Amassing The Infinite 'The Bridge'
(EP 2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT OCT 6th - INDEPENDENT
Brisbane progressive death outfit Amassing the Infinite have just released their debut 6 track E.P. The Bridge through R.T.D. studios and are preparing to take the Australian music scene by force. Their first ever Single "Ode to Finality" was released earlier this year for FREE download, August 19th, and has managed to grow an amount of interest in the release of their debut EP. Influenced by a diverse array of international heavyweights such as Pantera, Decapitated, Animals as Leaders, All Shall Perish, Beyond Creation, Fallujah, Morbid Angel and Deicide, A.T.I have created the perfect environment to foster a unique sound that is a strong combination of brutality and melody. Add to this the tasty addition of intense lyrical themes that have the ability to invoke a strong, uncomfortable sense of angst within the listener.
Since their successful and brutal debut on the live circuit in early 2012 ATI have been honing their live show into a well oiled machine capable of brutalizing and leaving you wanting more every time. I have personally bare witness to this destruction and the insatiable want/need for more of the same, and I can CERTAINLY attest to its' forceful nature. This additional aspect to Amassing The Infinite's musicianship and, in turn, sound is extremely important as they have invested a great deal of energy into “getting it right” but to transfer the energy, performance and sound of a live show into the recording studio is another thing entirely and another again when transferring that onto disc but this group, and to a degree R.T.D. Studios also, have managed to do just that.
To wrap up this look at the Amassing The Infinite debut ep, The Bridge, I have to say that it is easily one of the strongest independent debut ep releases of 2013 to date and I doubt there will be many that beat it from here on in. I, for one, am of the belief that the brute strength of this debut and the technical prowess shown, in both musical composition AND elite performance, is only going to see this band climb some of those heights once thought unattainable in these early stages of this bands' life. Great debut, BIG things to come, Get a copy Oct 6th... 4/5 HORNZ!!
Here's a link to the free download of the ATI single "ODE TO FINALITY" - http://www.reverbnation.com/amassingtheinfinite/song/18336709-ode-to-finality?1336410755
(EP 2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT OCT 6th - INDEPENDENT
Brisbane progressive death outfit Amassing the Infinite have just released their debut 6 track E.P. The Bridge through R.T.D. studios and are preparing to take the Australian music scene by force. Their first ever Single "Ode to Finality" was released earlier this year for FREE download, August 19th, and has managed to grow an amount of interest in the release of their debut EP. Influenced by a diverse array of international heavyweights such as Pantera, Decapitated, Animals as Leaders, All Shall Perish, Beyond Creation, Fallujah, Morbid Angel and Deicide, A.T.I have created the perfect environment to foster a unique sound that is a strong combination of brutality and melody. Add to this the tasty addition of intense lyrical themes that have the ability to invoke a strong, uncomfortable sense of angst within the listener.
Since their successful and brutal debut on the live circuit in early 2012 ATI have been honing their live show into a well oiled machine capable of brutalizing and leaving you wanting more every time. I have personally bare witness to this destruction and the insatiable want/need for more of the same, and I can CERTAINLY attest to its' forceful nature. This additional aspect to Amassing The Infinite's musicianship and, in turn, sound is extremely important as they have invested a great deal of energy into “getting it right” but to transfer the energy, performance and sound of a live show into the recording studio is another thing entirely and another again when transferring that onto disc but this group, and to a degree R.T.D. Studios also, have managed to do just that.
To wrap up this look at the Amassing The Infinite debut ep, The Bridge, I have to say that it is easily one of the strongest independent debut ep releases of 2013 to date and I doubt there will be many that beat it from here on in. I, for one, am of the belief that the brute strength of this debut and the technical prowess shown, in both musical composition AND elite performance, is only going to see this band climb some of those heights once thought unattainable in these early stages of this bands' life. Great debut, BIG things to come, Get a copy Oct 6th... 4/5 HORNZ!!
Here's a link to the free download of the ATI single "ODE TO FINALITY" - http://www.reverbnation.com/amassingtheinfinite/song/18336709-ode-to-finality?1336410755
Recoil VOR 'Sleep For The Masses'
(2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Produced by Steven Knight and Recoil VOR themselves at Electric Sun Studios in the midst of Sydney industrial belt, Sleep For The Masses is the greatly anticipated follow up to their debut album, 2010’s The Will To Sin (New Justice Records), and musically is an attempt at showing a more progressive style and intent whilst showcasing a more vocally melodic style than this band has been previously inclined to divulge.
Sleep' is a themed journey, a take on the bands journey together as a group of long time friends and, now, seasoned musicians throughout life whilst venting unashamedly about the things within that get to us all as some form of demented catharsis. Recoil VOR have also managed to capture a more polished and refined sound this time around which is indicative of a group who have reached the point of expanding their approach to creating heavy music; and after sharing the stage with the likes of Static X, Hed Pe, Kottonmouth Kings, Otep and The Haunted in support of their debut it is no wonder their progression has been somewhat “rapid”.
Sleep For The Masses defiantly shows a progressive and vocally melodic direction than this band has been previously inclined to divulge and Track 7, 'Unto The Paradox', featuring Hed Pe’s Jahred is a further departure again. It is a track that seems as though it was written with Jahred in mind from its' inception. There could be many worse things in life, no doubt, but with the rest of the album's themes and the progression of the “story” elements in mind it cams as a bit of a surprise.
If you have heard any Hed Pe tracks previously and are some kind of fan you will enjoy 'Unto the Paradox' wholeheartedly as it could survive as a standalone track on their “latest” album and stand up quite well in amongst the remainder of the “album”. Perhaps it could even be their “latest single”.... I digress... It is a solid offering that aided in the stepping out of whatever shadow or pigeon hole Recoil VOR may have been in, or thought they were in. It has shown another level of diversity, yet again on this album, as they seemingly stepped into the realm of “Genre Mash” without a great deal of effort.
Overall Recoil VOR have achieved nothing short of being able manage to harness a particularly modern and artistic attack on metal while providing no shortage of inspired riff, hook and groove. A throwback in metal history to “the days of yore”. It is melodic, groove laden heavy metal with just enough 'modern art' within its message delivery to take you to a fresh and new place. This album lives on an edge that is guaranteed to to satisfy the modern metalhead whilst possibly STILL offering enough for the purist. Wade McKay – Vocals, Matt Martorana – Guitar, Adz – Bass and Evan McKay – Drums... Take a bow for yourselves! Track 3 from the new album, 'BREATHING', is the latest to be subjected to a 'neat' film clip. Take yourself a mere 3mins and 4 seconds to check it out below and be convinced these guys are the next BIG thing.
Purchase on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/sleep-for-the-masses/id668188435
Recoil VOR online: http://www.recoilvor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/recoilvor
Twitter: twitter.com/recoiltheband
(2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Produced by Steven Knight and Recoil VOR themselves at Electric Sun Studios in the midst of Sydney industrial belt, Sleep For The Masses is the greatly anticipated follow up to their debut album, 2010’s The Will To Sin (New Justice Records), and musically is an attempt at showing a more progressive style and intent whilst showcasing a more vocally melodic style than this band has been previously inclined to divulge.
Sleep' is a themed journey, a take on the bands journey together as a group of long time friends and, now, seasoned musicians throughout life whilst venting unashamedly about the things within that get to us all as some form of demented catharsis. Recoil VOR have also managed to capture a more polished and refined sound this time around which is indicative of a group who have reached the point of expanding their approach to creating heavy music; and after sharing the stage with the likes of Static X, Hed Pe, Kottonmouth Kings, Otep and The Haunted in support of their debut it is no wonder their progression has been somewhat “rapid”.
Sleep For The Masses defiantly shows a progressive and vocally melodic direction than this band has been previously inclined to divulge and Track 7, 'Unto The Paradox', featuring Hed Pe’s Jahred is a further departure again. It is a track that seems as though it was written with Jahred in mind from its' inception. There could be many worse things in life, no doubt, but with the rest of the album's themes and the progression of the “story” elements in mind it cams as a bit of a surprise.
If you have heard any Hed Pe tracks previously and are some kind of fan you will enjoy 'Unto the Paradox' wholeheartedly as it could survive as a standalone track on their “latest” album and stand up quite well in amongst the remainder of the “album”. Perhaps it could even be their “latest single”.... I digress... It is a solid offering that aided in the stepping out of whatever shadow or pigeon hole Recoil VOR may have been in, or thought they were in. It has shown another level of diversity, yet again on this album, as they seemingly stepped into the realm of “Genre Mash” without a great deal of effort.
Overall Recoil VOR have achieved nothing short of being able manage to harness a particularly modern and artistic attack on metal while providing no shortage of inspired riff, hook and groove. A throwback in metal history to “the days of yore”. It is melodic, groove laden heavy metal with just enough 'modern art' within its message delivery to take you to a fresh and new place. This album lives on an edge that is guaranteed to to satisfy the modern metalhead whilst possibly STILL offering enough for the purist. Wade McKay – Vocals, Matt Martorana – Guitar, Adz – Bass and Evan McKay – Drums... Take a bow for yourselves! Track 3 from the new album, 'BREATHING', is the latest to be subjected to a 'neat' film clip. Take yourself a mere 3mins and 4 seconds to check it out below and be convinced these guys are the next BIG thing.
Purchase on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/sleep-for-the-masses/id668188435
Recoil VOR online: http://www.recoilvor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/recoilvor
Twitter: twitter.com/recoiltheband
Vista Chino 'Peace'
Review by Squid
OUT NOW via 3Wise Records
Being a long time Kyuss fan I was pretty excited to see what original members Brant Bjork and John Garcia had been up to without their old partner in crime Josh Homme (now of Queens of the Stone Age.) I knew they were in great live form after seeing them earlier this year under the Kyuss Lives moniker but playing older songs is one thing; trying to live up to being one of the most influential bands and pioneers of the desert rock/stoner sound is another challenge altogether.
The album kicks off with the spooky intro 'Good Morning Wasteland', a one-minute eerie build into the album. This is where it really kicks into gear. From the opening riff of 'Dargona Dragona' it’s clear that the boys STILL mean business. The classic foot-tapping head banging groove of Kyuss is back with vengeance and Garcia is in top form vocally, all the while with Bjork’s drums being as powerful as ever. The opener stands up next to any of their earlier work but definitely leans more towards the “Blues for the Red Sun” era with it’s groove laden foot to the floor, up tempo rock-out approach.
With track 3 they keep things steadily rocking along, showcasing Garcia’s high range with some of his best work to date. He always had a very unique voice but here he absolutely shines singing like a man possessed. The album continues to revisit the sounds that made Kyuss such a revered force in rock history. Track 5, 'Planets 1 & 2', shows a moodier more psychedelic side that really breaks up the album and would appeal to any fans of fuzz laced rock, with a massive space out mid section that is almost other-worldly.
The album brings in all elements of Kyuss past keeping the raw stripped-back guitar fuzz that was synonymous with their sound. 'Mas Vino' wouldn’t be out of place on Welcome to Sky Valley spaced out guitar melodies scorching over an almost jazzy groove. Closing out with the epic 'Acidize__The Gambling Moose' the band show just how good form they are in. Over the 13 minutes they take us on a journey that I think encapsulates the best of the past, the present and future of Vista Chino.
All in all “Peace” is a timely reminder of just how important Kyuss were to the musical landscape and how much Garcia and Bjork combined have to offer the world of heavy rock. This isn’t just a throw back to the old days but a definite move forward. Being a Kyuss fan I thought it was a really solid release and should appeal to old fans and hopefully garner a few younger ones too. Let’s hope that there is plenty left in the tank from Vista Chino!
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL SITES:
http://www.vistachinomusic.com/
http://www.3wiserecords.com/
Review by Squid
OUT NOW via 3Wise Records
Being a long time Kyuss fan I was pretty excited to see what original members Brant Bjork and John Garcia had been up to without their old partner in crime Josh Homme (now of Queens of the Stone Age.) I knew they were in great live form after seeing them earlier this year under the Kyuss Lives moniker but playing older songs is one thing; trying to live up to being one of the most influential bands and pioneers of the desert rock/stoner sound is another challenge altogether.
The album kicks off with the spooky intro 'Good Morning Wasteland', a one-minute eerie build into the album. This is where it really kicks into gear. From the opening riff of 'Dargona Dragona' it’s clear that the boys STILL mean business. The classic foot-tapping head banging groove of Kyuss is back with vengeance and Garcia is in top form vocally, all the while with Bjork’s drums being as powerful as ever. The opener stands up next to any of their earlier work but definitely leans more towards the “Blues for the Red Sun” era with it’s groove laden foot to the floor, up tempo rock-out approach.
With track 3 they keep things steadily rocking along, showcasing Garcia’s high range with some of his best work to date. He always had a very unique voice but here he absolutely shines singing like a man possessed. The album continues to revisit the sounds that made Kyuss such a revered force in rock history. Track 5, 'Planets 1 & 2', shows a moodier more psychedelic side that really breaks up the album and would appeal to any fans of fuzz laced rock, with a massive space out mid section that is almost other-worldly.
The album brings in all elements of Kyuss past keeping the raw stripped-back guitar fuzz that was synonymous with their sound. 'Mas Vino' wouldn’t be out of place on Welcome to Sky Valley spaced out guitar melodies scorching over an almost jazzy groove. Closing out with the epic 'Acidize__The Gambling Moose' the band show just how good form they are in. Over the 13 minutes they take us on a journey that I think encapsulates the best of the past, the present and future of Vista Chino.
All in all “Peace” is a timely reminder of just how important Kyuss were to the musical landscape and how much Garcia and Bjork combined have to offer the world of heavy rock. This isn’t just a throw back to the old days but a definite move forward. Being a Kyuss fan I thought it was a really solid release and should appeal to old fans and hopefully garner a few younger ones too. Let’s hope that there is plenty left in the tank from Vista Chino!
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL SITES:
http://www.vistachinomusic.com/
http://www.3wiserecords.com/
Counterparts ‘The Difference Between Hell
and Home’
Review by Squid
OUT NOW via VICTORY RECORDS
It’s often hard to review a band when the first time you encounter them happens to be on their third album. Add to this that I’m not usually a fan of modern hardcore it was refreshing to hear something that actually sounded exciting come out of the modern pack.
