| MUSIC REVIEWS (August 2008) |
ALGHAZANTH - WREATH OF THEVETAT
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
Emerging from the darkness back in 1995 comes the Black metal entity know as
ALGHAZANTH. These guys play an extreme mixture of old school & new school styles of
Black Metal. There are thunderous raw blasts with crunchy & noisy guitars in the old school
vein blended with some very majestic & atmospheric passages. The flow between these two
styles is very smooth & almost effortless. The vocals combine harsh aggressive & scratch Black
Metal screams along with mid long time!These guys are truly amazing & would definitely
intrigue Black Metal hordes of past & present styles!
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
Emerging from the darkness back in 1995 comes the Black metal entity know as
ALGHAZANTH. These guys play an extreme mixture of old school & new school styles of
Black Metal. There are thunderous raw blasts with crunchy & noisy guitars in the old school
vein blended with some very majestic & atmospheric passages. The flow between these two
styles is very smooth & almost effortless. The vocals combine harsh aggressive & scratch Black
Metal screams along with mid long time!These guys are truly amazing & would definitely
intrigue Black Metal hordes of past & present styles!
ANATHEMA - HINDSIGHT
(10 track CD) KSCOPE MUSIC
This newest offering from one of the pioneers of the Rock & Metal scene in the U.K. takes the
band in yet another direction. "HINDSIGHT" is a semi-acoustic album that features older &
electrical & orchestral instruments to build the deep emotional foundation the band has been
melodic heavy music than you'll definitely want to add ANATHEMA to the list of bands you
want in your musical collection!
(10 track CD) KSCOPE MUSIC
This newest offering from one of the pioneers of the Rock & Metal scene in the U.K. takes the
band in yet another direction. "HINDSIGHT" is a semi-acoustic album that features older &
electrical & orchestral instruments to build the deep emotional foundation the band has been
melodic heavy music than you'll definitely want to add ANATHEMA to the list of bands you
want in your musical collection!
CHTHONIAN - OF BEATINGS AND THE SILENCE IN BETWEEN
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
This is the first full length album from this Death/Black Metal hybrid band out of Finland.
These guys have actually been around since 1998 in one form or another, but have all had
numerous projects along the way. Matias Lillmans joined FINNTROLL in early 2006 as well.
These guys play a great mix of old harsh cold Black Metal with lots of gritty older Death
Metal styles mixed throaty Death Metal growl style with some Black metal ones tossed in.
Another highly recommended Black Metal band playing in the old school vein!
www.CHTHONIAN.info
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
This is the first full length album from this Death/Black Metal hybrid band out of Finland.
These guys have actually been around since 1998 in one form or another, but have all had
numerous projects along the way. Matias Lillmans joined FINNTROLL in early 2006 as well.
These guys play a great mix of old harsh cold Black Metal with lots of gritty older Death
Metal styles mixed throaty Death Metal growl style with some Black metal ones tossed in.
Another highly recommended Black Metal band playing in the old school vein!
www.CHTHONIAN.info
CRYSTAL BALL - SECRETS
(12 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
"SECRETS" is the sixth album from this Hard Rock band out of Sweden. They do toss in lots
of present through out. There is a strong Power Rock in their music. They remind me of a lot
of bands that emerged from that time, but in a more modern, professional & experienced way &
do not in any way sound dated. The vocals are done in a mid ranged clean Metal style that
reminds school Metal fan would embrace these guys & want to listen to this over & over again!
They would have definitely been at the top of the Metal pile back in those days!
(12 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
"SECRETS" is the sixth album from this Hard Rock band out of Sweden. They do toss in lots
of present through out. There is a strong Power Rock in their music. They remind me of a lot
of bands that emerged from that time, but in a more modern, professional & experienced way &
do not in any way sound dated. The vocals are done in a mid ranged clean Metal style that
reminds school Metal fan would embrace these guys & want to listen to this over & over again!
They would have definitely been at the top of the Metal pile back in those days!
