Hard Announcements

METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique"
October / November 2007
All Reviews by Chris Forbes

NEX
Zero
(Deathgasm Records)

This was a doom metal band and I didn't find them very appealing. The music was just OK, nothing to get happy about. The music is basic doom with the sad like vocals and after a few tunes I was growing bored as this just didn't excite me or do anything for me. The production was good and maybe if your a huge doom fan you might like this, but I didn't. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

RESOLUTION 15
Self Titled
(Self Released)

They claim on the inside of the CD that there is no guitars on this record and I find that hard to believe. The music is like a cross between Black Flag and Pearl Jam as this how my ears hear it. This was a really cool little jem of a release. The vocals are punkish in a way and the singer has a really cool voice and is really into the vocals he is singing. The music will take you on a rollercoaster ride and is very different and not of the norm. The production is cool and you judge for yourself whether there is guitars or not. Info: http://www.resolution15.com

NOMINON
Terra Necrosis
(Deathgasm Records)

This is wicked cool old school death metal in the vein of Grave, Entombed and Dismember. Oh man listen to those death metal guitar licks as this plays on. Just riff after heavy riff of prime death metal the way it should be played. The production is solid and the singing is a pure death metal delight. If your a fan of the swedish death metal scene, you'll want this. Oh and the fast parts crush too. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

SEMARGL
Manifest
(Deathgasm Records)

Just plain ole boring death metal that just plodded along with no interesting riffs or songs and some not so good vocals. The music was heavy, but the songs lacked focus, direction and just plain did nothing for me as they were kinda just there and didn't rock my world so to speak. The vocals were just grunted growls and this just was not a very good death metal release. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

EAST TRADING WANG
Favela Yaho Caipirinha
(Nailboard Records)

This was somewhat of a metal band with a bit of rock mixed in and some not so good vocals. The songs just didn't click with me and I felt bored by song # 4. The music wasn't anything special and the songs didn't flow at all to my ears. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

BLUESTONE COMPANY
Self Titled
(Self Released)

Holy shit is this one hell of a release. This band mix in some killer jamming blues with some old fashion southern rock and it works and it works rather well. The songs are long, but not boring whatsoever at all. There is no signing on this, but who cares as the music takes you on a rollercoaster ride of different musical styles and journeys. This is one original band that mixes in some styles, takes some chances and the end result is we the fan are blessed with some great music. Info: http://www.bluestonec.exblog.jp

DEATHGASM
Sampler
(Deathgasm Records)

I may not like everything Evan releases on his label, but the man does sign some killer bands and has been doing the label for quite some time now. There is 19 cuts on this and I love comps as you get to hear a bunch of bands, some you may not have heard and you might discover some jems too. Abominat, Avulsion, Nominon, and Azure are just some of the bands you will hear. I am sure if you go to the label's website you will get to hear some of these bands too. You get to hear some of the best and not so best of the underground this way and you can judge for yourself whether to buy the band's CD or not. Info: http://www.deathgasm.com

BLACK BONZO
Sound Of The Apocalypse
(The Lasers Edge)

Oh my god is this a needle in the haystack. Heck if I owned a label I would snap these guys up too. This is some awesome progressive music that reminded me of old Kansas and Yes. I love the singer as he has a great solid voice and fits the style of music like my friend Jackie's tight pants at work ha ha. The production has that old vibe from the 70's too and the music just takes you on many rides on different clouds so to speak. This is a release I will listen to over and over and with not many bands doing this it is like a breath of fresh air on a warm summer day. A top 10 of the year for me and well worth your investment. Info: http://www.laseredgegroup.com

ABACINATE/GODROT
Split CD
(Epitomite Productions)

Abacinate play generic death metal like Suffocation with the fuckin overused tin can drums, fake blast beats and cup the mike vocals. Godrot are even worse as they offer up some of the worst death metal I have heard in some time. The tunes suck, the singing is god awful and this is the worst split CD I have heard in quite some time. Info: http://www.epitomite.com

POOLSIDE AT THE FLAMINGO
This Will End Badly
(Epitomite Productions)

Boy they got the title of this record right. More generic groove death metal with all those fake blast beats and growl death metal vocals. I hate bands like this as they are a dime a dozen and this is not brutal it is cheezy and fake. Enough of this nu metal groove shit. Absolute garbage. Info: http://www.epitomite.com

