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| MUSIC REVIEWS (September 2012) |
BURNING LOVE - ROTTING THING TO SAY
(14 track CD) SOUTHERN LORD RECORDS
"ROTTING THING TO SAY" is the second LP release from Ontario, Canada's BURNING
LOVE. BURNING LOVE play an old school style of Hardcore music with a strong dirty vibe.
There is a bit of a Sludge Metal sound that's mixed within their music as well. The music has a
kind of Crust / Punk Rock vibe all through out too. There is a strong spastic Hardcore sound at
times. The guitars have an almost 70's MOTORHEAD sound to them. I was into a lot of bands
like this in the lat 80's and early 90's. The vocals are gritty thick harsh Hardcore / Metal crossover
styled. If you were to mix together elements from the great bands CONVERGE, CAVE IN,
MOTORHEAD, THE MELVINS, CROWBAR and BLACK FLAG, you'd get a great idea of
what BURNING LOVE has to offer. These guys take me back to a rawer time when music
actually had some integrity, grit and originality. This is a very killer band that deserves to be
heard! Pick this up and turn it up! Truly a great release and excellent band!!!
www.BURNINGLOVE416.blogspot.com
(14 track CD) SOUTHERN LORD RECORDS
"ROTTING THING TO SAY" is the second LP release from Ontario, Canada's BURNING
LOVE. BURNING LOVE play an old school style of Hardcore music with a strong dirty vibe.
There is a bit of a Sludge Metal sound that's mixed within their music as well. The music has a
kind of Crust / Punk Rock vibe all through out too. There is a strong spastic Hardcore sound at
times. The guitars have an almost 70's MOTORHEAD sound to them. I was into a lot of bands
like this in the lat 80's and early 90's. The vocals are gritty thick harsh Hardcore / Metal crossover
styled. If you were to mix together elements from the great bands CONVERGE, CAVE IN,
MOTORHEAD, THE MELVINS, CROWBAR and BLACK FLAG, you'd get a great idea of
what BURNING LOVE has to offer. These guys take me back to a rawer time when music
actually had some integrity, grit and originality. This is a very killer band that deserves to be
heard! Pick this up and turn it up! Truly a great release and excellent band!!!
www.BURNINGLOVE416.blogspot.com
CHAOS INCEPTION - THE ABROGATION
(9 track CD) LAVADOME PRODUCTIONS
CHAOS INCEPTION formed in early 2008 out of Huntsville, Alabama. The band was created
out of the ashes of FLESHTIZED with members Gary White & Matt Barnes. If you have heard
their previous band than you know what your in for with CHAOS INCEPTION. This is a more
advanced and technical band playing old school Death Metal music. There is a really tight,
aggressive and intricate sound. This is almost like FLESHTIZED 2.0. I am a big fan of
FLESHTIZED and now a big fan of CHAOS INCEPTION. Some of the guitar work has a
Progressive Death Metal and Speed Metal feel to it. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death
growl style with thick groggy throated growls. CHAOS INCEPTION could stand tall next to
greats like HATE ETERNAL, BEHEMOTH, KRISIUN, PESTILENCE & MONSTROSITY.
If you dig any of these bands then your going to love CHAOS INCEPTION. This is definitely
one for old school Death Metal fans who like their Metal sick, fast and hyper intense!
www.myspace.com/CHAOSINCEPTION
(9 track CD) LAVADOME PRODUCTIONS
CHAOS INCEPTION formed in early 2008 out of Huntsville, Alabama. The band was created
out of the ashes of FLESHTIZED with members Gary White & Matt Barnes. If you have heard
their previous band than you know what your in for with CHAOS INCEPTION. This is a more
advanced and technical band playing old school Death Metal music. There is a really tight,
aggressive and intricate sound. This is almost like FLESHTIZED 2.0. I am a big fan of
FLESHTIZED and now a big fan of CHAOS INCEPTION. Some of the guitar work has a
Progressive Death Metal and Speed Metal feel to it. The vocals are done in a mid ranged Death
growl style with thick groggy throated growls. CHAOS INCEPTION could stand tall next to
greats like HATE ETERNAL, BEHEMOTH, KRISIUN, PESTILENCE & MONSTROSITY.
If you dig any of these bands then your going to love CHAOS INCEPTION. This is definitely
one for old school Death Metal fans who like their Metal sick, fast and hyper intense!
www.myspace.com/CHAOSINCEPTION
DELAIN - WE ARE THE OTHERS
(12 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
Dutch Symphonic Metal act DELAIN has released their third full length album, "WE ARE THE
OTHERS". This is the bands first release in three years, since 2009's "APRIL RAIN". The band
hails from the Netherlands and has a very Progressive Metal sound. There are many elements of
Power, Thrash, Gothic & Symphonic Metal all present in the bands sound. The band is once again
fronted by Charlotte Wessels with her angelic, operatic and beautiful vocals. Ex- WITHIN
TEMPTATION and founder of the band Martijn Westerholt helps expand the bands sound with
his keyboard expertise. If you are familiar with any of the other Progressive Metal bands on
SENSORY RECORDS, then your sure to love DELAIN. They stand out amongst their label
mates. The combination of the above mentioned Metal styles really helps. They combine a lot of
these styles through out each song, but at times one style will dominate over the other. This is one
band I have been always anxious to hear the next release, which is too few and too far in between.