DEBAUCHERY - CONTINUE TO KILL
(14 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
Damn! DEBAUCHERY is what I love about this style of music. These guys play some heavy
as flare. There is a ton of low ended thick ass grooves mixed with in all the madness. I loved
the fast paced, pissed off vibe that spews forth through out every track on this release. The
vocals are mix together you'd have this truly talented, amazing & one of the best Death Metal
bands I have ever heard! DEBAUCHERY must be in every Death Metal fans collection!
(14 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
Damn! DEBAUCHERY is what I love about this style of music. These guys play some heavy
as flare. There is a ton of low ended thick ass grooves mixed with in all the madness. I loved
the fast paced, pissed off vibe that spews forth through out every track on this release. The
vocals are mix together you'd have this truly talented, amazing & one of the best Death Metal
bands I have ever heard! DEBAUCHERY must be in every Death Metal fans collection!
DYSCORD - DAKOTA
(10 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
DYSCORD emerge from Australia & play a very tight & intense new school style of Death
Metal. Their music is laced with lots of Hardcore elements & is very groove oriented through
out. The music is fast paced, aggressive & in your face. The vocals are done in a mid ranged
Death growl with some extended Hardcore type screams. The closest comparison I could think
of is definitely grabbed my attention. They've built a following in their home country & this
album will surely establish them around the world as one of the best new bands to keep an
watch on!
(10 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
DYSCORD emerge from Australia & play a very tight & intense new school style of Death
Metal. Their music is laced with lots of Hardcore elements & is very groove oriented through
out. The music is fast paced, aggressive & in your face. The vocals are done in a mid ranged
Death growl with some extended Hardcore type screams. The closest comparison I could think
of is definitely grabbed my attention. They've built a following in their home country & this
album will surely establish them around the world as one of the best new bands to keep an
watch on!
EDEN A.D. - CYCLES OF RELEVANCE
(9 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
EDEN A.D. have been honing their sound for the past 5 years & with this their debut full
length album they have stepped it up once again. The band combines many style of Metal
music that song writing & arrangements. There are a ton of change ups that flow very
smoothly between the switch ups & breakdowns. The vocals are done in a mid ranged throaty
Death growl/scream style that reminds me a lot of IN FLAMES! One of the better newer
bands out there today!
www.EDENAD.net
(9 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
EDEN A.D. have been honing their sound for the past 5 years & with this their debut full
length album they have stepped it up once again. The band combines many style of Metal
music that song writing & arrangements. There are a ton of change ups that flow very
smoothly between the switch ups & breakdowns. The vocals are done in a mid ranged throaty
Death growl/scream style that reminds me a lot of IN FLAMES! One of the better newer
bands out there today!
www.EDENAD.net
FRANKENBOK - THE LAST DITCH REDEMPTION
(9 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
Death Metal that melts in many Hardcore type elements as well. The music is fast paced,
crunchy, aggressive & grooving in a lot of areas! There are a bunch of change ups, breakdowns
& even some Thrash Metal influences present, especially in the guitar sounds. This is a
concept album about a band man who does many unspeakable things & once caught must face
unthinkable consequences. For fans of PANTERA, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM &
MACHINE HEAD!
(9 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
Death Metal that melts in many Hardcore type elements as well. The music is fast paced,
crunchy, aggressive & grooving in a lot of areas! There are a bunch of change ups, breakdowns
& even some Thrash Metal influences present, especially in the guitar sounds. This is a
concept album about a band man who does many unspeakable things & once caught must face
unthinkable consequences. For fans of PANTERA, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM &
MACHINE HEAD!