IGNITOR
Road Of Bones
(Cruz Del Sur)

Really cool power metal release here. The music is sort of spacey power metal with clean vocals, but the girl that sings has a wicked cool voice that hooked me in and doesn't sound like every other power metal and maybe that is due to the fact she is a female ha ha The band can rip into some terrific riffs and this just had my head spinning round and round in circles. The production is good as well and there is no reason if your into power metal that you don't need to add this to the collection. Info: http://www.ignitor.org

TAAK
Koera Poori
(Nailboard Records)

Just god awful power metal with some of the worst vocals I have ever heard. This sings with no passion and he can't sing. The music isn't much farther behind lacking any kind of power and just plods along with no sense of melody or anything. This needs to be taken in a back yard somewhere and have somebody dig a ditch about 500 feet deep and buried. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

REDGRIEE
Growing Apart
(Hypec Records)

Boring industrial like metal. The singing was just screamed and the music just plodded along and I couldn't get into the songs. Sure they were heavy, but there was no substance or power behind them and this got old quick.

THARAPHITA
Primeval Force
(Hyper Records)

This was boring death metal that plodded along like the above band with little or no direction. The music totally bored me as I was waiting for some melody or fast parts and all I got was a bunch of mid paced metal that was ready for me to hit the bed. The vocals and production weren't bad, but the music was a big let down. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

THARAPHITA
Self Titled
(Nailboard Records)

I have no idea which release was 1st or 2nd, but this is a killer death metal release. Much better songs, no aggression, more speed, better vocals and just plain killer tunes. This was a whale of a release as the band just rip through some tunes that wouldn't be out of place on an old Celtic Frost record. The riffs had my head and neck moving and the vocals just plain threw me to the ground. The production and the guitar sound are crushing. This is like night and day with this band. Buy at all costs. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

MUSTA MISSA
Martyr Of Wrath
(Nailboard Records)

Godly death/thrash metal that crushes the weak. Think Celtic Frost meeting Whiplash. Oh man these riffs just ripped through me and had my neck working overtime. Just listen to these riffs and your neck will be forced to move. If you like older Sepultura as well as the 2 above mentioned groups then you'll do backflips over this. This is prime old school metal that is not to be missed. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

MUSTA MISSA
The Target Of Hate
(Nailboard Records)

More Celtic Frost like metal that put a huge smile to my face. The riffs like the above release will have that neck snapping and face smiling with the quickness. Godly vocals and playing and feeling too that many bands can't match. The production is old school the way it should be. Another fantastic release from this band and I bow to them. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

BLACK RAVEN
The Day Of The Raven
(Self Released)

This was some good solid metal with traces of power metal to it. The band play straight forward metal and some of the riffs go into the power metal side of things. This reminds me of bands like Omen, Armored Saint, Helstar, etc. The singer has a clean, but thick voice and sounds good and fits the music. The production is nice and solid and this was a good release that a metal fan would be proud to own. Info: http://www.black-raven.it

SCELERATA
Darkness And Light
(Nightmare Records)

Some cool progressive power metal is on this disc. The band don't sound like Dream Theater (thank god) and don't have all those chanting type vocals a lot of these new power metal bands have. This band is more rooted toward the prog ressive side, but the songs don't go over my head. The singer has a nice clean voice and fits the music and reminds me a bit of Ski who used to sing in Deadly Blessing. The production is right on the money too. Really good release. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

EVIL MASQUERADE
Third Act
(Nightmare Records)

This must be a re-release of sorts cause they thrown in 2 bonus tracks on this. This is another power metal band with traces of speed and some of those chanting like vocals, but the band also throw you for a loop as they go off into an almost melodic direction and you have no idea what is coming next. The singer has a nice clean voice that fits the music rather well. This band will have your head spinning as they combine many styles and it makes for one non boring release. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com

ATTRITION
The Attrition Of Reason
(Self Released)

This was just a bunch of mombo jumbo in my opinion. A bunch of almost spoken music with some keyboard stuff here and there. This was clearly boring and lacking any kind of substance. This might be cool for some people, but not for me. Big time letdown. Info: http://www.attrition.co.uk

A Tribute To Led Zeppelin
(MVD Audio)

