PERVERSITY "In The Garment Of Lust" Pernnial Quest by: Chris Forbes Just what we need another Cannibal Corpse clone band. Worthless. Info: jean_marc.werly@club-internet.fr

Estrogenocide "Estrogenocide" by eca Marshall Ummmmâ?¦.OK, I don't even know where to start. The CD cover is pink and has roses on it. The CD itself is pink. The music is bizzare and sometimes sounds like it came from a video game. But, don't hand it to your kids yet. Here are a few of the song titles, "Your Bloody Anus Makes Me Laugh", "Kick that Cunt in the Cunt" and "Rape Murder Rape". Estrogenocide is a two person electronic group. The members are Moe Lester and P.D. Phelia. Musically, each song sounds the same and lyrically it all has to do with hating some woman The production is pretty good though and the packaging is good Estrogenocide seems like it started out as a joke and got carried away. I'm not sure why anyone would go through the trouble of trying to market a product that has an extremely limited audience (rapist, misogynist and anyone who has been seriously screwed over by a woman). If Estrogenocide would focus on seriously creating some ambient music, I think they would be better off. Contact: mrhymson@aol.com; m.h. records 36 Central Park Rd. Plainview, NY 11803

NEMESIS Retribution Indie release By Jonathan Mariante A Pantera meets Dream Theater sound is what this band seems to be going for, with a touch of "nu metal". The band employs a DJ by the name of DJ Rino who does some scratching here and there. Nemesis do the Pantera copycat thing here, sounding raw, aggressive, and tough as nails, in the Pantera vein, with vocalist/lead guitarist Mike Taylor singing like Phil Anselmo and playing like Dimebag, along with the band's other guitarist Chris Taylor, and sounding pissed off. However, they add a Dream Theater touch by using some progressive rock elements, such as atmospheric keyboards, and some melodies and harmonies similar to Dream Theater's. There's even a ballad on here, simply titled "Sad Love Song". I really think there are too damn many Pantera clones around these days, and if there's one thing the world doesn't need (aside from a war with Iraq) it's one more band ripping off Pantera! However, having said that, I must be fair and say that these guys are fairly decent at what they do. They can play quite well and are a tight unit, although I do think they could do without the DJ. Another thing too many bands are doing lately is employing a DJ just to look "cool". Nemesis doesn't need to do that, they are capable enough musicians so that they can hold their own, without any cloning of popular bands or giving in to trends. I've said it before and I'll say it again, why settle for being a copycat when you have what it takes to be the real deal? http://www.wearenemesis.com