This album is the bands most diverse so far, from the lyrical concepts of fantasy, reality and
historical themes to the connecting of the different sounds all bound together with a Progressive
Metal sound. DELAIN has out done themselves on this new release and I can't wait to hear what
they have for us next!
www.DELAIN.nl
(12 track CD) SENSORY RECORDS
Dutch Symphonic Metal act DELAIN has released their third full length album, "WE ARE THE
OTHERS". This is the bands first release in three years, since 2009's "APRIL RAIN". The band
hails from the Netherlands and has a very Progressive Metal sound. There are many elements of
Power, Thrash, Gothic & Symphonic Metal all present in the bands sound. The band is once again
fronted by Charlotte Wessels with her angelic, operatic and beautiful vocals. Ex- WITHIN
TEMPTATION and founder of the band Martijn Westerholt helps expand the bands sound with
his keyboard expertise. If you are familiar with any of the other Progressive Metal bands on
SENSORY RECORDS, then your sure to love DELAIN. They stand out amongst their label
mates. The combination of the above mentioned Metal styles really helps. They combine a lot of
these styles through out each song, but at times one style will dominate over the other. This is one
band I have been always anxious to hear the next release, which is too few and too far in between.
This album is the bands most diverse so far, from the lyrical concepts of fantasy, reality and
historical themes to the connecting of the different sounds all bound together with a Progressive
Metal sound. DELAIN has out done themselves on this new release and I can't wait to hear what
they have for us next!
www.DELAIN.nl
FOREFATHER - LAST OF THE LINE
(12 track CD) METALHIT.COM
This is the exclusive U.S. version of the United Kingdom's own FOREFATHER's sixth studio
album entitled "THE LAST OF THE LINE". FOREFATHER plays a combination of Black
Metal mixed with Viking and Pagan Folk Metal music. Formed back in 1997 by brothers
Athelstan and Wulfstan have been going strong and with their newest release don't seem to be
stopping any time soon. The music has a really strong foundation based in Folk Metal music, but
adds in other elements. The faster more static noise driven guitar parts sound like old school Black
Metal in the vein of BURZUM. When the thicker more groove Death Metal parts come in, I think
of AMON AMARTH. Then once the whole Folk / Pagan Metal stuff covers everything, bands
like ELUVIETIE, ENSIFERUM & KORPIKLANI come to mind. These guys have been
around for a lot longer than most Folk Metal bands, and they are much better than most as well.
These guys should be more at the front of the Folk Metal scene than they are. If you enjoy the
sounds of the above mentioned bands than your going to really enjoy FOREFATHER! One of the
better Folk Metal bands in the scene today! Drinks & Horns high!
www.FOREFATHER.net
(12 track CD) METALHIT.COM
This is the exclusive U.S. version of the United Kingdom's own FOREFATHER's sixth studio
album entitled "THE LAST OF THE LINE". FOREFATHER plays a combination of Black
Metal mixed with Viking and Pagan Folk Metal music. Formed back in 1997 by brothers
Athelstan and Wulfstan have been going strong and with their newest release don't seem to be
stopping any time soon. The music has a really strong foundation based in Folk Metal music, but
adds in other elements. The faster more static noise driven guitar parts sound like old school Black
Metal in the vein of BURZUM. When the thicker more groove Death Metal parts come in, I think
of AMON AMARTH. Then once the whole Folk / Pagan Metal stuff covers everything, bands
like ELUVIETIE, ENSIFERUM & KORPIKLANI come to mind. These guys have been
around for a lot longer than most Folk Metal bands, and they are much better than most as well.
These guys should be more at the front of the Folk Metal scene than they are. If you enjoy the
sounds of the above mentioned bands than your going to really enjoy FOREFATHER! One of the
better Folk Metal bands in the scene today! Drinks & Horns high!
www.FOREFATHER.net
GUN BARREL - BRACE FOR IMPACT
(11 track CD) MASSACRE RECORDS
GUN BARREL hails from Germany and have been unleashing their brand of Heavy Metal since
2000. These guys have taken the old school tradition of Rock 'n' Roll and mixed it with Traditional
Heavy Metal and come up with a musical formula they like to call "Dirty Rock 'n' Roll". They do
have a strong Rock / Heavy Metal sound to the music, but they build off of that with other styles
of music. There is a strong Power Metal sound which is mostly present in the strong vocal styling
of Patrick Suhl. His vocals do take me back to such greats as Ronnie James Dio and Geoff Tate of
QUEENSRYCHE. The guitars have a mixture of Traditional Heavy Metal, Power Metal and
some early Thrash Metal influences in the vein of ANVIL, RAVEN & SAXON. I grew up
listening to a lot of the bands that started this style, so it's really cool to hear bands like GUN
BARREL carrying on this sound. Fans of the above bands as well as GAMMA RAY, GRAVE
DIGGER & SEVEN WITCHES will also get into these guys. Check them out!