I am not the biggest fan of Led Zeppelin, but I totally respect what they have done and they do have some great songs. This was an awesome tribute to them and the cool thing is the band didn't just do all their popular tunes as there are a bunch here I have never even heard. The singer really gets into the tunes and the playing is very good and I think any fan of Zeppelin would love this as I am not even a big fan of the band and I enjoyed this from note one till the last. Info: http://www.mvdaudio.com

THE FALL
Live At The Knitting Factory
(Hip Priest)

Boy is this some bad playing punk rock. The songs just plodded along and didn't catch my ear at all. The vocals were awful and the songs just didn't click with me at all. The songs just didn't have the killer hook to suck me in and instead sucked me out. Even the production is piss poor. I would not have released this.

MOJO RIB
In For Sin
(Nothing Sacred Records)

This was some kick ass rock n roll boogie that really hit home with me. The music is down and dirty rock n roll not played by many bands. This reminded me of AC/DC or Jackal in spots and it worked for me. The tunes are just ass kicking rock and roll tunes. I love the production and the singer has a killer voice too. This was a fun CD to review. Get it all you rock fans. Info: http://www.nuthingsacred.com

SODOM
The Final Sign Of Evil
(SPV)

This simply kills. This is a remake of the band's 1st Ep re-recorded in 2007 with tons of bonus tracks. This is played with so much passion and feeling it isn't funny. The tunes sound fresh and not a 2007 sound, but with the sound back in 1984. There is a bunch of bonus tracks, which totally kill and are not filler. They even got the original line-up back to re-record some of these tunes, and that in itself is wicked cool. Any fan of old school metal MUST own this at all costs. Info: http://www.spvusa.com

AXEL RUDI PELL
Diamonds Unlocked
(SPV)

This guy has been around a long time and this is another excellent release you can add to his collection. Awesome vocals, wicked playing, great songs and production and riffs that will have your neck moving. An incredible passion played release that any fan of metal would love as did I. Oh did I mention they do all cover tunes from Kiss, to Riot to Free and even an old Michael Bolton cover. This crushes. Info: http://www.spvusa.com

DEAD SOUL TRIBE
A Lullaby For The Devil
(Inside Out Music)

This band rip through a variety of styles on this, but it isn't boring and it works for them. The band play progressive metal and some of it may go over your head, but I liked it. The band also throw in some thrashy metal, pure metal and some weird over the top parts as well. This is a good release, but prepare for a rollercoaster ride that you may or may not want to get off. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com

THE SIN DECAY
Rehabilitation
(Nailboard Records)

Very boring techno almost dance like music with a bit of metal thrown in the mix. This sounds like one of those techno things you would hear at a dance club and this was just generic and pretty boring. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

MUST ALBUM
Loits
(Nailboard)

More techno stuff with a black edge to it at times. This again just sounded boring to me and the black metal stuff was ok, but the techno stuff was really boring and the songs just weren't strong and flat and didn't deliver the goods. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

METSATOLL
Terast Mis Hnagund Me Hinge
(Nailboard Records)

This was pretty bad. The lyrics are not sung in English and the music just plodded along with no direction or any values at all. I was ready to fall asleep by track 4. Just boring metal with little speed, power or anything good at all. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

METSATOLL
Hiiekoda
(Nailboard Records)

More boring metal sung in another language. This is the best of the bunch of the songs weren't too bad, but nothing to write home about. The music is just faceless metal about a 6th rate Iron Maiden. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

MARTIANS SEE RED
When All Seems Lost
(Self Released)

6 tunes of poppy rock that didn't do a thing for me. The songs were like some bad college rock band in their basement. The vocals were kinda buried and the songs were to me flat and had no direction. Another smart thing is leaving no contact info. Good move guys. FOR RUIN

December
(Sentinel Records)

This wasn't too bad, but it wasn't mind blowing neither. This is power metal played with some death metal vocals. The production is really bad and the drums sound like tin cans and the vocals are buried and that I think hurts this in many ways. The music is pretty good as it mixes power metal and a touch of black metal, but those drums, oh are they tin can sounding. The songs themselves are pretty good and the band can write some riffs, but next time pick a better studio. Info: http://www.sentinelrecords.com

KOTIPELTO
Serenity
(Candlelight Records)

