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November / December 2005Blindside | Ben Jackson | Mindflow | Widow | Rikets | Twilight | The Mass | Insidious Discrepancy | Prostitute Disfigurement | Bloodchum | Resurrecturus | Ramesses | Third Degree | Recourse | Desire Black | Asguard | Skullflower | Black Garden | Skarp | Defleashed | Mardo | Mind Grinder | End of Level Boss | Bobaflex | Discipline | At All Cost | Eric Johnson | Hill of Giants | The Mighty Nimbus | Octavia | Order of Nine | Gravity Propulsion System | Streams of Passion | Look What I Did | Omegalord | Bradley Gailey | COBRA noir | Poetry Band | Sage | Nuclear Assault | Unicorn | Fear Factory | Paragon | Widow | Life of Agony | Pro Pain | Ani Kyd | Dam | Monolithe | Force of Evil | Dark Funeral | Overmars | In Tormentata Quiete | Jacknife | Presto Ballet | Mojo Gurus | Seether | Rigor Sardonicous | Scott Michael & The Daves | Ten Years After Now | Nutley Brass | Black Crucifixion | Lord Belial | Kult of Azazel | Ram-Zet | Centinex | Beautiful Creatures | Nuse | Grenover | Slightly Stoopid | Grimfist | 1349 | Bullistic | Blessing the Hogs | Charnel Valley | Psionic | F5 | Jello Biafra & The Melvins | Empyrean Asunder | The Devil's Rejects | Nausea | High Council | Sunn | Avenger of Blood | East Coast Comp | Thrones | Sloug Feg | Totimoshi | Black Label Society | Aerosmith | Bane | Lies | Kevin Zugschwert | Lanfear | Serpent's Kiss | Opiate for the Masses | Urbansnake | Index Case | Hatesphere | Cold | In Flames | Beyond Mortal Dreams | Nicodemus | Texas is on Fire | Madwork | From the Inside | Audrey Horne | Masters of Horror | Eyefear | xenomorth | Infliction | Space Odyssey Black Crucifixion Holy shit is this one smokin black metal release. 100% raw, stripped to the bone black metal. Pure evil is what the vocals are. The band mix in that old school black metal sound with more yelling and emotion than most other black metal bands. Want a clean, nice production. Better look elsewhere. For black metal fans this is the real deal. Info: http://www.paragonrecords.net Lord Belial This band has a few releases under it's belt and this is nothing special. The band churn out a bunch of death/black metal tunes that didn't do much for me. Sort like the same ole same ole thing. Kult of Azazel More of the same ole same ole from this black metal band. Same fast riff picking riffing and the black metal style vocals. I gave this a few listens and just found nothing of real value. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com RAM-ZET/Intra Some weird shit on this cd. The band play a mixture of dark melodic death/black metal. with different time changes and vocal styles. While I usually don't like when band's have a million different things going on, this works. The female vocals even have their spots, work in this situation. The production and playing in on the money too. Centinex This band has been around for a bit and now return with this release. This wasn't too bad, but it nothing to do backflips over. It is typical swedish death metal with death metal vocals. Beautiful Creatures Hence the title, "Duece" is the sophomore release from these gritty L.A. rockers. You may have already heard them as they have been on a couple soundtracks as well as some compilations. They were also on Ozzfest, I believe in 2001. They have a sound that is very much like early L.A. Guns, Bang Tango and that whole L.A. sleaze induced, booze filled rock-n-roll. Funny I should mention Bang Tango. Vocalist Joe LeSte (former Bang Tango vocalist) fronts Beautiful Creatures. Along with the many talents of Anthony Focx - rhythm guitars, Mark Simpson - lead guitars, Kenny Kweens - bass and drummer Timmy Russell. This was a first for me hearing BC. I must say that this is a very enjoyable album. There are many grooven/catchy songs on this album. They had taken quite awhile to finish this album due to the fact that they didn't want to have a throwaway songs in the recording session. You can tell, as this is a very well rounded release. This is the type of music that dominated the radio and MTV in the late 80's to early 90's with a twist. A twist of freshness that is very welcomed in an over saturated market of heavy bands that all sound the same on the radio. We all know who they are. Beautiful Creatures have a place in today's ever changing music scene. LeSte states, "We're all about perseverance, you have to remember that when our first album came out, there was no Darkness or Velvet Revolver and we endured being a rock band." Yes they have. And the best part of that statement is the use of