Right from the opening track ‘Lost’ the band state their intention, which is to provide aggressive, in your face hardcore delivered with conviction. The follow up track ‘Ghost’ continues the ferocity with just enough melody to keep things interesting. But this is where it begins to take a turn. Otherwise interesting songs are often blended with the atypical formulaic breakdown. Although I must admit they do it better than most generic pit starters.
The weakest point in the album comes in the form of ‘Outlier.’ This is obviously the track geared towards radio play and a more commercial audience and is the only song on the album (thankfully) to have a clean sung breakdown. (Not that I don’t like clean vocals I just feel that they are too often put in just for the sake of having them there rather than suiting the song.)
The album closes in strong fashion with the brutal ‘Slave’ and the longest track on the album and in my opinion one of the most interesting ‘Soil’ which has a really cool haunting clean guitar section that absolutely kicked ass!
With ‘The Difference Between Hell and Home’ Counterparts have delivered a really good release that could have been Killer/Classic if not for an overabundance of cliche that litter the album.
All in all a very strong release that should please fans of modern hardcore, Screamo, pop punkers and may even grab the attention of old hardcore fans. One of the stronger Modern Hardcore releases I’ve heard in a long time.
Review by Squid
OUT NOW via VICTORY RECORDS
It’s often hard to review a band when the first time you encounter them happens to be on their third album. Add to this that I’m not usually a fan of modern hardcore it was refreshing to hear something that actually sounded exciting come out of the modern pack.
Right from the opening track ‘Lost’ the band state their intention, which is to provide aggressive, in your face hardcore delivered with conviction. The follow up track ‘Ghost’ continues the ferocity with just enough melody to keep things interesting. But this is where it begins to take a turn. Otherwise interesting songs are often blended with the atypical formulaic breakdown. Although I must admit they do it better than most generic pit starters.
The weakest point in the album comes in the form of ‘Outlier.’ This is obviously the track geared towards radio play and a more commercial audience and is the only song on the album (thankfully) to have a clean sung breakdown. (Not that I don’t like clean vocals I just feel that they are too often put in just for the sake of having them there rather than suiting the song.)
The album closes in strong fashion with the brutal ‘Slave’ and the longest track on the album and in my opinion one of the most interesting ‘Soil’ which has a really cool haunting clean guitar section that absolutely kicked ass!
With ‘The Difference Between Hell and Home’ Counterparts have delivered a really good release that could have been Killer/Classic if not for an overabundance of cliche that litter the album.
All in all a very strong release that should please fans of modern hardcore, Screamo, pop punkers and may even grab the attention of old hardcore fans. One of the stronger Modern Hardcore releases I’ve heard in a long time.
Dead Deities "Valley of the Giants"
Review by Squid
OUT NOW - Independent
Do you like politically edged lyrical themes delivered with angst? Enjoy Groove laden Metal/Rock laced with melody? Sydney’s Dead Deities’ maiden effort Valley of the Giants definitely delivers this and more. Opener ‘No Sense’ sets the tone for the rest of the album with a punchy opening riff that gets the foot tapping and the head banging.
The vocal delivery throughout sits somewhere between Kurt Brecht of D.R.I. and the rhythmic delivery of Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine - with a dose of 80’s thrash for good measure. Dead Deities have melded together elements of melodic power metal, hard rock, thrash and the groove of bands like Helmet which is very apparent in ‘Killing Day’ in which the chorus was reminiscent of Helmet’s track ‘Meantime’.
I found that I got a little bit lost in the middle with not all tracks being strong enough to demand my attention.
All in all it’s a solid release that fans of heavy music in general should find interesting. Would appeal to even the more mainstream fans. Really promising start and I look forward to seeing where they take their sound.
PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE: iTunes
CD Baby
Reverb Nation
Google Play
deaddeitiesmusic.com
Review by Squid
OUT NOW - Independent
Do you like politically edged lyrical themes delivered with angst? Enjoy Groove laden Metal/Rock laced with melody? Sydney’s Dead Deities’ maiden effort Valley of the Giants definitely delivers this and more. Opener ‘No Sense’ sets the tone for the rest of the album with a punchy opening riff that gets the foot tapping and the head banging.
The vocal delivery throughout sits somewhere between Kurt Brecht of D.R.I. and the rhythmic delivery of Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine - with a dose of 80’s thrash for good measure. Dead Deities have melded together elements of melodic power metal, hard rock, thrash and the groove of bands like Helmet which is very apparent in ‘Killing Day’ in which the chorus was reminiscent of Helmet’s track ‘Meantime’.
I found that I got a little bit lost in the middle with not all tracks being strong enough to demand my attention.
All in all it’s a solid release that fans of heavy music in general should find interesting. Would appeal to even the more mainstream fans. Really promising start and I look forward to seeing where they take their sound.
PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE: iTunes
CD Baby
Reverb Nation
Google Play
deaddeitiesmusic.com
Amon Amath 'Deceiver of the Gods'(2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Metal Blade Records
Amon Amarth are a band who have been plying their trade for over two decades now and need ZERO introduction. This, their ninth album, "Deceiver of the Gods" sees the Swede vikings in an aggressive and defiant mood; combine this with this album being produced, mixed and mastered by 'new guy' Andy Sneap (Testament, Accept, Megadeth, Archenemy) this is a high-testosterone, take-no-prisoners affair, with a smattering of broken 'new ground' for the band.
Deceiver of the Gods manages to harness melody while not losing to any of the aggression or brutality, that Amon Amarth have become very well known for, throughout. This album, in fact, contains the greatest vocals Johan Hegg has ever provided and overall one of the strongest collective musical performances to date. Deceiver builds on the success of their past releases, and it plays like somewhat of a greatest hits of the band. This is a melodic death metal album that will no doubt please a great many fans and I think it is obvious now, as if it wasn't before, that Amon Amarth cannot make a bad album.
The bands finest hour and a particularly career defining moment is "Hel," where Hegg duets with ex-Candlemass vocalist and doom metal legend Messiah Marcolin. Musically and lyrically this track encapsulates the spirit of a classic, vintage heavy metal steeped in tradition. Deft growls and shrill operatic vocal styles both complimenting as well as contrasting, a great new addition to this album's dynamic.
Amon Amarth have never really been about contrast there are a great many that appear on this album with one of the songs that has divided people is the album’s final song, 'Warriors of the North'. I will concede that the middle moments of this 8 minute Amarth epic is a little monotonous . However with an epic song it is extremely hard to steer with perfection, especially if it isn't your usual style and as such I feel inclined to overlook this fact. Kudos for experimentation!
Here's the title track.
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Metal Blade Records
Amon Amarth are a band who have been plying their trade for over two decades now and need ZERO introduction. This, their ninth album, "Deceiver of the Gods" sees the Swede vikings in an aggressive and defiant mood; combine this with this album being produced, mixed and mastered by 'new guy' Andy Sneap (Testament, Accept, Megadeth, Archenemy) this is a high-testosterone, take-no-prisoners affair, with a smattering of broken 'new ground' for the band.
Deceiver of the Gods manages to harness melody while not losing to any of the aggression or brutality, that Amon Amarth have become very well known for, throughout. This album, in fact, contains the greatest vocals Johan Hegg has ever provided and overall one of the strongest collective musical performances to date. Deceiver builds on the success of their past releases, and it plays like somewhat of a greatest hits of the band. This is a melodic death metal album that will no doubt please a great many fans and I think it is obvious now, as if it wasn't before, that Amon Amarth cannot make a bad album.
The bands finest hour and a particularly career defining moment is "Hel," where Hegg duets with ex-Candlemass vocalist and doom metal legend Messiah Marcolin. Musically and lyrically this track encapsulates the spirit of a classic, vintage heavy metal steeped in tradition. Deft growls and shrill operatic vocal styles both complimenting as well as contrasting, a great new addition to this album's dynamic.
Amon Amarth have never really been about contrast there are a great many that appear on this album with one of the songs that has divided people is the album’s final song, 'Warriors of the North'. I will concede that the middle moments of this 8 minute Amarth epic is a little monotonous . However with an epic song it is extremely hard to steer with perfection, especially if it isn't your usual style and as such I feel inclined to overlook this fact. Kudos for experimentation!
Here's the title track.
Death Rides a Horse 'Tree of Woe' (2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Inferno Records is a name that practically guarantees quality. If you have an unwaivering love for heavy metal then Inferno is a record label you should investigate instantly.
Tree of Woe is a full length offering from Death Rides a Horse (named after a 1960’s Spaghetti Western) that neatly packages tracks from the band’s two previously released EPs (2012 saw ‘Tree of Woe’ and 2010 ‘Pantokrator’) as well as offering a bonus track for good measure. Of the band themselves there is stunning vocalist/bassist Ida Hollesen who possesses a voice and attitude that is perfectly suited to this band’s dark, edgy sound and certainly complimented by Anders Madsen’s powerful, tribalistic percussion. Kenneth Engelsen and Jens Hollesen (guitars) round out this quartet with a sludgy, and at times vintage, doom brand that harkens back to the 70's and 80' metal scenes.
The band open with the newest tracks, those from the Tree of Woe EP itself, which is a decent introduction to the band for those who haven’t heard them before. It builds a certain tension with giant, laboured riffs before they lead you into a powerful gallop that displays elements of influence from Maiden, Sabbath and possibly Candlemass and, of course, aided and abetted by Ida and her siren-like voice. With tracks four to seven pointing to the band’s Pantokrator EP. The production isn't as 'Hollywood' by any stretch and the song-writing, whilst still Death Rides a Horse, is rougher around the edges
It is quaint/odd to hear the band’s raw beginnings alongside their new material. The band’s potential is prevalent even on these earlier recordings with the raw skill and ambition clearly at the fore. It is a pretty decent EP in its own right but suffers when in comparison to the band’s following achievements. Really, though, the only noticeable flaws are that it is immature. Multiple ideas crammed into their songs with grandiose solos to finish.
This album climaxes with the 2011 'bonus' track ‘Dominion of metal (under the mighty influence)’ and it is, in short, the band pitting djent against their classic metal influences of Priest, Maiden and Purple. If Doro was a part of Danzig, quite possibly it would have sounded a bit like this; wouldn't hurt it to be heavier, though.
Find it, buy it and wait for the full-length studio release. DRaH, I'm sure, will be reaching to push the limits of DOOM circa 2013/14.
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Inferno Records is a name that practically guarantees quality. If you have an unwaivering love for heavy metal then Inferno is a record label you should investigate instantly.
Tree of Woe is a full length offering from Death Rides a Horse (named after a 1960’s Spaghetti Western) that neatly packages tracks from the band’s two previously released EPs (2012 saw ‘Tree of Woe’ and 2010 ‘Pantokrator’) as well as offering a bonus track for good measure. Of the band themselves there is stunning vocalist/bassist Ida Hollesen who possesses a voice and attitude that is perfectly suited to this band’s dark, edgy sound and certainly complimented by Anders Madsen’s powerful, tribalistic percussion. Kenneth Engelsen and Jens Hollesen (guitars) round out this quartet with a sludgy, and at times vintage, doom brand that harkens back to the 70's and 80' metal scenes.
The band open with the newest tracks, those from the Tree of Woe EP itself, which is a decent introduction to the band for those who haven’t heard them before. It builds a certain tension with giant, laboured riffs before they lead you into a powerful gallop that displays elements of influence from Maiden, Sabbath and possibly Candlemass and, of course, aided and abetted by Ida and her siren-like voice. With tracks four to seven pointing to the band’s Pantokrator EP. The production isn't as 'Hollywood' by any stretch and the song-writing, whilst still Death Rides a Horse, is rougher around the edges
It is quaint/odd to hear the band’s raw beginnings alongside their new material. The band’s potential is prevalent even on these earlier recordings with the raw skill and ambition clearly at the fore. It is a pretty decent EP in its own right but suffers when in comparison to the band’s following achievements. Really, though, the only noticeable flaws are that it is immature. Multiple ideas crammed into their songs with grandiose solos to finish.
This album climaxes with the 2011 'bonus' track ‘Dominion of metal (under the mighty influence)’ and it is, in short, the band pitting djent against their classic metal influences of Priest, Maiden and Purple. If Doro was a part of Danzig, quite possibly it would have sounded a bit like this; wouldn't hurt it to be heavier, though.
Find it, buy it and wait for the full-length studio release. DRaH, I'm sure, will be reaching to push the limits of DOOM circa 2013/14.
Antipope '3 Eyes of Time' (2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Violent Journey Records
Since 2004, the Finnish progressive metal band Antipope has been treading their own path without looking sideways. On their third full-length album, 3 Eyes of Time, Antipope walk the line in between epic industrial doom and grooving metal rockers blasting with melodies and larger-than life choruses. The album takes the listener on a journey from the dark of the Finnish winter night to the blinding light of the sun, or so it is told...
This band have provided a well executed 11 track sample of some of the best parts of their own brand of Finnish prog industrial metal and, in turn, have offered a pretty solid album that sits somewhere between Him, Rammstein and generic industrial on the record store shelf. I couldn't say that I was drastically moved by this collection of tracks, but I would say I mostly I found myself nodding my head along with the music, deciphering their vocal patterns or playing my set of Tama air drums in my loungeroom. Almost every track seems to float between the English and Finnish languages, has some head nod worthy 'mosh' sections and the drum work was quite intricate, at varying times, with there being difinite use of non traditional percussion instruments adding to the overall sound of this Anitpope album.
If I were to rate this album out of ten I would sit my score somewhere between a solid 6 to a generous 8, but don't let that sway you as i'm sure there will be those of you who will adore what these guys do as much as there will be those that find it abrasive and unlistenable. It could go either way and I'm postitve this band already know this, it's the path they tread within the Doom Industrial genre.
For more information, please visit: www.antipope.info and www.violentjourneyrecords.com
World-wide orders: http://www.recordshopx.com/artist/antipope/3_eyes_of_time/
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Violent Journey Records
Since 2004, the Finnish progressive metal band Antipope has been treading their own path without looking sideways. On their third full-length album, 3 Eyes of Time, Antipope walk the line in between epic industrial doom and grooving metal rockers blasting with melodies and larger-than life choruses. The album takes the listener on a journey from the dark of the Finnish winter night to the blinding light of the sun, or so it is told...