Godly power metal from the singer from Stratovarius. The guy has a powerful set of lungs and puts them to good use on this release. He also got some musicians from various other bands and they have put out one hell of a power metal release. The riffs blew right through me and his vocals just had me shaking my head as well. This is a power metal delight nothing more, nothing less. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

ALMAH
Edu Falashi
(Candlelight Records)

More power metal, but this wasn't that good as it was just OK and came across like a 2nd rate Dream Theatre to my ears. The tunes were well played, but if I want D.T. I can just listen to them. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

ECHOSILENCE
Distorted Horizon
(Nailboard Records)

4 tunes are found here and the band is trying to play progressive metal, but it falls very short in that department. The music sounds like another Dream Theater band and the female vocals are absolutely horrible. They sound so out of place and on top of that, she has a horrible voice. There is nothing good about this at all except the production. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

GORESOERD
We're All Zombies Of Desires
(Nailboard Records)

Some decent death/grind that isn't all 100 miles per hour. The band can play fast and it sounds killer when they do and they also can slow it down and write some killer death metal chops. The vocals are a mix of grind and death metal and the production is very good. Solid release. Info: http://www.nailboard.org

JEFF COFFEY
Long Way Home
(Smoke Tree Records)

This is not something I am into, but for what it is, it is decent. This is country rock. It mixes in like a Bon Jovi style with a country flair to it. The tunes are catchy numbers that fans of Bon Jovi or country might like, but it is not my cup of tea, but it might be yours.

BLOOD RED SUN
A Nation Of Saviors
(Self Released)

This was like a college rock band sort of like U2 at times. I am not a fan of U2 at all and this really didn't light my fire at all. The band play poppy punk with some rock added to the mix and it really bored me. I can see lots of people digging this and good for them, but to my ears it was just a boring mess of music. Bands it is always nice to leave some contact info.

WILDPHYR
Movement
(Self Released)

This is more college rock and this again didn't do anything for me. The songs just plodded along and there was no hooks that kept me interested in this and I was bored by track 4. This was like the bar band down the street for me. Info: http://www.wildphyr.org

TANGERINE DREAM
Madcap's Flaming Duty
(Self Released)

This was so mellow and boring it pretty much put me to sleep. I thought this might be some cool country rock based on the band's pic, but this was just really mellow music. The music had no meaning, no direction and the songs just plodded along and did absolutely nothing. This is one of the worst Cd's I have ever reviewed for this website. Yeah it is that bad. Info: http://www.tangerinedream-music.com

RICK WAKEMAN
The Burning
(Voiceprint Records)

Yes, I believe this is the same Rick Wakeman from Yes. On here he rips through some killer instrumental stuff with tons of cool keyboard parts and this never got boring or lost my attention span. This is from some movie and the movie looks like something I might enjoy seeing. The production is right on the money and the tunes have many twists and turns and I enjoyed this. Info: http://www.rwcc.com

CARLO COLLECTIVE
Self Titled
(Self Released)

10 tunes of some really bad almost folk rock. The singer doesn't have such a hot voice and the music was way too mellow for me and the songs just plain stunk. I was ready to fall asleep by track 4. The music has no kick and no substance to it. Info: carloolivares@mac.com

HeD P.E.
Insomnia
(Suburban Noize)

Another faceless groove nu metal with all those lovely jump riffs and rapping. Just what we need another jump metal band that sounds like every other band doing this sound. Info: http://www.suburbannoizerecords.com

WILLIE NILE
Beautiful Wreck Of The World
(River House Records)

This is like power pop punk sort of like Split Enz and stuff. The tunes are well crafted poppy tunes that I thought were pretty good and the singer has a good voice for this style of music that they are playing. 13 catchy tunes that fans of poppy music will like. Very good for what it is. Info: http://www.willienile.com

40 BELOW SUMMER
Rain
(Crash Music Inc)

Typical nu metal dance stuff with clean and death metal vocals. The dancy riffs and clean and death growls are so overdone it isn't funny. This band is not original and just combine the same stuff that 1000 other bands have done before and I am sick of this nu metal dance crap coming into the underground. Bands like this are a dime a dozen. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com

DIRTY SOUTH REVOLUTIONARIES
Queen City Underground
(Tent City Records)