two very popular bands names, who in my opinion are not even close to being as good as Beautiful Creatures. Get ready to get your rock on! http://www.beautifulcreatures.net Nuse With several eps released, selling in many countries around the world and opening for many top name acts, such as Clutch, Overkill, Biohazzard, The Misfits, Pro-Pain and Entombed just to name a few, it's a wonder that a major label had not picked these guys up sooner. If so they would be a household name by now. Nuse are a metal/hardcore band from the heart of New Jersey. Well, Manville, NJ. I believe it's central NJ. Any way, these guys have been tearing up the east coast for the past 12 years. Yes, that long. There are many catchy, fast and furious songs throughout the disk. " Blue Fish, Smoke, Story Of Jed" are just a couple. They say that this will appeal to fans of Slayer, Biohazzard, Pro-Pain, Madball, M.O.D., Anthrax and S.O.D. This is A very true statement. Better put, Nuse sound pretty much like M.O.D. or S.O.D. So if you're into either of these two bands, you're going to really dig this album. Hopefully their partnership with No Joke Records is for the good of the band and you get a chance to have Nuse Tour in your neck of the woods. You've really got to check these guys out. http://www.nuse.tv Grenouer Grenouer is a Russian tech metal band. I never heard that term before. But, I'll take their word for it. They seem to be gettin' a good response from people who are into hardcore and brutal metal. So, I'll just take the easy way out and call 'em an extreme metal band. Believe me, that term works. Anyway, "Try" only has three tunes with a running time of a little over ten minutes. Not a lot to judge a band with. It's more like a quick first impression. I don't get into extreme metal all that often. But, they've got an interesting sound that's different from a lot of the other stuff I've heard in this genre. I wasn't too fond of the vocal style which, to me, sounded like a black metal singer doing hardcore. That's how I hear it. Gotta give this band credit for doing something different and considering the fact that, yes, they do have their own sound, they should be able to rise above a lot of the other extreme bands that are floating around out there. Slightly Stoopid "Closer To The Sun" is a 20 track collection of material that's a combination of blues, rock, reggae, hip hop, acoustic and punk. That's a lot of variety for one album. However, I think reggae is the main influence here. Doesn't do much for me. I was drawn to tunes like "Nothin' Over Me" and "Righteous Man," which were the most rockin' tunes on the album. "Open Road" was another good one. It's a nice little acoustic number that they end the disc with. "Somebody" was a cool tune that has a hip hop vibe flowin' through it. The rest of the album seemed to be more in the reggae genre and that's a style that does nothing for me. Sorry. But, you can't win 'em all. http://www.slightlystoopid.com Grimfist Fast as hell thrashy speed metal with a touch of death metal. The riffs will make necks snap and the drumming is at break neck speed. The band play with such a fury and intensity, you can't help but get caught in it's web. A really above average release in a sea of pretenders. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com 1349 This is a wicked fast death metal band. The music is a blur of fast, blazing power. The drumming is unreal and the blast beats are insanity. The vocals are screaming death metal style and the production is good and if anybody is into fast death metal without the cheesy blast beats, here is your band. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Bullistic Doug Gibson - vocals, Shane Kellis - drums, Craig Lague - bass/vocals and Ed Savoy - guitars are the make-up of Bullistic. This Richmond, VA based band are more than likely going to start making some waves in the music industry. Hopefully with the proper promoting, you will be hearing much more from these guys soon. This is a very powerful doom like/hard rock release. With influences ranging from Mudvayne to Black Sabbath to Pantera and Led Zepplin, you can probably guess the range of sounds that these guys produce. For the more simple-minded, (like myself) Black Label Society and Corrosion Of Conformity are in line with Bullistic. Or should I say Bullistic are in line with them. The disk does start off a bit melancholy, but by track 3, you'll find yourself in the real groove of the album. Very catchy and hard driving riffs backed by some authoritative vocals. A very good album. Enough so, that there