HEAD ON COLLISION - RITUAL SACRIFICE
(11 track CD) BEER CITY RECORDS
HEAD ON COLLISION reminds me of the music I grew up on & it will always be my
favorite Metal style. These guys play it better than most doing it out there now. The music
has a very crunchy raw mid 80's Thrash sound with tons of chugging grooving guitar riffs. The
beats go from a slow groove to a fast paced all out shredding FORBIDDEN, FAITH OR
FEAR, DESTRUCTION & play a very cool old school style of Thrash Metal music. This is
the ! If this isn't great company to HEAD ON EXODUSbe in, then I don't know what is!
myspace.com/HEADONCOLLISIONmetal
(11 track CD) BEER CITY RECORDS
HEAD ON COLLISION reminds me of the music I grew up on & it will always be my
favorite Metal style. These guys play it better than most doing it out there now. The music
has a very crunchy raw mid 80's Thrash sound with tons of chugging grooving guitar riffs. The
beats go from a slow groove to a fast paced all out shredding FORBIDDEN, FAITH OR
FEAR, DESTRUCTION & play a very cool old school style of Thrash Metal music. This is
the ! If this isn't great company to HEAD ON EXODUSbe in, then I don't know what is!
myspace.com/HEADONCOLLISIONmetal
LEFT TO VANISH - VERSUS THE THRONE
(11 track CD) LIFE FORCE RECORDS
This is the debut CD release on LIFE FORCE RECORDS from this Philadelphia based band.
days. The music is fast paced, aggressive & very groove oriented. There are a lot of change ups
& tempo changes through out their music as well. I dig how they head in one direction & then
swing into another out of nowhere. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death growl with
higher pitched Hardcore ones! For fans of THE FACELESS, BORN OF OSIRIS & VEIL
OF MAYA!
www.LEFTTOVANISH.com
(11 track CD) LIFE FORCE RECORDS
This is the debut CD release on LIFE FORCE RECORDS from this Philadelphia based band.
days. The music is fast paced, aggressive & very groove oriented. There are a lot of change ups
& tempo changes through out their music as well. I dig how they head in one direction & then
swing into another out of nowhere. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death growl with
higher pitched Hardcore ones! For fans of THE FACELESS, BORN OF OSIRIS & VEIL
OF MAYA!
www.LEFTTOVANISH.com
NEGATIVE REACTION - TALES FROM THE INSOMNIAC
(9 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
NEGATIVE REACTION is based in New York & play some dirty & grungy sounding
Sludgecore music. They melt together some really cool aspect of Sludge, Doom & Hardcore
together to create their sound. There are some really slow creeping dirges mixed with some
faster paced chugging riffs & some low ended grooves to top it all off. The vocals are done in a
mid ranged really dirty Stoner Metal style with some harsher more screaming & yelling ones
blended in. These guys would be a combined style of AGNOSTIC FRONT, EYEHATEGOD,
www.NEGATIVEREACTION.info
(9 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
NEGATIVE REACTION is based in New York & play some dirty & grungy sounding
Sludgecore music. They melt together some really cool aspect of Sludge, Doom & Hardcore
together to create their sound. There are some really slow creeping dirges mixed with some
faster paced chugging riffs & some low ended grooves to top it all off. The vocals are done in a
mid ranged really dirty Stoner Metal style with some harsher more screaming & yelling ones
blended in. These guys would be a combined style of AGNOSTIC FRONT, EYEHATEGOD,
www.NEGATIVEREACTION.info
NOCTIS - FOR FUTURE'S PAST
(6 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
NOCTIS hails from Australia & play a darker deeper style of Doom & Death Metal music.
There are a lot of ambient passages with dark, melodic & emotional sounds all through out.
The songs deal with passions, dreams, death, darkness, nature & inner struggles of the mind.
These topics a long in most places, but there are the faster & sometimes grooving parts present
as well. The vocals are done in a low ended Death Doom growl style. The band features
members of VESPERS DESCENT, ANACRISIS, BEREAVEMENT, DESOLATE,
PSYCHONAUT & more!
myspace.com/NOCTIS1
(6 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
NOCTIS hails from Australia & play a darker deeper style of Doom & Death Metal music.
There are a lot of ambient passages with dark, melodic & emotional sounds all through out.
The songs deal with passions, dreams, death, darkness, nature & inner struggles of the mind.
