BallBusterHardMusic.com - Online Metal Journal

April / May 2004

Beyond Surface
"Destination's End"
(Noise Records)
by Paul Autry

Maybe it's just me, but, I don't see why the term "gothic rock" is beingused in the band bio. I'm not an exceptionally huge fan of that style of music and if that's what I thought this was, chances are I wouldn't like it. Personally, I'd be quick to call Beyond Surface a rock or metal band. Maybe it's because they have a keyboard player, I don't know. But, I do know that I happen to enjoy this release. It's heavy, it's got a good sound, mature songs, a style that's clearly their own and, let's face it, what more could you ask for? "Destination's End" is a good album and, if the band can keep it together for a couple of years, there's no telling how far they could go in this business. Can you dig it?

http://www.beyondsurface.de
http://www.noiserecords.com

Steve Vai
"The Infinite Steve Vai-An Anthology" 2CD SET (disc 1)
(Epic/Legacy)
by Jonathan Mariante

This year marks the 20th anniversary of guitar great Steve Vai as a recording artist (his first album, "Flex-Able", was released in 1984), and this two disc anthology honors his entire recording career Vai has worked with many rock legends, including David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, and Alcatrazz (a band that featured one-time Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet as their frontman), and is now a guitar legend himself as a solo artist, and deservedly so! He is a brilliant and influential player; one could even consider him a genius. He is a Mozart of rock music! On this collection, songs from every album he has ever played on are included (except DLR, for some reason). Although first and foremost a rock guitarist, Vai has been influenced by many different kinds of music, and uses these influences in his own music, sometimes being very experimental. Some of these styles include jazz, funk, blues, classical, and world music. The latter style particularly shows in the songs "For The Love Of God", in which he uses a sitar, and "Bangkok", where he uses just about every instrument under the sun! This song also begins strangely with the sound of buzzing bees! Don't know what the idea behind that is, but damn, it sure sounds real! There are of course plenty of hard rocking tunes on here, including "Bad Horsie" (the disc's heaviest song, which also contains some of the best guitar work!), "Fire Garden Suite", "The Attitude Song", and "The Animal". There are also songs that venture into different musical waters, such as the aforementioned "Bangkok", "The Blood And The Tears", a funky, bouncy tune with some programming used, where a girl with a foreign accent sings backup and calls for an end to the pain and suffering in the world throughout the song, and "Salamanders In The Sun", which almost sounds like a children's song! Although Steve's solo material is mostly instrumental, there are some songs he sings on, including the ballads "All About Eve" and "The Silent Within", both of which are included here.

Steve Vai-An Anthology (Disc 2)
The second disc of this set seems to focus heavily on Steve's lighter material (no pun intended there!), some of which is quite new age-y. The disc kicks off with the previously unreleased "Feathers" (apt title!), and features many of Steve's other lighter tunes, like "Frank", "Boston Rain Medley" (as a Boston native myself, I appreciated this song!), "Whispering A Prayer", "Windows To The Soul", "Christmas Time Is Here" (Yes, the very one we hear every year on that Charlie Brown Christmas special! It's from Steve's Christmas album, "Merry Axe-Mas". Steve plays guitar where the singing usually is), "Rescue Me Or Bury Me" (one of few on which Steve sings. The guitar playing on this song is especially good!), and the folksy, acoustic album closer, "Burning Down The Mountain". With a title like that, one might expect a harder rock song with some of Steve's trademark shredding, but it's still a good song nonetheless. And this disc does have some hard rockin' tunes as well, to balance things out. We have the Whitesnake song, "Kitten's Got Claws" (from "Slip Of The Tongue", the 'Snake album Steve played on), "Giant Balls Of Gold" (and this song does live up to its title, if you know what I mean!), "Jibboom", and "The Reaper", which was originally used in the flick, "Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey". There's also the industrial/electronica flavored "Essense", which is a somewhat unusual song, one way being, that it gets about halfway through the song before the guitar kicks in! But when it does, Steve's playing is as great as ever! And finally, we have one very short little number on here, "Lighter Shade Of Green", a less than a minute long, albeit very well played guitar solo, recorded for the Alcatrazz album "Disturbing The Peace". I just wish they'd have thrown in another 'Trazz tune on here, like "God Blessed Video", or something like that! But even so, this is a great collection that spans the career of one of rock's greatest guitar virtuosos. Most die hard Vai fans will probably already have all these songs but they may want to add this to their collection anyway. And this collection will also suit well people who appreciate Vai's music but don't want to shell out the cash for all his albums. There's just one song that I was surprised was not included here-"The Audience Is Listening". You know the one, with the obnoxious teacher bitching throughout the song! It's one of Vai's most popular songs (from his "Passion And Warfare" album), and is also a kick ass (and hilarious!) tune! Why was it not included? Aside from that, a very well put together collection.

http://www.epicrecords.com/stevevai

Joe Satriani
"The Electric Joe Satriani-An Anthology" 2CD SET (disc1)
(Epic/Legacy Records)
by Jonathan Mariante

Another two disc anthology of one of rock's greatest guitarists. Old Satch is a brilliant, talented, unique, and influential guitar player, who always goes full throttle when it comes to slinging his axe! He's been smoking up the fret board for the better part of two decades now, and has encouraged many others to pick up a guitar and start jamming, and no doubt will continue to do so in years to come! Joe's style is basically straight up rock and roll, primarily influenced by the blues (as opposed to Vai, who is more experimental). This anthology spans Joe's entire career, from his first album ('86's "Not Of This Earth") right up to the present. All of his classics (and then some!) are included here. The first disc gets things going with four songs from his classic "Surfing With The Alien" album, those being the title track and "Satch Boogie", two hard rocking, blues flavored boogie tunes, the slower "Always With Me, Always With You", which has a somewhat romantic feel to it, and the more metallic "Crushing Day". We also have two songs that he sings on, the ballad "I Believe" (which is poppier than usual for Joe) and the ballsy, bluesy rocker, "Big Bad Moon", both of which are two of his best known songs. They are both from the "Flying In A Blue Dream" album, from which we also have the title track and "The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing". Also included are the upbeat "Summer Song" (once used in a beer commercial if I remember correctly!), "Friends", "The Extremist", "Time Machine", "Cool #9" (which has some Primus style bass playing), "Why", and disc closer "Down, Down, Down", a slower tune that invokes the emotion suggested.

