can`t compare. But very nice, I like the guys!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 5 Songs / Minutes

Jochen

++++++

GUNSLINGER  -  Earthquake in E Minor   Buzzville Records

www.buzzville.be
www.myspace.com/alandaveygunslinger


Gunslinger was originally formed by bassist Alan Davey and guitarist Nigel Potter in 1979. Yeah…this is no mistake – 1979. Before they signed a Major deal they split up. Potter auditioned for MOTORHEAD and Davey went on to play for HAWKWIND. And now they released some re-worked GUNSLINGER songs under the banner of the record EARTHQUAKE IN E MINOR – and it is an awesome release! Especially all old MOTORHEAD fans have to buy that output! The opener NIGHT SONG is very close to the 80`s MOTORHEAD songs (including Davey's groove laden bass solo) and it is a real hit! Same with the second track called IF THE BOMBS DON’T GET YA, THE BULLETS WILL, Lemmy couldn`t do it better! It is an awesome power feeling you will get! And remember, these songs are originated nearly 30 years old and show that good songs never get old! SHELLSHOCKED is a duet with the lady behind the drums, called CAT. Awesome song, mid-tempo, again the awesome whiskey drenched vocals from ALAN and a great guitar solo. SAVAGE LOVE is a pure Rock`n`Roll song and the following CYANIDE can´t not hold that high standard in my eyes. The song is a little boring, but the following BLITZKRIEG BABY make no prisoner again! The following GOING IN FOR THE KILL, WARHORSE and especially the band-hymn GUNSLINGER are must have! For the young kids and the old guys like myself. If you like MOTORHEAD and their OVERKILL, BOMBER and ACE OF SPADES releases – THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR YOU!  The CD version is coming on Buzzville Records and the LP version on Rock Saviour Records. Marvellous!

Genre: Rock`n`Roll
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 44 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

KONKHRA – NOTHING IS SACRED    CHOPSHOP RECORDS/SOULFOOD

www.konkhra.com
www.myspace.com/konkhra

Danish KONKHRA did form 1989, twenty years back and to celebrate that anniversary they release their sixth album as a gift. Starting out as a pure Thrash/Death Metal act the band became a bit more groove orientated and they did leave the original path in the middle of their career (it got a bit more rocking). In their homeland they even made it in the charts with their FACELIFT EP in 1994, they did perform at the Roskilde Festival, and two big names also did appear on one of their releases, James Murphy (OBITUARY etc.) and Chris Kontos (MACHINE HEAD) did help them out. Anders Lundemark is still the voice of the band and compared to their debut S.A.D., the new one picks up quite something of that.
Explosive Death/Thrash with blast spikes can convince in HAIL TO THE KING, Zakk Wylde chords combined with deep growls and double bass hammering braned the mid-tempo Deather BREATHE TO FEAR. Old school Thrash elements are webbed into the thunderous KILLSWITCH, fast like this one is also NOTHING IS SACRED. PANTERA tunes and a nice melody can be found in THE LEGACY OF TRUTH, later on even female opera voices can be recognized. With RELIGION IS A WHORE and THE RACE the groove is praised, and I DEFY is the fastest and harshest on the album. The dry sound could use a bit more warmth, at times it's a bit to sterile. If you dug them so far you also can get this one.
A second disc comes along with the package called MALGROWTH THE VICIOUS CIRCEL. Several old recordings are included, to that all of the lyrics and some photos of that period have been added. These takes are from the THE VICIOUS CIRCLE and MALGROWTH demo tapes.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 7
INFO: 11 Songs 42 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

MINDREADER  -  Cold start  

www.mindreaderrocks.de

After their first EP called FOGROCK, the German guys now 2 years later you will get COLDSTART. I don`t know their debut, but this EP is full of classic Stoner Rock and the 4 songs are simple, but effective. The opener of the EP is called TOXIC TUNE is that simple Stoner Rock as Dozer, Unida, Fu Manchu did some years ago. An awesome groove and the typical Stoner Rock riffing will let your head bang! The vocals are good and the two guitar player sound like the original Desert Kings. The groove is really good and this song reminds me a little on some SUNRIDE, AWESOME MACHINE stuff. BREAK THE CHAIN went the same direction at the beginning, but the Strophe features some more silent moments before the Desert riffs and screamed vocals break in. Good Stoner riffs and the right feeling to make music for the stage. PERFECT WORLD shows again, that the band play tight and the song is again over the top! DOWNHILL DESASTER is in my eyes with the opener the highlight on that EP. This song features all a good Stoner Rock song needs! Especially that awesome groove makes that song special. I hope they can hold that high standard on a real full-length album. This EP is a good statement and try to check them out on stage! I think they will destroy everything!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 4 Songs / 16 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

MOTHRA – DYES    SELFMADEGOD RECORDS

www.myspace.com/mothra

MOTHRA (not the japanese movie icon) exist since 2000, an EP and a longplayer named PLANET DECIBELIAN 2008 have been released prior to this one. The word Math finds some use in the bio, this puts your thoughts on the wrong track. Sure they do use insane breaks, but the material sounds organic, none artificial and energetic (I'am not saying every Mathcore band is artifical, but some use this term for the wrong intend).
SQUANT is heavy, full of breaks and the DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, and BOTCH definitely left some traces, HOOLOOVOO shows the Hardcore ties the best. OCTARINE is the slow and brutal middle part of the album, a nice contrast to the more break filled others (even if they appear here as well). GRUE blends with explosive drumming and a not CONVERGE unlike song arrangement. BLEEN shows an nice hands for melodies, but all in the name of complexity, in contrast to that FULLGIN/A is the most furious on the plastic piece, the B part is a bit mellower (if this word can even be used here), heavy, harsh bastard would be another phrase for it. As a bonus a TERRORIZER covertune appears after some seconds of silence, well done boys.
For fans of the above mentioned artists a nice try out.

GENRE: HARDCORE
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 7 Songs 27 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

REVEREND BIZARRE – DEATH IS GLORY... NOW     SPIKEFARM RECORDS

www.hellridemusic.com/reverendbizarre

Let's open this up with a quote from an old POISON IDEA record “RECORD COLLECTORS ARE PRETENTIOUS ASSHOLES”, well I'am one. After the death of the REVEREND their vinyl only split recordings see the light of day now on one CD for an affordable price, and to top that a second piece of plastic comes along with mainly very entertaining cover tunes. Their non album outputs are a bit more daring and at times heavier, but still it is Doom the classic way, and anybody who's not in the possession of these masterworks get this one, the artwork is also on the plus side.
Disc 1:
DEMONS ANNOYING ME is a very slow track with all the trademarks of the R.B., the lamenting voice, a very slow drum beat and low chords. BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW is a bit more upbeat with a little bit of CELTIC FROST to it, it originally appeared on a 7inch with RITUAL STEEL on the other side (some of the vocal arrangements sound a bit like KING DIAMOND). APOCALYPTIC RIDERS starts of almost light footed and swinging, the track is later on followed by cool lead guitars and a long spoken word segment replaces the vocals, mystique and epic. THE TREE OF SUFFERING and THE CHILDREN OF DOOM both appeared on the THULSA DOOM EP which was released in 2006, the first brings classic Doom with uplifting chords and the second one of course does kind of the same.
ODINN'S MEN from the KNOCK 'EM DOWN TO SIZE compilation 7“ is very straight forward and blessed with a nice drive.
Disc 2:
FROM THE VOID II is a track of epic proportions, theme changes, at times very harsh vocals, Doom goes hand in hand with 80s Heavy Metal, the tempo also varies a bit, in other words four songs in one (the song originally appeared on a split 7“ with RÄTTÖ & LEHTISALO in 2008). DARK WORLD is a slow mother the ST. VITUS cover-tune was  released in 2008 as a  7“, the original by PENTAGRAM created BROKEN VOWS is another winner, swing motherfucker. After the great slow-motion hammer BEND (originally put out on a 7“ split with MR. VELCRO FASTENER) comes a reinterpretation of ROESTILAULU from SIMO SALMINEN, haven't heard of him before but their version is a heavy mid-tempo smasher with I guess Finnish lyrics. The JUDAS PRIEST cover of DECEIVER is the best one on the second disc, and BEHERITS THE GATE OF NANNA (split with ELECTRIC WIZARD) is a wicked and dark and very evil version of the cult Black Metal combo composition. The Doom undergoing of the cover-tunes alone is worth the purchase.

GENRE: DOOM METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8-9
INFO: Disc 1 : 6 Songs  52 min
          Disc 2:  7 Songs   53 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++


THE TARDY BROTHERS – BLOODLINE    CANDLELIGHT/SOULFOOD

www.tardybrothers.com

The two brothers in OBITUARY (lately also CANDLELIGHT) John and Donald see the right time after 25 years to record some of their own ideas. They plan to do some more of that with the help of some friends in the scene, for this first one Ralph Santolla (also OBITUARY, DEICIDE) and the original guitarist of their XECUTIONER (OBITUARY in their demo stages) days Jerry Tidwell.
So of course the material sounds a lot like OBITUARY, the vocals and the one of a kind drumming are just to striking to get swept under the carpet. The guitars are not that low tuned like Trevors one, but this are the main differences between the two. Ralph blesses each track with his outstanding melodic solo work. BRING YOU DOWN is the fine up-tempo opening, BLOODLINE is mid-tempo based and at times groovy, I'M  ALIVE moves in the same waters with an even more extensive melodic lead work. DEEP DOWN is one of the few faster smashers (the only one if I'am not mistaken), up-tempo and mid-tempo reigns all over, yeah like it does in the mean band. SCREAM DESCENDENT surprises with nice melodies (a bit oriental if you ask me) to that come some acoustic chords and on top of that the Tardy screams.
A friend of mine called in OBITUARY light, in my opinion this nails it down pretty good. A nice treat until the next one comes along, be it OBITUARY or the BROTHERS for that matter.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 39 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

VIKING SKULL – DOOM GLOOM HEARTACHE & WHISKEY    POWERAGE RECORDS/SOULFOOD

www.soulfood-music.de

Around since 2003 this is the third long-player for this Brits, basically Rock'N'Roll with a spice of Southern harshness and dirt makes a very nice treat for folks like me who dig stuff like ALABAMA THUNDER PUSSY or SCISSORFIGHT. Guys from RAGING SPEEDHORN and CKY also among the members of VIKING SKULL, so enough info let's hear it.
STAR A WAR is a heavy RNR track with Stoner riffing and nice leads, DOOM, GLOOM, HEARTEACHE & WHISKEY is a slower big ball Rocker that blends with extra harsh, whiskey vocals. A nice melody lies in the core of IN HELL, very simple is HAIR OF THE DOG, SHOT DOWN is based on a BLS not unlike riff, a nice butt kicker by the way, and DOUBLE OR QUITS is a faster bastard. 19 SWORDS spreads a strong classic Heavy Metal feeling and while running this one seems to be one of the best on the album. With DRINK an unnecessary acoustic pub song closes the album, just skip this one.
The production is also fine.

GENRE: HEAVY ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 37 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de


++++++











REVIEWS February 2009

16 – BRIDGES TO BURN
BLACK REIGN  -  Sovereign 
DEATHCHAIN – DEATH ETERNAL
DEVILICIOUS  -  Samsara
DREAMING DEAD – WITHIN ONE
EMERGENCY GATE  -  Rewake  
FIFTYWATTHEAD – FOGCUTTER
NASHVILLE PUSSY-FROM HELL TO TEXAS
NECRONOMICON – REVENGE OF THE BEAST
POSTMORTEM – CONSTANT HATE
ROOT – THE BOOK
ROOT – HELL SYMPHONY
SEANCE – AMAKENING OF THE GODS
STINKING LIZAVETA – SACRIFICE AND BLISS
THE BLACKOUT ARGUMENT  -  Remedies  
THE FACELESS – PLANETARY DUALITY
VOLCANO – TALES FROM THE BLACK BOOK
WINO – PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM

++++++

16 – BRIDGES TO BURN    RELAPSE RECORDS

www.theband16.com
www.myspace.com/16

In the scene they are somewhat kind of a bit of the originators of the Sludge genre, for me GRIEF did always sit on that throne. By this I don't want to cut down the reputation of 16, it's just a fact. The band did release several albums and split Eps no wonder they did form way back in 1992 in Southern California. Funny enough the year 2008 is also the 16th anniversary for the band. BRIDGES TO BURN is the follow up to the 2003 released ZOLOFT (a bitter pill to swallow, some did commit suicide after that) SMILE and compared to that it all sounds a bit more fat.
THROW IN THE TOWEL and SKIN AND BONES start of straight ahead, the songs have big balls, the production sets everything right into place and it's heavy like hell. ME AND MY SHADOW has something of CROWBAR school riffing (some might add that CROWBAR also have been influenced by 16, another fact as well) pressed vocals and some minor, hm pardon me breakdowns. MAN INTERRUPTED sounds pretty pissed off especially the vocals of Cris do their part to that. FLAKE swims in the CROWBAR waters again (or vice versa) on this track the love for the Hardcore genre is also very clear to notice. MONDAY, BLOODY MONDAY is another hit on the record, harsh, defintely Hardcore rooted and full of vingear and piss. The midtempo impact is praised in PERMANENT GOOD ONE, you see the slower these things get the heavier they are (hear THORN IN YOUR SIDE), EYHEHATEGOD guitarwork was a little insipiration in SO BROKEN DOWN.
The production makes it even easier to dig into this stuff.

GENRE: METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 46 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BLACK REIGN  -  Sovereign   Battlegod Productions / Twilight

www.myspace.com/battlegodproductions
www.twilight-vertrieb.com

From Australia you will know MORTAL SIN for example, but the other bands are not so well-known here in Europe. And with BLACK REIGN another band will not follow the population of MORTAL SIN, because this record is too long and some songs are not really good. Their second record is a mix of Power Metal lyrics and complex Thrash Metal, sounding like the old stuff from Defiance, Forbidden, Exodus, Athropy and Anthrax. After a good introduction the EYE OF THE STORM will make all headbangers happy. THE KING OF DEMONS starts with a great Thrash Metal riff and turns into a mid-tempo riff. The title track SOVEREIGN is over 9 minutes long and shows some tempo changes, which fit perfect. Only the vocals are not strong enough on some parts in the songs. One highlight is in my eyes VIKING, a song with great riffing ala old DESTRUCTION and aggressive power. THE 3rd ANTICHRIST is a heavy track with a great opening riff and another positive point on that record. I`m not a real fan of instrumental tracks, but the 13 minute long EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE is too much for real instrumental fans too! The musicians show their potential on that record, but it is not good to repeat each riff some minutes. And the closing THE SUMMONANCE / THE OCCULTANCE is only boring. There are good musicians in that band, but there are 3 “problems” after listening to that record: a) the sound is really not good. Not old-school – it is more like a Demo. Especially the drums are not heavy enough and b) the songs are all very long and over the whole distance it is very hard to follow their idea. I like progressive Thrash Metal, but this is not good enough and c) the artwork is very terrible. I think with a better sound and a good producer (which cut some songs and song-parts off) they will get 1-2 more points at the rating.  If you like more old-school Thrash Metal bands and sounds – check this band out. But you have to buy first the old original stuff from the 80`s – because this band would play on the 3rd league in that time too!

Genre: Thrash Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 6
Info: 11 Songs / 78 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

DEATHCHAIN – DEATH ETERNAL    DYNAMIC ARTS RECORDS

www.deathchain.com
www.myspace.com/deathchainofficial

Finnlands DEATHCHAIN come around for the forth time spreading aggressive Metal around the globe. The last I heard was the DEATHTHRASH ASSAULT (2005 also DYNAMIC ARTS) album, and if I remember correctly this one had it's charms. The original vocalist Rotten left, K.J. Khaos entered since that, he also can be experienced on CULT OF DEATH 2007.
TITANS OF BLACK EARTH starts of like hell, raging fast Death Metal with Thrash undergarments, no compromisses just heavy as fuck. SWORN BENEATH and AWAKEN...HORRORS OF THIS EARTH take the benefit of MORBID ANGEL influences, the first more in the vocal sector, the later borrows the guitarwork of Trey, both very well done. After the fast Deaththraser PLAGUETHRONE comes the Grind spiced SONG OF CHAOS AND THE VOID that also holds a fat beat to it. The slower paced THE ANCIENT AND THE VILE has again something of MORBID ANGEL, after that the pedal gets pressed to the max with MONOLITH OF DEATH (including eardrum smashing beats). SPHERES OF BALSPHEMY follows the same speedy path, INCANTATIONS OF SHUB-NIGGURATH brings in a minor MARDUK touch, mainly due to the chords and a bit of Florida also swirls around.
All very skilled and impactive, they took their own origins and laced it with the best out there, higly recommended.
Some of the vocal arrangements have a bit of the good old Chuck to them, not the sound of the vocals more the pronouncination of the words.
Well and sharp produced it is.

GENRE: DEATH METAL with THRASH spikes
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 42 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

DEVILICIOUS  -  Samsara

www.myspace.com/devilicioussociety

Swedish Evil rockers DEVILICIOUS released their Demo THE HAUNT OF FEAR in 2007. And now their new Demo, called SAMSARA, is ready for the masses. I really think that music is so special, I have to write some lines about that band. The quartet from Gothenburg was formed in 2005 and they mixed old virtues with a modern sound and production. Especially the vocals from Mikael show at some moments comparison to DANZIG and ALICE IN CHAINS, and that is awesome. The music is a mix of DANZIG, ALICE IN CHAINS, MUSTASCH and especially the opener TORCH is a mighty track. It is full of emotions with excellent vocals and a great refrain to make this song to a small hit! The song THE PERVERTED sounds like some later MISFITS song with Mr. Graves on vocals. It is awesome and again with a great refrain! The vocal of Mikael Jacobsson moves on top of heavy Guitars, great melodies, mighty drums and a tight groove. JESUS features again a mighty vocal melody and LET THE DEVIL RIDE has the depth of some late ELVIS songs and a fast forward rolling Stoner groove. FINDERS FEE and the god like DAYS LIKE COCAINE, with great vocals and a cool groove. This band is unique and their sound makes me happy! Check this band out! I think they will get big soon!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 2008: 6 Songs / 27 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

DREAMING DEAD – WITHIN ONE    IBEX MOON RECORDS

www.dreamingdead.com
www.myspace.com/dreamingdead

The previous band name was MANSLAUGHTER, the Los Angeles based duo was formed by singer, songwriter, guitarist Elizabeth Schall, on here side stands Mike Cuffell, for current live shows they did hire Leslie Medina on guitars and Juan Ramirez on bass to join their quest.
Taken a first look at the band foto I did not expect such an heavy and brutal mix out of the  extremes of Metal (prejudice, anybody). STAIRS OF THE VORTEX is a perfect start int this eight song masterpiece. Fast and harsh, Death Thrash gets spiced with SLAYER riffs the brutal vox of Elizabeth have a bit of the late Cuck Schuldiner and the hard to the core way of doing their stuff just impresses. Melodic Death Metal elements join forces with blast assaults in the great WITHIN ONE, PUTRID IS THE SKY starts of a bit mellower, the bass work is just stunning, but don't worry later on you get „blasted“ the fuck out of you seat. Uptempo Thrash with a twist of DEATH (again the vocals help that fact quite a bit) can be enjoyed in SHADOWS IN THE DARK, but as it might come not a a surpirse thers also space for some atmospheric, quieter moments, don't worry this stuff is never to artifical or forced. CURSED is dominated by melodic guitarlines that are underlined with massive doublebass firirng, the leads also know to please. WAR MACHINE opens up melodic and acoustic before the whole battery kicks in, midtempo, heavy as hell and not to forget, fierce. PERPETUAL PRETEXT if full of Thrash reminicences and the thunder introduced MANSLAUGHTER is a also very splashing track (mainly achieved via the kick ass drumming).
A very big catch for label owner John McEntee (also active in INCANTATION).

GENRE: DEATH THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 42 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++


EMERGENCY GATE  -  Rewake   Silverwolf Productions / SPV

www.silverwolf-productions.com
www.emergency-gate.com
www.myspace.com/emergencygateonline

The second record from Munichs EMERGENCY GATE is a big surprise and sounds very international. This is Modern Metal as it`s best. Melodic Death Metal, some Thrash Metal and excellent vocals from Matthias Kupka (ex-Suidakra). Beside the fast and heavy moments you will find some silent, maybe ballad-like keyboard sounds. Especially at REMAINS they fit perfect to the music. The opener DOUBLE SUICIDE is a fast melodic heavy crusher and shows the power of the band. The following SLAVE is more in the mid-tempo and again the awesome vocals and the mighty refrain from Matthias make this song special. The following ….OF STARS AND THE DRIFTING is a real headbanger with rough but melodic vocals and is a small hit. It reminds me a little on the COWBOYS FROM HELL sounds of the legendary PANTERA, inclusive the vocals and the guitar work. This song is the highlight on REWAKE, because the other, more symphonic material is not really my cup of tea. UNBEING is a cool guitar intro and the following GOLD AND GLASS kicks ass. THE PURPOSE is interesting again, because it is a bit away from the typical Melodic Death Metal trademarks and features again a mighty refrain. REMAINS is a 8 minute long masterpiece and shows the whole spectrum of that band, from symphonic, epic, gothic into heavy, fast and aggressive. And with ELEMENTOR they have created a great Thrasher, the same with LIFE V2.0. And the ballad LULLABY closes that impressive album. I really think this band will be a leading band in the scene soon and with the forthcoming European Tour with Kreator and Caliban they will make some new friends! The production of REWAKE is very heavy and full of power. All in all a big surprise from this Germany band and if you like bands like great modern Metal, maybe the newer sound of IN FLAMES – check this out!

Genre: Modern Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 49 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

FIFTYWATTHEAD – FOGCUTTER    SIGNED BY FORCE/CARGO RECORDS

www.fiftywatthead.com
www.myspace.com/fiftywatthead

Throwing in names like NEUROSIS, MASTODON the infosheet alone did catch my full attention right away. This is the third longplayer by the Michigan/Detroit based outfit, so far they had the pleasure of supporting the likes of UNSANE, MASTODON, ALABAMA THUNDER PUSSY, PELICAN, just to name a few at let the holy namedropping fullfill its deeds.
At the first (WHITEOUT) they really do sound a lot like MASTODON, a short and heavy introduction to their skills. FOGCUTTER uses a bit of EYEHATEGOD tunes (but not as fucked up as the originals) before they get finally to the core of the heavy mother, again a bit of Georgias finest shines through this time melodic vocals and NEUROSIS not unlike scream outburst come in play. SEADAWG sludges at a noticeable level, the tone is slow and fierce, CAPSIZED plays around a bit, at times it sounds like tame WEEDEATER without the vocal assault of North Carolinas finest. FOUR POINTS lets repeat the same riff over and over again, IRON CLAD is heavy but also has a nice hand for a fine melody. After the noisy instrumental LAST LEG comes the bit MASTODON like FOLLOWED BY THUNDER.

GENRE: METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 7
INFO: 8 Songs 44 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

NASHVILLE PUSSY-FROM HELL TO TEXAS   SPV/STEAMHAMMER

www.nashvillepussy.com
www.spv.de

Georgias NP did work three years on this new (fifth) album, a helping hand in all this time was Reverend Horton Heat. The 1996 formed group did record the album in Willie Nelsons Pedernales Studio on the original 2inch machine that was used for all of Willies classic albums. So enough for the facts, put the sucker in the tray (or preferable record player, the album will also be released as vinyl).
SPEED MACHINE is the hijah start, a fat and warm bass sound, extra spicey vox of Blain and a very raw guitar sound make this one more than just a good first impression. A TED NUGENT riff (the name NASHVILLE PUSSY also is taken from a statement of the man) introduces the uptempo stamping FROM HELL TO TEXAS, Boogie is mixed with old KISS in the melodic DRUNK DRIVIN MAN, mouthharp and a slight Country vibe pass the veins in LAZY JESUS (also some ZZ TOP boogie can be felt). The later one also features guest vocasl of none other than Lemmy from MOTﾖRHEAD. The moody Blues drenched I'M SO HIGH consists of another guest performance, DANKO JONES delivers some of his charismatic vocals. AIN'T YO BUISNESS is MOTﾖRHEAD tuned all the way, and Punk left some traces in the catchy as hell DEAD MAN CAN'T GET DRUNK. You can shake your ass to the swinging vibe of WHY WHY WHY, and the „singing“ vocals in PRAY FOR THE DEVIL also have their charm.
Still the classic HIGH AS HELL  (2000 TNT RECORDS) can't be thrown of it's throne, but sill very classy and convincing.
As good as the album might be, but you have to seem them live, this is there their spirit can unfold itself at the most.