This band have provided a well executed 11 track sample of some of the best parts of their own brand of Finnish prog industrial metal and, in turn, have offered a pretty solid album that sits somewhere between Him, Rammstein and generic industrial on the record store shelf. I couldn't say that I was drastically moved by this collection of tracks, but I would say I mostly I found myself nodding my head along with the music, deciphering their vocal patterns or playing my set of Tama air drums in my loungeroom. Almost every track seems to float between the English and Finnish languages, has some head nod worthy 'mosh' sections and the drum work was quite intricate, at varying times, with there being difinite use of non traditional percussion instruments adding to the overall sound of this Anitpope album.
If I were to rate this album out of ten I would sit my score somewhere between a solid 6 to a generous 8, but don't let that sway you as i'm sure there will be those of you who will adore what these guys do as much as there will be those that find it abrasive and unlistenable. It could go either way and I'm postitve this band already know this, it's the path they tread within the Doom Industrial genre.
For more information, please visit: www.antipope.info and www.violentjourneyrecords.com
World-wide orders: http://www.recordshopx.com/artist/antipope/3_eyes_of_time/
Church of Misery 'Thy Kingdom Scum' (2013)
Review by Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Metal Blade/Rise above Records
Church of Misery’s Thy Kingdom Scum is an album that will send chills up and down your spine. With serial killer themes, intense lyrics, heavy bass, and some of the most evil vocals you will hear. Church of Misery live up to their name. This is an album full of hate and discontent but it is done so well it is pure enjoyment. It kept me going from start to finish. “B.T.K (Dennis Rader)” is a great way to start Thy Kingdom Scum.
It is dark and heavy and sets the mood for the rest of the album. Get ready for the brutality! “Düsseldorf Monster (Peter Kürten)” is the last rack on Thy Kingdom Scum and is probably one of the best stoner/doom songs written in a long time, it is almost 13 minutes of pure brilliance. They also do a cover of a Quartermass classic “One blind Mice” and turn it into a tune all their own. Done flawlessly. Every track is done to perfection and there is no weak spot on Thy Kingdom Scum. Guitar Riffs are played to their full potential from beginning to end. Add some the best production and you have what is going to be one of the best releases in 2013! It has a little bit of everything of what is wrong with the world but done in a beautiful way.
Just when I think Church of Misery can’t impress me anymore, they do! This is a must have album! Not one that I really feel I have to say too much about because it will speak for itself. Don’t think twice about it just go get it and let it take you into a whole new level of Misery, you will not be disappointed.
Review by Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Metal Blade/Rise above Records
Church of Misery’s Thy Kingdom Scum is an album that will send chills up and down your spine. With serial killer themes, intense lyrics, heavy bass, and some of the most evil vocals you will hear. Church of Misery live up to their name. This is an album full of hate and discontent but it is done so well it is pure enjoyment. It kept me going from start to finish. “B.T.K (Dennis Rader)” is a great way to start Thy Kingdom Scum.
It is dark and heavy and sets the mood for the rest of the album. Get ready for the brutality! “Düsseldorf Monster (Peter Kürten)” is the last rack on Thy Kingdom Scum and is probably one of the best stoner/doom songs written in a long time, it is almost 13 minutes of pure brilliance. They also do a cover of a Quartermass classic “One blind Mice” and turn it into a tune all their own. Done flawlessly. Every track is done to perfection and there is no weak spot on Thy Kingdom Scum. Guitar Riffs are played to their full potential from beginning to end. Add some the best production and you have what is going to be one of the best releases in 2013! It has a little bit of everything of what is wrong with the world but done in a beautiful way.
Just when I think Church of Misery can’t impress me anymore, they do! This is a must have album! Not one that I really feel I have to say too much about because it will speak for itself. Don’t think twice about it just go get it and let it take you into a whole new level of Misery, you will not be disappointed.
Filial Cannibalism 'Mass Slaughter Machine' (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via Infinite Regress Records
Formed in 2009 the horrific and sometimes comical Brutal Death Metal band has released both an EP in 2010 and a full length "Guttural Congregation" in 2011 prior ro "Mass Slaughter Machine" starting where any band would, in their home town, in this case north-west of England, UK, Wigan where they have grown quite an appeal after years of gigs and as the band would like to call it "Take-aways" they have grown their legacy through out Indonesia, Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
Taking a great aspect of their style can be attributed to the Slam genre from the guttural technique and all 'round vocal style and from the guitar riffs, all the way to the blast beats and slam grooves, taking that as the roots for their songs to set in place the horrific theme as you can see the elderly being taken to become ground beef for the burgers people consume on a daily basis, the cover could not describe the direction of this album any better.
If you are stil on the fence consider that they are for fans of Ingested, Devourment, Disgorge, and Abominable Putridity, holding very close to these bands, Filial Cannibalism takes you to the slaughterhouse themselves, with the grinding guitar tone through out the album of both Phil Hunter and Dave Robb makes you feel as if you're being ground up yourself, the reek of sewage can be identified very well with the vocal style of Gavin Ashworth, taking his breath at the end of the first track, self titled 'Filial Cannibalism' to add the finishing touches Mike Wilson completes the disgusting sound with his gravity blasts, the subtle snare hits sprinkled through out the songs changing the tempo and overall feel of the songs.
Filial Cannibalism is signed to the Independent Label for extreme music based out of Brisbane City , Australia. Infinite Regress Records, merch can not only be bought through the labels website but their own Big Cartel page as well.
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via Infinite Regress Records
Formed in 2009 the horrific and sometimes comical Brutal Death Metal band has released both an EP in 2010 and a full length "Guttural Congregation" in 2011 prior ro "Mass Slaughter Machine" starting where any band would, in their home town, in this case north-west of England, UK, Wigan where they have grown quite an appeal after years of gigs and as the band would like to call it "Take-aways" they have grown their legacy through out Indonesia, Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
Taking a great aspect of their style can be attributed to the Slam genre from the guttural technique and all 'round vocal style and from the guitar riffs, all the way to the blast beats and slam grooves, taking that as the roots for their songs to set in place the horrific theme as you can see the elderly being taken to become ground beef for the burgers people consume on a daily basis, the cover could not describe the direction of this album any better.
If you are stil on the fence consider that they are for fans of Ingested, Devourment, Disgorge, and Abominable Putridity, holding very close to these bands, Filial Cannibalism takes you to the slaughterhouse themselves, with the grinding guitar tone through out the album of both Phil Hunter and Dave Robb makes you feel as if you're being ground up yourself, the reek of sewage can be identified very well with the vocal style of Gavin Ashworth, taking his breath at the end of the first track, self titled 'Filial Cannibalism' to add the finishing touches Mike Wilson completes the disgusting sound with his gravity blasts, the subtle snare hits sprinkled through out the songs changing the tempo and overall feel of the songs.
Filial Cannibalism is signed to the Independent Label for extreme music based out of Brisbane City , Australia. Infinite Regress Records, merch can not only be bought through the labels website but their own Big Cartel page as well.
Eldkraft 'Shaman' (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW Via Poison Tongue/Metal Blade Records
Sweden's very own Folk/Black Metal trio consists of; J. Sandin (vocals & keys) H. Carlsson (guitars & bass) N. Fjellström (drums) Metal Blade records did not take long after listening to the demos to show interest in the project, now due to realease they're debut 10 track full length album along Poison Tongue. Recorded in their own studio Epidemic, meanwhile Fjellström recorded in studio Necromorbus while mixing and mastering happened at the Endarker Studio Sweden under Magnus Devo Andersson's supervision.
Un-like other Folk or black Metal artists, Eldkraft does not hessitate to start the journey, with a hard pounding riff short of conjuring the dead begins to set the mood for this epic Pagan tale.
There is a massive account of ritual-esque vocals followed by the cringing of the undertoned vocal style, don't expect to be won over their intrumentals as they aren't trying to do do, this album is a full package of integrity, passion and a real sense of their where they don't fall in line with the competative scene they have other objectives in mind. By track 3 'Fate's Door' it begins to get repetative yet in a catchy matter, many bands repeat because they have run out of material, this is not the case, it's almost as if it was purposeful to have a "chorus."
Be prepared for what follows - I could not wrap my head round parts such as in 'Granslos Grans' not for technicality but for content, the very Black Metal inspired son takes a hold on you, with the blastering guitar leads, the famous guitar tone and and a chanting-like vocal technique. Poison Tongue founder and PRIMORDIAL vocalist A.A. Nemtheanga comments: “I was turned on to Eldkraft by Mortuus from Marduk and instantly recognized even its raw demo form here was something genuine, and it had the potential to be a massive Pagan metal album. Not the cartoon stuff but the real deal, immersed in ancient shamanism and traditions with the spirit of Bathory somewhere deep in its bones…Eldkraft!”
Their first single, 'Gammal Krigare' as well as album art and pre-order bundles (available in both CD and LP formats) are available now at metalblade.com/eldkraft
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW Via Poison Tongue/Metal Blade Records
Sweden's very own Folk/Black Metal trio consists of; J. Sandin (vocals & keys) H. Carlsson (guitars & bass) N. Fjellström (drums) Metal Blade records did not take long after listening to the demos to show interest in the project, now due to realease they're debut 10 track full length album along Poison Tongue. Recorded in their own studio Epidemic, meanwhile Fjellström recorded in studio Necromorbus while mixing and mastering happened at the Endarker Studio Sweden under Magnus Devo Andersson's supervision.
Un-like other Folk or black Metal artists, Eldkraft does not hessitate to start the journey, with a hard pounding riff short of conjuring the dead begins to set the mood for this epic Pagan tale.
There is a massive account of ritual-esque vocals followed by the cringing of the undertoned vocal style, don't expect to be won over their intrumentals as they aren't trying to do do, this album is a full package of integrity, passion and a real sense of their where they don't fall in line with the competative scene they have other objectives in mind. By track 3 'Fate's Door' it begins to get repetative yet in a catchy matter, many bands repeat because they have run out of material, this is not the case, it's almost as if it was purposeful to have a "chorus."
Be prepared for what follows - I could not wrap my head round parts such as in 'Granslos Grans' not for technicality but for content, the very Black Metal inspired son takes a hold on you, with the blastering guitar leads, the famous guitar tone and and a chanting-like vocal technique. Poison Tongue founder and PRIMORDIAL vocalist A.A. Nemtheanga comments: “I was turned on to Eldkraft by Mortuus from Marduk and instantly recognized even its raw demo form here was something genuine, and it had the potential to be a massive Pagan metal album. Not the cartoon stuff but the real deal, immersed in ancient shamanism and traditions with the spirit of Bathory somewhere deep in its bones…Eldkraft!”
Their first single, 'Gammal Krigare' as well as album art and pre-order bundles (available in both CD and LP formats) are available now at metalblade.com/eldkraft
Aveira Skies 'Mind Maps' (Single) (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW Independent
Aveira Skies, the Metalcore band Started in 2011, later that year made their debut life appearance in their hometown of Perth, Australia, it only took them within the year to begin their journey and have had the pleasure to share the stage with Northlane, Buried in Verona, The Plot in You (USA), Silent Screams (UK), The Bride, Resist the Thought, and many more.
Within that same year they dominated the iTunes Bestsellers Metal Charts with their EP Longer Than Flesh, Longer Than Ashes.
Playing a high energy of Metal infused with melodic riffs and breakdowns, Aveira Skies, brings forth an intense mash-up of Metal and Hardcore, there is a reson they have moved up so fast in their musical career and it is all seen perfectly clear in this single.
From start to finish this single, entitled 'Mind Maps' presents its self with alot of class and originality and carries it forth with every single note, every single cymbal crashed and splashed, you will find yourself wrapped up in it's masterful craft.
2013 single 'Mind Maps'
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/mind-maps-single/id597016499
Debut EP Longer Than Flesh, Longer Than Ashes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/longer-than-flesh-longer-than/id482926671
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW Independent
Aveira Skies, the Metalcore band Started in 2011, later that year made their debut life appearance in their hometown of Perth, Australia, it only took them within the year to begin their journey and have had the pleasure to share the stage with Northlane, Buried in Verona, The Plot in You (USA), Silent Screams (UK), The Bride, Resist the Thought, and many more.
Within that same year they dominated the iTunes Bestsellers Metal Charts with their EP Longer Than Flesh, Longer Than Ashes.
Playing a high energy of Metal infused with melodic riffs and breakdowns, Aveira Skies, brings forth an intense mash-up of Metal and Hardcore, there is a reson they have moved up so fast in their musical career and it is all seen perfectly clear in this single.
From start to finish this single, entitled 'Mind Maps' presents its self with alot of class and originality and carries it forth with every single note, every single cymbal crashed and splashed, you will find yourself wrapped up in it's masterful craft.
2013 single 'Mind Maps'
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/mind-maps-single/id597016499
Debut EP Longer Than Flesh, Longer Than Ashes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/longer-than-flesh-longer-than/id482926671
NAKKA 'Chelovek-Zavod' (2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Infinite Regress Records
If you were to take NAKKA's word for it they are a Czechoslovakian Oldschool Gringcore act living in a small town among bears, working hard at their day jobs in factories, drinking obscene amounts of vodka and playing metal on their “evil balalaikas”
...
This loosely translates to: NAKKA are death-grindcore-industrial band from the harsh, industrial Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk. This motley group is made up of people of the factory working class who have come together to play absolutely brutal music, reflective of their own personal struggles as humans in the post-soviet world, which is altogether catchy and devastating. The standout, highlight of this band is that they are fronted by a woman with a vocal skill unmatched in the death metal genre, though it proves almost impossible to identify at all.
This album is a mix of groove oriented death metal and high octane Soviet style grind core; it's a fantastic representation of skill and brutality and I was greatly impressed. There is a huge focus upon Bears in all the press items as well as bio from the band which I don't really understand, though I've tried, but it all seems to make for an interesting addition to the visual aspect.
Also as I was lucky enough to obtain a physical copy of this release, I was somewhat able to experience the “buyer's aspect” to this album. I awaitied the cd in the mail, as you would if you ordered it, and when it came Hella Burzumenko – Vocalist, Igor “Cavalera” Smirnov – Guitar, Alex Morev – Bass, Alex Polyakov – Drums had provided me with a “money green”, English edition of Human Factory. A Demon head 'Machine' burning across the cover. The back, with two. The traditional Soviet hammer was present in the imagery and I took that to represent the crushing of both this album as well as post soviet Russia. All lyrics were in English, but, none of which seemed to match up.. but, hey. them's the breaks of an English edition and I can't read Russian anyway.
This band isn't widely known but I believe death metal fans should get aboard as I'm sure without the international support they will surely fall by the wayside like so many others have done before them.