DISC 2----------
Disc number two of this set kicks off with the Satch classic, "The Crush Of Love", one all of Joe's fans should be more than familiar with, and ends with two songs from Joe's debut, "Not Of This Earth", those being the title track and "Rubina". The songs in between are all Joe's more recent material, from albums like "Crystal Planet", "Engines Of Creation", and "Strange Beautiful Music". On many of these songs, Joe went exploring in different musical territory, but of course his trademark shredding remains intact throughout. There are a few ballads on here, such as "Until We Say Goodbye", "Clouds Race Across The Sky" (which has a bit of salsa style drumming in it), and "Love Thing". Joe also ventures into industrial territory on the songs "Borg Sex" (Too much "Star Trek", Joe?) and "Devil's Slide". "Starry Night" is a folksy tune, on which Joe uses a banjo and acoustic guitar. And of course, it is only mandatory that there be some classic Satch style rockers on here, like "Ceremony", "Crystal Planet", "Raspberry Jam Delta", the heavier "Mind Storm", "Eight Steps", and the previously unreleased "Slick". This is a great collection of Joe's material, and it shows how he's progressed musically over the past two decades, experimenting with some different styles and becoming more mature, but always staying true to his roots and his trademark sound. He is without a doubt one of the best guitarists in rock today, his playing nothing short of brilliant. He's still shredding to beat hell after all these years, and will no doubt continue to do so in the future, inspiring many other guitarists as he goes.

http://www.epicrecords.com/joesatriani

Warrant
DRFSR/Cherrie Pie
(Sony Music 2004)
by Jym Harris

Alright! We're getting our old Warrant back! Well, not exactly. This is a 2 CD review. Generally I find that inappropriate, but in this case it's totally WARRANTed (pun fully intended). Sony has decided to re-issue the first two classic Warrant albums (seperately of course) but this time around they both have BONUS TRACKS. That's right boys & girls, two new tracks per CD. Here's the deal... Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich includes 'Only A Man' & 'All Night Long'; neither of which were on the original. Cherrie Pie also has a pair of songs at the end of the disc called 'Game Of War' & 'The Power'. What does this mean precicely? More bang for your buck! You can finally replace your old copies with new ones AND get more classic Warrant, which in my opinion is absolutely worth checking out. For more info write to 460 West 54th St. NY, NY 10019.

Tesla
"Into The Now"
(Sanctuary Music 2004)
by Jym Harris

OK, so the highly anticipated follow-up studio release to Bust A Nut is here. Over a few years, the guys went on to several side projects like Sofa King, Bar 7, and Moon Dog Mane, but after a long wait the original Tesla line-up is back! I'm pleasantly suprised to hear them pick up where they left off. Their last studio effort was by far my favorite in the Tesla catalog, but this album is increasingly becoming a close second. You may hear the radio single 'Caught In A Dream' and think it's great, but trust me, it only gets better. The heavy parts are hard as nails and the slow parts are catchy & beautiful. Like some Tesla CDs, it may take a few listens to get used to, but I doubt anyone will feel disappointed. "Into The Now" is recommended highly for established fans & new ones alike. For more info go to http://www.TeslaTheBand.com.

Eric Moore & The Godz
"Twenty Five Moore Years"
(Outlaw Recordings)
by Paul Autry

This is a collection of is hell raising, beer drinking, fist in the air, rock 'n' roll music...the stuff of legend. If you're not familiar with the music of The Godz and this release would be something new for you, let me just say that I would suggest picking it up for three songs, which would be "Criminal Mind," "Gotta Keep A Runnin'" and "Mississippi." If you would strip this album down to just those three songs, it would still be a release worth checking out. You'd still get a healthy dose of ass kicking rock 'n' roll...and then some. But, if you happen to look beyond those three songs, there's twelve more songs to sink your teeth into...and that's just on the first disc. The second disc features two demos from 1979, a three song live set from 1982 and a five song live set from 1995. Believe me, this stuff is worth the price of admission. There's not many who carry the torch for rock 'n' roll the way it was meant to be and your collection won't be complete without this release...end of story.

http://www.thegodz.net
http://www.outlawrecordings.com

Puddle of Mudd
"Life on Display"
by Paul Autry

I know this band has been doing quite well. But, to be honest, the music just doesn't do much for me. Not saying that it's bad. It's just, well, I've heard it all before. "Life On Display" is a solid album with well written tunes, but, that's the point. I've got a number of releases that I can say that about as well. So, my point of view, is they're not doing anything to really rise above the other stuff that's floating around out there. Nothing that really shakes me up. I've got a few favorites on this release, such as "Spin You Around," "Freak Of The World" and "Think." I just wish they would pack more of a punch so that I would wanna listen to this more often. As it stands now, I'd really have to be in a certain mood to listen to this one. But, I will say this...it's at least worth checking out.

http://www.puddleofmudd.com

Orquesta del Desierto
"Dos"
(Meteor City)
by Paul Autry

Okay...the best thing for me to do here is to pull out their press material and just tell you how the band describes their music. It's acoustic, latin flavored desert blues and it features members of The Desert Sessions, Fatso Jetson, Goatsnake, Earthlings and Hermano. If any of that means anything to any of you, well, there you have it. It's got a good production and that's always a plus and, for what it is, it's not a bad release. It's just not my style of music. I did, however, get into it (slightly) in a different way. I had my stereo on a low volume so I could listen to something while I answered e-mail. I went through the whole CD twice. It's kind of like going to work or whatever and they've got a certain radio station on that you hear each and every day. You might not like the style of music, but, eventually, you get used to it. That's the feeling I got here. While it's not a release I would listen to just to listen to. But, if it's on in the backround while I'm doing something else, well, I guess you could say that I get a bit of enjoyment out of it that way.

http://www.meteorcity.com
http://www.spinningfish.com/odd

Bucket Boys
"Sweat"
(Bogey Man Music)
by John Haseltine

With the strum of the first cords, I felt as if I was catapulted in a Quentin Tarantino , south of the border type flick. The Bucket Boys are a tex-mex, rockabilly band with a slight puck flare mixed into the loop. 'Sweat' clocks in at 71:59 with 16 tracks. It's hard to honestly say which tracks to look out for. They are all great. Very catchy riffs and melodies with choruses you'll find yourself singing along to even though you don't know the lyrics. A cool mood setter. The Bucket Boys are Michael Lange-lead vocals, keyboards, Joe Vander-drums, vocals, Helge Lange- guitars, vocals and Andreas Kehren- bass. Also featuring as a special guest, from the 'Popsy-Wopsies', Petra Lange. The addition of Petra's vocals as background and along side mixed very well. She also sings lead on a track. 'Sweat' is their third release. If I can ever stop listening to this one, I may get hold of the earlier works. One listen and the Bucket Boys will make a tex-mex rocker out of you too. 'Rest In Heat, Hold Me, Love Hate & Tears, Cockroach In My Car, Bella'. Just a few of the many great songs by the Bucket Boys on this album.