Covered In Filth "A Tribute to Cradle Of Filth" Deadline Records By Paul Vinnie Apicella The guys over at Deadline don't waste a second do they? C.O.F. still figures prominently amongst the walking dead, to this day, still releasing records and reinventing this orchestrated madness that's since been received by a wholesale sized following worldwide. There's nothing to effectively "cover" the idea of playing C.O.F.'s music; for all their deranged exploits in and out of the studio, on record, camera, and undoubtedly the local news, they've forged an inimitable union of brutality with barbaric lust and of late, cinematic sci-fi FX that transcend the mere boundaries of what once was, now having evolved into something historic and holistic amidst an unyielding fury of blasphemic outrage to those of the uninitiated. Thus, the thirteen sinister factions chosen to participate here, even knowing what lay in store, could only have approached with caution. Comprised of names known mainly to followers of the dark underground like Wehrwolfe, who do a searing introduction by way of the Filth classic, "The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh," cutting and slashing their way with a maximized guitar shred befitting of the early pioneers like a Frost or even Slayer, leading the charge, and daring the rest to follow; "Born In A Burial Gown" steps forward a few years to their "Bitter Suites." release and as copped by Baltimore's Serpents Aria, exhumed and to the extreme for another Filth-y classic that goes heavy on the horror, slightly clumsy to the center but without sacrificing intensity. Finnish anti-gods Mirzadeh go by way of the epic "Malice Through The Looking Glass" for what ranks as one of the top two or three selections of the whole by one of the one's to look out for in the days ahead - this is where the musicality of an often overlooked entity like C.O.F. lies amidst an atonal and bountiful five minute rite of passage where terror takes flight toward the moonlit pale; Additionally, D.D.T. (Dofka's Destruction Theory), another stateside East Coast entry featuring the stellar shred of one Jim Dofka, opts to cover Filth's own cover of the Sisters Of Mercy track, "No Time To Cry," one of the shorter here, and blending dread and darkness with melodic Goth passages and overactive double bass fills, successfully shaking the old standard by its dark roots. One thing that surprised me was I didn't get a lot of the expected sloppiness, especially around the earlier titles that were naturally less refined and concocted by an almost completely different C.O.F. cast. Oddly enough, many songs are true to their original form, yet I remain undecided even after two and half listens whether that's the real trick here or to what degree of desecration would've been in order to really do them justice? Cradle Of Filth continues to remain the benchmark of Black Metal stretching the limits of just how far the idea of "extreme" can go in a crowded room of unlikely instrumental entries and willing competitors of a free wielding lance (see opening introduction). Willow Wisp, who appear next to last, before the 13th track bonus by this thing called Kekal of the "Asian Underground" who themselves do a warped and enigmatic version of "Dance Macabre" that ironically enough, fits the typically C.O.F. standard of incalculability and whimsy that wax unlikely yet scream and receive attention and eventual acclaim. and okay, then Willow Wisp, who cover "The Forest Whispers My Name," among themselves, a sickly persona heavy on the gimmickry but with a chameleonic chain of styles that follow closely those of our heroes in spite of their late '80s origin. Most of the bands are actually American and all but a few began life in the mid-to-late '90s and have music available for download or web site info available. I didn't think they could pull it off and kudos to Deadline for compiling a true to life imitation of dark art that was poised for a downfall before it took its first step. These guys take a beating often enough for their weighty and often sloppy entries into the overdone tribute field, but this is a genuinely solid collection that covers the career of an extreme Metal monster in all its black hearted splendor.

D.R.I. "The Dirty Rotten CD" Beer City Records By Vinnie Apicella During the formative years of American Hardcore few bands stand out as much as D.R.I. They, of the knee raising, elbow flapping imprint, set the pace for the flood of Skater Punk types in the early '80s that served as the starchy alternative to mainstream Metal. If you need a little reminding, let's put it like this: D.R.I. basically took their cue from bands like The Sex Pistols - go out there with no clue, timing, or instrumental skill whatsoever, crank the amps past twelve, play as fast as you can, scream your ass off for thirty seconds, slap an in-vogue, anarchic, introverted, laugh till it hurts label on 'em, and twenty tracks and ten minutes later, you got an album. We've got a word for them today - Anal Cunt. "Talking to the singer, I can't believe he still has a voice." as spoken by the seriously toned on-air interviewer apparently completely intimidated somewhere between the "I Don't Need Society" demo and "Blockhead," two of the 'Imbeciles, bigger moments on their original "Dirty Rotten" EP gone LP in the Spring of '83, reproduced here in the finest, let's not even try to cover our fuck ups fashion. So returning to the "glory" days of a garage Punk group from Houston who were fortunate enough to earn a title through the subtle support of the Brecht Brothers' old man returning after a particularly tiring day at the mill. And thus "Dirty Rotten Imbeciles" was born and with them, an impenetrable brand of ill-timed noise-core that gave rise to the new underground movement of equally embraceable, if minimalist talent in others like The Crumbsuckers, Cro-Mags, and Circle Jerks. D.R.I.'s remained faithful to the underground after all these years in spite of changing climes, quick jump bassists, and a flurry of fast-paced pit-preaching shit talkers with nothing funny to say. Before they became "big" and earned the right to better production and extended play time - see "Crossover," "Four Of A Kind," they were the sappy, skinny, wise-ass Punk group with an ear for discord and a taste for thrash; they were the precursory S.O.D. prototype with the door blowing capacity for making records with a handful of high pressured song canisters that quickly blew holes in the listening audience under a flurry of flying fists and feet. And so "The Dirty Rotten" LP breathes again in CD form, twenty years later, armed with the same rants, raves, and uproarious ridicule that first marked the "Reaganomic" decade, only with another 22 kicks to the crotch involving poorly recorded bedroom era demos, radio shows, and live stuff that do nothing to dispel that waxy build up feeling on either side. Also includes five CD enhanced tracks and ghastly first cover reprints and song lyrics that really make for some story time fun. If you never heard 'em, here's your chance to - again, and again, and again - one of the few bands that had the ability to put an equitable spin on the serious and stupid and still come out smiling. And look for more upcoming reissues and tours and a new album later in the year, and if your idea of fun includes an escape from the ordinary, why not check out their web site - http://www.DirtyRottenImbeciles.com.