This is another band that mix metal and hardcore. This is more speed metal and the vocals are more shouted and screamed. The music is fast and quick and I liked it. None of this nu metal jump crap and the production isn't overproduced and the music has an old school vibe to it. The singer sounds like his vocal cords would be shattered and done after a live show. A nice release and shows off the best of the hardcore and underground styles. Info: http://www.tentcityrecords.com

SOD
Rise Of The Infidels
(Megaforce Records)

I have always loved this band since 1985 and had a chance to catch them live a few years later and 'Speak English Or Die" has been in my personal 10 ten for many years. The band has release a live cd and now here comes the bands last release or so they say. This has 4 studio tunes, 2 new tunes and 2 covers. The 2 new studio tunes of course crush and the 2 covers, United and Strong by Agnostic Front and Ready to Fight by Negative Approach just smoked me. The rest of the CD is from a live set from 1999 or 2000. The set is from Seattle and yes they do a Ballad Of Nirvana and other dead people, which is funny as hell. The band also rip through most of their songs from the Speak English Or Die album and they sound tight and the sound isn't bad. Any fan of the band from way back then would love this and if you missed them cause you weren't around, well pick this up and see why this band was one of the most influential underground bands ever, and it all started as a joke. Info: http://www.megaforcerecords.com

SOCIAL DISEASE
Decades Of Disease
(Self Released)

I thought this was going to be some generic gore/grind band, but I was wrong. This band play low tuned down chainsaw pounding death metal that I really enjoyed. The band mix it up from the chainsaw like riffs, to the fast blazing parts. The production is not overly produced and the band can write some killer riffs. The vocals are pissed off, but not the tough guy crap and he sings with some passion and fury. A really good find here and wouldn't surprise me to see these guys get picked up. 24 tracks of mayhem. Info: http://www.myspace.com/socialdisease1

SHARK ISLAND
Gathering Of The Faithful
(Manifest Music)

This was some rock n roll mixed in with a touch of metal. It actually sounded like old John Mellencamp in spots with a bit of an alternative edge to it at times. The singer has a pretty good voice and he sings the song with passion and fire. The band play some rock n roll with an alternative edge and the songs were quite catchy and the more this played on, the better it got for me. Worth checking out. Info: http://www.sharkislandmusic.com

MUSTASCH
Latest Version Of The Truth
(Regain Records)

This reminded me of Danzig a lot and I think Danzig was way overrated and this didn't do a thing for me. The riffs bored me and the signing didn't much more. This might click with some people, but it didn't click with me. Info: http://www.regainrecords.com

DRZHIVEGAS
Get Down
(Self Released)

The press release really hyped this band as something special and it was a major letdown. This I thought was going to be some old school ass kicking rock, but what I got was a rock/dance band that had plenty of hype, but failed to deliver the goods. The singer was OK, but the songs were flat and not catchy at all. This band began playing disco cover band and now are a funk metal band. Lovely. Info: http://www.drzhivegas.com

DRZHIVEGAS
Get Down
(Zhivegas Records)

This was a really cool band. The band play modern rock with an industrial almost alternative edge, but oh the songs just plain kick ass. The singer has a really cool voice and it fits the music well. The music is almost spacey in spots. The songs just have great hooks and the singing fits the music and if your into the commercial side of things, this is one of the best bands making the rounds these days. A very cool band. Info: http://www.drzhivegas.com

TUNER POLE
Self Titled
(Unsung Records)

No No No. This is complete garbage. Straight vocals with some death metal vocals with industrial overtones. There is also some female vocals (gee that sounds original) added in the mix too. The music is pointless and faceless and boring. The songs track on with little or no direction and the vocals ruin it as they stuff they are trying to do has more than been done to death. Info: http://www.unsung-records.com

PRO PAIN
Age Of Tyranny
(Candlelight USA)

This band has been around a long time now offering up their brand of Pro Pain metal. They return with another great album full of metal core the only way they know how. This band is one of the few bands that play the groove metal style that I like and respect as they have been doing it for so long and still can write some killer hooks and riffs that will have huge mosh pit forming in seconds. This band write great, catchy, metal songs that will make any fan of metal proud. Another great job guys. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

EINSTUERZENDE NEUBAUTEN
Palast Der Republik
(MVD Audio)

This was just a bunch of senseless industrial noise that almost put me to sleep. Easily one of the worst things I have ever reviewed since starting to write for this website. The songs are non existant and it is just a bunch of senseless notes and instruments. This was beyond bad to say the least. Info: http://www.mvdaudio.com

GSOOPG
Self Titled
(Self Released)

This release makes the above release seem like Slayer "Reign in Blood". The songs and lyrics, etc are all written backwards or are written in such a way I have no clue how to read any words. I have no idea if I even got the name of the band right. This is just a bunch of noisy songs that are pointless, have no direction and this Cd and every copy needs to put in a big bonfire and burned. What a waste of studio time and printing up this shit. Easily one of the worst, if not the worst CD I have ever reviewed for this website.