NAKKA - Human Factory, easily in my top 10 for the year so far. Check them out below!
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Infinite Regress Records
If you were to take NAKKA's word for it they are a Czechoslovakian Oldschool Gringcore act living in a small town among bears, working hard at their day jobs in factories, drinking obscene amounts of vodka and playing metal on their “evil balalaikas”
...
This loosely translates to: NAKKA are death-grindcore-industrial band from the harsh, industrial Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk. This motley group is made up of people of the factory working class who have come together to play absolutely brutal music, reflective of their own personal struggles as humans in the post-soviet world, which is altogether catchy and devastating. The standout, highlight of this band is that they are fronted by a woman with a vocal skill unmatched in the death metal genre, though it proves almost impossible to identify at all.
This album is a mix of groove oriented death metal and high octane Soviet style grind core; it's a fantastic representation of skill and brutality and I was greatly impressed. There is a huge focus upon Bears in all the press items as well as bio from the band which I don't really understand, though I've tried, but it all seems to make for an interesting addition to the visual aspect.
Also as I was lucky enough to obtain a physical copy of this release, I was somewhat able to experience the “buyer's aspect” to this album. I awaitied the cd in the mail, as you would if you ordered it, and when it came Hella Burzumenko – Vocalist, Igor “Cavalera” Smirnov – Guitar, Alex Morev – Bass, Alex Polyakov – Drums had provided me with a “money green”, English edition of Human Factory. A Demon head 'Machine' burning across the cover. The back, with two. The traditional Soviet hammer was present in the imagery and I took that to represent the crushing of both this album as well as post soviet Russia. All lyrics were in English, but, none of which seemed to match up.. but, hey. them's the breaks of an English edition and I can't read Russian anyway.
This band isn't widely known but I believe death metal fans should get aboard as I'm sure without the international support they will surely fall by the wayside like so many others have done before them.
NAKKA - Human Factory, easily in my top 10 for the year so far. Check them out below!
Mindless Self Indulgence
"How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and
Love Mindless Self Indulgence"
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via 3Wise
Mindless Self Indulgence is an act formed in New York in 1997. Their music has a mixed style including punk rock, alternative rock, electronica, hip-hop, and industrial. They have always been a bands that always does whatever they want with their music, whether people get offended or not, and with this latest offering this couldn't be more applicable. After successfully achieving the second highest kickstarter campaign EVER (around $150,000), Mindless Self Indulgence released their newest, most offensive and highly original work yet (June 21 on 3Wise Records in Australia) aptly entitled How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence
Opening with a lone, yelled lyric ‘SON OF A BITCH!’ at the very start of this album before proceeding with the music it was pretty obvious that everything from beginning to end would feature, as a 'highlight', MSI’s sexual and profane lyrics. ‘Fuck Machine’, ‘Hey Tomorrow Fuck You and Your Friend Yesterday', ‘Anonymous’ as well as ‘Stalkers (slit my wrists)'... Even the song titles are contoroversial, sexual, profane...
My absolute favorite track on this album is “Kill You All In a Hip Hop Rage”, where vocalist Jimmy Urine raps that late old-school lyricists like Eazy-E, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Biggie and Tupac would lay waste to the new generation of emcess over their insipid, uninspired verses as exampled with the first chorus “back in the day, when rap wasn't 'gay' and motherfuckers shot at each other all day. If Biggie and Tupac were alive today they would kill you all in a hip-hop rage... and dance on your grave” Its anti-pop music perfection; A record that is all at once politically incorrect, profoundly sexual, honest and amazingly catchy.
This band has had the ability to connect with their fans in a cult like manner for over a decade, though I personally have not been a fan of this band. This is the album has most definitely convinced me that I probably should be. It is super catchy tongue in cheek anti-club music to bang your head to. “This shit's so bad it could win a Grammy”
"How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and
Love Mindless Self Indulgence"
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via 3Wise
Mindless Self Indulgence is an act formed in New York in 1997. Their music has a mixed style including punk rock, alternative rock, electronica, hip-hop, and industrial. They have always been a bands that always does whatever they want with their music, whether people get offended or not, and with this latest offering this couldn't be more applicable. After successfully achieving the second highest kickstarter campaign EVER (around $150,000), Mindless Self Indulgence released their newest, most offensive and highly original work yet (June 21 on 3Wise Records in Australia) aptly entitled How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence
Opening with a lone, yelled lyric ‘SON OF A BITCH!’ at the very start of this album before proceeding with the music it was pretty obvious that everything from beginning to end would feature, as a 'highlight', MSI’s sexual and profane lyrics. ‘Fuck Machine’, ‘Hey Tomorrow Fuck You and Your Friend Yesterday', ‘Anonymous’ as well as ‘Stalkers (slit my wrists)'... Even the song titles are contoroversial, sexual, profane...
My absolute favorite track on this album is “Kill You All In a Hip Hop Rage”, where vocalist Jimmy Urine raps that late old-school lyricists like Eazy-E, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Biggie and Tupac would lay waste to the new generation of emcess over their insipid, uninspired verses as exampled with the first chorus “back in the day, when rap wasn't 'gay' and motherfuckers shot at each other all day. If Biggie and Tupac were alive today they would kill you all in a hip-hop rage... and dance on your grave” Its anti-pop music perfection; A record that is all at once politically incorrect, profoundly sexual, honest and amazingly catchy.
This band has had the ability to connect with their fans in a cult like manner for over a decade, though I personally have not been a fan of this band. This is the album has most definitely convinced me that I probably should be. It is super catchy tongue in cheek anti-club music to bang your head to. “This shit's so bad it could win a Grammy”
Trucker Diablo "Songs of Iron" (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via Ripple Music
Founded in January 1st of 2008, Trucker Diablo, the Hard Rock band from Northern Ireland with an outstanding and straight forward sense of rock and roll, there is no denying that these boys are fans of big trucks, drinking beer and simply put making noise, with a true dedication to their craft, not disappointing from the album that set the fundamentals, The Devil Rhythm.
The album sets off with 'Red Light On', a classic Hard Rock riff leading into a groovy bass line and there Songs of Iron begins to take shape, Staying true to the Southern style of Rock and Roll. By track 4 'Drive' you are hooked, they set the mood so tenderly after the illustrious display of their off road style, it quickly picks up with 'Not So Superstar' with another devastating display of raw guitars and in your face lyrics, the format this album is set comes and goes in a manner that must have been either very well thought out or they simply have degrees in it.
Revving trucks and mayhem behind the wheel, there is a certain anthem here at play with these boys, they hold nothing back and they want you to experience it. These songs are like a Bulldozer running through your streets. With an outstanding 14 tracks there is not a song on this album that you will want to skip.
It's hard to say what 2013 has in store for them, but already they have truly made a mark on the world and have shown that they are capable of giving it 100 percent. Playing a total of 40 shows in 2012, from Hammerfest with Anthrax, supporting Foo Fighters at Tennents Vital to sharing the stage with Terrorvision on their UK tour, playing the main stage at Hard Rock Hell festival and also Rocking Belfast with Thin Lizzy this band is surely on the rise.
After reading this review and checking out the track below I can understand they pressing need to, now, purchase the album.... here's the link
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via Ripple Music
Founded in January 1st of 2008, Trucker Diablo, the Hard Rock band from Northern Ireland with an outstanding and straight forward sense of rock and roll, there is no denying that these boys are fans of big trucks, drinking beer and simply put making noise, with a true dedication to their craft, not disappointing from the album that set the fundamentals, The Devil Rhythm.
The album sets off with 'Red Light On', a classic Hard Rock riff leading into a groovy bass line and there Songs of Iron begins to take shape, Staying true to the Southern style of Rock and Roll. By track 4 'Drive' you are hooked, they set the mood so tenderly after the illustrious display of their off road style, it quickly picks up with 'Not So Superstar' with another devastating display of raw guitars and in your face lyrics, the format this album is set comes and goes in a manner that must have been either very well thought out or they simply have degrees in it.
Revving trucks and mayhem behind the wheel, there is a certain anthem here at play with these boys, they hold nothing back and they want you to experience it. These songs are like a Bulldozer running through your streets. With an outstanding 14 tracks there is not a song on this album that you will want to skip.
It's hard to say what 2013 has in store for them, but already they have truly made a mark on the world and have shown that they are capable of giving it 100 percent. Playing a total of 40 shows in 2012, from Hammerfest with Anthrax, supporting Foo Fighters at Tennents Vital to sharing the stage with Terrorvision on their UK tour, playing the main stage at Hard Rock Hell festival and also Rocking Belfast with Thin Lizzy this band is surely on the rise.
After reading this review and checking out the track below I can understand they pressing need to, now, purchase the album.... here's the link
Clenched Fists “The Gift of Death” (2013)
Reviewed By Erin
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Clenched Fist, the Brazilian metal act who, are here with their second full length album The gift of Death out on Inferno Records. Clenched Fists support a classic old school heavy metal sound.
The guitar work is solid and definitely one of their strengths! Vocals are hard to get use to and the lyrics are hard to make out due to poor pronunciation and had to look them up in order to figure out what was being sung. Lyrics turn out to be overall simplistic but that is not saying they are bad.
Songs are short, as is this review for that very reason, and the album is just 36 minutes with 10 tracks. There are high points and low points. The gift of Death was overall a very enjoyable album, I personally just had a hard time getting past the vocals, which for other people they may enjoy it!
Give it a listen and you could be surprised with what is there. I would love to see what Clenched Fist has to offer the next time around if they just work on a few things. A band with a lot of potential.
Reviewed By Erin
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Clenched Fist, the Brazilian metal act who, are here with their second full length album The gift of Death out on Inferno Records. Clenched Fists support a classic old school heavy metal sound.
The guitar work is solid and definitely one of their strengths! Vocals are hard to get use to and the lyrics are hard to make out due to poor pronunciation and had to look them up in order to figure out what was being sung. Lyrics turn out to be overall simplistic but that is not saying they are bad.
Songs are short, as is this review for that very reason, and the album is just 36 minutes with 10 tracks. There are high points and low points. The gift of Death was overall a very enjoyable album, I personally just had a hard time getting past the vocals, which for other people they may enjoy it!
Give it a listen and you could be surprised with what is there. I would love to see what Clenched Fist has to offer the next time around if they just work on a few things. A band with a lot of potential.
LADY BEAST "Lady Beast" (2013)
Reviewed by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
The long awaited debut album by US Heavy-Metal act LADY BEAST is here!
Released June 1st this album includes 9 songs of pure Heavy Metal/Rock'N'Roll to break your neck & bones! Definitely recommended for fans of the the old guard of metal the likes of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, TANK, GIRLSCHOOL, ROCK GODDESS, ACID. It's NWOBHM, Pittsburgh style.The self titled album comes with an 8-page booklet & includes an exclusive cover of JUDAS PRIEST's 'Ram it Down'. Though it is also offered on cassette tape the cassette version IS limited to 100 copies, but I would suggest well worth the effort in securing!
This self title debut kicks off in a fashion that can only be described as a blistering and classic style. It is obvious from the absolute beginning exactly who and what Lady Beast represent. They succeeded in providing a title track that is short, at 2 mins and 54 seconds, but straight to the point. There is no guess work for the listener at all, this is classic hard rock/heavy metal harnessed in 2013 with a slight modern twist. There is use of double kick from drummer Adam that certainly didn't exist in the 70's and 80's and the solo work from guitarist Twiz, especially, is a step up in speed from the 'good old days'.
Track after track this female fronted band provide solid performances all round and there isn't really a weak track in the pack at all. Believe me, I looked! Though if I were to be super critical of these guys I would have to say say that the vocals could have been a little more dynamic with higher highs and those killer notes you expect that make the vocalist stand apart from the music as the 'head' of the band were missing at crucial moments. Bands that I mentioned earlier in this review such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were always vocally dynamic from start to finish and are the benchmark for any band attempting to bring the genre back, albeit with a modern twist. Like I said though, “super critical”.
A couple members of LADY BEAST are also currently in other bands. Adam plays drums for OH SHIT THEY’RE GOING TO KILL US, Greg also plays bass in WRATHCOBRA and Twiz plays guitar in CAROUSEL, but Lady Beast seems to be the priority for all involved. I personally hope to see this band improve from this release and have the next offering be one that launches these guys into undisputed territory. In short, lets see if they can top this album.
Reviewed by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
The long awaited debut album by US Heavy-Metal act LADY BEAST is here!
Released June 1st this album includes 9 songs of pure Heavy Metal/Rock'N'Roll to break your neck & bones! Definitely recommended for fans of the the old guard of metal the likes of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, TANK, GIRLSCHOOL, ROCK GODDESS, ACID. It's NWOBHM, Pittsburgh style.The self titled album comes with an 8-page booklet & includes an exclusive cover of JUDAS PRIEST's 'Ram it Down'. Though it is also offered on cassette tape the cassette version IS limited to 100 copies, but I would suggest well worth the effort in securing!
This self title debut kicks off in a fashion that can only be described as a blistering and classic style. It is obvious from the absolute beginning exactly who and what Lady Beast represent. They succeeded in providing a title track that is short, at 2 mins and 54 seconds, but straight to the point. There is no guess work for the listener at all, this is classic hard rock/heavy metal harnessed in 2013 with a slight modern twist. There is use of double kick from drummer Adam that certainly didn't exist in the 70's and 80's and the solo work from guitarist Twiz, especially, is a step up in speed from the 'good old days'.
Track after track this female fronted band provide solid performances all round and there isn't really a weak track in the pack at all. Believe me, I looked! Though if I were to be super critical of these guys I would have to say say that the vocals could have been a little more dynamic with higher highs and those killer notes you expect that make the vocalist stand apart from the music as the 'head' of the band were missing at crucial moments. Bands that I mentioned earlier in this review such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were always vocally dynamic from start to finish and are the benchmark for any band attempting to bring the genre back, albeit with a modern twist. Like I said though, “super critical”.
A couple members of LADY BEAST are also currently in other bands. Adam plays drums for OH SHIT THEY’RE GOING TO KILL US, Greg also plays bass in WRATHCOBRA and Twiz plays guitar in CAROUSEL, but Lady Beast seems to be the priority for all involved. I personally hope to see this band improve from this release and have the next offering be one that launches these guys into undisputed territory. In short, lets see if they can top this album.