GENRE: ROCK'N'ROLL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 39 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

NECRONOMICON – REVENGE OF THE BEAST   XTREEM MUSIC

www.necronomicon.eu
www.myspace.com/possessedbythrash

Oh boy back in the days NECRONOMICON did polarize the flourishing Teutonic Thrash genre quite a bit, there was just nothing between the love or hate for the band. The critics at the times did also give them not an easy stand. The band did stop putting out records on a regulat basis since 1988, but they never really did break up, the spirit is just to lively.
This new one was produced, mastered and recorded by none other than Achim Kler (he did godlike work with TOTENMOND). To stay true do their spirit they did remaster REVENGE themself to give it a more old school feeling, this will be released as a double edition 25th anniversary edition. For the promo I got the Kler mix, and boys and girls this is the way to go.
Like in the previous years the band shows some similaritys to DESTRUCTION mainly to the vocal style of Freddy (he is also the main songwriter). So thats not bad for a star.
If you're new to them, just figure good old German Thrash with balls.
It starts of fast with insane drumming in the so called MAGIC FORREST, ON PAIN AND DEATH some slower parts are brought to the material, but the overall tone is the fastlane.
WHO DIES ? reminded me a bit of FORBIDDEN, this only goes for the built up of the song, the rest is a 100% NECRO style, another american band that left some traces is of course SLAYER, just hear the riffs in WARFARE or the opening chord of BLOOD SKY (it also has a bit of SODOM). With SKULL & BONE and HAUNTED they also show a more relaxed way of approaching your hearing, nice melodies and fine leads show the way. With ONE UNIVERSE a kind of ballad is also on REVNEGE OF THE BEAST.
Anybody that enjoys DESTRUCTION also should have no problems with NECRONOMICON.

GENRE: THRASH METAL (TEUTONIC)
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 9
INFO: 12 Songs 50 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

POSTMORTEM – CONSTANT HATE   WAR ANTHEM RECORDS/SOULFOOD

www.postmortem.de
www.myspace.com/potmertem1

Defintely not a new name to the Metal scene the German (Berlin) Deathers are active since 1991, line up problems did bring a forced hiatus, they eved did work with Harris Johns (I think twice) and their live reputation is also not to be left aside.
So after the first runthrough I have to admit that their material has always a nice swing to it, the melodies are catchy and the whole material sounds very professional arranged. Personally I enjoyed the more Death Metal rooted material like the OBITUARY not unlike ARE YOU DEAD or KILLING DAYS. At times groove does his work on LOBOTOMY, on other works the doublebass dictates the way (hear THE WAY OF THE KNIFE). Deep down in their heart they are Thrashers, this can be experienced on quite some occasions, AS THE BLOOD RUSHED OUT OF HER CUTTED THROAT or the simple structured HATE, KILL, DESTROY show the roots more than obvious. Thinking of it the album opens more Death Metal based but soon after that it takes a more Thrash direction.
The sound should fullfill the todays standards, and the artwork is also impressing. CONSTANT HATE will also be available as a limited (666 copies) CD box with quite some goodies in it.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 41 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

ROOT – THE BOOK    I HATE RECORDS

www.ihate.se

I HATE brings another re-release of the Czech Black Metal institution ROOT, among them the founding member Big Boss (also the foundation stone for the Church of Satan in his homeland). THE BOOK was the fifth album and the band took a more dark, hypnotic approach to the songwriting, the album was originally released in 1999. Compared to their earlier work the productino standard is of a much higher level, and the compositions are way more classy and layered.
The opening stuns with MERCYFUL FATE like guitarharmonies, the vocals of Big Boss are much more varied than they used to be, he sings, chants and even some high pitched vocals come to use. The material has a more theatrical touch anyways, and this gives much more space for far out ideas. THE MYSTICAL WORDS OF THE WISE takes some upfront that later on has been used by the likes of OPETH as well, yes the essence of PINK FLOYD has been taken and is drowned in the dark abyss. Classical elements are also among the line of styles to be found in this colorfull soundcreations. THE CURSE-DURRON sounds like a march, the drums bring up a dynamic firey arsenal, the basics are classic Heavy Metal with a bit of Prog segments to it.
Sure the original Black Metal orientation is left behind but this new way is more demanding and in this way more rewarding, trust me. Well it takes some time to discover the whole „beauty“ of it, but it's worth that expense. CORABEU-PART ONE brings a bit of that original BATHORY folk, pagan elements that are used today in a very disrespecting and contemptive way. The Boss at times uses his vocal chords in an opera way that has it's definte charms, CORBEU-PART TWO is a prove of that. THE BIRTH brings out harsher moments, and the contrast of quieter sounds and this more ball gripping elements puts the salt in the soup, to speak in kitchen terms. Violins get added to the martial LYKORIAN as well as other classic elements, the very sophisticated THE MESSAGE OF TIME blends with stunning drums and a very dark aura. REMEBER ME! holds some wicked vocals to it, the closing is the soundcollage DARKOUTRO...
This re-release also consits of bonus archive material of ROOT, demo versions of THE BOOK tracks that first have been recorded in 1997.

GENRE: METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8 (Compared to their older material make it a 10)
INFO: 15 Songs 72 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

ROOT – HELL SYMPHONY    I HATE RECORDS

www.ihate.se

The czech ROOT date back to 1987, formed by Big Boss who is also the founder of the Church of Satan in the republic. HELL SYMPHONY was the second longplayer by them and was originally released back in 1992. This one is supposed to deliver „the most evil and original sounding Black Metal recordings of all time“. Big words, but let's hear it first.
By the way the frist nine tracks are named after demons, and the whole lyrical concept is of course of a satanic nature. On HELL they did use english words for the first time.
BELZEBUB opens up mystically the sound in general is very natural and raw, and the snare sounds a bit annyoying, like many others these east european Metal heads also took some inspiration from the Kings of Thrash (guess you can figure this one out), the guitars in the opening track as well as some other compositions states that more than obvious. BELIAL took a bit out of BATHORY the vocals of Big Boss are insane and classy at the same time, they reach quite an intensity and impact on the listener, the guitarwork is also one of it's own, and what can I say after these few minutes, original like hell. LUCIFER has something in common with the also Church of Satan active ACHERON, even though the vocals again are into a total different league. Horns introduce ABADDON another midtempo praising of the lord of the bottomless pit, the song is surrounded by a heaviness that only at some short moments does burst out, it's always present and feelable, but it just waits like lava to burst out. ASMODEUS has a Doom approach to the songwriting and this makes the song even heavier, the song later on follows a more classic Thrash songstructure. SATAN is more like a chant than a song, LEVIATHAN is wicked and slow, the vocals did take some insipiration from MAYHEM, no doubt about that. The vocal arrangements on LOKI also impress, from bizarre sounds to alomst opera like singing, the covers the whole spectrum. THE OATH is one of the fastest and most brutal and short on the album, after that SATAN'S MARCH does just that. It sounds like a march into the abyss, this is achieved via a marching beat.
As a bonus three live cuts have been added, they date from 1999-2002. The sound on the first two has more of a bootleg character, the last one is of professional sources.

GENRE: BLACK THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 15 Songs 59 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

SEANCE – AMAKENING OF THE GODS    PULVERISED RECORDS

www.pulverised.net
www.myspace.com/seanceseance

With FORNEVER LAID TO REST 1992 BLACK MARK and SALTRUBBED EYES 1993 also BLACK MARK two of the best Death Metal albums out of Sweden saw the light of day until this day. After Patrick Jensen did leave the band to form THE HAUNTED the band was laid to rest (the debut did promise something else), Toxine (aka Tony Kampner, still active in SEANCE) later on joined forces with Jensen in WITCHERY (fomerly knows as SATANIC SLAUGHTER). But all of that couldn't replace SEANCE. Now years later they are back, Jensen is not among them, but they did focus on the strength back at the times (however Toxine still remains in the line up).
WASTED opens up harsh fast and brutal, a bit more Thrash found it's way into the songwriting and the MORBID ANGEL factor that did reign on SALTRUBBED EYES also is pushed a little bit more in the back. Contrary to that THEY takes quite something out of Floridas finest along with some SLAYER tunes webbed into it, YOUR TIME HAS COME shows the fierce grinder side of them, fine, the guitars sound like a swarm of insane wasps. Death combined with classic Thrash riffing is the deadly combination in INVOCATION, after the short and insane bass interlude FLIGHT OF THE WICKED comes the fast and furious MURDER. CHOOSE YOUR ETERNITY allows a bit of midtempo and minor groove, the good old Thrash gets praised again in FOREVER HAUNTED, at the end they did place on of the best BURN ME. This one takes an insane rhythm, combines it with thundering drums and killer sawing chords, on top of that the sick vocals and here we go.
Nice, sure the class of the original two can't be reached, but still a high above the average Death Metal album is what remains. The production could be a bit more „sharp“ and edgey, but like always this is only my opinion.
Johan Larsson (bass/vocals) was the original bassplayer for IN FLAMES and HAMMERFALL! This is something that has to be spread.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 37 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

STINKING LIZAVETA – SACRIFICE AND BLISS    MONOTREME RECORDS

www.stinkinglizaveta.com

Philadelphias instrumental Rock trio are back for the sixth lecture how to create exciting none vocal tunes. They have been touring the conitinents for fifteen years (oh well Europe and America), and even I had the chance to experience them live on a few occasions. Pure instrumental acts deliver it live the best way, that's a fact, but the LIZAVETA manages to put that feeling even onto their studio releases. Sure the music is demanding, but also rewarding on the other hand.
Most of the tracks build up a tension that get carried to the climax through the outstanding drumming, the upright bass fills every hole inbetween that, and also brings in some nice colorful spots. At times you can the guitarist singing (or something like that) through his pick up (AUTOCHTHONY! AUTOCHTHONY!), or pulling out just insane „queer“ chords (hear ZEITGEIST, THE MOVIE for that). PINK FLOYD also did give some inspiration in the bit 70s like SACRIFICE AND BLISS. Meaner stuff like A DAY WITHOUT A MURDER stands right next to more laid back stuff like WHEN I LOVE YOU. With THE MAN NEEDS YOUR PAIN you almost can speak of a ballad, warm sounds, swinging, singing riffs are a nice finish for this interesting output. Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTICUM, PELICAN, RWAKE) did a very nice production job.
If you can bear the lack of vocals dig this one.

GENRE: EXPLOSIVE INSTRUMENTAL ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 41 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

THE BLACKOUT ARGUMENT  -  Remedies   Lifeforce Records / Soul food

www.lifeforcerecords.com

With their LIFEFORCE debut DECISIONS and the following EP SMILE LIKE A WOLF, the band from Munich was very close on the sound of the mighty BOY SETS FIRE. It is the connection point between the last BOY SETS FIRE output and the weak last COMEBACK KID record. The opener BROKEN TEETH shows the aggression and the melodic side perfect. Especially Raphael Schmid on vocals is awesome; his anger sounds authentic!  And he has the right hand for great melodic vocal lines too. And he got support on one song from THIS IS HELL singer Travis. Songs like DEAD BUT SO ALIVE and the mighty ON THE TOP OF THE BEAT will hit the band on the top. SMILE LIKE A WOLF from the EP fit perfect on that record too! The whole record features classic Hardcore with melodic vocal lines and some metallic guitars. And I haven`t heard such an energy on a release in the last month. I think nobody expected such a great international sounding record from a German band! This record is top in the international Hardcore scene! Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Studios in New York and he gave that record a heavy and powerful sound. The first pressing will feature as bonus the SMILE LIKE A WOLF EP! So be fast! For Hardcore Fans will this be one of the highlights in 2009!
Here is the tracklist:
01. Tempest (Rescue Remedy)
02. Broken Teeth (Agrimony)
03. Dead But So Alive (Wild Oat)
04. Identity Dispute (Rockwater)
05. Kidnap Yourself (Aspen)
06. The Ravine (Willow)
07. On The Top Of The Beat (Olive)
08. Walking Without Feet (Cearto)
09. Seven Tones Of Grey (Pine)
10. Treasure Chest, Confidential (Gorse)
11. Vampire Searching For Some Light (Larch)
12. Daisied Tree (Hornbeam)
13. Room To Set Sail (Mustard)
14. A Walkover To Endure Being (Chestnut Bud)
A masterpiece!

Genre: Hardcore
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 14 Songs / 40 Minutes

Jochen

++++++


THE FACELESS – PLANETARY DUALITY   LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/thefaceless

The infosheet of THE FACELESS brings in a kind of disturbing scenario, just imagine the believs of the likes of AGENT STEEL and multiply this with the factor of ten, if you have the chance just read it (spawned by aliens, isolation, sharpening their musicanship and so on).
This Los Angeles based quintett did even hit the us Billboard 200, what they are playing, well very technical Death Metal. Is America that open minded or is it just the work of aliens.
PRISON BORN is a furious start of whirlwind chords, insane breaks, massive melodic leads, Death Metal growls and at times a robotic voice that reminds a bit of CYNIC. Only one negative side affect, the clincal drumsound is a bit to „trigger“ happy, this goes for the whole record, but nowadays this seems to be the way.  THE ANCIENT COVENANT uses the artifical voice as well (VOIVOD did this years before even CYNIC came up with it), piano parts get their share in the slight Black Metal infiltrated XENOCHRIST and the basslines are just impressing. Doomier MORBID ANGEL parts are combined with classic melodic Power Metal vocals in the stunning SONS OF BELIAL, LEGION OF THE SERPENT is build up by a layer of guitars and the whole way is very progressive. The introduciton to the final PLANETARY DUALITY is underlined with disturbing bass subbeats.
Astonishing, very well produced, with a bit more organic sounding drums this would be even better.

GENRE: TECHNICAL DEATH METAL with alien DNA
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 32 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

VOLCANO – TALES FROM THE BLACK BOOK    I HATE RECORDS

www.ihate.se

This is the re-release of VOLANOS comback album that was originally released in 2004, I HATE offers it for the first time outside of South America. The band dates back to 1981, 1986 their praised BLOODY VENGEANCE saw the light of day, after a break of over ten years they did return to show how its done. Maybe all the retro Thrash bands at our times did give the spark for that fire.
So anyways VOLCANO are into Thrash with some Death and Black Metal spices to it, all very primitive and brutal. GATES OF IRON deliver it in a way all these newer acts could only dream of. The material is original, spirited and not forced or even artifical, it just has a natural flow. PRIESTES OF BACCHUS resuscitatets the German Thrash way in it's own unique kind, and in a fast manner if I might add that. FROM THE BLACK METAL BOOK is chaotic bastard out of NUCLEAR ASSAULT, SODOM and a bit of SLAYER. FALL OF THE CORPSE reminded me a bit of SODOM in their prime, meaning OBSESSED BY CRUELTY, SLAYER did give a kind of blue print for the stamper FACE OF THE TERROR, at least for the opening sequence after that it gets hectic. Not only thanks to the use of their mothertongue in GUERREIROS DE SATA the whole thing breaths a bit of BRUJERIA, meaning a kind of Punk flair is undeniable. These Punk influences are also more than obvious in TOTAL DESTRUICAO. With BESTIAL INSANE a kind of Doom track also can be found on TALES FROM THE BLACK BOOK.
The raw sound is the perfect vehicle for the bloody chunks served up by VOLCANO.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 13 Songs 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

WINO – PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM     SOUTHERN LORD RECORDINGS/SOULFOOD

www.southenrlord.com

25 years in the buisness of pure, soul filled Rock (or Doom Rock, if that gives you a better picture) for Scott „Wino“ Weinrich, he's been active in THE OBSESSED, ST. VITUS, SPIRIT CARAVEN and before this new solo project the at times highly underrated THE HIDDEN HAND (sure a few dug the class of the band, but the full brilliancy of them did never catch the deserved attention).
So now with the help of Jean Paul Gaster (CLUTCH) on drums and Jon Blank (REZIN) he delivers now a more “Wino“ based songwriting approach. That this is not to far away from his former work is not to surprising, otherwise this would also be a dissapointment for some (including me).
The great opener RELEASE ME delivers nice Blues drenched Rock in the vein of THE OBSESSED, the soul is almost physically feelable. PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM is a faster paced, whirlwind guitar driven heavy mother. THE WOMAN IN THE ORANGE PANTS is the first of three instrumental pieces on the record, this one gets his kicks via the outstanding drumming. After the bluesy midtempo groover SMILIN'ROAD comes the doomy EYES OF THE FLESH, massive dark chords are nicely placed in the overall lightfooted and melodic SECRET REALM DEVOTION. The final SILVER LINING is presented in an awesome guitarsound clothing and the charismatic voice comes out best.
The warm, clear and crispy production does the last to make this a classy Rock record.
Only three instrumental tracks are a slight bit too much, therefore I did substract one point.
For the usual following a must have.

GENRE: ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 10 Songs 43 min

Thomas Schubet
thomas@daredevilrecords.de


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Reviews December 2008

AKIMBO  -  JERSEY SHORES  
BIONIC – BLACK BLOOD  
BOKOR – VERMIN SOUL 
EARTHLESS  -  Live at Roadburn 
THE GEORGIAN SKULL – Mother armageddon, healing apocalypse
GLOWSUN  -  The Sundering 
HAIEETA  -  MVEMJSUN(P) 
LOS NATAS  VS.  SOLODOLOR   -   Split 10”
MOGUL  –  Build Me A Hunchback  
MUSTASCH  -  In the night
OCEANS OF SADNESS  -  The arrogance of Ignorance
OPERATIKA  -  The Calling
SOLENOID – Solenoid 
TEARS OF MAGDALENA   -   Myths and Legends
THE DEEN    -    LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA NAKED
VOETSEK – INFERNAL COMMAND 
WARDRUNA – GAP VAR GINNUNGA   

++++++

AKIMBO  -  JERSEY SHORES   NEUROT Records

www.livetocrush.com
www.neurotrecordings.com
www.southern.net

AKIMBO is back with their fifth record, their first for the mighty NEUROT label. And after the 2 mighty Alternative Tentacles releases in 2006 and 2007 with more hectic and aggressive Hardcore batteries, they will give you on the Neurot debut more slower, deeper, dirtier and heavier (and mostly more atmospheric) music. Brutal guitar riffs, between Doom Metal and Noise–Core meets Neurosis like growls. The whole record got inspired by shark-attacks in New York in the year 1916. The opener MATAWAN is a 7 minute long track with some silent parts and awesome guitar distortion in the middle. The song fades out and leave you with an open mouth! BRUDER VANSANT is a Bulldozer and LESTER STILL WELL is a 11 minute long song full of dynamic on the one side and slower and acoustic parts on the other side. All in all the heavy direction is the way on that track. Highlight is the song called ROGUE which features all the above mentioned tempo changings and heavy riffing. But it is the song, which is in my head first after the end of the record. The following two GREAT WHITE BULL and the title track JERSEY SHORES can hold the standard of the other material. A big surprise and a big changing in the sound of AKIMBO and you should check them out on stage – because they are one of the most intensive bands out there! If you like Neurosis, the other Neurot releases or the Hydrahead stuff – this is perfect for you!

Genre: Noisecore
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 47 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

BIONIC – BLACK BLOOD    SIGNED BY FORCE RECORDS

www.signedbyforce.com

Jonathan Cummins (guitars and vocals in BIONIC) was a former member of THE DOUGHBOYS, still the Montreal based band delivers a kind of Punk but with BIONIC its a bit more Rock baby. This is the third album and the infosheet states that BLACK BLOOD is supposed to be the most aggressive and crunchy so far.
GOT SKIN is a nice start, bally Rock'N'Roll ala early GLUECIFER gets mixed with a Stoner vibe and at times pretty noisy sound outbursts, LEARN TO LOVE THE GOVERNMENT and IS THERE A TV IN HEAVEN? are two heavy bastards, the later one uses up a classic MOTORHEAD riff for the best of it. On BLACK BLOOD they sound like a Hardcore editon of QOTSA, and the piano parts and the dirty charm of SILVER JET PLANE again have something of GLUECIFER. Compared to the above mentioned bands BIONIC have a bit more hair on their balls, it sounds fierce and straight on. The loose Rocker SISTER DYNAMITE surpirses with spicy outbursts, strange chords and sounds are nicely integrated into SOFT AS MARGARINE. Oh by the way if you're into cheerleader stuff TEMPLE OF LOVE might be holding something for you.
The production supports the intend of kicking ass in a the best possible way.

GENRE: PUNK ROCK with balls
MUSIC: 8
SOUN:D 8
INFO: 11 Songs / 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BOKOR – VERMIN SOUL    SCARLET RECORDS/SPV

www.bokor.se

BOKOR is a Metal act from Sweden, simple fact that states it all. Their influences reach from early 70 sounds to newer Death, Gore Metal over to Psychedelic Rock and much more if you put any believe into their website.
Lets take the shortcut and put the CD into the tray of your player and press the start button.
And VIRAL PROPHESIES delivers a multi layered heavy bastard with tons of twists and turns to it. Heavy chords lead the way, TOOL meets older psychedelic hammond parts, the vocals can be warm or brutal as hell, if the feeling demends for it. Especially the vocal arrangements remind of TOOL as well as the dynamic drumming. OH GLORY IN THE VOID starts of silent but soon after heavy chords rumble this fragile structure, and once again I hear the US innovation regarding complex modern music, but another thing that lays hear is some PSYCHOTIC WALTZ. Onward whiplashing beats carry VARMINT SOUL that also blends with strong melodies and a very remindable core. The key parts in IESU FROM MATTOROSO gives it a bit of a 70s flair, but the song in general is a pretty heavy stamper with stunning vocal lines and the middlepart has defintely something of CANDLEMASS, at the end it gets pretty atmospheric and wide in this song of epic proportions. MOSQUITO DREAMS invites to let it slide along, but there is enought tension in the song to keep one fevering, the guitars have that David Gilmour singing to them. Powerful melodic vocals introduce SEVEN TEEHT PLAYFAIR another complex built but easy to get to masterpiece, quieter parts go hand in hand with heavier outburst, and oh yeas the same blood runs in the TOOL bloodcirculation, is there a bigger compliment? Doulbe bass assaults and growls make WATCHING THE WESTERN DESERT FREEZE grim and fierce, but don't worry melodies also find plenty of use.
I really wonder whos behind such great musicianship, astonishing, it all just flows and takes you right into its center. And if you ask yourself if it sounds anything like OPETH I would rather say no. Way better than their debut ANOMIA 1, if you ask me.

GENRE: METAL with some twists
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 57 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

EARTHLESS  -  Live at Roadburn  (double CD / LP)  Tee Pee Records

www.teepeerecords.com
www.myspace.com/earthless

Earthless are a three-piece instrumental rock band featuring former members of ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, NEBULA and ELECTRIC NAZARENE. This double CD / LP got live recorded on Europeans most important Stoner / Sludge / Doom Metal Festival, the ROADBURN Festival in the Netherlands. I`m not really a fan of instrumental live music, only KARMA TO BURN was an interesting band in my eyes (especially on stage!). But the psychedelic rock from these guys from San Diego is not bad. Over the distance of nearly 90 minutes, songs like BLUE, FROM THE AGES, FROM THE AGES/GODSPEED and SONIC PRAYER will not get boring over the whole distance, but the long solos and the less fat riffs make this record only interesting for fans. 4 songs over 2 discs are too boring in my eyes, but if you find the idea of twenty-minute tunes that consist chiefly of a solid rock rhythm decorated with oodles of super-fast pedal-drenched blues-scale solos, you will like that band. So – get some beer, sit down, close your eyes and listen to that spacey instrumental psychedelic Rock

Genre: instrumental Psychedelic Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 4 Songs / around 90 minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE GEORGIAN SKULL – MOTHER ARMAGEDDON, HEALING APOCALYPSE   SCARLET RECORDS/SPV

www.scarletrecords.it

Since I noticed tha Al Bones is the man behind THE GEORGIAN SKULL my interest did rise immediately. For all the none believers he is also the voice of the awesome THE MIGHTY NIMBUS (check out their selftitled debut from 2004 on THREEMAN RECORDINGS, I would call it a must have). Like the MIGHTY ones the group also has that Doom blood in their veins, but this gets infiltrated with minor Sludge and New Orleans twists all over.
FINAL DAYS OF DOOM starts of pretty classy Metal styled and heavy, the raw vocals in DEMON CRIPPLER reminded a bit of FURBOWL with a bit of a CROWBAR Hardcore vibe, dirty Rock'N'Roll and cool guitars. Filthy Doomcore with a bit of complexity and a few faster Hardcore eruptions can be heard on HEARTS BURNING (SCISSORFIGHT deliver equal stuff), harsh is the way of BECOMING MACHINES, THE FUNERAL bring up a bit of the PANTERA vocal style of Phil, psychedelic is a good describtion for the twisted INTERMISSION. DOWN lurk around the corner in the nice paced HUNTING THE GHOST, and the PANTERA basics also shine through in DOOM LORD PUSHER.
For fans of THE MIGHTY NIMBUS, DOWN or the NOLA stuff in general a must have, even though some of the material is not that easy to get to on the first run.