These topics a long in most places, but there are the faster & sometimes grooving parts present
as well. The vocals are done in a low ended Death Doom growl style. The band features
members of VESPERS DESCENT, ANACRISIS, BEREAVEMENT, DESOLATE,
PSYCHONAUT & more!
myspace.com/NOCTIS1
OPM - GOLDEN STATE OF MINE
(14 track CD) SUBURBAN NOIZE RECORDS
The Southern California based OPM is back. Most of you might remember them from their
huge out they have changed up a bit, but still have a lot of the aspects they had on that album.
The guys laid back almost Reggae sound to it through out the album. The vocals also follow
the same path as the music by cover all different styles. This album seems much better written
& little more serious sounding! For fans of SUBLIME combine with KOTTENMOUTH
KINGS& other So Cal bands!
www.OPMden.com
(14 track CD) SUBURBAN NOIZE RECORDS
The Southern California based OPM is back. Most of you might remember them from their
huge out they have changed up a bit, but still have a lot of the aspects they had on that album.
The guys laid back almost Reggae sound to it through out the album. The vocals also follow
the same path as the music by cover all different styles. This album seems much better written
& little more serious sounding! For fans of SUBLIME combine with KOTTENMOUTH
KINGS& other So Cal bands!
www.OPMden.com
PLAN FOR THE SORROW - I AM THE DEAD
(12 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
PLAN FOR THE SORROW started out as a one man project, but grew into a full band.
These guys play some very clean, tight & well written Post Hardcore music. The music has a
very strong Hardcore sound with lots of Metal influences present within. There are lots of
switch ups, changes & some stop & start parts. They have a very grooving sound in most of
their songs as well. The vocals are done in a clean & melodic Hardcore style that sometimes
would remind me of Mike Patton. If you'd combine new material from FAITH NO MORE
with QUICKSAND, HELMET, ATREYU & DEFTONES you'd get a close feel for what
these guys sound like!
myspace.com/PLANFORTHESORROW
(12 track CD) SPARE CHANGE RECORDS
PLAN FOR THE SORROW started out as a one man project, but grew into a full band.
These guys play some very clean, tight & well written Post Hardcore music. The music has a
very strong Hardcore sound with lots of Metal influences present within. There are lots of
switch ups, changes & some stop & start parts. They have a very grooving sound in most of
their songs as well. The vocals are done in a clean & melodic Hardcore style that sometimes
would remind me of Mike Patton. If you'd combine new material from FAITH NO MORE
with QUICKSAND, HELMET, ATREYU & DEFTONES you'd get a close feel for what
these guys sound like!
myspace.com/PLANFORTHESORROW
RAUNCHY - WASTELAND DISCOTHEQUE
(12 track CD) LIFEFORCE RECORDS
Almost 15 years after the band formed in Denmark they finally release their 4th album. These
guys blend together many different forms of Metal together to create their well honed & solid
sound. There are elements of Thrash, Death, Power, Epic & Modern Metal all present in their
sound. Sometime the band will go from a strong Death & Thrash sound into a more melodic
Epic & Modern Metal sound & then back again. The vocals are done in a combined style of
harsh growls & screams along with some clean & melodic powerful vocals. These guys will
most likely appeal to the Modern Metal crowd than the old school Metal heads, but they still
Crush! & Shred all the way! Give this disc a spin!
(12 track CD) LIFEFORCE RECORDS
Almost 15 years after the band formed in Denmark they finally release their 4th album. These
guys blend together many different forms of Metal together to create their well honed & solid
sound. There are elements of Thrash, Death, Power, Epic & Modern Metal all present in their
sound. Sometime the band will go from a strong Death & Thrash sound into a more melodic
Epic & Modern Metal sound & then back again. The vocals are done in a combined style of
harsh growls & screams along with some clean & melodic powerful vocals. These guys will
most likely appeal to the Modern Metal crowd than the old school Metal heads, but they still
Crush! & Shred all the way! Give this disc a spin!