RAZORWYRE "Another Dimension" (2012)
Review By Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Infernno Records
Razorwyre comes from New Zeland and they bring to us a mix of power, and speed metal mixed with some definite thrash. I had never heard them prior to this review, so I went into it not sure what I was getting.
Another Dimension is an album for me that I could take it or leave it. I am not a huge power/thrash/speed metal kind of person but am always willing to give everything a shot. Another Dimension is just something I have heard to many times. Very unoriginal. The vocals are nothing out of the ordinary and are sloppy at times only hitting a few impressive notes, which I was really hoping the album had a lot more of.
Bass on this album is the one thing that I really enjoyed, it had an overall dark tone to it and really was the highlight of this album. Overall simplistic slow-mid paced drum work. I can see a lot of potential in this band with the few highlights that the album had and I am hoping that the next time around that we can really see what they have to offer.
If you happen to be a fan of old school power/speed/thrash metal, then this might be up your ally... If you can get past the fact that it is something that has been done before too many times.
Review By Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Infernno Records
Razorwyre comes from New Zeland and they bring to us a mix of power, and speed metal mixed with some definite thrash. I had never heard them prior to this review, so I went into it not sure what I was getting.
Another Dimension is an album for me that I could take it or leave it. I am not a huge power/thrash/speed metal kind of person but am always willing to give everything a shot. Another Dimension is just something I have heard to many times. Very unoriginal. The vocals are nothing out of the ordinary and are sloppy at times only hitting a few impressive notes, which I was really hoping the album had a lot more of.
Bass on this album is the one thing that I really enjoyed, it had an overall dark tone to it and really was the highlight of this album. Overall simplistic slow-mid paced drum work. I can see a lot of potential in this band with the few highlights that the album had and I am hoping that the next time around that we can really see what they have to offer.
If you happen to be a fan of old school power/speed/thrash metal, then this might be up your ally... If you can get past the fact that it is something that has been done before too many times.
Clenched Fists “The Gift of Death” (2013)
Review By Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Clenched Fist, the Brazilian metal act who, are here with their second full length album The gift of Death out on Inferno Records. Clenched Fist support a classic old school heavy metal sound.
The guitar work is solid and definitely one of their strengths! Vocals are hard to get use to and the lyrics are hard to make out due to poor pronunciation and had to look them up in order to figure out what was being sung. Lyrics turn out to be overall simplistic but that is not saying they are bad.
Songs are short, as is this review for that very reason, and the album is just 36 minutes with 10 tracks. There are high points and low points. The gift of Death was overall a very enjoyable album, I personally just had a hard time getting past the vocals, which for other people they may enjoy it!
Give it a listen and you could be surprised with what is there. I would love to see what Clenched Fist has to offer the next time around if they just work on a few things. A band with a lot of potential.
Review By Erin Allen
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
Clenched Fist, the Brazilian metal act who, are here with their second full length album The gift of Death out on Inferno Records. Clenched Fist support a classic old school heavy metal sound.
The guitar work is solid and definitely one of their strengths! Vocals are hard to get use to and the lyrics are hard to make out due to poor pronunciation and had to look them up in order to figure out what was being sung. Lyrics turn out to be overall simplistic but that is not saying they are bad.
Songs are short, as is this review for that very reason, and the album is just 36 minutes with 10 tracks. There are high points and low points. The gift of Death was overall a very enjoyable album, I personally just had a hard time getting past the vocals, which for other people they may enjoy it!
Give it a listen and you could be surprised with what is there. I would love to see what Clenched Fist has to offer the next time around if they just work on a few things. A band with a lot of potential.
AXECUTER "Metal Is Invincible" (2013)
Review by Kimmy
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
I have to say this drummer has me hell excited from the first hit of the bass drum combined with a cymbal smash and grab,which is synonymous with old school metal, you don't hear that a lot these days, if at all. With all these new and upcoming drummers trying to be the fastest, the most complicated/ technical, its refreshing to hear that someone has captured the nostalgia of past drummers. And not just the style of playing but from the high tones of the toms and snare to his choice of cymbals. Throw all your breakdowns and blast beats out the window and prepare yourself for some pure headbanging indulgence. Listening to this album for eight hours straight I was very impressed with his timing throughout the cd. I could not fault this guy with feet nor hands, especially when he is fluctuating between the two during drum fills.
Its hard for a drummer to play fast let alone keep the beat consistent for a whole album, some even struggle with just a song, so its fair to say he puts a lot of hours into preparation. His drum rolls are smooth and solid and he utilizes all his toms, from one end of the kit to the other. And what I enjoy most about this guys drumming is it doesn't overshadow the rest of the band and his drum beats are hard and heavy, and at times fast and fierce, a great combination for a really sore or broken neck. Its adrenaline pumping at its finest, with beats reminiscent of Dave Lombardo and Nicko McBrain just to name a few.
This brings me to my favorite track off this album, track 7 'Keep On Sinning', for me its Slayer cross with Motorhead spliced with a Maiden song, I can hear all those drumming styles within the first 30 secs. The beginning is so powerful the double kick comes at you thick and fast. Before you know it a mental mosh pit has formed in your mind, the energy is enough to knock you out. To further my excitement, as I have a past in punk music, he busts out with a killer classic punk beat that gets finished by a smooth and equally intense drum roll, and he doesn't slow down from there. Then he comes out with a horse gallop, which for some is not an easy skill to acquire, but when played accurately makes way for a lot of headbanging.
Its a goddamn catchy beat no metalhead could refuse . I love the horse gallop, its fun as hell to do and sounds awesome. The cymbal crashes are great, not being overly used throughout the song which really accentuates them when they are being used. That leads me to my all time favorite part of the song. At 2:47 his double kick changes to triplets, and he uses the bell on his ride cymbal to keep time which helps it stand out, and if you listen closely he hits a few different parts of the bell which makes that part of the song really stand out. It builds intensity along with the guitars until you hit a peak and then your thrown back into the madness of the double kick.
They finish this song just as fierce as when they started, running through verse and chorus one last time but giving it a lot more emphasis at the end. It really leaves you on a high point. I definitely recommend anyone with tastes for old school metal drumming and listening give these guys the time of day.
Review by Kimmy
OUT NOW via Inferno Records
I have to say this drummer has me hell excited from the first hit of the bass drum combined with a cymbal smash and grab,which is synonymous with old school metal, you don't hear that a lot these days, if at all. With all these new and upcoming drummers trying to be the fastest, the most complicated/ technical, its refreshing to hear that someone has captured the nostalgia of past drummers. And not just the style of playing but from the high tones of the toms and snare to his choice of cymbals. Throw all your breakdowns and blast beats out the window and prepare yourself for some pure headbanging indulgence. Listening to this album for eight hours straight I was very impressed with his timing throughout the cd. I could not fault this guy with feet nor hands, especially when he is fluctuating between the two during drum fills.
Its hard for a drummer to play fast let alone keep the beat consistent for a whole album, some even struggle with just a song, so its fair to say he puts a lot of hours into preparation. His drum rolls are smooth and solid and he utilizes all his toms, from one end of the kit to the other. And what I enjoy most about this guys drumming is it doesn't overshadow the rest of the band and his drum beats are hard and heavy, and at times fast and fierce, a great combination for a really sore or broken neck. Its adrenaline pumping at its finest, with beats reminiscent of Dave Lombardo and Nicko McBrain just to name a few.
This brings me to my favorite track off this album, track 7 'Keep On Sinning', for me its Slayer cross with Motorhead spliced with a Maiden song, I can hear all those drumming styles within the first 30 secs. The beginning is so powerful the double kick comes at you thick and fast. Before you know it a mental mosh pit has formed in your mind, the energy is enough to knock you out. To further my excitement, as I have a past in punk music, he busts out with a killer classic punk beat that gets finished by a smooth and equally intense drum roll, and he doesn't slow down from there. Then he comes out with a horse gallop, which for some is not an easy skill to acquire, but when played accurately makes way for a lot of headbanging.
Its a goddamn catchy beat no metalhead could refuse . I love the horse gallop, its fun as hell to do and sounds awesome. The cymbal crashes are great, not being overly used throughout the song which really accentuates them when they are being used. That leads me to my all time favorite part of the song. At 2:47 his double kick changes to triplets, and he uses the bell on his ride cymbal to keep time which helps it stand out, and if you listen closely he hits a few different parts of the bell which makes that part of the song really stand out. It builds intensity along with the guitars until you hit a peak and then your thrown back into the madness of the double kick.
They finish this song just as fierce as when they started, running through verse and chorus one last time but giving it a lot more emphasis at the end. It really leaves you on a high point. I definitely recommend anyone with tastes for old school metal drumming and listening give these guys the time of day.
ZARTHAS 'SPIT/IGNITE' (2013)
Review by Nigel
OUT NOW via Violent Journey Records
For me personally the first track of any album will always get the most criticism as it is indeed the song that will set the mood for the rest of the album and Zarthas had me immediately hooked right away. The song 'Playing With Fire' is definitely a great way to start the album Spit/Ignite as it totally sets the mood for the rest of the album. A flame sparks, a piano starts on a catchy melody, and the story begins.
The track that would follow afterwards, 'The Thread', managed to keep my interest as the intro of the song made me feel as though the ride that is the album was about to take off, and it did indeed! I had definitely become a fan by then. The nest song, Deep, went right into the music and was definitely a good change of pace that kept me intrigued to hear more from these guys! I can always dig a good key change as well and this song delivered for me!
Following this was 'The Great Shepard of Misled Men'; it reminded me a lot of the music that I would listen to in video games that I once played when I was a kid. The nostalgic feeling it gave off made this track one of my favorites. The ballad like chorus was very beautiful and well composed! Their fifth track, Spit/Ignite was a decent track. Although not one of my favorites it had a very catchy chorus that I was able to appreciate quite a bit. 'Taxidermic Soul' for me is probably in the same boat as the previous track Spit/Ignite. It was a pretty good track but not one of my favorites.
Instructions For A Perfect Nightmare was a bit of a refresher for me as it rocked a bit harder than the previous two tracks. My full interest was brought back. I was satisfied with the introduction of the distorted vocals. I'm a fan of the guitar work as well. Although nothing too complex, the solo was just enough for me to appreciate it.
I really liked 'Burnt Shadows' right away as the tone on the keyboard emulated what sounded like a set of harmonizing harmonicas. Overall the song was well composed as well as catchy. Definitely one of my favorites. Last but certainly not least, The song Modern Day Dorian Gray was hands down my favorite. A very beautiful intro! When the full band came in I was immediately banging my head! The 7/8 time signature added quite a bit of character to it while still making it easy to rock out too.
Over all I was quite satisfied Spit/Ignite in it's entirety. If I had any complaints it would only be to hear a little more work go into the vocals as well as some more variety in the guitar work. I would give this album an B+. The chances of listening to it again is very likely for me as I have already selected a few songs that I have put in various playlists that I have created for myself. Zarthas is definitely good at the style of music they make and I will definitely go check them out if they ever come around my neck of the woods!
Review by Nigel
OUT NOW via Violent Journey Records
For me personally the first track of any album will always get the most criticism as it is indeed the song that will set the mood for the rest of the album and Zarthas had me immediately hooked right away. The song 'Playing With Fire' is definitely a great way to start the album Spit/Ignite as it totally sets the mood for the rest of the album. A flame sparks, a piano starts on a catchy melody, and the story begins.
The track that would follow afterwards, 'The Thread', managed to keep my interest as the intro of the song made me feel as though the ride that is the album was about to take off, and it did indeed! I had definitely become a fan by then. The nest song, Deep, went right into the music and was definitely a good change of pace that kept me intrigued to hear more from these guys! I can always dig a good key change as well and this song delivered for me!
Following this was 'The Great Shepard of Misled Men'; it reminded me a lot of the music that I would listen to in video games that I once played when I was a kid. The nostalgic feeling it gave off made this track one of my favorites. The ballad like chorus was very beautiful and well composed! Their fifth track, Spit/Ignite was a decent track. Although not one of my favorites it had a very catchy chorus that I was able to appreciate quite a bit. 'Taxidermic Soul' for me is probably in the same boat as the previous track Spit/Ignite. It was a pretty good track but not one of my favorites.
Instructions For A Perfect Nightmare was a bit of a refresher for me as it rocked a bit harder than the previous two tracks. My full interest was brought back. I was satisfied with the introduction of the distorted vocals. I'm a fan of the guitar work as well. Although nothing too complex, the solo was just enough for me to appreciate it.
I really liked 'Burnt Shadows' right away as the tone on the keyboard emulated what sounded like a set of harmonizing harmonicas. Overall the song was well composed as well as catchy. Definitely one of my favorites. Last but certainly not least, The song Modern Day Dorian Gray was hands down my favorite. A very beautiful intro! When the full band came in I was immediately banging my head! The 7/8 time signature added quite a bit of character to it while still making it easy to rock out too.
Over all I was quite satisfied Spit/Ignite in it's entirety. If I had any complaints it would only be to hear a little more work go into the vocals as well as some more variety in the guitar work. I would give this album an B+. The chances of listening to it again is very likely for me as I have already selected a few songs that I have put in various playlists that I have created for myself. Zarthas is definitely good at the style of music they make and I will definitely go check them out if they ever come around my neck of the woods!
FEED HER TO THE SHARKS
'Savage Seas' (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via INDEPENDENT/Outerloop Management
The Melodic Metalcore five piece from Melbourne, Australia, Feed her to the Sharks, have gathered a lot of attention from the underground fans, pleasing to a variety of tastes from their memorable and heartfelt yet contra-romantic lyrics which come out so strong in their song 'Memory of You'. This is a band that has an idealistic view on the direction of each song, they have an impressive way about transitioning from a candid riff into a breakdown with the intensity capable of making you want to move, from there they lead on to the enthusiastic clean vocal style that stood out the second it began, not to say that every song has this formula.
Formed in February 2009, the members ( Andrew Vanderzalm - Vocals / Piano / Keys, Kim Choo - Guitar / Synth / FX, Rob Davies - Bass Guitar, Marinos Katsanevas - Lead Guitar and Jan Benkwitz - Drums) have attacked their music with such brute force, bringing a beautiful melody to each song while being able to transfer to a 2-step riff and to end all the misery adding a crushing breakdown.
The band recorded their debut album, The Beauty Of Falling in their own studio while collaborating with producers Fredrik Nordstrom and Henrik Udd who mixed the debut album, they have had the pleasure to play along Asking Alexandria, Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour and August Burns Red is a perfect representation of where their main sound influence derives from, while happening through most of May 2013 FHTTS will be in support of Born Of Osiris.