GENRE: DOOM ROCK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 53 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

GLOWSUN  -  The Sundering    Buzzville Records

www.buzzville.be
www.myspace.com/glowsunmusic


Another good release from that Belgian Stoner Rock label! French three-piece GLOWSUN are back after a EP in 2005 (called LOST LOVE). And what a big surprise, this is no typcial Stoner Rock, because the band from Lillie tries to bring some more actuel sounds into their music, sometimes they are close to TOOL, especially on the vocal and bass-guitar side. The opener VIRUS is a good example for that. Tue song features a great Stoner Rock riff and some silent parts too, which remind me on some newer DOZER material. The following THE END sounds like some KYUSS songs and MY JESUS features again great riffs. NO WAY is led by a slow riff for headbangers and the guitar solo is like an introduction to the following GREEN SUN, SICK WORLD, which starts with some acoustic guitars and turns into a good Stoner Rock song!  BARBARELLA features some fuzzy psychedelic guitar solo at the ending part (but it is a great Stoner rocker too!) and the 8 minute long INSIDE MY HEAD is like a trip to the space! Psychedelic sounds at it`s best! THE HEADS kicks ass with some mighty riffs and the last song, NEED closes a good record with a hypnotic riff! All in all an excellent Stoner Rock record, but don`t expect anything new. But the band sounds fresh and full of power! And the mighty poster-like artwork make this Stoner Rock album for fans essential. This 3 guys rock!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 9 Songs / 44 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

HAIEETA  -  MVEMJSUN(P)    Realize Records


www.luggamusic.com
www.myspace.com/haieeta

HAIEETA from Ireland is a very good Stoner / Doom Metal newcomer. The 6 songs are strong and can hold the standard of the genre. In their country they have played with all the well-known bands like Orange Goblin, Volt, Hermano and End of Level boss. The opener DRAGONFLIES TERRAIN is a slow powerful song and turns into a fast thrashing end. Especially the vocals are very close to the sludge genre and make this band interesting. FREEZE THE FLAME is a fast Rock`n`Roll inspired track. On the opener the vocals fit perfect in my eyes, especially on the slow and melting parts. But on FREEZE THE FLAME they fit not really on it. HAUNTED GANGSTER is again slow and heavy and again a good song between MOTORHEAD and Stoner Rock. WHITE KNUCKLE is in my eyes with the opener the highlight on that record. It features good vocal melodies and good guitar riffs. The song structures fit perfect and make this song special on that record. TELEPATHIC LOVE is again more a boring track without any highlights. The last song, 14 minutes long, called RESIDUAL HILL has good parts on it, interesting tempo changes and some great guitar riffs. But over the distance of 14 minutes they can`t hold the interest in the song. All in all a good start, but not more. The real outstanding moments are not so far into their sound.  But maybe they can make a big step with their next release. But if you like Stoner and Sludge Rock – check this band out!

Genre: Stoner Sludge Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 6 Songs / 39 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

LOS NATAS  VS.  SOLODOLOR   -   Split 10”   Buzzville Records

www.buzzville.be

This is a limited 10“ Vinyl single (1000 copies) and I think this will be sold out soon! Because with LOS NATAS there is a real leading band in the Stoner Rock genre on the B-Side. But the 10“ starts with the project called SOLODOLOR. This project was born in 2006 during the producing of the Los Natas recording. Producer Billy Anderson and Natas lead guitarist Sergio Ch. used some of their free time between the recording and with a good couple of friends they created 3 songs between Death Metal, Punk Rock, Hardcore and all that old School Crust stuff. And the material is really good! SUNDAY HORSE is a fast and aggressive (in the old school veins) opener and MOCHA POO shows the power of that band.  Not as good as the opener, but a good headbanger! LA BALADA DE SOLODOLOR is a ballad, which shows the wide influences of that project!  Good stuff and let me introduce you the Solodolor recording line-up: Billy Anderson (The Melvins, Porn, Blessing The Hogs) - bass; Sergio Ch (Los Natas, Santoro) - guitar; Rowek (V8, Rata Blanca, Nativo) - drums; El Topo (Santoro, Eight Hands For Kali) - vocals.
LOS NATAS is one of Argentina`s biggest rock bands and with this 14 minute Space Rock monster called GITANOSS they show their class. This is psychedelic Space Rock at it`s best. The acoustic beginning and the psychedelic guitar sounds and leads from Sergio Ch are unique in the scene. For Fans a must have!
The artwork for this split 10" was designed by Italian collective Malleus and it is of course awesome!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music:
Sound:
Info: 4 Songs / 26 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

MOGUL  –  Build Me A Hunchback   Buzzville Records

www.buzzville.be
www.myspace.com/mogulbe
www.mogul.be

Belgian MOGUL had their first statement with the EP in 2006, which got recorded in the Hype Studio (for example Cowboys and Aliens). And COWBOYS AND ALIENS is maybe a good comparison about how they sound! MOGUL released a good Stoner album with BUILD ME A HUNCHBACK in my eyes, but the problem is, that in the last century too much good Stoner albums, which sounds similar, got released. SICK AND TIRED is a faster opener with some typical Stoner riffs, the typical guitar leads and a good voice. RETURN TUE BLUES sounds again like some old-fashioned Stoner Rock stuff, like LOWRIDER or the above mentioned COWBOYS & ALIENS. NARROW SHOES start with a great opening part and Sam Dufoor give you a great melody! And the song turns into a great groove monster! Yeah – this is one of the highlights on that record. The 8 minute long GENIE 18 follows and it is a more slower song with some comparison (especially the vocals sounds like John Garcia) to the mighty SLOBURN. LOW TIDE is the same direction and this 2 songs are better as the good opening stuff on BUILD ME A HUNCHBACK. SIDE KICK is a real STONER ROCK monster! The opening riff is awesome and the song has a lot of drive and great vocals again. Only the artwork is not typical Stoner Rock and in my eyes a bit too simple! Such a great record need some mighty artwork and packing! But the sound is good, done by Koen Vanhee and mastered by Alan Ward (Astrosoniq, Cowboys & Aliens, Within Temptation). A great record with nothing new, but with high quality Stoner Rock stuff! Get it!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 48 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

MUSTASCH  -  In the night DVD     Regain Records

www.mustasch.net
www.regainrecords.com

Live in Gothenburg Sweden 2007, that is the background information behind that DVD. MUSTASCH is one of the biggest Rock and Metal bands in Sweden and you will see that on the IN THE NIGHT DVD. The audience went crazy and Ralf is the perfect frontman. His spoken words (all in swedish) are friendly and full of respect to the crowd! He is still one of them. After a introduction (the Eurovision song) the band stand behind a white curtain and after a small explosion the band shows their power. It is awesome to see them on stage acting like some gods! All the 13 songs are hits, all songs have a huge power and Ralf did a fabulous job. The band plays tight and it is impressive to watch them on this DVD. Especially the opener IN THE NIGHT, the slow Doom monster MY DISORDER and the fabolous BRING ME EVERYONE are outstanding songs! And yeah....DOUBLE NATURE as last song made the audience sweat! Here is the tracklist of the DVD:
01. In The Night
02. Down In Black
03. Accident Blackspot
04. Bring Me Everyone
05. Haunted By Myself
06. Into The Arena
07. My Disorder
08. Black City
09. I Lied
10. I Hunt Alone
11. Monday Warrior
12. 6:36
13. Double Nature
As bonus you will get some Backstage stuff from that day and Promotional video. Especailly the videoclip of DOUBLE NATURE is a real cool video-clip – MUSTASCH is playing in an old Eastern Kung Fu movie including some fighting scenes. Very cool! The live-set was filmed with some cameras and the sound is really great! It makes a lot of fun to watch that DVD. Still one of my favourite bands, still one of the best bands in the world and still an impressive live act! If you like Metal or Rock – go out and buy this great DVD!

Genre: Heavy Rock
Sound: 9
Music: 10
Info: approax 2 hours

Jochen

++++++

OCEANS OF SADNESS  -  The arrogance of Ignorance   Scarlet Records

www.scarletrecords.it
www.oceansofsadness.com

Belgian Metal band OCEANS OF SADNESS are back with their fifth album in eight years. The last record MIRROR PALACE was a little disappointment, but with the new record on the cool Italian SCARLET label, they are back with a darker, more serious and more epic record. This album will bring the band on a new level, with songs the band never quite managed so brilliantly before. The different styles of the band (Dark Metal, Black Metal, Progressive stuff, Symphonic and classic influences) flow much better and the opener ROULETTE is a good statement for that words. SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY starts with an un-rhythmic riff and turns into a real head-banger with dark and classic vocals. SUBCONSCIOUS is more a classic Gothic Metal song and has a lot of potential for a mainstream hit single. SOME THINGS SEEM SO EASY is full of atmosphere and silent parts which make this song awesome. Especially the clean vocals from Tijs will lead you to another sphere. The following THE WEAKEST LINK is again heavy, again with an un-rhythmical riff and drumming. BETWEEN THE LINES is a more simple track (in comparison to the other material), with a more simple drumming and great guitar melodies. IN THE END is my personal favourite, because I love the guitar riff and the powerful drumming on that song. This is the most intense song on that record.  And the shouted vocals give that song an extra vibe. FROM THEN ON is again a slower and more melodic track before FAILURE bringing back the whole power of the band. HOPE is a sentimental piano track and closes this good record with a silent moment. On that record you will find guest appearances from Johann Liva (ex-Arch Enemy, Hearse) on IN THE END and Annlouice Loegdlund (Diablo Swing Orchestra) on SUBCONSCIOUS on vocals. So – THE ARROGANCE OF IGNORANCE is a big surprise and a good investment for Metal / Gothic / Dark Metal fans. Maybe OPETH fans like it too! Every second on THE ARROGANCE OF IGNORANCE is an absolute joy for the listener.

Genre: Epic Dark Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 52 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

OPERATIKA  -  The Calling  Scarlet Records

www.scarletrecords.it
www.operatika.com

This is the debut record from New Jersey based symphonic Power Metal band with roots in Russia/Ukraine. After a EP and the contract with Italian Scarlet Records, the band around female vocalist Slava Popova and guitarist Bill Visser released their first official output THE CALLING. The band opened for famous acts like Michael Schenker Group, Helloween, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Europe and George Lynch and all this bands have great guitar player too. The opener GLADIATOR is a classic Power Metal track with awesome guitar work. Bill is a very talented player! And the vocals are very close to some Nightwish stuff...maybe a faster and heavier Nightwish version. TEARS OF THE SUN starts with a classic Megadeth like riffing and again - the musical side is really awesome! Symphony X`s bassplayer Mike Lepond played the bass parts on that record. And Anna Dok did the neoclassical / symphonic keyboard on that record. DARK HORIZON is a mid-tempo track with some hit potential. ICE QUEEN starts again with some 80`s style Thrash Metal guitars before the opera like vocals fit into the song. MASK IN THE MIRROR is a highlight on the record; especially the guitar work reminds me little on the stuff of the old PRETTY MAIDS outputs (of course with female vocals). LAST QUEST shows again the high talent of Bill Visser on guitar. Awesome solos and melodies came out of his guitar. Operatika can`t hold the high standard of Nightwish, but they have the same level as bands like EDENBRIDGE for example.

Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 52 Minutes

Jochen

++++++
SOLENOID – Solenoid   Buzzville Records

www.buzzville.be
www.solenoidrocks.com

SOLENOID is a very untypical release from the Belgian Stoner Rock label. Because SOLENOID play NWOBHM influenced pure Heavy Metal. OK – you can find some Stoner Rock elements on the songs, but all in all it is a mix of NWOBHM and old MOTORHEAD stuff. The album was mixed by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Exodus, Black Sabbath, Anvil) and mastered by Göran Finnberg (Opeth, Spiritual Beggars, The Haunted) and so expect an heavy sound! The opener OUT IN THE DARK is a riff-laden rocker with the pure charme of the 80`s. DOWN TUE DREAM includes some old Motorhead influences. Especially the vocals, done by Frank Homolka, are old school and fit perfect to the sound of that band. Highlight on that Rekord are the songs HER PEACE, a good mid-tempo rocker and the following ONE ARMED MAN with mighty vocals. A real groove monster is SHORT BUT SWELL, a track which will not go out of your head for days. SLAYIN` has a running time of 1.30 minutes and it is fast and full of power. I like that song. All in all a good and fresh Metal output, but in my eyes are not enough outstanding songs on SOLENOID. There is no real filler on it, but  maybe 2-3 songs with rememberable refrains would be great.  I think they will make some fire on stage. And they do on CD!

Genre: Heavy Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 47 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

TEARS OF MAGDALENA   -   Myths and Legends    Scarlet Records

www.tearsofmagdalena.com
www.scarletrecords.it

After the two old singers Mr. Vasstago and the female singer Magdalena Lee left the band last year, the KIVIMETSÄN DRUIDI singer Jevgenia got the new Metal Queen at TEARS OF MAGDALENA. The band is close to the last NIGHTWISH stuff, especially the classic female vocals and classic keyboard parts. I`m really not into that music, but I can hear that the band have great songwriters inside and the well done mix of driving, happy folk elements, fairy-like sounds and a lovely skilled classical voice of Jevgenia. AURORA BOREALIS is a typical Finnish sounding opener and the following CUT EM DOWN, with dark and deep vocals on the strophe will put the band on the top! CUT EM DOWN is a real hit single. A little bit of Nightwish, a little bit of Crematory….good stuff for the clubs and radios. THE EASTWAY, with again Death Metal like vocals and the classic solo parts, is another highlight on MYTHS AND LEGENDS. IN THE SILENCE was led by the lovely and dramatic vocals from Jevgenia. The other songs can hold the high standard and if you like such sounds; if you like the combination between dark grunts and lovely female vocals – musically is TEARS OF MAGDALENA top! Great songs, great musicians, great song-writing. Check this band out!

Genre: Gothic Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs / 40 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE DEEN    -    LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA NAKED   

www.thedeen.net
www.myspace.com/thedeenmusic


THE DEEN are a new Stoner Rock band from Cologne Germany. The SECRET DISCOVERY / Oomph drummer Lars is in the band and they have an affectation to QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. That is clear after the first 2 songs. Especially the power and the simple touch from the QOTSA plus the coolness from the EAGLES OF DEATH METAL make this band good. This together is a cool mix for every Stoner Rock fan and the outstanding vocals, which are close to some Alternative bands out in the scene; they have the will have the last word to make their music commercial. THORN, the opener, is a song which will drive you crazy with the slow QOTSA – like guitar riffs. I WAS YOUR FAN is closer on the QOTSA material as their own stuff. Especially the bass and guitars sounds like QOTSA. I`m a huge fan from the QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, but the 2 first songs are a real 1:1 copy. BITTERSWEET is the first song which shows the own face of THE DEEN. A little BLACKMAIL, a little STONER ROCK, a little Alternative Rock ala SLUT and a great song was born. FOR MY WASTED YEARS is in my eyes a little too boring, but the following SOMETHING LIKE YOU is again a cool riff rock song. I LIKE YOU show the same trademarks as the GODSMACK stuff and the vocals are again full of power! UNREAL is the highlight on that record. Starts slow and emotional, but with a great groove and outstanding vocals before the song turns into a cool solo part. This is real good Rock music. THE DEEN style! UNNOTICED is again more alternative. DANGER LOVE is pure Desert Rock and YOU NEVER KNOW is again a cool and dirty rocker and a highlight on that record. REMEDY is the hardest track on that album; especially the guitars are full of distortion. I COULD close this awesome Debut record with the best song on that record. This is the perfect rock song in my eyes! This is big stuff! The Record was produced by the guy who worked with CANNED HEAT and CRASH TEST DUMMIES and so – expect a major label like sound! And I think a major label will sign that band very soon!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 13 Songs / 52 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

VOETSEK – INFERNAL COMMAND    SELFMADEGOD RECODS

www.selfmadegod.com
www.myspace.com/voetsekthrashers

California is the homeland of VOETSEK like it seems to be an easy guess the band is in old school Bay Area (yes California is in that „area“) Thrash with some Hardcore spikes in the flesh, in the early days this was called Speedcore or Thrashcore, and exactly this is what is taking place here. Yes I know tons of bands are on the retro Thrash spirit right now but the ruthlesness of VOETSEK gives them some extra points. The vocals are at times a bit demanding (just hear WHAT WOULD LEMMY DO?) but overall they fit pretty well. All of the seventeen tracks are pretty short, and boy they cut right to the chase, no fillers just killers to repeat that old cliche. The leadguitarwork also stuns at times (BLUEPRINT FOR THE PERFECT CIRCLE PIT, MUCHO MACHO).
So if you're into old school Thrash with a nice splashy production and big balls with Hardcore fleas attatched to them, get it.

GENRE: THRASHCORE
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 17 Songs 22 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

WARDRUNA – GAP VAR GINNUNGA    INDIE RECORDINGS

www.wardruna.com

Einar Kvitrafn Selvik is the founder of WARDRUNA a kind of losy Folk based, away from the Metal genre taking place sound creation (he also did the soundtrack for the TRUE NORWEIGAN BLACK METAL flick). This debut is the first of a triology named RUNALJOD. Even though big names of the scene can be heard on GAP VAR GINNUNGA (Gaahl from GORGOROTH) this stuff has nothing for the hardliners to offer, only for the open minded.
Obscure instruments are included in the eerie sound constructions, you can hear mouthharps, horns, violins, lurs and tons of other things that make it a little different.
Hm just to give a little overview, HAGDALL sounds like SUSPIRIA (I'am refering to the soundtrack) in the woods, mouthharps and female chanting try to create a kind of trance in BJARKAN, eerie manly chants domane LOYNDOMSRISS, violins and beats reign in HEIMTA THURS, the fire burns in THURS and the birds chirp along to female vocals in the „most“ melodic track JARA.
Imagine worldmusic elements, with nordic Folk basics and a kind of Ambiente spicings at the edges, kind of.

GENRE: AMBIENTE OBSCURE FOLK
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 52 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++



Reviews 11.11.2008

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS- IN THE SHADOW OF 1000 SUNS  
BISON B.C. - QUIET EARTH   
DEADLOCK  -  Manifesto  
ESTUARY- THE CRAFT OF CONTRADICTION  
FIVE AND THE RED ONE  -  Mother Bomb Phoenix  
FUNERAL  -  As the light does the shadow  
GIRLSCHOOL – LEGACY   
IRONWEED  -  Indian Ladder   
LEFT TO VANISH – VERSUS THE THRONE 
LORD BELIAL – THE BLACK CURSE   
MORKOBOT – MORTO 
NEBULA  -  BBC / Peel Sessions 
PAGANIZER – CARNAGE JUNKIE    VIC RECORDS
RAVENS CREED – MILITIA OF BLOOD SACRIFICE
ROADSAW  -  See you in hell!  
SERPENTCULT – WEIGHT OF LIGHT   
SIX FEET UNDER – DEATH RITUALS  
STARVIN HUNGRY  -  Cold Burns  
STONEWALL NOISE ORCHESTRA  -  Constants in an ever changing universe 
THE CRIMSON ELECTRIC  -  Demo
THE OATH – 4   
THIS HAVEN  -  today a whisper, tomorrow a storm 

++++++


ABIGAIL WILLIAMS- IN THE SHADOW OF 1000 SUNS   CANDLELIGHT RECORDS/SOULFOOD

www.myspace.com/abigailwilliams

A Black Metal band from Arizona USA that plays Norwegian blend Black Metal well if this isn't something. The band was formed in 2005 by multi-instrumentalist Sorceron, prior to IN THE SHADOW...  an EP saw the light of day. After that the band called it a day due to the usual personal problems, but within a year they rejoined with new members.
On their debut which was recorded in Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Florida and Norway, Trym Torson (EMPEROR, ZYKLON) did almost all the drumtracks (except for three songs) on the album. And since namedropping is such a nice game, James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT, OBITUARY guitarplayer) did produce this masterwork. The band was also handpicked by EMPEROR to support them on their US tour.
After the short intro I the world seems to be crushing in with THE WORLD BEYOND, raging fast, bombastic Black Metal with insane blasts (the word stunning does this outstanding work no justice at all) and wide key arrangements reminds of EMPEROR at their peak, the same goes for ACOLYTES. A THOUSAND SUNS brings in clean vocals that put the whole thing near DIMMU BORGIR, but the raging speed that is webbed into the composition gives the song the needed brutality. After a also very D. BORGIR like synth intro, Sorceron shows his vocals skills the harshest way possible in the hyperblast assault INTO THE ASHES, but again they find enough space for atmosphere and feeling. SMOKE AND MIRRORS allows a bit more midtempo, and the guitarwork has a bit of the melodic Gothenburg melodic Death Metal scene (but this does not water down the heaviness). A SEMBLANCE OF LIFE is a classic arranged interlude that brings us to the blast ridden EMPYREAN: INTO THE COLD WASTES.
One of the best Norwegian Black Metal bombast albums outside of America.

GENRE: BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 47 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BISON B.C. - QUIET EARTH    METAL BLADE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/bisoneastvan
www.metalblade.com

It rose out of the ashes of S.T.R.E.E.T.S a Vancouver based Skate, Thrash band. The to me unknown debut EARTHBOUND took them on a different way, a way that is followed also on the next praising of „Stokasaurus“ QUIET EARTH. After I did hear the first tunes of PRIMAL EMPTINESS OF OUTER SPACE I know immediately what they are into, earthy Heavy Rock in vein of HIGH ON FIRE. The strings sing the same low tune, the vocals have that dirty charm to them and the beat is pure thunder and lightning. Along with the also fantastic TEETH OF THE HYDRA they play not unlike HOF, but they don't sound like a cheap rip-off, it's more like another version of equal ideas.
QUIET EARTH is powerhouse all the way, let your brain get splashed again the wall in the fast and furious (crappy movie by the way) DARK TOWERS, get into the doomy mood of the all the way HIGH ON FIRE riff-monster SLOW HAND OF DEATH or experience the hacking beat of THESE ARE MY DRESS CLOTHES. It hits and it's nice.
The production is also very explosive.

GENRE: POWER HOUSE HEAVY ROCK
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 44 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

DEADLOCK  -  Manifesto   Lifeforce Records

www.lifeforcerecords.com
www.xdeadlockx.com

WOLVES, the last recording from Bavarian Death machine DEADLOCK, was a real surprise and got a lot of awesome reviews and some new fans! After they released some month ago the song KILL KILL KILL (on this record called SEAL SLAYER) for the PETA2 campaign again animal killing, this is the new record from one of the most hopeful bands out of Germany. Since 1997 they are around and their Melodic Death Metal style was changed a little with the ad of the female vocals since years. And to tell you the truth, they will do a big step forward again with that record. I think WOLVES was more brutal, but this one is the right way to get bigger! Again great Death Metal riffs, great melodies and the mighty twin vocals from Johannes (typical Death grunts) and the lovely voice of Sabine make this band unique. The opener MARTYR TO SCIENCE is more commercial and slow with a lot of Gothic influences. This is a song for the masses. But the following SLAUGHTER`S PLACE turn up the speed and shows again the power od DEADLOCK. Same with DEATHRACE (but this song ends as a Hip Hop track...strange...). This is no clean produced record as WOLVES was, it is more rough and shows more experimental stuff, like the Jazz Saxophone at FIRE AT WILL. And with ALTRUISM you will get a ballade done by Sabine. As bonus song you will find a cover version of TEMPLE OF LOVE from SISTERS OF MERCY, which will be in the discos soon! This is not my style of music, but it is professional and if you like that kind of stuff, you will find a new love! Check this new output out!

Genre: Dark Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 47 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

ESTUARY- THE CRAFT OF CONTRADICTION    IBEX MOON RECORDS

www.estuarymetal.com
www.myspace.com/estuary

Cincinnati, Ohio is the origin of ESTUARY they original started back in 2002, in 2004 the debut TO EXIST & ENDURE (IBEX MOON) was released, now 2008 is the time for their second album, once again on IBEX MOON (INCANTATIONS John Mc Entee is the owner of the label).
The band plays a very explosive mix out of Death Metal/Thrash Metal with a huge melodic impact to them. CREATION DAMNATION has a bit of MONSTROSITY, NOCTURNUS (without keyboards) and a nice Thrash chord undergoing to it, also the strong melodies lead the way. LIES OF PROMISE is deeply rooted in the Thrash genre, at times it also has a bit of SUFFOCATION. The material is complex but easy to get into, the guitar-work just stuns (hear the melodic leads that breathe a bit of MERCYFUL FATE). Old school Thrash riffs go very nicely hand in hand in the fast TRANS-DIMENSIONAL SCOURGE, DISEASE CALLED DOGMA mixes whirlwind guitars with blast beats and Thrash a melodic, mellow start introduced the also very warm mid-tempo track HEIRS TO THE THRONE OF FEAR.
Very fast paced is CLEANSED OF ALL WISDOM that brings up an equal amount of Death and Thrash elements, complexity is practiced in FRAILITY IN NUMBERS and the last CARDINAL POINTS TO DIE UPON is another lesson in killer guitar-work (be it Thrash or Death Metal inspired).
By the way the vocals are done by Zdenka Prado, yes she is a female but this is not to recognize at all (I mean the growls, not the looks).