SOTAJUMALA - TELOITUS
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
Born in 1998 in Finland comes the new offering from this modern Death Metal band. These
guys might play modern Death Metal, but I can hear a lot of old school Death Metal influences
in their sound. The music is hyper fast, aggressive, brutal & non stop adrenaline. There are lots
of crushing grooves, blasts & riffs all through out. Combining some solid heavy song structures
with well written lyrics they create some of the best Death Metal to come out of Finland in a
long time. The vocals are done in a dual assault most of the time with mid ranged Death
growls. These guys are everything I love about Death Metal. They remind me of NAPALM
DEATH & older CARCASS a lot & I love those band! A must own album!
www.SOTAJUMALA.com
(8 track CD) WOODCUT RECORDS
Born in 1998 in Finland comes the new offering from this modern Death Metal band. These
guys might play modern Death Metal, but I can hear a lot of old school Death Metal influences
in their sound. The music is hyper fast, aggressive, brutal & non stop adrenaline. There are lots
of crushing grooves, blasts & riffs all through out. Combining some solid heavy song structures
with well written lyrics they create some of the best Death Metal to come out of Finland in a
long time. The vocals are done in a dual assault most of the time with mid ranged Death
growls. These guys are everything I love about Death Metal. They remind me of NAPALM
DEATH & older CARCASS a lot & I love those band! A must own album!
www.SOTAJUMALA.com
TANKARD - BEST CASE SCENARIO: 25 YEARS IN BEERS
(14 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
This album celebrates the 25 years of one of the best German Thrash Metal bands out there.
These guys took some of their best songs & fan favorites from 1986 to 1995 & re-recorded
them for this CD. These guys were an awesome band back in the day when they released their
first album "ZOMBIE ATTACK" in 1986. Today these songs still shred & show that it
doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if it's done right it will stand the test of time. This
is Thrash Metal at it's best & all these new bands that are playing Thrash Metal, this is one
place to look to see how it's done properly. Give these guys the respect they deserve! Raise
your Beers & blast this album at high volume! TANKARD RULE!
(14 track CD) LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS
This album celebrates the 25 years of one of the best German Thrash Metal bands out there.
These guys took some of their best songs & fan favorites from 1986 to 1995 & re-recorded
them for this CD. These guys were an awesome band back in the day when they released their
first album "ZOMBIE ATTACK" in 1986. Today these songs still shred & show that it
doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if it's done right it will stand the test of time. This
is Thrash Metal at it's best & all these new bands that are playing Thrash Metal, this is one
place to look to see how it's done properly. Give these guys the respect they deserve! Raise
your Beers & blast this album at high volume! TANKARD RULE!
TEMPLE OF WRATH - IN THE FACE OF TYRANNY
(9 track CD) Self Released
TEMPLE OF WRATH play a mixture of old school & new school Death Metal music. The
music has a strong & solid thickness that reminds me of older Death Metal bands, but has a
more technical & aggressive sound of newer bands. The music also has some Thrash Metal &
Speed Metal influences, especially in the guitar work. There are a lot of very cool thick grooves
in their sound as well. The vocal styling is a mixture of low end Death growls with some mid
ranged Death growls & screams. These guys are extremely good & will surely get a lot of
attention in the Death Metal scene. If they don't they sure deserve to & there is something
wrong with the scene! Buy this album, support this band & blast this album!
(9 track CD) Self Released
TEMPLE OF WRATH play a mixture of old school & new school Death Metal music. The
music has a strong & solid thickness that reminds me of older Death Metal bands, but has a
more technical & aggressive sound of newer bands. The music also has some Thrash Metal &
Speed Metal influences, especially in the guitar work. There are a lot of very cool thick grooves
in their sound as well. The vocal styling is a mixture of low end Death growls with some mid
ranged Death growls & screams. These guys are extremely good & will surely get a lot of
attention in the Death Metal scene. If they don't they sure deserve to & there is something
wrong with the scene! Buy this album, support this band & blast this album!