ONE BAD SON
Orange City
(Versailles Records)

This wasn't too bad at all. The band play modern rock n roll with a metal edge, but they write some killer riffs that had my neck and feet tapping. The singer is a maniac on the mic as he sings the songs with passion and fury. Sort of like Soundgarden without the grunge thing tied to it. The production is thick and the guitar sound is as heavy as it gets. One of the better new bands out there that is doing this style. Think Kyuss meeting Black Sabbath meeting Soundgarden. Info: http://www.versaillesrecords.com

SUNSPOT
Neanderthal
(Sun Spot Music)

Some really cool power pop punk music. The band can write some really nice hard drivin riffs along with some aggressive vocals. This 3 piece can really pack a wallop. The band remind me of Husker Du a bit and have a more of an old school sound to them. The production isn't over polished and the harmonies work for this band too. The bottom line with me is songs, hooks, riffs and vocals and this band passed every test. Info: http://www.sunspotmusic.com

ACRISIA
Self Titled
(Self Released)

Typical groove metal with the clean and death metal tough guy vocals. The songs suck, the vocals suck and bands like this are a dime a dozen and this isn't even at all good. So generic it isn't funny and bands like this ruin it for the good ones. There is not one good thing about this at all. Info: http://www.acrisia.com

SELF TORTURE
Dead Center
(Self Released)

This was decent death metal. The band play modern death metal with lots of groove breaks and speed as well. The thing that makes this band a bit special and different was their ability to write hooks to suck me in and the speed and intensity of the songs too. The band mix in a bit of the old school sort of like older Pestilence meeting modern death metal. The vocals are good solid death metal vocals and the production is thick and heavy. Would it surprise me to see this band get a deal. Nope. Info: http://www.selftorture.net

FAIR TO MIDLAND
Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You 3 Times Is True
(Universal Records)

Just what we need another one of a million bands doing the clean and more aggressive style vocal thing with heavy music as the backdrop. This band don't use the death metal vocals, but they use the clean and then more aggressive style along with nu metal groove metal music. This could be any band on the side OZ Fest stage and bands like this are a dime a dozen and this did nothing for me and is just another one of the 10's of thousand's nu metal groove metal bands. Next. Info: http://www.universalpublic.com

MUERTE VILLA
La Conquista
(Negativity Records)

I am not a big fan of grind, but this was a killer release. This band whipped through tune after tune of death/grind that dulled my senses. The vocals were low, lower than I usually like, but when the music is this good, I will ignore them. The production is thick and the guitar sound owns me. The band mix up the speed and slow it down, but when it goes fast, look out. A pure underground metal treat. Info: http://www.negativityrecords.com

SLOUGH FEG
Hardworlder
(Cruz Del Sur Music)

Whoa this knock me over for a loop so to speak. This band was so different and so fresh it was like a breath of fresh air. The band play a brand of progressive music that also blends in rock and southern rock into the mix. The vocals are so different and so fresh it made my ears perk. The songs are wild and so damn catchy at the same time. This release will keep you coming back for more. The band also throw in 2 obscure covers that you will have to check out yourself. Highly recommended. Info: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

ASHS
Audible Stellar Hypnotic Situations
(Self Released)

This was one weird band, but it is not for me. Almost 80 minutes of music with no vocals and the band combine many styles, but the songs for me were flat and this just flat out bored me. This is the type of band you will either think is great or hate. I don't hate them, but it is just something I am not into and the band combine jazz, metal, and just a bunch of other styles, but this just didn't make any kind of waves with me and I was bored to death 10 minutes in. Info: http://www.ashs.us

DETENTE
Recognize No Authority
(MVD Audio)