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 10 Songs 47 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

FIVE AND THE RED ONE  -  Mother Bomb Phoenix   Hellfest Records / Universal

www.myspace.com/fatro
www.fatro.de

Five and the red one is a modern Rock band from southern Germany. They played live with bands like Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Die Happy, Kansas, Sweet, Alice Cooper and Whitesnake and if you put all this together and make it a little more modern, you will get the sound of FIVE AND THE RED ONE. All is written for the independent Radio stations and songs like CRASH THE SKY or FALL fit perfect to that Radio stations and will rock the kids hard. THE LONG RUN is a little heavier track and in my eyes the highlight on that record (together with the rocker CIRCLE OF DRIVE). A ballad like PAIN is important for that kind of a record and so not my cup of tea. But as I said before, for a commercial Rock band (and from Germany - unbelievable!) a good record and this band will get a huge following - I know that. If you like the above mentioned bands or only good modern Rock music, you have to check this band out.

Genre: Modern Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 38 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

FUNERAL  -  As the light does the shadow   Indie Recordings

www.indierec.no
www.funeral.no

FUNERAL from Norway are back with a mighty new record. Their 1993 Demo output TRISTESSE gave the band the title “the most depressing band in the world” and that is in my eyes still the title for that band. This is a real Doom Record with a lot of atmosphere and emotions. The music follows the excellent style of the FROM THESE WOUNDS release, but with more pathos, melody and stronger songs. The opener THE WILL TO DIE shows a lot of Gothic Rock elements and will give you the path through this record. Frode Forsmo did the vocals (again no female vocals on that record) fragile, elegy, silent and suffering and fit with his clean vocal style perfect to the music of FUNERAL. And with Rob Lowe from CANDLEMASS / SOLITUDE AETURNUS they have a great guest singer on IN THE FATHOMS OF WIT AND REASON and this song is the highlight on that record. Especially the charismatic vocals from Rob give that song a lot of energy. The leads and the soli are awesome and fit perfect into the songs. And on that record the sound is more bombastic, done by a full orchestra which fits perfect on the right places. Every song is very depressive but awesome on the other side. The mighty THE STRENGHT TO END IT with some CANDLEMASS comparison or TORWARDS THE END, a real groove hammer, are the highlights on that outstanding record. The last song FALLEN ONE is a dark A-capella-track and sounds very interesting. All in all a great record, a good step forward (but not to far away from the last record) and an awesome artwork make this record a must have for fans of MY DYING BRIDE, SWALLOW THE SUN and NOVEMBERS DOOM!

Genre: Dark Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 72 Minutes

Jochen


++++++

GIRLSCHOOL – LEGACY    WACKEN RECORDS/SPV

www.girlschool.co.uk

It's the 30th anniversary and like it should be on every party some nice guests are invited to join the fun. In the case of GIRLSCHOOL, DIO, Lemmy & Phil Campell (MOTÖRHEAD of course), J.J. French & Eddie Ojeda (TWISTED SISTER), Fast Eddie Clark (former MOTÖRHEAD axeman) as well as Tony Iommi left several strings on the album. Even original guitar player Kelly Johnson who passed away last year can be heard on the opening track.
The album consists of Powerhouse Heavy Rock like EVERYTHING'S THE SAME, slower tunes like FROM THE OTHER SIDE or the very modern sounding I SPY (with a very classy Heavy Metal chorus). Light footed Rock'N'Roll is brought in SPEND SPEND SPEND, the kind of „Rap“ like vocals on WHOLE NEW WORLD remind a bit of GUANO APES (no shit). With METROPOLIS they did choose a very akward MOTÖRHEAD (a friend of mine always called it MOTÖRHEAD in E minor) tune as a cover version and boy Lemmys vocals just lack here. With DON'T TALK TO ME one of the heaviest bastards is on the album, Lemmys vocals give the track the needed backbone. I SPY can be found once again on the album with the Metal god DIO on vocals, and his singing makes it sound way more Metal than their recording of the composition. As another bonus their classic EMRGENCY also undergoes a re-recording and with LONDON a very MISFITS like tune can be found.
Very varied and entertaining. Fresh, fresh babes.

GENRE: HEAVY ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 15 Songs 51 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

IRONWEED  -  Indian Ladder    Smallstone Records

www.smallstone.com

IRONWEED features some guys from the mighty New York based Greatdayforup (especially the main guy behind GDFU, Mike Vitali on guitar) with the new vocalist Jeff Andrews. The “change” of the singer, which is really singing, makes the band stronger and straighter. GDFU was a huge band and with IRONWEED they are now more METAL as ever before, because they mix the driving riff rock from GDFU with the new, better fitting vocals to a harder and more melodic sound. THE FAITHLESS WILL is a riff-monster with excellent vocals and especially the groovy drumming is huge! LOST AND FORGOTTEN is again a mighty song between GDFU and Only Living Witness (the groove). It makes no sense to tell you anything about the single songs, all are full of power and heaviness and got lead by the mighty vocals. I only will mention A WORLD AWAY with an awesome chorus. THORN is a little different, with more dark and screamed vocals. One highlight (between some other highlights) is A PENNY FOR YOUR PRAYERS, which is very close to the CHUM (one of my favourite bands) material. LIFELESS COIL is more slow and the two last tracks (DEATH OF ME – very heavy and with deeper vocals again and MOTH – more experimental) close this mighty record. IRONWEED is a big surprise! This is exactly the music I like, full of power, great riffs, mighty drums and an awesome singer. I hope that this band will come to Europe soon! Thank you for INDIAN LADDER!

Genre: Heavy Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 56 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

LEFT TO VANISH – VERSUS THE THRONE    LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/lefttovanish
www.lifeforcerecords.com

LEFT TO VANISH hail from Philadelphia USA and on VERSUS THE THORNE they bring up a mix of all kins of metallic/hardcoreish brutality. The band is together for four years (even though the line up has seen some changes), and VERSUS is the first for the german LIFEFORCE company.
They start of very dissonat, the chords switch from the left to the right channel, staccato riffs come splashing in, harsh vocals give it the last extremity, soon after a „smooth“ groove sets in that is ripped apart via extensive breaks and doublebass hammering from hell. So this was the opening act called GIVE US BARABBAS, the following SEVENTEENTH YEAR CICADS and LONG LIVE THIS HERESY are a bit slower paced, breakdowns pop up here and there and the songs seem a bit more focused. Death Metal growls dominate the midtempo DIRT MERCHANT that even brings in some Sludge moments, the doomy LUFTHANSA HEIST has something of MORBID ANGEL at times, and on the other side melodic vocals spread a total different aura to the heavy riffs. WHITEWOLF AND NASH is a moment of relief achieved by nice melodies and a quieter spirit in general, after that breather the hectic takes over in the slow EYELESS IN GAZA. The guitars are pretty melodic in SUFFRAGE UNDER A SULFUR SKY, FEBRUARY 16TH 1969 has a bit of JOB FOR A COWBOY concerning the guitars in the opening reel (and JOB FOR A COWBOY has a lot of MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE, just to get things right), the Doom sequence also has something „nice“ to it.
All in all at times a bit too much, but in general ok.
The sound is clear, heavy and brutal.

GENRE: EXTREME HARDCORE METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs / 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

LORD BELIAL – THE BLACK CURSE    REGAIN RECORDS

www.lordbelial.com
www.myspace.com/lordbelialpromo

The two brothers along with their cousin plus the add of Niclas Andersson (the only outsider so to speak) are back to deliver their classy Black Death Thrash Metal.
To be honest after their debut KISS THE GOAT (NO FASHION RECORDS 1994, originally pressed in a pink artwork by mistake) I kind of lost track of the band. Now in 2008 THE BLACK CURSE marks the eight incarnation of their sound and as much as I can judge it they pretty stayed to their original approach of the genre. The Black/Death Metal rooted material has still a very strong melodic touch to it, they still use keyboards but except for TRUMPETS OF DOOM they take up not too much space. The faster songs do remind a bit of the late DISSECTION, just hear PAZUZU or SWORN and it`s very hard to prove me wrong here. IEXORABLE RETRIBUTION blends with melodic guitar solos, acoustic strings crown the atmospheric PRMORDIAL INCANTATION. In ASCENSION OF LILITH they play a bit with the SATYRICON like Black Metal Rock elements, also not to unpleasing. UNORTHODOX CATHARSIS shows Thrash roots all the way and the final stab SOULGATE brings in even some groove.
The production is fine, a bit more warmth would make it sound a bit more round, but this is only my opinion.

GENER: BLACK THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 53 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

MORKOBOT – MORTO    SUPERNATURALCAT

 www.supernatrulacat.com

MORTO is the third and final chapter of MORKOBOT'S first triology. MORTO consists of only one track that has been devided into three segments. The band is into instrumental stuff, I wouldn't go so far as to call it Rock, sure traces can be found splendidly but all in all it is way more atmospheric and chaotic.
It starts of with organic drums, weird arrangements follow soon, boys and girls no classic Rock music can be found here, later on it gets more and more trance like, but this trance can't be reached because the sound landscapes are to lively and some outburst shake one right to the bone. The second part consists of real chord work and drumming, the two thunder basses roll like hell, weird, jazzy guitar strings set in later on. Compared to part 2 the third is a bit more laid back and quiet, but thus after all not that different from the other if it comes to the spirit of the track.
Open minds are only welcome at this playground.

GENRE: AMBIENTE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 1 Song 40 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

NEBULA  -  BBC / Peel Sessions   Sweet Nothing / Cargo Records

www.cargorecords.co.uk
www.nebulamusic.com
www.cargo-records.de

After 10 years and their first EP called LET IT BURN, Nebula will bring you a mighty BBC / Peel Session! After Eddie Glass and Ruben Romano left FU MANCHU, the band got catapulted to the top of the Stoner Rock scene with 2 EPs! August 2002 was the date that Nebula played for the first time at the famous BBC Maida Vale Studios. This session got a mighty feedback from press and the radio listeners and that was the point, that Nebula did another show one year later at the Radio 1 Rock Shows. March 2004 they did another recording in the legendary Maida Vale Studio. The CD is a real killer and features some of their best tracks! This live recording is really awesome and it features from the RADIO 1 ROCK SHOW (2003) the following songs: RADIO 1 / CLEARLIGHT, INSTANT GRAVITATION and STRANGE HUMAN. From the 2004 Peel Session CARPE DIEM, the mighty hit SO IT GOES, WAY TO VENUS and FIN plus from the first Peel Session (2001) THIS ONE, SONIC TITAN, FREEDOM and ALL THE WAY.
If you like a record which will hit you directly in your face, this is it! Rough and brutal! Nebula as it best! If you like Stoner Rock, this is a must have! Get it!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 11 Songs / 50 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

PAGANIZER – CARNAGE JUNKIE    VIC RECORDS

www.paganizer.com
www.myspace.com/paganizerband

This is the sixth album by the swedish Death Metal institution, with Rogga Johansson (did the vocals on EDGE OF SANITY`s CRIMSON II) a „name“ also can be found in the line up of the band.
The band is in simple Death Metal the Swedish way with a touch of Thrash and minor Grind and Crust elements. The Swedish factor goes of course especially for the low tuned guitar sound, the sometimes puts them near the great GRAVE. On CARNGAE JUNKIE twelve new tracks can be heard, and as a bonus five exclusive bonus tracks have been added (sorry I don't know if this is new or old material).
They play fast stuff like in DEATH PLAIN AND SIMPLE, GRINDED AND EXILED or HEAL NOT YOUR WOUNDS, Thrash roots are more than obvious while listening to BLUNT BLADE SURGERY. With the doomy SWEET DECAY they did record one of the best on the record. THE CADAVEROUS shows a nice hand for melodic guitar work and on JUST HERE ROTTING MORBID ANGEL delivered a kind of blue print of the opening guitar sequence. Sure some of the tracks may sound a bit the same but the spirit is there, for me it could have been a bit more faster paced, the main part of the material moves in the up-tempo section (more stuff like GRINDED AND EXILED would have made this one a bit hotter).
Very „nice“ Death Thrash with no surprises.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 17 Songs 50 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

RAVENS CREED – MILITIA OF BLOOD SACRIFICE   IRON PIG RECORDS/SOUL FOOD

First of some namedropping, members of IRON MONKEY, CEREBRAL FIX, SKYCLAD, GBH and ORANGE GOBLIN are in the Nottingham based old school arson company.
The material takes the best out of the likes of british Crust (DISCHARGE, who else), old School Black Metal (VENOM just hear IMPERIAL LEATHER, and a bit of CELTIC FROST) and of course eighties Thrash (DEAD CROW MANTLE). This all together in one sounds more than interesting. The vocals of Ben Ward (ORANGE GOBLIN) are striking and original as ever. All of the four tracks seem to have been recorded in different sessions, since the sound quality is very different in its presentation.
Great fun. If this can be transformed on a whole album, well the future will tell.

GENRE: OLD SCHOOL CRUST METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 4-7
INFO: 4 Songs 11 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

ROADSAW  -  See you in hell!   Smallstone Records

www.smallstone.com


After some silent years, one of the oldest Stoner / Heavy Rockers from the states are back with a new output! SEE YOU IN HELL! is a massive statement to the scene and the fourth record was reduced to the minimum. Simple Stoner Rock riffs, a lot of great vocal melodies and a huge power are the trademark of SEE YOU IN HELL, the first record since roughly six years. And Darryl Shepard, who last played with the band in 1997, is back on guitar. And they created together their best output so far!  After the INTRO, WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE starts with a lot of power and a mighty Stoner Rock riff. And I was surprised by the power of the band – especially the home come from Darryl give that sound an extra kick! Listen to the riff of WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE and the solo and you will know what I mean! LOOK PRETTY LONELY reminds me a little on some of the legendary UNIDA stuff. GO IT ALONE features a great refrain with a great melody and is real highlight in the Stoner Rock scene! Puh – so far only killers! THE RULES is slower and will give you for the first time a little pause. UP TO YOU could be a riff written by Arthur Seay (UNIDA / HOUSE OF BROKEN PROMISES) and kicks ass! DEAD HORSE is an acoustic track and very emotional before LEAVIN, one of the highlights on SEE YOU IN HELL, will kill your brain. This song drift away a little to the mainstream rock stuff and the vocal melodies (Craig Riggs on vocals did an awesome job on this record with his soulful singing) are awesome. This song has the potential to get airplay on some radio stations. IT`S YOUR MOVE is a groovy Stoner Rock song and RECEIVE close this record with some Hammond sounds again a mighty vocal line. I have to mention the great input and power of the drummer Jeremy Hemond from CORTEZ. He did a solid and heavy groove under the great guitar riffs! There is no bullshit on SEE YOU IN HELL, a lot of killer riffs and a mighty groove! This is the best ROADSAW output so far and in 2008 one of the Stoner Rock highlights! If you like that strong and simple sound with a lot of melodies - give ROADSAW a second chance! With this record they will be the Stoner Rock leaders soon!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 46 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

SERPENTCULT – WEIGHT OF LIGHT    RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.serpentcult.be
www.myspace.com/serpentcult

This is the first long-player for the Belgium Doom Metal outfit SERPENTCULT. The band has their roots way back in the underground of the genre, on of probably most striking names is THE PLAGUE OF GENTLEMAN in which some of the band members have been involved to (the band broke up due to the „sickness“ of their singer). Like TPOG they are also into Metal layered Doom. To bring something new into the game they added a female lead singer named Michelle. Honestly at first they sounded a bit irritating but after a while they fit perfect to the heavy stuff and a nice contrast is worked out this way.
The music is basically a „frosty“ version of GOATSNAKE guitars, WINTER gloominess and classic Doom in it's hardest incarnation. The eight tracks kick butt, especially the hard to the core SCEAMS FROM THE DEEP (uh) left some marks. Another impressing thing is the outstanding hard picking bass work of Steven, give RED DAWN a try and you notice this right away. The album was mixed by none other than Billy Andreson (NEUROSIS, WEEDEATER).
By the way RED DAWN and SCREAMS FROM THE DEEP also stand on their debut MCD
TRIDENT NOR FIRE (I HATE RECORDS 2007), also highly recommended.

GENRE: DOOM METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 45 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SIX FEET UNDER – DEATH RITUALS   METAL BLADE RECORDS

www.sfu420.com
www.metalblade.com

I hope I don't get the „DEATH BY MACHETE“, if my count is right this is the already eighth album by the puristic Death Metal groovers SFU (left aside Eps and the two GRAVEYARD CLASSIC cover recordings). For me still TRUE CARNAGE (2001 METAL BLADE) is the thing to go, even this new one can't shake that fact. But like the last one COMMANDMENTS this one is also good for a few surprises.
The opening trio DEATH BY MACHETE, INVOLUNTERY MOVEMENT OF DEAD FLESH and NON WILL ESCAPE go back to the bands early HAUNTED (1995 METAL BLADE) days. The growls are not that extreme like on the later stuff (still striking and one of an own), the tracks are all pretty up-tempo, and somehow it just smells like the first stuff of them. Another thing that caught my ear is the drumming it's much more varied like on the other recordings of the band. So don't worry all you groove hounds there is plenty of that too. The slow EULOGY FOR THE UNDEAD and SEED OF FILTH or the phone prank call introduced SHOT IN THE HEAD (by the way the only not a 100% convincing song). Like always I am more turned on by the Doom „shit“ and so it comes not as a surprise that TEN DEADLY PLAGUES full fills all my desires. Very deep growls and gloom and doom all over make this one a real jewel, the doomy middle-part in INVOLUNTERY MOVEMENT OF DEAD FLESH also has it charme. And like it is not to familiar with SFU even some leads shine through (NON WILL ESCAPE, EULOGY FOR THE UNDEAD). Another hit is the „sick and twisted“ and at the final breaths doomy KILLED IN YOUR SLEEP.
A kind of experiment can also be found in CROSSROADS TO ARMAGGEDON, Beats and silent whispering is all that can be heard on this one(Death Rap?). As a cream covering they did record a interpretation of MÖTLEY CREWS BASTARD (1983 SHOUT AT THE DEVIL). This song Rocks and boy I have to admit this one might be one of their best cover tunes so far (play this one instead of TNT, the up to date a standard in their live shows).
The production is also more than pleasing. So like I said before a few surprises, something old, something new.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 13 Songs 49 min (the limited edition will contain three more live tracks as a bonus)

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

STARVIN HUNGRY  -  Cold Burns   Signed by Force Records / Cargo

www.signedbyforce.com

Punk rock is much too small a word to contain Canadian`s Starvin Hungry. STARVIN HUNGRY is a good mix of the Strokes and The Hives and has had members of D.O.A., SNFU and TRICKY WOO in their evolving line-up. The opener GHOST WITNESS is a great song with the typical Rock`n`Roll elements. The following CHICKEN FLY is more relaxed with a great Punk influence before the song LEFT HAND ENDEAVOUR kicks again more ass. That band plays a great Garage Rock, something that comes from the Swedish underground scene in the last years. SOME KIND SOLUTION is fast again before the most commercial (not a bad word in this context) song MORE bring to you a blues influences Grunge Punk Gararge Rock song. The alternately tuned guitars and the unusual chord changes bring you a raw energy. THE TRIUMPH OF NON is a cool rocker and the following songs show the class of that band. Especially the twin-guitar dirt-blues song THE HAMMER is another impressive statement of that band. All in all a fresh record and if you like it dirty and muddy – check this band out!

Genre: Punk Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 37 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

STONEWALL NOISE ORCHESTRA  -  Constants in an ever changing universe  Unit / Cargo Records

www.snoband.com
www.theunit.se

With VOLUME 1, their debut, the Swedish Riff rockers from STONEWALL NOISE ORCHESTRA (with ex-members of Greenleaf and Demon Cleaner) the band hit one of the top position of the European Stoner Rock scene. And it was one of the best selling records on DAREDEVIL RECORDS (so far you can get a re-release with 4 mighty bonus tracks!). After the huge live performances, the band signed to a bigger label and now you will get their mighty follow-up to Volume 1. After some touring, the singer Singe left the band after some personal troubles and John from MOTHER MISERY joined the band. He played some tours with SNO and recorded this record. And that is not the biggest different to the debut. OK, John is one of the best singers from Sweden and his vocals on that record are really awesome! He did great melodies and every track is a real small hit! But the band did 10 steps forward too! It is not only pure Stoner Rock on that record, after the tour with BLINDSIDE in Sweden the band put some more alternative sounds to their music and it fits perfect! After the intro ROLL CALL the monster Stoner song SKYSCRAPER MOMENT will blow you away before the slow and groovy (great guitar riffs and an awesome drum beat!) HOLLOW PARADE will bang your head! THE INVENTOR shows some hit potential for the radio stations and is a modern Rock song! VENUS TRAVEL AGENCY sounds like a MONSTER MAGNET song, not a missing uninteresting, it sounds like a MONSTER MAGNET hit single! This song could make this band huge! SIDSHOW MESSIAH starts with some distorted vocals and turns into a heavy Riff rock monster! This is pure Stoner Rock baby! DEADICATIONS is one of the tracks which could be from the debut record VOLUME 1. Pure fuzz rock guitars and the typical drum groove. And over all that heavy sound throne the mighty vocals from John. CLONE BABY is one of the oldest SWNO songs and was released before on a DAREDEVIL compilation. But this re-recording is a blast! It is still one of the best songs in the genre and one of the highlights on CONSTANTS IN AN EVER CHANGING UNIVERSE. HEADLIGHTS is a fast Rock`n`Roll song from Sweden and DYNAMO is again a pure VOLUME 1 style SWNO Stoner smasher. One of my personal favourite is the last, 8 minute long Doom crusher UNKNOWN OF ME with mighty emotional vocals from John and a great refrain. This record is really one of the best Stoner Rock albums ever! Right now, Singe is back on vocals and he will do a great job on the tour! I know that! Get this record and be there on their shows! THIS IS A MUST HAVE!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 10
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 58 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE CRIMSON ELECTRIC  -  Demo

www.myspace.com/thecrimsonelectric

THE CRIMSON ELECTRIC based in Virginia Beach, VA., bring us their first Demo. The 6 songs are a great statement in fast forward driving Stoner Rock. And that is no surprise, because the band features members of the legendary MUGWART, JESUIT and THE END OF THE UNIVERSE. The opener SOUTHBOUND TOLL was lead by a great guitar riff and a driving drum beat! And the vocals are full of power, but with a really great voice! It reminds me sometimes on a mix of the mighty SUNNSHINE and the new IRONWEED. The following song called UNDERHANDED starts with a pure Doom Metal riff and turns into a groovy monster. SIX FEET OF BAD INTENTION is a classic Stoner Rock song ala Dozer and Sixty Watt Shaman and MOLTEN STALLION is a small hit. FOR A PRICE is the longest track and one of the highlights. A psychedelic guitar sound starts that song and it turns into a slow Doom Rock waltz. Again the vocals bring that song a lot of emotion. Last song THE SCENT is slow again and the guitar riff is awesome! Some for the headbangers! All in all a good Stoner Rock Demo and I think this band fits perfect to a label like Small Stone Records. I really like, that this songs remind me a little bit to the best time in Stoner Rock, around 2000. Like bands as Sixty Watt Shaman, Sunnshine, Dozer, Awesome Machine and Lowrider led the scene.

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 6 Songs / 30 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE OATH – 4    CODE 666/SPV

www.theoath.org
www.myspace.com/theoath666

Out of Lyon France comes the extreme Metal outfit THE OATH, formed back in 1999, 4 is the second longplayer for the band.
They do mix Thrash, Black, Death Metal with insane bombastic key arrangements and a bit of insanity.
After a short KING DIAMOND like intro comes the heavy bastard THIS DAY that consists of raging drums, massive key carpets that make a nice contrast to the brutality of the song. On top of that rank the extreme vocals (more Death Metal based growling than Black Metal screams). The synth parts put it near EMPEROR, well not the badest thing in the scene. ORGASM delivers Thrash, keys, blast and some nice melodies, A QUESTION OF FAITH allows some clean vocals and short piano intercepts. UNHOLY BLOOD combines Death Metal vocals with synths, a strange but very well working teaming up of the two elements, and well I also felt a bit of the mighty EMPEROR. The intro of THE UNBORN is very much DIMMU BORGIR bombast like that later on gets into a raging Black Metal inferno.
Sure this is no easy listening material but only after a short while you will get the hang of it.