Various Artists "Daredevil: The Album" Wind Up Records By Vinnie Apicella The blockbuster action flick for February gets a twenty-song soundtrack of equal value featuring a bevy of today's biggest Rock artists serving up the perfect compliment to a little crime fighting drama. With the exception of Evanescence, a female fronted electronimation newbie that's getting an extra ounce of pressure from their Wind Up guardian, we're running through a who's who of top flight Modern Rock talent ranging from million sellers to middle of the roaders seeking their next big break - and not a bad place to start your search. Fuel, The Calling, and Saliva cut right to the chase, which I believe inspires a great many moment in the pic; All three on the lighter side of the moment, very earthy, melodic and slightly less adventuresome when the scene sets for the necessary closed door moments between flights and fists. Canada's Nickelback, who not long before struck pure gold with their chart topping "Silver Side Up" gets the groove going with "Learn The Hard Way" that'd make for a pan shot through a crowded bar scene or our hero himself preparing for another evening's window sill stroll; Much of the material's tilted toward established artists of the Rock and Pop scene with a handful of underground crossovers - Evanescence, as previously mentioned who if you've never heard, is similar to Tapping The Vein, thick on the sensual female vox with a haunting mix of melody and mosh riffs; Former '90s ghosts Chevelle seems primed for a comeback, "Until You're Reformed" being their, again, haunting contribution, a slow and ominous presence backed by an explosive chorus - cliché to any former followers of the previous Angst-Rock '90s revolution that knew when to say when. And yes, here's where a little emotional variety might go a long way. Not every song, granted, there's different artists but the many Hard Rocker types are all cut from the same Nu-school cloth - Drowning Pool, Chevelle, POD, Finger Eleven - there's a well picked variety of music going on that's refreshingly clear and sets a distinguishable enough scene shift where we're not cracked over the head time and again by the freewheeling weapon of choice by hero or adversary. I'll go on record as saying the Hoobastank song stinks. They've gone from exciting band with potential to weekly stage players for Sunnyside's Nursing community; Sorry guys, Saliva's third on the list man. Sleeper hit definitely goes to an otherwise unassuming Palo Alto who do a very charged up, uptempo "Fade Out / In" loose-collared Pop with a catch the wind chorus and the punky Autopilot Off's "Raise Your Rifles" that's inconsistent with the tone or apparent theme of the movie but it Rocks; Hell if I didn't have the inlay open in front of me here, I'd probably have forgotten what movie this was to begin with. The soundtrack shuts down with another Wind Up original, 12 Stones, who've logged more than a few miles in the appliance store video music sections; another newborn melodic Rock legend that's heavy on the lessons of their youth and big on the emo kick - ala Saliva, Soil, and Earshot. The overall mix is a step beneath prudish but the song selection never strays far from the framework of the modern day action/drama superhero thriller love story that suddenly made Spidey the big screen sensation.