I have a bootleg copy of this on CD and when I read this was going to be re-released I was more than happy about it. This originally came out in 1986 on Roadracer. The only thing is no liner notes or bonus tracks, but you can't have everything. This sounds fresh as it did when it came out many moons ago. Perfect speed metal played with passion, emotion and the fury of a charging bull. Dawn's vocals sound great and she really was an underrated singer. The music is pure 80's thrash metal. If you like Sentinel Beast and old school thrash and missed this or couldn't get or refused to pay EBAY prices, here ya go. Go grab a piece of metal history and turn this baby up loud. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com

SIEGES EVEN
Paramount
(SPV)

This was a release that took me a few spins to get into. At first I didn't like it, but the more I played it the more it grew on me. The music is melodic power metal played with a heavy side, but also with a mellow side. The band takes a chance with a ballad, but it works and works rather well. The singer has a great melodic voice that fits this band perfect. A really awesome release. Info: http://www.spvusa.com

3 RING FUNERAL
Play Dead
(Double Tap Entertainment)

This was some nice thrash metal done old style by this band. The band mix in some good chunky riffing and thrash style vocals to win me over. The riffs will have the neck moving and the songs also didn't just thrash, they were in the plain heavy metal style too. The production was not over the top and the band mixed in a bit of the new to keep things fresh and moving. This was a nice surprise and a release any metal fan would like. Info: http://www.doubletapentertainment.com

AUTUMN'S END
Act Of Attrition
(Self Released)

This was below average death metal with the some tired riffs and the vocals sound like too many other singers. This was newer style death metal (not groove) with the growl vocals. This just didn't click with me as the vocals just are too similar to many other bands and the songs just didn't smoke me and blow me away. The production is thick and some people may like this, but for me it was just below average. Sorry no contact info was enclosed.

ETERNAL DESCENT
Losing Faith
(Incendium Records)

This was a bunch of industrial type of music with some female vocals. The vocals were sung in an almost opera tone at times and was really awful. The clean vocals were bad and the music wasn't much better. There was no substance to this and the songs about put me to sleep. The songs had no quality to them and just dragged like a turtle. Bad. This is not industrial it is just a bunch of musical noise. Info: http://www.eternaldescent.com

CHRIS MILAM
Leaving Tennessee
(Self Released)

This was some pretty mellow stuff. It is soft like alternative rock, which wasn't bad for what it was. The music is kinda moving and Chris has a nice voice that flows well with the music. The music is soft rock in nature and picks up every now and then. For what it is, it is really sung from the heart and I can get into this when in the mood. If you like the mellow side of rock here ya go. Info: http://www.chrismilam.com

INVITRO
When I Was A Planet
(Gridiron Records)

This was one of the best groove metal bands I have ever heard. The songs just kicked my ass and they were heavy, catchy and most of all memorable. The vocals were nice and solid and yeah there is a bit of the tough guy, but it just sounds good here and plus when music is this good, it can be overlooked. The production is nice and thick and juicy like a steak. Awesome band. Info: http://www.gridironrecords.com

TERRY SULLIVAN
The Erth Moovs Around The Sun
(Good Charamel Records)

Some not so good alternative college type of rock. The songs just bored me and didn't leave me with any sort of feeling one way or another. The tunes just kinda plodded along and didn't leave me feeling anything. The singer had an OK voice, nothing great. Some may like this college rock stuff, but for me it was just a wall of music with no substance. Info: http://www.goodcharamelrecords.com

WITHIN CHAOS
Virulent
(Koch Records)

Typical groove metal with all the slam riffs and deep tough guy vocals. This is nothing new, it sucks and it just another faceless metal band in an underground scene that doesn't need bands like this. The band use the groove dance riffs and then blast into death metal slam riffs and have the dual vocal style that has been done to death. This is so generic and so bad on so many fronts it isn't funny. What a waste of everybody's time. Info: http://www.withinchaos.com

SILENT FATE
The Autumn Machine
(Self Released)

Just what we need another faceless nu metal groove band that play the same happy groove riffs that a million other bands that do this style do and wow the dual vocal thing, yeah that's so original. This is beyond bad and the band use ever generic trick in the book and this was just another faceless, useless death metal band that sounds like every other band that does this style. Info: http://www.silent-fate.com

KICKSTART
Self Titled
(Serious Business Records)