GENRE: BOMBASTIC DEATH BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 45 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

THIS HAVEN  -  today a whisper, tomorrow a storm  VIC Records

www.thishaven.com
www.vicrecords.com

THIS HAVEN sounds different. First of all the legendary Dan Swanö produced that CD and the sound is really big! Not this typical new trigger shit, only heavy and clear! But to describe you the style is not easy. The opener IT`S THE END is heavy and a mix of heaviness, melody, melancholy and some Stoner riffs. The following I WILL DECEIVE is cool too. A mix between A PERFECT CIRCLE music and emotional vocals. Awesome. Dan Swanö is a fan of that band since the first day and their sound, maybe between GODSMACK, KHOMA and Disturbed. It is really hard to tell you the sound. It is not totally new, but THIS HAVEN mixes all together. The sound is quite unique about the way they combine all their different influences, something fresh yet insanely heavy and catchy. And the highlight is track number 4 called THE FALLEN. With a great groovy guitar riff and a mighty groove this one can be a number 1 hit soon! Especially the vocals fit perfect on that song! THE FALLEN is a killer! Believe me! HERO OF YOUR HELL is a heavy track with some awesome riffing and mighty drums, which is impressive on the whole record (especially the mix from Dan!). APOCALYPTICAL ANTHEM: I. BC, II. AD is a monstrous 7 minute song, progressive, epic and emotional. Awesome. The last PLAGUE is in my eyes too boring with emotional female vocals and stuff like that. But all in all a great output from a band which could be on the top soon! The 4 Swedish guys mix progressive Metal, Stoner and Mainstream Rock to a hot and spicey journey. Maybe this is the future of Pure Rock!

Genre: Modern Metal
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 9 Songs / 47 Minutes

Jochen

++++++




Reviews October 2008

COERCED INTO BATTLE  -  Enemy Mine  
ENOJADO  -  Till the distance is complete   
EVOCATION  -  Dead Calm Chaos  
EXODUS  -  Let there be blood  
GORILLA MONSOON  -  Extermination Hammer  
IGUANA  -  B.L.U.E.S.  
MISERY INDEX  -  Traitors  
MY OWN PRIVATE ALASKA  -  same  
MY NEW ZOO  -  A.I.D.A.   
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE  -  Monuments  

++++++

COERCED INTO BATTLE  -  Enemy Mine   Rising Records / SPV

www.coercedintobattle.com
www.myspace.com/coercedintobattle1

From Oakland you will get a volcano mix of Death Metal ala Bolt Thrower and Metalcore ala Hatebreed. ERASE THE MIND is fast and very close to Hatebreed before CONSTRUCTING A DEMON shows some melodic Death Metal guitar leads and a slow rolling CALIBAN monster. The style is down-tuned Death Metal riffs and Hardcore shouts. THE ADDICTIONS DIRGE (Part 1) is a pure acoustic piece, before the highlight ENEMY MINE blow out of the speakers. Good Swedish style Melodic Death riffs and some tempo changes. FALL IN LINE is mid-tempo and close to the Bolt Thrower horizon (but can`t hold their standard!). BURIED IN DESOLATION is pure Metalcore before THE ADDICTIONS DIRGE (Part 2) another highlight come out. It is only a introduction to the following (and more boring CURSED WITH LOVE), but that Part 2 is full of great melodies, a solid groove and it is the only song which created a dark atmosphere on that record. The other songs are heavy and angry, maybe written only for the pit. Only THE ADDICTIONS DIRGE Part 2 and maybe the title track can transform some rhythm and melodies. Especially the vocals are on every track the same and make that record to one dimensional.  A solid record debut from this 3 American guys, not more. Music for the pit!
             
Genre: Metalcore
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 35 Min.

Jochen

++++++

ENOJADO  -  Till the distance is complete    Black Desert Inn

www.blackdesertinn.com
www.myspace.com/theblackdesertinn
www.enojado.net

To mention it first...ENOJADO from Germany is one of the best bands in Europe! Their sound is a great mix of power, aggression, groove and awesome riffs! It is a mighty sound-wall between ENTOMBED, RAGING SPEEDHORN, DOZER. The opening song STOP is an awesome bastard between Stoner Rock grooves and dark vocals. The following title track starts slow and turns into a great ENTOMBED like rocker! Especially the vocals are real rough and give the songs an extra point and the ENTOMBED like guitars are awesome. Highlight on that record is the groove monster MAMMOTH CITY, with a great RAGING SPEEDHORN like groove and again that ENTOMBED tunes. Slow and full of power! UNDERDOG BLOOD EXPOSURE is another highlight on that record. But with STOLEN CHARGER you will find a weaker track before the Death Metal like hammer BROKEN LEGS will blow your head off! I really like the whole record, they transform a special feeling with the songs and the guitar sound is close to the Swedish Death`n`Roll kings ENTOMBED. And the singer sounds not German - that is an unexpected luck for the band. On the musical side everything is exciting. They found the right mix of straight forward hammering songs and sometimes some short, progressive parts, which make this record not boring over the whole distance. The packing of the record is awesome and I really hope that this band will find a lot of fans. If they can produce the same power on stage as on TILL THE DISTANCE IS COMPLETE, this will be one of my new favourites!

Genre: Stoner / Deathcore
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs / 60 min.

Jochen

++++++

EVOCATION  -  Dead Calm Chaos   Cyclone Empire

www.cyclone-empire.com
www.evocation.se
www.mysapce.com/swedenevocation

After 2 mighty Demo Tapes (1992 Thomas Skogsberg honoured Evocation as “the best demo-band he ever worked with!”), one of the oldest forces of the Swedish Death Metal scene is back with their second record. And I will tell you at the beginning – this will be soon a classic Swedish Death Metal release! After some of the members played in bands like CEMETARY, SUNDOWN and LAKE OF TEARS in the last years, they find together again and released that mighty output! I saw EVOCATION some days before at the WAY OF DARKNESS Festival (together with Asphyx and Gorefest to mention a few) and I left the festival impressed by their power and tight playing!  And some days after that festival I received this CD and it is a masterpiece! Especially the sound is awesome (best drum sound I have heard since month!). Starting with the introduction (some from METALLICA`s ONE stolen..) IN THE REIGN OF CHAOS, the following SILENCE SLEEP blows you away, a fast opener with crunchy old school riffs with a melodic touch and a mighty drumming! The following ANGEL OF TORMENT is again very fast and features Anders Björler of AT THE GATES / THE HAUNTED on guitar! BOUNDEAD is a real hit! Slow and heavy at the strophe, turning into an awesome heavy monster at the refrain! DEAD CALM CHAOS is a gain more mid-tempo and could be from the ENTOMBED debut too! TRUTH WILL COME CLEAR is pure aggression and DUST is led by a mighty guitar melody and gets very faster after some minutes. PROTECTED BY WHAT GODS is pure Death Metal before the double bass drum thunder on ANTIDOTE (featuring Dan Swanö of Bloodbath / Edge of Sanity) kicks ass. TOMORROW HAS NO SUNRISE and ASTRAY MASQUERADE are classic Swedish style Death Metal, but with awesome riffs and a hellish vocal style. The last RAZORED TO THE BONE (again with Anders Björler) closing this mighty record! DISMEMBER, GRAVE, ENTOMBED…..take care of EVOCATION! They are ready to take the Death Metal throne! Best OLD SCHOOL DEATH METAL album together with HAIL OF BULLETS

Genre: Swedish Death Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 10
Info: 12 Songs / 44 min.

Jochen

++++++

EXODUS  -  Let there be blood   Zaentz Records

www.exodusattack.com
www.zaentzrecords.com

LET THERE BE BLOOD is the re-recording of the famous and most important THRASH album BONDED BY BLOOD (1985). After some classic EXODUS releases (BONDED BY BLOOD, FABULOUS DISASTER, PLEASURES OF THE FLESH) and hitting the top of the Thrash scene together with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer, the Grunge area destroyed that mighty band after 2 weaker records (IMPACT IS IMMINENT and FORCE OF HABIT). After some personal tragic moments through the years, a re-union and a live-album with the original singer Baloff (who died 2002), the band did a re-union on the mighty THRASH OF THE TITANS festival (a benefit show for Testament singer Chuck - together with the first shows again from Death Angel, Heathen, LEGACY (!!!), Violence, Forbidden) in 2001. And after that mighty night, the band decided to come back and right now they released 3 great records. Especially the re-union album TEMPO OF THE DEAD with the second EXODUS singer Zetro was a blast. But after some problems they have a completely new line-up since the last 2 records, including the ex-Heathen guitar player and ex-Slayer drummer. And now they touring around the world, forming a huge fan-base and they released 2 well received records with the new singer. And now it is the time, to re-record this legendary record with the new, powerful line-up. I`m an old guy and I bought BONDED BY BLOOD on the first release date and it is one of the most listened record in my collection. The new record is heavy, the vocals are great, but all in all it can`t bring back that feeling from 1985! I am not really a fan of re-recordings, but I really love the TESTAMENT (First strike still deadly) and ANTHRAX (the greater of two evils) re-recordings. Maybe EXODUS did a better way if they re-record some material from PLEASURES OF THE FLESH and FABULOUS DISASTER too, maybe not. Who cares? I like that record (but I prefer the original) and every Thrasher should have the original output! If you need LET THERE BE ROCK is your own decision. But songs like BONDED BY BLOOD, EXODUS, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, A LESSON IN VIOLENCE, METAL COMMAND, PIRANHA, NO LOVE, DELIVER US TO EVIL and STRIKE OF THE BEAST are still THRASH METAL classics and maybe you need that new sound (mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap) too. The guitar leads and solos from Gary and Lee are awesome on that record and sometimes different from the original. And the vocals from Rob are heavy as hell. EXODUS still reign! I like the record a lot, but I can give 10 points only for the original....

Genre: Thrash
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 9 Songs / 42.50 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

GORILLA MONSOON  -  Extermination Hammer   Wacken Records / SPV

www.gorilla-monsoon.de
www.wackenrecords.de


East German Stoner / Doom rockers GORILLA MONSOON are back with their second output. After some good comments about the debut, the band recorded their second record with Schrödy (ex- TEMPLE OF THE ABSURD) and they make a big step forward. The debut was a record with 2-3 good songs, but over the whole distance it was to boring and too simple in my eyes. And especially the vocals could not hold the standard of the good songs. But with EXTERMINATION HAMMER they created a good record! Sometimes I have some problems with the vocals, but all in all they are good (and 1000% better as on the debut). The opener ROCK ME OVER shows the straight forward direction of the band, but again with the vocals full of effects. Good song, but not outstanding. And in my eyes the following HIGH ON INSANITY is a real hit with excellent vocals, which reminds me a sometimes to Mr. Washburn from SPARZANZA. In the last years the band shard the stage with bands like Entombed, Dismember, Candlemass, Metal Church, Sahg and Trouble to mention a few and you can feel the more professional feeling behind the songs. MY WAY is a dark song with a lot of groove and power. BLACK ANGEL PROPHECY is a long track with a lot of power and after a while it turns into a slow groove monster! Only the vocals, which sound too unprofessional sometimes, do not really fit on every tune. EXTERMINATION`S HAMMER shows some TYPE O NEGATIVE comparison and is one of the highlights on that record. Same with the highlight on the record, called HATEBREED! The refrain is awesome, full of emotions and it really kicks ass! SERVING DEMOCRAZY is a groovy Stoner Rock song before 50$ WHORE blows you away. CODEINE COMMANDER and BORN TO LOOSE are good before the 10 minute Doom crusher NO MERCY FOR THE MONSTERS close this good and heavy record. The band is on tour right now with STONEGARD and GRAND MAGUS – so check them out!

Gerne: Stoner Doom Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 60 Minutes

jochen

++++++

IGUANA  -  B.L.U.E.S.   Sweethome Records / Poor Dog

www.iguana-music.de
www.myspace.com/iguanagermany
www.sweethomerecords.com

IGUANA is since years one of the most important German bands on the live section. Their outputs couldn`t hold that standard in the past, but with their new EP they will get a huge resonance. Believe me! They changed their sound a bit and they created a huge cocktail with Grunge, Stoner and 70`s Psychedelic Rock. A big plus is the new singer Alex (Dollys Meat, Holze) with his warm and emotional voice. On the opener BROKEN HALLELUJA you think Chris Cornell is back with his old brothers from Soundgarden. BROKEN HALLELUJA are 7 minutes Psychedelic 70`s Rock at its best. This song could stand on the Soundgarden record too! LOVE MANY TRUST FEW is another good example of Grunge Rock mixed with Stoner Rock. The guitars are full of fuzz and the voice is awesome again. UNITED SINKING ARCH is my personal favourite. The instrumental EASE was good too, but another highlight on that record is SUPER TUESDAY with a mighty groove, awesome vocals and a killer bass solo. With the new singer (who plays guitar as well), the band is close to the top and if the new material and the next CD is as good as this stuff – the record will blow us away! The biggest surprise in this month! Iguana….awesome!

Genre: Grunge / Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs / 22 Min.

Jochen

++++++


MISERY INDEX  -  Traitors   Relapse Records

www.miseryindex.com
www.myspace.com/miseryindex
www.relapse.com
www.myspace.com/burstrelapse

MISERY INDEX from SWEDEN is back with the follow-up to DISCORDIA with their masterpiece. MISERY INDEX combines the most intense elements of metal with a distinct grind approach, added with a touch of hardcore and extreme punk attitude and passion. The songs are denser and hit harder than ever before, sometimes the songs remind me on the mighty COVENANT album from MORBID ANGEL. Especially the vocals from Jason are very close to David Vincent. The song TRAITORS is awesome, from the first to the last minute! It is starting with a mighty introduction, an untypical mosh-monster riff, before THEOCRACY will blow you away with some Death Metal double bass power. Especially Adam Jarvis on drums did an awesome job and with his drumming he gave that song a lot of power. In my eyes, Adam is one of the best drummers in the Metal scene. And I have to give a lot of credit to Marky Voyles and Patrick Kloeppel (guitarists) for their work on this album. Some of their solos and riffs are perfect, this is really unique! But don´t be afraid of the sheer power, you will find some epic parts into the songs, but they got damaged after a time with some brutal riffs - the perfect mix. I told you about the mighty opener THEOCRACY and more straight tracks like GHOSTS OF CATALONIA are on TRAITORS. But you will ever feel the fresh and new power (pushed to the limits!), especially on songs like RULING CLASS CANCELLED or PARTISANS OF GRIEF. BLACK SITES close this record with a blast. This is a masterpiece and I hope that 2008 and 2009 will get the MISERY INDEX Death Metal year! They will be on the DEATH METAL top soon! Only Morbid Angel can kick them from the top with their forthcoming record. BUY THAT WALL OF SOUND!

Genre: Death Metal
Music: 10
Sound: 9
Info: 11 Songs / 38 min.

Jochen

++++++

MY OWN PRIVATE ALASKA  -  same   Believe Records

www.myownprivatealaska.com
www.myspace.com/myownprivatealaska

MY OWN PRIVATE ALASKA from LOS ANGELES is unique, awesome and new. The band was on Tour in the last days with the mighty WILL HAVEN in Europe and they play a heavy classic piano Post core style. And that fit perfect to WILL HAVEN in my eyes! MY OWN PRIVATE ALASKA, the 3 sitting musicians, did a mix between Danny Elfman, Helmet, Chopin and of course, Will Haven. MOPA plays wonderful classic piano music with drums. Not new? Right, but the vocals are heavy, deep and most of the time screamed! Postcore meets Black Metal. The opener DIE FOR ME is impressive and the following PAGE OF A DICTIONARY and EGO ZERO will leave you with an open mouth! KILL ME TWICE is different to the opening songs and shows some influence from old MY DYING BRIDE (the silent moments), with the mighty piano melodies and the depressive, spoken words. The right soundtrack for a suicide! I AM AN ISLAND is a faster track, if they take some guitars to the song, this would be a Post core massacre! I AM AN ISLAND is more like an Opera, with some great breaks and stuff. Maybe this music would get more life with a bass guitar. So it is hard to find different moments in all the songs. Only the last, silent, melodic and harmonic song FIRST STEPS is a little different to the other stuff, without vocals and with a great melody. But all in all very impressive and I can`t wait to get the whole record! I hope a lot of Postcore fans like PIANO MUSIC and I really hope that a lot of classic music fans or Piano music lovers can tolerate this screams in the music! DARK, ATMOSPHERIC and BEAUTIFUL!

Genre: Classic Piano Black Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 6 Songs / 40 Min.

Jochen

++++++

MY NEW ZOO  -  A.I.D.A.    Oh My Sweet / Shoko Entertainment

www.mynewzoo.de
www.myspace.com/mynewzoo
www.ohmysweet.de

MZ NEW YOO is a very interesting newcomer from southern Germany and they created a cool record, a mix of Placebo, Muse, Wave and Punk Rock. The opener KISS YOU is a small hit and it would be no wonder if this will hit the radio charts soon. Especially the vocals sound great and the vocal line is awesome! This song will help the band to get huge! SOMETIMES sounds like a softer song from THE HIVES. The music is on the same level; a cool track too! MR. OFFICER is a track sounding like THE CLASH. Not bad, but it can`t hold the high standard of the opening songs! EVERYTHING YOU ARE sounds like some Brit-Pop stuff and again awesome if you like that soft style. The title track is boring and the following NO CHANCE too. BITCHES FROM BABYLON kicks ass again in the Rock`n`Roll style and the following AMERICA shows some comparison to the mighty STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. A good band and I think they can make a big step forward with this record! They played ROCK IM PARK and maybe that helps. If you like good, handmade modern Rock music – CHECK THIS BAND OUT!

Genre: Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 12 Songs / 46 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE  -  Monuments   Lifeforce Records

www.lifeforcerecords.com
www.myspace.com/thisortheapocalypse

First of all, Metalcore is not my music.  And now I got the debut from THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE with their debut album called Monuments.  A sort of Norma Jean/All That Remains/August Burns Red fusion, the band plays a deliberate, aggressive form of Metalcore, which carries a passionate political statement as well. And they are able to blend heaviness with melody very well. And the extensive use of breakdowns is minimal and sounding creative and fresh. The young band with a great musical potential and talent starts MONUMENTS with NO HORIZONS, a track which will blow you away. Especially the great different mixing of the left and right guitar sounds awesome and makes this opener special. MAUNA KEA is a pure straight forward shredding track and MEMENTO MORI is a cool, insane and progressive instrumental as well. Jack Ebenshad on lead guitar is playing the usual riffs, but he sets himself apart from the rest of the pack by his angelic guitar harmonies that sort of exist in contrast to the rest of the music, which comes across as brutal and heavy. Check out MONUMENTS, ELEGIAC (one of the strongest songs and it is a rather epic closer) or ARCHITEUTHIS and you know what I mean.  The vocals from Rick are typical and show the perfect balance of anguish and brutality. THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE mix the typical Metalcore with some Mathcore elements and in some songs they playing a more technical kind of that music. The CD will never get boring like some other Metalcore albums nowadays and I think with a good promotion and the same power on stage, the band will survive that genre and will get to the leading bands soon.

Genre: Metalcore
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 44 Minutes

Jochen

++++++






Reviews September 2008

ADAM WEST – ESP: EXTRA SEXUAL PERCEPTION
ALIX  -  Good One
BLACK LIGHT BURNS  -  Cover your heart
BLOOD CEREMONY – SAME
BÖWLRIDER  -  Big Rock Mountain Highs
BULLET – BITE THE BULLET
CAPRICORNS – RIVER, BEAR YOUR BONES
DALI`S LLAMA  -  Full on Dunes
DESTRUCT-A-THON  -  Aloha Jihad  
DIMENSION ZERO – HE WHO SHALL NOT BLEED
EVERGREY  -  Torn  SPV
HELSTAR  -  THE KING OF HELL  
HOLY MOSES – AGONY OF DEATH
IMPIETY – DOMINATOR
ISKALD – REVELATIONS OF RECKONING DAY
LOST YOUTH  -  Medusas Jukebox  
METAL CHURCH  -  This present wasteland  
MOLOKEN – WE ALL FACE THE DARK ALONE
SESTA MARCONI  -  Ritual Kamasutra Kitsch  
SOUNDSHOK  -  The bringers of Bloodshed  
THE GATHERING – DOWNFALL
THE GO FASTER NUNS  -  In Traffic 
THIS COMP KILLS FASCISTS VOL. 1

++++++

ADAM WEST – ESP: EXTRA SEXUAL PERCEPTION  I USED TO FUCK PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN PRISON RECORDS

www.fandangorecs.com/adamwest
www.myspace.com/adamwestrocks

Washington D.C.'s Rock’N’Roll Punkrockers ADAM WEST (yes it's the name of the dude who played Batman in the 70s TV series), date back to the early 1990s and so far several longplayers and numerous compilations and 7inches (about 35) have been released. Including the singles compialtions this is the eight for the German PEOPLE LIKE YOU label. Like they did before the stand for straight Rock’N’Roll that is put together from the basics of KISS, AC/DC, MC 5 and tons of other Garage Punk outfits. Jake Starr is still the most distinction to others in the genre, his voice has just the right amount of dirt, guts and feeling (he even did win an award from the Washington Area Music Associaton (whatever that is)).
They did record twelve new tracks and inbetween the two very fast opening and closing ON HER SATANIC MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and WHE GIRLS COLLIDE, you just get delivered the right shit so to say. At times even the Blues looks around the corner in the fine BEYOND THE PILLARS OF HERCULES, THE DORRS/DANZIG meet MC 5. Boogie is played in HOT FUDGE SATURDAY AND SUNDAE (nice lead by the way), and AC/DC chords crown the powerhouse ball Rock in I ALREADY FUCKED YOU...IN THE FUTURE. If you're into grippy Rock’N’Roll with hairy balls go check out YOU'RE MY SOLAR FLAIR. Need it a bit more relaxed, well dig into the slower ESP: EXTRA SEXUAL PERCEPTION (yes not SENSUAL) or the laid back manly Rocker ANTELOPES & CANTALOUPES.
You see all the needs in Rock get their sastisfaction.
Sure they can't reproduce their masterpiece GOD'S GIFT TO WOMEN (2003), but high above the average after all. One sad note to close this, ESP is supposed to be their last album, well lets see.

GENRE: Rock’N’Roll
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8

Thomas Schubert

++++++

ALIX  -  Good One   Treblelable Records

www.myspace.com/treblelabelrecords
www.myspace.com/alixband

I really like GROUND, the last output from the italian groove rockers ALIX. We supported ALIX with my band DUSTER 69 some years ago and they are an impressive band on stage. And right now I received their new record, with an awesome, double-vinyl-lp looking packing (limited to 500 copies - so be fast!!), a great frontcover, designed by Francesca Ghermandi and recorded by the mighty STEVE ALBINI (Nirvana, PJ HARVEY, STOOGES etc.). The band changed their sound a lot, on GROUND they played a tight Stoner Rock with female vocals, but now they put some 60`s sounds and less heavy distortion to the songs. And hell yeah - after some spins this sound is more adult, this sound is perfect for Alix! The opener THE SWEET SMELLING ROAD is close to the older material, but without the power. EMOTION sounds like a lighter version of their sound and with the mighty WITHOUT YOU, with great guitars and a groovy drum rhythm, they greatet a new sound in my eyes. Not really new, but this music fits perfect to ALIX, especailly Alice on vocals grow up into that sound. And Pippo on guitars did an awesome job too (and of course the whole band!)! DON`T RUN AHEAD is close to some old PJ HARVEY stuff. DO NOT WRONG is a great driving song and a steel guitar lead this song! And the sexy Italian lyrics in the remake of “Bianco E Nero” reminds me a little on some Trip Hop (especially TRICKY) stuff and is one of the coolest psychedelic chill-out tunes in the last month. GOOD 1 is a big surprise! True Stoner Rock fans will hate this output, but open minded peoples will find a new love! Give this output some more spins and GOOD ONE will turn into a monster! CHECK IT OUT! Italy rules!