The All American Rejects "The All American Rejects" DreamWorks By Vinnie Apicella Funny but as I listen through the first track, "My Paper Heart," twice over now, I'm reminded of how much heat Cheap Trick took during their less than '80s hey days. AAR's described as "edgy Pop-Rock sung with unfettered emotion." and please don't assume we're naïve enough to buy into this idea of a "new sound" please, please don't do that. again! That stone's been turned twelve hundred times over and it's time we made the best of what we got and live by the results. And for a self-titled debut record that's considered edgy, crunchy, even aggressive in its melancholy, it's not half bad; and neither are the dozens of other Indie-imprint H/C types that followed a heart and play with a hook. By now their "Swing Swing" will be heating up the hotlines and Hot Lists at college stations and newsstand rags nationwide and at the least, they'll probably be honored with their own float at the next Oklahoma State homecoming. Yes, in fact they hail from Stillwater, a sunny out of the way spot in a storybook suburb of choice and they're more about Sly and the Family Stone than they are about slit wrists and shaken faith. Never been one to follow the lead single brigade - gets old way, way too quickly - problem is there's a few too many sound-alikes here that I'd go out on my own limb and praise these guys as the next big wonderful bowl of pitless cherries that's going to dazzle the Rock and Roll lunatics waiting for the next big cavalcade of anti-heroes not named Jimmy or Weezer. That said, I was one of the few who could still stand Cheap Trick in 1986 when they had their bout with Pop hit illness and let the fashion front the band instead of the way it was and would be again - so yes, I can see potential for this band, though I'd like to see a few more crashed cars, or broken guitar parts, or hell, even a school house burning. maybe a confrontational lyric, for god's sake! Damn, but what's in a name anyway? The tunes ride the middle of the road and rarely stray far from their allotted shelter before dark character, propped up by late teen swing, spring blossoms, and she done me wrong, the sun sets on another sad day. I just recently caught up with a new band called Useless ID that's not far from here - a little quicker, maybe sharper, sillier - 'cept here on "One More Sad Song," "Don't Look Back" and "Drive Away." The All American Rejects are young so they've got plenty o' time to be stupid, but for now, they're more serious than your average barely legal wannabe after school star types that put to rest the perceived repulse of men and the mid-afternoon soaps. Best tunes are "My Paper Heart," because I liked CT's "One On One" record, so sue me, but oldsters aside, "Drive Away's" like The Cure meets Blink, and "Happy Endings" features quirky effects over a driving guitar riff and beefy mix that's like a Dashboard Confessional collision that alone ups the edge factor of the whole. As a whole, AAR's debut will be praised far more than the sum of its parts, which such as they are, are decent, but nothing to raise a brow over.

Amon Amarth "Versus the World 2003" Metal Blade Records By Martha Hughes I'm not sure how appropriate the word "fun" is when used to describe metal, but I can't think of a better word to describe Versus the World. It's an entertaining, fun CD. You're not going to hear anything extremely new or brutal, but you are going to enjoy yourself. The music isn't any great revelation, nor is it dark. You will, however, find yourself nodding your head up and down and whistling the tunes long after the CD is put away. Amon Amarth knows how to put together a good song. The music doesn't try to overpower nor dazzle. It's not jumpy at all (a huge bonus). It rides somewhere in between Swedish melodic death metal and power metal and does it really well. I think this is their best release since Once Sent From the Golden Hall. There are a couple mediocre songs but 7 out of 9 are not bad odds.

Celebratum "Mirrored Revelation" 2001/02 by Martha Hughes This is a fairly new release from Swedish black metellers on Arctic Music. The recording has a nice balance between raw and over-produced. In fact, the more I hear it, the better I enjoy it. At first, I thought this was just a middle of the road black metal band, but I have since changed my opinion, which makes it necessary for a reviewer to listen to most CDs a few times before writing anything about it. The melodies sometimes blur the lines between black and death metal, but always leave the listener no doubt about what type of band he is hearing. And there are a few songs that are quite surprising. Track 5 "Soul Tormentor" has an excellent, complex guitar riff that is as studied as mid-period Emperor. This is a great addition to your black metal collection.