are needs to fit Bullistic into all station play lists. A couple of my favorites off the disk are, "Made Of Stone, Doomsday's Coming and Good Luck With That". They also do a pretty cool cover of "Stuck In The Middle". Blessing The Hogs One of San Francisco's heaviest return with their second release,' The Twelve Gauge Solution'. Blessing The Hogs forge ahead with their own relentless style of metal. Chaos and mayhem throughout. Brutal vocals, rapid-fire drum beats and a down-tuned sound to the guitars. Many off tempo beats. I have not heard their first effort, but if it's anything like this, the fans need to rejoice. For all others, they have a sound/style closest to the likes of Mastodon, Neurosis, Fear Before The March Of Flames and Raging Speedhorn. Blessing the Hogs defines for the masses what extreme music is all about. Heavy as hell. All tracks are equally terrorizing. Not an album for the weak. Along with some of the most brutal music you'll hear in a long time, there is an enhanced section with plenty of extras. A couple include a cool video of "Let's Play Doctor….Kevorkian' and a little PacMan type game called "Metal Man". http://www.goodfellowrecords.com http://www.blessingthehogs.com Charnel Valley This is a 2 man black metal band, Marty Rytkonen (Wormgear zine) and S. Craig Zahler (Metal Maniacs writer). This was recorded in 5 days and has a raw f_ckin sound, which I love. The music is wicked, ripping black metal played with feeling. The music is a mixture of speedy fast parts and slower mid paced stuff. The vocals are pure black metal and this is how black metal should sound. A very solid release. Info: http://www.paragonrecords.net Psionic I didn't like this much at all as the band try to mix in underground metal with keyboards and industrial goth music. The songs don't click and I found them quite boring. The vocals were weak too and this just didn't keep my attention very long and I gave it 4 songs, but I had to shut it off. Not for me at all. Info: http://www.psionic.info F5 This band features David Ellefson from Megadeth in its ranks. That hardly matters as the band is one in the 100s, if not 1000s of nu metal bands. Yup those jump happy riffs with the tough guy vocals just do wonders for me. Bands like this are a dime a dozen. Jello Biafra & The Melvins This was really bad. Tired old punk metal with bad riffs and Jello's singing is awful. The music is just plain awful and I just can't get into this at all. I tried listening to this 4 different times and each time I didn't like it. Info: http://www.alternativetentacles.com Empyrean Asunder Empyrean Asunder has a lot of good musical ideas. Their style is a combination of industrial, punk, hardcore and metal. For the most part, it works for them. What doesn't work, at least in my opinion, is the vocal style. It doesn't seem to go with the music. It's okay when he's screamin' in a hardcore style. But, anything other than that seems to come up short. Another thing they could use is a key song. One that would really define the band. I didn't hear that on this release. In fact, by the middle of the album, it all started to sound the same. It only held my attention for so long. If I was at a rave, trippin' on whatever drug is currently popular in the teen scene, I could probably get into it more. Since I'm sittin' at home with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, that's pretty much all I have to say about this release. http://www.empyreanasunder.com "The Devil's Rejects" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack I haven't seen "The Devil's Rejects" yet and, as I sit here listening to the soundtrack, I get the impression that I'm missing something and, you know, I'm not one for movie soundtracks because, for me, they always seem to come up short. What may sound good in the backround of a movie doesn't always sound good when it's coming out of your stereo. But, this one does. Like I said, it gave me the impression that I'm missing something because you can almost picture the action in your mind and it's rare that a soundtrack can accomplish that. On the other hand, I also got the feeling that you can use this release to replace those $1.99 Halloween CD's that retail stores seem to sell every year. This one is a much better listen and, yes, it does have that "creepy feeling" vibe to it. Then again, it's music that comes from a Rob Zombie movie. So, would you expect anything less? http://www.lalalandrecords.com Nausea This compilation covers a three year span of Nausea's history and, really, I'd say it's more of a celebration of what the