Genre: Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs / 41 minutes

Jochen

++++++

BLACK LIGHT BURNS  -  Cover your heart   Edel Records

www.edel.com
www.blacklightburns.com
www.myspace.com/edelrecords
www.myspace.com/blacklightburns


Former LIMP BIZKIT guitar player WES BORLAND released their BLB debut CRUEL MELODY some month ago and in my eyes it was a mighty record. With the help of Mister Lohner (NIN) and Freese (A perfect Circle) he created great songs between pure Rock, NIN and APC sounds. As the band (now sans the aforementioned Lohner and Freese, alarmingly) plans to release a new album early next year, they’ve released COVER YOUR HEART (with a special edition including the Anvil Pants Odyssey DVD) as an interim piece, of covers and instrumentals from the Cruel Melody sessions. And that following COVER YOUR HEART is very different to the debut. Starting with the energetic FORKBOY (LARD cover!!), a awesome riff monster from 1990, but the following SO ALIVE, a cover of LOVE AND ROCKETS, is very strange, especially the distorted vocals fit not perfect over that progressive and jazzy song fragments. The two darker followings HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF (from DURAN DURAN) and LUCRETIA MY REFLECTION (original from EVAR) are more like the debut and are really good before the PJ HARVEY cover of RID OF ME bring you to the highlight of that record. This is the perfect Industrial - Metal mix! THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE from JESUS LIZARD was the first cover that the band recorded and after being so pleased with how it turned out, Borland decided to go forward with an entire set of covers. And this song is a bomb! Two more aggro-punk covers of tracks by Fiona Apple (ON THE BOUND) and Swans (I AM THE SUN), respectively, lead into Borland covering Borland, with a rework of BLOOD RED HEAD ON FIRE by Borland’s first project post-Shit Bizkit, Big Dumb Face. The block of covers is closed out by a perfectly acceptable version of IGGY AND THE STOOGES song SEARCH AND DESTROY, before we then get into an EP’s worth of instrumentals that are truer to the tone of the band’s debut, Cruel Melody. DROWNING TOGETHER, DYING ALONE and FAILING are reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails’ more downtempo instrumental material. Cover Your Heart is a deconstruction and reconstruction of music that the band has loved and appreciated. Fans should check it out!

Genre: Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 17 Songs / 55 minutes

Jochen

++++++

BLOOD CEREMONY – SAME    RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.riseaboverecords.com

Formed in the winter of 2006 this Toronto/Canada based pack are into occult, witchy Doom Rock, they dedicate themself to the twilight world of Saturnalia and occult lore (oh).
Basically the female fronted band play heavy 70s Rock with BLACK SABBATH strings as a solid leading structure, on top of that lie massive flute parts (a bit more abstarct than in JETHRO TULL (that else can you compare it to)) and massive organ carpets. The nine songs are blessed with the at times warm voice of Alia O'Brien (she also does the flute), this can be best experienced on INTO THE COVEN (also reminds a bit of PENTAGRAM).
Sometimes the flute parts are a bit demanding, especially on HYMN TO PAN (the title says it all) a kind of overkill is produced by them. But genreally they play very entertaining Doom Rock with a twist to it (wonder if I'am bewitched by now). Another color is added to the picture via violins in THE RARE LORD, a nice contrast to the heavy riffing. Another one to check out if you show any interest is the very SABBATH like RETURN TO FOREVER.
The album was recorded with producer Pete Hudson, mixed by none other than the great Billy Anderson.

GENRE: DOOM ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 48 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

BÖWLRIDER  -  Big Rock Mountain Highs   Rising Records /SPV

www.bowlrider.co.uk
www.myspace.com/bowlrider
www.risingrecords.co.uk

UK’s Böwlrider present you some Stoner Rock inspired from Beer, big blocks and girls. Beer-drinking rock I saw at some other reviews and hell yeah - that is the inspiration of that band. The songs are not so spectacular and the production too. I think the band will only have fun, but I think they are better bands out in the world who play that simple Rock. The opener DUCK DIVE is more a boring song and the following HUMAN TORCH is not really outstanding. I can tell you 200 Stoner Rock bands on the same or a higher level. Maybe this is the right music for a party and after some weed or beer you will like it. But if I look on the musical side and don`t forget that you have to pay for that CD, it is not funny. Artwork, booklet and bandname is cool but doesn’t sound much better than you’re local rock bar’s house band. Only the MUDHONEY cover of IN AND OUT OF GRACE is a small highlight and full of power. Support other Stoner bands!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Info: 13 Songs / 63 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

BULLET – BITE THE BULLET    BLACK LODGE/ROUGH TRADE

www.bullet.nu

Formed back in 2001 by Hampus Klang and Hell Hofer with the intention to show how Heavy Metal has to sound the band was soon accompanied by a cult following. They are also known for their very entertaining live performances (I haven't seen them so far, so you have to trust others for that matter). In 2005 the debut longplayer HEADING FOR THE TOP was released and got raving reviews almost everywhere. Some even stated that these dudes are the follow up for the German Heavy Metal originals ACCEPT.  First of all the outfit is pretty classic HM wear ala 1980 and the voice of Hell Hofer is very near Udo Dirkschneiders with a twist of Brian Johnson (AC/DC, hard to believe somebody is not aware of that fact). So now on the new album the strong ACCEPT roots get mixed up with the boogie of Australias most favourite (yes AC/DC). PAY THE PRICE shows that right from the start, Young riffs go hand in hand with the Dirkschneider voice, very impressing and blessed with a nice kick. Except for the very ACCEPT like WASTE MY TIME the combination of the two main ingredients works very well. JUDAS PRIEST also get some praising in ROCK US TONIGHT of course with the teutonic infusion of ACCEPT.  Another thing that must be mentioned is that all of the songs can be called hits, it's pretty easy to follow them and only after a few seconds you fell forced to sing along to it (to test that check out DUSK TIL DAWN).
Nicke Andersson (THE ENTOMBED/THE HELLACOPTERS/DEATH BREATH) did the mixing of the record, it's a nice warm sound, some miss the edge, I think this fits the material just fine.
Astonishing, hymn after hymn.

GENRE: HEAVY METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 42 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

CAPRICORNS – RIVER, BEAR YOUR BONES   RISE ABOVE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/capriconrsoflondon

This is the third album by CAPRICORNS as well as the predecessors once again on Lee Dorians RISE ABOVE. On the last still some vocal fragments could be found, on this one it is all the way instrumental (Eugene Robinson from OXBOW did them on 2006's RUDERS FORMS SURVIVE). Since I always had a bit of a problem with none vocal performances, I have to admit that this one has balls.
Right from the powerhouse opener BROKEN COFFIN OF THE VENERABLE KING to the last eleven minute jam session DRINKING WATER FROM THE SKULL OF A HANGED MAN (recorded directly to tape) it just Rocks. The very layered music uses all the marking elements of the last decades Rock music. From Grind, Metal, Doom parts in the opening slot to full frontal assaults like SEVENTH CHILD OF A SEVENTH CHILD to more progressive structured stuff like in TEMPERED WITH THE BLOOD OF BEASTS the strong heavy riffs lead the way. Talking about riffs NOVEMBER SUICIDES is built up through massive riff monstes that shake your booty. In contrast to that is the quiet a bit PINK FLOYD like regardging atmospher, OWING TO THE FROGS that allows even violins, but beware the mightY chord will take over only shortly. This change between silence and harsh eruptions also goes for A SAVAGE RACE BY SHIPWRECKS FED.
The wondeful producing job gives the material a nice edge (the jam DRINIKING ... is not of that class).
For instrumental hounds a must have, I did mind the absence of vocals just a bit.

GENRE: POWER ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 8 Songs 58 min

Thomas Schubert

++++++

DALI`S LLAMA  -  Full on Dunes   Dali`s Llama Records

www.dalisllamarecords.com
www.myspace.com/dalisllama

FULL ON DUNES is a big surprise! I haven`t heard so far from that band (but they released 6 CDs so far), but I was impressed from the first second. The album got produced by Scott Reeder from the mighty KYUSS and the sound is awesome! The record features special guest appearances by Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson, Desert Sessions, Yawning Man, great guitars especially on CHEAP AND PORTABLE), Capt. Sean Wheeler ( Throw Rag, Charley Horse, Sun Trash), Joe Dillon (Hot Beat Pussy Fiend) and Scott Reeder (Kyuss, The Obsessed, Goatsnake). Starting with the mighty ON DUNES, which will blow you away with a mighty groove. The songs are heavier as the old material (note from the info-sheet) and the new drummer Jeff provides a solid driving rhythm. Maybe that is the point of the heavier and more groovy material. Songs like the mentioned ON DUNES, CAN`T CATCH ME (in my eyes the highlight on the record, including Mario Lallis guitar again and Scott Reeders bass solo) or the relaxed CHEAP AND PORTABLE are in the same league as CHE or MASTERS OF REALITY. This is true sounding southern California desert rock with great fuzz guitars. The mighty FLOATING starts with a ALICE IN CHAINS like riff and turns into a great smoothie song. I think this nine energetic songs are a must have for all Stoner / Desert / Fuzz Rock fans and I think the heaviest and fastest record from Zach Huskey (guitar, vocals) and Erica Huskey (bass) (plus the new drummer Jeff Howe). GET IT!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 9 Songs / 35 minutes

Jochen

++++++

DESTRUCT-A-THON  -  Aloha Jihad   Thrashachusetts

www.thrashachusetts.com

Reunited after a 2-year hiatus in 2006  and now that impressive EP. They played over 100 shows so far and shared the stage with bands like SEEMLESS (KILLER!!), Dillinger Escape Plan or the Bronx, they are back right now and I hope they will get really big soon! Thrash Metal with some Hardcore fragments, heavy, fast and inspired from the old heroes. It reminds me a little on some SOD / MOD stuff and the good old Thrash Metal times. The opener ALOHA JIHAD will blow you away with a mighty power and awesome vocals. This song is a total killer! Believe me! Especially the guitars are fast and transformes the feeling of the late 80`s. AWESOME! And it is a big FUCK YOU to the Bush administration. And the cover of Bravado`s HEART ATTACK shows the sick minds of the band. A short voice mail message and the RADIO EDIT from the title track close this EP. To short! I really hope that I will get a full-length soon! This band is great! The EP got mastered by Nick Zampiello (Dropkick Murphys, Against me, Converge, Cave in) and

Genre: Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs / 10 minutes

Jochen

++++++

DIMENSION ZERO – HE WHO SHALL NOT BLEED    VIC RECORDS

www.dimensionzero.se
www.myspace.com/dimensionzero

Jesper  (IN FLAMES) was one of the founding members of DIMENSION ZERO
in 1996 another name that's familiar especially in the Black Metal genre is Jocke Gothberg, former MARDUK singer. HE WHO SHALL NOT BLEED is the third longplayer and since I'am not to familiar with their material (the predecessor THIS IS HELL was heared a few times), I can clearly state that this is their heaviest one so far.
Of course their sound has something of the Gothenburg Death Metal, with Jesper one of the originators of that style is on board, but hear it sounds like it was back in the beginning.
The sound is somewhere between Thrash and early IN FLAMES (nowadays they play anything aside from Death Metal) and Jockes harsh vocals give it an extra aggressive edge.
Classic Thrash riffs can be heard on quite some occasions, the modern Thrasher HE WHO SHALL NOT BLEED, the uptempo UNTO OTHERS or the fast THE WAS. Gothenburg the original way can be experienced in HELL IS WITHIN, and the nice groove in RED DEAD HEAT also knows to please. In the meldoic Deather I CAN HEAR THE DARK the violin creates an eerie aura.
Nice and short and very well produced. If you like it likes it was in the start (Gothenburg) this is a must have.

GENRE: MELODIC DEATH THRASH
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 11 Songs 32 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

EVERGREY  -  Torn  SPV

www.spv.de
www.spvusa.com
www.evergrey.net

Eleven compositions are on the new output from Swedish dark melodic metal act EVERGREY.  Mastermind Englund described their new output as a “modern mix of In Search of Truth and Recreation Day”. The tracks are all guitar-oriented and very atmospheric. They have exactly the sound that the fans expect from Evergrey. After the experimental direction of the older releases, the band is back on a more strength way, more typical trademarks are inside the songs of TORN. This is one of the reasons why the tracks on TORN were self-produced by Englund together with drummer Jonas Ekdahl. The opener BROKEN WINGS is a mighty song with a huge power and awesome vocals from Tom S. Englund. He is one of the best singers in the Metal scene today! That is a fact! SOAKED shows some classic Heavy Metal influences and is a fast forward rocking headbanger! FEAR opens with a Death Metal like guitar riff and power before the mighty vocals crash into the song. FAIL is one of the highlights on that record. Emotional guitar-solos, awesome vocal-lines and a mid-tempo sound will make this song to a hit soon! NUMB starts heavy again with some modern influences on the guitar and a cool double bass rhythm and he turns into a melodic track with awesome vocals again. NUMB is one of the heaviest songs on that record. The title track reminds me a little on some DREAM THEATRE stuff, with some acoustic parts and a hymn like refrain. NOTHING IS ERASED is again a faster and heavier song, pure modern Heavy Metal. So far the record shows a modern touch, is heavy and full with pure emotions. And the last song THESE SCARS is again more inspired from the old material, with female vocals etc. TORN is much heavier and more dynamic as the other Everygrey outputs! So fans should buy it right now!

Genre: Dark Melodic Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 Songs / 54 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

HELSTAR  -  THE KING OF HELL   AFM RECORDS

www.helstar.com
www.afm-records.de

In the early 80`s the American HELSTAR was one of the leading bands together with METALLICA, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, MEGADETH and METAL CHURCH. Especially their old records BURNING STAR and REMNANTS OF WAR are still classics in the US-Power Metal genre. And right now, the band is back with the original line-up, including James Rivera (who was later also part of Vicious Rumors, Seven Witches etc.).  Last year they released the compilation album 'Sins Of The Past', on which the band had placed a large number of their best songs in a re-recorded version. Starting with THE KING OF HELL and followed by THE PLAGUE CALLED MEN, which truly showcase the sheer class of this band. THE KING OF HELL really explodes in your stereo. The fantastic fast and complex riffs of both guitarists Larry Barragan and Rob Trevino, who are in great shape on the whole album by the way, and their beautiful solos lead you through this great and evil record. TORMENTOR is in my eyes one of the best HELSTAR songs ever! Followed by the mighty (another highlight in their history) WHEN EMPIRES FALL! Awesome vocals from Rivera. His vocals are stronger than ever! Excellent melodies! PAIN, is a fast Thrash Metal attack with a great middle-part. Beware Exodus and Testament. WICKED DISPOSITON is a mid-tempo Thrasher and CARESS OF THE DEAD could be from one of their first 3 records (but with a more modern touch) and Rivera shows the whole power of his voice. I must say again that Barragan and Trevino simply shred all over this album, their strongest guitar work to date. Abarca (bass) and DeLeon (drums) really add to the thunderous rhythm section and are the secret ingredient. The King Of Hell is hands down the darkest, heaviest and deadliest release of Helstar's career (produced by the legendary Bill Metoyer). US Power Metal with progressive thrashy elements at its best! For Thrash and Speed Metal fans a must have too!

Genre: Power Metal
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 9 Songs / 50 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

HOLY MOSES – AGONY OF DEATH   WACKEN RECORDS/SPV

www.holymoses.de
www.myspace.com/holymosesgermany

Since 1980 the german Thrasher and originals HOLY MOSES rumble in the scene. Sure they never made it into the German top three (even though THE NEW MACHINE OF LICHETENSTEIN was released on a major lable), but still they stand for uncompromissing music with lots of backbone to it. Sabine Classen is the only left original member (note, she was not a founding member, ex-husband Andy Classen (very well known producer) did form the band in  the early 80s), except for NO MATTER WHAT'S THE CAUSE 1994 she delivered her insane vocals on every album (Danny Lilker did play bass on this one). After a hitus of six years Sabine did reform the band in 2000 and their twelve album AGONY OF DEATH is the fourth since the rebirth. Atomic Steiff (former LIVING DEATH and many other classic Teutonic Thrash bands drummer) is also in the line up, name dropping so to speak. Talking of that, several guest musicans appear on AGONY OF DEATH, Ferdy Doernberg (AXEL RUDI PELL) does the keyboards and samples and the slide guitar on THROUGH SHATTERD MINDS, Janos Murri (DARKSIDE/DEMOLITION) plays a solo in IMAGINATION and ALIENATION, Henning Basse (METALIUM) does some background vocals in SCHIZOPHRENIA and Schmier (DESTRUCITON/HEADHUNTER) delivers some in THE CAVE. As a last guest Karlos Medina from AGENT STEEL plays bass in IMAGINATION.
Like before they are still into Thrash, but compared to some others in the genre it doesn't sound to vintage, kind of a modern flair lies over it all. Uptempo Thrash opens via IMAGINATION, ALIENATION reminds a bit of the more diverse LICHTENSTEIN material. WORLD OF DARKNESS on which Ralph Santolla (OBITUARY, DEICIDE, DEATH) delivers a solo is a slower more darker track after that BLOODBOUND OF THE DAMEND is a more classic faster paced Thrasher with the MOSES typical shouts (also a bit of LICHTENSTEIN is all around). Trevor Perez from OBITUARY (guess they did get well along their last German tour) plays the solo in ANGELS IN WAR, the coldness of SCHHIZOPHRENIA especially the drumssound reminded me a bit of MINISTRY. A harsh contrast to that are the very Power Metal like background vocals of Henning Basse. With the RETREAT the typical one of their own shouts get another use (as on some others as well) and a nice hacked up groove accompanies that.
More NEW MACHINE OF LICHTENSTEIN than the classic FINISHIED WITH THE DOGS 1987 concerning the way back phrase, but very convincing and layered.
Some nice SLAYER quotations can also be heared all over the album and they give the material a nice spice.
The produciton is very clear, only the drums sound a bit to clinical (a thing under that the predeccesor STRENGTH POWER WILL PASSION 2005 did also suffer (at least in my ears)).
The album will be released in three variations, the digipack with all the intros and outros (this is the one for the reviews), a straight in the face only music jewel case edition, and finally as a vinyl that takes the middleway with only an intro and outro.

GENRE: THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 70 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

IMPIETY – DOMINATOR    PULVERSIDED RECORDS

www.mightyimpiety.com
www.myspace.com/impietyoffical

Homeland support once again, first the MCD of the also Singapure based INFERNAL EXECRATOR now the propably most popular act of the land comes along with a new EP.
The band dates back to 1990, Shyaithan is the only constant in the history of the band, and in between 2004-2006 even two mexican dudes did join the armaggeddon. This time the line-up consits of all Singapore raised dudes.
The harsh music is basically Thrash with a Black spice in the name of SARCOFAGO/BATHORY. Another band that left a massive trace in the songwriting is the american Death Metal institution MORBID ANGEL, just hear the breaks and the drumming in SLAUGHTERROR SUPERIORITY and AT WAR WITH TEMUJIN and you know what I'am talking about. Their love for the brazilian origianls SARCOFAGO gets manifested in the coverversion of their THE BLACK VOMIT cult classic (very near the original, only the vocals of Shyaithan are a bit more wicked and fiercer).
Like it needed to be the sound is also a raw bastard with tons of edges, not to warm just cold harshness.
Very well done.

GENRE: DEATH THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 5 Songs 15 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

ISKALD – REVELATIONS OF RECKONING DAY  INDIE RECORDINGS

www.iskald.com
www.myspace.com/iskald

Started out as a Black Metal project (sounds a bit negative) by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling early 2005, REVELATIONS... is the second longplayer by the duo. The debut SHADES OF MISERY 2007 was also released via INDIE (an EP called NORTHERN TWILIGHT was released prior to that in 2005). Like many of their norweigan mates they are inspired by the arctic surroundings and the Norge mythology.
This might sound not to tempting, but giving it a first chance I was more than pleased.
They start it off fierce and cold with RUIN OF MANKIND, the double bass hammers like hell, SATYRICON riffs meet the style of DISSECTION, not too bad for an opening. A BREATH OF APOCALYPSE moves in the same waters, maybe even a bit faster, fast northern mayhem meets atmospheric layers in WARRIORS OF THE NORTHERN TWILIGHT PART 2. A short interlude named ENDTIME takes us to THE ORPHANAGE harsh, cold fast. Thrash riffing comes to use in the midtempo crusher DET STILNER TIL STORM the track is in their mothertongue and the chords sound pretty melodic at times. TARTARUS is slower, a kind of groove is performed and the guitarwork can be considered striking, a little bit like KHOLD. JOURNEY TO HEL can be described cold, fast and harsh again and at the end even choirs pop up, the final DOMMEDAG is the slow, atmospheric closure of this modern Black Metal album.
The whole thing comes along very professional, the production is first class. For me it could be a tiny bit dirtier but the spirit is in the right place.

GENRE: BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 48 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

LOST YOUTH  -  Medusas Jukebox   The Black Desert Inn

www.blackdesertinn.com
www.myspace.com/groovetruck

LOST YOUTH from Germany with a good dose of Stoner Rock, mixed with some psychedelic parts. Since 2004 they are in the german underground and right now they opened their first record with a great track, called ESQUIZOFRENICO. A punching Stoner Rock song with great guitars and a huge groove. The following OHANA went the same direction and shows the power of the band. REAL WORLD is more midtempo, with psychedelic intro and can`t hold the power of the opening tracks. But ASSKICKED shows again the drive of LOST YOUTH. The dirty vocals fit perfect, but can`t hold over the whole album the standard of the international scene. MR. MELONIOUS FELONOUIS is again more a unimportant song before MRS. MELONIOUS FELONOUIS is one of the highlights on that record. Especially the female vocals from Hanna Hartleiß fits perfect to that song (and it was a great idea, that song number 7 is only called "&" and it is the middle part of MR. and MRS. FELONIOUS). ASTRO VAN shows again the mighty riff power of LOST YOUTH and this song is a real headbanger! And SILENCE starting with a KYUSS riff. A real 1:1 copy. But the song turns into a cool QOTSA groove monster and is one of the best songs on that debut. Maybe 3-4 songs less on MEDUSAS JUKEBOX and it would be a great record. Maybe LOST YOUTH are a great live band, but on CD some bricks are missing to make the real big hit! Not bad for a debut and next time they will make the next step - believe me!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 13 Songs / 61 minutes

Jochen

++++++

METAL CHURCH  -  This present wasteland   SPV

www.spv.de
www.spvusa.com
www.metalchurch.com

If I was a small kid in the early eighties, the METAL CHURCH debut was one of my favourite CDs! And the following THE DARK impressed me a lot! And after I saw them on stage performing before METALLICA, I went to get a huge fan! And after Mike Howe, from my other favourites HERETIC, joined the band on vocals, I was not really sad about the end of David Wayne, the classic MC vocalist. And in my eyes is the first record with Mike, BLESSING IN DISUISE, on the same level as THE DARK, maybe a little more impressive, especially the opener of the record. But after a good HUMAN FACTOR in 1991 I lost the interest on the band and after their re-union in the classic line-up 1999 and some awesome festival shows, the band released MASTERPEACE in that legendary line-up. And since the 2004 output THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD Ronny Munroe did the vocals and he can hold the high standard of the 2 legendary METAL CHURCH singers. The opener COMPANY OF SORROW is a classic MC song with some old school inspired guitar riff like TON OF BRICKS or START THE FIRE. It is a faster track and could be a MC classic soon! The following THE PERFECT CRIME is more mid-tempo and typical MC too! Next DEEDS OF A DEAD SOUL, over 8 minutes long, is more progressive and got led by the mighty guitar work from Kurdt Vanderhoof and Rick Van Zandt and reminds me on some IRON MAIDEN songs. MEET YOUR MAKER is again a faster song with the classic sound and on that song Ronny is very close to David Wayne. This song could be from THE DARK too! Especially Kurdt created a lot of mighty typical old-school METAL CHURCH riffs and so no fan from this band will get disappointed! MONSTER is a straight forward punching song and CRAWLING TO EXTINCTION got led by a cool heavy guitar riff. Especially this two last mentioned songs kick ass and are a must have for every headbanger! A hymn with some acoustic parts is the song A WAR NEVER WON and again Ronny shows some comparison to Bruce Dickinson. MASS HYSTERIA is the heaviest track on THIS PRESENT WASTELAND and the last 2 songs BREATHE AGAIN and CONGREGATION are on the same high level! I really hope that the band can walk back on the top of the Heavy Metal scene; with this output it should be no problem! The band will do some gigs in the USA with Judas Priest and Queensryche and will embark on a world tour in 2009. Be there!

Genre: Power Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Info: 10 Songs / 54 Minutes

Jochen

++++++


MOLOKEN – WE ALL FACE THE DARK ALONE    DISCOURAGED RECORDS

www.myspace.com/moloken
www.discouragedrecords.com

The band dates back to 2007, first there was only one guy soon after a whole band did arise. The name is taken from an old swedish word best translated as a gloomy, downhearted feeling.
Only one song is on the MCD, the song is divided into three sections and the running time is about fithteen minutes. The track with all its mood changes, silent/noisy dynamics and a few outbursts knows to entertain. The vocals of Nicklas and Kristoffer are very hecitc and at times hysterical, nothing to lean back to. Sometimes I felt a bit reminded of the also swedish SWITCHBLADE (even though they take the extremes a bit further).
Nicely produced and the artwork also pleases.Nothing more to say.

