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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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