Shrine of Scars "Deathbed for a Weakening Spirit " Arctic Music By Martha Hughes This is one of the few bands I've heard lately coming from the Sacramento Valley of California. Out among the track homes and orchards blast Shrine of Scars. This is an original-sounding band, staying more towards thrash than death metal. Yet there are moments within the songs that show the band's originality and creativeness. Lots of blasts, lots of cool guitar riffs. The only drawback is the recording. It sounds mushy, a little too much treble and really doesn't do the band justice. Seeing that I've seen them live, I can say that they are better than this recording. http://www.shrineofscars.com

The Sun "Love & Death EP" Warner Brothers By Paul Autry Every now and then, you'll hear a band for the first time and you know that they're gonna be huge. That's the vibe I got from this release. Okay, sure, they're on Warner Brothers. Some people might say they're already huge. Well, just remember, not every major label release is a million seller. Anyway, as I said, this band has HUGE written all over them. They've kind of got this punk/70's/rock thing going. I believe one review mentioned something about The Ramones meets The Doors and, yeah, I guess I could see that. A friend of mine heard this and they called it retro rock. It's also got a very raw vibe to it...kind of like the sound Nirvana used to go after. You know what I mean. Just plug it in, turn it up and crank it out. There's also a lot of energy in these songs, which I like...with the exception of "Eyelids Apart," which was kind of mellow. I hope they decide to stick with the upbeat stuff because that's where they've got the most going on. Yeah, you know it. Check 'em out and remember what I said...they're gonna be HUGE! http://thesunband.com

Scott Gentry "Demo 2002" By Paul Autry Okay...this is a four song demo that I recieved on a CD-R. Since no information came with the release, I assume this is a solo project and my opinion is that Scott's a rocker who's trying out the singer/songwriter thing on his own. For the most part, these songs are kind of laid back and mellow. The best of the bunch is "Don't Look At Me" because it's a song that you just can't get out of your head once you hear it. It sticks with you. It'll be interesting to see where Scott goes from here and in what direction he'll take his music. smgentry@hotmail.com

The Obnoxious IP "I Am The Obnoxious IP" (Nolo Records) By Paul Autry The Obnoxious IP is a full time member of York, Pennsylvania's punk band Eden Park. But, at some point in his career, he decided to march to the beat of his own drummer and he released a full length album on his own, the 43 track "I Am The Obnoxious IP." I guess you could label this release as a punk album. It's got that vibe. But, it's kind of punk in a Saturday morning cartoon sort of way. It's more fun than a trip to the Special Olympics. A musicial circus sideshow act to be sure. In other words, this release will give you a good idea of who The Obnoxious IP really is because this release is his personality put to music. The musical style changes more than most people change their underwear and, as you go through these 43 tracks, you're treated to a ton of random sound bites and samples, childish antics, musical genius, punk, a line or two that actually makes sense, a cover version of a Weird Al tune and a lot of nonsense. It's more fun than trying to light a fart on fire. This is a one man project and in order to really appreciate it and understand it, you must listen to it from begining to end and read the CD booklet as you're going through it. Over an hour later, once you went through this entire release, you'll have a pretty good idea of who The Obnoxious IP is and what he's all about. Welcome to his zany world...now take your medicine. E-mail: iamip59@hotmail.com