http://www.bucket-boys.com

End Of All
"Paradise Burning"
(Venge Records)
by John Haseltine

Combing a sound mix of influences ranging from death, grind, bluegrass, and even classic hair metal, End Of All deliver what they call "their most brutal" release to date. I can only imagine what their debut on Tribunal Records must sound like. This release is an intense and blistering collection of songs. Not only their most brutal installment to date but possibly the most brutal release to date. Very hooky riffs and well written brutality. Each track starts off with a little horror movie tidbit, which is almost too much for my taste, but they do seem to accent the songs. End Of All have been tearing up N. Carolina and the surrounding states since the spring of 2000. In support of their second full length release, they will be touring 2004 with The Autumn Gathering and The Judas Cradle. End Of All offers metal fans" something familiar as well as something ground breaking". Will appeal to fans of Soilent Green, Skinless, Cannibal Corpse, etc.. A brutally, grinding mix of all of the above and beyond .

endofall@vengerecords.com
honcho@vengerecords.com

Secret Heroes
"Loose, High & Fire"
(Rock Parade Records)
by John Haseltine

Loose, High & Fire could easily be placed on the '80s metal greats shelf. Don't let this discourage you. This album has some really rockin' tunes. You can hear the many influences of Aerosmith, Van Halen, Kiss. Queen and Zepplin throughout with a fresh new edge to it. There are many radio worthy anthems here. Nice melodies and rhythm with some ripping guitar solos. Former 'Metal Hammer' editor, Richard Harms was so enthusiastic about the band he decided to produce Loose, High & Fire for his own label. Very catchy indeed.

http://www.secretheroes.com

Place Of Skulls
"With Vision"
(Southern Lord Records)
by John Haseltine

With the addition of the legendary Scott 'Wino' Weinrich (St.Vitis, The Obsessed, Spirit Cavern, Probot and currently The Hidden Hand), it could be seen as a doom metal supergroup. With original Place Of Skulls members Victor Griffin(Deathrow,Pentagram), Tom Tomaselli and Dennis Cornelius(Oversoul, Revelation). 'With Vision' is a heavy, bluesy doom offering from start to finish. "A heavy, two guitar band will be fresh and exciting for both Victor and I ", states Wino. Wino as of Dec. 2003 is no longer in the band. Although a great addition to the album and the band, as short lived as it was, their friendships remain "strong and intact". You can check out the journal section at the bands website for more details on this matter. The remaining original members are forging on with Place of Skulls. ' With Vision' is a great release filled with catchy riffs, and intense lyrics. Extremely heavy sounding at a mid tempo pace. One of the best doom releases I've heard in a long time.

http://www.placeofskulls.com
southernlord@yahoo.com

The Ancient Enemy
Demo 2003
(self release)
by John Haseltine

Quickly becoming a musical force to be reckoned with in the Long Island area, The Ancient Enemy give you a highly professional sounding two song demo.Mike Curley-vocals,drum programming, Kevin Paradias-guitars, Oz-guitars and Derrick Prince-drums fuse the styles of metal core, hardcore, industrial and almost all other forms of metal into a "sonic barrage, the likes the world has yet to hear." Not sure who's quote that is, but it fits well. 'Al Ta'ashet, When The Light Dies' are available for download or they'll send you a free demo while they last. The Ancient Enemy should appeal to fans of the likes of Fear Factory, Misery Loves Co., Pitch Shifter. Also these two tracks will be on their forthcoming concept album Vs. Heaven. Very well written and sounding like we'll be hearing a lot more from them in the near future. Until then check them out.

http://www.theancientenemy.com

Force of Evil
self-titled
(Diamond Records, Escapi Music)
by John Haseltine

Featuring the legendary Mercyful Fate alumni, Denmarks Force Of Evil release their debut cd of eleven blistering tracks of pure classic heavy metal. This release seems to pick up where Mercyful Fate leaves off. There's no mistaking the sound of the raw guitar riffing, piercing solos, and twin guitar harmonies that have set Hank Sherman and Michael Denner apart as one of the greatest axe-master teams known in the world of metal. Alongside of Sherman & Denner are drummer Bjarne Holm(who joined MF in '95), Hal Patino(known for numerous workings on many King Diamond/MF albums), and the soul searing vocals of Martin Steene(from the cult European metal act Ironfire). Musically, Force Of Evil's sound is very comparable to any Mercyful Fate album. Mainly written by Sherman & Denner, you hear them pulling songs that are of more of their roots and background. Sherman adds," Compared to my previous projects, this one is closest to my own roots in metal. It probably closely resembles Mercyful Fate in that it's based in the same background and influences". Each track is more enjoyable with every listen. Luckily for us, "This is no side project. Force Of Evil is definitely a band." As Sherman is quick to point out. Sherman chose Escapi Music to release their powerful debut. This will be the first major cd release for Escapi, who mainly handles sports, documentaries and children's movies, etc. Force Of Evil have become their major priority and are promoting them heavily. Keep your eyes out for a dvd being released in March 2004. It was recorded at their first European show in Stockholm, Sweden. Mp3's are available at the website as well as ordering information. Force Of Evil is a must listen for any metal fan. Check out these tracks of pure metal fury, sure to be set in the pages of metal history.

http://www.forceofevil.net
http://www.escapimusic.com

Dragonforce
"Valley Of The Damned"
(Noise/Sanctuary)
by Jonathan Mariante

Hailing from merry old England, Dragon Force (formerly known as Dragon Heart) unleash their debut album onto the world of metal Although from the UK, this band sound like they could be from a Continental nation. Their style is power metal of the more Euro flavor, along the lines of Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, etc. Dragon Force have made a fine debut here, playing quality power metal that should appeal to fans of the genre. While they may not be breaking any new ground here, they sure do give it their best, and are quite talented. All the songs are full speed ahead gallopers, played in the classic power metal style, except for one, the ballad "Starfire" (seems power metal bands of this ilk are always putting at least one ballad on their albums there days). Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman crank out a blazing dual axe attack, going full throttle all the way, while vocalist ZP Theart has a strong, attention getting voice. His singing is the typical power metal style, a clear voice with soaring, upbeat vocal harmonies, but he does it well. Keyboards are used, played by Vadim Pruzhanov, but sparingly so that the don't over saturate the music and drown out the guitars, as sometimes happens when keys are used in metal. The guitars are given full frontal here! A full time bassist has not been found (at the time of this writing) but session man Disson Harper did a good job, and drummer Didier Almouzni plays full tilt, with some lighting quick double bassing. Dragon Force are a fine power metal band who should have a promising future ahead of them, and could put England on the map as a power metal hotbed.

http://www.dragonforce.com

Cheap Trick
(Legacy Records)
by Vinnie Apicella

A band whose own legacy is limitless, the latest in the line of Legacy Records spotlights the acclaimed and ageless Illinois-bred foursome now celebrating 30 years together with the latest in a long line of "Essential" albums. While its true the 'Tricksters have been known more for past achievements than the fact they still tour and record together, few can argue their influence on any number of bands spanning the global music genre from Pop to Punk to AOR.