GENRE: POST CORE
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 1 Songs 15 min

Thomas Schubert thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SESTA MARCONI  -  Ritual Kamasutra Kitsch  

www.myspace.com/sestamarconi 

Italian Doom band with a EP release. After a too long intro the mighty IN GLOOM starts with a slow and heavy riff ala Black Sabbath. Especially the guitar riff is very close to the Iommi stuff. And the vocals sound fresh and fit perfect to that sound! The songs are long, the perfect time for DOOM METAL. And all songs showing numerous changes in both tempo and speed. IN GLOOM is like some stuff from COUNT RAVEN, especially at the slow parts and on the vocal-side, and I really love COUNT RAVEN. And their sound is a mix of ST. VITUS, COUNT RAVEN, old BLACK SABBATH and sometimes CANDLEMASS (listen to the middle part of IN GLOOM, like the old CANDLEMASS stuff!). More Stoner and rough Rock`n`Roll influences you will find at SKELETONS PARTY (WHERE THE DEVIL DANCES) and again the mighty vocals from Sergio lead you through this song! This two opening songs are awesome, near the highest rating! The following 10 minute Doomer LSWD can`t hold the quality of that tracks in my eyes. Don`t understand me wrong, it is an excellent Doom song with some Psychedelic moments, but over the whole distance a little boring in my eyes. But the last RITUAL KAMASUTRA KITSCH, with a CATHEDRAL feeling, shows again the mighty power and class of that band! And again a mighty psychedelic guitar solo in the middle. If you like COUNT RAVEN, CATHEDRAL, BLACK SABBATH in the Sabotage era or the BLIZZARD OF OZ stuff from OZZY, this is a must have!

Genre: Doom Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs /  30 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

SOUNDSHOK  -  The bringers of Bloodshed   Rising Records / SPV

www.myspace.com/soundshokuk
www.risingrecords.co.uk

Cool! After some good releases from the uprising Label Rising Records from the United Kingdom, they released a mighty debut Death Metal album, old school! Soundshok from Scottland are extreme, heavy and with a mighty groove! Their influence is from the old-school Death Metal bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary and Asphyx, mixed with the mighty guitar power and groove from Raging Speedhorn. And listen to the record means lying under a bulldozer! The opener THE BRINGERS OF BLOODSHED starts with a mighty guitar wall, no head will stand still! This is a mighty Death Metal groove. Not very technical, but simple and straight in your face! Especially the slow refrain will destroy some necks! SALVATION OF THE WOLVES is a little faster, but again with a mighty and slower double bass inferno! Awesome headbanger! The following GENOCIDE? sounds like some Sepultura stuff and reminds me strong on the Max Cavalera songwriting. But REBIRTH is faster and is a real Death Metal monster! And the middle part will blow you away! Another highlight follows, RESPECT IS TO KILL. ISOLATION OF POWER is another statement of good and pure fucking heavy Death Metal. A cacophony of guttural vocals and slow shredding guitars. And on that track you can find some Hardcore elements too. SELF DESTROYER, CHOKE BACK THE BLOOD and AS IT BURNS close this extreme melting Death Metal record. This is raw energy. Get it if you like it heavy!

Genre: Death Metal
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Info: 9 Songs /  35 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE GATHERING – DOWNFALL    VIC RECORDS

www.thegathering.nl
www.myspace.com/thegatheringofficial

VIC RECORDS was an independent label back in the days (KATATONIA and HAMMERFALL been discovered by them), they are back from the dead and the first sign of life is this double GATHERING album. The two discs include all the recordings done before and just after the release of their debut ALWAYS  as well as the pre-production of ALMOST A DANCE with Bart Smith on vocals. The included promos, Eps, demos and  rehearsal recordings have all been remastered and restored by Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE guitarist).
If you are in the later incarnation of the band with Anneke (she left if anybody hasn't noticed so far) this will bring a nice change. But even in their early days, the band had a nice hand for quiet, layered moments (HEARTBEAT AMPLIFIER, HER LAST FLIGHT amongst many others). Even though the keys are at times a bit too dominant you easily can make them out amongst many others in the genre, it if that isn't something well I don't know. Grunts (the Death Metal influences) like they did appear on ALWAYS also can be found (PASSAGE TO DESIRE, IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH, GAYA'S DREAM, DOWNFALL and see the following for that). On SECOND SUNRISE unknown heaviness comes to the light of day, SIX DEAD, THREE TO GO even shows some Thrash roots, ANOTHER DAY uses up some Punk elements, cool.
So far to disc one lets see what disc 2 can offer.
It starts with a covertune of CELTIC FROSTs Dethroned Emperor, very near the original without any fancy stuff. SUBZERO, SECOND SUNRISE, IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH, DOWNFALL, ANTHOLOGY IN BLACK, SECOND SUNRISE, GAYA'S DREAM are included in earlier demo, rehearsal stages, sure the production is not to classy but the material has a definite charm. STONEGARDEN takes female vocals as support, as we all know later on they did take over and put the band in a very succesfull surrounding.
Nice trip back in time, the booklet includes liner notes and rare old pictures (of course the promo has none of that).

GENRE: DOOM, GOTH METAL
MUSIC: 7-8
INFO: DISC 1 14 Songs 71 min
          DISC  2 13 Songs 73 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

THE GO FASTER NUNS  -  In Traffic   Hamburg Records

www.hamburgrecords.com
www.thegofasternuns.de

After 3 years and touring with ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK, AMULET, THERAPY, THE QUEERS, ADOLESCENTS, THE DWARVES, BAMBIX and THE DAMNED, the band from Bavaria / Germany is back with a strong record. And all that scandinavian bands have to know that band right now, because they fight against the top with Backyard Babies or the other Swedish bands. All the 10 songs are awesome (maybe only the ballad HOLD ME CLOSE is a little to much mainstream...) and show a modern Rock band. The band sounds fresh and not stupid (except HOLD ME CLOSE) and you will get a punch in your face! Especially fans from BEATSTEAKS and DONOTS should try this band out! Highlight are the opener WALK AWAY FROM HERE and the fast YOU LOOD SO GOOD, all hits and with full of power. I don`t like that positive sound, but I think with their 3rd record they will conquer the top of modern Punk Rock!

Genre: Punk Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 29 minutes

Jochen

++++++

THIS COMP KILLS FASCISTS VOL. 1   RELAPSE RECORDS

www.relapse.com

Scott Hill (PIG DESTROYER, AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED, also RELAPSE) did put this thing together, as kind of a blueprint the 90s compilation CRY NOW, CRY LATER was in the back of his head.
Over 50 tracks of todays Grindcore, Hardcore scene can be found and some of the material is exclusive to this release, or hasn't been released before.
Exlucisve: INSECT WARFARE, MAGRUDERGRIND (insane Grind that leaves quite a mark), KILL THE CLIENT and some others. Another thing that makes this sampler a must have are the four new tracks recorded by BRUTAL TRUTH. Compared to their old daze they sound a bit more complex, but Kevins vocals put the thing right into place, and boy this shit is heavy. AGENST OF SATAN did record their first material in ten years (didn't know them before, cool slower Grind with a kind of old school feeling to it).
WEEKEND NACHOS reminded me a bit of early PUNGENT STENCH in a crust suit, MARUTA deliver fierce technical stunning Grind, MAN WILL DESTROY HIMSELF show the Punk roots more than obvious and CHAINSAW TO THE FACE brings up insane blasting mayhem with a nice groove to it. There are still tons of things to discover on this nice compilation and except from maybe SPOONFULL OF VICODIN the produciton is also very satisfactory.

GENRE: GRIND in the basics
MUSIC: 8-9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 51 Songs 57 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++





Reviews 20/08/2008

AGENDA OF SWINE- WAVES OF HUMAN SUFFERING
BALZAC – HATERD: DESTRUCTION=CONSTRUCTION
BLOODBATH – THE WACKEN CARNAGE
CAPITOLLIUM – BLOODFALL OF FLESH
CRIMSON STONE - From hell they came
EARLY GRAVE – TOMORROW I AM YOU
E-FORCE- MODIFIED POISON
FUCK THE FACTS – DISGORGE MEXICO
HERO DESTROYED - HERO DESTROYED
INFERNAL EXECRATOR – ANTICHRIST EXECRATION
KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS - SHADES
NINE POUND HAMMER – SEX, DRUGS & BILL MONROE
NO QURTER GIVEN – THE EMBODIMENT BEGINS
SARDONIS - 7“ EP Vinyl
SKYWISE - Cold cold Earth
SOLRIZE - EP
SONIC LORD – TRAWLING THROUGH SLUDGE
THE DEVIL RIDES OUT - Volume III
THE PSYKE PROJECT – APNEA
TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED – PURGATION

++++++

AGENDA OF SWINE -  WAVES OF HUMAN SUFFERING    RELAPSE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/agendaofswine
www.relapse.com

Pete Ponitkoff leader of also RELAPSE recording artists BENUMB is the brain behind AGENDA OF SWINE a kind of retro Hardcore/Thrash act.
The material has a definte vintage 80/90s sound some of it reminds a bit of S.O.D. but without the fun fact to it. On STAINS OF ACCOUNTABILITY they mix insanity with nice groove, DECIMATION OF WORLD TRADE, THROUGH... and AMONGST THE FORGOTTEN deliver hysteriacl Hardcore Thrash of its own. The old schooly Thrasher ANATOMY OF SOCIAL ISSUES reminds a bit of EXODUS, especially the vocals implie this fact. END OF ALL ENDS reminds a bit of S.O.D., DESPISED FROM INCEPTION comes along fast and chaotic (like 80s Speedcore). FRAGMENTS OF REASON brings in a killer groove and headsplicing chords, CONDITIONED FOR FAILURE is a very fast way of releasing aggression (kind of like the great INFEST on speed). DEVOURING THE RESIDUAL BITE is one of the slowest tracks on WAVES OF HUMAN SUFFERING and this comes not as a surprise PERSECUTION, ASCENSION, LEAVE NOTHING STANDING closes the thing very fast.
The produciton has a nice, hard hitting impact.

GENRE: HARDCORE THRASH THE OLD WAY
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 13 Songs 34 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BALZAC  –  HATERD: DESTRUCTION=CONSTRUCTION    GAN-SHIN RECORDS

www.balzac308.com

Japans MSIFTIS are back with the hell knows what longplayer (eight one to mention a number). This comparison comes not only thanks to the equal outfit, their Punkrock also has that misfits vibe, and the lyrical concept is kind of the same nature. The also did release stuff with Jerry Only from THE MISIFTS (guess you did know that fact).
After the instrumental introduction THE SHADOWS OF DAYBREAK I they hit it off with the very distorted sounding DISTRACTION that comes along cold and harsh compared to their earlier stuff, the sound is also very high and sore, surprise. SWALLOW THE DARK is more melodic and you almost could speak of a singalong, DAKEDO SONNA HIBI (hope thats right) is noisier and full of distortion, MOMENTARY DEGENERATION brings fast, dirty Punk, HURT is more the stuff I was used by them, melodic, simple and boneshaking.
PARANOIA is a nother disturbed piece, FRANKENSTEINS WALK takes the use of a classic Heavy Metal riff mixed with a ROCK'N'ROLL and singalongs, cool. DESTRUCTION=CONSTRUCTION is a heavy bastard with very pissed off vocals and a very simple basic songstructure to it, JUSTICE, PITY AND HATRED delivers melodic Punkrock, THE HOWLING WOLF is MISFITS like all the way, very melodic are the best way to describe PRAY and the final THE SHADOWS OF DAYBREAK II is the instrumental closure of this highly recommended Punk Rock treat. Oh by the way a hidden track also can be found on the album.
I have to admit I'am a bit surprised by the variety of this album.

GENRE: HORROR PUNK WITH A TWIST
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 13 Songs 54 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

BLOODBATH  –  THE WACKEN CARNAGE    PEACEVILLE RECORDS

www.bloodbath.biz
www.peaceville.com

Like with the last MY DYING BRIDE live recording, Peaceville once again chose the noble way of releasing a CD/DVD double package. For all the none participants of the Wacken Open Air 2005 they get the treat of watching it at home. Back in the days the line up consisted of Dan Swanoe Martin Axenrot, Jonas Renkse, Andres Nystr and Mikael Akersfeldt (who claimes this is the only time live with the band, I guess this years Partysan proved him wrong). The 13 song set includes all the essentials, the sound is also gutwarming, and like always I prefer the video presentation. The gig was shot by the Roax time and like usually this stands for quality and nice camera cuts. The picture is altered to look a bit worn out, and not to colourful, but this does no harm to the fun. The audio track is also available in a fine 5.1 Dolby Digital mix.
BLOODBATH fans will find a nice treat in this one.

GENRE: DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: Both discs contain 13 Tracks

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

CAPITOLLIUM  –  BLOODFALL OF FLESH    SWORN RECORDS

www.swornrecords.com
www.capitollium.com.ua
www.myspace.com/capitollium

The Ukraine brings out quartet, that can be put somewhere inbetween Black Metal and Dark Metal with a theatrical side to it. So far they did release for longplaying albums in the East Europe, BLOODFALL OF FLESH is the first global distributed one, and by hearing their stuff for the first time, well maybe they have a chance.
They did record nine songs one of them is a covertune of BEHEMOTHS Chant For Ezxhaton 2000. All of the compositions have a wide range of arrangements and themes. Blast beats meet female vocals (not to cheesy at all, she's supposed to be a professional opera singer), the keyboard fragments can be tolerated by me (at times they do plaster a bit too much). Sometimes I felt reminded of a more Black Metal rooted NOTRE DAME, the theatrical touch and some of the flair that surrounds the songs is kind in the same blood.
On ARACHNOPHOBIA Thrash Metal gets hand in hand with the bombastic style of DIMMU BORGIR, but without sounding like a rip-off. A bit of ABSU can be found in PETRIFIED MIRK, nice.
The production seems pretty authentic, and the booklet is another eyecatcher.

GENRE: THEATRICAL BLACK METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 9 Songs 44 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

CRIMSON STONE  -  From hell they came    Boiling Records

www.crimsonstone.co.nr
www.myspace.com/crimsonstone
www.boiling-records.de

I got that CD from CRIMSON STONE and first I thought I became a MISFITS sounding band. But after the first listening I was disappointed. Crimson Stone play boring Stoner Rock with terrible vocals. FROM HELL THEY CAME is over the whole distance not strong enough to find a lot of buyers. THE OUTLAW starts with some well-known Stoner Rock sounds and especially the vocals sound not 100% perfect. They destroy the good feelings and can`t hold the level of the musicians. IT IS TIME T GET HIGH (fast forward Punk inspired Stoner Rocker), MTV STAR or THE GRAVEDIGGER is only in the midfield of the Stoner Rock scene. SNAKES OF WINE is a faster song and there the vocals fit well to the song. And on the slower QUEEN OF LUST it is ok too. This one is one of the better songs and the following PORNSTAR FROM HELL shows only a good groovy Stoner riff. All in all a disappointing output, especially on the vocal side. The music shows good moments, but the vocals destroy a lot. But maybe with the next release they can do a big step forward if they work on the vocals.

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 8 Songs / 42 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

EARLY GRAVE  –  TOMORROW I AM YOU   RISING RECORDS

www.myspace.com/earlygraveuk

And another one on RISING RECORDS label, once again hailing from England and playing Modern Metal. The young band (average age 17) are into the Death Core mix with very annoying melodic inserpts.
YESTERDAY opens up almost DEICIDE dual vocal like, but soon after that melodic, cheesy, sweet voices set in, AS THICK AS THIEVES tries to put a bit too much in one song. Simpler tracks like the brutal GOLDEN HEARTS are a bit more of my taste, boys just concentrate on the feeling (this one also has some Hardcore typical gang shouts).
THIS DAY SHE REIGNS is a kind of ballad with a very unpleasing bombast to it, uh.
The dry produciton as it is mentioned by the info sheet is once again a major flaw.

GENRE: MODERN METAL
MUSIC: 6
SOUND: 7
INFO: 11 Songs 47 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

E-FORCE  -  MODIFIED POISON    TWILIGHT/PERVADE PRODUCTIONS

www.pervade-productions.com
www.thundering-records.com

Probaly some of you might know this is the band of former VOIVOD vocalist Eric Forrest who replaced original voice Snake from 1995-2001. With PHOBOS and NEGATRON he released some killer stuff with the canadian originals.
Now four years after the impressing debut EVIL FORCES (SEASON OF THE MIST 2003) he is back with his second strike MODIFIED POISON. Like on the predecessor the music is basically Thrash with a cyper, futuristic twist to it (without sounding clinical).
DEVIATION is the perfect classic Thrash opening with galloping beats and a killer guitarwork, only the drum sound is a bit irritating for me (sounds to steril). The voice of Eric is striking as ever before, and VOIVOD fans of Eric periode will find some joy. MODIFIED POISON sounds thanks to the stiking guitarwork very VOIVOD like, and the uptempo stamper is a real killer, the pissed of vocals make LOBOTOMIZED a pleasure to listen to. AGENT 99 brings in some experimental stuff, MALPRACTICE and REVOLUTION RIOT ACT take us back on the heavy track. Tribal drumming finds some place in the cool DISILLUTIONED, EXTERMINATOR brings in more classic arrangements, WIRED is the most forward stamper, with a nice beat to it and the last VICTORY is re-recording of a 2001 VOIVOD demo track.
The only criticism is the bit to unnatural drum sound, but maybe it's just me.

GENRE: FUTURISTIC THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 7
INFO: 12 Songs 54 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

FUCK THE FACTS  –  DISGORGE MEXICO   RELAPSE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/fuckthefacts
www.fuckthefacts.com

Like with the predecessor STIGMATA HI-FIVE Canadas grind combo infernale FUCK THE FACTS also make it not to easy to get to their material, but I have to admit this time it sounds a bit more „easy listening“ (just kidding). Honestly the material is a bit more classic arranged, but still heavy and complex as shit.
Compared to the opener BORDERS even bands like the early DILLINGER ESCAPE sound like mainstream acts, a whirlwind of breaks, insane songfragments and sheer brutality hit the eardrum like a wasp on rabies. NO RETURN lets the strings sing and this sound sick and twisted, but with ABSENCE AND DESPITE they choose a bit more warmer, deeper course (for them, the song for itself is still a very hard thing to swallow to the average listener). KELOWNA brings in a kind of epic feeling and DEAD END surpirses with melodies and a killer catchiness. After that the straight ahead DRIVING THROUGH FALLEN CITIES feels lika an anal rape (not unlike CONVERGE do, playing music not molesting). Hooklines and nice chords return in LA CULTURE DU FAUX, STATE OF PANIC knows how to take the best ouf ot Death Metal, NO PLACE FOR FAILURE brings in some nice guitar harmonies. THE STORM is another bath of emotions, harshness meets nice melodies and insantiy. And believe it or not on APATHY IS A KARMA KILLER they even sound desperate, GOLDEN AGE brings in crusty guitars along with nice blasts.
This nice soundlandscape got the proper sound to dive deep down into the complex, state of the art material. There is quite something to discover in this world of FUCK THE FACTS.
Maybe I did confuse some of the songtitels the backcover notes 15 songs, on the actual CD only 14 can be found, sorry for that.

GENRE: EXTREME METAL (this underrates the great material)
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 9
INFO: 15 Songs 45 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

HERO DESTROYED  -  HERO DESTROYED   RELAPSE RECORDS

www.relapse.com

Pittsburgh is not only the home of George A. Romero but also the resort of HERO DESTROYED which features ex - COMMIT SUICIDE members, and on their debut EP they want to show the Metal world how it's done.
CAUSE FOR CANCER is build up like a MASTADON riff monster, the vocals are more throaty and the songstructures are a bit more complex, at times it also gets groovy. BLOODY HAND is kind of the same waters, the complexity is even higher. The basslines in FLASHERS even reach Jazzfields as well as some chords. CODE OF ARMS reminds a bit of tamer Math Core acts like DILLINGER with restrains.
None of the seven tracks sounds to chaotic or artifical, well simple is not their cup of tea, but after some time maybe it will unfold on you. For me it's at times a bit too tame.

GENRE: METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 7 Songs 23 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

INFERNAL EXECRATOR  –  ANTICHRIST EXECRATION    PULVERISED RECORDS

www.goecities.com/infernalexecrator

Like PULVERISED INFERNAL EXECRATOR are also from Singapore, a far land with very raw music. The band is into primitive Black/Thrash Metal with an antichirstian message.
Well so far so good. This is the debut MCD, in 2006 they did release a Demo.
The music is raw, primitive and brutal, somehow a bit of BLASPHEMY stench is in the air.
Rooted deep in the early more chaotic Black/Death genre (SADISTIC INTEND, DESTROYER 666 do an equal thing) the material unfolds a charm that is hard to shake off. Everythings fast, no compromises, nothing fancy just fucking brutal that's the way (especially PURE GENOCIDAL BATTLE is very fast paced).
IMPIETY also from Singapore get praised via a coverversion (SODOMYTHICAL FROSTGOATS, since I'am not familar with the original I can't say anything about it, it sounds a bit more Thrash based).
Of course the production is fleshy and raw.

GENRE: BLACK THRASH METAL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND:7
INFO: 6 Songs 26 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS  -  SHADES    FERRET MUSIC

www.myspace.com/knightsoftheabyss

Hailing from Arizona (US), formed in 2005, extensive touring, now 2008 the debut SHADES sees the light of day via FERRET. And hearing the album for the first time, I can state without a doubt that they fit perfect into the repertoire of the lable. Modern Metal or likewise Death Metal, Hardcore and Thrash mixed all up to that one thing some call Deathcore. The mates have a very aggressive approach regarding their songwriting, all on the twelve. Hammering doublebass assaults harsh vocals, at times growls (DON'T FEED THE HEATHENS, EXPLOITATION), breakdowns (A NEW DARKENED FAITH, DIS UNVEILED) and all that other modern stuff (the drum sound is just too perfect). They are at best in the faster, more Thrash based moments like in DIS UNVEILED (yes again), or the fierce SUICIDE REIGN. At times the vocals did remind me a bit of tamer AT THE GATES style, but they never reach the intensity of Tomas.
All very professionally recorded and done, but honestly the material is not to original.
For fans of the genre probably a nice treat, for old hounds like me this is a bit too much one way pointed aggression.

GENRE: MODERN METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 8
INFO: 12 Songs 38 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

NINE POUND HAMMER  –  SEX, DRUGS & BILL MONROE    BUZZVILLE

www.buzzville.be

Eighteen years in the service of Rock'N'Roll, the „Kentucky Breakdown“ are back with some nice swinging tunes. They made themself a name appearing on the AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE soundtrack, also their covertune of RADAR LOVE (2005 MULEBITE DELUXE) was used in the DRIVE series form CBS. As some of you might now with Blaine Cartwright (along with Scott Luallen/voc he formed NINE POUND HAMMER way back) the singer and guitarist of the great NASHVILLE PUSSY takes a main part in NINE POUND HAMMER line-up. So enough name dropping.
Like usual they deliver Rock at times with a nice Country touch on the side.
I'M YER HUCKLEBERRY and HOOKERS & HOT SAUCE deliver Rock the straight way, BLACK SHEEP invites to swing, EVERYBODY'S DRUNK has a nice Punk vibe to it, that vibe gets crosse with Country in the speedy FIGHTIN' WORDS. Chilly Country tunes can be heard on MAMA'S DOIN' METH AGAIN, I GOT RIGHT takes us back into more meatier Punk Rock. After you put your teeth in the powerful RODE HARD, you can get on an even faster ride with TOO SORRY. On the other side of the river you can find HELL IN MY HAND a quiet semiballades countryballad with a nice feeling to it. WHEELS FLEW OFF LAST NIGHT delivers all throat manhood, AINT WORTH KILLIN' throws in some NASHVILLE PUSSY styled chords along with the cool voice of Scott make this one a real blessing.

GENRE: ROCK'N'ROLL
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 14 Songs 34 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

NO QURTER GIVEN  –  THE EMBODIMENT BEGINS   RISING RECORDS

www.myspace.com/noquartergivenmetal

Another one of Britains underground Metal acts gets the privilege of getting released throught the new RISING company (under the guiding hand of SPV). The roots go back to 2005 (out of DEAD WITHOUT ISSUE and CERAKAI) and EMBODIMENT is the debut.
Theyself claim to take the best out of Hardcore (minor), Death Metal and Metalcore and mix it into their very own brutal mixture. Well this goes for the main part of the material, but for me it could be a bit more aggressive and brutal. One thing I have to admit they are not to Metalcore, the breakdowns are not to cliche and one some occasion they create real good songs with some depth to it (DYSTOPIA with fine guitarwork, only the drums sound synthetic and triggered like hell). On the last ENDGAME the good old Thrash also gets some praising.
The album suffers a bit from the thin production, and the drums also, read about it above.