www.GUNBARREL.de
(11 track CD) MASSACRE RECORDS
GUN BARREL hails from Germany and have been unleashing their brand of Heavy Metal since
2000. These guys have taken the old school tradition of Rock 'n' Roll and mixed it with Traditional
Heavy Metal and come up with a musical formula they like to call "Dirty Rock 'n' Roll". They do
have a strong Rock / Heavy Metal sound to the music, but they build off of that with other styles
of music. There is a strong Power Metal sound which is mostly present in the strong vocal styling
of Patrick Suhl. His vocals do take me back to such greats as Ronnie James Dio and Geoff Tate of
QUEENSRYCHE. The guitars have a mixture of Traditional Heavy Metal, Power Metal and
some early Thrash Metal influences in the vein of ANVIL, RAVEN & SAXON. I grew up
listening to a lot of the bands that started this style, so it's really cool to hear bands like GUN
BARREL carrying on this sound. Fans of the above bands as well as GAMMA RAY, GRAVE
DIGGER & SEVEN WITCHES will also get into these guys. Check them out!
www.GUNBARREL.de
HELL'S THRASH HORSEMEN - DEMO 2012
(4 track CD) Self Released
My buddies from Russia, HELL'S THRASH HORSEMEN are back with a brand new release.
These guys formed back in 2007 and play Thrash Metal music. These guys have taken each new
release to a new level. This time around the band has gotten tighter, more aggressive and more
technical sounding. One early releases they had a classic Thrash Metal sound, but on this one it's a
more Modern Technical Thrash Metal sound. The music does have some elements of late 80's
Thrash Metal at times. Their sound really reminds me of a lot of the great Germany Thrash Metal
bands of that time like DESTRUCTION & KREATOR. These guys have created a huge
following in the underground scene, but should have been a lot bigger by now. They will become
one of the great Thrash Metal bands that are keeping the scene alive like TOXIC HOLOCAUST,
MUNICIPAL WASTE & KREATOR. One of the best Thrash Metal bands to emerge in the past
10 years. If you haven't heard these guys yet, get this album and work your way back through
their release! All Thrash fans must own this! Thrash til Death!
www.HTH-band.com (Available through BEOWOLF PRODUCTIONS)
(4 track CD) Self Released
My buddies from Russia, HELL'S THRASH HORSEMEN are back with a brand new release.
These guys formed back in 2007 and play Thrash Metal music. These guys have taken each new
release to a new level. This time around the band has gotten tighter, more aggressive and more
technical sounding. One early releases they had a classic Thrash Metal sound, but on this one it's a
more Modern Technical Thrash Metal sound. The music does have some elements of late 80's
Thrash Metal at times. Their sound really reminds me of a lot of the great Germany Thrash Metal
bands of that time like DESTRUCTION & KREATOR. These guys have created a huge
following in the underground scene, but should have been a lot bigger by now. They will become
one of the great Thrash Metal bands that are keeping the scene alive like TOXIC HOLOCAUST,
MUNICIPAL WASTE & KREATOR. One of the best Thrash Metal bands to emerge in the past
10 years. If you haven't heard these guys yet, get this album and work your way back through
their release! All Thrash fans must own this! Thrash til Death!
www.HTH-band.com (Available through BEOWOLF PRODUCTIONS)
HORDES OF THE MORNING STAR - CONSUMATUM EST.
(9 track CD) METALHIT.COM
"CONSUMATUM EST." is a re-release of the bands digital only album of the same name,
originally released in 2010. This is a re-recorded version in Digipak CD and digital release.
HORDES OF THE MORNING STAR comes to us from the bowels of Texas and plays
aggressive Black / Death Metal music. The music itself is really dark, dirty old school Black Metal
sounding in the vein of stuff that was coming out of Europe in the late 80's and early 90's. There is
a bit of atmospheric cold a gloomy Black Metal parts mixed through out. The faster more spastic
and aggressive parts is where the Death Metal influences come into play. There is a bit of that
fuzziness guitar sound that you find in a lot of the earlier Black Metal bands as well. The vocals
are a combination of harsh screaming Black Metal growls along with mid to lower ranged Death
Metal growls. This is one that both Death and Black Metal fans will enjoy, even though they tend
to lean more towards the Black Metal side. I'm not a huge fan of this style of Black Metal, but
HORDES OF THE MORNING STAR are definitely one of the better bands playing this style.
www.myspace.com/HORDESOFTHEMORNINGSTAR
(9 track CD) METALHIT.COM
"CONSUMATUM EST." is a re-release of the bands digital only album of the same name,
originally released in 2010. This is a re-recorded version in Digipak CD and digital release.
HORDES OF THE MORNING STAR comes to us from the bowels of Texas and plays
aggressive Black / Death Metal music. The music itself is really dark, dirty old school Black Metal
sounding in the vein of stuff that was coming out of Europe in the late 80's and early 90's. There is
a bit of atmospheric cold a gloomy Black Metal parts mixed through out. The faster more spastic
and aggressive parts is where the Death Metal influences come into play. There is a bit of that
fuzziness guitar sound that you find in a lot of the earlier Black Metal bands as well. The vocals
are a combination of harsh screaming Black Metal growls along with mid to lower ranged Death
Metal growls. This is one that both Death and Black Metal fans will enjoy, even though they tend
to lean more towards the Black Metal side. I'm not a huge fan of this style of Black Metal, but
HORDES OF THE MORNING STAR are definitely one of the better bands playing this style.