If there were a curse on the Cheap Trick, it's likely the fact that their earliest material was so strong, it's continually measured up by and against countless newcomers, in spite of the band's own modern day mobility. There exists a seeming bias by even ardent fans for needing to live up to past grandeur. Not an easy task, particularly for a band that's never once settled in one particular niche. Cheap Trick's played with the monsters of Rock and stolen their share of top 40 airplay, which speaks much of their versatility if indefinitely damaging to the rebellious credibility that began so long before. And yet there's much to be said for longevity.

Much like KISS before them, Cheap Trick took a similar route and struck gold shortly afterwards. Their first three studio records, while recognized as standard bearing classics today, made little impact in the late '70s, yet like KISS, earned them a strong cult following that would soon swell to phenomenal proportions with the overseas release of "Live At Budokan" in '78. A bold move that followed, and achieved similar results as the acclaimed KISS "Alive" record. Cheap Trick, already huge in Japan at the time, broke big in the states and for the next four to five years, were big game players in the Rock scene.

Throughout the mid-to-late '80s, Cheap Trick smoothed the rough edges to shine with the times, when synth-based Pop, and AOR influences overtook them. And while they landed their share of hit singles, "Stop This Game," "She's Tight," "Tonight It's You," "Don't Be Cruel," even going so far as reaching number one with the ballad "The Flame" from 1988's "Lap Of Luxury" release, the overall album strength wavered and fan reaction tended to dissuade. Flighty mainstream exposure couldn't outpace foundering sales figures. Not to say that Cheap Trick's future recordings in the 1990's, though comparatively infrequent, were dead on arrival by any means.

Let's face it, if you're a long time Cheap Trick fan, or even a marginal one, you've already done to death their '77 debut or the amazing "In Color" follow up; "Heaven Tonight," the record that spawned their classic hit "Surrender" …and of course "Live At Budokan." They did a lot of albums in a short span every bit the model of ambition and output where, again like KISS, two albums, even three in a given year or two was a norm. If KISS were the costumed crusaders of a comic book fantasy, Cheap Trick were like two father and son pairings with a combination of poseurs and pranksters that remains to this day fashionably brilliant in their awkwardness.

So while the '70s are long since present and accounted for on this or any other Cheap Trick collection, and the '80s had their moments in the sun, particularly if we were to cut out '82 '88, it was the '90s that saw the band jumping around a bit fighting for respect as relevant in the present rather than robbing their own cradle of past success. Starting out with the underappreciated "Busted" at the start of the decade, the band's output was comparatively slow as one might expect from a "classic" band with plenty of mileage under their wheels. "Busted" was a worthy follow up to '88s "The Lap Of Luxury" but had to live up to their recent chart topping success of "The Flame." Nothing they set forth did, but overall, "Busted" featured its share of popular tracks as "Had To Make You Mine" and the ballad, "Can't Stop Falling Into Love," both featured here along with the edgier, "I Can't Understand It."

"Woke Up With A Monster" struck four years later but didn't survive the impact. Too bad. This was a solid record. It represented the band making the jump from their longtime home at Epic onto Warner Bros. for this Ted Templeman (Van Halen) produced release. The title track's the lone representative here, but also deserving of mention is "You're All I Wanna Do." "Say Goodbye" was the first single released from their second self-titled record in '97, their first and only for the defunct Red Ant label, and twenty years after their original debut. The album should have gone further but was underexposed in spite of some of their strongest material in years. "Anytime" or "Baby No More" is worthy of recognition on any Cheap Trick comp or tribute.

Between studio releases, the band produced a special set called "Sex America" which featured four discs and plenty of age old outtakes and rarities and previously unreleased cuts "Everything Works If You Let It (Full Version)" and "If You Want My Love" (Extra Bridge Version), are two of which that are included here. In the late '90s the band released two special live albums "Music For Hangovers" and "Silver," represented in this collection by two tunes each and featuring former Smashing Pumpkin Billy Corgan sharing some stage light on a stirring version of "Mandocello." "The Essential Cheap Trick" ends off with one of the band's latest studio tracks, "Scent Of A Woman" from 2003's "Special One" release, and easily comes away as among the group's looser and louder moments in recent memory.

The handful of odd tracks and live fill doesn't make this a must-buy set by any stretch. An extra bridge here or louder outtake of Chrissie Hynde on "Walk Away" there, isn't selling the discerning consumer, right? But the new tune comes close. The fact is, "The Essential Cheap Trick" is a career spanning highlight session spread over two discs, 36 tunes and 30 years and features all the expected classics and many of the slower movers of the later generation that are garnered equal weight here. The overall song selection is strong and the compilers, assisted from the band itself, were smart enough to ignore the ill-conceived "The Doctor" release… So "Essential" is thus, everything from everywhere that Cheap Trick's been and done in a neatly arranged little no frills package with a few photos and album notes that can serve as both an introductory listen and lesson or tack-on to an already impressive collection.

Gamma Ray
"Skeletons In The Closet"
(Metal-Is Records)
by Vinnie Apicella

Not that I'm wavering byany means, but it's albums like this, before they're even opened, there's a monstrous undertaking of sight and sound that serves my argument against music files replacing the tangible quality of the actual product. And here, a two-disc digipak no less difficult to come by domestically that's, granted, lagging about a year behind the rest of the world, but then, all things considered, all that's missing from this package is the actual band member sweat and stage mist from having our butts planted right there in the midst of it all.

The idea behind Gamma Ray's second live album, "Alive '95" being their first, was, as the name suggests, dig up the old bones from their distant past as well as to spotlight the newer tunes that never quite "hit" the first time. In fact the tracks were voted on and selected by fans from the GR website with the resulting 100-plus minutes of old faves and long forgottens. Considering the band has enjoyed a lengthy career as one of the world's premiere Power Metal players and the fact they weren't supporting a new record, the idea behind this was as much to shake out the cobwebs and let the light shine on otherwise buried selections for the fun of it. After thirteen years and going the usual route of highlighting the latest and expected encore call outs, what's left to do but entertain yourselves and the fans by revisiting a past that few might've witnessed in the first place!