band had to offer back in the day. I'd put it that way because...well...when you feature 30 tunes on a single disc, that's a little more than a compilation and a little less than a box sex. So, what would you call it? Anyway, the music is kind of rough/raw. But, it's pure. It's punk music the way it was meant to be played and I, for one, appreciate a good dose of original punk music every now and then. I wasn't familiar with the band back when they were popular. However, I'll throw this disc in every now and then when I'm in the mood. I'll be honest with you...while I did enjoy this disc at first, it started to wear thin during the middle of the album. Then again, there's 72 minutes worth of music here and that's a lot to take in during one listen. Plus, there's some tunes that are on here twice in different forms. So, that probably had something to do with it. The live stuff that they threw in at the end was pretty cool. That perked me up again...even though some of it sounded like it was recorded on a bad cassette player. In true punk fashion, it probably was. I guess I could always check out the liner notes in the back of the CD booklet. That tells you everything you need to know about these songs, where they were recorded, stuff like that. Last...but not least...there's a video on here for the tune "Fallout (Of Our Being)." So, you're able to get a small glimpse of the band as well. Can't complain about that. http://www.nauseapunk.net High Council 4 boring songs of alternative college rock that was not good at all. The music just didn't do it for me as I thought the songs were weak and offered little value. The music isn't even near metal. For the alternative rock crowd, but not for me. Info: http://www.highcouncil.us Sunn 7 track of some of the most boring music ever. This just plods along like a snail with little meaning. The vocals are just growls of death with no substance. This might be good for a horror movie soundtrack, but why waste $15 on this as it's just a bunch of senseless noise. Info: http://www.southernlord.com Avenger of Blood This was an incredible slab of old school death/thrash in vein of older Kreator. The music is a wicked combo of speed and thrash and your neck will go silly mad listening to this. The vocals are like Mille, and totally kill. The band just spew out the hate and velocity not done by many bands. Hands down the best release I have gotten to review for this site in a long time. Buy or be a poser ha ha. Info: http://www.myspace.com/avengerofblood "East Coast Compilation Volume One" I picked this one up at an all age punk show. So, I would assume that's the audience they're aiming for here. Anyway, this is a 20 track compilation that features a collection of bands from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Virginia and, honestly, if you check out the website to see how much they're selling this disc for, there's no reason you can't check it out. Put it this way...a pack of cigarettes would cost you more. Don't think that the low price means that you're getting a cheap product. This is a professional release in every way, shape or form and there's a lot of kick ass music to be heard. There's a great new solo track by the clown prince of punk, The Obnoxious IP, "Springettsbury Ave." He can also be heard on the new Edenpark track, "It's All Day." Maryland's Corrupted Youth offers up a quick blast of super fast punk with "Broke." The only band from Virginia to be featured here, The Deadneks, throw a song at you called "Slaughteraxe Rock," which, to me, sounds like Motorhead doing punk. Johnny Hero is featured here by way of an upbeat acoustic number, "Small Town," which is worth the price of admission alone. You also get a sonic blast of noise punk thanks to Nice Cream & The Creamy Sparklers. They throw five tunes together for the track "School/Parents/Love/Swearing/Puppies" and, even then, it's only a little over a minute long. That's just a small taste of what this release has to offer. There's 15 other tracks that I haven't even mentioned. Bottom line...you get more than your money's worth with this album. How many compilation albums can you say that about? Not many, that's for sure. So, be sure to stop by the website and pick up a copy of "East Coast Compilation Volume One." You'll thank yourself for it. http://www.poorboy-records.com Thrones This didn't do much for me neither. 