www.myspace.com/HORDESOFTHEMORNINGSTAR
LUCIFER'S LEGION - ABOMINATIONS
(9 track CD) Self Released
"ABOMINATIONS" is the fourth release from Australia's LUCIFER'S LEGION. LUCIFER'S
LEGION is a one man Black Metal project from the mad mind of Brad Dillon. Brad intended to
create a band, but after much time and no one with the same ideas as him, took on the whole thing
himself. He does the guitar and vocal work himself and creating the rest of the band on his Guitar
Pro Midi program. He has created a Symphonic Black Metal project. The music has a blend of old
school and new school Black Metal sounds. There is a really dark and cold kind of grim old school
Black Metal vibe combined with some more modern and intricate new school Black Metal. The
more modern Black Metal comes in some of the songs structures and changes. The addition of
atmospheric passages adds to the over all coldness and creepiness of the music. I have been
following Brad, and distributing his releases from the beginning and would have to say
"ABOMINATIONS" is so far more advanced in every aspect than all his previous releases. Old
school Black Metal fans, especially fans of old European Black Metal, will love this band!
www.LUCIFERS-LEGION.com (Available through BEOWOLF PRODUCTIONS)
(9 track CD) Self Released
"ABOMINATIONS" is the fourth release from Australia's LUCIFER'S LEGION. LUCIFER'S
LEGION is a one man Black Metal project from the mad mind of Brad Dillon. Brad intended to
create a band, but after much time and no one with the same ideas as him, took on the whole thing
himself. He does the guitar and vocal work himself and creating the rest of the band on his Guitar
Pro Midi program. He has created a Symphonic Black Metal project. The music has a blend of old
school and new school Black Metal sounds. There is a really dark and cold kind of grim old school
Black Metal vibe combined with some more modern and intricate new school Black Metal. The
more modern Black Metal comes in some of the songs structures and changes. The addition of
atmospheric passages adds to the over all coldness and creepiness of the music. I have been
following Brad, and distributing his releases from the beginning and would have to say
"ABOMINATIONS" is so far more advanced in every aspect than all his previous releases. Old
school Black Metal fans, especially fans of old European Black Metal, will love this band!
www.LUCIFERS-LEGION.com (Available through BEOWOLF PRODUCTIONS)
PSYCHONAUT - SHOCK EM DEAD!
(14 Track CD) Self Released
PSYCHONAUT from Australia is back after a long silence! "SHOCK EM DEAD!" is the bands
second release and first since their 2004 debut "MASTERS OF PROCRASTINATION". If your a
Metal fan of all different genres then PSYCHONAUT is your band. These guys some how
combine elements of Power Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Rock all together
and do it with ease. Their music has a really cool combination of old and new school. The guitar
sound is where you hear a lot of the Power, Speed & Thrash Metal influences coming into play.
At times they mix these styles all together and others, one style will dominate. In the more
grooved out parts is where the Thrash Metal dominates and in the solos is where Power & Speed
Metal are at the fore front. In the drums you can hear a blend of Death Rock music, that reminded
me of the bands DEBAUCHERY & ENTOMBED. In the vocals they blend all these styles
together. They range from higher more melodic Power Metal to mid ranged harsh Thrash vocals
down to low ended Death growls. This is definitely a Metal heads dream band because they have a
little bit of everything and they pull it of with great skill. A must hear band!!!
www.PSYCHONAUT-au.com
(14 Track CD) Self Released
PSYCHONAUT from Australia is back after a long silence! "SHOCK EM DEAD!" is the bands
second release and first since their 2004 debut "MASTERS OF PROCRASTINATION". If your a
Metal fan of all different genres then PSYCHONAUT is your band. These guys some how
combine elements of Power Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Rock all together
and do it with ease. Their music has a really cool combination of old and new school. The guitar
sound is where you hear a lot of the Power, Speed & Thrash Metal influences coming into play.
At times they mix these styles all together and others, one style will dominate. In the more
grooved out parts is where the Thrash Metal dominates and in the solos is where Power & Speed
Metal are at the fore front. In the drums you can hear a blend of Death Rock music, that reminded
me of the bands DEBAUCHERY & ENTOMBED. In the vocals they blend all these styles
together. They range from higher more melodic Power Metal to mid ranged harsh Thrash vocals
down to low ended Death growls. This is definitely a Metal heads dream band because they have a
little bit of everything and they pull it of with great skill. A must hear band!!!
www.PSYCHONAUT-au.com
RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER - GHOST MAKER
(12 track CD) CANDLELIGHT RECORDS
Philadelphia's RUMPELSTILSKIN GRINDER are back with their third full length release called
"GHOSTMAKER". These guys have been a huge impact in the underground scene since they
formed in 2002. The band has done a few splits, live and 7 inch albums in the past as well. Mostly
grounded in the Thrash Metal genre these guys add much, much more to their sound than the
average Thrash Metal band. They take influences from old school & new school Thrash Metal and
melt them together to create their sound. The music is ultra fast, violent and very heavy. The song
arrangements are more involved than most Thrash bands out there as well. Sometimes you can hear
influences of Grindcore and Death Metal in their sound. The vocals tend to crossover between
Thrash & Death Metal music as well. They are borderline Death growls, but with Thrash that you
can understand. These guys are one of the best bands to come out of the Philadelphia Metal scene
in a long time and "GHOST MAKER" is all the proof you need of that!