First thing that jumps out is the smoothness of execution in playing and production quality as dusty and undiscovered tracks like the opening instrumental, "Welcome" going all the way "back" to the "Heading For Tomorrow" release in '89, leading into and leaping forward ten years on "Gardens Of The Sinner" from "Powerplant," later jumping back again to "Rich And Famous" from '91s "Sigh No More." The performance is a veritable leap through time for band and fans alike as GR goes from primacy in one moment to later land in the lap of the present with a vibrancy and occasioned velocity in another. Half the fun is uncovering or rediscovering these hidden gems by simply plugging in and powering out without glossing over song selections and so forth. In fact it would be a good time to begin flipping through the 32-page booklet that's included with the jewel box set, problem is, what they make up for in photo footage, which covers the band from every conceivable action sequence, angle and shade, yes, in fact, like being there, there's not much in the way of written text save for Kai's opening thoughts. To that end, "Skeletons" is a documentary of sorts in spotlighting the underside of the bands' music if not a full career spanning retrospective. That's something that will likely come in time.

"All Of The Damned" is a good example of a reasonably recent track uncovered from the "Land Of The Free" album where fans may remember it as being among the quicker, catchier numbers, but not one that might figure into future prominence; Why not? Who can answer why anything even remotely "Metal" could be considered a "hit" even overseas? Suffice to say, there are quite a few instrumentally superior and progressively penned tunes that are more the 'Rays forte. "Armageddon" from the "Powerplant" release however, is a nine minute epic that recalls the grandeur of Kai's pre-GR glories with the original Helloween in a very "Keepers Of The Seven Keys" fashion, featuring both blazing speed and tempered progression. "Heavy Metal Universe" is an anthemic classic right out of the Manowar anthology, bent upon taut riffing and stout shouts of the Teutonic variety, including audience participation and then followed by another equally unifying blast from the past in "One With The World."

Disc two features another nine tracks, runs slightly longer in length, and clips a classic Helloween tune, met with instant audience approval, that in itself is a rare occurrence for the band some ten albums and seven singles into their career. "Razorblade Sigh," another from '99s "Powerplant release, sounds magnificent and it should be noted this is the first live disc from the current GR formation now eight years strong and never sounding better! Kudos to Kai for hitting the highs of his and one Ralf Scheepers before him, as well as the "sighs" both equally weighted here. "Heart Of The Unicorn" is among the newest material from their last "New World Order" studio release in 2001, and another that might not inspire much recognition until only after it begins playing with its Priest style "Painkiller" construct pumping and Hansen's piercing scream that one realizes it definitely should; and don't be surprised to hear some of these recent recollections recast in future shows. "Heaven And Hell" shares a kinship with disc one's "All Of The Damned" and if audience participation is any indication, this one doesn't deserve to be here. There are very few that catch the audience off guard it's like having a thousand strong labor union rallying cry backing a band of five, or four if we leave the drummer to his own double-bass devices.

Overall, "Skeletons In The Closet" must have been an amazing experience for those fans in Barcelona or Strasbourg who had the honor of laying the foundation for these few select shows. Gamma Ray remains well respected in the annals of Euro Metal and to follow these many obscure or less disposed live feeds enter the fray for this rare occurrence is resounding and remarkable. Finally, after all this time, the band's coming out of the closet and you'll be more than obliged to join them on this boldly conceived journey into the previously unknown!

Leatherface
"Dog Disco"
(BYO Records)
by Vinnie Apicella

A veteran band of eight albums, sixteen years and countless followers from Punk Rock to Prog-core, Leatherface defy expectation as well as generalization, continuing a theirs-only trend they helped inspire at the end of '80s. Inspecting the lyrics to "Dog Disco," one finds quite a lot of half empty heartbreak and resolution amidst guitarist/singer Frankie Stubbs' subtlety of delivery that's the unlikeliest coarseness of croon to become equal ends P-Furs and Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" times ten until the tears well.

While lyrical breakdown breaks ground revealing the lost soul's battle to revive a wrong turn life of broken dreams with redemption "Hoodlum," "Diddly Squat," "Raga," and truthfully most of the twelve, one concedes the temptation that into one's genius, a little insanity must fall. Primary writer Stubbs sheds light on the dark with a remarkably agile thought pattern and vocal performance that's smoky yet smooth, able to leap languid chord progressions and picked scales in a single breath… or two or three. That is until we arrive at the unlikely pairing near the end, "Plastic Surgery," a demo-quality ballad about rediscovering and discrediting, and its frenetic follow up "Rabbit Pie Alibi" where for the first time does Leatherface lunge out of the depths and into the laps of the listener, suddenly startled at the rising surge and raised octave, overtaking an otherwise slow to mid-tempo construct.

"Dog Disco" is among Leatherface's most intricate and intense sounding albums where introspection and acoustics are concerned, sans the decibel level crush and commercialized rallying cries of today's popular acts. They are a unique blend of Indie-bred underground, that's still crudely Punk Rock and gothically dramatic to the point they dismiss and further distance themselves from the usual culprits of mass produced preacher and pretty boy types, opting instead for a minor key inflection that's melodious, artfully dissonant and dynamic.

Heavenly
"Dust to Dust"
(Noise/Sanctuary)
by Jonathan Mariante

Heavenly come from the sky once again to unleash their third power metal opus onto the world in the form of "Dust To Dust". This is a concept album that deals with a man who becomes a vampire and fights against his state of being, coming out on top in the end, but not without a fight from the "dark side". As for the music, it's melodic and sophisticated power metal, with some complex songwriting and arrangements, but it is also powerful and bombastic, most of the songs going full speed ahead, with some excellent guitar work, although the title track, which closes the album, is a ballad. The sound is polished and slick, but it is still metal, and retains its metallic edge, like a stainless steel sword! Heavenly are influenced by many of the bands that have made their mark on power metal, like Helloween, Savatage, Stratovarius, and Rhapsody, with a bit of Queen thrown in, especially in the vocal harmonies. There is also quite a lot of classical influence, in the arrangements, the operatic vocals, and classical style piano is used a lot. There is certainly an abundance of power metal bands in the world today, but Heavenly does appear to be a cut above the rest. They have a sound that, while influenced by the genre's masters, is certainly one of their own, and they are very talented. This album seems to raise the power metal bar a notch, taking the genre to a slightly higher level, where other bands of this ilk have not yet dared to venture. This should be an album many future releases of this style are measured against.