19 tracks of sort of folk metal. The stuff this band plays is really weird and they mix in a bunch of different styles, but I found it boring. Some songs have female vocals and this is just warped weird stuff. Some of you might like it, but I didn't. Info: http://www.southernlord.com Slough Feg This was a neat little thrash band that reminded me of Wargasm musically. The band play older style thrash metal with lots of catchy hooks that will make your neck go whirlwind in circles. The production is good and the vocals aren't bad. This is true thrash metal not that jump metal mosh crap. Info: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com Totimoshi Heavy indie rock has a new name and Oakland, California based trio Totismoshi is it. This band can come off clean with many influences from The Jesus Lizard, Helmet, and The Melvins and styles from indie rock, stoner metal, and straight forward heavy metal. There is feedback, static, and other discrete noises that enhance the sound, the production, and the bands songwriting. Very original music that can make a lot of fans from all walks of life. "Float," is the opening track of the album. Gurgling guitars introduce the songs main theme while stressed vocals delivered by Antonio Aguilar have a Nirvana punk rock feel. "Opening a cell seeing hell wanting me / People acting out all of them in misery / Robots to a scene slavery their misguided identity / Walking in a line searching for conformity." All the songs on the CD have the same sound and feeling. If you didn't like the first couple of songs you won't like the rest on the album. The musicianship is anything but simple having sometimes odd time signatures and intriguing melodic ideas. Totimoshi is good at what they do best. Avant garde stoner metal is their calling card. Black Label Society Sometimes I wonder why everyone, or most everyone has a greatest hits album. As a fan, honestly, do they ever put the greatest hits that you want to hear on there? Not usually. 'Kings Of Damnation' is more of a collection of works from Zakk Wylde & Co. from '98 thru '04. In addition, you do get two new and previously unreleased tracks. This is the seller for those fans who have all the other albums and need to have these two other songs. It works and the record companies know this. As do I. I'm a sucker for these types of things. The two new tracks are typical BLS in sound. Raw and heavy. This CD is a good buy for those who do not own very much BLS, as the tracks on this disk are off of several releases by the band. So if there was ever any interest in some of the earlier works by BLS, go get this album. It's pretty diverse, in that it covers the wide range of music that can only come from the bad ass of metal himself. And in case you are wondering, the track listing is as follows : ' Losing Your Mind, Horse Called War, Between Heaven And Hell, Sold My Soul, Bleed For Me, Taz, Counterfeit God, Stronger Than Death, Speedball, Demise Of Sanity, We Live No More, Stillborn, The Blessed Hellride, Crazy Or High, House Of Doom, Takillya, Doomsday Inc., SDMF.' http://www.spitfirerecords.com Aerosmith The bad boys of rock-n-roll are back with a live release. The "up close and in your face tour," from Las Vegas's Hard Rock Hotel. Not sure how big of a venue it is, but it does sound like there was quite a few people in attendance. It was recorded live at The Joint on January 11th, 2002. So it is well over three years old. That's okay though. There are eleven tracks on this disk. Not sure if it was the whole set or not, but what a set it is. Taking the title in mind, Aerosmith really rock the joint with a wide array of their heavier tunes. Only one ballad on the album. Very cool. I know a lot of you enjoy all the mushy ballads, and they made them a household name, but a good rockin' set is what made me enjoy this album. I was a little hesitant until I noticed the track listing. Anyways, it sounded like one hell of an evening. Great sounding recording as well. Track listing is as follows : "Good Evening Las Vegas, Beyond Beautiful, Same Old Song And Dance, No More No More, Seasons Of Wither, Light Inside, Draw The Line, I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, Big Ten Inch Record, Rattlesnake Shake, Walk This Way, Train Kept A Rollin'." http://www.aerosmith.com Bane Everything I've read about Bane...they're callin' 'em a hardcore band. I can't argue with that. But, I can't really agree with it either. If asked for my opinion, I'd call 'em a hardcore punk band...and I'd throw the word scream-o in there somewhere...mostly to describe the vocal style. This is mosh pit music of the highest quality. From start to finish...it's fast, aggressive and full of energy...and it's got one hell of a sound. You know, I'll be honest with you, I'm kind