www.RUMPELSTILTSKINGRINDER.com
(12 track CD) CANDLELIGHT RECORDS
Philadelphia's RUMPELSTILSKIN GRINDER are back with their third full length release called
"GHOSTMAKER". These guys have been a huge impact in the underground scene since they
formed in 2002. The band has done a few splits, live and 7 inch albums in the past as well. Mostly
grounded in the Thrash Metal genre these guys add much, much more to their sound than the
average Thrash Metal band. They take influences from old school & new school Thrash Metal and
melt them together to create their sound. The music is ultra fast, violent and very heavy. The song
arrangements are more involved than most Thrash bands out there as well. Sometimes you can hear
influences of Grindcore and Death Metal in their sound. The vocals tend to crossover between
Thrash & Death Metal music as well. They are borderline Death growls, but with Thrash that you
can understand. These guys are one of the best bands to come out of the Philadelphia Metal scene
in a long time and "GHOST MAKER" is all the proof you need of that!
www.RUMPELSTILTSKINGRINDER.com
SAGNTID - THE UNDISCIPLINED HEART OF SAGNTID
(10 track CD) 9TH MERIDIAN RECORDS
SAGNTID is a one man band project from J.N. The project is an Experimental / Ambient band
where J.N. composed, recorded and mixed the whole thing. The music has a bit of an Atmospheric
Black Metal vibe with out the actual Black Metal music in it. The music is a bit dark, dreary and
gloomy at times, but is also very creepy. It sounds like it would be a sound scape music in the
back ground of a Horror or Gothic type film. It also seems like it would be the music behind
someone if they were reading a Horror novel, kind of like SLEEPY HOLLOW or on an episode
of THE X-FILES. This is really cool stuff that I could see some really open minded Metal fans
getting into, especially Black Metal & Gothic Metal fans. Check it out!
www.myspace.com/SAGNTID
(10 track CD) 9TH MERIDIAN RECORDS
SAGNTID is a one man band project from J.N. The project is an Experimental / Ambient band
where J.N. composed, recorded and mixed the whole thing. The music has a bit of an Atmospheric
Black Metal vibe with out the actual Black Metal music in it. The music is a bit dark, dreary and
gloomy at times, but is also very creepy. It sounds like it would be a sound scape music in the
back ground of a Horror or Gothic type film. It also seems like it would be the music behind
someone if they were reading a Horror novel, kind of like SLEEPY HOLLOW or on an episode
of THE X-FILES. This is really cool stuff that I could see some really open minded Metal fans
getting into, especially Black Metal & Gothic Metal fans. Check it out!
www.myspace.com/SAGNTID
SEXCREMENT - SLOPPY SECONDS
(8 track CD) COMATOSE MUSIC
SEXCREMENT crawled from the sewers of the Boston Massachusetts area back in 2005. These
guys play a sick twisted grooved out style of Death Metal music. The band is cemented in the
Death Metal genre, but add in little touches of Grind and Thrash Metal in certain places. The
re is a strong influence of old school Death Metal in their sound. They reminded me of bands like
SKINLESS, LIVIDITY, INTERNAL SUFFERING, FLESHGRIND & MALIGNANCY. Not
that these guys are copying any of these bands, just that they are in the same style. There is a cool
groove that runs through out most of their songs that kind of runs you over like a steamroller. The
vocals are a mid ranged groggy and gruff Death Metal growl. If you are into some of the bands
mentioned above or the majority of bands on the COMATOSE MUSIC label than your gonna
love these guys! They're a killer Death Metal band with a lot of staying power in the Death Metal
scene, as long as they keep putting out top quality music like this!
www.myspace.com/SEXCREMENT
(8 track CD) COMATOSE MUSIC
SEXCREMENT crawled from the sewers of the Boston Massachusetts area back in 2005. These
guys play a sick twisted grooved out style of Death Metal music. The band is cemented in the
Death Metal genre, but add in little touches of Grind and Thrash Metal in certain places. The
re is a strong influence of old school Death Metal in their sound. They reminded me of bands like
SKINLESS, LIVIDITY, INTERNAL SUFFERING, FLESHGRIND & MALIGNANCY. Not
that these guys are copying any of these bands, just that they are in the same style. There is a cool
groove that runs through out most of their songs that kind of runs you over like a steamroller. The
vocals are a mid ranged groggy and gruff Death Metal growl. If you are into some of the bands
mentioned above or the majority of bands on the COMATOSE MUSIC label than your gonna
love these guys! They're a killer Death Metal band with a lot of staying power in the Death Metal
scene, as long as they keep putting out top quality music like this!
