ABOMINANT - WARBLAST
(9 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS
ABOMINANT has been releasing great old school Death Metal music for over 15 years now &
show no signs of letting up. This is the bands 8th full length album & definitely one of their best.
They play in an old school Death Metal style but mix in elements of Thrash Metal & Black
Metal as well. There is a fast paced artillery assault of crunchy guitars, thick chunky bass & fast
blasting drums topped off with some mid ranged Death growls. There is a strong war like
overtone to all their music. I have always thought these guys were one of the best underground
Death Metal bands out there & should be a lot more popular than they are! For fans of
BELPHEGOR, ZYKLON, MARDUK & THE CHASM!
(9 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS
ABOMINANT has been releasing great old school Death Metal music for over 15 years now &
show no signs of letting up. This is the bands 8th full length album & definitely one of their best.
They play in an old school Death Metal style but mix in elements of Thrash Metal & Black
Metal as well. There is a fast paced artillery assault of crunchy guitars, thick chunky bass & fast
blasting drums topped off with some mid ranged Death growls. There is a strong war like
overtone to all their music. I have always thought these guys were one of the best underground
Death Metal bands out there & should be a lot more popular than they are! For fans of
BELPHEGOR, ZYKLON, MARDUK & THE CHASM!
ARKAN - HILAL
(12 track CD) SEASON OF MIST RECORDS
ARKAN was formed in 2005 by the drummer of the band THE OLD DEAD TREE. This is the
bands first full length album that follows up the previous MCD. The band's music is based in
Death Metal but they add a new twist to it. They have incorporated roots from the Moroccan &
Algerian cultures. They do this by adding in lots of folkloric instruments like oud, mandole,
bendir, the original sound they have. The vocals are a mixture of male Death growls, melodic
male vocals & female vocals.
www.ARKAN.fr
(12 track CD) SEASON OF MIST RECORDS
ARKAN was formed in 2005 by the drummer of the band THE OLD DEAD TREE. This is the
bands first full length album that follows up the previous MCD. The band's music is based in
Death Metal but they add a new twist to it. They have incorporated roots from the Moroccan &
Algerian cultures. They do this by adding in lots of folkloric instruments like oud, mandole,
bendir, the original sound they have. The vocals are a mixture of male Death growls, melodic
male vocals & female vocals.
www.ARKAN.fr
CRYPTIC TALES - VII DOGMATA OF MERCY
(7 track CD) EMPIRE RECORDS
After seven years of silence this Polish Death Metal demon has risen once again with a new
release. From Thrash, Doom & Black Metal music. There are huge compositions &
arrangements in their songs. The music will go from a straight forward Death song & morph
into an atmospheric dark listen you will understand why they are considered one of the best
bands from Poland!
www.CRYPTICTALES.pl
(7 track CD) EMPIRE RECORDS
After seven years of silence this Polish Death Metal demon has risen once again with a new
release. From Thrash, Doom & Black Metal music. There are huge compositions &
arrangements in their songs. The music will go from a straight forward Death song & morph
into an atmospheric dark listen you will understand why they are considered one of the best
bands from Poland!
www.CRYPTICTALES.pl
ESOTERIC - THE MANICAL VALE
(7 track CD) SEASON OF MIST RECORDS
This is the 5th album release from ESOTERIC & 2nd for them on SEASON OF MIST. This
is a 2 CD set with only 7 tracks, but the shortest one being over 11 minutes long. The band
plays a very dark & somber sounding style of Metal music that is atmospheric & experimental
at the same slow paced a dreary through out. The haunting vocals that drag along help with the
bands dark slow touches.
(7 track CD) SEASON OF MIST RECORDS
This is the 5th album release from ESOTERIC & 2nd for them on SEASON OF MIST. This
is a 2 CD set with only 7 tracks, but the shortest one being over 11 minutes long. The band
plays a very dark & somber sounding style of Metal music that is atmospheric & experimental
at the same slow paced a dreary through out. The haunting vocals that drag along help with the
bands dark slow touches.