of picky when it comes to music that gets the hardcore tag. Most of it doesn't really do anything for me other than putting some extra change in my pocket when I sell it to a store that deals in used CD's. However, Bane got me excited and I don't think I'll be parting with this album anytime soon. So, they must be doing something right. Yeah...screw the neighbors...play this one loud!!! http://www.banecentral.com Lies I could call Lies a metal band and leave it at that and you would know everything there is to know about 'em. However, I went through this disc a number of times and the impression I got...well...the description I came up with...and don't take this the wrong way...but, I would call them a bar room metal band. I couldn't see them on a huge stage opening for Judas Priest or anything like that. But, I could see them in a small club or bar room with another band or two and a lot of beer...if you know what I mean. They've got a good sound for what they're doing...the music is pretty kicking. I also think the vocal style could use a little work in some places...it doesn't have the same aggression as the music. You know...if they're doing their thing around their local scene, which in this case would be New York, I'm sure they're makin' some noise and building a pretty good fan base. But, if they wanna branch out and reach a larger audience, they've gotta kick it up a notch or two. http://www.lies1.com Kevin Zugschwert 10 tracks of instrumental guitar rock is the ticket here. This isn't bad at all, but I have to admit I miss hearing some vocals. The guitar player, Kevin Zugschwert, can really play and it is not just fast guitar playing, the guy can write some riffs. The guys plays everything on this cd, which in itself is amazing. I would compare this to Joe Satriani, but it is a bit more heavier and thrashier at times. If this guy ever gets a singer, look out. Info: http://www.kevinzugschwert.com Lanfear I didn't like this at all as it to me came off as a poor man's Queensryche and I don't like that band at all. The vocals are similar to Tate and the music just kinda plods along and just sounds like Dream Theatre mixed in with Queensryche. The music just lacked that punch that would have drove me to like this. Info: http://www.nightmare-records.com Serpent's Kiss This is a power metal band from England. The music is excellent power metal style with plenty of hooks to suck you in and keep you there. The band features 2 female vocalist, who don't do a bad job at all with the vocals. I do not like when the band try and throw some male death metal vocals as they do in track # 2. That being said, any fan of power metal will like this and thank god the band don't go down the Hammerfall or Heaven's Gate road like so many of these newer power metal bands do. No chanting vocals here. Info: http://www.serpentskiss.co.uk Opiate for the Masses I am not a big fan of most of these newer metal bands, but this wasn't too band. The band play modern metal sort of in the vein of that band that Slash and the ex singer who was in Stone Temple Pilots. I forget the damn bands name, but they aren't bad neither. The band play that groovy style of metal with melody and the vocals are really good for the style of music the band is playing. If your more into the groovy style of metal with hooks and the like here is your band. Urbansnake More groove metal. This band play music in that vein, but the band have some fantastic hooks and the vocals rule. None of this tough guy crap. The band sort of remind me of Helmet, who I love. There is only a few tunes on here and that just wetted my appitite for more. This shit is heavy and hits hard. Excellent job by these guys. Info: http://www.urbansnake.com Index Case Oh this was typical groove nu metal that sounded so dated and was pretty bad. The vocals were beyond bad, mixing up with tough guy vocals with death metal style. The music is like any of those OZ fest bands that all sound the same. Jump metal like every other band of this genre. Info: http://www.platformgroupmusic.com Hatesphere This was a blast of death metal that knocked me out of my chair. The band are a mix of At The Gates meeting Entombed. The vocals are screaming style and are ok, but it the music that hits me hard. The riffs are right on the money and the production is 100% perfect. The Suicidal Tendencies cover of 'Trip At The Brain" is mint. Info: http://www.spv.de Cold Okay...let me give you some basic information here because I'm really having a hard time writing about this release. Cold followed up their debut album with two consecutive