www.myspace.com/SEXCREMENT
STALWART - MANIFEST OF RITUAL
(9 track CD) PRC MUSIC
"MANIFEST OF RITUAL" is the fifth studio album from one of Russia's leading Death Metal
bands. STALWART has been play Progressive Death Metal for years and get better and better
with each new release. It also sees the band progress into the well honed Death Metal machine
they are today. These guys are hyper fast, technical and heavy as hell. They have an original
sound that helps them stand out from most bands in this genre. The strong song structures add to
this too. There is a killer Death groove that runs through some of their songs as well. The
drumming sounds like a faster & heavier version of FEAR FACTORY. This is by far one of the
best bands to emerge from Russia, and there is a ton of killer bands. They do not sound like these
bands, but are in close comparison to MESHUGGAH, GORJIRA, DECAPITATED & FEAR
FACTORY. This is very good company to be in, so you know this album and band crushes. This
is going to get heavy rotation in my music collection. A truly amazing band all around! I highly
recommend this band to any die hard Death Metal fan.
www.STALWART.ru
(9 track CD) PRC MUSIC
"MANIFEST OF RITUAL" is the fifth studio album from one of Russia's leading Death Metal
bands. STALWART has been play Progressive Death Metal for years and get better and better
with each new release. It also sees the band progress into the well honed Death Metal machine
they are today. These guys are hyper fast, technical and heavy as hell. They have an original
sound that helps them stand out from most bands in this genre. The strong song structures add to
this too. There is a killer Death groove that runs through some of their songs as well. The
drumming sounds like a faster & heavier version of FEAR FACTORY. This is by far one of the
best bands to emerge from Russia, and there is a ton of killer bands. They do not sound like these
bands, but are in close comparison to MESHUGGAH, GORJIRA, DECAPITATED & FEAR
FACTORY. This is very good company to be in, so you know this album and band crushes. This
is going to get heavy rotation in my music collection. A truly amazing band all around! I highly
recommend this band to any die hard Death Metal fan.
www.STALWART.ru
STRONG INTENTION - RAZORBLADE EXPRESS
(6 track CD) PATAC RECORDS
STRONG INTENTION is an aggressive old school blasting Hardcore band. These guys have
been bludgeon our ears for years with their fierce Hardcore style. They blend together influences
from the New York Hardcore scene with a Crossover Metal / Punk style from the West Coast.
These guys are relentless and never let up. They just pummel you over and over again with each
new song. They have a strong Grindcore influence as well that reminds of a lot of the Grindcore
bands that were coming out of the Czech Republic back in the 90's. If you were to blend together
elements of CRO-MAGS, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SHEER TERROR, D.R.I., S.O.D., CRIPPLE
BASTARDS, PHOBIA & EXTREME NOISE TERROR, you'd get a some what idea of what
these guys sound like. STRONG INTENTION has always delivered in the past and have
definitely delivered on "RAZORBLADE EXPRESS"! You have been warned!
www.reverbnation.com/STRONGINTENTION
(6 track CD) PATAC RECORDS
STRONG INTENTION is an aggressive old school blasting Hardcore band. These guys have
been bludgeon our ears for years with their fierce Hardcore style. They blend together influences
from the New York Hardcore scene with a Crossover Metal / Punk style from the West Coast.
These guys are relentless and never let up. They just pummel you over and over again with each
new song. They have a strong Grindcore influence as well that reminds of a lot of the Grindcore
bands that were coming out of the Czech Republic back in the 90's. If you were to blend together
elements of CRO-MAGS, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SHEER TERROR, D.R.I., S.O.D., CRIPPLE
BASTARDS, PHOBIA & EXTREME NOISE TERROR, you'd get a some what idea of what
these guys sound like. STRONG INTENTION has always delivered in the past and have
definitely delivered on "RAZORBLADE EXPRESS"! You have been warned!
www.reverbnation.com/STRONGINTENTION
THE 96 BRIGADE - CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?
(10 track CD) LABEL 56
THE 96 BRIGADE have fired back once again with their new release "CAN YOU HEAR US
NOW?". These guys play intense politically charged Punk Rock music. The band has a strong old
school styled Punk Rock feel that takes me back to a lot of the Punk that was coming out in the
early 80's. There is a slight Hardcore vibe at times in the heavier parts. These guys are not
anything like the Punk crap that is coming out today and being played on typical radio stations. If
you can think back to the way VICTORY RECORDS was back when they started and were
releasing killer Hardcore & Punk bands. The CD contains six new tracks, three RAC covers and a
cool version of "America The Beautiful". If you blend together bands like ALL OUT WAR,
WARZONE, BLACK FLAG, MINOR THREAT, JFA, CIRCLE JERKS & YOUTH OF
TODAY together then you'll get a close idea of what 96 BRIGADE has to offer! Amazing!
www.facebook.com/pages/THE-96-BRIGADE
(10 track CD) LABEL 56
THE 96 BRIGADE have fired back once again with their new release "CAN YOU HEAR US
NOW?". These guys play intense politically charged Punk Rock music. The band has a strong old
school styled Punk Rock feel that takes me back to a lot of the Punk that was coming out in the
early 80's. There is a slight Hardcore vibe at times in the heavier parts. These guys are not
anything like the Punk crap that is coming out today and being played on typical radio stations. If
you can think back to the way VICTORY RECORDS was back when they started and were
releasing killer Hardcore & Punk bands. The CD contains six new tracks, three RAC covers and a
cool version of "America The Beautiful". If you blend together bands like ALL OUT WAR,
WARZONE, BLACK FLAG, MINOR THREAT, JFA, CIRCLE JERKS & YOUTH OF
TODAY together then you'll get a close idea of what 96 BRIGADE has to offer! Amazing!