GIRLSCHOOL - LEGACY
(15 track CD) SPV / WACKEN RECORDS
GIRLSCHOOL released their first single back in 1978 & this new album celebrates the bands
30th anniversary in existence! This new album really showcases the bands experience & talent
to it's full extent. They play a very gritty & raw sounding style of Punk Metal music that
reminds me a little club only! The album features a lot of guest appearances from some big
guns in music such as Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmeister, J.J. French, Tony Iommi & lots
more! Buy this album!
(15 track CD) SPV / WACKEN RECORDS
GIRLSCHOOL released their first single back in 1978 & this new album celebrates the bands
30th anniversary in existence! This new album really showcases the bands experience & talent
to it's full extent. They play a very gritty & raw sounding style of Punk Metal music that
reminds me a little club only! The album features a lot of guest appearances from some big
guns in music such as Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmeister, J.J. French, Tony Iommi & lots
more! Buy this album!
HOT BUTTERED ANAL - LIES
(17 track CD) SPARECHANGE RECORDS
This is the great HOT BUTTERED ANAL's second full length album. These guys don't
follow any rules when it comes to their brand of twisted Metal that they play. These guys are
all over the place with elements of Thrash, Death, Punk, Hardcore, Crust & more. Their sound
is strongly based in the Crossover style that became huge in the 80's. I loved then & I love it
now. The vocals also follow the same path as the music. This album is way more advanced
than their last release & I THREAT, DEAD KENNEDYS! Everyone needs some HOT
BUTTERED ANAL!
(17 track CD) SPARECHANGE RECORDS
This is the great HOT BUTTERED ANAL's second full length album. These guys don't
follow any rules when it comes to their brand of twisted Metal that they play. These guys are
all over the place with elements of Thrash, Death, Punk, Hardcore, Crust & more. Their sound
is strongly based in the Crossover style that became huge in the 80's. I loved then & I love it
now. The vocals also follow the same path as the music. This album is way more advanced
than their last release & I THREAT, DEAD KENNEDYS! Everyone needs some HOT
BUTTERED ANAL!
IMPIETY - DOMINATOR
(5 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
IMPIETY is back with a new onslaught of pure evil Death Metal music. The music is done in
an old school Death Metal style that has a raw & aggressive sound. The music is fast paced,
with tons of blasts, stop & starts, change ups & all out shredding. There are lots of spots where
their Thrash Metal & Black Metal influences shine through. The Thrash comes out mostly in
the guitar work & the Black Metal parts are in the faster blasts. The vocals are done in a mid
ranged Death growl style that has tinges of Thrash & Black Metal as well. These come full force
& in your face, just repeatedly beating you & they never let up through out the whole disc!
Death, Thrash & Black Metal fans will all enjoy these guys!
(5 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
IMPIETY is back with a new onslaught of pure evil Death Metal music. The music is done in
an old school Death Metal style that has a raw & aggressive sound. The music is fast paced,
with tons of blasts, stop & starts, change ups & all out shredding. There are lots of spots where
their Thrash Metal & Black Metal influences shine through. The Thrash comes out mostly in
the guitar work & the Black Metal parts are in the faster blasts. The vocals are done in a mid
ranged Death growl style that has tinges of Thrash & Black Metal as well. These come full force
& in your face, just repeatedly beating you & they never let up through out the whole disc!
Death, Thrash & Black Metal fans will all enjoy these guys!
MASTER - SLAVES TO SOCIETY
(15 track CD) IBEX MOON RECORDS
MASTER was born back in 1983 & is one of the most influential extreme Metal bands out
there. Influences of Thrash Metal & Black Metal shine through in each song. The guitar work is
tight, force their music down your throats! The vocals are a mid ranged Death growl style, that
is understandable. These guys have been a major part of the Metal scene & helped inspire just
about tracks on this disc as well. Know your roots, buy this album & obey your "MASTER"!
(15 track CD) IBEX MOON RECORDS
MASTER was born back in 1983 & is one of the most influential extreme Metal bands out
there. Influences of Thrash Metal & Black Metal shine through in each song. The guitar work is
tight, force their music down your throats! The vocals are a mid ranged Death growl style, that
is understandable. These guys have been a major part of the Metal scene & helped inspire just
about tracks on this disc as well. Know your roots, buy this album & obey your "MASTER"!