Gold selling releases, "13 Ways To Bleed On Stage" in 2000 and "Year Of The Spider" in 2003. So, it wouldn't suprise me if "A Different Kind Of Pain" does just as well if not better. After all, it's a good album with strong, well written tunes. The problem that I have is that it doesn't really excite me. This would be the kind of album that I'll throw on as backround music...something to listen to while I'm off doing something else. After all...the only description I could come up with is modern, radio friendly rock with an emotional edge. I can't really think of anything else to say about it. Although, I do have to admit...the more I listen to it, the better it sounds. It's never gonna be one of my favorite albums. But, as time goes by, I'll probably appreciate it more than I do now. In Flames Over the past few years, In Flames have firmly established themselves as a leading band in today's metal scene. However, their first two albums, originally released a decade ago, have been unavailable stateside until now. Thanks to Candlelight Records, however, In Flames fans can now get these albums here, remastered and with bonus cuts. "Subterraean" is the second of these albums, and it originally only contained six songs. In Flames played the sound they're famous for, a rather unique style of melodic death metal, where the music is more like power/thrash metal, but the vocals are a more aggressive, growl-y, death metal style. Their music is fast and aggressive, but also melodic and technically inclined. They even use classical style guitar in a few of their songs. In fact the instrumental "Timeless" is played entirely on classical guitar. If the vocals were any different, In Flames would be on the same page as many of today's power metal heroes, like Hammerfall, Primal Fear, and Rhapsody. Flames are very influenced by classic old school heavy metal, and pay tribute to those influences by including some covers of metal classics, Metallica's "Eye Of The Beholders" and Iron Maiden's "Murders In The Rue Morgue", as bonus tracks. On "...Beholder", the vocals are a more "regular" style, which is unusual for In Flames, while on "...Rue Morgue", the band is more aggressive than usual, really ripping this classic asunder! The other two bonus cuts are demos featuring a different vocalist named Jocke Gothenburg. These songs, being demos, sound more raw and stripped down, and are actually closer to straight up death metal than the band's other material. Beyond Mortal Dreams Total old school sounding death metal with super low vocals that totally suck. The music is fast blasting death/black metal with the low grunt, cup the mic vovals have to go. The band can play and the solos and song structures are killer, but the vocals ruin it. The production isn't bad and if your into old school fast death/black metal and don't mind cupped vocals, here ya go. Info: http://darklordfff.tripod.com Nicodemus I didn't like this at all. The vocals were awful and the music while trying to be progressive, ends up being one big mess. The songs just lacked any substance and power and I just found the band rather boring. It was like a bad version of Voivod. The production is good, but to my ears these songs lacked substance. Info: http://www.sonicagerecords.com Texas is on Fire This wasn't too good. The band mix in modern metal, that jump crap, with death metal vocals and then the really low kind, which I hate. The screamed At The Gates style vocals have been done to death as well. The music is fairly fast, but is just notjhing special. The music is just kinda there and didn't blow me away. If your into some of the newer death metal stuff, here ya go. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com Madwork This was a kick ass release. The band play older style metal with some thrash sort of like Metallica ala "Master of Puppets" period. The opening track just ripped me with the hook and the power the band displayed. The band also drift off into the progressive territory and the songs are full of emotion and will suck you in. This was a very strong release and I look forward to hearing more from this band. Great production and vocals too. Info: http://www.madwork.net From the Inside Excellent melodic rock. The music is catchy melodic metal with smooth vocals. I love bands like this when the music is well played and this is about as perfect as it gets. The vocals are godly as I may have to find some Tyketto releases. If you like bands like Journey, Angel, etc then you must pick this up. One of the best releases of 2005 hands down. Info: http://www.locomotivemusic.com