http://www.noiserecords.com/heavenly/default.shtml

Frost
"Raise Your Fist To Metal"
(Noise/Sanctuary)
by Jonathan Mariante

Jack Frost, the axeman and main man behind Seven Witches, has released his first solo album. Joining him on this opus are many other renowned metal musicians, including other members of Seven Witches, Armored Saint, WASP, Annihilator, Symphony X, Britny Fox, and Bob Rock himself. A great job is done by all on this album. Frost is an excellent guitarist, his six string skills blazing throughout the album. This is very much a metal album, not straying too far from the sound of Seven Witches, but Jack does try on a few different musical styles for size on a few tunes here. The opening track, "Stay", is a metal tune, but has a bit of a modern flavor to it. "The Man I Am" is a poppy/AOR number, with acoustic guitar used. Jack does an Eddie Van Halen style guitar solo on "Nippin' At Your Ear", and the song that follows, "What I Say", is like a heavy Van Halen tune, along the lines of "Atomic Punk", or like Van Halen meets Seven Witches. There are, of course, some blitzing metal tunes on here, as there should be, like "The Chase", "Brotherhood Of Lies", "What's Left", and "Slow Burn", all in the Seven Witches vein, horns up and headbanging all the way! Jack also throws in a couple of covers of classic tunes, those being "Fight Fire With Fire" (Kansas) and "Lack Of Communication" (Ratt). The former is of course heavier than the original, but still has a power pop element to it, while the latter beats the original up one side and down the other! The guitars are more muscular, and it's much more aggressive! I hear a bit of Manowar in it! Jack's first solo effort appears to be a success! His guitar playing is as good as ever, and all the musicians who joined him do a great job, as one would expect from musicians of their caliber. Frost is a little exploratory on here, but doesn't stray too far from his metal/Seven Witches roots. Fans should definitely be pleased!

Hammerfall
"One Crimson Night"
(Nuclear Blast Records)
by Vinnie Apicella

When they first came out in 1997 with their "Glory To The Brave" album, the Metal scene, save for the Euro trail where they have and continue revel in the splendor of tradition, was somewhere between a resurgence and redundancy. Heavy Metal in the traditional sense, was being eaten alive by fans and critics alike as being irrelevant and dated; anthemic battle hymns and musicianship held little intrinsic value where real world issues stamped their boot print on the decidedly more extremist preachers and players portrayed as the "Nu-Metallers" that had been polluting the pages of rewritten Rock mags and Hard radio. Considering the fate of many beloved forerunners of the Metal revolution, bands like Priest and Maiden, going through their own individual infirmaries of lost members and lower sales, save for the incalculable success of the German greats and Gothenburg's up and comers, Hammerfall's success hinged greatly on the individualistic tendency of the listener. Luckily for them, and the many who've followed suit, Metal's resurgence remains a continuing phenomenon that's patterned itself much like it began, growing stronger in time and standing firm against mass opposition of mainstream media. Anyone in those circles that heard Hammerfall's first record either had a good laugh or rejoiced in the fact that a new band not named Manowar could produce such a potent yet polished display of heavy riffing and melody lines encircling battle-ridden lyrical clichés to rival the mightiest of the medievally-trained greats. When "Legacy Of Kings" came out a year later, there was further confusion in the fact they could do it again! By this point, Gothenburg was already a hot bed of happening bands pioneering a popular style of heavy music lent to old school Thrash, and modern Death, borrowing from each and encasing the whole in a dynamic new sound led by the likes of At The Gates, In Flames and Hypocrisy. Ironically, Hammerfall's another that calls Gothenburg home, yet comparatively speaking, there aren't any. And there's where we now find the band, truly in all their glory, fronting 4,000 strong highlighting their successful Crimson Crusades tour that saw them hit eight continents even denting the daunting armor of U.S. shores with Dio and Kings-X.

The two disc set follows four successful studio albums featuring all the fist-raising, light flicking fan favorites the self-indulgent Swedes have become known for; like the foreboding lead-in, "Lore Of The Arcane" and "Riders Of The Storm" from their latest "Crimson Thunder" studio release; "Legacy Of Kings," the title track from their renowned second effort; the necessary (and Nordic) between song banter, bass and guitar solos, and then "The Way Of The Warrior," "Glory To The Brave," going back to the beginning, before closing disc one with "Let The Hammerfall," another "Legacy Of Kings" staple which lets loose a barrage of fanfare and exhalation FX to rival even the ardent of German festival goer.

The production quality is excellent overall but really that should be the least considered in this age and inexcusable should the issue arise of a buried mic or stuffy drum head. The only deficiencies should be the band's own natural missteps and for the most part, there are none present here. Disc two sees them plow through "Renegade" from their gold-earning third album of the same name, and "Steel Meets Steel," a sentimental storyteller from their stealthily bred start up; "Crimson Thunder" and "Hearts On Fire" account for more of the latest studio work from the iron clad "Crimson Thunder" LP, bore of the chivalrous chorus and particularly weighty riffs, that unlike some, upon first mention, receive equal praise as do the holiest of classics from the crowd in attendance, bothered apparently by neither the repetitive notion of (our) standing alone, as one… we are the strong… drop the hammer… crack the sky and various supposed infantile folklore that should have died out ages ago. The set features a colorful cover book packed with performance footage, metal poses, moon shot and three bonus cuts from the great beyond, including the enthralling intensity of "The Dragon Lies Bleeding."

Who'd have thought after seven years, four studio albums of hammer slamming exploits and Gothenburg's own prestige, this against the grain, second coming of Saxon, could equate on the grand scale of worldwide acceptance? An achievement countless others before could never achieve and to stand proud amongst the few who remain true and become rewarded when changing tides shift to their favor. Hammerfall's deserving of the accolades and this flawless two-disc set is the perfect accompaniment or primer for the ardent fan or uninitiated on what true Metal spirit is about.

Fleshcrawl
"Made Of Flesh"
(Metal Blade Records)
by Vinnie Apicella

The opening track, "Beneath A Dying Sun," begins with "Watching the end of the world…" and it only gets worse from there! A cold, clammy but catchy track, it's not long before we're led down the same dark descent that left off "Soulskinner" three years before when Germany's Fleshcrawl, continually developing and entangling themselves with the many big name Nordic warriors and domestic Death dealers, rose above also-ran with their impressive Metal Blade breakthrough. "Made Of Flesh" is another work in menacing intensity driven by doomsday lyricism, dexterous playing and a smattering of dark thoughts, delivered graveside for the wicked listener's last bout with material world madness before bowing out six feet below. The title track and "Scourge Of The Bleeding Haunted" are back to back examples of extreme aggression done at mind numbing speeds equally weighted by skill and sloppiness, with the latter song, shorted of being a complete masterwork if only for the weak verse that's akin to one Tom G. trying to do anything remotely close to human comprehension post-"Emperor." Although there's no such thing as "easy" within the realms of Death Metal and Doom, if not quite isolated in the pace of the playing, such despair runs through each of the ten tracks, word for word, every note uttered, death is not simply the end, but the welcome friend come to save us from wretchedness of life. Underlying there appears a theme of one who, even in death, cannot attain sought-after peace and thus, Hell let loose the likes of "Flesh Bloody Flesh" and "Damned In Fire," two more recklessly paced anthems for the restless corpse. Fleshcrawl's style, a combination of bitterness and neck breaking on one end, textural and melodious on another, has little trouble switching scenes as the need arises, creative and deadly, making the most of a routine four minute surge with enough instrumentalism and amplitude that one forgets the album's overall efficiency in length, due mainly to a get in and out quickly scheme.