GENRE: MODERN METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 7
INFO: 10 Songs 43 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

SARDONIS  -  7“ EP Vinyl    Electric Earth Vinyl Records

www.electric-earth.com
www.myspace.com/sardonis666

This is a two man army, guitar and bass…nothing more! And they worship the riff! SARDONIS plays heavy doom laden instrumentals and will be a new goodie for all YOB lovers. The debut EP from that Belgian band is a limited 300 copies release (200 black and 100 white vinyls). The opener NERO D`AVOLA is a great slow massive riff-wall ala the before mentioned YOB or HIGH ON FIRE. SKULLCRUSHER A.D. starts atmospheric and the opening riff will blow you away! The song is a little faster as the opener and shows the power of the 2 guys! MOR is a Stoner Rock like song with straight forward drumming. A real headbanger. Highlight is the last song called SICK HORSES with a mighty groove, great guitar riffs and an awesome power. The 4 songs are cool and fat, but I really don’t know if that instrumental stuff will work over the distance of a whole album. But we will see it soon, because the band is in the studio right now and do their work for their debut. Instrumental lovers should check this band out – they are heavy and slow. I think with a good vocalist they will be 20% better. But this is only my taste of music.

Genre: Instrumental Sludge Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 4 Songs / 13 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

SKYWISE  -  Cold cold Earth   Kilgore Records

www.kickagency.com

Ah, the new SKYWISE! After a great debut via DAREDEVIL RECORDS some years ago (2001) and their self-released second output GIVE THE DEVIL HIS BREW in 2004, the Italian band is back with new output and the change into a more evil, more dramatic style. They left behind the shorter Stoner Rock numbers and are now into a more dramatic, slower and heavier sound-collage. Sounds like a slow and heavy black mass. The 12 minute opener AVE ATQUE VALE starts with a Doom Metal monster riff and turns into a slow Doom Metal Song. The vocals from Francesco are rough and emotional. DEVIL`S BARGAIN start with some scary melodies and again the slow groove will let you die! The song got surrounded by a magic atmosphere and the punching groove will be a pleasure for all Doom heads in the world. 10 minutes of pure Doom! COLD COLD EARTH is a spoken introduction for the next song called BUT THE EARTH WAS HOLLOW. BUT THE EARTH WAS HALLOW is the fastest song on COLD COLD EARTH; still slow and Doom Metal, but with a little drive. And RAISE THE DEAD features some slow Stoner Rock riffs and more screamed vocals. All in all a big surprise, a band which Doom Metal fans will love soon and I really hope that they can make a big step forward with that slow, groovy and never boring monster of an CD. Italia rules!

Genre: DOOM Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs / 42 minutes

Jochen

++++++

SOLRIZE  -  EP 2007

www.myspace.com/solrize
www.prophecy-booking.com

SOLRIZE are a Stoner Rock band from Austria. And hell yeah, they really rock! In the veins of DOZER, MOTHER MISERY and MONSTER MAGNET they have created a mighty 6 track EP in 2007. And right now the CD is on the way! But on this EP you will find the mighty opener MASTER OF DISASTER, with a great groove and awesome heaviness! And especially the vocals are rough and emotional together. Can`t believe that this band is from Austria! Cool! GOD OF SUN, a cool mid-tempo song with an awesome fuzzy groove riff, shows that the band is ready to enter the top! Only the vocals are not 100% perfect on that track, but who cares – this song rocks! MARCH OF THE MARABOO opens with a QOTSA riff and if you will drive through the Mojave desert, this is the right soundtrack! This song is real a killer! L.O.D. features again the legendary Stoner Rock guitar sound, but again the vocals can`t hold that unbelievable high standard! The song RODEO BLUES is a great song with some great vocal lines and here I can find some DANZIG vibes in the voice. But at RODEO BLUES they play again a sound which could be from the first QOTSA or an old Dozer record. Really impressive. And with the last song, RIDE THE SHIT, they created a small hit. A really good band and I have heard, especially on stage they sound awesome! Maybe some more work on the vocal side and this will be the perfect Stoner Rock band. I had the chance to listen to some pre-production of the forthcoming record (which features the songs RIDE THE SHIT and MASTER OF DISASTER again) and I think they did a big step forward! Songs like DESERT SON (great Stoner Rock groove ala Dozer and mighty vocals ala MAGNIFIED EYE) or BLOOD OMEN (fast grooving Fuzz Rock monster) shows the right direction and this record will be a Stoner highlight soon! Especially GOGOGASMO has the potential to get a STONER ROCK hit soon! Can`t wait to hold that CD in my hands!

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Info: 6 Songs / 28 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

SONIC LORD – TRAWLING THROUGH SLUDGE   CATACOMB RECORDS

www.soniclord.co.uk
www.myspace.com/soniclord

Birminghams (UK) SONIC LORD bring out this nice limited to a 250 pressing 7inch, colored vinyl. They see themself in the Stoner/Doom genre, well this hits the nail pretty good. The first THE FALLEN reminded me a bit of the great ELECTRIC WIZARD in a more Rockin' way, the voice has the needed deepth and soul, and the chords sing a bit the GOATSNAKE tune. The flipside delivers THE PROPHECY an even slower paced Doom Rocker.
The package also includes a nice plectrum and the ep as a CD version.
The nice warm sound gives the final cut to this diamond.

GENRE: DOOM ROCK
MUSIC: 8
SOUND: 8
INFO: 2 Songs

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

THE DEVIL RIDES OUT  -  Volume III    Green Media Distribution

www.myspace.com/thedevilridesoutband
www.myspace.com/greenmediadistributionaustralia

VOLUME 3 is the third of their trilogy of EPs (all featuring 6 songs each) and if you put all the covers together, you will get an awesome girl! Great! So the optical part impressive! VOLUME 3 is the dirtiest and heaviest material so far and is a mix of gritty blues Rock and Stoner Rock. A mix of DANKO JONES, QOTSA and DANZIG. The opener SLOW GUN is driven by a hammering riff and the angry vocals from Joey. This is the most rough and violent song from THE DEVIL RIDES OUT so far. FIFTYONEPERCENT is faster, with some Punk Rock influences and the more spoken vocals shows some comparison to Henry Rollins. Awesome song! THE SHAPE OF A HEART reminds me a little to the middle area by CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, full of catchy groove-laden Sludge rock riffs. And Mr. Andrew Ewing is a great guitar player with the right feeling for the monster riff. And I have to mention that he looks like Mr. Christ from the old DANZIG line-up. MEET JOE BLUES, yeah…a Blues Rock song with some Slide guitars. Not bad, but the following THE WORLD HAS FANGS is another highlight and a straight in your face rocker with a cool refrain. SIX (I GOT YOUR) is the best song placed at the end and shows again the mighty power of the band! Again some awesome guitar riffs and the cool rough vocals from Joey led this song. VOLUME 3 is an sexy, angry, rough, violent and aggressive Rock output. And with a fat production I really hope, that the band will make a huge step with VOLUME 3! I hope that I can check this band out on stage soon! Only the Devil is bigger!

Genre: ROCK
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Info: 6 Songs / 18 Minutes

Jochen

++++++

THE PSYKE PROJECT  –  APNEA    LIFEFORCE RECORDS

www.myspace.com/thepsykeproject
www.thepsykeproject.com

Copenhagen, Denmark brings out the PSYKE PROJECT another young band that delivers food for the ISIS, NEUROSIS, Noisecore freaks all around the globe.
Prior to APNEA they did released two longplayers, and they even have been nominated for teh Danish Metal Awards. Like it comes almost natural in the genre, the also have a more tender melancholic side to themself. On the opening track THE VOICE COMMANDEMENT even CONVERGE segements come shining through, the second I GET PARALYZED (a heavy one by the way) gets even more into that brutality but on the other hand it also shows some mellower, quieter moments. The contrast out of that makes the whole thing spicy. The chords on the bombastic PANIC even remind me of the gods CELTIC FROST on their MONOTHEIST output, that combined with the intenstity of CONVERGE and some apocalypitc fragments really make it work. CREATING LANDSCAPES is straight on harsh and friends of CULT OF LUNA also might get something out of this (just hear the silent parts), DEDICATION is blessed with a killer drive and some of the guitarwork reminds a bit of the Modern Metal genre (also that CF riffing swarms around a bit). NOT IN MY TIME is propably the most held back on the album, a bit like MUSE with harsh riffs to it.

GENRE: ATMOSPHERIC HARDCORE
MUSIC: 9
SOUND: 8
INFO: 10 Songs 56 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++

TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED  –  PURGATION   RISING RECORDS

www.myspace.com/triggerthebloodshed

RISING RECORDS aims to release great underground acts of the genre all over Europe, the first of them are the british Grind/Death Metal maniacs of TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED.
The band only formed a year ago and the music is a fierce mixture of the two above mentioned genres. At times a slight Hardcore touched can be experienced (shouts in MERCILESS IGNORANCE) and the Metalcore typical breakdowns also find some use (REBIRTH, LOVERS), but note don't put them near that genre. The main part of the seventeen songs blast straight ahead that leads of course to a bit of one way brutality, but they high level of aggression makes this kind of pleasant.
Only the at times very clinical drums sound (especially the doublebass) gives it a bit of plastic feeling. The production could have used a bit more warmth.

GENRE: GRIND/ DEATH METAL
MUSIC: 7
SOUND: 7
INFO: 17 Songs 37 min

Thomas Schubert
thomas@daredevilrecords.de

++++++





Reviews 01. August 2008


DIABLO  -  Icaros 
DRAGONFORCE – Ultra Beatdown
FLOODSTAIN  -  Dreams make monsters  
FLOODSTAIN -   Take a ride
HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW  -  Turtle nipple and the toxic shock 
IOTA  -  Tales 
LIGEIA  Bad News   
MANY THINGS UNTOLD - Atlantic
MISERY SIGNALS  -  Controller
NOISEDROME  -  DECEMBER`S IN BLOOM 
SHAME CLUB  -  Come On  
STONEGARD  -  From dusk till Doom  
SUPERGIANT  -  Antares  
SWORN AMONGST – And so it begins
THE NEW BLACK - Demo
ZEBRAHEAD  -  Phoenix  

++++++

DIABLO  -  Icaros   Drakkar / Sonny

www.myspace.com/diablometal
www.diabloperkele.com
www.sakararecords.com

With their 2004 debut release “Eternium” they marked a huge statement into the Metal scene. The Finnish band got a lot of positive feedback from the whole world and since that moment a lot of other Finnish bands end up into international markets. But the following record from DIABLO was a small disappointment (but they topped Finnish charts with “Mimic 47”) and the interest on the band outside of Finland got lost. And now, after a lot of month working on the new material and the honour to be the warm-up act for METALLICA last year, they returned with a great modern Thrash record. “Mimic 47” was not heavy enough and too much mainstream parts got integrated to their new sound. But now, with “Icaros” the band is back with a heavy record, but the songs can`t reach the class and power of the mighty debut. The opener TRAIL OF KINGS starts with an introduction and shows the aggressive way on that record. Great guitar riffs and heavy vocals are an excellent opener. LIVING DEAD SUPERSTAR has a great middle part with some MEGADETH like solo guitars. This is a great headbanger! The following BAD SIGN is a pure mid-tempo groove Thrash monster in best THE HAUNTED tradition. RESIGN FROM LIFE starts with a great guitar melody and turns into a powerful track like some In Flames stuff. ICAROS is shows some Power Metal influences and is the most commercial track on that record. With that song they can top the Metal charts. LIGHT OF THE END and HAMMER is again like RESIGN FROM LIFE and the song CHAGRIN is a ballad and one of the weaker tracks on the record. THROUGH DIFFICULTIES TO DEFEAT is a complex track with some progressive guitar leads, really great! The last INTO THE SEA is again more a commercial and melodic song. With “Icaros” they can fight with the other bands like The Haunted or In Flames to get on the top of the Modern Thrash throne. Buy this great modern Metal hammer!

Genre:     Modern Thrash Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 45 min

Jochen

++++++

DRAGONFORCE  -  Ultra Beatdown    Hellfest / Universal

www.dragonforce.com
www.spinefarm.fi

ULTRA BEATDOWN is the fourth album from the British fantasy power metal band DRAGONFORCE. After their good sold 2006 record INHUMAN RAMPAGE (gold in the USA for their single output THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES), the band is back and ready for the next step. Over 2 decades they are the best selling British Metal act, and that is unbelievable. They still combining the almost-preposterous technical prowess of the best modern extreme metal with the melodic sense, pomp, majesty and grandeur of the classic rock and metal that dominated their childhoods in the 70s and 80s, they continue to stand at the top. The opener HEROES OF OUR TIME shows the power, speed and melodic of this guys and if you like the old Dragonforce stuff, you will love that material. The songs are more mid-tempo at some parts (no no, Dragonforce is still fast!) and the voice of ZP Theart has never sounded more angelic. He will bring you on an emotional journey! Dragonforce is on the way to the ultimate top, especially the guitar work from Herman Li is impressive and leaves your ears bleeding.  Dragonforce has pushed the limits of Speed and Power Metal with this output. Tracks like the mentioned opener, THE FIRE STILL BURNS, REASONS TO LIVE or INSIDE THE WINTER STORM are awesome. For Power / Speed Metal fans or True Metal fans this is a must have, because you will find speed, 80s style ballads and melodies chock full of power chords.  

Genre: Speed Metal
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs / 53 minute

Jochen

++++++

FLOODSTAIN  -  Dreams make monsters   Bad Mood Man / Solitude Production
FLOODSTAIN -   Take a ride

www.myspace.com/floodstain
www.floodstain.com
www.solitude-prod.com
www.myspace.com/solitudeprod

Dutch Stoner rockers FLOODSTAIN are back with a great output! After the good TAKE A RIDE debut, the band starts on “Dreams make monsters” with the killer track MONSTER. Especially this song rocks like hell and shows some comparison to the mighty FLOODGATE, I hope you all remember that band which got led by Kyle Thomas (from Exhorder). The song is full of traditional rock trademarks, great mid-tempo riffs and that special southern feeling. And the vocals are full of mud, inspired from Kyle Thomas and Phil Anselmo. Awesome! The following LOVE IS POISON went another direction. The guitars sound like some QOTSA stuff from the 2nd and 3rd record. It is really close to that sound, the solo, chorus, everything. Not outstanding, but well done. TRAILBLAZER following, it is a typical Stoner Rock song and after the 2 good opening tracks, from this moment it is the basement of Floodstain. The vocals and music sound like some stuff from that area. The godlike CELESTIAL SEASON for example. The voice of BOY shows the same trademarks and the music too. YOU LOSE ALONE is a slow groovy Stoner Rock song with mighty vocals and got closed with a heavy guitar solo. Great stuff, but the following DEATHWISH kicks more ass! What a mighty riff, awesome groove. They have turned the speed from slow to fast and back and I only can say: this is fucking heavy! STRAY DOGS features some Alternative influences and fits good to that record. END OF TRAIL, the last song on “Dreams make monsters”, starts like an acoustic song with great vocal melodies. But it is only the silence before the storm. The following heavy riff will make you bang your head. In my eyes the leading Dutch Stoner band, a Stoner rock band which concentrates their sound back to the glory time back in 2000.

Genre: Stoner Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 7 Songs / 42 minutes

I will give you a short impression from the 2005 record TAKE A RIDE. Because it is important to know that release from one of the best European Stoner Rock bands! The opener BITCHIN` AROUND and WHAT COMES AROUND shows more the American influences like Fu Manchu or Nebula, especially on the vocal side and the sliding solos are essential to that sound. TEENUP FOR THE SUMMER shows some Alternative and maybe some Gothic influences and is not only a good example for the Floodstain sound. But the following title track TAKE A RIDE is again in that FLOODGATE mud. Great southern influenced riffing, vocals like Kyle Thomas and that special feeling. ASPHALT BLUES is pure Rock and SLINGSHOT was led by an awesome Rock riff and the vocals are again very cool. The highlight on that record is with the song TAKE A RIDE the last song called CRUEL. An atmospheric and emotional track, played acoustic and with awesome vocals. TAKE A RIDE is a good record, but without the clear direction through the whole record.

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 8 Songs / 39 mintues
Jochen

++++++

HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW  -  Turtle nipple and the toxic shock  Ferret Music

www.ferretstyle.com
www.myspace.com/heavyheavylowlow

What a weird name and title. But this unique title TURTLE NIPPLE AND THE TOXIC SHOCK represents the wacky style of that band. The band is out to do what they enjoy and it is a shocking mix of Hardcore, Grindcore, Rock, weird music and fun. The album is just a bunch of jokes about all of the random enjoyment they have had on tour. The band recorded the record with good friend Sam Pura (NORTH, STRATA, SEIZE THE NIGHT) and most of the songs are very short, under 2 minutes. GIANT MANTIS VS. TURT NIP is a progressive Punk / Hardcore / Surf Rock opener and the following, 0.38 minutes long HOW MANY DAD`S MUST EAT THEMSELVES? shows the influence of the late 80`s Punk scene. 3000, 100 POINTS, 100PTS, GUMMY OCTOPI is slower and with some CULT OF LUNA heaviness. Awesome track, believe me. And the 1.38 minutes of H.D. EYE HYBRID CYBORG is Punkrock at its best. Punk Rock as it should be – back in the 80`s….only sounding modern. And the longest (real) song EAGLE MEWNADRIA is a good example for the progressive space influence on that record. The grindcore like GREEN GENES is another highlight and I have to say that no fillers are on that record (maybe the last track…) and so get into the sound of HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW. The BLACK FLAG coverversion of WASTED is awesome and full of power. Cool!  SUPERNOVA NINJA SURFERS or IS THIS YOUR HOMEWORK? or ROTTEN CHURCH / MALL / PARKING LOT are other highlights full of weird guitar leads and a lot of power. Impressive! The last PLEASE, THAT BITCH WILL OUTLIVE US ALL is a 15.52 minute song, which start with some spacy sound collages and after 14.34 minutes you will get guitars and vocals. Maybe I don`t understand that joke…but all in all a great record. I still like old bands like EXTRA HOT SAUCE and so I like HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW. THE BEACH BOYS on Acid, this is a good name for that band. Great! 

Genre: Weird Punk Rock
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 15 Songs / 39 minutes

++++++

IOTA  -  Tales  Smallstone Records

www.smallstone.com

TALES is heavy stuff, very heavy. And the third release from the Salt Lake City based band. Small Stone Records from the states released some of the most important records in my eyes. Stuff like Milligram, Dozer or Five Horse Johnson are still important for the scene, but with IOTA they released their best release so far! And they hit harder and heavier than most of the Small Stone bands. Sometimes like Tummler, but more impressive. The opener NEW MANTIS, the second shortest track with 4.40 minutes, is a heavy bluesy Stoner Rocker and the sheer power is at the first listening unbelievable. Especially the guitars melt through your ears like a bulldozer. The following WE ARE THE YITHIANS starts with a mighty guitar riff and the extreme heaviness will blow you away. The band mixes some of the heaviest Stoner guitar riffs with some blues, space, psychedelic sounds and they have created a monster of a record! But this 2 songs are more compact as the following stuff. The 11 minute long following THE SLEEPING HEATHEN starts fast and again with the mighty vocals from Joey Toscano (he plays guitar too and he is the webmaster of Small Stone Records), before the song turns into a slow crawling Doom machine with a long psychedelic solo-part at the end. The following, 23 minutes long DIMENSIONAL ORBITER, is a journey! Close your eyes and it is the perfect sound to a rocket start! The song was mostly led by some guitar melodies and solos. It is close to some GATHERING stuff! Pure Science Fiction! The last track OPIATE BLUES leave nothing to be guessed, there is even a blues harp to be heard plus some guitar solos. Maybe a real heavy track like the opening ones would gave that record a better closing. And it is the weakest song on that mighty record. But the first four tracks are unique. Put it in your stereo and you will get impressed! Believe me! Essential!!

Genre: Heavy Space Rock
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Info: 5 Songs / 50 minutes

Jochen

++++++

LIGEIA  -  Bad News    Ferret Music

www.ferretstyle.com
www.myspace.com/ligeia

After the debut, produced by Ken Susi (Unearth) back in 2006, the band returns with the new record called BAD NEWS, done by the same production team. The 4 guys from Western Massachusetts worked out 11 short songs and after the more typical and boring debut, the new record is a real surprise. The band did 10 steps forward and presents you a great record straight in your face. Ferret search for a long time to find a band which could close the huge space, Killswitch Engage left. And this record is an awesome statement from a very good newcomer! The opener BAD NEWS is a monster of a song. Especially the guitar work is awesome and shows a lot of real Metal influences. This song was led by a hymn like melody. JOHNNY CASH (yeah!) is again an intense and aggressive song with great vocal lines, vocal lines which are full of anger and aggression. Especially the instrumental parts in the songs make this band special and they created a depth and intension, a lot of other bands from that genre only dream about that. I personally like I`VE BEEN DRINKING, a cool song with a great drive and hammering drums. HOT MESS shows the same quality and the clean refrain shows the same class as the KE stuff! ONE NIGHT STAND is more a clean sung song and can`t hold the aggression potential of the opening songs. But this sound fits perfect to LIGEIA too! And maybe this one will be the one for the DJs. The 2 minute killer TEENAGE WASTELAND is again straight in your face, but with a short mosh-part in the middle and a heavy and slow ending. BOMBSHELL starts with a guitar introduction and is more in the mainstream direction like ONE NIGHT STAND. HEROIN DIARIES is a ballad and in my eyes not important for that record. But THANKS FOR NOTHING (killer vocals, killer mosh-grooves) and HOODRAT (what an awesome middle-part – unbelievable and exactly what you need in the moshpit!) close this record with a blast! You think this record is too short? No – it makes a lot of fun and so after 30 minutes you can start again with headbanging! For KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, Disturbed and open Heavy Metal Fans a must have!
 
Genre: Metalcore
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 11 songs / 29 minutes

Jochen

++++++

MANY THINGS UNTOLD  -  Atlantic  Rising Records

www.risingrecords.org
www.myspace.com/mtumusic

MTU have already been together four years and the band members are only seventeen-years-old. At the last time a lot of bands with members under 18 years release their debut. And the musical talent of the boys from Essex is impressive too! Unbelievable, that the boys are so young. This record features a fresh heavy Metalcore sound, in combination with some Death Metal fragments. And the darker Death Metal vocals are close to the mighty RAGING SPEEDHORN. The opener IN OCEANS is an impressive statement to the other Metalcore bands. MANY THINGS UNTOLD mix their sound with some Death Metal fragments and this make their sound extra heavy. The musicians are tight and they have created some excellent songs. Only the clean sung vocals in the song (that boring, typical Metal core stuff) is boring in my eyes. The song WHERE WE BOTH BELONG is more emotional. It features a lot of melodic vocal parts at the beginning, which got shortly destroyed from aggressive growls, and more mainstream influences. SAFETY IN MONOTONY works with the double vocals perfect and the song is more a mid-tempo wall of sound with the typical Metalcore guitar-leads. Songs like A WORLD APART, THEORY OF THE FALLEN or THIS MAY BE THE END are all at the same high standard. DIFFERENCE IN UP AND DOWN features some Hardcore-like screamed chorus. Highlight is the last SLOVAKIA, a good track with some great guitar riffs and a great chorus. This song is not so different to the other songs on ATLANTIC, but the song will hung in your ears earlier as the other material. All in all an impressive output from that young band, but the music is heard 1000 times before and not really new. If you like the heavier Metal Core bands or the melodic Death Metal stuff – check them out! Artwork and production is awesome too!

Genre: Metal Core
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Info: 10 Songs / 39 minutes

Jochen

++++++

MISERY SIGNALS  -  Controller   Ferret Music

www.ferretstyle.com
www.myspace.com/miserysignals

This is another release which will be under the genre METALCORE. Some of you will hate that word right now, but maybe MISERY SIGNALS fit not 100% into that genre. Maybe on some guitar parts, but the songs are filled with a lot of technical and uncontrolled moments. And the songs are really complex, shows some angry Hardcore influences and all in all CONTROLLER have nothing to do with an trendy output. The opener NOTHING went straight in your face and especially Karl on vocals is more Death Metal as Metalcore. This track shows the most comparison to that genre. The following WEIGHT OF THE WORLD is a short and aggressive Hardcore hammer. PARALLELS is another awesome track, slower as WEIGHT OF THE WORLD, but a place of passion, anger and aggression. COMA shows the mighty song-writing potential of that band. A lot of melodic parts got mixed with some aggressive guitar shots and got formed into awesome music with the mighty vocals from Karl Especially his powerful, aggressive vocal style is awesome and will p