The two lead tracks 'Memory Of You' and 'Buried Alive' did not take long to reach the thousands of hits on YouTube within days and have happened to land the attention of national and local metal and hardcore radio shows. Below can be found the lyric video for their track 'Memory of You'.
'Savage Seas' (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW via INDEPENDENT/Outerloop Management
The Melodic Metalcore five piece from Melbourne, Australia, Feed her to the Sharks, have gathered a lot of attention from the underground fans, pleasing to a variety of tastes from their memorable and heartfelt yet contra-romantic lyrics which come out so strong in their song 'Memory of You'. This is a band that has an idealistic view on the direction of each song, they have an impressive way about transitioning from a candid riff into a breakdown with the intensity capable of making you want to move, from there they lead on to the enthusiastic clean vocal style that stood out the second it began, not to say that every song has this formula.
Formed in February 2009, the members ( Andrew Vanderzalm - Vocals / Piano / Keys, Kim Choo - Guitar / Synth / FX, Rob Davies - Bass Guitar, Marinos Katsanevas - Lead Guitar and Jan Benkwitz - Drums) have attacked their music with such brute force, bringing a beautiful melody to each song while being able to transfer to a 2-step riff and to end all the misery adding a crushing breakdown.
The band recorded their debut album, The Beauty Of Falling in their own studio while collaborating with producers Fredrik Nordstrom and Henrik Udd who mixed the debut album, they have had the pleasure to play along Asking Alexandria, Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour and August Burns Red is a perfect representation of where their main sound influence derives from, while happening through most of May 2013 FHTTS will be in support of Born Of Osiris.
The two lead tracks 'Memory Of You' and 'Buried Alive' did not take long to reach the thousands of hits on YouTube within days and have happened to land the attention of national and local metal and hardcore radio shows. Below can be found the lyric video for their track 'Memory of You'.
THE AMENTA 'FLESH IS HEIR' (2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Listenable Records
"THE AMENTA is a fluid collective, utilizing any instrument, technique or musician to carve out hymns of decay and disgust". After forming in Sydney, Australia during 2002 this dark brotherhood instantly realized that their interests pointed more towards experimental extreme music. The Amenta was spawned and like all true extreme artists they have long been a band solely defined by its refusal to be defined and this album is a perfect example of what that represents.
I could go off on a rather large tangent describing their past releases of mayhem and darkness, from their 2002 independent release of the Mictlan EP and their first full length album, Occasus, via Listenable Records in 2004 through to 2012 when their digital E.P Chokehold was released OR I could even talk about 2005 when THE AMENTA were awarded the Best New Metal Band award by Kerrang Magazine. But really this album is quite a different part of the story again, almost a 'best of'.
Flesh Is Heir channels the finest piqued moments of each given 'Amenta album to date. It is, by far, the most dynamic and steadfastly sustained collection of tracks that The Amenta have put together building huge sculptures of sound from choir loops and found percussion, tortured screams and doom filled industrial effects. The music on this release is greatly discordant, but when somewhat of a melodic gem does pop up, it mostly sounds angry and charged while touching ever so gently on the beautiful.
Lyrically it deals with the constant war in the human psyche between the desires of obliteration and struggling and flailing about; drowning. A Dark and brooding collection that take you on a journey of intensity while simply being easier to actually listen to than any past 'Amenta release. It defies all musical trends in Australia and seemlessly perfects the art of contrast. Ugly and beautiful, organic yet electronic, lightening fast but also crushingly slow, though always dark as pitch and forever aiming to create discomfort in the listener. It certainly pushed me to my limits.
I thought the new Portal album was intense and the latest offering from Ne Obliviscaris at the end of last year artistic; but The Amenta have taken it, again, to another level. 2013 is already a ridiculously good year for Australian extreme music. Definitely not for the faint hearted and not even for the majority of the metal hordes but well worth sampling with an intent to buy.
http://www.theamenta.com/
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW via Listenable Records
"THE AMENTA is a fluid collective, utilizing any instrument, technique or musician to carve out hymns of decay and disgust". After forming in Sydney, Australia during 2002 this dark brotherhood instantly realized that their interests pointed more towards experimental extreme music. The Amenta was spawned and like all true extreme artists they have long been a band solely defined by its refusal to be defined and this album is a perfect example of what that represents.
I could go off on a rather large tangent describing their past releases of mayhem and darkness, from their 2002 independent release of the Mictlan EP and their first full length album, Occasus, via Listenable Records in 2004 through to 2012 when their digital E.P Chokehold was released OR I could even talk about 2005 when THE AMENTA were awarded the Best New Metal Band award by Kerrang Magazine. But really this album is quite a different part of the story again, almost a 'best of'.
Flesh Is Heir channels the finest piqued moments of each given 'Amenta album to date. It is, by far, the most dynamic and steadfastly sustained collection of tracks that The Amenta have put together building huge sculptures of sound from choir loops and found percussion, tortured screams and doom filled industrial effects. The music on this release is greatly discordant, but when somewhat of a melodic gem does pop up, it mostly sounds angry and charged while touching ever so gently on the beautiful.
Lyrically it deals with the constant war in the human psyche between the desires of obliteration and struggling and flailing about; drowning. A Dark and brooding collection that take you on a journey of intensity while simply being easier to actually listen to than any past 'Amenta release. It defies all musical trends in Australia and seemlessly perfects the art of contrast. Ugly and beautiful, organic yet electronic, lightening fast but also crushingly slow, though always dark as pitch and forever aiming to create discomfort in the listener. It certainly pushed me to my limits.
I thought the new Portal album was intense and the latest offering from Ne Obliviscaris at the end of last year artistic; but The Amenta have taken it, again, to another level. 2013 is already a ridiculously good year for Australian extreme music. Definitely not for the faint hearted and not even for the majority of the metal hordes but well worth sampling with an intent to buy.
http://www.theamenta.com/
DETHRONED EMPEROR EP
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - QUATERPIPE RECORDS
DETHRONED EMPEROR is a 4 track EP by Snake-Sixx productions and, though dedicated in loving memory to, is a tribute to not only the legend himself Chuck Schuldiner but all that come before in the upper hemisphere of heavy ass metal and YES it, as the name suggests, lends its name from the CELTIC FROST track 'Dethroned Emperor'; Which also appears on this release as the opening song.
This title track, 'Dethroned Emperor', is proudly brought to you by original RIFFMASTER Rick Rozz (MASSACRE, ex-DEATH on guitar), Steve Priestly (original Celtic Frost 'Morbid Tales' Drummer), Leif Gregory on shredding guitar, James from Damaged/Terrorust and Adz from Alchemist/The Levitation Hex on 'twin vocal attack and Zoran from Killrazer and Assaulter on bass. Recorded over 3 continents in 3 months this, the brainchild of Gregory, is described as original drummer Steve Priestly's "ULTIMATE" version ever of the classic and that the track was the heaviest version in history of this legendary song and I am inclined to agree. This track is stuff metal legends are made of!
Originally it was supposed to be the bonus track on Leif's 'RIFF' album as all of the tracks on the album are Aussie classics and this intended to be a bonus of, as Leif describes it, “heaviest riffage from all over the planet, come together as one, on one of the heaviest riff heavy songs in metal history...with Steve and the extra lil 'icing on the cake' ending I created...the middle riff (from the track) 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'...tuned down to 'A' with Rick Rozz 'Leprosy' style Armageddon dive bombs as it fades out leaving the listener hopefully blasted into next year...BUT Dethroned came out so good, I decided to get my other unreleased best tracks i had done with some legendary ppl and make it an EP of its own “ and that he did.
The list of 'players' on this EP is extremely impressive with such international names as original CELTIC FROST drummer Steve Priestly, Henry Rollins, Michelle Madden (TOURETTES), Marc Grewe (MORGOTH) and last but surely not least Rick Rozz of MASSACRE and M.INC fame and who also appeared on pioneering metallers DEATH's album 'Leprosy'. Add to that also that there are a number of Australian metal scene stalwarts appearing on this Ep. Vocals via Adam Aguis (LEVITATION HEX)and James Ludbrook (DAMAGED, TERRORUST), guitar courtesy of the man Snake-Sixx (Gregory) himself and bass duty was more than covered by Zoran Mracic (DARK ORDER, DEVINE ELECTRIC, KILLRAZER). It really seems, at the surface and beyond, that this release is a “who's who” of metal pioneers in general.
Other songs to appear on this ep are all quite familiar and somewhat cornerstone metal classics such as a brilliant and love inspired Michelle Madden version of MARILYN MANSON's 'Tourniquet' for instance. It is definitely one of my all time fave MANSON tracks and was an awesome surprise for me at track 3, kudos and the final track on the EP is entitled 'The Konspiracy Theory'. It is slow and driving, which is certainly a reoccurring theme throughout this ep, and with just enough Henry Rollins to keep you interested to the album fade and with a track length of a sniff over 7mins that is no easy feat.
This EP is available in many places and I suggest you allow it to make its way into your collection. It is brash, it is bold, it is a definite beast, and in my humble opinion it is also brilliant in its' concept.
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - QUATERPIPE RECORDS
DETHRONED EMPEROR is a 4 track EP by Snake-Sixx productions and, though dedicated in loving memory to, is a tribute to not only the legend himself Chuck Schuldiner but all that come before in the upper hemisphere of heavy ass metal and YES it, as the name suggests, lends its name from the CELTIC FROST track 'Dethroned Emperor'; Which also appears on this release as the opening song.
This title track, 'Dethroned Emperor', is proudly brought to you by original RIFFMASTER Rick Rozz (MASSACRE, ex-DEATH on guitar), Steve Priestly (original Celtic Frost 'Morbid Tales' Drummer), Leif Gregory on shredding guitar, James from Damaged/Terrorust and Adz from Alchemist/The Levitation Hex on 'twin vocal attack and Zoran from Killrazer and Assaulter on bass. Recorded over 3 continents in 3 months this, the brainchild of Gregory, is described as original drummer Steve Priestly's "ULTIMATE" version ever of the classic and that the track was the heaviest version in history of this legendary song and I am inclined to agree. This track is stuff metal legends are made of!
Originally it was supposed to be the bonus track on Leif's 'RIFF' album as all of the tracks on the album are Aussie classics and this intended to be a bonus of, as Leif describes it, “heaviest riffage from all over the planet, come together as one, on one of the heaviest riff heavy songs in metal history...with Steve and the extra lil 'icing on the cake' ending I created...the middle riff (from the track) 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'...tuned down to 'A' with Rick Rozz 'Leprosy' style Armageddon dive bombs as it fades out leaving the listener hopefully blasted into next year...BUT Dethroned came out so good, I decided to get my other unreleased best tracks i had done with some legendary ppl and make it an EP of its own “ and that he did.
The list of 'players' on this EP is extremely impressive with such international names as original CELTIC FROST drummer Steve Priestly, Henry Rollins, Michelle Madden (TOURETTES), Marc Grewe (MORGOTH) and last but surely not least Rick Rozz of MASSACRE and M.INC fame and who also appeared on pioneering metallers DEATH's album 'Leprosy'. Add to that also that there are a number of Australian metal scene stalwarts appearing on this Ep. Vocals via Adam Aguis (LEVITATION HEX)and James Ludbrook (DAMAGED, TERRORUST), guitar courtesy of the man Snake-Sixx (Gregory) himself and bass duty was more than covered by Zoran Mracic (DARK ORDER, DEVINE ELECTRIC, KILLRAZER). It really seems, at the surface and beyond, that this release is a “who's who” of metal pioneers in general.
Other songs to appear on this ep are all quite familiar and somewhat cornerstone metal classics such as a brilliant and love inspired Michelle Madden version of MARILYN MANSON's 'Tourniquet' for instance. It is definitely one of my all time fave MANSON tracks and was an awesome surprise for me at track 3, kudos and the final track on the EP is entitled 'The Konspiracy Theory'. It is slow and driving, which is certainly a reoccurring theme throughout this ep, and with just enough Henry Rollins to keep you interested to the album fade and with a track length of a sniff over 7mins that is no easy feat.
This EP is available in many places and I suggest you allow it to make its way into your collection. It is brash, it is bold, it is a definite beast, and in my humble opinion it is also brilliant in its' concept.
UNHOPED 'NUCLEAR DEATH' (2013)
Review by MUNKY
OUT MAY 24th 2013 via VIOLENT JOURNEY RECORDS
Unhoped is a Finnish Death/Thrash band, which was formed in 2007. The first incarnation of this band consisted of K. Laanto and A. Paasu playing guitar, M. Huisko playing drums, S. Parviainen playing bass and L. Viertola singing. The end result was their first EP First Blood which was very well received amongst some leading music critics, but this band seemingly disappeared from the radar. 2010 saw the re emergence of Unhoped and they started to record their 1st full-length album Die Harder and during the recording sessions changed singer from L. Viertola to J. Luostarinen and the record was released in late 2011. They decided to release the album as self-financed even though they had distribution offers from larger distributing chain. This decision turned out to be perfect; they made 7th place in the Finnish Metal Awards in the category of “Demo/Self-Financed” resulting in the decision to record this EP Nuclear Death which contains five tough tracks and is subject of this review.
Unhoped is crushing with their brand of fast and brutal extreme thrash. They use many differing ingredients in speed and mid-paced technique dynamics to create musical monoliths that bring to mind aspects of Kreator and Slayer. The similarities to the 'old style' of these bands is quite a different aspect to Finnish metal and is usually reserved for bands from say Sarajevo or some other 'war torn' country and has a certain grit to it. Less production is certainly MORE in these cases and Uhoped have hit the nail on the head on this occasion whilst still being able to capture some pretty big sounds.
Simply put I want others to jump on the band wagon as I am doing. They remind me of a simpler time, a time of bands like the aforementioned Kreator, Slayer and even SEPULTURA with Max Cavalera, leather jackets, big hair, and 90's European teenage years. It is metal for those that enjoy Death Metal, Thrash Metal or and those that dig a bit of melody with their heavy metal. It is a showcase of the bands skill, blood, sweat and metal; the album will be released worldwide on May 24th 2013 by Violent Journey Records. We will be sure to let you know.