THE PSYKE PROJECT - APNEA
(10 track CD) LIFE FORCE RECORDS
Hailing from Denmark & coming together in 2001, THE PSYKE PROJECT have released
their 3rd album to date. These guys play a harsh style of Hardcore with many elements of
Metal & Punk spewed through out their sound. They have a dark & heavy sound that is
combined with epic passages. The music will go from a harsh brutal beat down into a slower
more melodic & ambient part & then hit you with another beating. The vocals are done in a
mid ranged spastic & rough Hardcore type scream through out most of the disc. There are
some other styles used at different times. These guys have won a few awards in their home
country & after one listen you'll totally understand why. Check these guys out, cause they
will blow you away!
www.THEPSYKEPROJECT.com
(10 track CD) LIFE FORCE RECORDS
Hailing from Denmark & coming together in 2001, THE PSYKE PROJECT have released
their 3rd album to date. These guys play a harsh style of Hardcore with many elements of
Metal & Punk spewed through out their sound. They have a dark & heavy sound that is
combined with epic passages. The music will go from a harsh brutal beat down into a slower
more melodic & ambient part & then hit you with another beating. The vocals are done in a
mid ranged spastic & rough Hardcore type scream through out most of the disc. There are
some other styles used at different times. These guys have won a few awards in their home
country & after one listen you'll totally understand why. Check these guys out, cause they
will blow you away!
www.THEPSYKEPROJECT.com
VESPERS DESCENT - REALITY DYSFUNCTION
(6 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
VESPERS DESCENT is yet another great Death Metal band to emerge from Australia. I have
one of the bands earlier releases, which was amazing, but this new release blows that one away.
The guys have a new line up for this 3rd album & this could be why the band sounds much
more mature, better musicianship & all around a much better release. The music is done in a
cross between the new & old styles of Death metal music. The brutality of old is there along
with the technicality of new. The vocals are done in a mid ranged thick Death growl style with
a little variation at times. These guys are an all around great band in every aspect & sound be
given much support & respect. Buy their stuff & support this killer band!
myspace.com/VESPERSDESCENT
(6 track CD) PRIME CUTS MUSIC
VESPERS DESCENT is yet another great Death Metal band to emerge from Australia. I have
one of the bands earlier releases, which was amazing, but this new release blows that one away.
The guys have a new line up for this 3rd album & this could be why the band sounds much
more mature, better musicianship & all around a much better release. The music is done in a
cross between the new & old styles of Death metal music. The brutality of old is there along
with the technicality of new. The vocals are done in a mid ranged thick Death growl style with
a little variation at times. These guys are an all around great band in every aspect & sound be
given much support & respect. Buy their stuff & support this killer band!
myspace.com/VESPERSDESCENT
WHITE CHAPEL - THE SOMATIC DEFILEMENT
(10 track CD) CANDLELIGHT USA
WHITE CHAPEL is named after the area of England that Jack The Ripper committed his
murders. This is a good name cause these guys play some brutal old school influenced Death
Metal music. There are some slight new school elements present at times too. I like the fact
they have gone to the old & do low ended tuning, low ended beats & low ended vocals as well.
There are some really technical parts at times, but it's mostly brutal Death all the way.
Sometimes they will throw in some grooves & breakdowns too. The vocals are done in a low
ended Death growl style with the occasional higher growl scream mixed in. These guys are
another new Death Metal band that I really enjoy a lot! I'm sure most people are already
enjoying this disc!
(10 track CD) CANDLELIGHT USA
WHITE CHAPEL is named after the area of England that Jack The Ripper committed his
murders. This is a good name cause these guys play some brutal old school influenced Death
Metal music. There are some slight new school elements present at times too. I like the fact
they have gone to the old & do low ended tuning, low ended beats & low ended vocals as well.
There are some really technical parts at times, but it's mostly brutal Death all the way.
Sometimes they will throw in some grooves & breakdowns too. The vocals are done in a low
ended Death growl style with the occasional higher growl scream mixed in. These guys are
another new Death Metal band that I really enjoy a lot! I'm sure most people are already
enjoying this disc!
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