Typical of the European extremists, the musicianship on "Made Of Flesh" is high caliber, devastating with their influence lying in the darkness of the present, presented in a gratuitously grotesque way where "Carnal Devourment," amongst their most intense work, can be none other than what it states; one need only insert appropriate enemy stand-in. Seven albums in, moving steady if at a slow "crawl," the band's picked up speed in recent years having crossed the boundary into the sacred Euro-Metal tradition with their 2002 appearance at Germany's acclaimed Wacken Festival among a ton of other extreme pairings along the way. "Made Of Flesh," deadly and dynamic, and nearly three years in the making, will leave another lasting scar on the rotting carcass of an ever thriving Death scene that simply won't die.

Valkyrie
(Same)
by Chris Forbes

This is raw, sludgy, dirty rock with a metallica edge. Sort of like stoner rock with some Kyuss thrown in. The guitar riffs are heavy as fuck and I can see people smoking a bowl listening to this. Vocals are good, as they fit the style of music the band is playing. If your into stoner rock and the like, you'll crave this. Info: http://www.thevalkyrierides.com

Valkyrie
"Human Error Ways To Self Destruction"
(Candlelight)
by Chris Forbes

Fast and fast and more fast. This is blazing speed to the max and I love it. Bone crushing lighting like riffs and blasting drums with real death metal vocals make this an underground treat. Production is on the money and this will satisfy any death metal fan. Info: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

Khold
"Morke Gravers Kammer"
(Candlelight)
by John Hazeltine

One of Norway's popular black metal bands, Khold , release their third full lenght album' Morke Gravers Kammer' this spring. Khold deliver their own take on black metal. This disk is filled with extremely heavy tracks of both fast and mid tempo songs. First track,'Atselgraver' reminds me of an old Celtic Frost song. It blends into a more melodic pounding death beat titled'DOD'. From there on out, each track either tears you limb from limb with shear intensity , or plunges you into a darkened black, melancholy abyss of horror. Khold's sound has been likened to that of an updated BATHORY. This album is" very cold, dark and heavy", explains drummer Sarke of the bands latest effort. I can only, fully agree with him. This is an excellent black metal release for those into the genre. For those who are not, this should be your introduction. Khold makes black metal in their own unique style. Very powerful tracks. Track listing is as follows : Atselgraver, Dod, Niflheimer, Hevnerske, Med Nebb Og Kammer, Opera Seria, Sjeleskjender, Vardoger, Kamp. Not an album for the weak and powerless.'MGK' will tear you apart and make it difficult to pick up the pieces. You also get a copy of the bands first video for the song 'DOD'. Extremely wicked.

http://www.khold.com
http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

W.A.S.P.
"The Neon God Pt. 1"
(Sanctuary Records)
by John Haseltine

It's been twenty years since W.A.S.P. debuted their first album. Fifteen releases later, Blackie & Co., give unto us a thought provoking, conceptual rock opera titled 'The Neon God'. This is to be released in two parts. Part one is scheduled for stores April 6th, 2004. Part two should hit the shelves sometime over the summer. I have to admit that I haven't heard much from W.A.S.P. since the first couple of albums many moons ago. Anyone else in this same boat, for whatever reason, needs to wake the hell up. The disk starts out with an escalating instrumental that's nothing short of kick ass, heavy rocking W.A.S.P. And so the story starts. The story line is one of a search for acceptance and purpose for the main character. The life of Jessie Slane. 'The Neon God' part one covers the beginnings of a boy whose junkie mother dumps him off a the Sisters Of Mercy orphanage. There at age 8, his life of torment and hell begins. From the terrors of 'Sister Sadie', a powerful track, to his near death experience in 'Wishing Well' where he starts to feel different from the rest of the boys, to the time spent in 'Asylum #9'. Jessie ends up running away at age 14 for a life in the streets where he meets up with Judah Magic who teaches him how to control the minds of those weaker than him. As if gifted, he becomes the one everyone shall follow and obey. Traveling around performing covered tent ministries, selling videos, DVDs ,etc... Jessie was being worshiped as the new Messiah. So many questions need to be answered. So many more details need to be found out. Many of the tracks on this disk are very epic in sound. They are not lengthy though. Very well written songs. Lyrically , you don't need one song to understand what is going on in the next. A heavy rocking release with some melodic moments set just in the right places. 'The Neon God' is an excellent disk. This is a must for any metal head. As I've stated before, if you haven't given W.A.S.P. a listen for awhile, you'll be missing out if you don't give this one a listen. For the devoted fans, get ready to be knocked on your ass. Very well rounded. All tracks are an equally great listen. I look forward to finding out the fate of Jessie Slain. The new Messiah. The Neon God.

http://www.waspnation.com

Persuader
"Evolution Purgatory"
(Noise/Sanctuary)
by Jonathan Mariante

Persuader is one of Sweden's latest offerings to the metal world, and this is their latest album. They are a young, hungry band who give it all they've got, playing classic-style/power metal of the highest caliber! Not bad for a bunch of guys in their early twenties! This album is a driving force of straight-up, no frills metal from beginning to end, no ballads, played in the classic, pure style, influenced by bands like Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Iron Savior, Helloween, and other masters of the genre. Their music is polished but still has a hard edge and packs a punch! Singer/guitarist Jens Carlsson's vocal style is very much like Blind Guardian's Hansi Kursh, with Guardian-type vocal harmonies used throughout. The guitar playing, done by him and second guitarist Pekka Kiviaho, is very good, the two cranking out lots of sharp, killer riffs, in the vein of all classic dual axe duos. Drummer Efraim Juntunen and bassist Fredrick Hedstrom make up a pounding rhythm section, driving hard all the way! This is power metal the way power metal's meant to be, fast and hard, with blitzing guitars, melodic but heavy, well produced, but retaining its metallic edge! And these guy can play to beat hell too! They put many of their compatriots to shame, and they deserve to make it big in the world of metal! Hail Persuader!

http://www.persuader.nu

Hate
"Awakening of the Liar"
(WW II)
by Chris Forbes

Super fast death metal in vein of Vader. Since the band is from Poland that does not shock me. The band slash and blaze tune after tune of death metal. It is not highly original, but it gets the job done. If you like Vader and bands in that vein you'll love this. Info: http://www.hatesantanic.org