Here's a sample of their work to wet your appetite, from their 2011 full length album Die Harder it is 'Tidal Wave'
Review by MUNKY
OUT MAY 24th 2013 via VIOLENT JOURNEY RECORDS
Unhoped is a Finnish Death/Thrash band, which was formed in 2007. The first incarnation of this band consisted of K. Laanto and A. Paasu playing guitar, M. Huisko playing drums, S. Parviainen playing bass and L. Viertola singing. The end result was their first EP First Blood which was very well received amongst some leading music critics, but this band seemingly disappeared from the radar. 2010 saw the re emergence of Unhoped and they started to record their 1st full-length album Die Harder and during the recording sessions changed singer from L. Viertola to J. Luostarinen and the record was released in late 2011. They decided to release the album as self-financed even though they had distribution offers from larger distributing chain. This decision turned out to be perfect; they made 7th place in the Finnish Metal Awards in the category of “Demo/Self-Financed” resulting in the decision to record this EP Nuclear Death which contains five tough tracks and is subject of this review.
Unhoped is crushing with their brand of fast and brutal extreme thrash. They use many differing ingredients in speed and mid-paced technique dynamics to create musical monoliths that bring to mind aspects of Kreator and Slayer. The similarities to the 'old style' of these bands is quite a different aspect to Finnish metal and is usually reserved for bands from say Sarajevo or some other 'war torn' country and has a certain grit to it. Less production is certainly MORE in these cases and Uhoped have hit the nail on the head on this occasion whilst still being able to capture some pretty big sounds.
Simply put I want others to jump on the band wagon as I am doing. They remind me of a simpler time, a time of bands like the aforementioned Kreator, Slayer and even SEPULTURA with Max Cavalera, leather jackets, big hair, and 90's European teenage years. It is metal for those that enjoy Death Metal, Thrash Metal or and those that dig a bit of melody with their heavy metal. It is a showcase of the bands skill, blood, sweat and metal; the album will be released worldwide on May 24th 2013 by Violent Journey Records. We will be sure to let you know.
Here's a sample of their work to wet your appetite, from their 2011 full length album Die Harder it is 'Tidal Wave'
SOLUS DEUS (EP)
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Rocky Gray (EVANESCENCE, LIVING SACRIFICE, WE ARE THE FALLEN), Austin D'Amond (CHIMAIRA, BLEED THE SKY, THE ELITE) and Wayne Miller (BLEED THE SKY) have joined their collective forces in a new project called SOLUS DEUS, a death/djent outfit with some absolutely brutal grooves which is in fact self described by the band simply as THUG METAL. A thought provokingly interesting sub genre title but most definitely in the same vein as bands like Whitechapel, Emmure, Impending Doom, Meshuggah and Suicide Silence.
This EP begins with the sound of Austin's drums banging out for a few seconds to allow your brain to attempt to calculate the sound of this band, though in fact I'm pretty sure 90% of first time listeners couldn't possibly foresee the coming events of this ep. Thug Metal indeed as the chugging riffs of disease creep into your lungs before a mixture of blast beats, crashing cymbal and drum rolls force you take stock and attempt to breathe. Vocalist Jey does his absolute best to continue the brutality with his obscene lower register, growls reminiscent of 'Corpsegrinder' (Cannibal Corpse), which you could be forgiven in thinking was all that was in his repertoire before his pitch shrill succeeds in adding to the overall sound.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this ep, then, would follow a pretty simple chug, growl, breakdown, shriek, repeat formula but this release is one that will keep you guessing until the absolute final moments. The guitar work for example provides some fantastic moments of contrast with some, at times, very thrashy riffs, guitar solos of equal amounts of melody and ferocity as well as generating some pretty mosh heavy sections throughout. The drumming style that we have come to know from Austin D'Amond (Chimaira, Bleed The Sky) transfers very well into this heavier style, he is what I would consider rather "experimental" with his use of cymbal work and fills along with his standard speed/breaks/rolls and with this heavier direction this seems to stand out as a feature of the music; but even vocalist Jey at times can be heard using varying techniques such as pig squeals during some songs along with his guttural growling technique and strong vocal patterns.
The "keeps you guessing" component of this album culminates with an absolute KILLER of a final track entitled 'Better left unsaid'. It is an acoustic song with some extremely haunting vocal patterns as drummer Austin D'Amond actually sings AND plays guitar. That track is his baby and is near and dear to him, it's also the first time he has been the feature vocalist on any track anywhere. It is an absolute treat for your eargina and finishes this ep off in fine style. It was greatly unexpected but by this reviewer it was greatly received.
This band, Solus Deus is set to release a full length in the very near future, as they are looking for a label to release, and i strongly suggest you check it out. If this ep is anything to go by then the up coming studio album is going to be something special and full to the brim with surprises.
The band's debut EP containing the tracks 'Odium', 'Voveo Vovi Votum', 'Vindico' and 'Better Left Unsaid' — is available for free at ReverbNation and was the subject of this review. A taste of SOLUS DEUS' forthcoming full-length debut, The Bloodtrail, which was produced by Ben Schigel (CHIMAIRA, DROWNING POOL, INTEGRITY) at Spider Studios is Cleveland, Ohio can be found below this article
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Rocky Gray (EVANESCENCE, LIVING SACRIFICE, WE ARE THE FALLEN), Austin D'Amond (CHIMAIRA, BLEED THE SKY, THE ELITE) and Wayne Miller (BLEED THE SKY) have joined their collective forces in a new project called SOLUS DEUS, a death/djent outfit with some absolutely brutal grooves which is in fact self described by the band simply as THUG METAL. A thought provokingly interesting sub genre title but most definitely in the same vein as bands like Whitechapel, Emmure, Impending Doom, Meshuggah and Suicide Silence.
This EP begins with the sound of Austin's drums banging out for a few seconds to allow your brain to attempt to calculate the sound of this band, though in fact I'm pretty sure 90% of first time listeners couldn't possibly foresee the coming events of this ep. Thug Metal indeed as the chugging riffs of disease creep into your lungs before a mixture of blast beats, crashing cymbal and drum rolls force you take stock and attempt to breathe. Vocalist Jey does his absolute best to continue the brutality with his obscene lower register, growls reminiscent of 'Corpsegrinder' (Cannibal Corpse), which you could be forgiven in thinking was all that was in his repertoire before his pitch shrill succeeds in adding to the overall sound.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this ep, then, would follow a pretty simple chug, growl, breakdown, shriek, repeat formula but this release is one that will keep you guessing until the absolute final moments. The guitar work for example provides some fantastic moments of contrast with some, at times, very thrashy riffs, guitar solos of equal amounts of melody and ferocity as well as generating some pretty mosh heavy sections throughout. The drumming style that we have come to know from Austin D'Amond (Chimaira, Bleed The Sky) transfers very well into this heavier style, he is what I would consider rather "experimental" with his use of cymbal work and fills along with his standard speed/breaks/rolls and with this heavier direction this seems to stand out as a feature of the music; but even vocalist Jey at times can be heard using varying techniques such as pig squeals during some songs along with his guttural growling technique and strong vocal patterns.
The "keeps you guessing" component of this album culminates with an absolute KILLER of a final track entitled 'Better left unsaid'. It is an acoustic song with some extremely haunting vocal patterns as drummer Austin D'Amond actually sings AND plays guitar. That track is his baby and is near and dear to him, it's also the first time he has been the feature vocalist on any track anywhere. It is an absolute treat for your eargina and finishes this ep off in fine style. It was greatly unexpected but by this reviewer it was greatly received.
This band, Solus Deus is set to release a full length in the very near future, as they are looking for a label to release, and i strongly suggest you check it out. If this ep is anything to go by then the up coming studio album is going to be something special and full to the brim with surprises.
The band's debut EP containing the tracks 'Odium', 'Voveo Vovi Votum', 'Vindico' and 'Better Left Unsaid' — is available for free at ReverbNation and was the subject of this review. A taste of SOLUS DEUS' forthcoming full-length debut, The Bloodtrail, which was produced by Ben Schigel (CHIMAIRA, DROWNING POOL, INTEGRITY) at Spider Studios is Cleveland, Ohio can be found below this article
ARATIC "To The Early Grave" (2013)
Review by Ulysses
OUT NOW - VIOLENT JOURNEY RECORDS
To The Early Grave is the debut album from this thrash band from Pori. The album is filled with aggressive and in your face thrash metal. The heavy riffs backed by the pounding of the drums and the thumping of the bass with the ultimate heavy Bay area thrash sounding voice. Aratic brings back that crunchy and raw sound from the 80’s thrash scene that everyone has been searching for.
The first track 'Residents of Evil' will have you head banging where ever the hell you are at, on a bus, chair, car, or even during work. The vocals of Henri Virolainen has that heavy thrash voice that just helps bring the band together. With him on guitars and vocals with the second axeman Teemu Täckman brings the riffs alive with the twin riffs and the harmonies that kick you in the face. The album is full of amazing thrash with some very good musicians playing some VERY good music.
These guys constructed the songs amazingly; very creative with a lot of very head banging bridges and some breakdowns that were nice. I personally love the 4th track ''Ninth Gate' with the way the drummer, Mika Uusivirta, slowly brought in his drums it quickly caught my attention and also the riffs in this track are just something else; you can love it the very first time you hear it.
Overall the album is amazing and will be in my music library for a long time, definitely a album I would recommend to a metal head. Support the band and buy their album Aratic, Support the band, Support the scene. Metal will never die and this band will soon help carry on the thrash metal legacy in this world of metal. We live in a metal earth, this band will have success in the upcoming years. Wish them luck on their journey, its hard out there but they have the talent.
Review by Ulysses
OUT NOW - VIOLENT JOURNEY RECORDS
To The Early Grave is the debut album from this thrash band from Pori. The album is filled with aggressive and in your face thrash metal. The heavy riffs backed by the pounding of the drums and the thumping of the bass with the ultimate heavy Bay area thrash sounding voice. Aratic brings back that crunchy and raw sound from the 80’s thrash scene that everyone has been searching for.
The first track 'Residents of Evil' will have you head banging where ever the hell you are at, on a bus, chair, car, or even during work. The vocals of Henri Virolainen has that heavy thrash voice that just helps bring the band together. With him on guitars and vocals with the second axeman Teemu Täckman brings the riffs alive with the twin riffs and the harmonies that kick you in the face. The album is full of amazing thrash with some very good musicians playing some VERY good music.
These guys constructed the songs amazingly; very creative with a lot of very head banging bridges and some breakdowns that were nice. I personally love the 4th track ''Ninth Gate' with the way the drummer, Mika Uusivirta, slowly brought in his drums it quickly caught my attention and also the riffs in this track are just something else; you can love it the very first time you hear it.
Overall the album is amazing and will be in my music library for a long time, definitely a album I would recommend to a metal head. Support the band and buy their album Aratic, Support the band, Support the scene. Metal will never die and this band will soon help carry on the thrash metal legacy in this world of metal. We live in a metal earth, this band will have success in the upcoming years. Wish them luck on their journey, its hard out there but they have the talent.
Subscale "The Last Submission" (2013)
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW - GEENGER RECORDS
Started as a home project from a collection of riffs by Jay, Subscale's foundation was formed after he was joined by Mario Tomašković as the second guitarist and songwriter in the summer of 2010. Also joined by Hrvoje Knežević as the third and final guitarist and songwriter. Subscale parted ways with Hrvoje and was joined by Igor Čeranić as the main "samplerist" and Karlo Horvat on vocals. The EP Fictional Constructs was released in September 2012. Currently the band is preparing for upcoming live performances as the debut album The Last Submission has been released via Geenger Records in March 2013. Which in fact brings me to my review....
What makes Subscale unique to their genre in today's sea of metal bands?
The marvel of this collective is in the fact that they can tune their guitars low, add atmospheric instrumentals, hitting those grooves and being able not to box themselves in a specific genre and not being afraid to mix different aspects such as Nu-metal, Industrial, Thrash, Hardcore and Electro into their songs transferring from a breakdown to flipping the script and adding clean vocals. It really is a treat to a first time listener as i was.
The album isn't all chaos and madness though, and in fact, there are moments of clarity where you can really get a sense of passion behind very snare hit, every guitar and bass string strummed and each and every lyric heard. The electronic breaks gives a surreal transcendence into the next sequence of riffs and screams almost guaranteed to make you want to start a mosh pit in your living room.
What really stands out in this album for me is the capability of their musicianship, being able to balance those tricky melodic riffs and heart pounding parts, you can really get the feel and the groove of bands such as Lamb of god or Pantera to cleanly going to a very melodic guitar riff heard in In Flames and Strapping Young Lad.
Altogether this album is one to remember and will stick with you, it did with me.
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW - GEENGER RECORDS
Started as a home project from a collection of riffs by Jay, Subscale's foundation was formed after he was joined by Mario Tomašković as the second guitarist and songwriter in the summer of 2010. Also joined by Hrvoje Knežević as the third and final guitarist and songwriter. Subscale parted ways with Hrvoje and was joined by Igor Čeranić as the main "samplerist" and Karlo Horvat on vocals. The EP Fictional Constructs was released in September 2012. Currently the band is preparing for upcoming live performances as the debut album The Last Submission has been released via Geenger Records in March 2013. Which in fact brings me to my review....
What makes Subscale unique to their genre in today's sea of metal bands?
The marvel of this collective is in the fact that they can tune their guitars low, add atmospheric instrumentals, hitting those grooves and being able not to box themselves in a specific genre and not being afraid to mix different aspects such as Nu-metal, Industrial, Thrash, Hardcore and Electro into their songs transferring from a breakdown to flipping the script and adding clean vocals. It really is a treat to a first time listener as i was.
The album isn't all chaos and madness though, and in fact, there are moments of clarity where you can really get a sense of passion behind very snare hit, every guitar and bass string strummed and each and every lyric heard. The electronic breaks gives a surreal transcendence into the next sequence of riffs and screams almost guaranteed to make you want to start a mosh pit in your living room.
What really stands out in this album for me is the capability of their musicianship, being able to balance those tricky melodic riffs and heart pounding parts, you can really get the feel and the groove of bands such as Lamb of god or Pantera to cleanly going to a very melodic guitar riff heard in In Flames and Strapping Young Lad.
Altogether this album is one to remember and will stick with you, it did with me.