Event "Scratching At The Surface" Inside Out By Paul Autry I like it when something is rather simple to explain. As I was doing a little research on this release, I saw a statement that was supposed to pretty much say it all. In describing the sound on this release, it said that it's a combination of progressive metal with modern rock. Normally, a simple statement like that would do the trick for me. I would agree with it and that would be that. But, when it comes to "Scratching The Surface," I believe there's more to this release than progressive metal mixed with modern rock. It seems to be a little deeper than that. The funny thing is...I just can't seem to put my finger on it. There's more to this album than meets the eye. There's a bit of electronic and acoustic sound mixed in here as well, which gives it more variety. I think this is an album where you have to listen to it a few times before you can fully appreciate it. You really need to get into the groove and get a feel for what you're hearing. I mean, sure, you'll enjoy your first listen. But, put it on again and you'll get an even better feeling...and so on and so forth. If you listen to this album once and you think it's great, you really haven't experienced it the proper way. Yeah, it's a great album. But, let it sink in before you form an opinion. Listen to it a few times and really try to take in what you're listening to and then you'll realize just how good this album is. http://www.insideoutmusic.com

Outspoken: "Bitter Shovel" Lava Records By Beca Marshall Outspoken's release "Bitter Shovel" is the next breakthrough cd this year. This album is full of emotion, good songwriting and good musicianship, this album is sure to be huge. The first time I listened to the cd, it reminded me of the first time I heard "Ten" by Pearl Jam. It's just one of those albums that takes you by surprise. Stylistically though, I think that Outspoken is powerful hard rock band. The vocal melody flows perfectly with the music in every song. There are heavy elements mixed with a melodic, emotional side. This is demonstrated best if you listen to track four "Feel This", right into "Loose End." "The Way I Am" demonstrates the power of the simple ballad and band's raw emotion. "Now" musically has almost a Tool feel to it. There is no doubt in my mind that Outspoken will be huge with the release of "Bitter Shovel." Contact: http://www.outspokenmusic.com

Requiem Album: "Volume 6" Ketzer Records By Becca Marshall Double bass, heavy guitar riffs and growling vocals, "Volume 6" by Requiem has all the elements a death metal album should have. This German death metal band is unique in the area that I can actually understand the vocals, which I am not sure if this is really a positive attribute. For example, track two, "Pain" starts off with, "The pain hurts so badâ?¦.I am miserable." There are some good guitar riffs on the album, but nothing too original. The production could use a little help too. The drums are flat but the guitar solos sound pretty good. Track six, "Government" and track nine "The Angels Will Fall" are the highlights of the album. "Government" is a little more aggression and power, really cool musical parts and the lyrics are a little bit more thoughtful. "The Angels Will Fall" has a heavier energy to it, which makes it stand out. The second half of the album is definitely better than the first. It really picks up half way through. "Volume 6" gathers intensity around track six and maintains it for the rest of the album. Overall, I think that "Volume 6" is a solid death metal album but lacks a little in the originality area. Email: reqseclorum@webtv.net .

Magnum Opus Album "Magnum Opus" indie release By Beca Marshall Magnum Opus is a strange combination of funk, metal and at times in the chorus, there are gang vocals often associated with hardcore. The musicianship on the album is very good and the vocals are impossible to describe really. Vocally, if you put Jimmy Gestapo from Murphy's law, Phil Anselmo from Pantera and Henry Rollins in a blender, it sounds a little like the vocals on the Magnum Opus CD. Magnum Opus almost has a Clutch vibe at times, especially in the instrumental intro to the CD, but is generally much heavier. This is one band that cannot be classified easily but I think that's where their strength is. Magnum Opus leaves hope for the metal scene where everything nu-metal is starting to sound old. They bring a a new energy and a new sound. I'm sure with the right exposure, Magnum Opus will blow up on the metal scene. Contact: Outlaw entertainment info@outlawentertainment.com