NETHERBIRD - THE GHOST COLLECTOR
(13 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
NETHERBIRD play a combination of Black Metal & Death Metal. They will pull you into an
all out brutal & spastic part. They also throw you into an aggressive raw & crusty Black Metal
speed mix. The music has a lot of the Black Metal bands from the late 80's & early 90's. The
band that first comes to mind is ANGELKILL. If your heart is black & your soul is dark, then
these guys are the perfect band for your listening enjoyment!
(13 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
NETHERBIRD play a combination of Black Metal & Death Metal. They will pull you into an
all out brutal & spastic part. They also throw you into an aggressive raw & crusty Black Metal
speed mix. The music has a lot of the Black Metal bands from the late 80's & early 90's. The
band that first comes to mind is ANGELKILL. If your heart is black & your soul is dark, then
these guys are the perfect band for your listening enjoyment!
PESSIMIST - EVOLUTION UNTO EVIL
(12 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS / PATHOS PRODUCTIONS
After six years of silence PESSIMIST has returned. This new release contains 12 rare &
previously unreleased tracks that include early demos, live studio tracks, covers of
POSSESSED, KREATOR, MEGADETH & DEATH songs. There is also a CD-Rom with
videos, live photos & more. These guys have been around for a long time & play some very
cool ultra brutal Death Metal music in an old school form. There is a really thick tight sound to
their music. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death growl with some lower pitched & higher
groggy screams mixed in. These guys are perfect for any fan of the early 90's Florida Death
Metal scene & MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, MALEVOLENT CREATION,
SUFFOCATION, DEICIDE & CANNIBAL CORPSE!
(12 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS / PATHOS PRODUCTIONS
After six years of silence PESSIMIST has returned. This new release contains 12 rare &
previously unreleased tracks that include early demos, live studio tracks, covers of
POSSESSED, KREATOR, MEGADETH & DEATH songs. There is also a CD-Rom with
videos, live photos & more. These guys have been around for a long time & play some very
cool ultra brutal Death Metal music in an old school form. There is a really thick tight sound to
their music. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death growl with some lower pitched & higher
groggy screams mixed in. These guys are perfect for any fan of the early 90's Florida Death
Metal scene & MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, MALEVOLENT CREATION,
SUFFOCATION, DEICIDE & CANNIBAL CORPSE!
PSYKUP - WE LOVE YOU ALL
(7 track CD) SEASON OF MIST
1995 saw the birth of PSYKUP & right from the start these guys were different. This new disc
keeps them still off on their own, not following any trends or paths made by others. They have
a very unique, original sound, with well written, well structured & well played songs. The
music is very crazy, spastic & all over the place, like a controlled chaos. They base the music
in Metal, but no style is untouchable. Off beat structures just add to their uniqueness. The
vocals follow the same format. They are a combination of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD,
PRIMUS, MR. BUNGLE, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DOG FASHION DISCO&
THE FACELESS.
www.PSYKUP.com
(7 track CD) SEASON OF MIST
1995 saw the birth of PSYKUP & right from the start these guys were different. This new disc
keeps them still off on their own, not following any trends or paths made by others. They have
a very unique, original sound, with well written, well structured & well played songs. The
music is very crazy, spastic & all over the place, like a controlled chaos. They base the music
in Metal, but no style is untouchable. Off beat structures just add to their uniqueness. The
vocals follow the same format. They are a combination of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD,
PRIMUS, MR. BUNGLE, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DOG FASHION DISCO&
THE FACELESS.
www.PSYKUP.com
QUINTA ESSENTIA - ARCHETYPAL TRANSFORMATION
(7 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS / IBEX MOON RECORDS
QUINTA ESSENTIA play extreme Death Metal music, but add in lots of originality into their
music. These guys have a very strong old school influence that even leans into the Black Metal
genre. The music has a cold, dark & harsh vibe that is accompanied by some tight & crisp
Black Metal elements. The music chugs along with the help of some Thrash inspired guitar
work. Harsh mid ranged vocals with a graspiness, round out the bands sound. At times there is
an epic dark summoning feel to their music too. These guys really stand out from a sea of
Death Metal bands. Check them out if your not afraid to stray from the typical Death Metal
path!