Audrey Horne This was more on the commercial side of the metal spectrum. I thought this was ok. The band play modern metal with not a great degree of power and the music is not far removed from bands like Velvet Revolver or the Foo Fighters. The songs to me just lacked a knockout punch and really didn't do a lot for me. Then again I think bands doing this style suck as I feel they are a dime a dozen. Masters Of Horror Immortal Records are releasing in conjunction with the highly anticipated series, "Masters Of Horror" the soundtrack. This two disk set is very well packaged. It contains tracks used on the 13-episode anthology directed by today's top horror directors. It will air through the end of the year on Showtime. Just to name a few directors, here's a name or two you may be familiar with. John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, John Landis, Don Coscarelli. Now for the series, these names mean a lot. But for this kick ass sound track, the only thing you as metal fans want to know is who is on the disks. This is a complete line-up of today's hottest metal, punk, hardcore and rock acts on the disks. Plus, all the songs contained on the sound track are either newly released, or previously unreleased tracks. You need to go out a find this sound track. It is a who's who of horror fanatic bands. Immortal Records did a superb job at the gatefold packaging with some incredible artwork. So whether you're catching the weekly series or not. You still need to be listening to "Masters Of Horror" the sound track. A must have for any collector. Mudvayne, Shadow's Fall, Thursday, Serj Tankian with Buckethead, Avenged Sevenfold, In Flames, The Bled, Mastodon, Every Time I Die, Bloodsimple, Death By Stereo, From Autumn To Ashes, Matchbook Romance, Andrew W.K., Alkaline Trio, Norma Jean, It Dies Today, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Armor For Sleep, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Funeral For A Friend, Murder By Death, Fall River, Rise Against, The Bronx!, Yesterday's Rising, Gratitude, Bear Vs. Shark, A Change Of Pace, Bedlight For Blue Eyes. http://www.mastersofhorrormusic.com Eyefear Ah, man...I was ready to rip Eyefear a new one because they started off this release with a keyboard heavy instrumental track. That's not the best way to get my attention. I know some people dig that whole instrumental thing. But, it's not my bag...and I don't care how good it might be. I'm a huge fan of lyrics. After all...what happens if you have a great band, but, your vocalist sucks? See my point? Yeah...well...luckily, that's not the case here. When we finally get to hear the whole band...vocalist included...we're treated to some amazing progressive power metal...and the key word here is power...I'm talkin' a nice, full, epic sound. When it comes to music, I know what I like...I don't trust anything other than my amateur ears...and this disc just blew me away. From begining to end, they never let up. Well, that's not totally true...they kind of mellow out with "Vivid Window," which I thought was the weakest song in the bunch. I guess you could call this one the ballad. It still has that huge sound...but...I feel it throws off the balance of the rest of the album. Gotta give 'em credit though, they kick it back into gear with "Beyond Twilight" to finish off the album. Eyefear's a great band and you'd be doing yourself a favor by checking 'em out. http://www.eyefear.com Xenomorth Very good death metal. This is some fast shit for sure. Bone crushing riffs with some blazing fast parts and rip roaring death metal vocals. The band do go into the grunt vocal territory at times, which I didn't like, but the music crushes all. If your into Morbid Angel, Decide, Nile, etc, then get this baby. Info: http://www.freebird-records.com Infliction This band is a melodic death metal band with bits of pieces of thrash metal thrown in. The vocals I didn't like as I thought the guy had a weak voice and the music didn't do much for me. It kinda sounded like a garage thrash band to my ears. The production wasn't so hot as there was too much bass and drums in the mix and not enough guitar. Not a hot band for sure. Info: Space Odyssey Godly power metal with tons of hooks that are played with power and presicion. The vocals sound like Ronnie James Dio and the music is so damn catchy I was going nuts. The music is in the progressive/classic rock field with some power metal thrown in. Think Dio meeting Dream Theatre. This is easily the best thing I have ever heard on Candlelight Records in quite some time. Info: |