This was some down n dirty smokin bar rock n roll with a touch of punk thrown in the mix. The singer has a gruff rockin voice that goes well with the music. The music is dirty rock n roll with a little punky edge to it. Sort of Husker Du or The Dead Milkman if you remember them. The production is not over produced and this was an enjoybale release as it was different, catchy and the songs just rocked. Info: http://www.seriousbusinessrecords.com

PARTLY CLOUDY
Arm Your Weapons
(Self Released)

This is modern rock/metal that wasn't bad. The riffs are heavy and the tunes rock to a point and the singer has a pretty decent vocals. The production is nice and thick and I like the guitar sound the band. If your into the modern rock sound here ya go. Info: http://www.partlycloudlyrocks.com

CAAMORA
Walk On Water
(Metal Mind Records)

This was goth metal that was in the vein of Lacona Coil. I didn't like this at all cause I am not a fan of goth too much and I hate female opera singing with keyboards. It is not heavy at all and the songs bored me to death. If your a fan of the above band, you'll like this, but I didn't. Info: http://www.metalmindproductions.com

LACERATOR
Nessun Nell Ombra
(Self Released)

Some good solid death metal is the ticket here. The music is heart pounding fast straight forward death metal that will please any fan. The vocals are a bit of let down as all the guy does is growl and there isn't any of that killer brutality that I crave. I can look past that when the music is this good and the production is thick too. Judge for yourself. Info: http://www.lacerator.com

BOBAFLEX
Tales From Dirt Town
(TVT Records)

Typical groove jump metal that 50,000 other bands are doing with the typical tough guy vocals that every other band does. The band have all the generic things down to the bone and this sounds like every other band of this style. What a waste of time if you buy this. Info: http://wwwtvtrecords.com

DORMITORY EFFECT
Wealth Of the Disease
(Self Released)

This was sort of a all girl grunge band and they were a pretty good one. The music is rough and heavy and the girl has a good voice and it fits the music. All the girls can play and the tunes are heavy enough for the underground fan to like and have just enough commercial appeal to the masses. I like what I heard. Info: http://www.dormitoryeffect.com

SAD EYED ANGEL
Buried Face Down
(Self Released)

Really awful death metal with bad vocals and terrible songs. The band play nu metal with some groove and the tough guy low vocals and just use every generic riff and style in the book. This was like groove metal jr and was just not worth listening to for long. I hate slamming bands all the time, but it is what it is and this sucks.

CRIMSON MOON
Xepera Xeper Xeper
(Self Released)

This is a double dose from this band as you also get an old release from them, "To Embrace The Vampyric Blood" which was originally on Abyss Records. This band play ripping black metal and listening to these 2 disc, I know this band means business. This is raw shit and it is only better that it is raw, not some overproduced band. The band rip through black metal tune after black metal tune and if you missed this band a few moons ago, here is a chance to listen to some real black metal, not the kid's stuff neither. This is the real deal my friends. Info: http://www.postmortemcreations.com/crimsonmoon.html

DESTINATION
Oblivion
(Self Released)

This was kinda a weird band and they combine an almost industrial/death metal sound, but it didn't work for me. The almost spoken words at times were no good and the songs just lacked focus and didn't click with me. This is broken into 3 parts and some may like it, but for me it didn't click. This was almost dancy industrial metal and I just didn't like it. Info: http://www.destinationoblivion.net

DESTINATION
Oblivion
(Self Released)

This was some of the of the most boring music I have ever in my life. This is just a bunch of mombo jumbo and would be better off as soundtrack to a movie or something. This was not metal and it was just a bunch of synth style of music with some spoken female vocals at some points. Not for me whatsoever. Info: http://www.destinationoblivion.net

EMBRACE THE DAY
Tomorrow May Never Come
(Double Tap Entertainment)

Some of the worst death metal I have heard in some time. Typical groove metal with the fake blast beats and the growl cup the mic vocals and all the cool breakdown parts that ever groove metal band uses. This is so cliche and generic and sounds like a million other bands. There is nothing different about this than 100 other bands I could name. Info: http://www.myspace.com/embracetheday5

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METAL TO THE BONE!

"The Forbes Critique" October / November 2007 All Reviews by Chris Forbes

"The Forbes Critique"
October / November 2007
All Reviews by Chris Forbes