The Exploited "Fuck The System" Spitfire Records By Paul Autry After a seven year recording hiatus, The Exploited return with a vengeance. "Fuck The System" is a thirteen song release that will introduce you to what true punk rock is all about. The album starts off with 42 seconds of screaming that sounds like Tarzan on crack. After that, you get a sonic blast of straight forward, in your face, raw attitude. This is a band that doesn't care who they piss off and that's what real punk rock is all about. Shocking? Maybe. Explosive? You're damn right. It doesn't really take a whole lot to figure out where these guys are coming from. When you've got a song called "You're A Fucking Bastard," where the band repeats that line about 33 times withinin two minutes and 30 some seconds, well, you know they're not out to win any songwriting awards. They just wanna knock your teeth out with their destructive version of punk rock music and they succeed rather well. Speaking of the F-word...The Exploited use it in abundance. Every song on this release features the word fuck at least twice, if not more, with the exception of "I Don't Want A Holiday In The Sun." This is not an album for those of you with sensitive ears, that's for sure. This is a dirty, filthy, beer drinking, bottle smashing, razor blade eating, middle finger raising salute to the youth of the world, baby...and if you can't stand the heat, get fuck out of the kitchen because The Exploited are gonna destroy it and everything else in their path. Even the most dangerous rock band out there right now is safe in some way. There's nothing safe about The Exploited. This is music to beat people up with...including yourself. Let the destruction begin! http://www.SpitfireRecords.com

GURD "Encounter" Diehard Music By Jonathan Mariante Wondering what Gurd means? Spell it backwards. These guys are from Switzerland, and their music could make Swiss cheese out of your eardrums! They play aggressive, mean furious, Pantera style metal, with also some influence of old school thrash. I dare say Gurd sounds more Pantera than Pantera! This album is a musical blitzkrieg from beginning to end! The band cranks it out like there's no tomorrow, with vocalist V.O. (who also plays gutiar) belting out his Phil Anselmo style singing with fury, and both him and fellow guitarist Spring grinding out some killing, razor sharp riffs that could cause ear abrasion! Having two guitarists in this band probably is what gives them a bit more muscle than Pantera, who only have Dimebag. Think Dimebag times two when it comes to Gurd! These guys aren't, however, blatant rip offs of Pantera (like so many other bands that have passed through my CD player). Gurd are very influenced by Pantera but they have enough of their own style to stand alone, and they aren't half bad players either. They are talented, and their playing is tight as hell, tough as nails, and hard as concrete! This is just straight up, no frills, kick ass metal, no gimmicks, no trendy shit, no futzing around, just pure, raw aggressive music, played like it was meant to be played.

ITALIAN EXPERIENCE III "Various Artist" P.O.E. Records By Jonathan Mariante This is a collection of a diverse bunch of rock/metal/progressive bands, all hailing from Italy, as the title suggests, and many of them sing in their native tongue. There are bands that play straight up, melodic hard rock, like Dianira, Living Dream, and Hollywood Vampires (This latter band have named themselves after an L.A. Guns album and sound quite a lot like the Gunners); there are heavy metal bands as well, such as Falling Silence, Spellcraft, Fucktotem (?) (who blend dark heavy metal with progressive keyboards, and a singer who sounds like Dracula!), and Nuclear Devastation, a blitzing, hyperspeed death metal band! We also have some groups who go in a more progressive direction, like Ali Perdute (who use a flute in their song-a nod to Jethro Tull here), Gamila, Kardia, and Bright Corner; and we have one more "modern" sounding band on here, Meschalina, who play their music in a Korn/Godsmack/Coal Chamber vein. This is quite an enjoyable collection. All the bands on here are quite good, and it gives a sample of what Italy has to offer in the way of rock and metal these days. A lot of bands have been coming out of Italy lately and have been quite successful, and this collection shows us more bands this country has up its sleeve.