www.QUINTAESSENTIA.net
(7 track CD) DEATHGASM RECORDS / IBEX MOON RECORDS
QUINTA ESSENTIA play extreme Death Metal music, but add in lots of originality into their
music. These guys have a very strong old school influence that even leans into the Black Metal
genre. The music has a cold, dark & harsh vibe that is accompanied by some tight & crisp
Black Metal elements. The music chugs along with the help of some Thrash inspired guitar
work. Harsh mid ranged vocals with a graspiness, round out the bands sound. At times there is
an epic dark summoning feel to their music too. These guys really stand out from a sea of
Death Metal bands. Check them out if your not afraid to stray from the typical Death Metal
path!
www.QUINTAESSENTIA.net
ROSE TATTOO - BLOOD BROTHERS
(11 track CD) WACKEN RECORDS
Australia saw the emergence of ROSE TATTOO back in 1976 & they have been a major part
of the Australian Rock ever since. These guys have been rockin' for over 30 years now & don't
show any signs of stopping. This new album is a true sign of that. The music is pure Rock
with influences of Classic & Modern styles along with some Blues, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
& Stoner elements. This album is a tribute to band members Peter Wells & Ian Rilen who
recently passed away. These guys would be a blend of JACKYL, AC/DC, GREAT WHITE,
DANGEROUS TOYS, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPLIN & TWISTED SISTER. There is a
bonus live DVD too.
www.ROSETATTOO.com.au
(11 track CD) WACKEN RECORDS
Australia saw the emergence of ROSE TATTOO back in 1976 & they have been a major part
of the Australian Rock ever since. These guys have been rockin' for over 30 years now & don't
show any signs of stopping. This new album is a true sign of that. The music is pure Rock
with influences of Classic & Modern styles along with some Blues, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
& Stoner elements. This album is a tribute to band members Peter Wells & Ian Rilen who
recently passed away. These guys would be a blend of JACKYL, AC/DC, GREAT WHITE,
DANGEROUS TOYS, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPLIN & TWISTED SISTER. There is a
bonus live DVD too.
www.ROSETATTOO.com.au
SISTER SIN - SWITCHBLADE SERENADES
(11 track CD) VICTORY RECORDS
SISTER SIN comes from Gothenburg Sweden, but are not what you'd expect from that area.
They play a very cool old school gritty style of Heavy Metal music. This takes me back to the
glory days of 80's Metal, where everyone was having a good time rockin' out & partying. The
music has a very good fist pumping groove that would get everyone's head banging. The thing
that makes them stand out is the vocals of lead singer Liv. She has a strong powerful voice that
would have stood side by side with any male fronted band of the 80's. This is the injection the
Metal scene has needed for a long time! For fans of old MOTLEY CRUE, TWISTED
SISTER, QUIET RIOT, FASTER PUSSYCAT & L.A. GUNS!
(11 track CD) VICTORY RECORDS
SISTER SIN comes from Gothenburg Sweden, but are not what you'd expect from that area.
They play a very cool old school gritty style of Heavy Metal music. This takes me back to the
glory days of 80's Metal, where everyone was having a good time rockin' out & partying. The
music has a very good fist pumping groove that would get everyone's head banging. The thing
that makes them stand out is the vocals of lead singer Liv. She has a strong powerful voice that
would have stood side by side with any male fronted band of the 80's. This is the injection the
Metal scene has needed for a long time! For fans of old MOTLEY CRUE, TWISTED
SISTER, QUIET RIOT, FASTER PUSSYCAT & L.A. GUNS!
SUSPYRE - WHEN TIME FADES
(11 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
I was expecting these guys to be a Death Metal band, just from the cover. I should have known
they would be a very strong, impressive Power / Progressive Metal band, because that is all the
SENSORY ever puts out. This band has a unique flare to their music that really captivates
you & pulls you. The music is like a journey through some obscure & fantasy like world &
they are providing the soundtrack. I love all the different change ups, twists & structural
differences in their music. The vocals are done in a mid ranged clean & melodic Power /
Progressive Metal style that blows most others away in the same style. This is one of the most
impressive releases I've heard!