Down Royale 'Proving Ground' (EP) By: Nigel L. Johnson
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
The biggest challenge that a band will have when they first start is trying to make a name for themselves, as time goes on it’s become seemingly harder to stand out and be original. Sometimes bands will be so focused on trying to sound different that they forget to just write what they like to hear. Proving Ground was definitely a great way for the band Down Royale to introduce themselves into the music scene. A very fitting title for their debut EP as they definitely played tough, as though they had something to prove!
From the start of the very first track, 'Transcendence', I was immediately drawn in and wanted to hear more! Their follow up track, Thy 'Enemy' (my personal favorite of the whole EP) kept the momentum going with heavy riffs and some pretty sick technical grooves. I actually listened to it twice through before moving on to the rest of the music. 'Make You Bleed' pretty much picks up where 'Thy Enemy' left off and continues with the heavy riffs and grooves that make people want to headbang and mosh out. I began to lose interest a little bit by the the time I got to the fourth track Proving Ground. Although a great track none the less it seemed to follow the same formula as the last two songs and I felt a need for a little bit of variety.
'Reprieve' was the variety I was looking for. This is the track that stood out the most in my opinion as it brought back my interest. The main groove of the entire song was a good change of pace and although it was the least heavy of all of the tracks it still kept my horns up and my head banging. The song 'Nothing Left' came in really heavy with lots of energy and was a great way to end the EP. Overall I thought these guys were really good and the mixing job was slightly above par but could've been better in my opinion.
If Down Royale ever came through my part of town I would definitely go check them out! As I said earlier sometimes bands focus too much on trying to sound different that they forget what metal is really all about. The spirit. If your music has no spirit then what do you have? Down Royale definitely has the spirit in their music and I see them as only getting better!
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
The biggest challenge that a band will have when they first start is trying to make a name for themselves, as time goes on it’s become seemingly harder to stand out and be original. Sometimes bands will be so focused on trying to sound different that they forget to just write what they like to hear. Proving Ground was definitely a great way for the band Down Royale to introduce themselves into the music scene. A very fitting title for their debut EP as they definitely played tough, as though they had something to prove!
From the start of the very first track, 'Transcendence', I was immediately drawn in and wanted to hear more! Their follow up track, Thy 'Enemy' (my personal favorite of the whole EP) kept the momentum going with heavy riffs and some pretty sick technical grooves. I actually listened to it twice through before moving on to the rest of the music. 'Make You Bleed' pretty much picks up where 'Thy Enemy' left off and continues with the heavy riffs and grooves that make people want to headbang and mosh out. I began to lose interest a little bit by the the time I got to the fourth track Proving Ground. Although a great track none the less it seemed to follow the same formula as the last two songs and I felt a need for a little bit of variety.
'Reprieve' was the variety I was looking for. This is the track that stood out the most in my opinion as it brought back my interest. The main groove of the entire song was a good change of pace and although it was the least heavy of all of the tracks it still kept my horns up and my head banging. The song 'Nothing Left' came in really heavy with lots of energy and was a great way to end the EP. Overall I thought these guys were really good and the mixing job was slightly above par but could've been better in my opinion.
If Down Royale ever came through my part of town I would definitely go check them out! As I said earlier sometimes bands focus too much on trying to sound different that they forget what metal is really all about. The spirit. If your music has no spirit then what do you have? Down Royale definitely has the spirit in their music and I see them as only getting better!
KYZER SOZE 4 TRACK EP
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Kyzer Soze, name derived from the legendary mastermind criminal oF The Usual Suspects is a 5 piece Death Metal band (Dan Petley - Lead Vocals, Alex Cabrera - Guitar/Vocals, Tyler Welykitscholowik - Guitar/Vocals, Matt Dunstan - Bass/Vocals, Dan Roine - Drums) from Brisbane, Australia who can deliver a very heavy and dynamic combination of Dan's approach to drumming, unforgiving riffs of both Alex and Tyler along side the demonic vocal style and pissed off lyrics of Dan only to be pushed further by the back-up vocals of Alex, Tyler and Matt.
The EP takes no time to start, no filler, no intro and definitely no bullshit, immediately encircling you in the monstrous riff patterns adding a great influence of Death metal while having a touch of Thrash from Dan and the variation of vocal techniques makes these 4 songs an explosion of Thrash, Death and Black Metal, bringing forth the finest points and smashing them into 4 songs, this is certainly a guarantee of what's to come from these Aussies from their upcoming Album.
The 5 piece plans on jumping Into the studio July 19th at CORE Studios with Nik Carpenter (Lynchmada, Aversions Crown, Rome) along side Jacob Hansen (Aborted, Dyscarnate, Trigger the Bloodshed) to mix & master the debut album from Hansen Studios in Denmark, it has all the ingredients for a masterful debut. KYZER SOZE had this to say regarding the upcoming album: "After the last 2 months of hard work, the writing process is 90% finished. As it stands, half the material on the album will be brand new, unheard material. We've written some stuff that's different to what we normally do, darker, slower. We've done 1 new song that pushes the speed of anything we've done before. But we feel all these songs sound uniquely Kyzer & we can't wait to unleash these beasts."
Here's a sneak peak at the new material......... 'Slaves to a dead God'
Review by Chuy
OUT NOW - INDEPENDENT
Kyzer Soze, name derived from the legendary mastermind criminal oF The Usual Suspects is a 5 piece Death Metal band (Dan Petley - Lead Vocals, Alex Cabrera - Guitar/Vocals, Tyler Welykitscholowik - Guitar/Vocals, Matt Dunstan - Bass/Vocals, Dan Roine - Drums) from Brisbane, Australia who can deliver a very heavy and dynamic combination of Dan's approach to drumming, unforgiving riffs of both Alex and Tyler along side the demonic vocal style and pissed off lyrics of Dan only to be pushed further by the back-up vocals of Alex, Tyler and Matt.
The EP takes no time to start, no filler, no intro and definitely no bullshit, immediately encircling you in the monstrous riff patterns adding a great influence of Death metal while having a touch of Thrash from Dan and the variation of vocal techniques makes these 4 songs an explosion of Thrash, Death and Black Metal, bringing forth the finest points and smashing them into 4 songs, this is certainly a guarantee of what's to come from these Aussies from their upcoming Album.
The 5 piece plans on jumping Into the studio July 19th at CORE Studios with Nik Carpenter (Lynchmada, Aversions Crown, Rome) along side Jacob Hansen (Aborted, Dyscarnate, Trigger the Bloodshed) to mix & master the debut album from Hansen Studios in Denmark, it has all the ingredients for a masterful debut. KYZER SOZE had this to say regarding the upcoming album: "After the last 2 months of hard work, the writing process is 90% finished. As it stands, half the material on the album will be brand new, unheard material. We've written some stuff that's different to what we normally do, darker, slower. We've done 1 new song that pushes the speed of anything we've done before. But we feel all these songs sound uniquely Kyzer & we can't wait to unleash these beasts."
Here's a sneak peak at the new material......... 'Slaves to a dead God'
Handsome Bastards lyric video
Reviewed by Chuy
FOR FANS OF: Converge, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Acacia Strain, Slayer, Poison the Well, The Misfits, Blood for Blood, Ramallah, American Nightmare, and Elvis
I have big anticipations for this band after listening and watching this video, not only are the lyrics aspiring but the attitude the guys have towards music and their goals as a band, they clearly show great appreciation for their music and the new direction they are taking; after they recently announced that Adam (Former drummer) the band separating ways. They didn't hesitate to introduce Evan Briggs as their new drummer and vocalist Cameron Connor, to where they Re-released Broken in this video.
Containing lyrics such as "I built this all on my own, I built this body and this home" and "You are fucking dead to me" this track has more of a message than you first perceive and it makes you want to listen to it again and again while getting a better understanding of their message each time. As the "lyric video" may seem a trendy thing to do it does has a mild purpose, they give the bands more room for imagination while giving the atists who make them another project, in this situation it happened to be the bassist Pete Walsh and mixed by Bandon Falleti in under one week and for people like me (and most) are visual and read the lyrics while listening to songs, it makes it that much easier to multitask.
Reviewed by Chuy
FOR FANS OF: Converge, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Acacia Strain, Slayer, Poison the Well, The Misfits, Blood for Blood, Ramallah, American Nightmare, and Elvis
I have big anticipations for this band after listening and watching this video, not only are the lyrics aspiring but the attitude the guys have towards music and their goals as a band, they clearly show great appreciation for their music and the new direction they are taking; after they recently announced that Adam (Former drummer) the band separating ways. They didn't hesitate to introduce Evan Briggs as their new drummer and vocalist Cameron Connor, to where they Re-released Broken in this video.
Containing lyrics such as "I built this all on my own, I built this body and this home" and "You are fucking dead to me" this track has more of a message than you first perceive and it makes you want to listen to it again and again while getting a better understanding of their message each time. As the "lyric video" may seem a trendy thing to do it does has a mild purpose, they give the bands more room for imagination while giving the atists who make them another project, in this situation it happened to be the bassist Pete Walsh and mixed by Bandon Falleti in under one week and for people like me (and most) are visual and read the lyrics while listening to songs, it makes it that much easier to multitask.
Roadrunner 2012 Summer Sampler
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - ROADRUNNER RECORDS
The 2012 Summer Sampler, avail via roadrunner records, is a taste bud wetting compilation of 12 roadrunner releases over the 2012 summer period. Another thing to note is these bands ALSO appeared at the Soundwave Festival during Feb/Mar of 2012 and for those fans “stage 4” took a front seat on this release.
The sampler begins like a shot from hell with the new Lamb of God track 'GHOST WALKING'. A somewhat technical acoustic grooved beginning lulls you into a false sense of security before, only a few bars in, abruptly sandblasting your face as it transitions perfectly into the signature L.O.G heavy, distorted guitar and obliteration looking divine courtesy of a brilliant and guttural performance from Blythe. The bar is set high and the following tracks don’t fail to deliver with machine head-be still and know and trivium’s 'built to fall'.
Mastodon’s 'black tongue' hails in the middle section of the album with their own brand of rock/metal. The seemingly 70’s inspired track comes from their greatly anticipated 5th studio album THE HUNTER. As you ease back into your seat with the Sabbath vibe that Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher give you poetic storytelling ensues with lines from sanders such as “I burned out my eyes/I cut off my tongue/I sealed them with all of the silver/and now I have none”. Drum rolls a plenty and a well-kept bass, via Troy Sanders, ensure this song doesn’t let up. Climaxing with a perfectly timed dual guitar solo in which it is quite difficult to decipher who is playing what.
Another track from Alter Bridge that has HIT written all over it is next in 'Isolation' followed by a STAIND wanting to remind us what they were all about in the 90’s with 'not again', kids in glass houses-gold blood showing us that roadrunner isn’t purely a metal label and royal republic with 'full steam space machine' rounding out the 5, 6, 7, 8 slots.
The return of nu-metal’s COAL CHAMBER is also the beginning of the final run home for this compilation and they bring us not LOCO or BIG TRUCK but SWAY. First released in 1997 this track passes the test of time and proves that coal chamber has still a place in at least 1 fan’s heart. The reuniting theme continues to the next track with times of grace and their offering, from the debut album the hymn of a broken man, 'STRENGTH IN NUMBERS' and I’m sure Killswitch Engage fans rejoice in the knowledge the uniting of Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz, but keep in mind this is a new direction for the pair. A very good direction at that! As melodic as it is heavy, lyrically mature and filled with soul it keeps this album in check.
Hatebreed offer us 'Become the Fuse', a track showcasing the work of new guitarists Wayne Lozinak and Frank Novinec and to round out the album I expected frantic guitar and harsh vocals and received Underoath - Indivision instead.
Overall I was greatly impressed with this albums diversity and ability to convey each band’s range with 1 song, even if it IS just advertising, and a great mix of the old and new. Go get your hands on it. NOW!!
Review by MUNKY
OUT NOW - ROADRUNNER RECORDS
The 2012 Summer Sampler, avail via roadrunner records, is a taste bud wetting compilation of 12 roadrunner releases over the 2012 summer period. Another thing to note is these bands ALSO appeared at the Soundwave Festival during Feb/Mar of 2012 and for those fans “stage 4” took a front seat on this release.
The sampler begins like a shot from hell with the new Lamb of God track 'GHOST WALKING'. A somewhat technical acoustic grooved beginning lulls you into a false sense of security before, only a few bars in, abruptly sandblasting your face as it transitions perfectly into the signature L.O.G heavy, distorted guitar and obliteration looking divine courtesy of a brilliant and guttural performance from Blythe. The bar is set high and the following tracks don’t fail to deliver with machine head-be still and know and trivium’s 'built to fall'.
Mastodon’s 'black tongue' hails in the middle section of the album with their own brand of rock/metal. The seemingly 70’s inspired track comes from their greatly anticipated 5th studio album THE HUNTER. As you ease back into your seat with the Sabbath vibe that Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher give you poetic storytelling ensues with lines from sanders such as “I burned out my eyes/I cut off my tongue/I sealed them with all of the silver/and now I have none”. Drum rolls a plenty and a well-kept bass, via Troy Sanders, ensure this song doesn’t let up. Climaxing with a perfectly timed dual guitar solo in which it is quite difficult to decipher who is playing what.
Another track from Alter Bridge that has HIT written all over it is next in 'Isolation' followed by a STAIND wanting to remind us what they were all about in the 90’s with 'not again', kids in glass houses-gold blood showing us that roadrunner isn’t purely a metal label and royal republic with 'full steam space machine' rounding out the 5, 6, 7, 8 slots.
The return of nu-metal’s COAL CHAMBER is also the beginning of the final run home for this compilation and they bring us not LOCO or BIG TRUCK but SWAY. First released in 1997 this track passes the test of time and proves that coal chamber has still a place in at least 1 fan’s heart. The reuniting theme continues to the next track with times of grace and their offering, from the debut album the hymn of a broken man, 'STRENGTH IN NUMBERS' and I’m sure Killswitch Engage fans rejoice in the knowledge the uniting of Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz, but keep in mind this is a new direction for the pair. A very good direction at that! As melodic as it is heavy, lyrically mature and filled with soul it keeps this album in check.
Hatebreed offer us 'Become the Fuse', a track showcasing the work of new guitarists Wayne Lozinak and Frank Novinec and to round out the album I expected frantic guitar and harsh vocals and received Underoath - Indivision instead.
Overall I was greatly impressed with this albums diversity and ability to convey each band’s range with 1 song, even if it IS just advertising, and a great mix of the old and new. Go get your hands on it. NOW!!