Backdraft "Here To Save You All" Abstract USA By Melanie Falina Fans looking for new southern rock music, look not to America's south-eastern states...but to Sweden! Backdraft, formed in 1997, lists an array of influences from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Corrosion of Conformity. Already widely popular in Europe, Backdraft's 10-song album, "Here To Save You All" has just been released in the United States as well. With songs titles like "Convoy," "Hillbilly Blues," and "El Rancho," you have to remind yourself that these guys come from Sweden. Good 'ole boy lyrics (listed in the cd's insert), heavy, raunchy guitar grooves and solos, and gritty vocals in every song keep this disc flowing. Where's my Jack Daniel's? With a look ready to hang with ZZ Top, the Backdraft boys consist of: Jonas Ahlen on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Robert Johansson and David "Snejken" Nordlander both on lead and rhythm guitar, Niklas Matsson on drums, and Mats Rydstrom on bass. Other songs on "Here To Save You All" are the groovy "Wicked Man," Angels High," See You Burn," Devil's Hand," "Goddamn Man," "Original Sin," and a raw-rock sound in "Penetration." These guys have definitely got their chosen sound down and do it well, though a slight more diversity from song to song might suit them well without removing themselves from the southern rock genre. You can find Backdraft on the web at: http://www.backdraft.web.com/ and listen to some of their songs on the MP3.com site at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/26/morningwood.html You can reach the band via email at: backdraft666@telia.com And snail-mail at: attn: Mats Rydström, Vetegatan 5, 118 59 Stockholm, SWEDEN.

Depswa "Two Angels And A Dream" 3 Track Sampler By Melanie Falina Los Angeles natives, DEPSWA, hit hard with this 3-song sample from their upcoming album, "Two Angels And A Dream." Currently on tour with MUDVAYNE, DEPSWA will also be joining OzzFest in June; these guys have got a busy year ahead of them. And if this 3-song preview is a hint at the power of the entire album, then I can't wait to hear the rest of these songs! The first cut, "This Time" starts out a little slow, but then only seconds later explodes into strong guitar parts, sassy vocals and perfect rock harmonies. "This Time" is a memorable and marketable radio hit waiting to happen. "Not Responsible" allows lead singer Jeremy Penick to let loose with his feral vocals. And the third cut, "Needles," is a buffet of pleasures for the music lover's ears. Beginning with somber guitar playing that explodes into a powerful crescendo. Each member of DEPSWA is in top form for "Needles." The vocal harmonies of this song are intoxicating, and you'll be singing along by the first chorus. In addition to Penick, DEPSWA consists of James Mills on guitars and vocals, Dan Noonan also on guitars and vocals, Ryan Burchfield on bass and vocals, and the controlled, wildman, Gordon Heckaman on drums and samples. http://www.depswa.com/main.html depswa@depswa.com If you haven't heard these guys yet, check out their web page where you can download some of their songs. DEPSWA is a Godsend for the metal music lovers out there who are starving for good, new bands.

More from the Online Metal Journal

Ozzy Fear Factory The Misfits Overkill Guillotine Moonspell Mythological Cold Tower

---===NEW REVIEWS===--- Abhorrent -- Rage Society's Burden Cephalic Carnage -- Conformity to Abnormality Corruption -- Crushed Crush Efekt -- Real Cryptic Tales -- The Tales Digital Ruin -- Listen Dispute -- Trials in LIfe Gnosis -- Tribal Metal Necromanicide -- Hate Regime Nonpoint -- Separate Yourself Punchin' Judy -- Figure IV Reading Zero -- The Actual Seventh Veil -- Rubber America Slowhorse -- Wicked Game/Amateur Porn Queen ---===PAST REVIEWS===--- Slayer - Diabolus In Musica Judas Priest - Live in NYC Sprung Monkey - Mr. Funny.. Sweet Savage - Rune Roxx Gang - Mojo Gurus Lacuna Coil - Self Titled Dhammapada - All We Are Is... Rustic Overtones - Rooms By... Morbid Angel - Formulas Fatal.. Throttle - Soul Disease Acheron - Those who.. Nifelheim - Devils Force Covenant - Nexus Polaris Less Than Zero - Punto Zero Avulsed - Cyber Gore

Presentation Issues (Past and Present) Ordering Info Advertising Rates Distributors Contact Us Home

Sinbad Prod. Mail Order Distribution In The Spotlight Their Words, Not Ours