www.facebook.com/pages/THE-96-BRIGADE
THE MURDER OF MY SWEET - BYE BYE LULLABY
(13 track CD) AFM RECORDS
Sweden's THE MURDER OF MY SWEET are back with their second full length album "BYE
BYE LULLABY". This band has a different and unique style, but it's also a familiar sound. They
plant their foundation in the Gothic / Rock Metal genre but they are so much more. They add in
influences of Classical, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Modern Rock and Epic Metal. I could see
fans of any of these styles loving these guys. The angelic and atmospheric vocals of singer
Angelica Rylin brings in a lot of the Classical and Gothic Metal elements. Her vocals are like a
combination of Christina Stabbia of LACUNA COIL, mixed with Amy of EVANESCENCE and
combined with Sarah Brightman. The guitar work is where a lot of the Power & Epic Metal
elements become present. This is one amazing band that has a lot of range in style and talent. If
you want to hear a great band in any extreme style I always say check out Sweden, because they
produce more talented and great bands than anyone else and THE MURDER OF MY SWEET
definitely fits in this category.
www.myspace.com/THEMURDEROFMYSWEET
(13 track CD) AFM RECORDS
Sweden's THE MURDER OF MY SWEET are back with their second full length album "BYE
BYE LULLABY". This band has a different and unique style, but it's also a familiar sound. They
plant their foundation in the Gothic / Rock Metal genre but they are so much more. They add in
influences of Classical, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Modern Rock and Epic Metal. I could see
fans of any of these styles loving these guys. The angelic and atmospheric vocals of singer
Angelica Rylin brings in a lot of the Classical and Gothic Metal elements. Her vocals are like a
combination of Christina Stabbia of LACUNA COIL, mixed with Amy of EVANESCENCE and
combined with Sarah Brightman. The guitar work is where a lot of the Power & Epic Metal
elements become present. This is one amazing band that has a lot of range in style and talent. If
you want to hear a great band in any extreme style I always say check out Sweden, because they
produce more talented and great bands than anyone else and THE MURDER OF MY SWEET
definitely fits in this category.
www.myspace.com/THEMURDEROFMYSWEET
U.D.O. - CELEBRATOR: RARE TRACKS
(25 tracks 2 CD set) AFM RECORDS
Does U.D.O. really need to be explained? These guys have been around for over 25 years now and
have put out great album after great album of great German Heavy Metal music. These guys may
play Traditional Heavy Metal but they add in touches of Power Metal & Thrash Metal into their
sound as well. I have always liked U.D.O. and thought that they were Germany's answer to
JUDAS PRIEST. Not that they are as great as JUDAS PRIEST, but like they were their distant
German cousins. They just have that same vibe of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal that came
out in the late 70's & early 80's. If your not familiar with this band than you may remember lead
singer Udo's previous band ACCEPT. This 2 CD collection contains bonus tracks, alternate
versions, rare tracks, previously unreleased, guest tracks, covers and much more. This is a killer
trek through some of the bands history. You must get this album if you are a die hard U.D.O. fan.
If this is the first album you pick up from these guys and you dig then your going to love the rest
of their catalog. Metal for life!!!
www.UDO-online.com
(25 tracks 2 CD set) AFM RECORDS
Does U.D.O. really need to be explained? These guys have been around for over 25 years now and
have put out great album after great album of great German Heavy Metal music. These guys may
play Traditional Heavy Metal but they add in touches of Power Metal & Thrash Metal into their
sound as well. I have always liked U.D.O. and thought that they were Germany's answer to
JUDAS PRIEST. Not that they are as great as JUDAS PRIEST, but like they were their distant
German cousins. They just have that same vibe of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal that came
out in the late 70's & early 80's. If your not familiar with this band than you may remember lead
singer Udo's previous band ACCEPT. This 2 CD collection contains bonus tracks, alternate
versions, rare tracks, previously unreleased, guest tracks, covers and much more. This is a killer
trek through some of the bands history. You must get this album if you are a die hard U.D.O. fan.
If this is the first album you pick up from these guys and you dig then your going to love the rest
of their catalog. Metal for life!!!
www.UDO-online.com
VAJRA - PLEROMA
(10 track CD) Self Released
VAJRA is a breathe of fresh are as far as music goes. The band hails from non other than New
York, the melting pot of America. This doesn't surprise me at all after listening to "PLEROMA".
The band was founded by Annamaria Pinna while she was living in India. She is the main
composer, singer and multi-instrumentalists. Their music would probably fit into the Alternative
Rock genre if you had to put it somewhere, but it's a hell of a lot more than that. They blend
together exotic Middle Eastern influences with dark Modern Rock and Gothic Metal elements. The
music has a really dark vibe to it, but in an upbeat sort of style. I hear so many influences all
through out. There are touches of Classical, which mostly comes through in Annamaria's vocals. If
you were to take parts of DEAD CAN DANCE, NINE INCH NAILS, LACUNA COIL, Sarah
Brightman, SIOUSIE AND THE BANSHEES, THE GATHERING & EVANESCENCE and
added in some Middle eastern sounds you get VAJRA. This was an unexpected delight! I could see
VAJRA becoming very popular the more this music circulates! And they deserve it!
www.theVAJRAtemple.com
(10 track CD) Self Released
VAJRA is a breathe of fresh are as far as music goes. The band hails from non other than New
York, the melting pot of America. This doesn't surprise me at all after listening to "PLEROMA".