Omegalord
(Same)
by Chris Forbes

A very good metal band that combines a bit of the old with a bit of the new. The band can write some really catchy soild riffs and the playing is tight and the songs are strong. The vocals are solid and the guy has a good set of pipes and belts out the tunes with conviction. A very good job by this band and I look forward to hearing more. Info: http://www.omegalord.com

Mower
(Same)
by Chris Forbes

Total groove metal. This band though is excellent for what they do. This is by far the best groove metal band I have ever heard. Grat riffs and the vocals are perfect for this style of music. Soild production and if your into groove metal this is simply the best band going. Info: http://www.mowermusic.com

Sceptic
"Unbeliever's Script"
(Candlelight)
by Chris Forbes

Swedish style of death metal that is ok. The band sound like many other bands doing the At The Gates style, though the vocals aren't as throaty. The productions is good, but the band lack that one solid crushing push that would make this rule. Info: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

Jasad
"Witness Of Perfect Torture"
(Forever Underground)
by Chris Forbes

Generic 3 rate Suffocation death metal. Not into this style of death metal at all. Info: http://www.foreverunderground.com

Corpse F_uckin Art
"Splatter Deluxe"
(Forever Underground)
by Chris Forbes

Cannibal Corpse style death metal. You have heard this a million times from many other bands. Info: http://www.foreverunderground.com

Mortifade
"Domi Nation"
(Candlelight)
by Chris Forbes

Power metal in the vein of Hammerfall, Heaven's Gate, etc. This is was ok, it lacks that killer punch. The vocals are clean, but the songs just lack that killer riff to make this extra special. Info: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

Insomnium
"Since The Day It All Came Down"
(Candlelight)
by John Haseltine

From the eastern-most regions of Finland, come four of the most talented musicians in the world of metal. I know that may sound impossible, but trust me, they're right there. Niilo Sevanen-bass & vocals, Ville Friman-guitars, Ville Vanni-guitars and Markus Hirvonen-drums are the four of which I speak of. The four which are Insomnium. Insomnium are melodic Scandinavian death metal with an array of moods set on this album. Very atmospheric and dark. 'Heavier and gloomier' than that of their highly acclaimed release. This is melodic death metal at its best. For those who have not heard Insomnium, their sound is in comparison to Sentenced, In Flames, Children Of Bodom with an Opeth , Amorphis feel to it. An excellent, excellent album over and over. If you were ever asked what one album, if you had to chose only one to listen to, you may want to rethink your answer. 'Since The Day It All Came Down' is very impressive by far. Impeccable musicianship and song writting. I highly recommend this to all. Quite possibly the best release of the year.

http://www.insomnium.cjb.net

Chainsnap
"Hollow"
(Chainsnap Music)
by John Haseltine

Formed back in the summer of '02, Chainsnap has been ripping up clubs and festivals in Wisconsin and the surrounding area since late '02. After being featured on several compilations and a three song demo under their belt, in the fall of '03 their latest release 'Hollow' was recorded. 'Hollow' is a heavy groove laden disk. It has some catchy moments to it. Crunchy guitar work and some heavy double bass pounding. The vocals are that of a metal/hardcore mixture sounding a lot like Phil Anselmo to Tommy Victor of Prong. Very heavy effort for the most part with a few melodic parts thrown in the loop.'Hollow' is a pretty straight forward, knuckles to the teeth release not straying very far from one track to the next. Will appeal to fans of Pantera, Prong, Godsmack. Good production. A clean sounding recording. Chainsnap is worthy of being checked out. Give 'em a listen and go from there. You can also check them out at a number of festivals this summer.

http://www.chainsnap.com

Dyecrest
"The Way of Pain"
(Sanctuary)
by Paul Autry

I've had a lot of power metal releases come my way lately and, to a certain degree, they're all somewhat the same. So, I thought, well, there's three ways you can describe power metal. It's either good, bad or somewhere in between. If it's bad, that doesn't require much of an explanation. If it's somewhere in between, there's usually something the band does right and something they need to improve on. If it's good, which is the case here, the only thing you really need to do is explain why it's good.

When it comes to Dyecrest, they've got an excellent production. The musicianship is top notch. The songs are solid and well written...and memorable. The vocalist has an amazing set of pipes. They have a ten song album that clocks in at just under an hour. So...what more could you possibly ask for? I'll tell you one thing, it doesn't get much better than this, that's for sure. If you like power metal, Dyecrest is a band that should be at the top of your list of favorites. It's that simple.

http://www.dyecrest.com

SOiL
"Pride"
(J Records)
by Jonathan Mariante

Soil are a metalcore band who have been making a name for themselves over the past couple of years, and this is a three song sampler of their latest stuff. Soil sounds like your typical metalcore band to me, certainly not bad, but not much different from the rest. They certainly are aggressive enough, their music going full steam all the way, rough and raw, big boot in the ass! They play fairly well, a tight little unit, with singer Ryan McCombs singing in a gravel throated, raging voice, a la Phil Anselmo. There is some Pantera influence in here, as there is in many bands like this, but these guys aren't just trying to copy the Pantera sound, which is good, if you ask me! The three songs on this disc are "Pride", "Cross My Heart", and "Halo" (UK Remix). The last one has a bit of a White Zombie flavor to it, with some programming and guitar styles similar to the styles that Rob and the gang used. All in all, Soil is a decent metalcore band. If this style of music is your thing, Soil are worth checking out.

http://www.soilmusic.com

Dragonforce
"Sonic Firestorm"
(Noise/Sanctuary)
by Jonathan Mariante

Dragonforce have done it again! The second opus by these British power metallers is a sonic firestorm indeed! They blaze their way through it, playing classic, Euro-style melodic power metal, influenced by the masters, like Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, and the Pretty Maids. Most of the songs go full speed ahead all the way, faster than most other power metal bands play, actually, with some nimble fingered, Yngwie-style guitar playing. Keyboards are used as well, more so, in fact, than on the last Dragonforce album. That is certainly not a bad thing by any means, as the keys sound good, very atmospheric and soaring. There is also a ballad, "Dawn Over A New World", which is actually reminiscent of Warrant's "Heaven", believe it or not! Do hair bands and power metal bands really have that much in common? I wonder...? But anyway, Dragonforce have done a good job, cranking out a solid second effort here. The band is certainly talented and can play up a storm! As I mentioned before, they play very fast, so that even some death metal/grindcore bands may have trouble keeping up with them! But all their speed aside, Dragonforce are a power metal band, and are very melodic. Power metal die hards should definitely dig this one!

http://www.dragonforce.com