www.SUSPYRE.com
(11 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
I was expecting these guys to be a Death Metal band, just from the cover. I should have known
they would be a very strong, impressive Power / Progressive Metal band, because that is all the
SENSORY ever puts out. This band has a unique flare to their music that really captivates
you & pulls you. The music is like a journey through some obscure & fantasy like world &
they are providing the soundtrack. I love all the different change ups, twists & structural
differences in their music. The vocals are done in a mid ranged clean & melodic Power /
Progressive Metal style that blows most others away in the same style. This is one of the most
impressive releases I've heard!
www.SUSPYRE.com
THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE - TANK GASMASK AMMO
(13 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
PULVERISED RECORDS is known for putting out some of the best extreme Death Metal
bands in the scene & they have done it again. THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE play
some very school ones shining through at times. There are some faster grittier Grindcore parts
at times too. The vocals are done in a mid ranged throaty Death growl style. They remind me of
a lot of the more technical Death Metal bands from the Florida scene. Any fan of Death Metal,
old or new, will surely want to blast this album at full volume!
(13 track CD) PULVERISED RECORDS
PULVERISED RECORDS is known for putting out some of the best extreme Death Metal
bands in the scene & they have done it again. THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE play
some very school ones shining through at times. There are some faster grittier Grindcore parts
at times too. The vocals are done in a mid ranged throaty Death growl style. They remind me of
a lot of the more technical Death Metal bands from the Florida scene. Any fan of Death Metal,
old or new, will surely want to blast this album at full volume!
TRINACRIA - TRAVEL NOW JOURNEY INFINITELY
(6 track CD) Self Released
This Norwegian band takes their listeners on a long strange & memorable journey. The music is
fast paced, mostly, with lots of stop & starts through out. The stop parts take you into some
crazy, static, noize, experimental parts & then shoves you back into the fast paced spastic
rush. There is a lot of experimentation going on through out. The music is mostly based in the
Death, Black & Noize genres. The vocals are also a mix of these style with low growls, low
spoken word, soft Black Metal & Noize & others. These guys definitely hit a lot of different
areas. It made me feel as if I was on an out of control crack binge, but I mean it as a good thing.
If that makes any sense!
www.myspace.com/TRINACRIAmusic
(6 track CD) Self Released
This Norwegian band takes their listeners on a long strange & memorable journey. The music is
fast paced, mostly, with lots of stop & starts through out. The stop parts take you into some
crazy, static, noize, experimental parts & then shoves you back into the fast paced spastic
rush. There is a lot of experimentation going on through out. The music is mostly based in the
Death, Black & Noize genres. The vocals are also a mix of these style with low growls, low
spoken word, soft Black Metal & Noize & others. These guys definitely hit a lot of different
areas. It made me feel as if I was on an out of control crack binge, but I mean it as a good thing.
If that makes any sense!
www.myspace.com/TRINACRIAmusic
XYSTUS - EQUILIBRIO: A ROCK OPERA
(7 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
This is the musical soundtrack of a complete theatrical production that over 130 people were
involved in for over a year & a half. "EQUILIBRIO" was name of the show that premiered in
the Netherlands that saw a clash of Metal, Musical, Classical & Theater. This is a very
different combination of musics, but is something that is becoming more & more acceptable,
especially in European countries. I really dig stuff like this as I am really into big Epic &
Theatrical movies & their soundtracks. Some of this reminded me of a more Metal version of
the music from LORD OF THE RINGS. Not everyone will get this, but everyone should give
it a chance, cause it is quite an interesting & amazing release! Hopefully this show will hit the
U.S.!
www.XYSTUS.nl / www.EQUILIBRIO-OPERA.com
(7 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
This is the musical soundtrack of a complete theatrical production that over 130 people were
involved in for over a year & a half. "EQUILIBRIO" was name of the show that premiered in
the Netherlands that saw a clash of Metal, Musical, Classical & Theater. This is a very
different combination of musics, but is something that is becoming more & more acceptable,
especially in European countries. I really dig stuff like this as I am really into big Epic &
Theatrical movies & their soundtracks. Some of this reminded me of a more Metal version of
the music from LORD OF THE RINGS. Not everyone will get this, but everyone should give
it a chance, cause it is quite an interesting & amazing release! Hopefully this show will hit the
U.S.!
www.XYSTUS.nl / www.EQUILIBRIO-OPERA.com
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| MUSIC REVIEWS (October 2008) |