The band was founded by Annamaria Pinna while she was living in India. She is the main
composer, singer and multi-instrumentalists. Their music would probably fit into the Alternative
Rock genre if you had to put it somewhere, but it's a hell of a lot more than that. They blend
together exotic Middle Eastern influences with dark Modern Rock and Gothic Metal elements. The
music has a really dark vibe to it, but in an upbeat sort of style. I hear so many influences all
through out. There are touches of Classical, which mostly comes through in Annamaria's vocals. If
you were to take parts of DEAD CAN DANCE, NINE INCH NAILS, LACUNA COIL, Sarah
Brightman, SIOUSIE AND THE BANSHEES, THE GATHERING & EVANESCENCE and
added in some Middle eastern sounds you get VAJRA. This was an unexpected delight! I could see
VAJRA becoming very popular the more this music circulates! And they deserve it!
www.theVAJRAtemple.com
VESPERIAN SORROW - STORMWINDS OF AGES
(11 track CD) THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
VESPERIAN SORROW has been spreading their dark madness since 1997 and have recently
released their fourth full length album "STORMWINDS OF AGES". They play a dark symphonic
form of Death Metal music. The band has a very Progressive and Technical Death Metal sound as
well. You can tell a lot of thought went into creating this album, by the arrangements, song
structures and sound of the whole album. They even incorporate a lot of melodic parts within all
the mayhem. These guys have a little of everything that any Death Metal fan would want. There
are a few areas where the melt together low ended Death Metal growls with melodic atmospheric
female vocals. If your into bands like DREAMING DEAD, DIMMU BORGIR, TRITON
ENIGMA, THERION, SAMAEL & GARDEN OF SHADOWS together you'd get some idea of
VESPERIAN SORROW. Well crafted and blended styles of Death / Black / Power & Epic Metal.
This one has it all and it's done right! That means it should be in your collection! Buy it & blast it.
www.VESPERIANSORROW.net
(11 track CD) THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
VESPERIAN SORROW has been spreading their dark madness since 1997 and have recently
released their fourth full length album "STORMWINDS OF AGES". They play a dark symphonic
form of Death Metal music. The band has a very Progressive and Technical Death Metal sound as
well. You can tell a lot of thought went into creating this album, by the arrangements, song
structures and sound of the whole album. They even incorporate a lot of melodic parts within all
the mayhem. These guys have a little of everything that any Death Metal fan would want. There
are a few areas where the melt together low ended Death Metal growls with melodic atmospheric
female vocals. If your into bands like DREAMING DEAD, DIMMU BORGIR, TRITON
ENIGMA, THERION, SAMAEL & GARDEN OF SHADOWS together you'd get some idea of
VESPERIAN SORROW. Well crafted and blended styles of Death / Black / Power & Epic Metal.
This one has it all and it's done right! That means it should be in your collection! Buy it & blast it.
www.VESPERIANSORROW.net
WORDS OF FAREWELL - IMMERSION
(10 track CD) AFM RECORDS
WORDS OF FAREWELL have been around since 2007 in one form or another and hail from
Germany. These guys are not your typical sounding Death Metal band. They do play a
Progressive style of Death Metal, but their sound is so well honed that they sound way above the
average band playing this style. In other words, they are one of the few bands playing this style
that's playing it very, very well. The songs are well structured and thought out. They do have a
more Modern Melodic style to their Death Metal, but it is so well executed that you tend to not
think of it that way. There are so many rapid change ups, tempo changes and chord changes that at
times you feel like your listening to a Power / Progressive Metal band. If they didn't have the faster
more aggressive parts along with the thick throaty Death growls, they would fit in with all the
Progressive Metal bands on SENSORY RECORDS label perfectly. I love bands like this that
have a lot of variety and know how to perform it properly. WORDS OF FAREWELL turned out
to be one of my favorite bands I have reviewed this year. I have been playing this album over and
over again. This is a highly recommended band to check out and support!!!
www.myspace.com/WORDSOFFAREWELL
(10 track CD) AFM RECORDS
WORDS OF FAREWELL have been around since 2007 in one form or another and hail from
Germany. These guys are not your typical sounding Death Metal band. They do play a
Progressive style of Death Metal, but their sound is so well honed that they sound way above the
average band playing this style. In other words, they are one of the few bands playing this style
that's playing it very, very well. The songs are well structured and thought out. They do have a
more Modern Melodic style to their Death Metal, but it is so well executed that you tend to not
think of it that way. There are so many rapid change ups, tempo changes and chord changes that at
times you feel like your listening to a Power / Progressive Metal band. If they didn't have the faster
more aggressive parts along with the thick throaty Death growls, they would fit in with all the
Progressive Metal bands on SENSORY RECORDS label perfectly. I love bands like this that
have a lot of variety and know how to perform it properly. WORDS OF FAREWELL turned out
to be one of my favorite bands I have reviewed this year. I have been playing this album over and
over again. This is a highly recommended band to check out and support!!!
www.myspace.com/WORDSOFFAREWELL